From Scrap Mecha to Sci-Fi Heaven

"Zhang..."

The young man with the surname Zhao, who was initially at a loss facing this closed door, was overjoyed when Old Zhang unexpectedly stood up. He opened his mouth to introduce himself.

Who would have thought that Old Zhang would directly push him aside.

"Go, go, go, don't block the way. I've already said there's no one named Zhang here."

Old Zhang hurriedly shoved the young man aside, not even bothering to put on the shoes he had kicked off, and rushed towards the entrance of the scrap station. "Lin kid? Lin kid, are you out there?"

When he saw Lin Yu standing outside the door, his joy was even greater. The frustration and gloom of the past few days vanished in an instant; his waist no longer ached, and his legs felt fine. "Is it really you? You haven't run away?"

"Uh, do you... need something from me?"

Faced with the sudden attention of several pairs of eyes on him, Lin Yu felt a bit stiff and confused.

"Of course I need something! You promised to collaborate with this old man last time. I've prepared a plan that will ensure we both grow big and strong, creating brilliance once again!"

Old Zhang was oblivious to everyone else, gesturing excitedly.

"When did I promise to collaborate with you? I said I came here to eat because I couldn't make it elsewhere."

Lin Yu was somewhat speechless.

"You just made a scene at the camp a few days ago. Isn't that because you couldn't make it?"

Old Zhang replied.

Hearing this, Lin Yu finally understood.

It turned out that Old Zhang had seen him causing a ruckus at the camp while piloting the Dawn and had cleverly guessed it was related to him.

However... to abandon that obviously impressive employer and turn around to discuss expanding the scrap station with him, Lin Yu truly didn't know what to say.

"Look, this is the boss of the Black Snake camp. Do I look like someone who can't make it?"

Lin Yu gestured towards Black Snake beside him.

This was actually a way to change the subject, giving Black Snake and the others a chance to interject.

While Old Zhang could chatter away without a care, Lin Yu felt he couldn't do the same.

"I didn't get a chance to introduce myself earlier. This young brother is…"

The impatient young man with the surname Zhao immediately seized the opportunity to interject.

Black Snake quickly cooperated, pulling Lin Yu into the introduction. "This is the helper Qiao Wa (Jova) asked me to find, Lin Yu. Mr. Zhao, don't be fooled by Lin brother's young age; he is…"

Black Snake vividly recounted Lin Yu's 'glorious achievements.'

"He actually managed to self-manufacture a Mech using discarded parts in the Wasteland?"

Upon hearing Black Snake's introduction, the young man with the surname Zhao, who was merely looking for a way to join the conversation, couldn't help but show a hint of surprise.

After all, no matter where you were, designing and manufacturing a Mech alone, especially using various uncertain discarded parts, was indeed an impressive resume.

Not to mention Lin Yu looked like a teenager.

Such a genius could be considered elite talent even within the city.

Of course, while Black Snake might have meant well, from the perspective of a 'helper,' Lin Yu was clearly not suitable.

Manufacturing a Mech and piloting a Mech were not the same thing.

A researcher and a qualified warrior were also not the same.

Especially considering... there was a legendary ace pilot right in front of them.

"What are you looking at? Trying to steal my person?"

Old Zhang glared warily at the young man with the surname Zhao.

"Old Zhang, please don't be agitated. I just want to invite you back to reorganize the Thunder Strike on behalf of the Federation Pilots Association. If you really like this Lin brother, wouldn't it be perfect to have him as your deputy engineer?"

The young man with the surname Zhao respectfully explained his intentions and tried to persuade him.

"What Old Zhang? What technician association? Is there even an association for bathing and massages?"

Old Zhang looked utterly baffled. "You should give up on that idea. I'm an old man who believes in earning money through proper means. At my age, I can't lower my face to be some technician."

"Old Zhang…"

Hearing this, the young man with the surname Zhao became anxious.

"Ridiculous! I've already said I don't have the surname Zhang."

Old Zhang spoke nonsense but didn't keep Lin Yu around to chat. He turned and walked into the scrap station.

"Old Zhang!"

Seeing Old Zhang about to leave, the young man with the surname Zhao gritted his teeth and said, "We found the wreckage of the Oath of Dawn."

Old Zhang's steps came to an immediate halt.

"Where?"

He turned his head, staring intently at the young man with the surname Zhao, his expression dark, as if he would tear him apart if he dared to speak nonsense.

A terrifying aura seemed to freeze the air around them, making everyone forget to breathe.

"It's at the association. As long as you…"

The young man with the surname Zhao pressed on.

"...that's out of the question."

Old Zhang fell silent for a moment before rejecting him.

"Then... then…"

The young man stammered, at a loss for words.

"How about this? We happen to have a mission to carry out. Old Zhang, why don't you accompany us?"

The bespectacled middle-aged man behind the young man with the surname Zhao spoke up at the right moment.

Upon hearing this, the young man with the surname Zhao's eyes lit up, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes! Old Zhang, would you be willing to reluctantly join us for another mission?"

Bringing him along for the mission would provide more time to persuade him gradually, which was better than being continuously shut out.

Moreover, one thing leads to another; step by step, perhaps Old Zhang would relent.

Besides, having this person around was like having the strongest trump card.

Unwilling to take action?

When it came down to everyone facing death, would this person really just sit back and wait for everyone to die together?

"I'm just an old man who can't do anything and can't help you."

Old Zhang fell silent for a moment and shook his head.

"It's okay, it's okay. Just being able to work with Old Zhang is already an honor for me, and I hope you can guide me a bit."

The young man with the surname Zhao quickly responded. "In fact, even if you don't agree, the wreckage of the Oath of Dawn should still be returned to you."

"Then why all this fuss? Just send it over directly."

Old Zhang suddenly changed from his earlier silence, his tone shifting.

"Uh…"

The young man with the surname Zhao froze.

"What? Are you unhappy? Didn't you say it would be sent to me even if I didn't agree?"

Old Zhang said.

"This... this…"

The young man was on the verge of tears.

Yet he really couldn't change his words.

Once something was said, there was no reason to take it back on the spot, especially in front of this old man.

Moreover, what he had just said wasn't a lie; he couldn't make such a big decision.

The association's original intention was indeed like this; even if he didn't agree to go back, the wreckage of the Oath of Dawn should still be returned to him for both emotional and logical reasons.

"Alright, now that we've finished talking, hurry up and leave. Don't delay this old man's business, and remember to send the stuff over quickly."

Old Zhang began shooing them away like flies, then dove into the small room of the scrap

station and didn't come out again.

The young man with the surname Zhao, feeling more miserable than if he had eaten a fly, stood there waiting for a moment before he could only leave in frustration, returning empty-handed.

(End of Chapter)