The sheer scale of the scene stunned us before we even set foot on the oil rig; the massive iron pillars, too thick for several people to embrace, plunged deep into the seabed to firmly brace the platform above the water. This colossal steel structure stood resolute against the wind and waves, instilling a profound sense of awe and shock.

The accompanying classmates immediately pulled out their cameras to start shooting, and one even couldn't resist composing a poem on the spot. The wind and waves were rather rough at that moment, so no one clearly heard what he was mumbling.

Among the Eight Young Masters, Chen Ge was also in our group, along with Gao Sheng, who was one of the Four Vajras. It was rumored his father was the Chief of Staff of the Navy. These two carried the most gear, including the most advanced cameras, though judging by their approach, they probably didn't understand photography. Of course, I didn't either, but having self-awareness, I hadn't brought anything at all.

As evening approached, the group of nine finally boarded Oil Rig C. The setting sun cast a reddish glow across the sky and the water surface. The wind had long since died down, and the waves had settled. It was a moment of profound stillness, yet the clamor of the eight others shattered that peace.

"Wow! It's magnificent! If you hadn't experienced it firsthand, who would know such beauty exists in this world!" exclaimed a classmate named Shang Gao.

Another classmate, Cui Ling, remarked, "To let the Japanese defile scenery this beautiful would be an unforgivable offense to heaven. When we return, we must urge the government to resolutely resist Japanese aggression! We must not allow them to set foot in our territorial waters again, not even an inch!"

Mu Fei clenched his fist and declared, "Exactly! This is the true purpose of our trip! Don't treat it like some classmates who are just here for fun! Everyone needs to be serious and not waste this hard-won opportunity."

Mu Fei's words irked Gao Sheng and Chen Ge a little, because everyone knew they had gotten into the exclusive eight slots through connections. They were absolutely here with sightseeing in mind. Given their privileged backgrounds, if a real fight broke out here, they’d likely be paralyzed with fear on the ground, having no thought of rushing to observe.

However, Mu Fei looked at me, intentionally or not, and I wondered if his 'certain classmates' included me. Regardless, I wasn't one of their allotted spots; I had come along with the vessel myself, and no one could control me.

"Fei! Look, an airplane is flying over!" shouted a sharp-eyed classmate.

Just then, a worker walked by from the platform deck. He said casually, "They fly over at this time every day; we're used to it. But they won't be flapping around for many more days. Just wait and see."

Mu Fei raised the binoculars around his neck for a closer look. "It's a Japanese reconnaissance plane. They really don't respect our military exercises, flying this low too. I really want to shoot it down!"

I chuckled, "Don't rush. How do you know it will live to return today? After being so arrogant for so many days, it's time for them to weep."

Mu Fei didn't grasp the meaning of my words, but Gao Sheng picked up the conversation, "I need to mention this to my dad. Where is our fleet? Aren't they conducting military exercises? Why aren't they out here to engage the Japanese reconnaissance plane?"

Chen Ge scoffed, "The exercises are happening nearby, but not under your nose. Do you think you're the Chairman of the Central Military Commission? Mentioning it to your dad? Why don't you tell your dad to launch missiles and shoot the plane down for everyone to see?"

The Japanese reconnaissance plane flew closer and closer, its markings clearly visible. If it got any nearer, one might even make out the silhouette of the pilots. The classmates knew the purpose of this trip, seizing the moment to furiously photograph the reconnaissance plane.

The reconnaissance plane deliberately circled above the oil rig. The staff were long accustomed to it, each busily tending to their tasks. As the crowd spat curses, suddenly, a missile shot up from beneath the calm sea ahead. The missile whistled, breaking the water, and soared toward the circling Japanese reconnaissance plane.

Evidently, the Japanese reconnaissance plane was terrified by the missile. Perhaps because no warning was given beforehand, it foolishly flew straight towards it. It only reacted when it was about to be struck, yanking the nose up and rapidly climbing for high altitude.

But this missile was not joking with the Japanese. Its trajectory shifted, and it rapidly overtook the P3C reconnaissance plane from behind. Boom! Accompanied by a blinding flash of fire, the reconnaissance plane exploded mid-air.

Not only were the eight male classmates stunned, but even the workers on the platform were startled. Although they were all former military personnel in disguise, they had received no orders to strike the Japanese today. Where did that missile come from?

A bespectacled male student was the first to shout, "It's our missile! It's our missile! The Japanese reconnaissance plane has been shot down! Well done, that was satisfying! Quickly transmit the photos back to school so everyone can share this gratifying moment!"

Shang Gao exclaimed in astonishment, "What kind of missile was that! I've never seen data on such a sea-launched missile before. It's incredible! The first time I've seen a submarine-launched missile in action, and it took down a Japanese plane!"

This scene was captured by several cameras simultaneously. After the wreckage of the Japanese reconnaissance plane slowly sank beneath the waves, the initial excitement faded, and everyone began reviewing the photos they had just taken. Meanwhile, the platform staff quickly reported the incident to their superiors—this was a major event. A Japanese reconnaissance plane destroyed above the rig; Japan would certainly not let this go unanswered.

As expected, by dinnertime, news arrived from the watchtower: two more Japanese reconnaissance planes had appeared in the nearby waters, but they were flying at a very high altitude. Furthermore, satellite observations indicated a Japanese fleet was moving toward the oil rig, while the naval fleet of Great Dragon Country was also gathering there.

This news nearly made Gao Sheng wet himself with fright. He immediately pulled out his phone to call his father. He had thought this was a tourist outing, but now the tour had turned into a battlefield, and who wouldn't be scared? The problem was, they couldn't leave now; the supply ship had already departed after unloading its cargo. Surrounded by boundless ocean, with only this oil rig visible, there was nowhere to hide.

Even more distressing, one classmate began weeping silently. This was no joke. The missile strike earlier felt satisfying, but now both forces were suddenly massing, creating a clear prelude to war. These ordinary people caught in the middle, their survival uncertain, could not help but be terrified.

Only Mu Fei seemed excited. After dinner, he stood alone on the oil rig, muttering to himself, "Come on, come on! I've been waiting for this day! Even if we all perish together, at least I won't have disgraced my seven-foot manhood!"

Watching Mu Fei's display from the shadows, I honestly didn't feel much aversion toward him, but the fellow was a bit too bookish and seemed to enjoy showing off. War cannot be fueled by impulse, I had gradually concluded—unless one possesses absolute strength, the luxury of acting on impulse.

Gao Sheng actually managed to get through to his father, thanks to the incredibly powerful network provided by Huanyu Communications. However, his father's reaction shocked everyone; the voice was loud enough to shake our bedrooms apart.

"You little bastard, you actually snuck off to the East China Sea! Are you tired of living! This will cause the Gao family to become childless! War is about to break out!"

Gao Sheng sobbed, "Dad, this was an activity organized voluntarily by my schoolmates. I thought nothing would happen, so I came along to see. It was a spot none of the others could easily get, how could I refuse? Who knew our country would actually fight the Japanese."

"You know nothing! That missile this evening wasn't launched by our submarines! We still haven't traced who was causing trouble secretly, but the Japanese fleet has begun mobilizing, and our East China Sea Fleet and submarine units have been dispatched. The waters you are in are now the focal point of the war. You are doomed this time!"

Gao Sheng burst into tears, "Dad, I don't want to die! Send someone to pick me up! Isn't there a plane? Send a helicopter! You're the Chief of Staff of the Navy; you have that privilege!"

Having been sentenced to death by Chief of Staff Gao, Gao Sheng collapsed onto his bunk as if paralyzed. His mood naturally spread anxiety among the other classmates, but Mu Fei quickly rallied them.

"Classmates! We can't be like this! Look at the rig workers outside; they are still doing their jobs. What about us? We shouted slogans loud enough to shake the heavens back at school, so why are we all so scared now? A severed head leaves a bowl-sized scar, but still, you signed agreements and swore oaths when you left, guaranteeing you wouldn't retreat in the face of the enemy or be frightened by the Japanese. Look at yourselves now—don't you feel ashamed? Hmph! All you do is cry and shout about chasing after the 'Golden Flowers,' but with you acting like such cowards, which Golden Flower would even spare you a glance! Look at Zhao Qian! Although he wasn't a member of our Eastward Expedition group, was he afraid? You all said online that his groping Jin Hua's backside was despicable, but I think he has the ability to grope Jin Hua's backside!"

Damn, I couldn't tell if Mu Fei was praising or insulting me, but his words truly pulled everyone out of their lethargy. The power of women is infinite! One classmate shouted, "For the Golden Flowers, classmates, let's fight the Japanese! Come on, take a picture of my glorious image with the Japanese reconnaissance plane in the background! I'll show it to Jin Hua when I get back, proving I'm no coward! How am I any worse than Zhao Qian? He can grope Jin Hua's backside, and so can I!"

Another yelled, "To live and then grope the Golden Flowers' backsides, let's get energized!"

I was speechless. What kind of reasoning was that? Besides, those Golden Flowers' backsides shouldn't be groped by them—that would be making a cuckold out of me.

Classmate Cui Ling intervened, "Alright, alright. Since everyone has cast aside life and death, perhaps we should call and text the Golden Flowers. We absolutely must let them know what we are doing here; we must move them."

Chen Ge declared, "Right, I'll call Fang Yanmeng immediately."

I warned Chen Ge, "Don't joke about my girl, or I’ll throw you into the sea to feed the sharks!"

The bespectacled student piped up, "What's this, Zhao Qian? We thought the rumors online were false—you and Fang Yanmeng really have a thing going on?"

I retorted, "What do you mean 'have a thing going on'? Yanmeng and I are in a genuine boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, the kind approved by both sets of parents—officially matched. We are classmates now, friends even, so don't start a fight like romantic rivals."

Chen Ge’s face changed, "Zhao Qian, you're talking nonsense! Fang Yanmeng would fall for you? She’s just messing with you, right? What makes you qualified to be her boyfriend, let alone officially matched? Can you give her happiness? What do you have besides yourself? What can you promise her for a happy future? I don't care if you throw me to the sharks; I'm the first to object! Besides, there are eight of us here, and you're alone; it's not certain who'll end up feeding the fish!"

I said, "Classmate Chen Ge, I can prove to you that Fang Yanmeng is indeed my girlfriend. As for how I’ll give her happiness, that’s not something I need to announce to everyone. Right now, we share a common enemy; we can't fight amongst ourselves. Let's drop the shark-feeding talk."

Chen Ge challenged, "Fine, prove it to us. As long as you can prove Fang Yanmeng willingly chose to be your girlfriend, I swear I'll never bring this up again!"

"Good. You want to call the Golden Flowers? Go ahead and call. Tell me if anyone connects."

They immediately got to work, some even calling back to the university to find the Golden Flowers' numbers. After a flurry of activity, Chen Ge told me, "No one is answering. Maybe Fang Yanmeng is resting."

I replied, "Don't make up excuses just because you couldn't get through. She is definitely working; it's still early for her to be resting."

Chen Ge’s face flushed red, "Then you call her and show us!"

Hmph, making a call was hardly difficult. Before the second ring finished, the call connected. I deliberately made it a video call to make those who lusted after the swan supremely jealous.

Fang Yanmeng was indeed at her desk reviewing documents, likely at home. She was dressed rather lightly, in a delicate, slightly sheer camisole. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her snow-white arms and chest were provocative.

"Brother Zhao Qian, didn't you go to the East China Sea? How do you have time to call me? Is this convenient?"

The camera didn't show the other classmates. I smiled, "Hehe, it's not very convenient. Still busy?"

"Yes, I have to finish reading all this material tonight. It’s so tiring and annoying. You aren't here to keep me company. When I was in university, I always felt studying was pointless, but now I realize how wonderful those times were. Hee hee, it's a pity I'm graduating; otherwise, I could have spent a few more years with you at Longteng University."

Chen Ge, Gao Sheng, and the other male classmates clustered just outside the camera's blind spot, staring intently at Fang Yanmeng. This was the first time they had seen her dressed so casually, so revealing. I deliberately shot a glance at Chen Ge, signaling him to observe Fang Yanmeng’s attitude toward me. Chen Ge turned green with anger and grunted sullenly, saying nothing.

I said to Fang Yanmeng, "I'm here with my classmates at Oil Rig C. This rig is actually on your family's company property, isn't it? How about saying a few words to the classmates, encouraging their heroic stance? You should know that war is about to break out here, and our decision to stay at this moment is fraught with danger. Everyone is extremely tense."

"Alright," Fang Yanmeng gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "But you didn't tell me in advance; I look so sloppy dressed like this."

Chen Ge could no longer hold back. He leaned into the camera and told Fang Yanmeng, "Xiaomeng, you look very sexy and beautiful like this, not sloppy at all. I like it a lot."

Fang Yanmeng wasn't surprised to see others in the frame. If it weren't for the others present, she might have taken off all her clothes. "Oh, don't, Classmate Chen Ge. Why do you like me? I accept that you like my attire, but someone who likes me would make Brother Zhao Qian unhappy. He’s a very petty man; he doesn't allow me to associate with other male classmates, not even exchanging glances."

No one, including Mu Fei, expected Fang Yanmeng to say something like that. Previously, Fang Yanmeng rarely interacted with classmates, and even then, only with a few female students. She had barely spoken to these boys. Now, not only was she talking to them, but what she was saying was enough to make hearts race and cause jealousy.

Chen Ge stammered, "N-n-no way, Xiaomeng, what do you mean by that? Are you really Zhao Qian’s girlfriend? I don't believe it. Don't lie to me! How am I less outstanding than Zhao Qian? I wrote you so many love letters, sent so many texts—didn't you see any of them? You should know who my father is; that makes me a much better fit for your boyfriend. Don't tease me just because of Zhao Qian, okay?"

Fang Yanmeng propped her chin on her hands and said seriously, "I'm not teasing you. Brother Zhao Qian is my boyfriend; that's a fact. And we’ve been dating for a year. I saw some of your love letters and texts, and I borrowed many classic lines to write to Brother Zhao Qian. He even praised me for being talented, hehe. Actually, borrowing is also a kind of talent, right? Your father is the mayor of SH City, I believe, but that's not important to me. I like Brother Zhao Qian for who he is, not for money or power—I lack neither of those."

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