"Welcome aboard. This train will soon be arriving at Binhai Station. Please take your luggage and prepare to disembark. Thank you..."
At Binhai City Station, a young man in a white shirt stepped out, pulling a sleek black suitcase behind him. His refined, confident demeanor immediately drew the attention of several passing girls.
Dong Quan wore a relaxed smile and completely ignored the gazes around him.
Exiting the station, he glanced up at Binhai's blue sky, then looked toward the direction of the Marching Ant Company. Though his expression remained calm, there was a hint of tension beneath his ease.
"So this is Binhai? The environment's not bad," he muttered to himself, hailing a taxi.
"Where to, handsome?" the driver asked.
"Big Marina Hotel," Dong Quan replied.
"First time in Binhai, huh?" the driver asked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.
"What gave it away?" Dong Quan smiled.
"Your accent—definitely not local."
"I've heard Binhai has huge potential and a great living environment. Figured it was time to come take a look."
"Then you've come to the right place. Ever since the Marching Ant Company settled here, the city's taken off—better economy, smarter infrastructure, safer streets. We even have the City Brain now, transportation's smooth, crime is way down, and the coastline's beautiful. The Dawan District's been developed too. This place is now one of the most competitive cities in the country."
The driver was clearly in a talkative mood. "The Marching Ant Company? They're something else. The biggest private company in the country, and their annual revenue is comparable to the GDP of an entire city. That's Binhai's pride. My cousin's friend works there, and let me tell you—his salary and benefits put my year's earnings to shame in just two months."
He continued with enthusiasm, "And they've got all these research institutes. Just recently, there was news about some new base being set up on the southern islands…"
Twenty minutes later, the taxi came to a halt in front of the Big Marina Hotel.
"The Marching Ant Company, huh? Looks like this task won't be simple."
Watching the taxi drive away, Dong Quan smiled faintly. It seemed he'd be staying in Binhai for a while. This mission would definitely require careful planning.
...
Recently, the construction of the new joint research institute by the Marching Ant Company and the Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with the Huaxia Nuclear Energy Group, had been making waves across the media. The news had reignited public debate over controlled nuclear fusion research, keeping the buzz alive.
The collaboration had only just been announced, yet construction was already underway. The Marching Ant Company was clearly eager to make breakthroughs in nuclear fusion.
Speculation came from all directions.
However, the institute was located on an island now under strict military control. Ordinary people couldn't approach, let alone access the place. All anyone had were official statements and guesswork.
While the outside world was in a frenzy, Chen Mo had stayed out of the spotlight since attending the signing ceremony. He declined all interview requests and focused entirely on developing self-defense equipment.
Binhai still had foreign agents lurking in the shadows. Even if some were caught, new ones would arrive before long—it was nearly impossible to eliminate them completely.
To stay ahead, Chen Mo knew he had to be prepared. No one could predict when the next attack might come.
If another crisis like the last one occurred, there was no guarantee he'd be lucky again.
As the media gradually shifted its attention away from nuclear fusion and espionage, new headlines began to dominate the public eye. A drunken man randomly injuring civilians before being shot dead became the latest hot topic, drawing attention away from Chen Mo's activities.
But for Chen Mo, the shift made no difference. He was still buried in lab work, focused on self-defense research—until his family gave him a call.
"Xiao Mo, are you off work now?"
As the call connected, a gentle smile appeared on Chen Mo's mother's face through the holographic projection.
"I'm still in the lab. Was just about to head home. Is something up?" Chen Mo asked.
"Still working? That national project you're on—are things that busy?"
"The institute hasn't even finished construction yet. It's not too hectic. I'm just tinkering with a few things in the lab," he replied absentmindedly.
"If it's just minor work, don't stay too late. Come home early."
"Alright, I'll head back now."
"Don't forget—you and Xiaoyu's wedding is in just half a month. You need to start getting ready. If work gets too busy, tell me early so we can reschedule."
"No need to postpone," Chen Mo replied immediately. He hadn't forgotten something this important.
"Since everything's on track, we'll start sending out the invitations. There are still the wedding photos, the banquet arrangements, hotel reservations… You two young ones like doing things your own way, so we're trying not to interfere, but we'll take care of the basics at home."
"Got it. I'll start preparing tomorrow. Don't worry, Mom."
"First things first—come home and eat. We'll handle what we can on our end. Just remember, don't overwork yourself. Health comes first."
"Alright."
After hanging up, Chen Mo smiled, removed his lab coat, and left the lab.
He'd been buried in work for the past two days. Now it was time to start preparing for the wedding. After all, he'd promised Xiao Yu that she would be the most beautiful bride. He intended to make this the most unique, high-tech, luxurious wedding ever.
As he left the building, Chen Mo called Zhao Min.
"Boss, I'm just about to clock out. What's up?" Zhao Min's holographic image popped up, her tone teasing and playful.
"Give Xiaoyu some time off."
"Vacation? For wedding prep?"
"Yeah."
"You're the boss. Say the word, and it's done. Hmph, heartless guy," she joked with mock jealousy. "Fine, Xiaoyu gets a month off. That clever little sister of mine is all yours now."
"Send me a list of the partner companies we'll be inviting to the banquet."
"Getting force-fed dog food and still have to work? Why is my life like this…" Zhao Min muttered dramatically.
Chen Mo chuckled. "Just prepare a red envelope—doesn't have to be a big one."
"..."
Zhao Min rolled her eyes so hard she almost passed out.
"With the blessings of the old lady… now get lost."
After hanging up, she stared at her phone with an annoyed expression. That damned man! He'd ruined her appetite. She'd definitely get him back for this.
Back in his lab coat-free attire, Chen Mo grinned at her final angry words, slipped his phone away, and headed home.