The celebration of the Solar System Federation was in full swing, and Meng Ao, Lie Wuqing, and Drachmach were especially agitated. All these years of preparation, in which they had endured enormous pressure just in order to pass their hopes on to this group of youngsters, were not in vain!
The embassy ballroom was crowded with people. All the IG members were the protagonists today, and some Aslanian officials had also been invited. It had been too long since the Solar System had achieved any results in the IG, and as they and Aslan were still in their honeymoon period, it was necessary to show their thanks.
The political undertones were extremely strong, and Wang Zheng was evidently not comfortable with such matters. However, both Achilles and Lear were like fish in water and had started attending to the guests.
Meng Ao lightly lifted his wine glass, and the entire hall quietened down. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's drink a toast to our brave heroes!"
"A toast to our brave heroes!" The venue erupted into cheers.
"I believe everyone here agrees that for this IG, our Solar System Federation has achieved a great victory. This is a collective victory. Whether you have defeated an opponent, lost to an opponent, or had no chance to participate, this is everyone's victory. It belongs to you, me, and every single citizen in the Solar System. This is a victory for the entire Solar System. Cheers!"
Meng Ao downed two glasses in succession. Looking at that group of youths, especially Meng Tian, he started reminiscing about the past, where the three great generals, heroic on the outside, had killed countless enemies in order to reform the military. Using both obvious plots and hidden schemes, they had trudged along whilst struggling, and had made compromises for the greater good. But today, it felt like it was finally worth the effort.
"The third toast. I wish you all to continue forward. For the Solar System Federation, as well as for yourselves, gain even higher glory and prestige!"
Everyone in the room raised their glasses, and the team members were elated. The banquet had started.
Meng Ao walked towards Lear and said a few words of encouragement. Lear simply listened and nodded in courtesy.
Both of them were on the spot. Meng Ao was aware of Lear's influence and knew it was useless to put on airs in front of him. Lear also knew Meng Ao's standing, and he gave him the proper respect he deserved.
Meng Ao merely exchanged a few words with him before walking over to the Ares College side. "Wang Zheng, Meng Tian, Zhang Runan, Zhang Shan. Your performances were outstanding, and you have not let me down. You are the pride of Earth!"
Although this was sid to everyone, his gaze did not linger on Meng Tian. Obviously, the general's effort to control his emotions was superb.
However, he was still her father. Meng Tian was able to feel her father's pride and concern from that little action.
Although she was a female, she would definitely not shame the Meng family.
Lie Wuqing and Drachmach had also separately congratulated Lie Xin, Achilles, and the rest.
"Masasi, losing a single battle is not the end of the world. Next match, I will still be anticipating your performance. As long as you stay in top shape, and just be more prudent next time, you can definitely do it. There will definitely be a spot in the army for you." Drachmach patted Masasi's shoulder, trying to get him to relax.
In the corner, with Lie Guang and Raston, Lie Wuqing was also comforting them. A loss was not the scariest thing; what's worse was if they were unable to get back up.
Meng Ao looked at Wang Zheng with complex emotions. For the others, it was necessary to give them confidence. But for Wang Zheng, Meng Ao sucked in a breath of air. "Wang Zheng, come over here for a moment."
A private talk.
Wang Zheng laughed and did a military salute. "Yes, Sir."
"Wang Zheng, when you're the captain, you have to be responsible for everything. Some things have to be said to you alone, you should be able to understand. Don't be overly stressed out, and don't look down on your opponents, especially for the upcoming matches."
Meng Ao shook his head. Using the Hercules to defeat his opponent…. When he was watching the broadcast, he had also stood up to cheer him on. Although it was indeed breathtaking, when Meng Ao thought back on it, he broke out into a cold sweat. All of Wang Zheng's opponents were strong, and if he had just been careless for a moment, the tables could've been turned.
The Hercules... shouldn't be relied on.
Wang Zheng was extremely serious and made a promise. "Yes, General, I will take every opponent and every match seriously.
"It's good that you know what to do. Go on, enjoy your victory today. Don't think too much."
Wang Zheng laughed an nodded. When he went back, he saw Ye Zisu and Yan Xiaosu. Both of them were filled with joy and pride.
"Boss, are you waiting for our congratulations?" Yan Xiaosu was the same as ever.
"Since you know, just say it out already." Wang Zheng laughed, matching with his frequency.
" I think it's still a bit too early. Perhaps later when you are the champions. How could merely a few small fries obstruct your path forward?" Yan Xiaosu blinked both his eyes. Regarding Wang Zheng, he was full of confidence.
"Damn, are you trying to kill me? Merely? If the people from Aslan and the rest heard you, they would totally kill you." Wang Zheng laughed. This chap's ambitions were surely large enough, although he too thought the same.
At this moment, Si Jiali and Bi Yuyan walked over together. Bi Yuyan glared at Yan Xiaosu. "Shameless! Right, Wang Zheng, congratulations."
Si Jiali smiled slightly. "Congratulations."
Bi Yuyan was not so reserved. She looked Wang Zheng up and down, "Boy, not bad. I couldn't tell that you had so much might inside that skinny body."
After saying so, she started pinching Wang Zheng's arm. "Hey, it really feels great."
Si Jiali quickly pulled away Bi Yuyan. "Don't be so love-struck, okay?"
"Zisu, OMG's Hercules was pretty amazing. I've heard that there are quite a few companies interested in it. Seems like we have to go back and make some adjustments." Bi Yuyan innocently smiled. "A shovel that can be used as a weapon, that's rather special."
"This doesn't have much relation to the mech; it depends on the pilot's skills." When she was with her friends, Ye Zisu was rather straightforward. This type of technique could not be imitated by others, even a talented pilot. OMG had found others to test it for them, to try to replicate this very same move. Unfortunately, using a rotating shovel was simply asking for death in reality.
Other than Wang Zheng, there were also people that were making other plans at this stage. For example, Luo Fei and Taros, both of whom followed Lear. Luo Fei was doing so due to his personality, while Taros was because no one had wanted to accept him. He had offended the people of the both Moon and Mars, and he wanted to rely on a strong figure. However, he had still lost his match, and as no one had bothered with him, he could only join up with Luo Fei.
"Wang Zheng sure has some dog s**t luck. He absolutely has no leadership qualities. However, I think that his growth will also stagnate, and Lear will replace him sooner or later," Taros said disdainfully.
"Ah, it's probably not as bad as you've said," Luo Fei remarked whilst eating.
"It was obvious that he could get a three to zero, yet he insisted on it becoming three to two. And he still dared to use the Hercules to destroy the enemy in order show off. Perhaps it will lead to his downfall one day." At any rate, in the eyes of Taros, Wang Zheng was unpleasant to look at.
Luo Fei still had a trademark smile on his face and declined to comment on it.
"Hey, you still don't agree? Do you think Lear is inferior to him?" Taros was obviously dissatisfied with the Fatty's attitude.
Luo Fei smiled. "Of course the boss is awesome, but one's importance does not rely on being a captain. Sometimes, the captain is a larger target."
Taros was conflicted in his heart. Originally, before participating in the IG competition, he was a celebrity within the Solar System. Who would have thought that after coming to Aslan, he would actually be a dispensable person? The gap was a bit large.
Regarding Wang Zheng's choices, Luo Fei did not have much of an opinion. Similar to the reactions of Achilles and Lear, those who were confident had already made their judgement when they were sent out. The choices of their mecha were also arbitrary. Hence, if Taros had such a violent reaction, it could only mean that his abilities were still too shallow and that he was worrying due to a lack of confidence.
In the midst of the celebration, Wang Zheng had already disappeared. The resting period was extremely short, and Wang Zheng and Aina wanted to treasure it.
The further into the competition, the less both of them would be able to secretly meet up.
Huiyin looked at the time, and it was already time to return. Even after urging her a couple of times, her cousin had still not returned. This really was worrisome.
There was no other choice; she could only personally go there herself. When she turned the corner, she was absolutely stunned.
Wang Zheng and Aina had also woken up from their sweet dreams and were staring at the dumbfounded Huiyin.
Huiyin shielded her eyes. "I'm not here to peep! Time's up, we've got to go back."
In reality, she was still peeking through her fingers, leading to a bout of laughter from Wang Zheng and Aina.
"Let's go!"
"Be safe," Aina tenderly said.
On the way back, Lin Huiyin couldn't help but ask, "Sis, is the taste of kissing good?"
Looking at her serious face, which even had a hint of anticipation, Aina was speechless...