Chapter 127: Returning to the Port Area
That night, Lin Lan and his group returned to the port area without incident. Despite its remote location, his port area had already begun to take shape.
Accompanied by Eugen and the others, Lin Lan disembarked from the yacht and walked to the dock.
Searchlights illuminated the harbor, making it visible even from the river. Overhead, patrolling drones circled the skies, further enhancing the area's security.
Though only a few days had passed, the defense system in the port area was already operational.
This left Lin Lan impressed. The iron-blooded faction certainly lived up to its reputation for efficiency.
"It's a good location. No one around to bother us," Prince Eugen commented, stroking her long silver hair.
She took Lin Lan's hand, her lips curving into a satisfied smile.
After arriving from the Iron Fortress, they had only briefly stayed outside the port area before heading to Yalang City to find Lin Lan.
"It's a pity there's no signal here. I can't connect to the network, use my phone, or watch TV," Lin Lan remarked. While satisfied with the location, the lack of communication was inconvenient.
"Meow~ Leave it to me! As long as the commander is willing to pay, this Akashi can do anything~"
The ever-opportunistic Akashi perked up, her face lighting up with a sly smile.
"You can install a signal tower here?" Lin Lan asked skeptically, glancing at the profiteer as they walked toward the gate of the port area.
"Meowhahaha! Of course! Just leave it to me! Give me a few days, and I'll have a signal tower ready for you~"
Akashi flicked her kitten ears proudly before adding,
"Of course, the cost of materials, network connection, and maintenance fees... The commander will need to pay for all that!"
Lin Lan sighed as the corners of his mouth twitched.
This little profiteer had clearly been watching too much television in the villa over the past few days, picking up new ways to exploit him.
"Fine. Just get the signal tower up first. We'll discuss the rest later," Lin Lan conceded.
As they reached the gate, Ulrich, Brunhilde, and Z23 were already waiting for them, alerted by the drone surveillance system.
"Welcome home, Commander," Z23 greeted cheerfully, stepping forward in her light blue dress, her face radiant with joy.
"My dear Nimi! You've gotten even cuter in just a few days!"
Eugen tactfully released Lin Lan's hand as he stepped forward to lift the petite Z23 into the air, a playful grin on his face.
The shy initial ship girl blushed furiously but did not resist.
At the same time, Ulrich and Brunhilde approached. Ulrich's dark yellow eyes radiate warmth and tenderness.
"Commander, everyone, dinner is ready. Please follow me," she said with a gentle smile.
"Dinner!" Z16 cheered enthusiastically, jumping up in excitement.
Lin Lan's stomach growled loudly, his body craving sustenance after a long, exhausting day.
Following Ulrich, the group arrived at the dining hall, which had been completed just two days prior.
Previously, the cafeteria only functioned as a kitchen, with meals delivered to the dormitories.
Now, a proper dining area had been added, its interior designed in the iron-blooded faction's signature black-and-red tavern style.
Behind the counter stood Roon, wearing a black apron over a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, her pink hair tied back.
"Good evening, Commander. Dinner is ready for you," Roon greeted, her voice filled with gentle warmth.
Lin Lan smiled in gratitude. "Thank you, Roon. You're always so dependable."
He reached out to affectionately ruffle her hair, feeling immense appreciation for the iron-blooded chef who seemed to devote herself entirely to caring for the port area's meals.
Not far away, Hipper, Scharnhorst, and Gneisenau sat at a table with glasses of beer in hand.
"Hey, Commander! You're finally back. Come have a drink with us!" Scharnhorst called out with a flushed face, waving enthusiastically.
Gneisenau adjusted her glasses, giving Lin Lan an inviting look. Meanwhile, Hipper crossed her arms and turned away, her tsundere personality on full display.
Lin Lan smirked inwardly. It seemed Hipper was jealous after hearing about his antics with her younger sister.
"Not tonight. I'm too tired from the trip. Next time, I promise," Lin Lan said tactfully.
He made a mental note to have a proper chat with Hipper in the office the next day.
For now, he followed the others to the table, where Roon and her kitchen team served a spread of steaming, delicious iron-blooded cuisine.
The sight and aroma of the dishes instantly whetted Lin Lan's appetite. Even the pickiest eater would struggle to find fault with such a feast.
During dinner, other ship girls who had heard of his return stopped by to greet him.
Among them were Ruprecht, Egil, Elbe, the gentle Emden, and the three lively U-boat chibis.
The meal stretched late into the night as Lin Lan entertained their company.
Finally, after bidding farewell to Eugen, Blucher, Peter, and Z23, who had escorted him to his attic office, Lin Lan returned to his bedroom.
After a hot shower, he collapsed onto his soft bed, his body still sore from the day's exertions.
"If it weren't for the power this mark gave me, I might've been squeezed dry on that yacht today..." Lin Lan chuckled to himself, recalling the day's chaotic events.
Despite the exhaustion, the experiences were undeniably enjoyable. As the "Sea King" commander with an abundance of oaths, such events were bound to happen more often.
Glancing at the mysterious mark on the back of his right hand, Lin Lan noticed something unusual.
The intricate pattern seemed more refined, almost glowing.
"What's going on?"
He raised his hand for a closer look. Suddenly, a searing heat radiated from the mark, as if his hand had been plunged into fire.
"Ah! My hand's burning!"
Startled, Lin Lan leapt up, intending to run it under cold water. Before he could act, an astonishing sight unfolded before his eyes...
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