Chapter 155: Chapter 155: Regret

The gazes the two men fixed on Ares were as intense as torches, burning with an almost palpable heat. As long as he wasn’t dead, Ares could feel the envy contained within.

But he showed no signs of being reserved or awkward.

He sat there with perfect composure, accepting the envious looks from others.

This was the crown Lu Xiao had bestowed upon him.

“There’s a very popular novel out recently. I heard the S-Class Shelter even conducted special experiments with it and found that it’s very beneficial for the Spirit Sea. Xiao Xiao, do you know about this?”

Admiral Kelan’s sudden question made Lu Xiao, who had been eating, pause. She then feigned a natural expression and nodded. “Yes, I know about it. It’s true. Father, what are your thoughts?”

Admiral Kelan looked at Ares. “Admiral Kula Peng is preparing to run an experiment in the Seventh Military District. Are you the one in charge?”

Ares wasn’t surprised they knew. The admirals all had their own information networks. Besides, it wasn’t classified information, so he didn’t hide it and simply nodded to confirm.

“I’m planning to launch it in the First Military Region as well. Fred, you’ll be in charge. Any objections?”

Fred shook his head. “No problem.”

“You and Ares can exchange notes. I’ll read the novel myself when I get back. I hear it’s quite unique,” Admiral Kelan said naturally, and it was clear there was no hidden meaning in his words.

But the tips of Lu Xiao’s ears still turned red against her will.

Ares noticed, a hint of a smile in his eyes. ’His little female is so adorable, getting shy so easily over the smallest things.’

“I heard from Admiral Hans that you’re planning to see Regal on Monday?” Vice Admiral Fred looked at Lu Xiao, asking for confirmation.

“That’s right, I’m going on Monday. I had planned to go earlier, but then that incident happened. However, Admiral Hans says his condition is relatively stable for now.”

Lu Xiao wasn’t surprised Fred knew. She had noticed long ago that he and Admiral Hans had a good relationship.

Besides, Regal was his brother. It was only natural for Admiral Hans to inform him.

“Thank you. It’s all thanks to you that Regal is still able to remain lucid.”

Lu Xiao smiled at him. “It’s my job. Healing them is my responsibility. Besides, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment, so you don’t need to feel indebted. I would do the same for anyone else.”

Fred knew very well that to Lu Xiao, no one was special—with the possible exception of Ares.

But even so, he was still moved by her gentleness and kindness.

“Has the First Military Region applied for a joint physical examination with the Fifth Research Institute?” Since the topic had come up, Lu Xiao couldn’t help but ask.

Hearing this, the two officers immediately perked up their ears.

They had, of course, heard about the joint physical examinations between the Seventh Military District and the Fifth Research Institute long ago, and they were incredibly envious.

It was said that the Spirit Seas of the soldiers in the Seventh Military District were currently the most stable of any major military region in the Empire.

As a result, competition for a spot in the joint physicals had become exceptionally fierce.

If their First Military Region could be scheduled for the next one, it would be absolutely fantastic!

“I had them apply,” Admiral Kelan admitted freely. He had indeed ordered his adjutant to submit an application. As for the result, Admiral Kelan looked toward Lu Xiao.

Lu Xiao smiled. “Alright, I’ve got it.”

At her words, the corners of Admiral Kelan’s lips curled up slightly.

He had told his subordinates not to even think about using his connection to her, but if his own daughter was willing to pull some strings for him, he would be very happy indeed.

It made him feel that he, her father, was special too.

“If you have time next week, come back with me to the Duke Gallodro Mansion. Your grandmother has been asking about you constantly.”

Lu Xiao suddenly recalled that when she had met Cecilia at Duke Green’s residence, she had indeed promised to visit when she had time. But she had kept putting it off and still hadn’t gone.

“Okay, I’ll prepare a gift. I just don’t know what Grandmother likes.”

Hearing this, Admiral Kelan smiled. “She’ll love anything you pick out.”

In truth, Lu Xiao didn’t need to prepare anything. Admiral Kelan would have been more than satisfied just by her showing up.

The fact that Lu Xiao even thought to ask such a question warmed his heart. It made him feel that she truly valued her relationship with the Gallodro family, and that his efforts to facilitate it had not been in vain.

He sincerely hoped Lu Xiao would get along with his mother. That way, if Lu Xiao ever ran into trouble in the future, she would have his mother for support, giving her more security.

And so, the matter was settled. The group continued to eat and drink into the afternoon.

As the sun began to set, everyone got up to leave. Before they left, however, Lu Xiao packed up the leftover barbecue, giving each person a portion to take home. They could have it for a late-night snack. If the food stayed, she and Ares wouldn’t be able to finish it all, and she didn’t want to be eating barbecue for every meal for the next few days.

As delicious as barbecue was, eating too much of it could be unhealthy.

The four guests didn’t stand on ceremony, thanking her gratefully as they accepted the food.

Are you kidding? Barbecue personally cooked by Lady Lu Xiao! The flavor was simply impeccable. They wouldn’t get tired of it even if they ate it every day.

As they were leaving, Lu Xiao said to Admiral Kelan, “Father, please come over whenever you have time. Don’t stand on ceremony.”

“I will. You and Ares should get some rest. Thank you for your hard work today.”

Only after seeing Admiral Kelan and the others off did Lu Xiao and Ares go back into the house to rest.

But when Admiral Kelan returned home, he was met by the sight of Lu Ge Wei staring at him, her face dark. “Lu Xiao invited you to her home?”

Admiral Kelan shot her a cold glance. “What is it you want to say?”

He had no desire to get entangled with her.

“That business with her and Duke Green last time… you were the one who asked Lady Cecilia to intervene and resolve it, weren’t you?”

“And what if I was?”

Seeing that he didn’t deny it, Lu Ge Wei’s voice turned icy. “You’ve never done anything like that for me.”

“Have you ever done anything that required me to go to such trouble? Besides, even when I refuse you, don’t you just run to my mother anyway? You’ve certainly done that often enough.” When Admiral Kelan spoke, his expression was placid, showing no hint of emotional fluctuation, as if he were merely stating a fact.

Lu Ge Wei put on a wounded expression. “Why are you always so cold to me?”

“As if you don’t know the reason.” Admiral Kelan had no desire to argue with her further. If Lu Ge Wei hadn’t used underhanded means back then, their paths would never have crossed. How could he possibly be expected to treat her with anything but coldness, let alone sincerity?

Now, however, for Lu Xiao’s sake, Admiral Kelan was at least willing to exchange a few words with her.

In the past, he would have simply walked away.

Lu Ge Wei could never refute Admiral Kelan’s counter-questions. After all, she had indeed targeted him for his family background, wanting to attach herself to the house of Duke Gallodro.

She had taken advantage of him during his mating season, when he was at his most vulnerable…

But she had never regretted it. Not only that, she later forced Admiral Kelan to have two children with her, Lu Huan and Lu Yu.

She had even chosen the names of their two daughters with a specific meaning, purely to spite Admiral Kelan. But now, she regretted it.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep