Chapter 818: Summer Arrives

Just as April approached, the weather on Guandao became like summer; even standing in a place farther from the sea, one could feel a salty, humid sea breeze.

Although Qin Ge was already used to this weather, he still shrank into the office, closed the windows, turned on the air conditioner, and enjoyed the leisurely comfort of this summer moment.

"Ah, with this, today's work is done, right?" Qin Ge set down the documents in his hand, looked up, and said.

"Yes, it looks like the Commander has become quite adept at handling this kind of work." A white‑haired Xianghe in a kimono stood beside Qin Ge, organizing the documents on the desk while smiling.

Qin Ge smiled and said, "After all, this is the Commander's work; if he couldn't even finish this, how could he possibly do anything else?"

"By the way, today is Xianghe's first day as Secretary Ship; how is it? Are you still getting used to it?"

Xianghe gave a gentle smile, "Thank you for your concern, Commander; I'm quite used to it."

"Getting used to it is good; I was worried you wouldn't be." Qin Ge said, "After entering summer, the affairs of Gangqu have been increasing gradually, which is also a considerable test for the Secretary Ship."

"Actually, before becoming Secretary Ship, I specifically asked many people what details to pay attention to, but they all told me not to be nervous, saying the Commander is very gentle."

"Indeed, that's true; it's much simpler than I imagined, so it seems I can accomplish the task well." Xianghe laughed.

"Mm." Qin Ge nodded, "Xianghe, you're thoughtful."

"No problem, this is what I should do." Xianghe finished tidying the documents on the desk, then asked Qin Ge, "Commander, are you going to patrol Gangqu now or later?"

Qin Ge glanced out the window, "It's a bit too hot now; better wait until it cools down, say, this afternoon?"

"Hehe, if the Commander feels too hot, I can actually go alone." Xianghe laughed.

Qin Ge shook his head, "That's not what I mean; I'm saying it's too hot right now, and everyone is busy with their own things—research, work, study."

"Going to patrol Gangqu at this time, most places are empty, so we can't learn what they still need or whether they have anything new today."

"So if we go in the afternoon, everyone should be around, allowing you to patrol Gangqu while learning everyone's needs."

"I see, so does the Commander always rely on this to learn about all the big and small matters in Gangqu?" Xianghe asked.

Qin Ge smiled, "Of course not only that; I have several channels to learn about what happens in Gangqu, such as the documents you just organized—those are the more formal matters within Gangqu."

"Plus the daily patrols, which mostly inform us of what happens during patrol time, and of course we can also learn some novel things."

"Most important of all is communicating with everyone, especially some destroyers, whose information is extremely fast."

"Hehe, indeed." Xianghe laughed.

"Well, though, Gangqu is indeed rather quiet now." Qin Ge stood up, walked to the window, and looking out at the sea said, "When I used to work in the office, standing here, as long as it didn't rain, I could see many destroyers playing on the beach."

"Now that we have the Fleet Girl Academy, everyone goes to class at this time, so I feel a bit unaccustomed to it."

"I think attending class is a good thing, especially since Yujin's ships are giving specialized lessons there; whether for destroyers, cruisers, or even us, it holds great appeal." Xianghe said.

Qin Ge nodded, "Attending class is indeed a good thing; I'm just feeling a bit sentimental. But speaking of which, I never imagined back then that Yujin would voluntarily propose to give lessons in our Gangqu."

"Perhaps they feel they ought to do something while living in our Gangqu, or else they'd feel embarrassed?" Xianghe guessed with a laugh.

Qin Ge shook his head; he certainly knew the exact reason, but having promised someone not to reveal it, he could only pretend not to know.

"They have carried out ship modifications for us, provided guidance on scientific research ship blueprints, and guided scientific research modification projects; thus we owe them, while they have never owed us anything."

"I really couldn't have imagined that; perhaps they consider this part of cooperation?" Xianghe laughed.

"Perhaps." Qin Ge nodded, "By the way, after a while we'll have to leave Gangqu; Xianghe, are you ready?"

"Are you saying you're preparing to set off for Donghuang, Commander?" Xianghe asked.

"Mm, I previously promised Anshan and Zuikaku that after returning from the Atlantic Ocean, I would make time for a trip to Donghuang and Sakura Empire; it's already almost April, so by the time we go to Donghuang and Sakura Empire, the polar ice and snow will have begun to melt, and that will also be when we head to the polar regions." Qin Ge said.

"I have made some preparations, and I'm also quite curious about the other factions in this world." Xianghe said, "By the way, will everyone from all factions go then?"

Qin Ge shook his head, "Of course not; only a portion of people need to go. Most will be from Donghuang and Sakura Empire, plus our Gangqu's existing ships, and I'll invite a few Yujin to accompany us."

"But this depends on their wishes; if they don't want to go to other factions, we can meet up with them at sea after leaving Sakura Empire and then head together to the polar regions."

"Moreover, when heading to the polar regions, some people from Donghuang and Sakura Empire will certainly have to return to Gangqu, after all we can't take too many people at once, or the goal would become too large."

"Hehe, if the Commander does that, I'm afraid some people will end up feeling hurt." Xianghe laughed.

Qin Ge shrugged, "There's no helping it; the Northern Union last time described the secret room rather vaguely, and we aren't too clear on the situation there, so it's better to be cautious."

"Warships are Gangqu's high‑end strength; with Yujin added, basically as long as we don't encounter two or more arbitrators, we can withdraw safely."

"So if too many people go, it will also create unnecessary trouble, which I will explain clearly to them when the time comes."

"That's true, but will I be able to go with the Commander to the Northern Union then?" Xianghe asked, "I've also been training hard lately; my proficiency has improved a lot, so if the Commander needs it, I can go into battle at any time."

Qin Ge smiled, "We'll see then; I can't be certain now, but perhaps you really will be able to go, or perhaps not."

"Hehe, if that's the case, then I'll intensify my training during this period, striving to boost my strength a bit more; otherwise, if I lose the chance to go to the polar regions due to lack of proficiency and technique, I'd be quite troubled." Xianghe laughed.

"Ha, then keep it up."