Chapter 336: I

The annual meeting ended on a high note of fervent enthusiasm (mixed with lively chatter about the prize draw). Qin Feng's fleeting "birthday" ceremony and Xiao Bao's unbelievable "prize draw" became unforgettable memories for everyone, further shrouding the New Era in an aura of greater mystery and power.

Global public opinion erupted; speculation, analysis, admiration, and skepticism intertwined—but unquestionably, the names "New Era" and "Tiankong Guardian" Xia Wan were now deeply etched into the annals of human civilization in this era.

After the annual meeting, the Base's focus returned to its tense daily routines and preparations for the Guixu ruins. After obtaining legal research authorization for the "Dragon Core Horn," Xia Wan did not immediately immerse herself in it. She knew that while enhancing her own strength was important, the Base's overall power—especially its capacity to handle large-scale interstellar operations—was far more critical. She devoted more energy to familiarizing herself with the Deep Space Mothership "Hope's" combat system and coordinating drills with various combat teams.

That day, after finishing a multi-target interception command drill in a simulated bridge environment, she felt her Spirit drained and was about to return to her quarters when she saw an unexpected scene in the center garden of the living area.

Under the garden's pavilion, Su Wenqian sat on a bench, basking in simulated sunlight, gently stroking her swollen abdomen, her face softened by a tender, contented smile. Beside her sat a female logistics department supervisor, surnamed Zhang, enthusiastically speaking to Su Wenqian while holding a Tablet Computer displaying images of baby products.

"... Dr. Su, look at this smart crib—it uses the latest neural soothing technology and adaptive gravity simulation, perfectly replicating the uterine environment, ideal for the baby's brain development and sense of security!" Supervisor Zhang said eagerly. "And these baby clothes made of pure natural energy fibers—not only skin-friendly, but they passively absorb surrounding scattered energy particles, subtly nourishing the baby's body!"

Su Wenqian listened with a smile, her gaze soft as it swept over the exquisitely designed, evidently expensive baby items, and nodded. "They all look very nice."

Supervisor Zhang's smile widened. She lowered her voice. "Dr. Su, to be honest, these are limited-edition or lab prototype items we obtained through Special Channels—you can't buy them anywhere else! Only you have the status and privileges for them! I've already reserved everything; as soon as the baby is born, I'll have them delivered straight to your home!"

Her tone carried a faint hint of flattery and pride.

Su Wenqian's smile faded slightly. She gently patted Zhang's handback, speaking warmly but with a natural distance: "Supervisor Zhang, I appreciate your kindness. But these items should follow the Base's standard procedures and regulations—apply properly, report as required, pay the proper price. Neither I nor Lei Dong seek special treatment."

Zhang's smile froze. She hurriedly said, "Oh, Dr. Su, how can you say that? Commander Lei exhausts himself for the Base, and you're one of our key scientific pillars—now you're even six months pregnant! A little special care is only natural! This is everyone's goodwill! Rules are rigid, but people are flexible!"

She seemed ready to press further.

But Su Wenqian slowly stood up, supporting her waist, her gaze calm as it met Zhang's. Her expression remained gentle, yet now carried an unmistakable authority—both as the Commander's wife and a top-tier scientist.

She lightly touched her belly, a faint, utterly confident smile playing on her lips, and said:

"Supervisor Zhang, really, no need to trouble yourself."

"Lei and I may not be extravagantly wealthy, but we still have the means to provide for our child's needs."

She paused, watching Zhang's stunned expression, then added with effortless composure:

"After all—"

"I'm the wife of the richest man in the world."

Supervisor Zhang: "!!!"

Xia Wan, standing nearby and overhearing this: "!!!"

The... richest man in the world's wife?!

What did Dr. Su mean by that?

Commander Lei holds high authority and controls the New Era's vast resource allocation—but the New Era isn't a profit-driven entity. Lei Dong's personal wealth surely doesn't come close to "richest in the world," does it?

Supervisor Zhang was clearly stunned. Her mouth hung open, unable to react.

Su Wenqian, seeing their shocked expressions, seemed amused. She shook her head, offered no further explanation, and simply said gently: "Alright, Supervisor Zhang, go on with your work. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I truly don't need these. The Base's resources should go to more important things."

With that, she nodded to Xia Wan in greeting, then slowly walked toward home, one hand supporting her waist.

Left behind, Zhang stood frozen, staring at Su Wenqian's retreating back, her face shifting between red and white. Finally, she sullenly tucked away her Tablet Computer and muttered as she left.

Xia Wan stood in place, replaying Su Wenqian's earth-shattering words: "I'm the wife of the richest man in the world." Her mind brimmed with confusion.

Was Dr. Su joking? Or was there another meaning?

She suddenly recalled how Qin Feng had casually pointed out an oil field's coordinates, leading G. S. C. to discover a super oil field worth trillions. At the time, Lei Dong had nervously asked about a "dividend"—only to be brushed off with Qin Feng's single word: "Trivial."

But technically, if one traced ownership strictly, wasn't the "discovery right" or "information ownership" of that oil field Qin Feng's? And Qin Feng, utterly indifferent, effectively handed over that unimaginable wealth... to the New Era?

If viewed this way, Lei Dong, as Qin Feng's de facto manager controlling the New Era's resources, could be said to indirectly control that trillions-worth of wealth... which might... make sense?

Then, Su Wenqian calling herself "the wife of the richest man in the world" didn't seem wrong at all.

Xia Wan was startled by her own conclusion.

So Dr. Su wasn't boasting—she was subtly revealing the position and (indirect) resources her and Lei Dong commanded, making such petty "special favors" utterly irrelevant? She was also warning Zhang not to try to curry favor or test boundaries with such small bribes?

Realizing this, Xia Wan's admiration for Su Wenqian deepened further.

This seemingly gentle, even slightly absent-minded expectant mother possessed wisdom and vision far beyond ordinary people.

She looked at Su Wenqian's fading figure, then recalled Qin Feng's transcendent detachment, and the Mo Yu father-son duo's ability to stir up storms...

This Base truly harbored dragons and tigers.

She smiled, pushed the thoughts aside, and walked toward her quarters.

Whether or not she was the wife of the richest man meant nothing to her.

She only needed to remember her mission: keep growing stronger, and protect everything worth protecting beneath this starry sky.