Building the Inner Cycle: A Path Beyond Talent to Power!

After leaving Lu Nianxin behind, Jiang Xiaoci led her team back to the base. She had many other matters to address and couldn't spend all her time guiding Chen Dafeng on how to become a competent administrator.

The moment she returned to the settlement, Jiang Xiaoci headed straight to her quarters, where Mike was waiting.

"I've seen the results—you did an excellent job," Mike said warmly, smiling at her as she entered. He wasn't shy with his praise. "Xiaoci, you're incredible. You took the Little Polar Bear Shelter without shedding a single drop of blood."

"I thought we were in for a brutal fight, one that might cost us lives," he admitted. "But you handled it so swiftly."

"Life is full of surprises," Jiang Xiaoci replied softly, lowering her gaze. Her voice carried a gentle warmth, so different from her composed demeanor outside. "We owe much of our success to Sergeant Wang's actions. I did very little and can't claim credit for this victory."

At that moment, all traces of her usual elegance were replaced with tender humility. Her voice was soft, as though she couldn't bear to raise it when speaking to Mike.

"Sergeant Wang, indeed," Mike agreed, his eyes drifting to the door. Just then, he noticed Wang Shi quietly stepping out, leaving the two alone.

Ah, this guy really does have a bodyguard's instincts, Mike thought, amused. Every time Jiang Xiaoci entered, Wang Shi would silently take his post by the door, standing watch alongside the robots. He'd even amuse himself by mentally debating the merits of cybernetic versus mechanical enhancements.

"Sir, taking over the Little Polar Bear Shelter was an unexpected boon," Jiang Xiaoci began, retrieving a document. Her voice was as calm as ever, but the strategic insight behind her words was razor-sharp. "Although their population of producers with aptitudes is limited, the materials they produce will allow us to sustain a larger military force."

Mike nodded thoughtfully as she continued. He knew her advice always aligned with his best interests. No leader could afford to ignore the strength of their military, and Jiang Xiaoci never failed to address it with precision.

"By the way, Xiaoci," Mike said suddenly, as though remembering something. "I've gained two new pacts."

"Two new pacts?" Jiang Xiaoci tilted her head slightly, intrigued. She listened intently as Mike explained their terms, her lips curling into a faint smile.

"With these pacts in place," Mike concluded, his tone lighter, "plus some material adjustments, I think we'll be able to sustain our military without requiring further contributions. Everything should be self-sufficient!"

"Sir, I'd suggest we still consider contributing some resources," Jiang Xiaoci countered gently. "These pacts resolve our immediate resource shortages, but they only just meet the daily needs of the military. To thrive long-term, we need to accumulate reserves to handle unexpected challenges."

"Like saving for a rainy day?" Mike remarked.

"Exactly," she replied with a nod. "As the saying goes—'store grain high, build walls strong, and rule wisely.'"

Mike chuckled. "Alright, I trust your judgment. So, how much should we scale back?"

Jiang Xiaoci had already anticipated the question. "Keep the 20,000 best soldiers and release the rest. That will free up resources to sustain a broader range of combat capabilities."

"Only 2,500 to cut? That's manageable," Mike mused. Her plans always struck a balance between practicality and his own reservations. He felt confident approving them.

"Then it's settled. I'll oversee the process," Jiang Xiaoci said, rising to leave. "Sir, please rest tonight. I'll handle the details and notify you when it's time for the next recruitment."

Before exiting, she added, "Regarding the Little Polar Bear Shelter, I suggest we hold off on any further action. We should focus on integrating their people into our base. As for the city center, I recommend delaying any confrontational strategies for now. First, we need to fortify our internal strength and set the groundwork for future operations."

Mike nodded, trusting her completely. "All right. You handle it—I don't need to worry with you around."

Her careful planning, her meticulous execution—everything she did was seamless. Mike felt at ease leaving the burden in her hands.

Just as she was about to leave, he hesitated. "Xiaoci."

She turned, her expression soft and attentive. "Sir, is there something else?"

"Are you... busy tonight?" he asked awkwardly, as if unsure of his own words. "There's so much to do—must be exhausting."

Jiang Xiaoci chuckled lightly, her intuition sharp as ever. Returning to his side, she leaned against his shoulder. "Not too busy. Honestly, after such a long night, I'm feeling a bit tired."

"Then rest!" Mike exclaimed immediately. "There's always more work, but your health comes first."

"Understood, sir," she replied with a smile, her fingers curling around his arm. Her voice softened even further. "Sir, I haven't stayed by your side in a while. Would you mind if I did tonight?"

"Of course not," Mike said, pulling her into his arms. The warmth of her presence settled him, her soft fragrance lingering in the air.

"Xiaoci," he murmured into her hair.

"Hmm?" she responded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You're brilliant. I didn't even need to ask you to stay."

She smiled playfully. "Of course. I'm the one who understands you best. I always know what you want."

"Then tell me," he teased, his voice low. "What do I want right now?"

"I know," she whispered, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "But I'm not telling."