The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 209 Joining Phoenix Group and Visiting the Training Grounds

On the vast aerospace training base grounds, sunlight pierced through the clouds, shining on the silver training facilities and reflecting a dazzling brilliance.

Dressed in a crisp aerospace uniform, Nie Qiuyue led Qiao Lu, Ren Changxi, and Ye Xuehan along the tour route of the base. Nie Qiuyue provided detailed explanations of every detail of the base, from the intricate structure of the simulated lunar module to the training facilities in a weightless environment, and even the areas where astronauts live in their daily lives.

Her words were filled with love for the space industry and meticulous attention to detail, which gave Qiao Lu, Ren Changxi, and Ye Xuehan a deeper understanding of the work and life of astronauts.

“Look, this is our simulated lunar lander.” Nie Qiuyue pointed to a magnificent silver building and explained, “Here, you can experience a real lunar landing journey. From takeoff to landing, every step must be precise.” Her words revealed her respect for the challenges and missions faced by astronauts in space.

The three listened intently, nodding repeatedly without asking any questions, clearly very satisfied with Nie Qiuyue's explanation. Their eyes shone with a longing for the space program and anticipation for future plans.

Nie Qiuyue led them forward to a large pool. In the pool, a submarine-like device was slowly moving. Nie Qiuyue explained, "This is our underwater training cabin." She continued, "Underwater, we can simulate the weightlessness of space, which will help you better adapt to life in space."

The three nodded again, confirming their understanding of the upcoming training and expressing their anticipation. They knew this training would lay a solid foundation for their future missions in space.

At the end of the site visit, Nie Qiuyue gently patted Ye Xuehan on the shoulder and said earnestly, "The aerospace industry is a glorious and challenging mission, and each of you is the hope for the future. I firmly believe that in the near future, you will be able to take over our baton and contribute your strength to mankind's exploration of the mysteries of the universe."

The group then concluded their site visit and returned to the conference room.

"Senior Nie, I heard you just returned from a mission to Mars. Did you also return aboard Vulcan 11?" Ren Changxi asked. His eyes were filled with respect for Nie Qiuyue and curiosity about the space mission.

Nie Qiuyue nodded, then replied with a smile, "This information is confidential. You will naturally find out once you officially join the company. However, I am curious, since the Ren family has invested in Xinghai Group, why did you choose to join Phoenix Group?" Her words revealed her incomprehension and curiosity about Ren Changxi's choice.

Before Ren Changxi could respond, Nie Qiuyue turned to Qiao Lu and continued asking questions, "I heard you made a breakthrough in your theoretical research at Xinghai Group. What prompted you to suddenly decide to leave? You know, Phoenix Group won't cover the compensation for your non-compete agreement. As for you, Ye Xuehan, Captain Zhang invited you to join us many times before, but you refused. Why are you taking the initiative to come for an interview now?" Her words were full of doubt about Qiao Lu and Ye Xuehan's choices.

Faced with Nie Qiuyue's barrage of questions, the three looked thoughtful, seemingly weighing how to answer. They knew that these answers could have a significant impact on their future.

Seeing their embarrassed expressions, Nie Qiuyue waved her hand and said, "Alright, alright, since you've already passed the group's interview, this issue is no longer important. Just accept it as it is. I've already prepared your training plan; take a look." Her words carried a hint of probing.

After speaking, Nie Qiuyue took out a training plan from her pocket and handed it to Qiao Lu. Qiao Lu took the plan and began to read it together with Ren Changxi and Ye Xuehan.

The plan detailed the upcoming training schedule, from basic physical training to professional knowledge learning and practical operation drills, each item was arranged in an orderly manner. They knew that this training would lay a solid foundation for their future missions in space.

"It looks quite fulfilling. But why are all the specialized courses related to AI?" Ye Xuehan asked, puzzled. Her eyes were filled with uncertainty about the future and a thirst for knowledge.

“This was my learning plan back then. I was assigned to be your coach just a few days after I got back. Time was tight, and I didn't have time to understand the specialized courses, nor did I know what you wanted to learn, so I haven't submitted it to headquarters for approval yet. However, these can be changed according to the actual situation. You can tell me what you want to learn. I will report it, and you will have the opportunity to audit the corresponding online courses,” Nie Qiuyue replied. Her words were filled with uncertainty about the future and a thirst for knowledge.

After a moment's thought, Ye Xuehan spoke first: "I am very interested in the structure and principles of spacecraft, especially propulsion systems. If there are courses on this topic, I hope to study them in depth." Her eyes shone with a thirst for knowledge and anticipation for the future.

Qiao Lu continued, "I have always been dedicated to research in the field of aerospace medicine, especially the physiological changes and mental health of astronauts in space. If there are related courses or research opportunities, I would be very willing to participate." Her words were full of anticipation for the future and a thirst for knowledge.

Ren Changxi smiled slightly and said, "I am particularly interested in the navigation and communication systems of spacecraft, as these technologies are crucial for future interstellar travel. I hope to make a contribution in this area." His words were filled with anticipation for the future and a thirst for knowledge.

Nie Qiuyue listened attentively to the three people's answers, nodding occasionally.

“Very good, your interests and expertise are very valuable,” Nie Qiuyue praised. “I will report these suggestions to headquarters and try to arrange the most suitable courses and research opportunities for you. However, after you are officially hired, there are actually some classified courses you can take. We’ll talk about that then.”

The three remained calm after hearing this. Seeing their composed expressions, Nie Qiuyue lost interest in probing further, offered some words of encouragement, and concluded the first day of the visit.

Watching the three figures leave, Nie Qiuyue felt a vague sense of unease.

......

At the end of the corridor on the thirteenth floor of Xiacheng People's Hospital, the door to a ward was quietly opened by medical staff. A beam of soft sunlight shone through the half-drawn curtains, bringing a touch of warmth to the slightly gloomy space. The air was filled with a faint smell of disinfectant, which, together with the occasional ticking of medical instruments, created a unique hospital atmosphere.

On the hospital bed, Ning Ze lay quietly, his face pale, his eyes closed, as if he were asleep in an endless dream, oblivious to everything around him. On the electrocardiogram monitor beside him, green lines rose and fell rhythmically, recording the faint pulse of life.

After receiving permission, Zhang Zhaoyi signed the visitation agreement. Then, he slowly walked into the ward, his steps hesitant and heavy.

He walked to the bedside, gently pulled out a chair, and sat down. His gaze fell on Ning Ze's face.

After a long silence, Zhang Zhaoyi said softly to Ning Ze, "Wen Bin has disappeared."

The moment the words were spoken, the electrocardiogram monitor sounded an alarm.

Ning Ze, lying on the hospital bed, forced his eyes open and looked at Zhang Zhaoyi in front of him with a look of horror.

Subsequently, medical staff quickly entered the ward and began to examine Ning Ze, who had regained consciousness, while Zhang Zhaoyi was asked to leave the ward.