Chapter 5: Different Universes, The Same Civilization

The 237 Plan was divided into three parts: the Research Group, the Logistics Department, and the Execution Department. The Research Group was responsible for investigation and strategic planning. The Logistics Department handled support and management. The Execution Department, currently centered around Fang Jing, had the primary task of assisting him.

As the plan commenced, everyone gathered in the office of the underground base. The 237 Plan was housed in the expanded “Underground Great Wall” building. The new facility was spacious and fully equipped—Fang Jing and his team had everything ready to move in immediately.

“Are you ready?” Zhao Guangyao asked, watching Fang Jing, fully armed.

“I’m ready. Let’s head to the decontamination chamber,” Fang Jing nodded, prepared for what lay ahead.

“Good. The future of Huaguo rests on you!” Zhao Guangyao said, patting Fang Jing firmly on the shoulder. No further words were needed; throughout the Xishan base, every soldier fought for Huaguo’s future.

“I will bring good news,” Fang Jing said resolutely as he stepped into the decontamination chamber.

The decontamination chamber was one of the largest rooms in the base, equipped with a full set of 4A biosafety laboratory protective systems. After completing the decontamination process, Fang Jing entered the room and was surprised to find a document quietly placed in a cabinet to his left.

“This is a file personally approved by Number One. If the other party truly is from Huaguo and holds goodwill, handing this over will make them understand,” Zhao Guangyao’s voice echoed through the loudspeaker, followed by a solemn farewell: “Safe travels, Comrade Zhu.”

“Number One’s document!” Fang Jing’s spirits soared. It turned out that the highest authority had been monitoring this matter all along. Clenching his fists, Fang Jing’s gaze grew firm. He was determined not to disappoint their trust.

Recalling the machine he had seen in the pure white space, the device suddenly materialized before his eyes once more. This time, the image was more detailed—clearly, a small black dot appeared on the machine.

“Is that Universe One?” Fang Jing focused his consciousness on that tiny black dot.

In an instant, Fang Jing vanished from sight.

Zhao Guangyao and the others in the monitoring room were stunned, rising abruptly as they witnessed Fang Jing disappear. Li Tianming, Wu Xi, and the others gasped in astonishment, repeatedly expressing their amazement. The vast multiverse was indeed full of wonders.

“Our opportunity has truly arrived! He said the soldiers on the other side wear full-body exoskeletons!” Zhou Yuan, a burly man, had no ulterior motives. Just thinking about the exoskeletons and imagining himself clad in one made his eyes gleam with excitement.

“Hope he succeeds!” With powered armor, he might be able to advance and fight carrying a heavy machine gun! The thought made Zhou Yuan drool. Exoskeletons and mechs—this was the true romance of manhood.

***

Universe One, Huaguo, Institute 710 Interrogation Room.

A week had passed since the “anomalous incident.” Zhou Weirong, responsible for the case, made it a point to sit in the interrogation room daily. Today was no exception. He sat silently, staring at the empty chair opposite him.

“Captain, still waiting here again today?” a team member greeted as he passed by.

“Yes. He disappeared from here; maybe he’ll return here,” Zhou Weirong replied with a nod.

“That’s unlikely. This is spatial technology; changing location should be easy enough,” the member said, scratching his head with a hint of bitterness. “If only the other party could help us—with spatial and temporal tech, relocating should be effortless.”

“Not necessarily. He… is confused and might not even understand how he traveled,” Zhou Weirong said, harboring no illusions. The other party’s situation was clearly bewildering even to himself.

“Commander Zhou also took a personal interest in this. He specifically ordered Institute 710 to disconnect all network connections,” Zhou Weirong’s brow relaxed at the mention of the Commander but remained silent for a moment. The interrogation room fell into a quiet stillness.

“Well, Captain, I’ll…” The team member, sensing awkwardness, prepared to leave.

“Officer Zhou, hello. We meet again,” a familiar voice interrupted.

“Fang Jing!” Zhou Weirong snapped his head around, pupils contracting sharply.

Sure enough, Fang Jing sat fully armored and wearing a bulletproof vest directly across from him. He had changed his location!

The ability to transfer to different locations was something Fang Jing had just learned after interacting with the machine. This greatly improved his chances of survival—no longer needing to fear being cornered.

“Officer Zhou, how long has it been over there?” Fang Jing asked, surprised Zhou Weirong was still waiting.

“So, the time flow here and there are different?” he pondered.

“It’s been a week. What exactly is going on?” Zhou Weirong exhaled, gently pushing aside a teammate who was readying his weapon defensively. His tone was warm, as if addressing an old friend after some time apart.

“It’s also been a week. Seems the time flow in both places is the same!” Fang Jing muttered, noticing Zhou Weirong eavesdropping. He chuckled softly, then said, “Bring someone you can talk to—I have something for him.”

He waved the yellow document folder in his hand.

“What’s that?” Zhou Weirong asked, curious about Fang Jing’s sudden confidence. Initially confused, how had he become so assured in just seven days?

“This is a document personally authorized by Number One,” Fang Jing said. His confidence stemmed from the powerful nation backing him.

“Number One? Which Number One?” Zhou Weirong’s eyes widened in shock. Could this be…

“Of course, the Number One of our world, Huaguo. How about that? Qualified enough to invite someone over, right?” Fang Jing smirked, eyes fixed intently on Zhou Weirong, gauging his reaction.

“Huaguo…” Hearing the name of the country he had protected for over twenty years come from a ‘traveler’ made Zhou Weirong’s pupils shrink sharply. He stood abruptly.

This wasn’t the reaction Fang Jing sought. Only when he saw the wary look in Zhou Weirong’s eyes soften and his expression grow gentler did Fang Jing feel completely at ease.

“I understand what you mean. Xiao Zou, bring some food over and treat Comrade Fang Jing well!” This was the first time Zhou Weirong addressed Fang Jing as “Comrade.”

Hearing the word, Fang Jing smiled knowingly and saluted properly, saying solemnly, “Comrade Zhou Weirong, this matter is of great importance. I entrust it to you!”

“Don’t worry!” Zhou Weirong returned the salute, understanding immediately. A genuine smile spread across his face.

Two people from different worlds, bonded by the same nation and culture, united firmly by a single word: “Comrade.”