Chapter 593

As time passed, the eruption of Mount Fuji in Little Japan and the ensuing catastrophe completely captured the attention of everyone on Blue Star. In Dongda in particular, if conditions permitted, the most important daily ritual was huddling around a radio or standing in the town square to listen to the broadcasts. When the host, in clear, resonant tones, reported the countless casualties in Little Japan, all of Dongda nearly boiled over with excitement. There were many who shared the same sentiments as Zhou Zhen. For these past few days, all of Dongda had been even more joyful than during the New Year. Firecrackers echoed across the vast land of China. The authorities were, of course, well aware of the public mood. While the leadership naturally did not share the same mindset as the common people, they were nonetheless pleased—though they could not openly express it. After all, they represented the image of the nation. They had to consider international influence and demonstrate the demeanor and responsibility of a major power. Privately, however, many leaders could not help but reveal satisfied smiles.