Chapter 157: Chapter 157: Gaze

Lu Xiao turned and hugged Ares, burying her head in the crook of his neck and nuzzling against him. Ares used the same shower gel as she did, so he smelled exactly like her. It made her feel as though the two of them were exceptionally close.

“Ares, does your heart ache for me?” Sensing her hand begin to wander, Ares’s relaxed body went rigid. He instinctively grabbed Lu Xiao’s wrist, his gaze burning as he looked at her. “Xiao Xiao, what are you doing?”

Heaven knew he had so little resistance to her teasing, yet she just had to…

As his breathing grew ragged, Lu Xiao tried to flee, but the man gave her no such chance…

*

Early the next morning, Lu Xiao and Teacher Ai Li went to the S-Class Shelter. Lu Xiao could have gone by herself, but when Teacher Ai Li learned she was going to see Regal, she was too worried to let her go alone and insisted on coming along.

Lu Xiao couldn’t bring herself to refuse Teacher Ai Li’s concern and was deeply touched by it.

Admiral Hans had already made arrangements with Lu Xiao, so he was waiting for them that morning. As soon as he saw Lu Xiao and Teacher Ai Li step out of the hovercar, he hurried over. “You’re here so early! Have you two had breakfast yet?”

Upon hearing this, Teacher Ai Li raised an eyebrow at Admiral Hans. “What, did you prepare a special breakfast for us? Don’t tell me it’s nutrient solution.”

It wasn’t as if she’d never eaten the food at the S-Class Shelter. It was hardly a gourmet experience, but she couldn’t blame them for their lack of taste. After all, this was a group of people who usually subsisted on nutrient solution.

Admiral Hans acted as if he didn’t notice the disdain in Teacher Ai Li’s tone and said with a smile, “Lu Xiao, do you remember an S-Class male named Robin?”

The name Robin immediately registered with Lu Xiao. “Of course. He used to be a top chef.”

“Yes, I knew you’d remember. He met the criteria for discharge a short while ago, but he wanted to stay at the shelter to set up a proper dining hall. I thought it was an excellent suggestion—good food brings people joy, after all—so I accepted his request. He’s now the head chef of our S-Class Shelter, responsible for everyone’s three daily meals. No one in the shelter has to eat nutrient solution anymore. What’s more, I’m preparing to start a vegetable garden on the island so we can be completely self-sufficient.”

Lu Xiao was both surprised and delighted to hear this. She couldn’t believe Admiral Hans had managed to implement so many changes in such a short time.

Teacher Ai Li was just as astonished. “My god, you’re not planning on making those S-Class males work in a field, are you?”

Admiral Hans nodded. “And why not? After the Spiritual Soothing Treatments from the Fifth Research Institute’s therapists, the S-Class males’ Spirit Sea risk assessments are all very stable. Add to that the broadcast experiment with that novel, and everyone’s mental state is quite good now. I believe they’re more than capable. Of course, I made sure to ask their opinion on the matter, and they were all very willing. Rather than being cooped up in their rooms all day, they’d rather get outside, feel the sun, and move around a bit. I also think a change of scenery and having something to do will be beneficial for their long-term recovery and eventual discharge. Lu Xiao, would you say this arrangement aligns with the principles of Release Therapy?”

“Yes, it’s a perfect fit. Admiral Hans, you’re already learning how to put theory into practice. That’s excellent. I support your proposal wholeheartedly.”

Hearing Lu Xiao’s words, the smile on Admiral Hans’s face grew even brighter.

Teacher Ai Li, however, offered a reminder. “Have you reported this to the Queen?”

The question made the smile on Admiral Hans’s face stiffen. He then said, “I plan to wait until the experiment is a success before reporting the results to Her Majesty the Queen. I think she’ll be more pleased that way.”

Teacher Ai Li knew what he meant. He was going to act first and report later.

She rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything else.

Now that Lu Xiao knew Robin had set up a restaurant in the S-Class Shelter, she was determined to try it.

Admiral Hans thus led them to the restaurant first.

Robin had, of course, received a message from Admiral Hans that morning, informing him that Lu Xiao and another therapist from the Fifth Research Institute would be visiting. He had been craning his neck in anticipation, watching the entrance, though he wasn’t sure if Lu Xiao would actually stop by.

The moment Lu Xiao’s figure appeared in the doorway, Robin grew excited and ran over with a smile. “Good day, Lu Xiao! I’m Robin. I’m not sure if you still remember me?”

“Of course I remember. Robin, you’ve opened your own restaurant now. Does that mean I can finally have that pickled vegetable fish?”

Hearing this, Robin’s eyes immediately reddened. *She remembers. She really remembers!*

He nodded excitedly. “You can, you can! I… I even prepared it specially. If you’re not in a hurry to go back, would you have lunch here today? I would love the chance to treat you properly.”

Meeting Robin’s apprehensive yet hopeful gaze, Lu Xiao didn’t refuse. In fact, she added a request of her own. “In that case, you’ll have to make extra. I don’t just want to eat it myself—I want to pack some to bring back for my husband to try. I’m sure he’ll like it too.”

“Yes, yes, I definitely will!” Robin was overjoyed that Lu Xiao had agreed. At the same time, he couldn’t help but think to himself, *Just as the rumors say, Lu Xiao is incredibly good to her husband.*

*It’s not enough for her to eat something she likes; she even thinks to pack some to bring back for her other half to try.*

*Anyone who became her partner, even just as a husband, would die from happiness, wouldn’t they?*

After arranging to have lunch with Robin, Lu Xiao had Admiral Hans lead them to see Regal.

That was, after all, the main purpose of their visit.

Admiral Hans naturally didn’t refuse.

In fact, he was filled with anticipation. If Lu Xiao could even handle an S-Class male in the High Stage, then the affliction of spiritual instability would no longer be every Male Beastman’s nightmare.

Lu Xiao was unaware of the weight of Admiral Hans’s expectations.

As they made their way to the room where Regal was being held, the officers on guard—all of whom were now quite familiar with Lu Xiao—could hardly conceal their excitement at her arrival, though they tried not to be too obvious about it.

Still, it was clear to see how happy they were.

After all, Lu Xiao’s reputation throughout the S-Class Shelter had reached a near-mythical status.

Not only had she brought hope to the S-Class Shelter, but she was also so gentle. A truly special female, it was hard not to like her.

Lu Xiao could clearly feel that far more eyes were on her today than usual.

She found it a little strange. She subconsciously glanced at the officers stationed on either side, but they acted strangely too; the moment they noticed her gaze drift their way, they would instinctively lower their eyes, pretending they hadn’t been looking at all.

After this happened a few times, Lu Xiao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but she didn’t say anything.

After all, a few glances wouldn’t hurt her, and besides, she didn’t sense any malice in their stares.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep