Age of Cosmic Exploration Chapter 213

Things with the Black Dragons were going smoothly. They were fed fish every day and this was also bonding time with military dog trainers. As the name suggests, these special soldiers were people that once reared military canines or owned one. The Black Dragons were smarter than normal dogs, but at the end of the day, they were still animals. So Yao Yuan decided to let dog trainers interact with the Black Dragons.

Of course, there was another thing that was under process…

Using the enzyme in the Black Dragons’ blood as template, an enzyme-clotting virus was created. It was harmless for humanity and other organisms but could cripple enzyme reaction in the Black Dragon’s blood for a temporary period after it was ingested. This project was taken over by Ivan and there was expected to be breakthroughs in the next half to one year.

However, these were all long-term projects. At least, today, the sudden appearance of Black Dragons was resolved. Now Yao Yuan had to focus on how to arrange his upcoming 5-day holiday.

That night, be it the first settlers in the villa, the several ten thousand people on the Hope, and even the Defense Unit on duty had smiles on their faces. Holiday for 5 days, and even the Defense Unit soldiers could have 3 days off if they followed the assigned rotation. This was the first time mankind felt they could truly gave a sigh of relief in the 6 years they had left Earth. They could enjoy this nature’s paradise without fear.

Of course, there were still many things waiting for Yao Yuan to complete. These included the aforementioned rotation arrangement for the Defense Unit, the hiring of lifeguards by the beach, sending out announcements regarding the dangerous sea creatures the Academy had labeled, sending out Defense Unit soldiers to clear out the venomous sea creatures that night… The things he had to do were complicated and taxing. Even with the Hall of Communication’s help, it still took Yao Yuan until 11 PM before he could leave his office.

As the Hope’s captain for the past 6 years, Yao Yuan not only had to handle internal policies but also prevent internal arguments, the Hope’s warps, energy, food, air, water, arrangements of the Barracks, and not to mention, the enemies that appeared after warps. Truth be told, he was tired, physically and mentally tired. No matter how strong he was, a man has his limits.

We are all made out of flesh and blood. Even though in many people’s eyes Yao Yuan was a perfect superhero, he too yearned for an occasional peace and a rewarding relationship…

"Hello, is this Bo Li? You’re still at the lab… even though it’s already so late?" Yao Yuan lay on his bed and called Bo Li through his communicator. He could hear the sounds of machines in the background.

Bo Li’s reply was laced with impatience. "What do you want? I still have some data to analyze; do not disturb me if it’s not something important." Yao Yuan could hear hammering happening on the other end of his line.

Yao Yuan could picture Bo Li working in her lab. He asked directly and without hesitation, "Tomorrow’s the beginning of a 5 days long holiday; didn’t you say you want to see the sea? Let’s go tomorrow."

"There’s a holiday tomorrow?" Bo Li asked suspiciously. "Who said so? Plus, what do holidays have to do with you? Can you possibly drop your work and accompany me to the beach?"

"Err, I gave myself holiday as well. Ol’ Wong will help me handle everything during my absence. As long as nothing serious happens, I’m a free bird." Yao Yuan asked gently, "So how about it? We don’t get holidays often; do you want to spend 5 days by the beach?"

Bo Li was alone in her lab. Her only company was a floating, alien robot, the original prototype she kept. When she heard what Yao Yuan said, her mouth curved into a smile. But it quickly disappeared, and she replied emotionlessly, "Then… Fine, I’ll go with you to the beach if you’re so lonely. There’re no important experiments in these few days, after all."

Yao Yuan almost laughed out loud. The girl was truly something else; it was her who wanted to go to the beach and play, but somehow it became him who needed company. Of course, Yao Yuan didn’t comment on it, he responded, "Perfect, then you better leave the lab and go to sleep. If you’re burning the midnight oil tonight, we’re not going to the beach tomorrow."

Bo Li pouted but didn’t argue. She said, "Fine, I’ll be sure to sleep early tonight… Don’t be late." Then she cut off the communication.

Yao Yuan laughed on the other end of the phone. He knew this was how Bo Li showed her anger. Actually, in the past few months, Bo Li had been dropping hints about going to the beach, reminding him of his promise. However, due to his busy schedule, especially the things with the Black Dragons, Yao Yuan had to pretend he didn’t hear her. He simply couldn’t find time for her. Several rebuffs later, a miffed Bo Li closed herself up in her lab. Other than that, she would be aloof whenever he conversed with her.

"Still a little girl…"

Yao Yuan put down the communicator with a smile. Truth be told, he was not new to this game. He was a real Casanova. His unique profession meant that he had to sometimes rely on something other than his strength. Charm goes a long way as well. With his handsome features and manly image, it was easy for him to find his way into a woman’s heart.

Of course, if it wasn’t a mission, he would not use these flirting techniques. Furthermore, once the mission’s accomplished, he would disappear from these women’s lives.

In reverse, there were only 2 women in this life that had truly touched his heart.

Early the next morning, Yao Yuan habitually put on his military fatigue. But then he quickly caught himself and realized that it was a holiday. He laughed at his own mistake and set the military outfit on the sofa. Then he retrieved a T-shirt and beach pants from his closet. He readied his swimming trunks and pulled on a pair of sunglasses he bought when he was on a mission in Hawaii. With the change in appearance, Yao Yuan looked like a completely different person.

"Maybe this kind of outfit will be common from now on. After mankind has settled down on the new planet, I believe there won’t be any more wars in my lifetime. A future… with Bo Li?"

Yao Yuan smoothed his hair and walked out of his room. The two Black Star Close Guards who stood guard outside his door were fazed. The first reaction for one of them was to raise his Gaussian rifle at Yao Yuan, while the other, who had a better response system, yelled, "Wait, it’s the Captain. Put down your weapon!"

Yao Yuan smiled at the two men. "The holiday started from today’s dawn; why are you two still on duty?"

The African-American soldier who raised his gun laughed awkwardly, mumbling, "The general wanted us to stand guard outside of your door until the Captain was awake. Our holiday starts tomorrow."

Yao Yuan pushed out his hand for a handshake instead of the usual military salute. He then said, "Thank you for your service. Do go home early today and take a well-deserved rest. Remember to bring your families to the beach tomorrow, wade in the ocean, and enjoy the seafood. Maybe try a little sunbathing too. Either way, I hope you won’t mind me enjoying the holiday before you do."

The soldier stuttered awkwardly, "Of, of course. Captain deserves this holiday more than we do. Yes, yes…"

Yao Yuan gave another cheerful laugh. He bid the soldiers farewell and headed towards Bo Li’s room that was on the 4th floor. As he was about to knock on it, the door was pulled open by Bo Li from the other side. Her bleary eyes bulged alarmingly as she took in Yao Yuan’s get-up.

Her reaction was similar to many who saw Yao Yuan that morning. The usually brave, severe and kind Captain Yao Yuan had suddenly changed into a beach hunk. More than 100 soldiers, government workers, and scientists stared curiously at Yao Yuan, and many of them walked straight into pillars and walls.

A faint blush rose to Bo Li’s face, but she said expressionlessly, "What… what you doing here so early? The sun hasn’t even risen yet."

Yao Yuan chuckled and parted the long hair that had fallen over Bo Li’s face, adding, "Since we’re going to the beach, we can’t possibly miss out on the sunrise. I’m prepared to release the stress that I’ve accumulated over the past 6 years all at once today. So… are you excited?"

"I… am not." Bo Li swatted Yao Yuan’s hand away. She left the door open and walked back into her room, saying, "It’s you who forced me to go, so I’m more of a babysitter. You mentioned watching the sunrise? I would never have pegged you for a romantic."

Yao Yuan didn’t say much but planted himself on her sofa. Bo Li filed away her research notes and spent another half an hour to ‘casually’ ready herself. She changed into a white tank top and short pants. Accessories-wise, she only carried a small purse. It gave her a youthful and refreshing look, but it didn’t take away from her intellectual feel.

"Alright, let’s go see that sunrise."

Chapter end