Chapter 333: Annual Meeting Begins

The Qian Fugui incident struck like an unexpected cold front, causing considerable upheaval within the "New Era" Base. Qin Feng's seemingly casual yet unquestionable handling of it left every person in a position of power, holding resources, with a chill down their spine and a silent warning in their hearts. The logistics department underwent a thorough audit and reorganization, uprooting hidden gray networks and cleansing the atmosphere entirely.

Lei Dong welcomed this outcome, even privately feeling that Mr. Qin occasionally showing his fangs greatly benefited the organization's healthy operation.

This turmoil did not affect the final preparations for the annual meeting. Amid frantic preparations and eager anticipation from all sides, the global strategic launch and annual celebration, marking "New Era"'s formal entry into a new stage, was about to begin.

On the day of the meeting, the entire Base was decorated with lanterns and banners, radiating a festive atmosphere, yet suffused with solemnity and dignity. Security forces around and inside the Shenkong Zhi Yan Hall reached unprecedented density; the Energy Detection Network operated at full power to ensure absolute safety.

Guests, delegates, and media reporters from across the globe, holding specially crafted Electronic Invitations, passed through multiple layers of security checks and entered this hall symbolizing humanity's future hope. Inside the hall, the circular Holographic Screen played a meticulously produced promotional video—showing Earth's magnificent landscapes and profound starry skies, ancient ruins and future blueprints—accompanied by grand symphonic music, creating an epic sense of transcending time and space.

In the front rows sat political leaders, top scientists, and leaders of key partners, their faces expressing solemnity, anticipation, or scrutiny. Behind them were "New Era"'s internal elites and strictly screened media personnel; all understood that today's grand event might determine the future direction of human civilization.

In the backstage lounge, Xia Wan had changed into a specially designed Silver-White Ritual Robe, blending modern technological aesthetics with ancient rune elements. The robe's flowing lines accentuated her slender figure while maintaining dignity and authority. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror—those eyes, having endured life-and-death Trials and bearing the mission of the stars—deeper and more resolute than ever.

"Nervous?" Su Wenqian's voice sounded beside her. Due to health reasons, she had not been scheduled to appear on stage, but as a core member, she had come backstage.

Xia Wan shook her head, offering a faint, confident smile: "Not nervous. Just feel… the weight of responsibility."

Su Wenqian looked at her, eyes filled with relief and pride: "You've done excellently. Tonight, let the world see your light."

On the other side, Lei Dong was making his final attire adjustments, wearing a crisp uniform adorned with Honor and Responsibility Badges, his expression solemn. Tonight, he would serve as Commander of "New Era," presenting their ideals and plans to the world.

And Qin Feng…

In the corner of the lounge, Qin Feng still wore his simple, out-of-place casual clothes, seated on a Meditation Cushion, idly flipping through a book that appeared extremely ancient, its cover made of some kind of beast hide. As if the roaring expectations and clamor outside had nothing to do with him.

The highest-specification Ritual Robe, exquisite delicacies, and various "leisure supplies" prepared for him by logistics seemed entirely ignored. His very presence was a transcendence.

Mo Yu lounged lazily on another Meditation Cushion, idly playing with the Seven-Colored Dice. Xiao Bao sat on the carpet beside him, using his chubby little hands to try catching the floating light particles generated by the holographic projection.

"Old Qin, you really plan to go up there in that?" Mo Yu raised an eyebrow.

Qin Feng didn't look up, turning a page of the book, and replied calmly: "What else?"

Mo Yu shrugged: "Fine, you're handsome, you decide." He leaned down to tease Xiao Bao: "Son, don't wander off later, and don't go 'talking' randomly, got it? Or I'll send you to haul bricks with that Qian guy."

Xiao Bao blinked, half-understanding, giggling as he hugged the Dice.

Time crept closer, second by second.

Inside the hall, lights gradually dimmed, leaving only the circular Holographic Screen glowing with a deep blue radiance, like a cosmic backdrop. The noise faded into silence; everyone held their breath, waiting for the opening.

Lei Dong took a deep breath, exchanged a glance with Xia Wan, and nodded to each other.

At that moment, a staff member hurried to Qin Feng's side and bowed low, whispering respectfully: "Mr. Qin, it's about to begin. May I…?"

Qin Feng finally closed the ancient book, setting it aside (the moment he released it, the book vanished). He stood, smoothing his already wrinkle-free sleeve, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone in the lounge, finally settling on Xia Wan.

"Let's go."

No extra pep talk. No stirring encouragement. Just two plain words.

Yet they carried the weight of a thousand jin.

Xia Wan nodded, and with Lei Dong, followed Qin Feng out of the lounge.

Mo Yu picked up Xiao Bao and strolled lazily behind, his lips still curled in that carefree smirk.

When their group appeared at the entrance to the stage corridor, the live director waiting there immediately issued instructions via headset.

Instantly, all lights in the hall focused sharply on the stage!

An uplifting, powerful, hopeful background score erupted!

On the circular Holographic Screen, the massive "New Era" emblem and the theme slogan "Marching Into Deep Space, Protecting Civilization" glowed brilliantly!

Lei Dong stepped forward with steady strides onto the stage, greeted by a tidal wave of thunderous applause!

Next came Xia Wan.

When her ethereal yet commanding figure appeared under the spotlight, the entire hall fell momentarily silent—then erupted into even louder, nearly ceiling-shattering applause and cheers! Countless eyes fixed on her, filled with awe, reverence, and hope!

She walked calmly to stand beside Lei Dong, her gaze sweeping over the packed audience, and gave a slight nod.

Finally, Qin Feng.

His appearance drew no special spotlight, no music to elevate him. He simply walked onto the stage in an ordinary, even casual manner.

Yet the instant he stepped onto the stage, the deafening noise of the hall seemed abruptly muted by an invisible hand!

All applause, cheers, and murmurs vanished!

An indescribable, instinctive reverence and pressure—substantial as physical force—enveloped the entire space. Everyone unconsciously held their breath, breathing cautiously, their gazes involuntarily drawn to that seemingly ordinary figure, who appeared fused with the universe itself.

He walked to one side of the stage, where a comfortable Meditation Cushion and a small tea table had been prepared, holding a pot of steaming Clear Tea.

He sat down as if no one else were present, pouring himself a cup of tea, as if the thousands of Earth's elites and global attention were merely irrelevant background.

Mo Yu, carrying Xiao Bao on his shoulder, sauntered cheerfully to the front row of guest seats, found an empty spot, and placed Xiao Bao beside him. Xiao Bao looked around curiously, the Dice in his arms glowing faintly.

Lei Dong stood before the podium, observing how the presence of these extraordinary individuals had transformed the atmosphere into profound solemnity, even oppression. He took a deep breath, knowing the true test had only just begun.

He adjusted the microphone, and his steady, powerful voice echoed through the silent hall—and via broadcast signals—to every corner of the world:

"Distinguished guests, colleagues, friends across the globe!"

"Welcome to 'New Era'!"

"Today, we stand here not merely to announce an organization's achievements, but to… open a new era for all of humanity!"

The annual meeting has officially begun!