In the city, on West Street.

At the end of this street, steeped in the rich history of the past, a solemn and dignified government office building stands in the morning light. Its neat and orderly architectural lines exude an aura of righteousness, inspiring respect in all who behold it.

Today, the security alert level here has been raised to the highest standard.

Within a three-kilometer radius, all external wireless signals were blocked and cut off. Elite security personnel, selected through multiple layers of screening and possessing top-notch combat capabilities, were deployed on both sides of the streets and on the highest points of tall buildings to maintain a comprehensive blockade and guard the area without leaving any blind spots.

All the precautions were taken in preparation for a highly confidential honor awarding ceremony, known only to the core senior management.

A black official car pulled up smoothly, and inside sat Liu Ming.

He shed his combat training uniform, now covered in gunpowder and dust, and donned a neat and elegant dark gray Zhongshan suit. The collar buttons were fastened tightly to the top, just covering a not-yet-fully-healed scar on his collarbone. The old wound on his left shoulder had already undergone professional pressure treatment, and it still throbbed with a dull ache, but on his cold and resolute face, there was not a trace of pain or discomfort.

At this moment, he was like a peerless blade completely sheathed. His sharpness was completely concealed, and his demeanor was calm and dignified, as steadfast as a mountain.

The vehicle slowly drove into the campus and came to a steady stop at the end of the red carpet leading to the auditorium.

Liu Ming pushed open the door and got out of the car. Her steps were steady and firm, each step rhythmic and powerful, exuding an aura of authority.

……

Inside the ceremony hall, there were no elaborately laid-out flowers or red carpets, no noisy crowds of media, and an extremely low-key atmosphere, yet it exuded solemnity and reverence.

Two rows of honor guards stood tall and straight, like spears, on either side of the aisle, exuding a solemn aura. Seated in the front row were core predecessors and high-ranking generals who had been in charge of the overall situation and had devoted themselves to the construction of the nation.

Old Mr. Lin sat upright in his wheelchair, having specially changed into a crisp, old-style military uniform today. The medals scattered across his chest gleamed, bearing witness to his lifelong military service and dedication to the country. The old man's eyes were slightly closed, but his calloused hands trembled slightly.

This was an overwhelming sense of excitement, a heartfelt pride and satisfaction at seeing younger generations standing tall and making contributions to the country.

"Liu Ming has arrived."

General Zhang, who was sitting next to Elder Lin, spoke softly. This high-ranking general was Xing Lie's direct superior, who had been easily subdued by Liu Ming during the Ningzhou incident.

He gazed at the tall, slender figure at the doorway, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions—shock, awe, and utter admiration.

"This kid has a ruthlessness and tenacity that are hard to match in ordinary people."

General Zhang sighed in admiration, "Alone in dire straits, he single-handedly took over the air defense and anti-missile system, turning the tide of the crisis. Such extraordinary mental fortitude and top-notch professional skills are hard to find anywhere else in the entire army."

"He was never an ordinary person."

In the main seat at the center of the hall, an elder in a high position who was in charge of the overall situation slowly spoke.

His voice was gentle and light, yet it possessed a powerful, penetrating quality that left no room for argument.

"He is the strongest shield for my Dragon Kingdom."

……

Liu Ming walked steadily into the center of the auditorium, stood still, legs together, head held high and chest out, her movements precise and swift, all in one smooth motion.

Facing the golden national emblem hanging high on the wall, he raised his hand in the most standard and solemn military salute. His posture was upright, his demeanor dignified, fully demonstrating his patriotism.

"Comrade Liu Ming, please step forward."

The elder in high rank slowly rose and personally picked up the medals quietly displayed on the tray.

This medal is entirely gilded, with a dazzling red star set in the center; it has a weighty feel and shines brilliantly. Along the edge of the medal are engraved a line of neat, small characters: "Loyalty to the country, unwavering even in the face of death."

The entire room fell silent instantly.

All the distinguished and high-ranking generals present stood up in unison, their gazes solemn as they looked at the young figure in the center of the hall.

The elder walked slowly to Liu Ming's side. Instead of putting on the medal, he gently smoothed Liu Ming's slightly disheveled collar and gazed at Liu Ming's pale face with tenderness.

"Does the wound still hurt?"

Liu Ming remained motionless, her voice calm and clear: "It doesn't hurt, I'm used to it."

"What a habit."

Upon hearing this, a warm red tinge quietly rose in the elder's eyes.

He turned to face all the generals present, his voice suddenly becoming loud and solemn, resounding throughout the solemn auditorium.

"Three years ago, Comrade Liu Ming served in the Longya Special Forces system. He repeatedly ventured into dangerous areas and secretly advanced, successively destroying three secret research bases planted by foreign forces for infiltration and sabotage. At that time, he won three First-Class Merit Medals, achieving remarkable merit at a young age."

"At that time, he was a hidden sentry guarding the country in the shadows, a sharp sword that would cut down evil and protect the land when it was drawn."

After a slight pause, the elder's sharp gaze swept across the room, his words ringing with conviction.

"Three months ago, he was appointed to a critical mission, took off his military uniform, and rushed to the front line, taking root in the local science and technology innovation and economic front. Facing the foreign interest forces that had been entrenched for many years, he broke the deadlock alone, turned the tide against the odds, recovered hundreds of billions of yuan of core assets for the country, and firmly safeguarded the lifeline of domestic high-end technology."

"And just last night!"

His tone suddenly rose, like a thunderclap, shaking people to their core!

"In the perilous 'Death Valley' on the southwestern border, riddled with minefields and heavily fortified by air defenses, Comrade Liu Ming defied the odds, successfully rescuing fifteen national-level scientific experts. Furthermore, with extraordinary courage and cutting-edge technology, he single-handedly forcibly accessed the air defense and anti-missile system, manually rewriting the interception coordinates to precisely intercept three incoming missiles that posed a significant threat to border stability and national security!"

"Such achievements, demonstrating both wisdom and courage, and single-handedly protecting the peace and stability of the people, are extremely rare throughout history!"

The elder turned around abruptly, solemnly raised the gilded medal with both hands, and firmly placed it on Liu Ming's chest. His movements were dignified and respectful, full of expectation and reverence.

"Comrade Liu Ming, this is your fourth First-Class Merit Medal."

"This medal belongs to the rescued scientific talents, to the brave warriors who protected our land, and above all, to the vast land of China and its hundreds of millions of people!"

"Thank you, sir!"

Liu Ming stood tall and proud, his aura of bloodshed and battle-hardened power now transformed into the supreme glory of protecting his country. The golden medals shone brightly on his young yet resolute face, dazzling and awe-inspiring.

Below the stage, General Zhao looked at the gleaming array of medals on the young man's chest, couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile, and whispered to his colleagues beside him with a sigh.

"At only thirty years old, he was awarded four first-class merits. This was no ordinary award ceremony; it was a firsthand witnessing of the birth of a living legend."

"Yes," a colleague beside him exclaimed in admiration. "What's most remarkable is that he is now deeply involved in science and technology innovation and government affairs, yet he also possesses nuclear physics research capabilities, financial trading skills, and the ability to operate defense interception systems at extreme levels and rewrite wartime coordinates. Such a top-notch talent with cross-disciplinary and all-round capabilities is unique in the world."

……

The awarding ceremony concluded, and everyone gradually left the venue.

The senior official deliberately kept Liu Ming behind, and the two moved to a private lounge with a wide view overlooking the entire city for a deep and private conversation.

"Xiao Liu, what are your plans for the future?"

The elder personally poured him a cup of tea, his expression gentle, devoid of any airs of authority, like a kind and benevolent elder.

"Returning to my post, I will dedicate myself to the field of chip technology innovation."

Liu Ming took the teacup, her eyes clear and firm, her tone calm yet resolute.

"The failure of foreign forces' border strategy this time will certainly not stop them. They will definitely resort to more underhanded tactics to try to suppress our science and technology innovation industries and cut off our technological lifeline. The road ahead is still full of challenges, and we cannot relax our vigilance in the slightest."

"Well said."

The elder nodded slowly, his face showing approval.

He strolled to the window, gazing at the city lights, the bustling and peaceful scene, and at this beautiful land of peace and prosperity. After a moment, he turned back and patted Liu Ming's shoulder heavily.

The force was steady and profound, carrying boundless expectations and entrustment to the younger generation.

"You personally quelled the chaos in the Jiangnan region; you defied the odds and resolved the crisis on the border."

The elder looked at Liu Ming with a solemn gaze, speaking each word with earnestness.

"My child, remember the weight of the medal you wear on your chest today."

"You are truly a pillar of the Chinese nation."

"Standing firm in the city, protecting the land."

"You possess the literary talent to cultivate scientific and technological innovation and stabilize the nation's foundation, and the martial prowess to protect the country and safeguard its land!"

"Go for it, stay true to your principles, live up to your original aspirations, and live up to the expectations of your country and people."

Liu Ming gazed into the elder's earnest and profound eyes, straightened her back once more, and became even more upright and resolute.

"Yes! I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

……

As I stepped out of the office building, the night was clear, and the stars and moon shone brightly in the sky.

Liu Ming looked up at the dazzling stars in the northern sky, feeling an unprecedented sense of peace and certainty in her heart.

He knows that today's unparalleled glory is not the end, but a brand new starting point for him and for the rise of science and technology innovation in the country.

The fingertips lightly touch the medal on the chest, the warm touch lingering in the palm. This is the glory of the brave, and also the long-cherished wish of the family and country passed down from the fathers and never forgotten.

"Old Chen, let's set off."

Liu Ming bent down and sat in the official car, her tone indifferent.

"Director, where are we going?"

"Return to the science and technology innovation department."

Liu Ming slowly closed his eyes, a calm yet sharp smile curving his lips, his eyes revealing an undiminished sharpness and determination.

"Those hidden grudges and schemes."

"We'll settle the score slowly."

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