Chapter 1967

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

Only now did the thunderous applause finally ring out.

Li Ruanyu glanced to the right, then silently stared at the floor.

A strange feeling stirred in her heart.

Su Qin tilted her body slightly.

She whispered into Zhao Chi's ear: "Captain Shangguan doesn't seem so irritable anymore."

Zhao Chi shook his head: "Irritable she really is. Don't be fooled by her calm, breezy exterior—inside, there must be a landslide of emotions. How could she possibly accept something like this? She's probably the most unreconciled of everyone."

"Really? But based on what she just said, you really couldn't tell at all."

"That's what makes her formidable… Take a look at the lords of the Phantom Squadron."

Su Qin turned her head to look.

The lords of the Phantom Squadron were cheering loudly, shouting slogans at the top of their lungs.

"That's right! Second place is still a great honor!"

"Exactly, second place is goddamn runner-up—badass!"

"Yes! Our annual combat power has broken a hundred million—we're way too strong, and we fought for it ourselves, bit by bit!

"Next year we'll absolutely be first!"

"Right, Captain Shangguan, we'll start grinding in January, grind till we drop! Damn it, I refuse to believe we can't!"

"This month I'm still going to do double the missions, just like in December!"

"Me too!!"

The lords of the Phantom Squadron had actually swept away their dejection?

Just a minute ago they were drooping and listless, completely lacking energy.

But now…?

Their morale was actually soaring?

And their fighting spirit was overflowing.

Su Qin exclaimed in admiration: "Amazing—just a few words from Captain Shangguan and she activated the fighting will of those lords?"

Zhao Chi nodded: "Yeah, otherwise after getting second place, the people of the Phantom Squadron might have sunk into a slump for a while, and might have come looking for trouble. But look at them now—her initiative has completely roused them."

Su Qin agreed: "Worthy of being a captain… To still pull this off under these circumstances, she's incredible! As a squad leader I still can't do anything—compared to her, my realm is far too lacking."

Zhao Chi comforted her: "Everything has to be learned. When you reach their age and have their experiences, you'll definitely be stronger than them."

Su Qin said with some admiration: "Experience can be accumulated, but her state of mind is truly strong—clearly so disappointed, yet she can put on a calm, breezy front."

Zhao Chi also nodded: "Yeah, she does have her outstanding qualities…"

At this moment.

Gu Zhan took the stage again.

"Thank you for Captain Shangguan's speech, and congratulations to the Phantom Squadron. I wish you all the results you're hoping for next year.

"Then that leaves only the last squadron—and naturally, everyone already knows which one it is.

"Taking first place this year is the Jade Squadron!

"With a score of 111.37 million, they have claimed first place for the year!

"They will receive the 'Annual First-Class Special Medal' and a reward of 1,200 contribution points for every member.

"Please welcome Captain Li to the stage to receive the award."

Li Ruanyu let out a soft sigh and stood up.

She walked onto the stage amid the applause.

She accepted the medal from Gu Zhan.

"Congratulations, Captain Li! Please give us a speech!"

Li Ruanyu gave Gu Zhan a nod.

Then she glanced at Shangguan Ting.

Shangguan Ting was leaning back in her chair, legs crossed, arms folded, eyes fixed on the stage.

Her whole face was expressionless, as if she had completely emptied her mind.

She appeared very calm, but Li Ruanyu had worked with her for a long time and knew her situation.

She was probably feeling extremely lost at this moment.

She always liked to tough things out, no matter what.

Even now.

Li Ruanyu gave a light laugh: "Thank you."

It seemed as if she was speaking to Shangguan Ting, and also as if to every person below the stage.