Chapter 216 - 131: Satellite

Chapter 216: Chapter 131: Satellite

The rocket soared higher and faster, gradually shrinking into the distance. Its trail dispersed in the high-altitude air currents until, at an extreme height, it became a mere point of light trailing a faint wisp of smoke. It streaked diagonally toward the southeastern horizon before finally vanishing into the vast azure expanse, leaving only a pale white contrail that lingered long in the sky.

The cheers were unceasing. Many kept their heads tilted back, gazing at the spot where the rocket had vanished, unwilling to look away.

Just then, in the viewing area, several people holding high-powered military radios shouted, "Quiet! Everyone, be quiet! The broadcast! They’re about to make an announcement!"

The restless crowd gradually settled. Everyone held their breath, straining to hear. In just a dozen seconds, the site, filled with tens of thousands of people, fell completely silent. Only the whistling of the wind remained.

A burst of static crackled from the radios, followed by an announcer’s voice. Tinged with a barely perceptible tremor, it broadcast clearly across the land that had just witnessed a miracle:

"This is the Jiang City Satellite Launch Command Center with a report: The Jiang City No. 1 experimental communications satellite was successfully launched at 12:07 standard time today by a Kuafu series launch vehicle."

"The satellite has successfully entered its predetermined orbit. The launch was a complete success."

"I repeat: The launch of the Jiang City No. 1 satellite was a complete success!"

"This is not just a technological victory!" The announcer’s voice trembled slightly with excitement, yet it grew even more resonant and powerful. "This marks the first time since the cataclysm struck and civilization suffered a devastating blow that we have, by our own strength, returned a human creation to near-earth orbit. This satellite will become the Messenger, re-establishing contact with other possible surviving Jiang City Shelters and with all our compatriots who hold fast to the flame of civilization!"

"From this day forward, the era of information isolation is coming to an end. The sharing of knowledge, the transmission of experience, the coordination of strength, and even a resonance in the shared destiny of all humankind will be made possible by this bond stretching across the firmament."

"This is hope in the midst of despair, a lighthouse in the darkness! It is our resounding declaration to this cruel era—humanity has never yielded, and civilization will endure!"

"We did it!!!"

The announcer’s final, voice-cracking cry was like lighting the fuse on a powder keg.

"Hooray!"

"Long live Jiang City!"

"We succeeded! We did it!"

An even greater, wilder tsunami of cheers erupted. People hugged, jumped, cried, and shouted, throwing everything they could into the air.

The roar of celebration seemed powerful enough to shatter the clouds. The soldiers no longer maintained their rigid discipline. Many took off their hats and waved them forcefully, their faces beaming with genuine smiles.

Xu Mo stood on the hill, watching the seething sea of humanity around him. He felt the almost tangible joy and pride washing over everything and let out a long, slow breath. A genuine smile touched the corners of his mouth.

Whatever the future held, at least in this one moment, hope was so bright and tangible.

On the way back to the city, the joyful atmosphere only grew. People spontaneously formed groups, singing passionate but off-key songs as they marched back in a mighty throng. The traffic was slow, and even the car horns sounded cheerful.

Back in Jiang City, the entire city had transformed into an ocean of celebration. All the main thoroughfares were festooned with decorations—even if many were just simple strips of red cloth and colored paper. The din of gongs and drums filled the air, punctuated by the continuous crackle of firecrackers.

Merchants made good on their promises, putting up signs for discounts and even free items. Though the goods were quickly snapped up, it seemed people weren’t after the products themselves but the chance to take part in the shared joy. The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder, the aroma of alcohol, and the scent of food.

Night fell, but Jiang City refused to sleep. The entire city was brightly lit; the power department had clearly received orders to ensure lighting and broadcasts at all costs. Bonfires were lit in the squares, and people danced, sang, and drank to their hearts’ content around them.

Xu Mo didn’t go to the crowded squares. Instead, he set out his wicker chair in his own courtyard, leisurely savoring a quiet moment that was all his own.

Xu Mo picked up a bottle of beer. He raised it first toward the bright moon in the sky, then toward the distant city lights and the faintly visible silhouettes of the revelers, offering a gentle salute.

Then, he tilted his head back and took a big gulp.

He rarely drank, especially in this post-apocalyptic world where staying sober was an ironclad rule. But tonight, Xu Mo allowed himself to relax a little.

For the rocket that had reached for the stars.

For the faint glimmer of civilization, rekindled upon these ruins.

And for himself, a transmigrator, for the privilege of witnessing and being part of this moment in history.

The festive lights and clamor had not yet completely faded, and the exuberant emotions still swirled and echoed through the streets and alleys of Jiang City.

On the morning of the day after the successful satellite launch, the city-wide broadcast sounded again. It announced another major decision, one as momentous as "gazing at the stars," but far more "down-to-earth."

The announcer’s voice had returned to its usual steady, powerful tone, but his words carried an unprecedented sense of ambition and conviction:

"Following the historic breakthrough of the successful launch of the Jiang City No. 1 satellite, we aim to better integrate our resources, welcome more compatriots struggling in this post-apocalyptic world, and further solidify the foundation for the survival and development of our Jiang City Shelter. Therefore, after careful deliberation by the Administrative Committee and with the approval of the High Council, we are now officially launching the ’New Home’ expansion plan."