Admiral, Your Wife Is Gone ABO - Chapter 34

After washing up, Yang Liqing found Luo Le still sound asleep. He walked over and shook him awake.

Luo Le felt like his body was a waterlogged sponge, his head heavy and disoriented. He struggled to make sense of his surroundings.

Hurry up and get up! I’m running late. I’m leaving now. Don’t fall back asleep—you can still make it if you leave now.

Before Luo Le could reply, the door slammed shut, leaving him alone in the room again.

He scratched his head and sat up, a sharp pain stabbing at his temples like needles.

I really shouldn’t have drunk so much last night.

Luo Le threw back the covers, folded them neatly, and swung his legs off the bed. After taking a few steps, he remembered he’d turned off his Smart Brain earlier and forgotten to turn it back on.

As soon as he powered it on, a holographic screen sprang to life, projecting a figure before him.

It was Huo Lanjing, his ink-dark eyes veiled in shadow. Even through the screen, Luo Le could feel a chilling aura emanating from him.

Where are you?

The memory of last night’s events made Luo Le’s irritation grow with each glance at Huo Lanjing’s face.

He sneered coldly. Why do you care where I am? You never asked before. What’s changed? Sorry, but I’m not telling you.

Huo Lanjing frowned, glancing at the person on the screen. Like a hedgehog, Luo Le was prickly no matter how he was handled.

The memory of Luo Le inexplicably hanging up on him last night and then disappearing without a word ignited Huo Lanjing’s anger like a spark in a gas station, ready to explode.

You threw a tantrum for no reason last night and then vanished without a trace. Huo Fei searched for you all night. And you still have the nerve to act like you’re in the right?

Luo Le paused, then scoffed. Huo Lanjing, what are you so angry about? Did I ask her to look for me? Stop trying to pin everything on me.

Huo Lanjing pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice weary. Luo Le, what are you even trying to accomplish with this?

He spent every day buried in paperwork and making critical decisions, his schedule packed. He had neither the time nor the patience to coddle Luo Le.

Luo Le smiled bitterly. No matter what he did, Huo Lanjing would always see it as him acting out, being unreasonable.

He was truly exhausted.

I’m not acting out. Aren’t you busy? Go back to work. I’m busy too.

Beep…

Huo Lanjing stared at the busy signal, utterly bewildered. What could Luo Le possibly be busy with?

General, these documents require your signature.

Put it here, Huo Lanjing said, picking up a report from the side and beginning to read, gradually forgetting about Luo Le.

Meanwhile, Luo Le was sitting in Yu Bing’s office.

A few minutes earlier, Yu Bing had informed him that he had been assigned to his project

Research on the Compatibility of Mecha and Mental Energy.

Yu Bing explained that the compatibility between civilian mecha and mental energy only reached 85%, while military-grade mecha achieved 95%. After that, further improvements had proven impossible.

Yesterday, Yu Bing had been too busy to brief Luo Le properly.

Today, Yu Bing finally had time. As he flipped through Luo Le’s file, he said casually, I heard you got all A’s on your evaluations.

Luo Le nodded. Mm.

Yu Bing crossed his arms, his expression scrutinizing. Even though you’ve been assigned to my project, all A’s don’t guarantee you can participate in my research.

In previous years, several students with three or five A’s had joined, and Yu Bing had initially been pleased, thinking they could be helpful.

But when they arrived, they couldn’t even identify all the mecha components, and some couldn’t even fabricate chips.

It was clear they were just using this opportunity to pad their resumes.

Luo Le looked at him, puzzled. Why not?

This research topic was also being investigated by private organizations, and individuals had even consulted Instructor Yu Bing about some questions, which he had resolved.

In truth, Yu Bing was deeply interested in this topic himself. However, he had previously been unable to let go of his obsession with not being able to pilot a mecha, preventing him from delving into it further.

Now, he wanted to explore it in depth.

Yu Bing gazed at Luo Le, who was looking back at him with wide, blinking eyes, resembling a little white rabbit.

My research requires a vast reservoir of knowledge before you can even begin. Research is different from studying unlike textbooks, there are no answers to check against. Before you achieve results, there are countless possible solutions. Do you understand?

Luo Le lowered his gaze in contemplation.

Seeing Luo Le’s silence, Yu Bing continued, I don’t want to make things difficult for you. If you’re just looking to polish your resume, go assist those other groups. I’ll be happy to write glowing recommendations for you in your reports. Just pick whatever you want.

Luo Le watched as Yu Bing pulled a sheet of paper from his drawer and tossed it across the desk. The paper read

During military exercises, this student demonstrated exceptional capabilities, combining talent with integrity, and is hereby commended.

This student possesses a solid foundation in professional knowledge and a fervent passion for learning, and is hereby commended.

Such evaluations filled over a dozen pages.

Luo Le pursed his lips and pushed the papers back across the table.

Yu Bing looked puzzled. He doesn’t want this? What does he want? Could he be hoping to stay and study, and then have his name added to the research once he understands it?

Yu Bing’s expression darkened. Don’t even think about it.

He had toiled for over a decade to reach this point. If he had to add a useless fool’s name to his groundbreaking research, he’d rather hang himself outside the Admiral’s mansion.

Luo Le I have a decent understanding of mecha. I’m genuinely interested in this research. Professor Yu, are there any specific criteria for the requirements you mentioned? I’m willing to take any assessment.

Yu Bing hadn’t expected Luo Le to say this. After a moment’s thought, he agreed. Alright. I’ll give you an assessment tomorrow—theory and practical application. If you pass, I’ll let you participate in the research.

Luo Le nodded. Understood.

You have one day to prepare. It’s not busy today, so go back and study. Just so you know, I won’t go easy on you.

Luo Le nodded again. I understand.

Alright, you can go back now.

Luo Le nodded in acknowledgment, stood up, and left.

Instead of returning to his dormitory, he headed straight to the library.

While his ring space contained several books on Mecha, it wasn’t enough.

The library was nearly empty, with only a handful of people present. Luo Le, relying on his memory, selected a few books relevant to his current needs and settled into a seat by the window to read.

He became completely absorbed in his reading until the sky gradually shifted to a twilight hue. A sudden rumble from his stomach jolted him back to reality.

He had rushed to report for duty that morning and forgotten to eat lunch, only taking a few sips of water. By now, he was ravenously hungry.

Luo Le closed his book, grabbed his military supply card, and headed toward the front desk. He remembered that books could be borrowed.

Just as he took a few steps, Chen Wuxing suddenly walked in through the door.

In a panic, Luo Le hastily stepped behind a nearby bookshelf, pretending to browse.

What’s Chen Wuxing doing here?

Wait, why am I hiding?

Luo Le slapped his wrist in self-reproach, then opened a book to shield his face, though his eyes remained fixed on the front desk nearby, his ears perked up.

The soldier at the front desk greeted him, Vice-Marshal Chen, you’re here.

Chen Wuxing smiled warmly. I asked you to keep an eye out for a book for me. Have you found it yet?

Oh, that Complete Ancient Earth Cookbook is really hard to find. There are only a few hundred copies in the entire galaxy, and no one who gets their hands on one would ever let it go.

In the Empire, books cannot be reproduced without the original author’s consent.

Luo Le happened to own a copy of that very book.

Why is Chen Wuxing looking for it?

Chen Wuxing looked visibly disappointed. Alright, if you hear anything, let me know right away.

Vice-Marshal Chen, why are you so obsessed with this? What do you need that book for?

A friend wants to try some Ancient Earth cuisine, Chen Wuxing replied. I thought I’d give it a shot.

Even if you find it, you won’t be able to get the ingre— The soldier’s voice trailed off abruptly, his expression shifting to something knowing. Alright, I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything.

Chen Wuxing smiled and waved goodbye.

Luo Le watched Huo Lanjing’s retreating figure, his hand gripping the book tightly.

A friend…

The identity of this friend was unspoken but obvious.

No wonder Huo Lanjing was reluctant to return to the Empire. With such tender affection in his arms, why would he ever want to go back?

Chen Wuxing spoke in soft, gentle tones, looking like someone who had rarely lost his temper.

Unlike Luo Le, whose temper flared at the slightest provocation.

The military district revered Chen Wuxing, praising his benevolence, beauty, and competence.

But what had Luo Le done wrong?

If Huo Lanjing disliked him, he could have simply said so. Luo Le would never have clung to him.

Yet Huo Lanjing had said nothing, using the war as an excuse to remain away for years, all while keeping another by his side.

Luo Le carefully returned the books to their shelves and left.

Huo Lanjing worked late into the night before taking a hovercar home. The vehicle traveled low and slow.

He had brought some documents to review and closed his eyes to rest during the ride.

Suddenly, the hovercar braked sharply, and Huo Lanjing reached out to steady himself.

Curious about the sudden stop, he looked up and saw someone who shouldn’t have been there.

Huo Lanjing’s face darkened with anger as he leaped out of the hovercar and grabbed Luo Le’s wrist, which was resting on the vehicle. He leaned in close, his gaze piercing. Tired of living?

The two were so close they could hear each other’s heartbeats, their breaths mingling.

Huo Lanjing was furious, though he couldn’t pinpoint the reason. The moment he saw Luo Le blocking the hovercar, his heart had exploded with rage.

Luo Le was pinned against the hovercar by Huo Lanjing’s weight. Realizing his predicament, he struggled to free his hand. Let go.

Huo Lanjing’s dark gaze swept over Luo Le’s mouth, nose, and finally settled on his eyes. Instead of releasing him, he tightened his grip. So, you were here all along. No wonder Huo Fei couldn’t find you.

As he spoke, he used his other hand to pin down Luo Le’s kicking legs.

Huo Lanjing was taller and more muscular than Luo Le. From a distance, their position might have been easily misinterpreted.

Luo Le hadn’t forgotten his original purpose for coming here. Realizing he couldn’t break free, he stopped struggling.

He looked up, meeting Huo Lanjing’s deep, dark eyes, and said, each word distinct, Let’s get a divorce.

This was the decision he had made on the way here.

Huo Lanjing’s eyes darkened at the words, his grip tightening as he pressed down another inch.

What did you say?

Luo Le’s expression remained unchanged. I said, let’s get a divorce.

Huo Lanjing frowned. Luo Le, what are you playing at?

Why does he have to cause a scene every few days? Doesn’t he ever get tired of it?

Luo Le chuckled at the question. Am I causing a scene? I’m not causing a scene. I’m being perfectly serious.

In all their past arguments, Luo Le had hurled countless harsh words, but never once mentioned divorce. This was the first time Huo Lanjing had ever heard him say it.

Huo Lanjing froze for a moment before finally asking, Why?

He released Luo Le, who rotated his wrist, the smile still playing on his lips. Huo Lanjing, stop pretending. Haven’t you been waiting for this day all along?