The specifics of this data were clear to both Xiao Yudī and Xiao Huì. Xiao Yudī stated, "We have developed over ten varieties of missiles based on the characteristics of various nations' designs, with an existing inventory exceeding one hundred thousand units. Should war necessitate it, we can launch them all simultaneously; it would merely require the construction of more temporary launch facilities."

Following this, many other issues were raised, which I, along with the five women—Yi Xiaorou, Zhao Fen, and Zhao Fang—addressed in detail. The conversation then touched upon future development directions. By this time, it was quite late, and the Chairman instructed an orderly to prepare dinner.

After the meal, the focus shifted to the next phase of work concerning Wanan Shoal in the South China Sea. Admiral Wu Jichen of the Navy was deeply invested in this matter, urgently wanting to know the progress on the construction of my fleet and the combat capabilities of the assembled warships.

These matters could not be explained fully in a short time, so I could only inform everyone that operations regarding the South China Sea were about to commence, and the answers would become clear then.

On the way home, Yi Xiaorou remarked to me, "The Chairman has truly gone to great lengths for you. Being formally introduced to the Military Commission members tonight will pave the way for your rapid ascent in your career."

I replied, "Do you all think we still care about official ranks and positions now?"

The women understood the logic; when a person possesses true capability, titles become irrelevant. Nevertheless, Yi Xiaorou persisted, "At the very least, what happened tonight is a beginning for my family and me. My grandfather seemed to take a rather good impression of you."

I questioned skeptically, "His attitude was merely 'not bad'? Please spare me."

Yi Xiaorou sighed, "My grandfather has that fiery temper; duty is duty, and personal matters are personal. He highly affirmed your abilities. Your relationship will naturally improve as you work together in the future. Then I won't have to dread going home anymore; do you think I don't miss them?"

Upon returning home, I was surprised to find Hua Qingqing, with my father politely chatting with her in the living room. I apologized, "Ms. Hua, I’m sorry, I had an engagement tonight. Why didn't you call me beforehand?"

Hua Qingqing smiled, "I asked Xiaorou where you were going tonight. Since I had nothing else planned, I waited here for a while."

My father stood up to take his leave, "You two talk; I'll retire to my room."

I smiled at Hua Qingqing, "After waiting half the night, you won't tell me you came here to avoid someone, will you?"

Hua Qingqing looked somewhat resigned, "That's about it. Qiu Sihai has seriously enrolled in a wilderness survival training course lately. Given his status, it's inconvenient for me to completely fall out with him, but his constant interference in my normal life has become a major issue."

I suggested, "Why don't you just reject him directly? That would save you the trouble of being pestered endlessly."

"I've hinted at it, but he countered by hinting that time changes everything, stating he won't give up pursuing me."

I chuckled, "Qiu Sihai is quite the devoted man. Why don't you just agree to his pursuit?"

Hua Qingqing suddenly hurled a throw pillow from the sofa at me, "Stop talking nonsense! Would you agree if it were Xiaorou pursuing him?"

I caught the pillow and grinned at Hua Qingqing, "That’s an entirely different scenario. You don't have a boyfriend right now, yet you have a relentless suitor pursuing you. Xiaorou has me now; she no longer needs to worry about her future happiness."

Hua Qingqing looked troubled, "But I have absolutely no feelings for him. If I felt even a little positive, I could persuade myself to interact with him for a few days. But I feel completely uneasy and distressed around him; that's why I dragged you two—the married couple—with me last time we ate out."

I looked at her with some difficulty, "Then what kind of boyfriend are you actually looking for? If there's an opportunity, I can help keep an eye out, so you don't have to constantly use us as a third wheel."

Hua Qingqing paused, thinking for a long moment before replying, "Fate. I believe in fate. I don't know what my future boyfriend will be like, but I trust Heaven will send him to me. Perhaps fate just hasn't arrived yet."

I sighed, "If fate hasn't arrived, then wait patiently. Seeing how lonely and pitiful you look, I'll have my wife spend more time with you later. Oh, you poor child."

Hua Qingqing let out a light, sweet laugh, "Fine, then let her sleep with me tonight, and you can sleep in the living room."

I suddenly recalled the two secret videotapes Yi Xiaorou mentioned to me. The relationship between these two women was somewhat unusual. Hua Qingqing was indeed very beautiful and possessed great elegance, and that natural, light jasmine fragrance she carried was truly rare. While I couldn't sleep holding her, having my wife hold her tonight and then recounting her feelings tomorrow wouldn't be a bad outcome.

As I was indulging in these loose thoughts, Yi Xiaorou quietly pushed open my door and entered. She took one look at Hua Qingqing and froze slightly, "Qingqing? What are you doing here?"

Hua Qingqing smiled playfully, "Coming to seduce your husband in the middle of the night."

Yi Xiaorou teased sweetly, "If you really liked him, why would you need to seduce him? I'd gladly send my husband to your bed."

Hua Qingqing was an unmarried young lady, unaccustomed to such open discussion. Her face instantly flushed crimson, "You should save him for your own bed. I came to discuss the matter of going to Africa with him."

Yi Xiaorou invited them, "Let's talk in the room. Uncle and Auntie are resting; let's not disturb them."

Once inside my room, Yi Xiaorou pulled Hua Qingqing to sit on the edge of the bed, "Why didn't you tell me on the phone that you were coming over? You waited here half the night."

Hua Qingqing explained, "When you said the Chairman invited you to dinner, I didn't plan on coming afterward. But then Qiu Sihai wouldn't leave me alone, so I said I was coming to see you about something. Since I was already here, I waited a little longer."

Yi Xiaorou scoffed, "He still hasn't given up? Should I have Zhao Qian take care of him?"

I sat on the sofa by the bedside and said, "Wife, how am I supposed to solve matters of the heart?"

Hua Qingqing agreed, "Zhao Qian is right. If he really goes to Africa, I think he’ll suffer. It’s possible he’ll retreat on his own then."

Yi Xiaorou kicked off her slippers and got onto the bed, "Qingqing, come up too. It’s more comfortable leaning against the headboard to talk. You don't need to leave tonight."

Hua Qingqing demurred, "How dare I disturb you two newlyweds? I drove here myself, so I’ll leave shortly. I won't interfere with your private life, lest you curse me behind my back."

Hua Qingqing’s words made me blush slightly, but Yi Xiaorou dismissed it, "He has plenty of wives upstairs; tonight, it’s just the two of us here. Don't worry, I changed the sheets and bedding this evening."

Hua Qingqing also kicked off her light women's sandals, revealing her delicate feet. She flopped down next to Yi Xiaorou and pouted playfully, "I don't have germophobia, why fuss over things like that? Alright then, I won't leave tonight. We'll chat all night, and Zhao Qian can go upstairs to enjoy himself."

Hua Qingqing was wearing a pale white little women's shirt. The gap between two of the buttons was quite wide, and as she leaned over, the opening was aimed directly at my eyes. My vision is exceptional; even without light, I could see the faint pink of her bra and the vague outline of the breast tissue extending to about one-third outside the bra cup.

Yi Xiaorou followed my gaze, then grabbed a nearby pillow and handed it to Hua Qingqing, "Be careful! Don't give my husband too much of a treat; I won't appreciate that!"

Hua Qingqing immediately clutched her chest, flipped over to the inner side of the bed, and pushed Yi Xiaorou out, "You go to the outside. I don't care if everything is exposed, as long as you don't get too excessive in front of me."

Yi Xiaorou asked Hua Qingqing with concern, "Qingqing, what kind of man do you actually like? Having Qiu Sihai constantly cling to you isn't a solution. If necessary, just have a confrontation and tell him off directly."

Hua Qingqing leaned back onto the pillow, "It’s only a few more days. If he truly has sincerity, this trip to Africa will definitely test it. You know I dislike offending friends; Qiu Sihai has always had a good relationship with our Hua family, and I don't want to say something that will make future encounters awkward."

Yi Xiaorou countered, "What if he accompanies you to Africa and passes the test? Will you marry him? I don't have high hopes for that man; he’s not the anchor for your lifelong happiness."

Hua Qingqing reached out and hugged Yi Xiaorou’s waist right in front of me, "Xiaorou, do you think going to Africa is a vacation? If it were that simple, I wouldn't have to beg your husband tearfully to protect me. Qiu Sihai is decent enough when it comes to economics, but sending him to deal with the unknown dangers of the rainforest—I doubt he’ll even make it back alive."

Yi Xiaorou concernedly grasped Hua Qingqing's arm, "Qingqing, then perhaps you shouldn't go. I worry about my own husband, but I worry about you too. Zhao Qian's constitution is different from yours; even if he encounters sudden danger, he can protect himself even if he can't handle it. But you can’t. Please don't make me worry, okay?"

Hua Qingqing was moved, "Xiaoguo, you truly are my best sister. But I must go on this expedition. If I don't go, I will regret it for the rest of my life. That Blood Flower—it’s such a mysterious plant. If we find it and successfully transplant it back, do you think the history of world medicine won't be changed because of us?"

Yi Xiaorou cautioned, "But so many people have died in there and never returned. That indicates the Blood Flower’s habitat is absolutely inaccessible to ordinary people. You should seriously reconsider."

Hua Qingqing was resolute, "No need to reconsider. Experts from Country M and Japan aren't afraid, and neither am I. Furthermore, with Zhao Qian protecting me, I fear nothing."

To be honest, I was also intensely curious about the Blood Flower now. I firmly told Yi Xiaorou, "Wife, don't worry. Once we enter the rainforest, I will stay by Qingqing's side every step of the way and guarantee I bring her back safely to you."

Yi Xiaorou retorted sweetly, "It's not bringing her back to me, it’s safely bringing her back to her future husband!"

Hua Qingqing spat lightly, "I've sworn off marriage for life; I'm sticking with you, Xiaorou. Zhao Qian, you leave. Tonight, your wife is mine. Let's see how I torment her."

I peered mischievously from under the bed at the two women embracing, "My wife has rich experience in the boudoir; we'll see who torments whom in the end."

Hua Qingqing was thoroughly embarrassed and buried her face in the pillow, unable to speak further. Yi Xiaorou stepped in to smooth things over, "Qingqing, hurry up and tell us about the preparatory work, so Zhao Qian can go upstairs to sleep soon."

Hua Qingqing sat up straight and stated seriously, "The tripartite joint expedition team has a limit of 50 people. Country M will be led by Professor Smord, a renowned pharmacologist highly regarded in the medical field. He will be accompanied by his two students and assistants, one named Meiliya and the other Jenny Maffey. Their field leader is a former Navy SEAL named Jack, who brings a security detail of 15 personnel responsible for Professor Smord’s safety and transporting luggage. The Japanese side will be led by a botanist named Jiten Gang, who also has two assistants, one named Oyama Jiro and the other Miyuki. They have ten bodyguards hired from Japan escorting the group, led by a man named Kameyo."

I mused, "It seems the Great Dragon Country side will be just you and me. As for Qiu Sihai, if he insists on going, let him fend for himself."

Hua Qingqing said, "I have no experience in jungle fieldwork; I'll have to rely on you for everything. Please do your utmost to help me this time, for your wife's sake. I don't want to bring too many things—besides food, medicine, and weapons—I will only bring nutrient solutions suitable for plant growth, to safely transplant the Blood Flower back home once we find it."

I considered for a moment, "Let's add a few more hands. I'll ask Tiger and Zuda if they have time. Since we’ll be carrying so much, it’s impossible for just you and me. I'll have Taotao go along too; its reaction speed is incredibly fast, and it can protect you if I slip up."

Hua Qingqing was grateful, "Fine, I'll follow all your arrangements. Once we're in the rainforest, as long as you treat me the same way you treat Xiaorou, I'll have no worries."

"When do we depart?" I asked.

Hua Qingqing checked the date on her phone, "In three days, we fly to Rwanda to meet the main contingent, then take another flight to Kisangani, Congo. There, a guide will lead us up the Alaba River into the Congo River basin. Our subsequent fate will be up to us."

Yi Xiaorou hugged Hua Qingqing comfortingly, "Don't worry, Qingqing. With Zhao Qian there, you two will return safely. Everyone will celebrate you when you get back."

Hua Qingqing stressed, "The key is that you must instruct your husband to help me complete the mission. Otherwise, returning safely without achieving anything won't warrant any celebration."

Yi Xiaorou smiled, "Okay, I'll instruct him. After all, my husband said he gets half the profits!"

Hua Qingqing exclaimed in surprise, "Ah, Xiaorou, you’re scheming against me too! Is this what people with husbands are like?"

Yi Xiaorou nodded, "Of course. He is my husband. Once you have a husband, you'll understand my feelings. You'll want to dedicate everything you have selflessly to him."

Hua Qingqing sighed, "Ah, I can’t feel that way now, and I'm even scheming against you. I still haven't paid back that 8 billion to you yet."

I addressed Hua Qingqing, "Didn't we agree? You cure Cai Jingjing’s brain condition, and I’ll give you a Snake Pearl worth 8 billion. Don't disappoint me."

Hua Qingqing lay against Yi Xiaorou, "But I also said if you go to Africa for me and find the Blood Flower, I'll give you 16 billion."

Yi Xiaorou looked bewildered, "Oh dear, what kind of accounting are you two doing? You're confusing me."

Hua Qingqing started to explain to Yi Xiaorou, but I stopped her, "Let’s not calculate it now. We’ll discuss it after we return from Africa. But I hope you take Cai Jingjing's condition seriously; I promised her I wouldn't break my word."

Hua Qingqing nodded, "I’ve been observing her treatment during this time, but the results aren't obvious. If I hold onto any hope at all, it’s the Blood Flower. Think about it: even Substance B had no effect on Cai Jingjing’s illness. Only that life-restoring Blood Flower might work."

It seemed this trip to Africa was inevitable, even if it weren't for the potential gains. I couldn't let down Cai Bao'er and Cai Jingjing, the siblings who trusted me so completely.

Yi Xiaorou said to me, "Husband, why don't you go stay at Susu's place tonight? Qingqing and I will sleep in your room."

Hua Qingqing was impatient, "Xiaoguo, help me find a nightgown; I need to shower first. This is the first time I’ll be sleeping in a man's bed! Your husband is so lucky."

As I closed the door, I called out, "When you get a husband, I’ll have my wife sleep over in his bed too, I guarantee you won't be at a disadvantage."

Hua Qingqing called after me, "If I ever get a boyfriend, I won't introduce him to you! You're too flirtatious; you'll be a bad influence on him!"