Xiao Zong dropped Gu Yin off at the exam site. After watching him rush into the school, Xiao Zong drove for two and a half hours, passing through the mountains that surrounded the outskirts of Lin City, until he finally reached his destination—a large industrial park on the border with Nancheng.

This area was one of the military zones under the jurisdiction of the Huabei Military District of H Nation. Part of the nearby sea was sectioned off, and within it was a military-industrial base known as “Zone 25,” specifically used for testing new military aircraft and ships.

What most people didn’t know was that this was also a significant testing ground for the Xiao Family’s technological collaborations with the military.

H Nation had one of the strongest military forces in the Federal Star System, and a large part of that strength came from its stockpile of military weapons. The URF-69 stealth fighter jet, tested here, used engines and high-tech sensors provided by Henghua. Even the chips and boosters in hypersonic cruise missiles were developed by Henghua.

Thanks to this close cooperation, Xiao Zong enjoyed certain privileges that others did not, and in some ways, the Xiao family could be considered legal “arms dealers.”

The closer he got, the fewer vehicles there were on the road. Inside the military zone’s perimeter, not even birds were flying. The gray buildings stood in neat rows, and although they looked plain, the atmosphere around them was solemn.

The guard posts were fully AI-operated, and any vehicle or person trying to force their way through would be shot on sight.

Xiao Zong presented his special access pass, and once it was verified, the dozens of black gun barrels aimed at his car retracted with mechanical whirring sounds, and the high-voltage gate slowly lifted.

A slight mistake could result in being shot to pieces. The words [Military Area, No Entry] only truly gained meaning here.

After passing through three layers of security checkpoints, the atmosphere inside the industrial park was less tense than outside. Since test flights were frequently conducted, the birds in the surrounding area had long been driven away, leaving the place eerily quiet. But the park’s layout was neat and orderly, a paradise for anyone with OCD.

By the indoor testing track, quite a few people had gathered. In addition to the military test site personnel, there were government officials from H Nation and technical inspectors appointed by the federal government.

Wei Mian and other Henghua executives had also arrived early to oversee the preparations.

Xiao Zong was here today to test the performance of a new car.

He had casually mentioned this to Gu Yin, who assumed Xiao Zong was planning to buy another off-road vehicle. But in fact, Xiao Zong had arranged for the production of a new model earlier that year—a collaboration between Henghua and AM Automotive Manufacturers.

What was originally just a private matter had turned into a full-blown performance test at a military base, as the federal government and military were very interested in the application of new energy sources.

Xiao Zong had dropped off Gu Yin and still arrived at the base early.

“It’s a top-tier machine, designed to perfection in both engineering and aerodynamics,” the designer excitedly explained. “The only downside of the VX25 alloy is its weight. Even with a sports car engine, the acceleration is still less than ideal, and the handling suffers as a result.”

This was why, on the winding mountain road that night, Xiao Zong couldn’t widen the distance between their cars.

“…We’ve improved the VX25 alloy on the carbon fiber monocoque chassis. The current 2.0 version stabilizes the car’s base while pushing its speed to match, if not exceed, the standards of today’s supercars.”

The researcher added, “—And it’s currently the only supercar in the Federation that’s capable of low-altitude flight.” This meant the car could achieve stable low-altitude cruising.

That was precisely what the government of H Nation was interested in.

With the construction of airways, the public would eventually replace their regular cars with flying vehicles, or “urban airships.” Car manufacturers were testing new airship models, and this was also an opportunity for the Xiao family to promote the new energy source they had been developing for years.

Once both the airways and flying cars gained social acceptance, it would be impossible for the federal government to maintain its monopoly over them—at least not openly.

If fully implemented, this technology would give H Nation a competitive edge in the interstellar market, strengthening its influence. But the government was hesitant, unwilling to miss the opportunity but also reluctant to directly challenge the Federation.

Caught in the middle of this power struggle, the Xiao Corporation, as a contractor, was actually in the weakest position.

But today, Xiao Zong wasn’t concerned with all that. He was here to test the car for himself.

Actually, that wasn’t quite accurate. The car he was testing was a gift he planned to give to Gu Yin.

Gu Yin had earned his driver’s license early, and his driving habits showed he was an experienced driver. One of the few things Gu Yin was genuinely curious about was cars. He had visited Xiao Zong’s underground luxury garage at the Luming Mountain Villa, and he had even carefully studied the car Xiao Zong had crashed.

Xiao Zong had never given Gu Yin a gift before, but after Gu Xiaoyin received the dog tag from Old Master Xiao, he realized he should start thinking about it. The car seemed like the perfect gift—assuming the little secretary didn’t end up using it like a battleship.

Though Gu Yin was bold… he probably wouldn’t do that, Xiao Zong thought calmly. After all, Gu Yin drove pretty steadily.

While AM handled the car’s manufacturing, the design of the exterior was Xiao Zong’s own.

With elegant, smooth lines, perfect proportions, and an incredibly powerful engine, the researchers had already given the car a nickname during development: the “Suited Thug.”

Xiao Zong took the car for a couple of laps around the track. The sleek vehicle performed a sharp drift, the red taillights flaring like a fierce cheetah on the hunt.

The new energy source was performing stably—it had been ready for atmospheric use for a while now. The current test was focused on the car’s ability to handle the transition from atmosphere to space and back again, and the results were promising.

The test drive was routine, and everything went smoothly. Afterward, Wei Mian found an opportunity to report to Xiao Zong: “Secretary Liao was originally supposed to attend.”

The special alloy had a matte black finish, smooth to the touch. Xiao Zong was inspecting the car’s features as he casually asked, “It’s just a test drive. With the capital star preparing to mass-produce flying cars and issue licenses, what objections could the Federation have?”

Wei Mian responded seriously, “They were probably looking for an excuse to revoke the license for this car.” He gestured toward the group of officials from H Nation. “But Committee Member Ji shut them down, and the other side left in a huff.”

In the early days, the Xiao family’s cooperation with the military had progressed rapidly, and the Federation’s military had provided many conveniences. However, as the new energy project neared completion, the privileged class’s attitude had become increasingly ambiguous.

They had tightened control over space testing, restricted access to space stations, and delayed experimental progress.

Throughout history, there were always those who killed the donkey once it had done its work. By this stage of development, the military and federal government could likely finish the project without Henghua’s help.

“Leng Xia is trying hard to shift public blame onto you. It seems like some people on Planet 2 believe him.” Surrounded by enemies on all sides, Wei Mian couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

“It makes no difference,” Xiao Zong said dismissively. “To outsiders, the Leng family has long been tied to the Xiao family. Even if Leng Xia nobly takes all the blame, the fire will still come for us.”

Because, in truth, the Xiao family was the Federation’s real target.

“Without the new energy project, the Xiao family would have no way out. Then the Federation could mold us however they pleased,” Xiao Zong said. “…Do you think this car suits Gu Yin?”

“?” Wei Mian was caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation, inwardly cursing but outwardly smiling. “So the lady of the house likes cars?”

Xiao Zong glanced at him, then chuckled lightly.

Wei Mian was momentarily stunned.

Since the start of the year, Henghua’s major subsidiaries had been busy reporting on the official regulatory measures they were dealing with, and Wei Mian had been overwhelmed with work, trying to bring the situation under control and restore normalcy to the company.

But when he saw his boss again, all the stress and anxiety he had been carrying seemed to melt away.

He knew deep down that Xiao Zong was right—making concessions to the federal government would not only nullify Henghua’s years of investment but also cost them their final bargaining chips.

But in times like these, very few people could remain resolute and refuse to bow.

Xiao Zong was one of those people, and the Xiao family would stand behind him.

Since both his boss and the board had such a clear stance, what did he, a salaried professional manager, have to worry about?

After working for Xiao Zong for so many years, their mutual understanding had far surpassed that of a typical superior-subordinate relationship.

Relieved, Wei Mian smiled and said, “Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, isn’t it…?”

**

When Gu Yin finished his exam, the results came out immediately. Passing the first round of tests was a given, and now he had two more weeks before the second test and interviews.

To celebrate, and because it was their first Valentine’s Day together, Xiao Zong had planned an event. But unfortunately, Lin City decided to greet them with rain.

The sky was overcast, and just when the weather had warmed up a bit, the temperature suddenly dropped below 5 degrees. The rain made it even more cold and damp.

Xiao Zong wasn’t fond of rainy days, so he canceled all plans, and the two of them stayed cozy in the apartment.

As the temporary mark naturally metabolized, the spruce scent on Gu Xiaoyin’s body gradually faded, and the cat took a liking to him again. Once more, he was wandering around the house, clutching his beloved kitty.

When Xiao Zong worked, Gu Yin would turn into Secretary Gu, helping out with simple tasks alongside Wei Mian—one handling things in person and the other remotely.

On Valentine’s Day, however, the new car’s paperwork was completed, and it was delivered to the apartment’s underground garage.

The car’s license and registration had been fast-tracked, with everything processed smoothly thanks to Zhou Hengqing’s help on Planet 2.

Zhou Hengqing worked for the National Security Information Bureau under the military. He was the head of the second department, while his father held the third-highest position in the bureau. Given his father’s age, a promotion was unlikely before retirement.

Xiao Zong planned to find an opportunity to thank him, but Zhou Hengqing had returned to his post shortly after the New Year and wouldn’t be back on the capital star for a while.

Xiao Zong wanted to surprise Gu Yin. Acting all mysterious, he led Gu Yin into the elevator.

The top-tier apartment had a private elevator connecting directly to the underground parking lot. Without such amenities, living in the city center would’ve meant constantly being harassed by paparazzi.

“A gift?” Gu Yin suddenly realized it was Valentine’s Day.

He had forgotten.

Xiao Zong had remembered, but he had completely forgotten!

Comrade Gu Xiaoyin had entered military school at fourteen, so he didn’t have much concept of special occasions or anniversaries. With exams and studying taking up his time recently, even though they were in the middle of their honeymoon phase, they were living more like an old married couple.

“Is it a ring?” he couldn’t help but ask.

“Not so fast with the ring,” Xiao Zong smiled, kissing him on the cheek. “This is much more fun.”

The engagement ring was being personally overseen by Fang Runjin, so Xiao Zong couldn’t rush it. Jewelry like this held more meaning than practicality, so the efficiency didn’t match that of mass production.

He led Gu Yin out of the elevator and flipped a switch, turning on all the lights in the garage.

Gu Yin obediently opened his eyes.

The matte black sports car sat quietly in its spot, its sleek lines elegant and understated but radiating powerful energy.

Gu Yin’s first reaction was to think of Xiao Zong, and a flicker of amazement and surprise flashed in his eyes.

Gu Yin liked cars, just as much as he liked guns. He liked anything that could be controlled by human hands.

Because in the vast universe, humans were just too small.

He thought he had hidden it well, but it was still noticed.

Once… twice…

Xiao Zong’s care was subtle, never showy. He was busy with work and under tremendous pressure, but every little detail made Gu Yin’s heart race.

It was the feeling of truly being cherished.

Gu Yin let go of Xiao Zong’s hand and ran over to the car, circling it excitedly twice. Then he leaned against the window, peering in to check out the interior. The usually composed omega was as giddy as a playful commander.

All that was missing was a wagging tail.

Gu Xiaoyin seemed glued to the car. Amused, Xiao Zong wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him away from the window. With his other hand, he guided Gu Yin’s hand to the door handle.

The car lights flashed twice, and then the doors lifted upward like wings.

This special alloy was so rare that even the military only used it for a few high-tech space warships. Gu Yin had only driven one of them once during his time in the army.

Gu Yin’s joy was written all over his face. He rarely showed his emotions so openly, and his pale cheeks were tinged with a faint blush.

“Do you like it?”

Gu Yin nodded vigorously.

Emotions are contagious, and seeing Gu Yin so happy put Xiao Zong in a good mood too. Hugging him from behind, Xiao Zong whispered in his ear, “Planning to cook up a special soup tonight?”

His voice was deep and magnetic, especially when he slowed down his speech, making it irresistibly seductive.

Gu Yin paused for a moment.

Xiao Zong, inhaling the sweet omega pheromones from the back of Gu Yin’s neck, heard him say, “I… have a gift for you too.”

——Look! There’s a big plane in the sky!——