Admiral, Your Wife Is Gone ABO - Chapter 26.1

The young man behind them rose and left, leaving them alone.

As the door closed, Luo Le turned his head slightly and saw the person sitting beside him.

He had rehearsed a whole speech in his mind, but now that he was face-to-face with Huo Lanjing, he couldn’t find the words.

The room fell into silence.

After a long pause, Luo Le spoke, Did you notify Colonel Lin?

Huo Lanjing glanced at him and replied, He’ll arrive tomorrow.

Oh.

Huo Lanjing frowned slightly. Normally, Luo Le would have already rushed over to him. Something was off.

Luo Le kept his head down, revealing only his profile. His thick eyelashes, each strand distinct, were damp with moisture.

When Luo Le received no response, he assumed Huo Lanjing had left. He looked up to check, only to meet Huo Lanjing’s dark, piercing gaze. He quickly averted his eyes, lowering his gaze again.

Having witnessed the entire exchange, Huo Lanjing felt a jolt in his chest, an inexplicable anger burning within him.

His gaze remained fixed on Luo Le.

The intense scrutiny made Luo Le deeply uncomfortable, but he kept his head down.

The last time they had met, Huo Lanjing had berated him mercilessly.

If they exchanged any more words, it might remind Huo Lanjing of that incident, and another argument would be inevitable.

There was no need to argue. Luo Le had already decided to submit his application to return to the Empire as soon as he got back.

The thought of Huo Lanjing’s cold, cutting words over the past few days made Luo Le’s anger flare.

It was always like this. No matter where Huo Lanjing was or what he was doing, the moment Luo Le appeared, Huo Lanjing would leave, just like now.

In a fit of pique, Luo Le yanked up the corner of the blanket, pulled it over himself, and lay down, effectively dismissing his guest.

I’m going to sleep now. You— Before he could finish, Huo Lanjing’s hand clamped firmly around his wrist.

Luo Le tilted his head back to look up. In the next instant, Huo Lanjing’s face loomed suddenly close, so close that Luo Le could even see the fine down on his cheeks.

Luo Le struggled to pull his hand free, but his efforts were futile.

What are you doing? That hurts!

Huo Lanjing shifted his knee forward, pressing his upper body closer. The distance between them narrowed to less than half an inch—close enough to kiss.

Luo Le’s nostrils filled with Huo Lanjing’s scent, and he swallowed nervously.

A dark shadow suddenly veiled Huo Lanjing’s deep eyes. Hurts? His tone turned dangerous, and his grip tightened.

Luo Le twisted his wrist again. Let go!

Huo Lanjing seemed to remember something, and the words he had been about to say died in his throat.

His gaze lingered on Luo Le’s slightly flushed lips before he released his grip and slowly stood up.

Seeing Huo Lanjing finally release him, Luo Le propped himself up and rubbed his wrist. What’s wrong with you, Huo Lanjing? Look, it’s all red! I kindly saved you, and instead of thanking me, you’re pinching me? What, repaying kindness with malice?

Huo Lanjing paused, not responding to the accusation. Tomorrow, you’ll return with Colonel Lin.

Luo Le looked up. What about you?

…

Seeing Huo Lanjing’s sour expression, Luo Le waved his hand. Fine, fine, I’ll go back.

Good. Finish your Nutrient Solution before sleeping.

A tray of various Nutrient Solutions sat nearby.

After giving the instructions, Huo Lanjing left.

Luo Le wanted to call him back, but he didn’t know what to say.

Once the door closed, he picked up a Nutrient Solution, shook it, then tossed it aside and lay back down.

He had so much he wanted to say, but he knew Huo Lanjing would only find him annoying.

If he had joined the First Legion under legitimate pretenses, instead of as General Huo’s husband…

Would Huo Lanjing dislike him so much then?

The next morning, before Luo Le had even woken up, Colonel Lin arrived.

In the main hall, Huo Lanjing sat in the commander’s seat, picking up an object from the side.

Take this back for them to study.

Colonel Lin reached out to accept it. What is it?

The crystal was ice-clear and translucent, glowing with an orange hue. Its eight-sided structure was unlike anything he had ever seen.

We’re still analyzing it.

Understood. When do we depart, Admiral?

Huo Lanjing rubbed his thumb against the second joint of his index finger a few times before speaking. I have other matters to attend to. Take him back first.

That won’t do! Colonel Lin protested. He had assumed their Admiral would return with them and hadn’t brought many men. It’s too dangerous.

Huo Lanjing’s ink-black eyes swept over Colonel Lin. This is an order.

Colonel Lin lowered his head, forcing himself to ignore the oppressive aura. Admiral, it’s truly too risky. At least let me stay behind.

Huo Lanjing remained silent, picking up his tea and taking a sip, a layer of frost forming in his eyes.

Colonel Lin noticed and sheepishly withdrew the crystal. Understood, sir. I’ll escort the Madam back shortly.

This time, keep a close watch.

Colonel Lin recognized the veiled threat in his superior’s words. He bowed his head. Yes, sir.

When Luo Le woke up and opened the door, a shadow fell over him. After recognizing the person before him, he frowned. Where’s Huo Lanjing?

Colonel Lin smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Good morning, Madam. It’s time to depart.

Luo Le paused. I’m hungry.

The Nutrient Solution is ready.

As soon as the words were spoken, a soldier stepped forward with a tray containing Nutrient Solution and beast meat.

I haven’t washed up yet.

There are restrooms on the ship, Madam. You may freshen up or continue resting.

I want to see your Admiral.

Colonel Lin stepped forward, blocking Luo Le’s path. The Admiral has already departed, Madam. Please proceed.

Luo Le …

What does Huo Lanjing mean by this? I saved his life, and he’s just going to kick me out after using me?

Then I want to see the young man who saved me. Surely that’s not too much to ask.

Colonel Lin took a step back. This subordinate will accompany you, Madam.

Luo Le turned and walked down the only path, Colonel Lin following behind.

He wasn’t as heartless as Huo Lanjing. The young man had saved both their lives, and he needed to thank him properly.

Mr. Luo? What brings you here?

Huo Lanjing must have told him my name.

Thank you for saving us.

The young man smiled. You’re too kind. General Huo saved me before, Mr. Luo, and you gave me that invaluable medicine. Besides, General Huo also gave me what I wanted.

What should I call you?

I’m Sara Jing. You can just call me Sara.

Luo Le nodded, thought for a moment, and pulled out a pendant.

If you ever come to the Empire, show them this and they’ll let you see me. You’re welcome to visit anytime.

That’s not necessary…

Luo Le tossed the pendant into Sara’s arms. No, you have to take it.

With the mission complete, Luo Le hurried out the door.

Colonel Lin stepped forward, blocking Sara Jing’s path. Since our lady has given it to you, you should accept it.

Sara Jing had no choice but to stop.

That evening, aboard the spaceship, Colonel Lin stared at the tightly shut cabin door, growing increasingly puzzled.

For once, their lady hadn’t caused any trouble, hadn’t tried to escape, and hadn’t even made a sound.

No sound at all?!

Colonel Lin rushed over and pounded on the door. Madam, Madam?

His knocks grew heavier, but there was still no response from within.

Just as he was about to break down the door, it swung open.

Luo Le rubbed his head, his eyes still half-closed with sleep. What is it?

Colonel Lin withdrew his hand, forcing an awkward smile. Nothing, Madam. I just wanted to ask if you were hungry. You haven’t eaten all day. Would you like some fruit?

Luo Le yawned. What is it?

Ruby grapes, Three-Scenery lychees, and Sunset Diamond melons.

Grapes, please.

Very well.

Colonel Lin left to prepare the grapes.

Watching his retreating figure, Luo Le suddenly remembered something. He closed the door, walked to the table, and began to write.

A short while later, Colonel Lin brought in the grapes. As soon as he set them down, Luo Le called out to him.

Madam, what is it?

Luo Le pointed to the freshly written paper on the table. This is for you.

Colonel Lin picked it up with a puzzled expression. At the top, in large characters, were the words Military Withdrawal Request.

His heart skipped a beat. Madam, what is this?

I’ll pack my things and leave as soon as I’m ready. Please prepare a shuttle for me.

Colonel Lin glanced at the paper in his hand, then back at Luo Le, his expression unreadable.

Luo Le saw his hesitation and a smile tugged at his lips. What’s wrong? Too happy? After all, I’m just a nuisance.

Colonel Lin vehemently denied it. I just never expected you would withdraw from the military, Madam.

Luo Le knew Colonel Lin was merely following orders. It wasn’t fair to vent his frustrations about Huo Lanjing on the man.

I was just joking. If he doesn’t ask, let’s not mention my withdrawal from the military for now. Don’t worry, he won’t hold you accountable. He never wanted me to stay in the first place—you know that better than I do.

Colonel Lin wanted to argue, but Luo Le was right.

When he returns and finds me gone, if he asks, just say I failed the assessment and was dismissed. He’s not going to bother checking the application anyway.

Colonel Lin stared blankly for a long moment before nodding.

Alright.

Oh, and you didn’t give Feng Cheng any trouble, did you?

Luo Le had fallen asleep as soon as he boarded the shuttle and only now remembered Feng Cheng.

Colonel Lin sighed. Madam, please don’t do this again. It puts us in a difficult position.

Luo Le paused, realizing he hadn’t intended to involve Feng Cheng in the first place.

I forced him into it. Let him go.

The military prison isn’t for idle detainees. He’s already been released.

Luo Le’s lips twitched. Colonel Lin had a surprisingly dry sense of humor.

After dismissing Colonel Lin, Luo Le washed his hands and returned to find a message waiting.

His brow furrowed involuntarily at the sender’s name. Without even opening it, he blocked the contact.

Satisfied, he speared a grape and popped it into his mouth.

Sweet, with a rich, refreshing aroma.

Luo Le didn’t have much to pack. He simply rolled up the few outfits he had picked out that day and left.

Before departing, he went to see Feng Cheng.

The shuttle prepared by Colonel Lin was Huo Lanjing’s usual transport, prominently displaying the First Legion’s logo on its exterior.

Luo Le had traveled with Huo Lanjing before, and his favorite part of the shuttle was the lounge.

The journey back to the Empire would take several days, so Luo Le spent most of the time lounging inside.

During the trip, he also replied to all the messages he had received earlier.

Finally, the shuttle landed on the rooftop of his home.

Luo Le emerged from the shuttle carrying his small bundle of clothes.

He could have stored them away, but for some reason, he didn’t want to.

Looking at the small bundle in his hand, Luo Le’s lips curled into a smile. Maybe if the Instructor sees me like this, he’ll pity me and stop exploiting me.

With this thought, his mood brightened considerably. He slung the bundle over his shoulder and strode briskly toward the house.

Madam, welcome back.

It was a small robot, just like Xiao Yuan.

Luo Le hummed in acknowledgment and handed the bundle to the robot. Wash and iron these. I’ll wear them tomorrow.

He continued walking into the house as he spoke.

Understood, Madam. By the way, your family is waiting for you in the living room.

Luo Le scratched his head in annoyance. Who let them in?