Chapter 2 The Second Morning at Modu Harbor Dock.
Unlike any other day, the dock was extremely lively at this moment, not only with onlookers who had come from all directions after hearing the news, but also with a large number of media reporters.
And they were not here out of boredom, of course.
The main reason was that today was the departure ceremony for Dragon Country's 12th Arctic scientific expedition.
This grand event was not only witnessed by the people present but also broadcast live online by multiple TV stations, including Dragon Country's Science and Education Channel and Comprehensive Channel.
When the clock struck eight in the morning, the members of the scientific expedition team began boarding the ship one after another.
The first to board were the more than 40 crew members.
Following closely behind were the more than 20 security personnel.
Then came the scientific research team, composed of more than 60 experts and professors from over ten fields.
These included leading figures in key areas such as ocean hydrology and meteorology, marine geology, geophysics, marine biology and ecology, and marine chemistry.
Every time these expert-level figures appeared and waved their greetings from the bow of the ship, they caused quite a stir in the live broadcast room.
"As expected of the national team, anyone who shows up is a national treasure."
"I used to wonder where those top-scorers from college entrance exams went. Now I realize they are probably like these people, and even if I can't call out their names, they are doing things that ordinary people can't imagine in a lifetime."
"These talents truly deserve the titles of experts and professors. They have the ability and don't spout nonsense online."
"Wait, why do the two people behind look so familiar?"
Just as netizens were admiring the scientific bigwigs online, a familiar figure suddenly appeared in the crowd.
At first glance, people were a bit hesitant to believe it was them, until the screen specifically displayed their names.
[Zhang Chenliang, Young Scholar, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Magazine]
[Yang Lin, Animal Behavior Expert, Director of Xihong Zoo]
With the appearance of these two lines of introductory information, the previously calm live broadcast room instantly exploded.
"Oh my god, it's really Director Hu and Director Yang, I thought I was mistaken."
"How did the two of them get into the national team?"
"They're usually joking around, but they give us a big surprise at critical moments."
"Director Yang has really made it, joining the national team without a sound and representing Dragon Country on an Arctic expedition."
"Finally, they're going to make a move on the Arctic animals."
"I seriously suspect Director Yang sponsored this expedition, otherwise, how did he get on board?"
"You underestimate Director Yang too much. He's now an officially certified animal behavior expert, and besides, would Director Yang be willing to spend money on sponsorship?"
"With Director Yang here, this low-temperature scientific expedition will finally be interesting."
"Polar bears, Arctic foxes, musk oxen, reindeer, tremble!"
"I'm here to poach animals for the country!"
...
While the netizens were getting excited because of Yang Lin's appearance, Yang Lin, who had just boarded the ship, looked curiously at the behemoth beneath him - the Xue Long polar research vessel.
He had been on boats before, but this was his first time on such a majestic research vessel as the Xue Long.
Compared to ordinary cruise ships, the Xue Long gave a very unpretentious impression overall.
Yet, this unpretentious icebreaker had repeatedly led Dragon Country's scientific researchers back and forth between Dragon Country and the North and South Poles, and had rescued stranded foreign research vessels multiple times, earning it a distinguished record.
"What are you dawdling for? The departure ceremony is over, let's go inside the cabin."
Before Yang Lin could get a good look at this national treasure, Teacher Xiao Liang's voice came from beside him.
Hearing his voice, Yang Lin finally noticed that the ship was slowly leaving the port, and fireworks were being set off on the shore.
On the deck at this moment, only the TV station staff were still recording this great moment with their cameras.
Seeing this, Yang Lin glanced at the cameras before following Teacher Xiao Liang into the ship's cabin.
As the research vessel slowly set sail, the low-temperature scientific expedition officially began.
The research vessel would carry the team of scientists all the way from the Pacific Ocean into the Atlantic Ocean, and then enter the polar route from the high-latitude route of the Atlantic.
The entire journey was over 10,000 nautical miles, and it would take more than ten days at normal speed.
After entering his room, the brothers Gou Dan and Gou Sheng appeared before Yang Lin.
This was their first time on a boat, and they were inevitably a little excited.
"Director, where are we going this time? There's so much water outside."
"Yeah, this bathtub is really big."
"What bathtub? That's called the sea. Also, from today onwards, you are no longer police dogs. You are now research dogs, understand?"
Hearing the term "research dogs," the two large dogs became even more excited.
"Okay, you two, be quiet now. I'm going to sleep. After I wake up, I'll take you to the deck for some fresh air."
After patting the heads of the two dogs, Yang Lin lay down on the bed behind him.
However, after lying down, he did not fall asleep as he had said. Instead, he immediately connected to Kun Bao Bao on Dolphin Island.
As soon as the shared screen opened, a stretch of blue sea appeared before Yang Lin's eyes.
A large group of deep-sea fish also appeared at the same time.
Before Yang Lin could get a clear look at what kind of fish they were, a giant mouth suddenly opened.
In the next second, the group of fish was swallowed into its belly. kanδん
If viewed from a God's-eye perspective, Yang Lin could see that Kun Bao Bao, after months of development, had already grown into a true marine behemoth.
Still in its juvenile stage, it was over 30 meters long, the length of an adult blue whale.
Perhaps sensing Yang Lin's arrival, Kun Bao Bao immediately let out an excited cry.
The sound was so loud it was almost comparable to the Xue Long's whistle.
"Director, you finally came to see me."
"I'm tired of staying on Dolphin Island. When can I go out and play?"
Hearing Kun Bao Bao's still childish voice, Yang Lin quickly comforted him:
"I came to see you this time to assign you a mission."
"Don't you want to see the outside seas? Then you follow the route I've given you to meet me, and I'll take you back to your former homeland."
"Homeland?"
Hearing this unfamiliar word, Kun Bao Bao was somewhat confused.
However, this hint of confusion was quickly replaced by excitement.
One minute later, its massive body suddenly leaped out of the water and then headed northeast towards Beibu Gulf. Its speed was so fast that it surpassed the limits of baleen whales.
At this speed, it would meet the Xue Long in no time, and then Yang Lin would take it to the Arctic together.