Before departure.

Xu Duoduo and the others tidied up their bachelor apartments.

The blankets were neatly folded, windows were cleaned and locked to prevent wind and snow from blowing in, floors were mopped, the living room carpet vacuumed and dry cleaned, and the tables were wiped down.

Although it was just a bachelor apartment, it was their small home.

Since they frequently visited each other’s places, it felt like their entire floor was their own, and they moved about comfortably.

It was common for them to brush their teeth in their pajamas, aimlessly wandering around, and they shared access to each other’s front door codes, though they didn’t casually enter each other’s rooms.

Once everyone was dressed and ready, accompanied by two “beeps,” the front door was locked.

They all stood by the elevator, with four tall figures and Duoduo, the little zombie, creating an odd yet harmonious sight.

Any outsiders who saw them would probably be impressed by their looks.

Their team was just so cool.

However, the truth was they were all admiring their new uniforms in the elevator mirror.

“Hey, this looks great! Black really is the best!”

“This cut is nice, huh? The headquarters really knows what they’re doing. The waistline looks so smooth.”

“Do we really need to question the aesthetics of our headquarters?”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, I knew it—if the captain looks this good, the rest of you teammates can’t be bad.”

Da Gouzi was so shameless.

Duoduo, looking at their silly expressions, couldn’t help but wonder if the fans on the forums would ever see them like this—would their hearts break?

Shishi had to look up at them now. As they grew taller, she felt a little worn out.

Why couldn’t she grow taller???

So unfair to Shishi!!

Duoduo pouted but still felt happy looking at her four teammates, especially since Da Gouzi looked so handsome.

Their combat uniforms were so sharp, and with their broad shoulders and long legs, they stood out even more.

So cool!

Now, Qin Luo had to slightly bend down to talk to Duoduo, “What are you thinking by yourself? Eyes spinning?”

His laughter was soothing.

Duoduo felt a bit embarrassed and lifted her hand to push him a little further away.

Qin Luo immediately acted pitiful, “You pushed me? How could you push me? You don’t love me anymore? How could you do this to me?”

Shishi, afraid of losing face, quickly grabbed his arm to silence him, “We’ll embarrass ourselves.”

The elevator doors opened.

What should they do if they ran into someone they knew?!

Qin Luo teased her, “Oh, Duoduo, are you shy now? Impressive! Keep it up.”

Otherwise, Shishi used to be so blunt.

Recently, her emotions had been more lively.

Duoduo paused and thought for a moment, realizing it was true. She had been feeling more emotional lately.

It seemed to have started after the craftsman department’s new product release event.

She couldn’t help but smile.

When Qin Luo saw her smile, he was completely charmed, his face softening. “Who’s wife is this adorable?!”

Wang Weihu and the others were behind them, excitedly discussing the foreign monsters.

Yes.

The new nicknames they had given to the foreign monsters were hilarious. Last night, Qin Luo’s “foreign monsters” had made them laugh so much they were now calling them that repeatedly.

Captain Qin always managed to turn terrifying missions into small challenges, reducing his team’s stress. Sometimes, it was really just their own fear that got the best of them.

His favorite saying was, “Either no mission, or if we do have one, don’t be scared.”

Because if you’re too scared, you might just end up dying.

It was better to stay calm, trust your teammates, trust yourself, and just execute the mission properly.

But after so many years in 3A, they’d handled a lot of missions and never encountered any serious problems.

As they walked out of the building’s front door, they heard strange “oh-oh” noises.

Looking over, they realized it was an old acquaintance, Brother Ji, holding a shovel and practicing his crowing as he shoveled snow. The last crow rang out loudly, “Oh-oh-oh—!”

Chen Xiaofei almost slipped. “Why do we hear a chicken crowing in our neighborhood…”

He stopped halfway and spotted the source.

Ji Yingjun had seen them and waved excitedly. “Big shots, are you heading out on a mission?”

Qin Luo nodded at him. “Ah! Yes, Brother Ji, practicing your crowing?”

Ji Yingjun laughed foolishly and patted his head, the red comb standing out, “Yes, the base has secured the foundation, right? I have to continue my side job. If I don’t crow, the elderly in the old city district can’t tell day from night.”

He said he had to go.

Qin Luo raised his voice, “That’s great! You’ll earn more points, and the elderly will be at ease too.”

Duoduo also called out to Brother Ji, “Good luck with your job!”

Chen Xiaofei and the others also cheered him on, “You’re working hard! Keep it up, Brother Ji! Let’s all work together!”

Ji Yingjun was pleased, “Okay, okay, you all stay safe too, and return safely!”

He promised that when the remaining fruits in the neighborhood ripened, he’d reserve some for them.

Qin Luo smiled. “Alright.”

The other herbivore transformers didn’t dare speak, only sneaking looks at them.

After leaving the neighborhood’s gate, they headed straight for the craftsman department. This mission’s departure point was the rooftop helipad of the craftsman department, where the combat teams would board the airship.

This new support airship, 001, could easily pass through dense fog and reach the mission’s destination.

It could follow the previous flight route.

The pilots were also from headquarters, fully trained, so they were reassured. An airship could carry three to four teams.

This time, they were familiar faces.

It seemed the headquarters thought that familiar teams would have better cooperation.

As 3A arrived at the craftsman department, they saw the Leopard Squad and Dove Squad.

No surprise there!

When the Leopard and Dove squads saw 3A coming, they immediately stared at them.

However, this time, there was a leader present.

They didn’t dare rush over. If it had been any other time, they’d have already run over.

Other familiar teams included the Rose Squad, Charge Squad, and Flame Squad. But the most surprising thing was that the Golden Phoenix Squad was also here?

Wang Weihu and the others couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. The Golden Phoenix Squad didn’t look too friendly toward 3A.

Chen Xiaofei wasn’t afraid of them and provocatively smiled at them, “Didn’t expect to run into them here, how unlucky.”

“Don’t mind them.”

Bai Shu was calm. He had tricked the Golden Phoenix Squad once before, teaching them a lesson. This time, Jin Chuanqiong was with another soldier, probably watching him. Jin Chuanqiong would likely be more restrained this time.

Qin Luo took Duoduo to the leaders to check in and also learn more about the mission details and select other teams to join them on the airship.

“Let’s go with Leopard, Dove, and Rose. We work well with them.”

Qin Luo didn’t hesitate. It was crucial to pick reliable teammates for the battlefield.

Duoduo liked this choice too.

Wang Weihu and the others agreed as well. Although Leopard and Dove had less experience, they were obedient!

They wouldn’t slow anyone down.