Chapter 154: Chapter 154: Winner

At Ares’s words, Lu Xiao’s heart jumped into her throat. She hadn’t expected the “prototype” theory to have reached him.

“Then… then what did you say?” She was now desperate to know what Ares thought.

Ares’s lips curved into a slight smile, his gaze on Lu Xiao filled with tenderness.

“I said that person can’t hold a candle to Xiao Xiao. How could he possibly resemble you?”

His words made Lu Xiao’s lips curve into a smile. She suddenly realized that Ares might already know her identity but wasn’t exposing her, instead using his own way to soothe her emotions.

He was telling her that even if he knew, she didn’t need to worry; he was a partner she could completely trust.

Lu Xiao reached out and hugged Ares. She had originally thought that having someone so close to her know she wrote novels—and had even seen them—would be incredibly awkward. But now, she felt relieved. She was certain Ares wouldn’t laugh at her.

“You’ve figured it out, haven’t you? That I’m the one who wrote that novel?” Staring into Ares’s dark eyes, Lu Xiao didn’t want to miss the slightest change in his expression.

Ares let her watch him, his expression open. “Only Xiao Xiao could write a character like Lin Baixing.”

Although he hadn’t admitted it directly, his words said it all.

’Ares really does understand me.’

“I knew you’d figure it out. I didn’t tell you before because I didn’t know how to bring it up, not because I was intentionally hiding it from you.”

In any case, now that Ares knew, Lu Xiao felt she had to explain. After all, they had been living under the same roof for so long. It wouldn’t be right not to have told him.

Ares shook his head. “No need to explain. I understand. A master can have her own little secrets.”

“So considerate?” Lu Xiao said, then pecked him on the cheek. “A reward.”

After she did that, she immediately returned to her seat, pretending not to see the burning passion in Ares’s eyes.

*

On Sunday morning, Ares and Lu Xiao prepared to host Vice Admiral Fred, his comrades-in-arms, and Admiral Clan.

Ares was in charge of moving the dining chairs to the garden, while Lu Xiao was responsible for preparing the barbecue ingredients.

With their tasks clearly divided, they naturally made quick progress.

Admiral Clan arrived first, bringing a bottle of red wine.

He seemed much more at ease than the last time he visited and wasn’t wearing his military uniform.

Dressed in casual clothes, Admiral Clan didn’t have such a heavy air of authority and seemed much more approachable.

After he came in, Lu Xiao first gave him a hug. “Father, make yourself at home. I just have a few more dishes to stir-fry, and then I’ll be done.”

“Let me help you,” Admiral Clan said, starting to roll up his sleeves. Lu Xiao quickly stopped him. “You’re a guest today, so please relax. I’ll be quick, and besides, I enjoy doing this.”

She then gave Ares a look, and he immediately understood. “Admiral Clan, let me show you the garden. We just tidied it up, and the view is quite nice.”

Seeing that Lu Xiao really didn’t need his help, and being well aware of his own cooking skills, Admiral Clan decided not to get in her way and followed Ares to the garden.

Not long after Admiral Clan’s arrival, Fred and his two comrades-in-arms also arrived one after another.

Each of them brought a gift—fruit, fresh flowers, or small cakes.

Lu Xiao didn’t refuse, accepting each gift. Then, looking at the two tense males besides Fred, she smiled. “There aren’t so many rules here. Just make yourselves at home.”

The two of them had rarely ever met a female as gentle as Lu Xiao, one who would smile at them like this. Even back at Black Tower Base, their contact with her had been brief, so they didn’t really know her. They only thought of her as a brave and capable female, one who could not only take down a male single-handedly, but also complete missions they found extremely difficult.

But in that environment at the time, the impression she made hadn’t been as profound as it was now.

When Vice Admiral Fred had found them and said that Her Excellency Lu Xiao was inviting them to her home as guests, they thought they were hearing things. It only began to feel real when Vice Admiral Fred mentioned he and Admiral Clan would be going as well.

But now, standing here, especially when facing Her Excellency Lu Xiao, the two of them couldn’t help but feel nervous, their bodies tensing up.

Who would have thought that Her Excellency Lu Xiao would not only notice but also speak to comfort them?

’How can there be such a wonderful female in the world?’

’Just like… just like Duke Lin Baixing from that novel they were reading.’

’If a female like Duke Lin Baixing really existed, she would have to be just like Her Excellency Lu Xiao.’

In Lu Xiao, they saw Duke Lin Baixing personified.

Ares came over and had the two men sit down, then spoke in a gentle tone. “Don’t be nervous. My master doesn’t have so many rules. You can relax.”

Since even Major General Ares said so, the two exchanged a glance and nodded with particular earnestness.

After bringing out the last dish, Lu Xiao smiled and began to speak. “I’m so happy and honored to have everyone as guests in my home. I wasn’t sure what you all like to eat, so I took the liberty of preparing a barbecue and a few of my best home-cooked dishes. Please, everyone, dig in. Don’t be polite! I made a lot, so I hope you all eat your fill. Of course, before we start, I have to say a few words. I want to give my deepest thanks to Vice Admiral Fred and to both of you for protecting me at Black Tower Base. If it weren’t for your dedicated protection, I never would have returned unscathed. Thank you. I’ll drink this whole glass; you all can drink as you please.”

After speaking, Lu Xiao drained her glass in one go. Her action startled the two new officers. They subconsciously moved to stop her, only to see that Fred and Admiral Clan were both perfectly calm, as if they weren’t at all surprised that Lu Xiao would do or say such a thing.

After finishing her glass, Lu Xiao’s eyes sparkled as she said, “Alright, let’s eat! Get whatever you like, and please, don’t be polite with me!”

Aside from Fred and Admiral Clan, who had both tasted Lu Xiao’s cooking before, it was the first time for the other two.

It was their first time eating a meal personally cooked by Her Excellency Lu Xiao. They were both expectant and a little apprehensive, prepared to praise it no matter how it tasted. As it turned out, Her Excellency Lu Xiao’s cooking was truly excellent. The food was so delicious, it was even better than what a top chef could make!

A look of disbelief instantly filled their eyes.

’Oh my god, does a young female who can cook this well really exist in the world?’

’It seems the rumors weren’t false—they were true!’

The two of them simultaneously turned to look at Ares!

’Even though Major General Ares is only Her Excellency Lu Xiao’s side husband for now, isn’t he just too lucky?’

’Not only does he get to spend every day with a gentle female like Her Excellency Lu Xiao, but he can also enjoy such delicious food anytime. He’s a true winner in life!’

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep