Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

"Come in."

Wang Chen, who was sitting at his desk going through some documents, just looked up to see Meng Liangao pushing the door open and entering.

Wang Chen's gaze flickered as he stood up and greeted, "Hello, Officer."

"Sit down."

Meng Liangao chuckled and returned the greeting, "We colleagues don't need to be so formal."

The commander of the First Mechanized Infantry Regiment of Senhai sat down opposite Wang Chen and took out cigarettes and a lighter from his pocket, "Want one?"

Wang Chen shook his head, "No, thank you, Officer. I don't smoke."

"Being young is really nice."

Meng Liangao lit a cigarette for himself and took a deep puff, surprisingly not exhaling any smoke at all.

Wang Chen smiled, watching him finish a cigarette.

Meng Liangao sighed, putting down the lighter in his hand, and asked, "Wang, you've been in the First Mechanized Infantry Regiment for half a month now. How do you feel? Are you adapting to the conditions here? If you have any difficulties, feel free to let me know."

Wang Chen politely replied, "Thank you for your concern, Officer, everything is fine."

Meng Liangao stared blankly at Wang Chen, his eyes flashing with an inexplicable light, as if trying to see through the latter's soul.

Wang Chen's smile remained unchanged.

After a moment, Meng Liangao withdrew his gaze and said in a deep voice, "Wang, let me be frank, what do you really want to do?"

In his half a lifetime, he had seen many young people: nobles, scholar families, citizens, and even commoners—some were ordinary, and others were exceptionally talented. He could be considered well-versed.

But Meng Liangao had never seen a young man like Wang Chen.

At an age full of vigor and passion, yet possessing a calm and composure beyond ordinary reach.

He had probed several times, only to find him unfathomable!

During this period, although Wang Chen hadn't caused any trouble, for Meng Liangao, Wang Chen's presence was like an invisible fishbone stuck in his throat—something he couldn't swallow or remove.

Extremely uncomfortable!

Meng Liangao couldn't remember who was the last person to give him this feeling.

But there certainly weren't many like that.

His intuition told him that dealing with Wang Chen through conventional means was impossible, so he decided to take the initiative today.

To bring things to light!

"Want to do what?"

Wang Chen restrained his smile and said calmly, "Battalion Commander Meng, I don't quite understand what you mean. I'm just fulfilling my duty, is there something wrong with that?"

"You haven't done anything wrong."

Meng Liangao irritably took out another cigarette and lit it: "but you make me very uncomfortable!"

Having spoken the words weighing on his mind, he immediately felt much better.

In actuality, Meng Liangao didn't realize that his loss of composure today was entirely a result of Wang Chen's deliberate pressure.

True, during this time Wang Chen had done nothing out of line or beyond his authority, but he was constantly reviewing the regiment's files and patrolling around the base frequently...

Such actions cumulatively piled immense pressure on Meng Liangao, as heavy as a mountain!

Wang Chen smiled, "Battalion Commander Meng, there's a saying that goes, 'If one's conscience is clear, then there's nothing to fear from ghosts knocking at one's door at midnight. What are you afraid of?"

Meng Liangao was taken aback, then his face turned red with anger, "What is there for me to fear?"

He raised his hand, intending to slam it on the desk, but for some reason he managed to suppress it.

The commander of the mechanized infantry battalion let out a long breath, regained his composure quickly and said with a wry smile, "Forget it, Wang Chen, let me talk to you candidly. Are you here to investigate the rebel forces?"

Wang Chen stared at him, his gaze sharp as a knife, "Battalion Commander Meng, you should know that the dignity of the Imperial Army cannot be insulted!"

Instinctively, Meng Liangao averted his eyes, not daring to meet Wang Chen's gaze.

The atmosphere in the commander's office suddenly became heavy and oppressive.

After a long time, Meng Liangao sighed and said, "Wang Chen, it's not that I don't want to do anything, but the situation on Senhai Star is simply too unique; what I can do is truly limited."

In fact, the upper echelons of the Empire had long been aware of the presence of rebellious forces on Senhai Star.

However, this planet was designated as an Ecological Experimental Star, and most of its mineral resources had been exhausted. The remaining value is very limited and doesn't catch the attention of influential figures.

As for the rebel forces hiding in the underground mines, for them, they were like rats in the sewers; if they could be squashed easily, they would have taken care of it effortlessly.

But if the cost of eradication was too high, then it would not be worth the effort at all!

And Meng Liangao was sent here to maintain stability. Despite his strong background, he was merely a discarded pawn of his family, and with the limited power at his disposal, it was really difficult to make a difference.

It was precisely because of this that, even after such a major incident last time, he still sat on the throne of the commander of the First Mechanized Infantry Regiment.

No one else capable of taking this position wanted to come, nor could anyone do it better than Meng Liangao!

For Meng Liangao, maintaining the stability of the Silver Forest Base was paramount.

He aimed to complete his tenure and then at all costs, get transferred back to the main star.

This made Meng Liangao very worried that Wang Chen would stir up major events, which would implicate him!

"Alright, I understand your intentions."

Wang Chen listened patiently to Meng Liangao pouring out his troubles, and then said, "Now, I just need a name."

Meng Liangao was momentarily taken aback, "What name?"

Wang Chen asked back, "What do you think?"

Meng Liangao's expression turned grim instantly. After hesitating for a bit, he gritted his teeth and replied, "If you're looking for information about the rebellious forces, the Miners' Mutual Aid Association might know something."

The Miners' Mutual Aid Association, as the name suggests, is an organization of miners on Senhai Star. Such organizations are widespread within the Empire, and as long as they register, they are legal. Their main functions are mutual assistance among members and advocacy for rights, among other things.

However, the Miners' Mutual Aid Association on Senhai Star is somewhat different, as the unique situation on this planet has made this organization the biggest civilian power in the Silver Forest Underground City.

Without a legitimate reason, Meng Liangao didn't dare to easily tackle the Miners' Mutual Aid Association, lest they incite a major upheaval!

After all, the mines near the Silver Forest Base still needed them to be mined.

Moreover, many soldiers of the First Mechanized Infantry Battalion of Senhai, including some mid to lower-level officers, were locals and had intricate ties to the Miners' Mutual Aid Association.

This made Meng Liangao even more cautious about taking action.

But he was certain that the Miners' Mutual Aid Association was indeed entangled with the rebel forces.

Just without evidence.

This commander of the First Mechanized Infantry Regiment of Senhai specifically emphasized, "They are not easy to deal with. If you can't subdue them with one move, it's best not to act rashly."

He was most afraid of Wang Chen making a mess of things.

"I see."

Wang Chen smiled, "Thank you for the warning."

Seeing the smile on Wang Chen's face, a chill suddenly ran through Meng Liangao's heart.

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The second update is here.