Chapter 482: I'm Just a Human

Looking at Enterprise's surprised expression, Qin Ge smiled and asked, "What's wrong? Are you surprised that I said something like that?"

Enterprise nodded, "After getting along with the commander for so long, in my eyes you have always been a very thoughtful and strategic commander, being extremely responsible toward everyone in the fleet, and also far-sighted."

But why would you say something like that? After we find out the truth, are we just going to do nothing?

Qin Ge smiled, "Getting such praise from you makes me very happy, but perhaps you've gotten something wrong."

"What is it?" Enterprise asked, somewhat puzzled.

Qin Ge sighed, "According to our current pace of development, how long do you think it will take until we can sit down face-to-face with the Sirens to discuss these matters?"

Enterprise stared for a moment, then thought, "I don't know, but at least several decades would be needed."

Qin Ge smiled, "When I came to this world I was twenty-two; three years have passed, and I am now twenty-five. In several decades, how old do you think I will be then?"

If I were in my thirties or forties, or even fifties, that would still be fine—I could still gallop across the sea with you.

But if by the time we can talk as equals with the Sirens I am already sixty or seventy—moreover, I even question whether I will live to seventy.

No matter which world I come from, I have always been merely a human, subject to birth, aging, sickness, and death, and there will come a day when I leave this world.

So as my bond with you deepens, when some people have expressed those thoughts, I remain unmoved for the reason that lies here.

As shipgirls, you possess eternal beauty and eternal life; I, as a human, have only a few decades. If my few decades were to hold you back for so long, I would feel ashamed.

Therefore, any plans we can make can only go that far. If by then we truly understand everything, perhaps we could die without regret then?

The only regrettable thing is that I cannot return to my roots. Although I now regard this world as my world, my second homeland, deep inside I still harbor a wish: that when I die, I may be buried by the sea of my hometown, where I grew up as a child."

After Qin Ge finished speaking, he discovered that Enterprise was no longer beside him; he hurriedly looked back and saw Enterprise standing two steps away, gazing at him with a complex expression.

Qin Ge quickly walked over and said apologetically, "Sorry, I just said a lot all of a sudden. Just hear me out; don't take it to heart, and don't go telling others casually."

Enterprise nodded, "Commander, rest assured; as long as we know about today's conversation, I won't tell anyone else."

Qin Ge smiled and nodded, "So, take advantage of any free moments to rest more; when you sortie, just sortie well—don't put too much pressure on yourself, you've already done enough."

"Hmm." Enterprise nodded, "I understand."

Qin Ge smiled, "Then let's keep walking; since it's today, I'll accompany you for a stroll, and we'll head back after dinner."

"Sure, I also want to chat more with the commander," Enterprise said with a smile.

Yes, she also wanted to talk with that commander whom she had always considered outstanding, and who now was showing a hint of feeling.

So the two walked along the beach, chatting as they went; by the time they returned to the base perimeter, the sun was already setting.

After parting with Enterprise, Qin Ge stepped toward the office area, after all he had previously told Zhenhai to return to the office first, and given Zhenhai's nature, she should still be there.

Sure enough, when Qin Ge arrived at the office, Zhenhai was still in the office.

"Commander, you're back later than I expected—looks like you went on a date with that gray ghost?" Zhenhai smiled.

"No, we just walked along the beach and chatted. After all, since she was summoned, our focus has been on the sea areas of Corrosion Level Four."

"Opportunities to chat like this are also rare; each time I return, I never have enough time, so that's why I've been delayed this long—sorry about that." Qin Ge said apologetically to Zhenhai facing him.

"Heh, I see." Zhenhai lightly nodded, "Looks like none of those secretary ships ahead of me are weak; they firmly keep your time in check."

Qin Ge was speechless, "What does it mean to firmly control my time? It's just that my life in the port area can be a bit more regular, and compared to when I was at the academy, although the missions are somewhat heavier, at least you all are by my side."

"That's true; few people are acknowledged by Bismarck. The commander earning their acknowledgment also says something." Zhenhai smiled.

"It's not as impressive as you say; it's just that we've spent a long time together, trust has increased, so our relationship appears quite good." Qin Ge smiled.

"Heh, the specific reason is something the commander knows in his own heart; I don't need to elaborate." Zhenhai chuckled.

"Then shall we go home together for dinner?" Qin Ge laughed.

"Wait a bit; it's still a little early compared to when we originally planned to head back. How about we play another round of chess?" Zhenhai smiled.

"Ah, again?" Qin Ge said helplessly, "Is it necessary to hold a grudge like this? Clearly you said earlier that any of my requests were fine, but since I asked you that question, you've already beaten me I don't know how many games in a row."

Zhenhai's face flushed slightly, "Commander, please definitely do not bring up what happened that day."

Qin Ge smiled, looking at Zhenhai's slightly red face, and said, "Not mentioning it is fine; otherwise we could turn chess into a date."

"A date?" Zhenhai smiled, "But we already had a date yesterday, and we're about to eat dinner right now—is this little time enough? It would be better to play a game of chess, then we can head back when the time comes."

Qin Ge let out a dry cough, "But these past two days, I don't even want to come after you've kept beating me."

Zhenhai smiled, "Commander, a man can't say he's incapable."

Qin Ge felt rebuked, "Alright, alright, you've put it that way, so today I'll just accompany you as a gentleman would."

"But let me say this first: after we finish today's game, could we not play chess for the next two days? After we finish patrolling the port area, let's go on a date."

"Heh, of course." Zhenhai laughed.

"Then let's do it!"