Chapter 84: Feng Guoqing, Unjustly Reprimanded

“Graduated from the Military Department’s Academy? Then we’re on the same side—back in the day, I graduated from there too! It’s been decades in the blink of an eye. Young lady, what’s your name? How long has it been since you graduated?” The more Mu Gengnian looked at Zhuang Xiaoyuan, the more satisfied he became. He had already gone through all the blueprints she’d posted on the Phoenix Sky Network—her designs showed significant improvements over current models, not just in firepower but also in portability and sustained combat capability.

Later, Mu Gengnian had even sent private messages to ask her some technical questions, and her replies were both prompt and detailed. He had come to thoroughly recognize her talent. Especially after learning she was still underage, his satisfaction only deepened.

“My name is Zhuang Xiaoyuan. I graduated this summer.” The only chair in the room had been claimed by the young major, and the extra one, added earlier for the occasional visits by Wen Hui or Feng Guoqing, had been offered to Mu Gengnian. Zhuang Xiaoyuan had no choice but to sit on the single bed as she answered his questions.

“Oh, just graduated? Which unit were you assigned to? Is your work busy?” Taking advantage of the fact that the person Zhuang Xiaoyuan had called for hadn’t arrived, Mu Gengnian began to make conversation, probing for information. A top graduate with such outstanding skills, yet she’d slipped through their hands and hadn’t been placed in a research group—was the military department’s assignment process getting that lax? This clearly called for some rectification. Mu Gengnian was already blaming the academy’s administration.

“I’m with the logistics group, mostly unoccupied. Recently, I helped with the autumn harvest and did some work in the kitchen.” Simple questions like this, Zhuang Xiaoyuan answered readily—these were all details anyone could easily verify.

“Logistics group? How did you end up there? Xiaoyuan—mind if I call you that?” After receiving a nod of assent, Mu Gengnian pressed on, “What was your class ranking? Did you end up in logistics because your grades were low in certain subjects?”

“It had nothing to do with grades. I’m not weak in any subject. I graduated first in my class. It was just… at that time, something happened. I was feeling really down, so being assigned to the logistics group actually suited me then.” Her face flushed slightly, recalling how dejected she’d been back then, nearly giving up on herself completely—a touch of adolescent melodrama. Even though she hadn’t crossed over at that point, that former Zhuang Xiaoyuan was still a part of who she was now. Her past remained her own, no matter what.

“What happened that made you choose the logistics group? Was someone bullying you?” Mu Gengnian’s expression darkened as he spoke. If troublemakers in the department were sabotaging outstanding graduates, that was no small matter—it would have to be dealt with severely.

“It wasn’t—”

“Xiaoyuan, what’s going on? Why is Elder Mu here to see you?” Just as Zhuang Xiaoyuan was about to explain, an urgent voice interrupted from the doorway—Feng Guoqing had arrived.

“Uncle Feng, you got here so quickly. Please, have a seat—you didn’t have to rush,” Zhuang Xiaoyuan chided gently, noticing his breathlessness as she ushered him to sit on her bed. Yet, inside, she felt a warm gratitude.

“Xiao Feng? So it’s you—well, well, hiding such a prodigy from me, are you? Now I see it clearly—Xiaoyuan was assigned to the logistics group because of your interference. What, were you afraid others would bully her?” Observing the way Zhuang Xiaoyuan addressed Feng Guoqing, and the natural ease between them, Mu Gengnian realized at last that Feng Guoqing must be her guardian. At the same time, he understood why, despite being top of her class, she’d ended up in logistics.

There was nothing wrong with a logistics assignment—anyone would want to keep their own child out of harm’s way if they had the ability. But with such outstanding talent, and considering that the research group was hardly a dangerous post, keeping her hidden like this was simply unacceptable. No wonder Mu Gengnian was getting worked up.

“Elder Mu, what are you saying? Me, hiding her? I don’t even know why you’re inviting Xiaoyuan to the research group.” Feng Guoqing was taken aback, having just sat down only to be confronted by Mu Gengnian’s complaints. He had indeed maneuvered to have Zhuang Xiaoyuan assigned to logistics, but what did that have to do with the research group?

“You really don’t know? Look at these—these are all new weapon designs and modifications Xiaoyuan created. Every one of them improves power and performance by at least thirty percent! With a talent like this, you assigned her to logistics—you’re wasting her gifts, do you understand?” To Mu Gengnian, Feng Guoqing’s confusion seemed a flimsy act, a cover for hiding Xiaoyuan’s true abilities.

“Well, I had no idea she was capable of this,” Feng Guoqing admitted, his eyes scanning the projected blueprints from Mu Gengnian’s personal device. He wasn’t a researcher himself, but his work had given him more than a passing familiarity with weapon structures. He could tell at a glance that these modifications were extraordinary—he might not have been able to confirm a thirty percent improvement, but with Mu Gengnian’s guarantee, he was inclined to trust the expert’s judgment.

He could only sigh—after years of living together, he’d never imagined that Zhuang Xiaoyuan possessed such a gift for research.

“Uncle Feng, it was because of the recent trial. That’s where I gained this knowledge.” Meeting Feng Guoqing’s gaze, Zhuang Xiaoyuan explained softly. She’d already told him about the trial mission, so as soon as she mentioned it, he understood.

“So you didn’t know either, Xiao Feng? No matter—pull up Xiaoyuan’s records and transfer her to the research group immediately. We can’t let such talent languish in logistics.” Now that he could see Feng Guoqing’s surprise was genuine, Mu Gengnian dropped his complaints. As soon as Zhuang Xiaoyuan finished her quiet explanation, and he saw the realization dawn on Feng Guoqing’s face, Mu Gengnian pressed his demand.

“I really can’t help you there, Elder Mu.” Feng Guoqing spread his hands helplessly. Even knowing the full story now, he simply didn’t have the power to fulfill Mu Gengnian’s request. As one of Maple City’s only two lieutenant generals, there were still matters beyond his reach.

“What, still not willing to let go? I’ll have to take a stick to you, see if your wings haven’t grown too stiff for you to obey this old man!” Mu Gengnian’s mustache bristled and his eyes widened in mock fury at Feng Guoqing’s refusal, glancing around as if he might really find a stick to chase him with.