“The communication module in the city is damaged. The coverage and stability of the signal aren’t ideal.”
Now that we’re out in the wild, we can only rely on the big external antenna to keep communications running… It’ll just have to do for now.
Fortunately, when the actual search-and-rescue operation begins, even a one-minute delay in communication could result in unimaginable losses.
Lin Mo pointed at a section of the map showing the Nanwan Province and the surrounding area of Binhai, projected onto the screen, and began to explain: ‘Firefighters and municipal workers, you’ll be the backbone of our next phase—’
‘From Binhai to the provincial capital, our technicians estimate that as long as we set up ten groups of secondary antenna communication modules along the way, we can connect the whole operational area into a unified communications network.’
‘Once the network is successfully connected, it’ll be immediately linked to the provincial capital’s main communication network, and then upgraded remotely by the North Bureau’s technical specialists. This will make the connections faster and more stable, and at the same time…’
At this, Lin Mo paused and glanced over his shoulder at Chu You, before turning back.
‘It will also go a long way in easing the workload for our Specialist Chu.’
With that, the arrangements for setting up the communications network were complete.
Lin Mo, his thoughts clear, turned to Zhao Dongyuan beside him, his speech unbroken: ‘Director Zhao, you’ll take over the overall coordination and handle contact with the provincial capital and the North Bureau. Report operational progress in real time.’
‘I’ll lead a team to the site myself… The data analysis results aren’t encouraging. The Dead Zone covers too much ground. With our current manpower, it’s impossible to explore and rescue in all directions. We’ll have to pick the two or three areas with the highest abnormal magnetic readings and go deep into those.’
‘Here’s a rough map of the Dead Zone. Take a look at these spots—’
Lin Mo leaned over and tapped the Enter key on the terminal.
The screen shifted to a densely marked map full of data.
‘For Route A, I’ll take the Special Operations Division team in for deep exploration. Meanwhile… Routes B and C will be handled by Captain Gao Yuan and Deputy Director Du Qiang of the Security Department, respectively, each leading their teams into the search and rescue.’
‘I want to remind everyone.’
‘The true nature of the Dead Zone is still a mystery. The scenes and rules inside seem connected to the memories of the temporal variants or Oracles who formed the Dead Zone, but beyond that… we know nothing.’
‘Moreover, this time, the coverage of the Dead Zone is massive. The moment we set foot across the boundary, our fate—life or death—may no longer be in our own hands.’ ‘So…’
Lin Mo paused for a beat, his voice sinking lower: ‘Does anyone want to back out now?’
Upon hearing this, Gao Yuan from the provincial capital was the first to respond.
He stood up slowly, eyes locked on the data-packed map, and spoke calmly: ‘Route B, right? My people are ready. When do we head out?’
‘Security’s got it covered too,’ said Lu Qiang from the Security Department, standing up right after with a cheerful grin.
‘Route C is on us.’
Lin Mo nodded, bracing both hands on the table and leaning forward slightly…
‘Since there are no objections, that’s settled.’
‘Operation starts in two hours. At five o’clock, all three teams will be in position and move out together!’
Just then, Gu Qiancheng, who had been sitting in the back on a small folding stool, suddenly got up, raising his hand as he spoke: ‘Uh, Minister Lin, did you forget that headquarters sent two support teams… If my timing’s right, they should be arriving soon, right?’
‘Once they’re on the ground, they’ll be reorganized as the reserve team…’ Lin Mo turned to Gu Qiancheng, his expression unchanged.
‘If anything happens to the three main teams, they’ll step up.’
Seeing Lin Mo’s calm, unwavering eyes, Gu Qiancheng fell silent for a moment.
The usual mischievousness on his face faded away, his voice muffled and uncharacteristically heavy: ‘Alright, understood.’
He said no more, quietly sitting back down on his folding stool, eyes dropping to the floor, lost in thought…
With the mission assigned, the meeting came to a close.
The atmosphere throughout the temporary command center was visibly tense and electric.
Municipal workers, law enforcement, Swordbearers—personnel in different uniforms moved like cogs in a well-oiled machine, weaving between the ruined factory buildings, making final preparations.
…
…
…
At 4:30 PM, the three search-and-rescue teams designated to enter the Dead Zone had assembled, lined up on the open ground outside the command center, ready for action.
Lin Mo stood at the front of the first rescue team, comprised of the Special Operations Division’s elite, giving last-minute, rapid-fire instructions about precautions and emergency plans once they entered the Dead Zone.
At that moment, a figure who should have been at the communications platform quietly appeared behind him.
The Special Operations Director in front of Lin Mo immediately noticed Chu You behind him and shot Lin Mo a knowing look, coughing twice on purpose: ‘Ahem, Minister, well… looks like we’ve got a little extra time. Seems like there’s still a few minutes to squeeze out, right?’
Lin Mo frowned slightly, his tone edged with annoyance at being interrupted.
‘Is it a dump or a piss? I gave you plenty of time to take care of business, and now, right before we head out, you’re slacking off?’
The Special Operations Director gave a helpless shrug, jutting his chin forcefully toward Lin Mo’s back and dropping his voice: ‘My dear Minister… Why don’t you just turn around and see for yourself?’
At that, Lin Mo finally turned, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
When he caught sight of the familiar figure behind him, his face froze for an instant, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.
‘Specialist Chu?’
Lin Mo looked at Chu You, who had appeared behind him out of nowhere, his voice puzzled.
‘You… need something?’
Chu You didn’t answer.
With a blank expression, she stepped forward, grabbed Lin Mo’s sleeve, and pulled him aside without giving him any choice in the matter.
He stumbled a bit at her tug but didn’t resist, letting her pull him to a quiet spot by a broken wall.
Only when they were standing by the wall did Chu You let go of his sleeve.
She looked up at him, meeting his questioning gaze head-on.
Her tone was flat, but there was a stubborn edge: ‘Lin Mo, all those outrageous things you’ve done to me since you came to Binhai—I remember every one.’
She took a deep breath, as if bracing herself, then spoke with a low but unmistakably firm voice: ‘I haven’t settled that score with you yet… So, you’d better come back in one piece. When you’re back, I’ll settle it with you then!’
Lin Mo’s expression barely changed, but in the depths of his dark eyes, some unspoken emotion was quietly brewing and surging.
‘Senior… I—’
‘Shut up!’
Before he could finish, Chu You cut him off in a low voice.
She suddenly reached out, gripping Lin Mo’s wrist so tightly her shoulder trembled slightly.
She glared at him, each word sharp and commanding: ‘Now, I talk, you listen! Whatever I say, you listen and that’s it. No more of your useless babbling!’
Lin Mo was stunned by her sudden forcefulness and the trembling in her grip.
He watched her—obviously nervous and worried, but trying hard to act fierce.
After a moment, he couldn’t help but smile slightly, a real but faint curve at the corner of his lips.
Looking at her, he nodded firmly: ‘Alright. I’ll remember everything.’
I’ll just… look forward to coming back for your reckoning, Senior.
He paused for a moment, as if suddenly remembering something.
The next moment—without warning—
Lin Mo suddenly reached out his other hand, wrapping it firmly around Chu You’s waist and pulling her into his arms.
He bent his head, and before Chu You could react, he pressed a hard, unyielding kiss onto her slightly parted lips, which were still open in shock.
〃il
Chu You’s eyes flew wide open, pupils shaking, her mind going completely blank, only able to let out a muffled, indistinct gasp.
The autumn wind brushed their cheeks, but the kiss burned with a scorching heat. It was brief but searing.
Reluctantly, Lin Mo pulled his lips away.
He let go of the frozen Chu You, turned crisply, and strode back toward the waiting teams.
…
Raising his hand, he casually wiped the corner of his mouth with a knuckle, turned back, and called out to the still-stunned Chu You: ‘Senior, remember to put that on my tab, too!’
His playful voice, carried by the autumn wind, reached Chu You’s ears loud and clear.
The echo lingered, and Chu You snapped her head up.
Just as she returned to her senses, she saw Lin Mo already back at the head of the team, resuming his stern commander’s demeanor, as if the man who’d just ambushed her had never existed.
She stood rooted to the spot, feeling her ears burning uncontrollably, her heart pounding wildly in her chest as if it would burst free.
She ducked her head, avoiding any possible glances, and under her breath—so quietly only she could hear—she spat through gritted teeth…
‘Bastard….’