259: Future development

Li Yang also subconsciously looked down at the brand-new epaulets on his shoulders, their striking insignia shimmering with the unique metallic luster under the lights.

The corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve upwards, an irrepressible joy appearing on his face.

He secretly sighed to himself, never expecting Minister Sha to value him so highly, directly promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

“What? Look at your surprised faces; are you all Lieutenant Colonels, and I can’t be one too?”

Li Yang’s lips curved slightly, with a hint of teasing amusement, as he deliberately put on a mischievous air and said.

He seemed to enjoy seeing his companions’ shocked expressions.

“Get out of here!”

Hill feigned anger and laughed, scolding him.

“Your promotion speed is something I’ve truly never seen before; this is the first time I’ve encountered it. Tell me honestly, could it be that even the Dean of our academy is ‘your person’? Otherwise, how do you explain your rocket-like promotion speed!”

Hill said playfully, his eyes full of curiosity and scrutiny.

“I wish the Dean could be ‘my person,’ but unfortunately, I don’t even know what the Dean looks like, let alone know him…”

Li Yang shrugged helplessly, spread his hands, and showed a sincere expression on his face.

He knew in his heart that while most of his current promotion was indeed due to connections, he wasn’t a good-for-nothing who only relied on connections.

Hearing Li Yang say this, everyone nodded.

Given their understanding of Li Yang, and their close relationship, if Li Yang truly had some special connection with the Dean, he definitely wouldn’t hide it.

“However…”

Li Yang changed the subject, a mysterious smile appearing on his face, and deliberately paused, building up everyone’s anticipation before continuing.

“Minister Sha of our Branch’s Management Department, he truly counts as ‘one of us.’”

After a moment of thought, he decided to reveal the matter of Sha Li.

After all, Hill and the others had long integrated into his “small group,” and like Xia Quan and the others, they were trustworthy companions, so there was naturally no need to be overly cautious.

“Damn it, after all this, even Minister Sha has a deep connection with you!”

Hill’s eyes widened, his face full of disbelief, as he looked at Li Yang, momentarily speechless.

At this moment, in his eyes, Li Yang was like a mystery, leaving him utterly amazed.

The Deputy Army Commander of the 73rd Army had a deep friendship with him, and now even the Minister of the Officer Cadre Advanced Studies Branch Management Department had become his helper; such a network of connections was truly terrifying.

“Alright, alright, let’s not keep dwelling on this military rank thing.”

Li Yang smiled and waved his hand, not wanting to continue arguing about this topic.

He changed the subject, looked at everyone, and asked seriously.

“After you all graduate, do you plan to return to your original units, or do you have other ideas?”

“I’d really like to develop in the 73rd Army, Li Yang, what do you think…”

Upon hearing Li Yang ask about their future development, Guttri’s eyes lit up, and he quickly approached Li Yang with a beaming smile, unconsciously rubbing his hands, his eyes full of anticipation.

“The 73rd Army?”

Li Yang nodded slightly, and after a moment of thought, said.

“Okay, I’ll contact Commander Wan later to see if I can find a way to transfer you there.”

Since Guttri had this idea, Li Yang naturally agreed without hesitation.

In his heart, these companions were all important members of his future development team, and he would certainly not decline to help if he could.

“As for me, I plan to apply to form my own independent fleet, just like you.”

Hai An’s expression was resolute, his eyes full of longing for the future.

“I think this should have more prospects than staying in a department.”

Hai An knew in his heart that having an independent fleet meant more opportunities and challenges, allowing him to realize his ambitions in the vast intergalactic space.

“Sounds good, I definitely have high hopes for you! If you need any help during the process, don’t be shy, contact me anytime.”

Li Yang patted Hai An’s shoulder and said sincerely.

Li Yang wholeheartedly approved of Hai An’s decision to transition to an independent fleet captain.

At this moment, everyone’s gaze naturally fell on Vivienne.

After all, Hill still had another year to go at the Advanced Studies Branch before graduating.

Vivienne lowered her head slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly said.

“I… I want to transfer out of the military.”

As soon as these words were spoken, it was as if a stone had been dropped into a calm lake, instantly causing ripples.

Li Yang, Hai An, and Guttri all simultaneously looked at Vivienne, their faces filled with surprise.

“Transfer out of the military? Why is that?”

Hai An frowned slightly, his eyes full of confusion, and couldn’t help but ask.

“Look, you’re already a Fourth-Rank Lieutenant Colonel now. If you transfer out to do administrative work, promotions won’t be as easy as in the military system.”

Hai An was truly somewhat puzzled; in his opinion, Vivienne had a bright future in the military, and a rash transfer out was not a wise move.

Vivienne gently shook her head, her eyes, however, were exceptionally firm, and she said.

“It’s not for administration; I want to go to the Imperial Guard Division.”

“The Guard Division?”

Everyone suddenly understood and nodded in agreement.

Li Yang thought for a moment and then said.

“That’s indeed not bad. Although the Guard Division and our Military Department don’t belong to the same system, the military rank system is the same.”

Everyone understood that since Vivienne had made such a decision, she must have thought it through carefully, and the Guard Division was indeed a good choice.

After all, for officers, transferring out to do administrative work was truly not a wise choice.

Normally, an officer would only reluctantly choose to transfer out when their path to promotion in the military was blocked and they saw no hope of further advancement, attempting to open up another development path in the administrative field.

However, Vivienne, who was currently developing well in the military, suddenly proposed transferring out, which truly surprised everyone.

“It’s a pity; I really don’t have any special contacts in the Guard Division that I can introduce to you.”

Li Yang frowned slightly, deep in thought, carefully sifting through his network of connections. After a moment, he shook his head helplessly and said.

He knew in his heart that his connections in the Guard Division were truly limited; the highest-ranking person he could think of at the moment was ninth-rank colonel Neil.

However, Neil was currently only serving in the Milky Way Galaxy region, and compared to the Imperial Guard Division Headquarters, the hierarchy and scope of jurisdiction were vastly different, so he probably wouldn’t be of much help with Vivienne’s transfer.