Even those who joined the base later had heard of Xu Qian's deeds. Hope Base was founded by her and the Boss together, and she had provided much assistance to it.
During that cold snap, it was her who came with ginger, cotton-padded clothes, and quilts, helping them through the hardship.
"Strategist, thank you!"
"Thank you!! Strategist!"
Xu Qian smiled faintly and raised her hand to signal them to quiet down.
Everyone obediently fell silent.
"I will always be a member of Hope Base. There's no need to thank me. This unfrozen ice will surely help you overcome this crisis."
Tears welled up in their eyes, their vision blurring. They were choked with emotion and unable to speak.
Xu Qian's gaze swept over them, her heart softening slightly.
"Alright, I'm leaving now. As long as you are all well, I will be at ease."
Xie Yayun hurriedly grabbed her, "Xiao Qian, won't you stay for the night? Everyone misses you dearly."
Yi Chun's tears and snot streamed down her face as she choked out, "Yes, everyone misses you so much."
Children rushed forward and hugged her legs.
"Sister, don't go."
"My dear sister, please stay for just one day, just one day."
Xu Qian sighed. If she could stay, she certainly would. She had to visit twenty bases in 48 hours; she didn't know if she could even finish if she stayed up for two days straight.
The system was afraid they would die of heat!
"I will definitely stay if I have the chance in the future, but I am truly in a hurry."
Xie Yayun furrowed her brow. Xiao Qian was always so busy.
"You can stay for half an hour, half an hour is acceptable, right?"
Xu Qian had no choice but to nod and was pulled aside by them to chat about everyday matters.
Xie Yayun quietly pulled Xiao Ping to a corner and whispered her instructions:
"Xiao Lu, be good and don't cause trouble for Xiao Qian. She's so busy; you should spend more time with her and don't always ask her to cook, okay?"
Xiao Ping didn't say a word and nodded obediently.
"Also, when the time comes, you should act. Don't be foolish. Xiao Qian is so beautiful and strong; aren't you afraid someone will snatch her away?"
As soon as Xiao Ping heard the words "snatch away," his eyes widened, and he said urgently,
"I understand, Sister Yayun, I will try my best."
Xie Yayun was surprised. Xiao Ping rarely called her "sister."
This was the first time.
She nodded with satisfaction. Having a man like him by her side meant she wouldn't be bullied, at least.
Xu Qian's eyes welled up as she listened to their casual chatter. At this moment, she felt like a real person, not just a machine that only completed tasks.
They chattered on about their disobedient or mischievous children, or how other bases bullied them, but they always bullied them back and never wronged themselves.
Soon, half an hour passed. Despite their reluctance, parting was inevitable.
After hugging them goodbye, the two headed towards their next destination.
Xu Qian steadied her mind and opened the map again.
"Sister..."
As Xu Qian turned, the young man's eyes had turned a light green and were watery.
"Yes."
"Yayun... said you might be snatched away."
Xu Qian was stunned for a moment and asked, "Why?"
Xu Lu pouted, looking aggrieved, "She said many men would like you, and told me to seize the opportunity."
{You idiot!! Why would you say that so directly?} Xiao Ping yelled internally.
{I can't say it?} Xu Lu looked bewildered.
{...Whatever.} Xiao Ping was speechless.
Xu Qian smiled, "Then how will you seize the opportunity?"
"I, I, I, I..."
He stammered for a long time without uttering a single coherent sentence.
Xu Qian's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, and she continued to smile, "What 'I'? Xiao Lu, your tricks for pursuing girls are not as good as Xiao Ping's!"
Xu Lu's entire face turned red, and he couldn't say a word.
{Xu Lu, I order you, go and kiss her immediately!! Hurry!!} Xiao Ping shouted.