Chapter 554: Night Talk

Moonlight filled every corner of the Gangqu base; it should have been time to rest, yet two people walked side by side on the beach.

After the restaurant meeting ended, Qin Ge felt that Enterprise was absent‑minded. This made him uneasy, so he did not go to rest right away but instead asked Enterprise to join him for a walk.

Strolling on the beach, the two did not utter a word when they set out, and remained completely silent along the way.

Enterprise's thoughts were in turmoil, so she could not speak. Qin Ge was considering how to comfort her, so he also did not rush to speak.

But in the end Enterprise could not hold back; she stopped, looked out at the distant sea, and said to Qin Ge, "Commander, isn't there a better way to resolve all of this?"

Qin Ge sighed, "It could be done, but then our Fleet would remain passive, at the mercy of the Nine Major Factions, forced to do things we might not want to do. Would you accept such an outcome?"

After hearing Qin Ge's words, Enterprise shook her head, torn.

Seeing Enterprise like that, Qin Ge couldn't help smiling, then reached out his hand and said, "Just now in the restaurant, my tone may have been a bit harsh—I apologize here."

Without hesitation, Enterprise took Qin Ge's hand; a warm feeling stood out especially on this night sea‑breeze.

"It's all right, Commander. Am I really too naïve?" Enterprise asked Qin Ge.

Qin Ge shook his head. "Nowhere—you're not naïve; you just want things to be better. But sometimes ideals are plentiful while reality is stark."

I really like this side of you—strong, enterprising, overcoming every difficulty. This is the kind of person I once dreamed of becoming, but now I suddenly realize I can't be that person.

Looking at their still‑joined hands, Qin Ge smiled at Enterprise and said, "Let's walk on, talking as we go."

"Mm."

As Enterprise nodded, Qin Ge led her forward, and Enterprise quietly asked, "Why did you say my appearance is the kind you once dreamed of?"

Qin Ge smiled, facing the slightly damp sea breeze, and said, "Didn't I mention before that in another world I was a military academy student?"

Back then my greatest ambition was to join the armed forces, using my knowledge and strength to defend home and country. All difficulties and setbacks seemed insignificant before such a lofty ideal.

At that time I was just like you now—full of passion and vigor. And I hoped that, if I ever entered the forces, I would devote my life to my nation in the same way.

But now that's impossible; I arrived in this world by accident and may never be able to return. Even if I later found a way back, I might choose not to, because I now have you all, and more bonds.

This is a painful dilemma, so this time, out of my selfishness, I have abandoned my ideal and retreated.

I fear that if I leave, you will fare poorly. Even if I could bring you to my world, you are too powerful—powerful enough to reshape that world's structure.

There are many restless elements in the Fleet, so sometimes I dare not gamble, for I cannot afford to lose.

Saying this, Qin Ge smiled at Enterprise and remarked, "I seem to have gone off topic."

Enterprise naturally understood Qin Ge's meaning; although the Fleet now appears peaceful, the various factions still harbor differing ideologies, just as Bisimai explained to herself today.

If we really returned to Qin Ge's world, with the Sirens gone, even if Qin Ge were in control, could we truly keep things under control then?

That thought was merely a fleeting moment; beside her, Qin Ge continued, "Now as the Fleet's commander, I am like the head of a big family."

Sometimes I know in my heart that certain actions are correct, but for the growth and benefit of the family members I must change those actions.

Thus, from the moment I made that choice, I began to become selfish. Although I still hold that spirit in my heart, it has become more like a bottom line, and my focus has shifted to you all.

"Commander…" Enterprise gazed at the smiling Qin Ge and felt that she truly understood him at this moment.

Qin Ge laughed and shook his head. "You needn't worry about me, for this is my chosen decision, not made against my will. It is what I have thought over and decided, so you needn't heed what Bisimai says, nor what I say—just keep your own thoughts."

I hope to see Enterprise as an enterprising and strong person, not someone deep‑minded. So cheer up—after all, we have just won a battle victory, right?"

After hearing that, Enterprise tightened her grip on Qin Ge's hand, gazed at the distant Xing Hai, and said, "The light in the sky is all stars; the light on the sea is all enemies… Commander, do you really think there will be a day without conflict?"

Qin Ge pondered, "Although I'd like to tell you that such a day will come, Donghuang has an old saying that goes well: 'Where there are people, there are rivers and lakes.' As long as equal forces remain, such conflict will never truly end."

But if we become strong enough, we can transcend these conflicts, enabling us to operate within them.

"Transcending these conflicts—doesn't that mean becoming invincible?" Enterprise asked.

"Yes, if we grow strong and become invincible, others will find it impossible to strike us, and in the end there will be no conflict," Qin Ge smiled.

"Commander, I believe that with you I can fully realize my true potential, so let us grow strong together, end this war, and create the scene you described," Enterprise told Qin Ge.

Qin Ge smiled, patted Enterprise's head with his other hand, and said, "Rest assured, I will surely make good use of you to forge our future."

"Mm."

Having wrapped up those heavy topics, Qin Ge deliberately shifted the conversation to other matters as time passed. The atmosphere gradually eased, yet the temperature here kept dropping with the passage of time.

Considering that Qing Gao is also just a human, Enterprise ultimately chose to return to the dormitory with Qin Ge. At that moment, few people were still awake in the dorm; after they bade each other farewell, they each returned to their own rooms.

However, Qin Ge was surprised to find that, when he returned to his room, Guanghui was actually lying in his bed.

And at some point, she had already fallen asleep lying on his bed…