Yu Tang and the system quickly hid in the sea of consciousness.
To ensure safety, the system also specially laid an extra layer of camouflage tactical net.
…
At the dormitory entrance of Zhuangyu Station.
He didn't need to confirm it specifically, his eyes passed Zhan Chen and fell directly on Shi Ji.
"Team Leader Zhuang?"
Zhan Chen had already guessed his identity: "Dean Nie has informed you in advance, and you roughly know the situation. You—"
Zhuang Yu whispered, "I know."
Zhan Chen stopped talking.
Zhuang Yu's figure was as silent as iron. He withdrew his gaze, his chest heaving.
... Dean Nie told him that Shi Ji had lost all his past memories. He was not surprised because this was almost a common symptom for those who survived the electronic storm.
Dean Nie said that Shi Ji also lost some of his negative emotions.
I don’t cry, I don’t feel wronged, I don’t feel sad, and I don’t feel pain when I’m hurt.
According to the latest research theory, the personality loss and dormant sensory system caused by the electronic storm can be reawakened under certain circumstances - but even after so long, Dean Nie still cannot see any chance of recovery in Shi Ji.
Dean Nie also said that Shi Ji's situation was more special than others.
Shi Ji was implanted with a set of compulsory special programs, which controlled him for five years and turned him into a humanoid weapon that only knew how to obey and fight.
This program turned Shi Ji into a so-called "bionic man".
Dean Nie handed him Shi Ji's information and told him not to be impatient.
…
Don't be impatient.
Shi Ji couldn't stand the slightest stimulation.
Zhuang Yu poured ice over the scalding molten iron that was burning his chest.
He felt no pain. The cold, hard iron block pierced his chest, and he could hear the whistling of blood.
Zhuang Yu did not go over immediately. He closed his eyes and whispered, "Don't rush, don't rush..."
I have made it through it, and now I have seen people, living people who can be touched. It was not a dream or an illusion.
It’s not the cold, motionless photo in the column of those who have sacrificed on the wall of honor.
Don't be impatient.
Don't worry.
Zhuang Yu swallowed the blood in his throat, adjusted his expression, said no as gently as possible, and took a step forward: "... Hello."
He seemed to have suddenly returned to many years ago.
In the old air force base training ground, the young man who had just jumped out of an old fighter took off his helmet. His dark eyes were clear and brilliant, and he quickly shook away his short hair that was slightly damp with sweat.
… He could recruit people again, just like he did before.
If you forget what happened in the past, then repeat what happened in the past.
Zhuang Yu sorted out the discipline buckle.
He walked towards Shi Ji and stretched out his hand: "My name is Zhuang Yu, I come from the imperial capital, and I am the current head of the special forces..."
Shi Ji whispered, "Team leader?"
Zhuang Yuding stayed where he was.
…
In the sea of consciousness, the system was startled: "Host, host, does Shi Ji still remember Team Leader Zhuang?"
"I don't remember." Yu Tang said, "Even if he wanted to come back, the anti-OOC program would automatically devour this part of his consciousness."
The system is puzzled: "Then why..."
Yu Tang made a "hush" sound, reached out his hand, and pressed the system back under the camouflage net.
He dragged the computer over and turned on the real-time monitoring of the data flow: "Humans use more than just consciousness to remember one thing."
Some deeper information will penetrate the physical level of particles.
No matter how much memory was taken away, no matter how many particles interacted in the eye of the storm, no matter how the program devoured and dissolved them, it was useless.
As long as the very act of "existence" has not been erased, those imprints will remain.
"Shi Ji doesn't remember who Zhuang Yu is, nor does he remember the Imperial Capital and the Special Operations Team. He doesn't even know what he means by 'team leader'."
Yu Tang typed quickly on the keyboard. He focused on the screen and pressed Enter: "But he at least remembers one thing."
—At least remember one thing.
Shi Ji's shoulders tensed up and he explained in a low voice: "It's hidden..."
His voice was very small, and he couldn't suppress his trembling crying voice: "Team Leader, why did you come just now..."
Zhuang Yu's head buzzed and he couldn't come up with any thoughts.
Ignoring the prepared lines, Zhuang Yu walked straight over and stopped in front of Shi Ji.
Shi Ji lowered his head, his chest ached with grievance, and tears fell from his eyes in big drops.
This time he obeyed the order and did not run around or move without permission.
The team leader asked him to hide once he entered the danger zone, not to take any risks, and to wait for the team leader to pick him up.
He hid.
He hid in that place for a long time.
It was so long that he forgot a lot of things, forgot how to go back, forgot who he was, and forgot who would come to pick him up.
…
Zhuang Yu held the trembling deputy observer in his arms.
Zhuang Yu's voice was hoarse, and he apologized in a low voice: "The leader is wrong, the leader is wrong."
Shi Ji was shaking with tears. He spoke incomplete sentences and gestured intermittently, trying his best to describe the area clearly.
He is the deputy observer and he has a mission.
Not only him, but also his comrades were thrown in, and everyone in their group was thrown in.
He must find out what's going on inside and come back to tell the team leader.
Shi Ji tried to mark the place, but the mark would disappear quickly, so he could only describe it roughly based on his memory. He searched the place many times, but couldn't find anyone. He hoped that his comrades had gone out, but no one responded to his call on the radio.
Shi Ji hid himself and waited for the team leader to take him back. He was worried that there were other comrades inside, so he desperately memorized the landmarks inside and waited to report to the team leader.
He almost couldn't remember it.
…
The dormitory is exceptionally quiet.
The only sounds in the room were the ticking of the clock and Shi Ji's intermittent reports.
Zhuang Yu listened carefully.
He did not interrupt, but helped Shi Ji sit down, listened attentively to Shi Ji's awkward gestures and descriptions, and reached out to wipe the tears from Shi Ji's face.
The young deputy observer was halfway through his report when he realized that he had cried like a baby. His face became hot and his ears turned red in an instant: "..."
Zhuang Yu looked at him, and finally there was a bit of disapproval on his face.
He took the water handed to him by Zhan Chen, nodded and thanked him, then put it in front of Shi Ji: "Cry for five minutes."
Shi Ji: “…”
The young assistant observer changed from a spray bottle to a kettle, sitting upright awkwardly, trying to hide himself behind a disposable paper cup.
Zhuang Yu straightened his collar for him: "Have you cried enough? Don't cry anymore?"
The kettle was boiling hot and I nodded and shook my head.
Zhuang Yu reached out and ruffled his hair.
When s7 first joined the team, he was only 17 years old. He hadn’t grown up yet, and was forced to eat nutritious growth meals. He couldn’t help but sneak out to buy Coke.
Everyone in the team couldn't help but rub little S7's head. Captain Sui was injured and retired to become an instructor in the first few days. After receiving the youngest team member's confession of life troubles, he seriously advised him that only by rubbing his head can he grow taller.
Zhuang Yu asked: "Do you remember the instructor?"
Shi Ji was stunned for a moment, pursed his lips hesitantly, and apologized softly: "Damn—"
Zhuang Yu nodded: "Besides knowing that Di is the team leader, do you still remember who Di is specifically?"
Shi Ji: “…”
Zhuang Yu had a general grasp of the specific situation of the deputy observer.
The special forces have undergone rigorous training, and their willpower is always stronger than that of ordinary people. Even when faced with an electronic storm, they can try their best to write down some things that must never be forgotten.
Apart from remembering the order "The team leader requires us to hide in the dangerous area", his assistant observer used all his remaining willpower to memorize the topographic map of the light's home.
Zhuang Yu's heart was relieved a lot. This was really bad. He almost wanted to slap this brat on the head.
He raised his hand halfway, but stopped when he thought about what was happening and said, "It's okay... don't worry."
"It's good to come back as soon as possible. There's no rush for anything else."
Zhuang Yu: "Don't be anxious."
Shi Ji drank the water in small sips. He hesitated a little, thought about it carefully, and asked softly: "They..."
"They are all alive." Zhuang Yu knew what he was going to ask, "It's just that we have to search for them slowly."
Zhuang Yu said, "When you get better, come back and help the team leader look for it."
Shi Ji's eyes lit up, and in his still slightly wet black eyes there was a hint of surprise.
There was no worry in his eyes, and now he looked more like the young pilot who jumped out of the plane so easily.
Zhuang Yu was completely relieved: "Okay, go to bed."
Shi Ji subconsciously stood up. He obeyed Zhuang Yu's order instinctively, but he was still a little reluctant: "Team Leader."
"You can't call the team leader directly now." Zhuang Yu said.
Shi Ji was slightly stunned.
Zhuang Yu looked at him with scorching eyes.
His assistant observer had been waiting for him.
He is the most talented observer in the entire league, and it won't be long before he becomes the best.
Zhuang Yu suddenly understood Dean Nie's insistence.
"The all-terrain simulation exercise in two days will not only involve the military academy, but also active military corps and special operations team members."
Zhuang Yu: "You are the red side, and we are the blue side."
Shi Ji's breathing paused.
He suddenly had a headache - he was very familiar with this pain. Every time he wanted to do something, the program in his brain would completely shred the images. If he dared to resist, he would be punished more severely.
But this time, the slight pain only lasted for a moment before it was firmly blocked by a stronger and more stable force.
For the first time, a complete picture of the past appeared in his mind.
…
He jumped out of an old fighter plane.
Standing on the ground was an exceptionally young lieutenant colonel, whose uniform was different from theirs, and he was talking to the person next to him.
The superior at the air force base waved: "Come over here and meet Captain Zhuang..."
The other person's gaze fell on him, he nodded, and unbuttoned his collarbone with one hand.
He ran over, but before he could stand at attention and salute, the "Captain Zhuang" had already made his move.
Even with the restrictions of the formal uniforms, the opponent's skills were still far superior to those of ordinary troops. He was startled and instinctively tried to defend himself, but the opponent's offensive became stronger, and every time he blocked, his arms went numb.
He did not engage in a grappling fight—he was already very aware of the difference between the two sides in hand-to-hand combat, and was not prepared to waste his energy here. He found an opening and quickly retreated, skimming onto the narrow, blade-shaped wing.
The other party did not catch up.
Under the fighter plane, the sharp and heroic young lieutenant colonel looked up at him, his expression revealing undisguised admiration.
"Let me introduce myself to you," the other party said. "My name is Zhuang Yu. I come from the imperial capital. I'm the current head of the special operations team and the leader of the 'Sharp Knife' team."
He had heard of this name. This was the most elite and top special operations team that was well-known throughout the alliance.
In the battle against the Zerg swarm, this team moved through various battle zones, only responsible for completing the most dangerous and difficult tasks, and turned around the originally precarious situation of the war.
"Look for a blade on the ground."
Zhuang Yu looked at him and said, "The land invites you to become one of them."
"There will be an all-terrain exercise next, including active military units and members of the special operations team. They are the red team and you are the blue team."
Zhuang Yu extended his hand to him: "If you can get first place, come to the special forces team and I will give you the best plane to fly."
…
Shi Ji pursed his lips.
He had understood Zhuang Yu's meaning. His eyes were bright, his usually gentle brows gradually became sharp, and an unsightly dimple appeared on his cheek.
"You will get first place." Shi Ji said, "But you already have the best wingman."
Zhuang Yu raised his eyebrows.
"Okay." Zhuang Yu nodded, "You set the conditions, as long as the land can do it-"
Shi Ji seriously made a condition: "If you take first place, the team leader will not be allowed to drink Coke for three days."
Zhuang Yu was slightly stunned.
Shi Ji hugged him, buried his face in his shoulder, and whispered disobediently: "Team Leader...Team Leader."
Zhuang Yu's throat was a little hoarse. He was silent for a while and said in a muffled voice, "I heard it."
"You came a little late this time." Shi Ji said, "The land has punished you on behalf of everyone."
Zhuang Yu's shoulders trembled violently. He closed his eyes and tried to make his words sound relaxed: "I know. Go to bed quickly. Tomorrow—"
Shi Ji said softly: "So, you can't punish yourself anymore."
Zhuang Yu's voice was completely hoarse in his throat.
He took two quick breaths and opened his mouth, but in the end, no word came out. He angrily slapped the deputy observer on the head.
Shi Ji pursed his lips, hugged Zhuang Yu with his hands, turned around and ran to wash up and go to bed.
…
Zhuang Yu still stood where he was.
Zhan Chen walked over and gestured towards the room in the corner.
"Is there something you want to discuss?" Zhuang Yu calmed down and said in a hoarse voice, "Is tomorrow okay? I have some private matters..."
"That room is made of soundproof materials and is used to test robots," said Zhan Chen.
Zhuang Yu's body froze for a moment, his shoulders suddenly became sharp, and his bloodshot eyes stared at Zhan Chen, his fierce look gradually fading away.
"Your last name is Zhan, right?"
Zhuang Yu said hoarsely, "I'm helping a friend find someone. The person he's looking for is also named Zhan. I want to ask you something."
Zhan Chen nodded: "We can talk later."
Zhuang Yu did not speak immediately. He stood there in silence for a while and put the chair back to its original place.
"Everyone here thinks the same thing."
Zhuang Yu said: "If we hadn't recruited them in the first place—"
"That doesn't make sense." Zhan Chen said.
Zhuang Yu lowered his head, his voice was hoarse: "What?"
"The greedy and the ambitious are not punished as they should be, the innocent are hurt, and the real victims live with guilt."
Zhan Chen: "That doesn't make sense. We will correct this."
Zhuang Yu frowned slightly: "...you guys?"
Zhan Chen didn't explain. He packed up his things and tidied up the documents on his desk.
Zhan Chen took the coat on the chair and walked towards the living room door.
Zhuang Yu frowned: "You want to go out?"
Zhuang Yu did think about spending a night with Shi Ji.
When I just passed the selection, it was the first time since I was a child that I left the Air Force base and was recruited to the Imperial Capital Special Operations Team which was too far away from home. S7 didn't sleep well for several nights.
… But no matter what, there is no reason to drive the owner out.
"It's late. I'll come tomorrow." Zhuang Yu said, "I'll pick him up tomorrow, check his health, and relax..."
"It happens that I have some experimental data to review, which is a bit urgent, so I will sleep in the lab tonight."
Zhan Chen reminded him: "Captain Zhuang, you should now carry out the tasks given to you by your subordinates."
Zhuang Yu stood there in a daze.
He watched Zhan Chen leave, then stood alone in the living room, stunned for a long while before he finally came to his senses.
He stood outside Shi Ji's bedroom and listened to the noise inside.
The little one was very happy, and just like in the past, he hummed a random song of unknown tune while washing himself.
The wind lifted the curtains a little, and the moonlight slipped in from the window and quietly landed on the edge of the table.
Not a dream.
This time it's not a dream.
Zhuang Yu slowly loosened his bloody hands, and his body finally relaxed a little bit.
He unbuttoned his shirt, walked slowly around the living room, tidied up the pile of pillows on the sofa, closed the doors and windows, and pulled the curtains straight.
He sat upright on the sofa for five minutes.
The lights in the bedroom were turned off, and through the door, the breathing sounds inside gradually became steady and gentle.
Zhuang Yu stood up.
He is the top member of the special forces team. Even though he has become decadent, his skills have not declined much because of his self-torturing training every day.
With quick and silent movements, he opened the well-soundproofed room that Zhan Chen had mentioned was used to test robots, slipped in, and closed the door tightly.
The whole world was quietly locked out.
His forehead rested against the soft soundproofing material, and he slid down against the door, slowly sitting on the ground.
He couldn't stand up at all.
…
On the 23rd day of the 4th month, Zhuang Yu found his lost subordinates for the first time.
For the first time in a whole day, Zhuang Yu allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief. He hugged his head tightly and cried out in pain.