Reborn in 2014: A One-Man Tycoon

Meng Chuan's initial plan was to build an outpost on Mars.

The first batch of supplies delivered consisted of small production equipment, so only three fortresses were built.

Only with the arrival of the second conjunction cycle between Earth and Mars did a large number of production and intelligent equipment arrive.

Only then did large-scale expansion begin.

The starship began its slow descent, getting lower and lower, and details of the fortress became visible.

Some of the fortresses have solar panels extending from their tops, like outstretched wings.

People in protective suits were standing at some of the entrances, looking towards the starship.

Several tracked off-road vehicles were parked in the open space, with the "Qinglian" logo printed on their bodies.

"laugh--"

The starship's landing gear made a dull thud as it touched the ground, followed by the hum of the hydraulic system.

When the starship came to a complete stop, Meng Chuan could even feel a slight tremor from the ground.

Before the hatch opened, Yingdie quickly checked Meng Chuan's protective suit.

It was a lightweight, silver-white jumpsuit with sealed zippers at the collar and cuffs.

The helmet is made of transparent polycarbonate and can protect against radiation and dust.

"The air pressure outside is low and there is little oxygen. Although there are protective shields at the landing site, we should put them on first, just to be on the safe side."

She helped Meng Chuan fasten the helmet buckle and patted him on the shoulder:

"You won't need to wear it once you enter Qinglian Fortress."

Meng Chuan nodded and took a deep breath.

The helmet's circulation system immediately started working, delivering oxygen with a faint smell of disinfectant, and a soft "whooshing" sound could be heard in my ears.

The hatch slowly opened, and a red gangway automatically extended out and rested on the landing platform on the ground.

The landing platform was made of special concrete with anti-slip textures, and it was scorching hot from the Martian sun.

You can feel a slight warmth through the soles of the protective suit's shoes.

A group of people were standing at the bottom of the gangway.

The one leading them was Zhan Yi.

He was much darker than he was on Earth, his face tanned to a bronze color.

The wrinkles around his eyes seemed to have deepened, but his gaze remained sharp, like that of a hawk.

He was wearing the same protective suit as Meng Chuan, but without a helmet. His hair was so short it was plastered to his scalp, with a few specks of red dust on it.

Seeing Meng Chuan come out, he quickly walked up to him, his steps seeming somewhat "floaty" under the gravity of Mars.

But every step was steady.

"Boss!"

Zhan Yi stopped at the bottom of the gangway and bowed to Meng Chuan with his hands clasped in a salute.

This is a traditional etiquette of the Green Gang.

On Earth, such ancient etiquette is generally not used to avoid suspicion.

But here, on Mars, the entire planet is currently under the control of the Green Gang.

There is no need for any scruples in the battle.

Although no one has ever said that Mars is a member of the Green Gang.

However, some members of the Green Gang secretly regarded Mars as their own private property.

Meng Chuan stepped down the gangway and shook Zhan Yi's hand.

Zhan Yi's palms were very rough, covered in calluses.

"Thank you for your hard work, Zhan Yi."

Meng Chuan said with emotion.

Zhan Yi has been on Mars for almost half a year now.

They built Qinglian Fort from scratch in such harsh conditions over such a long period of time.

To say it wasn't hard work would be a lie.

"It's not hard work!"

Zhan Yi grinned, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes crinkling together, revealing a somewhat simple and honest look:

"The brothers are overjoyed that the troupe leader is coming."

Meng Chuan smiled and glanced at the people behind Zhan Yi.

Most of them were old buddies from the Battle Hall, but he didn't know many of them.

But Meng Chuan knew that among them were "veterans" who used to be in charge of modifying weapons.

There is a "skinny monkey" who is good at reconnaissance.

There were also a few who joined later; they were unfamiliar faces, but their eyes were full of anticipation.

Of course, Meng Chuan also saw Lin Zhou and Wei Ping.

Seeing Meng Chuan looking at him, Lin Zhou adjusted his glasses and smiled somewhat awkwardly:

"Mr. Meng, you've arrived."

Wei Ping stood next to Lin Zhou, wearing a dark blue jumpsuit, her hair tied in a ponytail, revealing her smooth forehead.

She was more capable than when she was on Earth. Her face was expressionless, but her eyes were bright. When she saw Meng Chuan, she nodded slightly as a greeting.

"Professor Lin, Engineer Wei."

Meng Chuan smiled at them:

"Thank you for your hard work, the base is well built."

"We are only responsible for scientific research; we dare not take credit for anything else."

Lin Zhou quickly waved his hand, then couldn't help but add:

"Boss, Lin Zhou and Wei Ping are really amazing. They just finished debugging the 'Ecological Recycling Cabin' last week, and it's 12% more efficient than it was designed for!"

Zhan Yi said with a smile.

The ecological cycle chamber is mainly for cultivating plants.

They built a huge transparent greenhouse in Qinglian Fort.

The main purpose there is to cultivate plants suitable for growth on Mars.

We'll also cultivate some green vegetables along the way.

On Mars, it is now possible to provide vegetables freely for fifty people.

"You are all heroes. Humanity will be great because of you, and you will surely leave a strong mark on the annals of human history."

Meng Chuan gave everyone a thumbs up.

Although Meng Chuan was the one in charge.

But Meng Chuan was only responsible for providing the money.

Everyone present is putting in the effort.

This step forward in human civilization is a ladder they built with their own wisdom.

"Don't rush to say these things."

Zhan Yi changed the subject, saying:

“Master, you must be tired from your journey. Go and rest in the fortress first. I’ve had the kitchen prepare some soup—made with potatoes and mushrooms grown in the Martian greenhouse. It’ll be piping hot.”

"it is good."

Meng Chuan did not refuse.

During this period, Meng Chuan relied entirely on medication and some compressed food to survive.

He really misses hot food.

The group immediately followed Meng Chuan's lead and walked towards the semi-circular fortress.

Now that we're closer, we can see it more clearly—each fortress has a silver door at its entrance.

Next to the door was a small display screen showing numbers, which were probably air pressure and temperature.

On the walls of the fortress, you can see some minor scratches caused by wind and sand, as well as several places marked with the word "Blue Lotus".

It was painted with red paint, a simple lotus flower, standing out vividly against the crimson earth.

"These fortresses are all connected. We have built a total of eighteen fortresses so far, and each fortress is divided into different functional areas."

Zhan Yi took the initiative to introduce himself to Meng Chuan:

"Those three are living quarters, the big one in the middle is the canteen and meeting room, and the ones at the very back are laboratories and warehouses. The passageway in the middle is for both vehicles and people, and it has insulation and oxygen supply, so you can walk around without wearing protective clothing."

Zhan paused, then added with a smile:

"Originally, we wanted to build it nicely, like a house. But the engineers said no—Martian winds are strong, a semi-circular shape is more wind-resistant and saves on materials. So in the end, it turned out like this, like a 'groundhog burrow'."

Meng Chuan, who was listening nearby, smiled and said:

"Practicality is all that matters; skyscrapers aren't suitable for Mars right now."

These fortresses are not as elaborate as skyscrapers on Earth.

It's not as cool as the bases in science fiction movies.

They lay there awkwardly on the red soil, exuding a down-to-earth and solid aura.

No matter how strong the wind and sand, it can stand firmly.

This is good, Meng Chuan is quite satisfied.

Upon entering the fortress, Zhan Yi stepped forward to help Meng Chuan remove his protective suit.

It has to be said that Meng Chuan felt a sense of relief when he wasn't wearing these protective suits.

Aside from some discomfort with gravity.

But unlike at a transfer station, there is no zero gravity and no sense of direction.

You can still stand here feeling light and airy.

"Phew! This finally feels like home."

Meng Chuan sighed sincerely.

Meng Chuan absolutely did not mean anything by it.

He simply felt that not wearing a spacesuit and wearing casual clothes was just like being at home.

But these words were heard differently by other people.

Zhan was stunned for a moment, then his eyes lit up.

"Yes, this is home."

Zhan Yi was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes:

"Our Green Gang has wandered overseas for many years, like rootless duckweed. Finally, on Mars, we have our own home. If only Fifth Master were still alive... sob sob..."