Overtime? No, This Is a Sacrifice for the Great Cause of Apocalypse Relief!

"A few days ago, the Eastern Command reorganized the research institute, bringing in a number of new faces." "To align with the command's restructuring, I made some adjustments to the distribution of the research teams within the institute, assigning Chen Qiu-ren and Zhao Si-qi to lead separate teams." "And as for the team led by Miss Zhao..."Li Ya pursed her lips, a playful smile spreading across her face. "There are many talented young researchers in her team—mostly men, brimming with energy. They can take on the more demanding tasks, easing the research pressure on Miss Zhao.""Oh?"Mike blinked, quickly piecing things together.If Li Ya was praising someone as 'talented,' it was likely because they were genuinely exceptional—and probably not unattractive. After all, researchers typically had a certain refined air about them, often with a scholarly aura that enhanced their looks.Zhao Si-qi leading a team full of capable young men... Mike could already imagine how competitive the atmosphere in her team must be. These young guys would certainly want to perform well in front of such a beauty, which would surely push their research progress to skyrocket.Just as Li Ya finished explaining, Chen Qiu-ren interjected loudly, cutting her off."Young and talented? They're all just a bunch of little perverts! Not one of them is serious about research! They're all here for the wrong reasons!""I want to file a complaint! Boss! Li Ya's team assignments are seriously flawed!""Why is it that I'm stuck with a bunch of old men while Zhao Si-qi gets a team of young men?"Chen Qiu-ren was visibly upset, his face full of grievance.Mike, always focused on employee relations, immediately asked in a stern tone, "So, you want me to assign you some female researchers instead?""Well, that wouldn't be bad..."Chen Qiu-ren's eyes lit up for a moment, but he quickly shook his head and declared with conviction, "No! I am not swayed by beauty! My heart is dedicated to research! I live for the people!""What do I need women for? Research demands full dedication—feelings can't be eaten!"His voice grew more intense, his gaze fixed firmly on Zhao Si-qi. "Love and passion—they're distractions that only slow down research progress. A true researcher wouldn't spare a glance at the opposite sex.""The revolution is not yet complete, how can we indulge in such things?""The masses are still suffering, with the dangers of the apocalypse growing every month! And there are enemies lurking in the shadows, threatening the lives of tens of thousands of people!""In these critical moments, we researchers enjoy good food, comfortable accommodations, and all the precious resources saved by the people. How can we possibly have time for anything outside of our work?""Any distraction from research is the greatest betrayal of our anti-disaster efforts! It's the utmost irresponsibility toward the people! It is the greatest shame for humanity and the most damaging blow to our fellow citizens!"The more Chen Qiu-ren ranted, the more aggrieved and tragic he sounded.Mike, utterly stunned by the unexpected outburst, couldn't believe that this carefree, free-spirited man could become so... so bitter.Li Ya, on the other hand, was quietly enjoying the spectacle, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she continued to nibble on her snack.Mike had figured it out.This wasn't a grand moral stance; this was pure jealousy. He couldn't help but wonder just how much Chen Qiu-ren had been affected during his time at the institute to be carrying so much resentment, sulking like a petulant woman."Enough!"Zhao Si-qi had heard enough. She cut off his impassioned speech with a sharp tone, frowning. "Stop talking. What you really want is to merge the two teams, isn't it?""The research objectives of the two teams are completely different. Our areas of study don't overlap. How do you expect to handle all of that?"She gave him an exasperated look, knowing exactly what he was up to but choosing not to waste any more time explaining. She had enough on her plate already."How can it be impossible?"Chen Qiu-ren wasn't having it. He slapped his chest and insisted, "Who am I? I am Chen Qiu-ren! What research problem can I not solve?""I was in high school at seven! I entered university at twelve! I finished three PhDs by twenty!""The most prestigious medical conferences in the world wait for me! I've personally performed three out of the seven wonders of modern surgery!""Who do you think of when you mention Hua Tuo? It's me!""You think I can't handle it? Who are you to say that?"His boastful declarations seemed designed to force a "You're amazing!" from Zhao Si-qi, but instead, she merely sneered and retorted, "Is this the justification for you being a killer at twenty-six? You used to save lives, but now you're taking them?"Chen Qiu-ren rolled his eyes, falling silent as he sat down, deflated."Is this going to blow up?"Mike leaned in and quietly asked Li Ya, worried that things might escalate. "This guy seems pretty upset. Don't just sit there eating popcorn; if you push him too far, it won't end well.""It'll be fine," Li Ya whispered back with a grin, leaning closer. "Next week, the teams are being reorganized. He'll be Zhao Si-qi's research assistant.""Everyone at the institute knows about this big vinegar jar. The young guys are all afraid of him; no one dares to hang around Miss Zhao."Mike nodded, but said nothing more, still puzzled. "Alright then."He stood up, cutting off the ongoing drama with an authoritative tone. "I'll take responsibility. The teams will be merged next week. Chen Qiu-ren, no more complaints—just focus on your work.""I trust Zhao Si-qi's judgment. You'd better stop talking like that."Chen Qiu-ren, however, only seemed to perk up at the mention of his "promotion.""Really? We're merging?""Work your way up. Let's see how you perform."Mike gestured toward the table where the advancement items lay."Great! I love leveling up!"Chen Qiu-ren gleefully grabbed the item, thumping his chest. "Leveling up is the only way to better serve the people!"Mike raised an eyebrow. "So, no more complaints about overtime?""Overtime?"Chen Qiu-ren gave a firm shake of his head. "This is a sacrifice for the great cause of disaster relief in the apocalypse! When the nation is in peril, it's everyone's duty! We give our all for the country and its people!""Every hour of research we put in is a victory for the people's smiles!""What's wrong with staying up all night? What's wrong with being exhausted? As long as the people are happy, who cares about my own comfort?"With that, he dramatically extended his hand, presenting the advancement item with an air of finality. "Please, leader, grant me the honor of leveling up!"Mike, shaking his head with a smile, proceeded to help the three advance to their S-rank.After the advancements, Mike decided to check their new abilities.Li Ya had a range of research-oriented abilities, including "Scientific Insight," "Efficient Development," and "Data Analysis," reflecting her role as a comprehensive leader.Zhao Si-qi's new abilities were focused on the medical and ecological sciences, strengthening her expertise in her field.Chen Qiu-ren's new abilities gave Mike a bit of a surprise. He truly seemed capable of mastering a wide array of technological fields, combining his medical expertise with new skills in cutting-edge research.After the advancement ceremony, Mike had hoped to chat and connect with his team, but it seemed they were all too eager to get back to work.Li Ya explained that it was all because of the 200+ high-level projects Mike had just acquired. They were all formidable tasks, each critical to the broader strategy of technological development.Chen Qiu-ren's earlier complaints, in fact, reflected the reality ahead: non-stop overtime in the days to come."I didn't want it to be like this," Mike murmured to himself, watching the team leave.Though he wasn't on the front lines of research or combat, his role demanded that he stay informed, managing the broader picture.And just as he finished overseeing the institute's affairs, news came from Chen Da-feng in Guangling, and it wasn't good.