Chapter 113: Taking Care of Chu Xiao!

Pluto intended to utilize the compact agility of hummingbirds to develop robotic drones. While this would not entirely neutralize the threat of enemy cannons, it could significantly reduce casualties. With this vision, Pluto set to work. Within a single day, he successfully constructed the first hummingbird robot, and he planned to produce an entire squadron over the coming days.

Chu Xiao, unable to remain confined to the hospital any longer, discharged himself and headed straight to the research laboratory to check on the progress. Dr. Ren Boyuan had already made substantial preparations. Before long, Leader One arrived as well, and upon seeing Chu Xiao, he inquired briefly about his condition.

"Leader One, Dr. Ren, we are currently developing a new weapon, but it requires a material that is extremely rare. We need your assistance," Chu Xiao explained. He outlined the materials required for the weapon, though he remained worried that the collections from the Geological Bureau and the Planetarium would not be enough.

"No problem. I will arrange for someone to take you there immediately." Leader One was always fully supportive when it came to developing new weaponry. Shortly after, a vehicle was waiting outside for Chu Xiao and Dr. Ren.

As they boarded, Chu Xiao sat in the back row. He loosened his coat and saw fresh blood seeping through his bandages, but he paid it no mind; such minor injuries were nothing to him. They soon arrived at the Geological Bureau, where Bureau Chief Meng Long had been waiting at the entrance specifically to receive them.

"Greetings, Chief Meng. I am Dr. Ren Boyuan from the research institute, and this is Lieutenant General Chu Xiao," Dr. Ren said, stepping out first to make the introductions. Meng Long shook hands with the doctor before turning to Chu Xiao. "I have heard much of Lieutenant General Chu’s reputation, but seeing you in person, you truly are a hero among youth!" Meng Long had not expected such a young man to be the legendary Chu Xiao; he might have mistaken him for someone else had he not been introduced.

As it was mealtime, Meng Long invited them to eat first before viewing the meteorites. "Thank you for your kindness, Chief Meng, but we would rather prioritize our work. There is no rush for food." Seeing Chu Xiao’s urgency, Meng Long did not insist and led them into the storage room. The shelves were lined with dozens of meteorites of varying sizes. Chu Xiao surveyed them and realized they were far from sufficient, though he knew this was all the Bureau possessed.

"The meteorites from the Planetarium will be delivered shortly, Lieutenant General. You may take them all," Meng Long added.

Soon, the roar of engines announced the arrival of the team from the Planetarium. Sun Jianguo, the director of the Planetarium, had come personally. After a brief introduction from Meng Long, Sun Jianguo greeted Chu Xiao and Dr. Ren with great enthusiasm.

"These are all the meteorites we have—one hundred and twenty-three pieces in total." The driver pulled back the canvas, revealing the truck bed filled with meteorites. Chu Xiao and Dr. Ren were pleased, but it was still not enough.

Dr. Ren sighed as he looked at Chu Xiao. Chu Xiao, too, felt at a loss; with only these, it was impossible to gauge how many weapons could be produced, but it certainly wouldn't be enough.

"Lieutenant General, I do have an idea," Meng Long offered.

"What is it? Please, tell us!" Chu Xiao was overjoyed. Even if the task were difficult, any plan was better than none.

"These meteorites are only a small fraction of what has fallen. Many remain undiscovered, and others have been collected by private individuals who haven't turned them in." Chu Xiao felt a surge of confidence. The solution was simple: mobilize the population for a carpet-search across the entire Nine Provinces. By utilizing major broadcast media to launch a public call for search efforts, they could collect a significant amount, and any specimens held in private collections could be reclaimed.

"Thank you both for your support. We will load these up now," Chu Xiao said.

"Think nothing of it, Lieutenant General. We may not be skilled in military maneuvers, but if there is anything we can do to help, just give the order. We will support you with all our strength." Everyone understood the principle that if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold; they were all committed to defeating Pluto for the sake of the Nine Provinces.

After ordering his staff to load the meteorites onto the truck, Meng Long invited them to the canteen. "Let my men handle the loading. You should come to the cafeteria for a quick bite. Since you’ve come all this way, you might as well inspect our facilities."

"Very well, we would be honored to accept your hospitality." Chu Xiao had already declined once and felt it would be rude to refuse again, though he was preoccupied with the logistics of the search.

In a private room at the canteen, they were served a meal of four dishes and one soup—small portions, two meat and two vegetable. "Please don’t mind the modest fare, Lieutenant General. Since we began conserving resources, our Bureau has enforced a strict no-waste policy; not a single grain is allowed to be left behind."

Chu Xiao understood and respected Meng Long as a man of integrity, unlike those who paid lip service to the cause while living in excess. If everyone possessed such high awareness, the current food supply could sustain the entire nation for another year.

During the meal, Meng Long and Sun Jianguo spoke of Chu Xiao’s battle against Pluto, praising him as a national hero and a role model. Their admiration was genuine. Both men harbored a spirit of self-sacrifice for their country, each in their own way; had they been twenty years younger, they would undoubtedly have joined Chu Xiao on the front lines.

Once the meal concluded, the meteorites were securely fastened on the truck. Given their importance to the safety of the nation, no detail was overlooked. "Chief Meng, Director Sun, we must be off. Once Pluto is defeated, we will share a proper drink together!" Chu Xiao felt a strange kinship with these men, who, despite being away from the front, remained deeply devoted to the nation.

Chu Xiao and Dr. Ren returned with the haul. Chu Xiao instructed the doctor to store the meteorites safely while he went to consult Leader One about the nationwide search. Upon reaching the office, he found Leader One on the phone with the United States. He waited patiently, catching snippets of the conversation regarding his own recovery.

When Leader One hung up and saw Chu Xiao, he immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. "Is there an issue with the meteorites?"

"The meteorites themselves are fine, but there are far too few. We must launch a search across the entire Nine Provinces."