Chapter 161: The Prepared Program

In the period after that, Qin Ge and his shipgirls, aside from resting and cleaning the reception house, would take on a commission every one or two days to keep everyone in shape.

As the Spring Festival drew nearer, the festive atmosphere in the academy grew stronger each day. One could see Ninghai, Ping Hai, and Anshan moving about the academy, hanging red lanterns and putting up Fu characters and spring couplets on every door.

Qin Ge naturally did not fall behind either; even the venue for the banquet had already been adorned with spring couplets.

Speaking of the banquet venue, they had already coordinated with Ninghai's side and set up tables inside the hall. Ninghai even somehow found a few round tables and placed them beneath the stage.

With the small red lanterns hung overhead, the banquet hall's atmosphere became very festive. Moreover, Yixian also placed the ingredients for the New Year's Eve dishes in the reception house's kitchen.

After all, if they had to bring the food from the cafeteria, it would be too far away; it's better to prepare it nearby.

Thus, amidst the academy's preparations, New Year's Eve finally arrived.

Qin Ge got up early in the morning, and together with Mikasa he confirmed the evening venue's arrangements and personnel notifications. Afterwards, he also confirmed the evening's program with Biyu. Once everything was set, he had time to sit in the common lounge and chat with the shipgirls.

"Huh? Where's Ling Bo?" Qin Ge arrived at the common lounge, noticed Ling Bo was missing, and asked the Nengdai who was sipping tea nearby.

"She should be in her room; I haven't seen her since I got up this morning." Nengdai thought for a moment and told Qin Ge.

A few black lines flashed across Qin Ge's forehead; he gave a wry smile, shook his head, and sat beside Nengdai, saying, "I really don't know anymore whether buying that game console for Ling Bo was a good or bad idea."

"I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks." Nengdai said to Qin Ge.

"Oh? Ling Bo stays cooped up in her room all day now—does that still count as a benefit?" Qin Ge asked Nengdai.

At that moment, Guanghui chuckled, "Perhaps Nengdai means that, given Ling Bo's personality, even if she came out with everyone she wouldn't say much; it might be better to let her stay alone and do what she likes."

Nengdai nodded, "Exactly."

Qin Ge scratched his head, "Alright. By the way, what programs have you prepared for tonight?"

Everyone glanced at each other, and Guanghui was the first to speak, "I've prepared a few songs; I think they should be alright."

"Sword dance." Nengdai said to Qin Ge.

"And what about you, Prince Ou Gen?" Qin Ge said to Ou Gen Qin Wang.

"I don't really have anything to perform, so after looking around I decided to sing a song." Ou Gen Qin Wang said to Qin Ge.

"Singing is nice." Qin Ge nodded, then turned to Banrenma, "How about you, Banrenma?"

Banrenma's face flushed, "I want to perform a fan dance."

"Fan dance?" Qin Ge blinked, recalling the ancient costume dance he'd seen on TV, then asked Banrenma, "Is that the kind where you hold two folding fans?"

"Hey, Commander, have you seen it before?" Banrenma asked curiously.

Qin Ge nodded, "Back in my world, I've seen someone perform that dance on TV, though I've never seen it live—especially your dance, Banrenma, I can look forward to it."

Banrenma blushed and nodded, "Although I'm not very proficient yet, if the Commander expects it, I think I'll dance better."

Qin Ge chuckled, "Sure, I'll look forward to it."

Qin Ge then turned to Weineituo, who shook his head, "Commander, I'll just sing, even though my singing isn't very good…"

Qin Ge laughed, "The glory of the Sardinian Empire—make sure to give a good performance."

Weineituo gave a speechless laugh, suddenly sensing that Qin Ge had a hint of schadenfreude.

"Then what are you planning to perform, Commander?" Weineituo countered.

"Me?" Qin Ge pondered, "Of course I'll play the guitar—after all, that's all I can do."

"That's true." Weineituo smiled and said, "In all the time she's been in the fleet, she's only ever seen Qin Ge play the guitar; she has no other talents, unless lecturing counts as a talent."

"And what about Hai Lun Na?" Qin Ge said to Hai Lun Na beside him.

"Huh, do I have to perform too?" Hai Lun Na said, somewhat surprised.

"Yes, as we said earlier, everyone has to perform at least one act. Besides, Hai Lun Na surely wants to bring victory not only in battle but also joy in daily life, right?" Qin Ge said to Hai Lun Na.

"Well…" Hai Lun Na hesitated a bit, but eventually nodded, "Then I'll prepare a program for the occasion."

"Mm, cheer up—today, as it should be, is Donghuang's annual New Year's Eve, a time for family reunions. So it's a joyous day, and being happy on such a day is best." Qin Ge said to Hai Lun Na.

"Mm, Commander." Hai Lun Na forced a smile on her face, though it looked rather strained.

Qin Ge said to Hai Lun Na, whose smile was somewhat difficult, "But seriously, why does your expression always look so sorrowful?"

"Expression? Ah… because when I left, the battle situation was still quite unfavorable… for peace, for laughter and such… I'm still a bit unaccustomed, but don't worry, Hai Lun Na is fine!" Hai Lun Na said to Qin Ge.

Qin Ge instantly understood what Hai Lun Na meant—the Battle of Cape Esperance, in which Hai Lun Na was sunk, occurred in July 1943, and indeed there were still two years left until the war's end.

"Try to adjust your mindset; you've seen that our comrades are all battle-hardened veterans, and if we work together we will surely bring more victories."

"What's most important now is learning to enjoy each day, because only by learning to cherish this peace will we go on to protect it and strive for it—understand, Hai Lun Na? So from now on, be happy." Qin Ge said to Hai Lun Na.

"Mm." Looking at Qin Ge's concerned expression across from her, Hai Lun Na felt warm inside. Since joining this fleet, Qin Ge has continually encouraged her, letting her take the position most suited to her, and everything has ended in victory.

In daily life, it also gives her courage and encouragement. Perhaps she needs to let go of her former obsession and adjust her state back.

Qin Ge looked at Hai Lun Na's smile, nodded, then turned his head toward Rodni and Spencer beside her.

"Commander, I'm like Guanghui—I'll sing too." Rodni answered cheerfully.

As for Spencer, "Com-ma-nder, can I skip the performance? I really can't do anything."

Seeing Spencer's wounded expression, Qin Ge couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, then don't perform—just enjoy yourself."

"Really?"

"Really."