Chapter 109: The Fishing Operation (Part Two)

The convoy departed the base, beginning to travel along the rural dirt road toward the nearest highway.

In vehicle number fourteen, “Black Panther” was monitoring the entire convoy through his satellite imagery.

“Number Three, what exactly is your base for? Why isn’t there any image of your base on the military satellite?” he asked.

Zhang Mingyang, code-named Number Three, replied, “Classified! Classified! Some things just can’t be seen!”

Hearing this, Black Panther understood immediately—some matters were not to be questioned.

“Number Three, Number Three! This is Number One calling!”

Through the earpiece, Tian Wenyuan called out to Zhang Mingyang. “Number Three here, go ahead, Number One.”

“Number Three, the highway entrance is ten kilometers ahead. Please activate satellite positioning.”

“Received, Number One.”

Zhang Mingyang unclipped a screen from his bulletproof vest, activated the base’s dedicated satellite, and then transmitted the convoy’s location and images onto the front windshields of all the vehicles.

“Crab,” driving one of the cars, was startled by the sudden image. “Number Three, what is this? Why is the satellite image so clear?”

Zhang Mingyang replied, “This is our base’s own satellite. With global network and Yami positioning, it can monitor any object’s movement on Earth in real-time, with zero delay.”

In truth, this spy satellite was the latest product from the Northern Group, equipped with tracking, positioning, and real-time monitoring capabilities. It also carried the most advanced optoelectronic ray sensor, capable of detecting electromagnetic waves on the ground, underground heat sources, and even stealth objects in the sky.

Moreover, the satellite had built-in global networking; if enemies cut off ground networks, it could automatically switch networks and continue transmitting data unaffected by any anti-network weapons.

Black Panther swiped his hand over the convoy’s image on the windshield and was surprised to find the screen responded to his touch.

“Damn! Number Three, how does this work? I didn’t even touch the glass, yet the image slides?”

Zhang Mingyang explained, “This is the latest VR system we call the virtual computer. Look under the windshield—is there a small sphere?”

Black Panther looked and indeed saw a ping-pong ball-sized sphere affixed there.

Zhang Mingyang continued, “That sphere is the virtual computer. It’s covered with sensors that observe the surroundings in 360 degrees. When it detects someone nearby, it locks onto that person. When the locked person looks at the projected screen and operates it, the image changes accordingly. If you’re not looking at the projection, swiping won’t move the image.”

Listening to Zhang Mingyang’s explanation, Black Panther tried it out. Sure enough, when he looked at the projection and manipulated it, the image changed; when he looked away, it froze.

“This is really fascinating!” Black Panther said, adjusting the image repeatedly with fluid ease.

“Number Three, I think this system could pair well with our assault robots. Imagine our people in the rear only carrying this device to control the robots remotely—that’s way better than using controllers.”

Zhang Mingyang agreed; it was like playing a game.

“Number Three, Number Three, Number One calling. We’ve entered the highway. Please activate the scanner.”

Following Tian’s command, Zhang Mingyang switched on the satellite scanner. The projected image changed again, resembling airport security screening: surrounding vehicles and their occupants were clearly visible as if seen through walls, making it easy to detect if anyone carried weapons.

According to their roles, Zhang Mingyang operated the system while Black Panther monitored the surroundings. Everything proceeded orderly.

On the highway, the escort convoy occupied much of one lane. The vehicles kept to the right to leave the left lane open. All cars bore regular license plates this time, aiming for low profile.

After nearly half an hour of driving with no disturbances, they were approaching the exit three kilometers ahead, where they would leave the highway.

“Number One, Number One, Number Three calling. Three kilometers ahead, exit right.”

“Received, Number Three.”

As per the route, the convoy neared the highway exit, but traffic ahead suddenly slowed.

“What’s going on?”

Zhang Mingyang saw the vehicles slow down outside.

Black Panther quickly dragged the satellite image forward to investigate. Soon, he reported, “Two kilometers ahead, there’s been a traffic accident. Vehicles behind are congested.”

“No way!”

Zhang Mingyang grew tense staring at the satellite image. “We just left the base—are they moving so soon?”

“Unlikely,” Black Panther said, scanning nearby vehicles, “None of these cars have weapons.”

“Looks like just an ordinary traffic accident then.”

Soon, several traffic police arrived to direct traffic.

Half an hour later, the vehicles ahead began moving slowly again, indicating the accident scene was being cleared.

Another half hour passed before the convoy finally reached the accident site. Two trucks had collided. One truck’s front end was smashed and thrown over ten meters, with scattered debris on the road.

The convoy passed safely through the accident site, preparing to enter Lushi City.

“Attention all vehicles: the convoy is entering Lushi. The city is crowded with people and vehicles. Stay vigilant.”

“Number Fourteen received!”

As tall buildings appeared ahead, the convoy entered Lushi’s fourth ring road.

For someone who hadn't traveled much, Zhang Mingyang looked around with curiosity. Like many northern cities, Lushi was a third-tier city with few high-rises and less advanced municipal technology than his hometown, Jiyang. However, there were plenty of pedestrians on the streets.

Glancing at the time, it was ten in the morning. Due to the accident delay, they had traveled less than thirty kilometers in two hours—only half the planned fifty kilometers. Plans rarely survive contact with reality.

“Number One, Number One, this is Number Three. We’re behind schedule.”

“Received, Number Three. Don’t worry—we’re fishing here; no need to rush. Sometimes going slow helps catch the big fish!”

Hearing Tian’s reply, Zhang Mingyang felt reassured. After all, they weren’t moving real weapons, so a little delay was acceptable.

With time no longer a concern, Zhang Mingyang relaxed and enjoyed the scenery outside the window.

“Beep…!”

His communicator rang. Picking it up, he saw a message from Bai Muqing: “Zhang Mingyang, I’ve discussed with my family. Next Friday, you’ll come home with me.”

“Damn!”

Zhang Mingyang hadn’t expected her to be serious! Panic rose within him. What should he say? He didn’t even know her family!