Chapter 128

Lu Yinghui felt that Xia You had been acting strangely these past days.

Like right now.

Xia You was cocooned under the covers, only her soft hair peeking out from the pillow, showing she had no intention of getting up.

Lu Yinghui sat at the edge of the bed, pulling the covers down a bit to reveal a slightly stifled Xia You. He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Are you sure you won't come? There's a mecha combat practice at the base today."

Xia You felt tempted but considering her plan, she wriggled further under the blankets to resist temptation. With a slightly whiny tone, she said, "My back hurts so bad. And you never participate anyway, there's nothing to see if I go."

Lu Yinghui raised an eyebrow.

"Not even if there's a companion beast training session?"

Xia You bolted upright, her eyes wide in shock, "Companion beast training?!"

How was she unaware of this?!

"Everyone's been quite active recently, discovering many new techniques in companion beast combat," Lu Yinghui nodded. "All those you've treated before."

Isn't that just a bunch of fluffy creatures playfully scratching each other?

Images of those fluffy creatures she once pampered flashed through Xia You's mind.

With a frozen expression, Xia You hesitated for two seconds and then dove back under the covers, murmuring a muffled, "...No."

One could clearly hear the pain in her voice.

However, Lu Yinghui didn't press her any further. Instead, he patted the bulge under the covers that was Xia You and chuckled, "It's okay. I'll have Wei Cheng keep a recording for you."

Xia You popped her tousled head out from under the blanket, eyes shining with hope and surprise. "Really?"

Lu Yinghui chuckled, ruffling Xia You's hair. "Yes, truly."

After dressing neatly and leaving the bedroom, Lu Yinghui thoughtfully twirled the suppressor ring on his finger.

He was genuinely curious about Xia You's plans. But with Uncle Zhou at home covering for her and Wei Cheng, who lately seemed intent on sending him to the base, answering his queries with feigned ignorance, he remained in the dark.

Calculating the time, Lu Yinghui surmised that Xia You might be preparing a birthday surprise for him. Deciding to let the mystery be, he looked forward to the revelation on the day itself.

In the Lu family, there wasn't a tradition of celebrating Lu Yinghui's birthday.

It wasn't because Lu Jiuzhu or Uncle Zhou didn't care. Instead, from a young age, Lu Yinghui, being perceptive, was curious about the age difference between him and his elder sister and why he was born only after their parents passed away.

As he grew older, Lu Jiuzhu didn't hide the truth. She took him to the cultivation chamber where he once resided, being completely transparent about his past.

Given Lu Yinghui's unique psychic powers, which had tendencies to become chaotic and uncontrollable, Lu Jiuzhu didn't want this fact to be used against him in the future.

After all, anyone who investigated the date of the Lu family parents' demise and Lu Yinghui's age could connect the dots.

To the then somewhat aloof, young genius Lu Yinghui, the day he was transferred from his mother to the cultivation chamber couldn't be considered his birth date. Recognizing the day he emerged from the chamber as his birthday felt sterile and alien.

Thus, Lu Yinghui didn't want to celebrate an ambiguous birthday. The family, respecting his wishes, would instead gift him twice during the annual Imperial celebration.

A birthday... huh.

Lu Yinghui smiled to himself and descended the stairs with a spring in his step.

—And incidentally, he took Yuan Yuan with him.

Saving Xia You the trouble of diverting the leopard.

*

Shortly after Lu Yinghui left, Xia You pondered how to distract Yuan Yuan today, intending to secretly treat the white tiger.

But after much waiting and rolling about in bed, her beloved big leopard was nowhere to be found.

Puzzled, Xia You checked Yuan Yuan's location, only to realize he had gone to the base with His Highness.

Thinking of the "companion creature scratching contest" at the base today, Xia You curbed her eager anticipation, reassuring herself that next time, there'd be more fluffy creatures to see, and it would be even more spectacular.

Emerging from under the covers, Xia You slapped her cheeks lightly. After freshening up, she promptly headed to the small reception room now used as her treatment area.

The great white tiger, which the Emperor had dispatched to the base, was already waiting inside. Seeing Xia You approach, it gestured with its head for her to eat the breakfast laid out on the table.

Xia You tousled her hair, "Sister, I'm not really hungry..."

Lu Jiuzhu gazed at Xia You as if watching a child's tantrum and typed: [Yinghui too, as a child, disliked milk and breakfast. During puberty, he was shorter than his peers.]

Recalling Lu Yinghui's now-enviable height, Xia You's eyes widened in shock.

Is that true?

The white tiger opened its mouth, revealing a benevolent smile: [Then, I made sure he drank two cups daily.]

Xia You: "…?"

[Although it's been many years, sister's methods haven't declined. Do you want to experience it too, Xia You?]

Without hesitation, Xia You scurried to the table, quickly gulping down the milk. She then proudly showed the empty cup to the white tiger, her expression obedient.

Lu Jiuzhu was amused, never expecting Xia You to believe her made-up story.

It's true that Yinghui disliked milk when he was young.

However, this young leopard, though quirky and introverted, was an easygoing younger brother.

Upon realizing his delayed growth, he'd silently increase his daily intake of milk from one cup to three, maintaining a more disciplined lifestyle than even her, the marshal who had duties to perform. He began to wake up early, sleep early, and extended his morning run.

During that period, both Lu Jiuzhu and Uncle Zhou feared the young black leopard might not grow tall, nearly adding supplements to his milk.

As Xia You watched Lu Jiuzhu slowly type out tales of Lu Yinghui's youth with her tiger's paw, she hugged the great white tiger and rubbed against it: "Sister truly loves His Highness."

The massive white tiger stiffened, allowing Xia You's affectionate gestures. After a long pause, it typed slowly: [I owe him so much more.]

[Had it not been for me, he should have been freer.]

[Yinghui never aspired to be a hero, nor did he dream of becoming a marshal.]

[He truly... cherishes freedom, yet I trapped him in the role of a marshal.]

Lu Yinghui never had the duty or obligation to shoulder such burdens, nor did he possess such vast benevolence.

The once reclusive boy genius harbored love only for his beloved sister and the caring Uncle Zhou, cherishing every member of his family.

He assumed these responsibilities because Lu JiuZhu was the empress of the empire; the emperor was his brother-in-law; the crown prince was his nephew; and his dear sister... she loved the stars in the skies.

Thus, even after Lu YingHai took command of the legions, becoming a hero and marshal revered by the entire empire, he remained as solitary as he was in his younger days.

Before Xia You came into his life, the only one who could truly claim to be close to Lu YingHai and share a bond of friendship was Wei Cheng.

No matter how calm and composed he appeared on the outside, how gentle and strong, Lu YingHai was always the one who preferred solitude, often retreating into his own little corner whether he was happy or sad, always watching the world with a calm yet tender gaze.

Xia You, leaning on the great white tiger, whispered, "But he has always been the Lu family's Lu YingHai, hasn't he?"

Lu JiuZhu was taken aback.

Xia You pressed her cheek against the white tiger's fluffy face, her eyes sparkling with laughter, "My sister once protected the prince, allowing him to grow up joyfully. Later, when my sister got injured, it was the prince's turn to support the family. After all, family members are meant to lean on each other."

If not for Lu JiuZhu's persistence, perhaps the unique little black panther would never have had the chance to be born.

If not for the love and protection from Lu JiuZhu and Uncle Zhou, perhaps Lu YingHai wouldn't have become who he is today – holding immense power, yet gentle and tender at heart.

"Is sister ready?" Xia You released the white tiger, locking eyes with the one in front of her.

Lu JiuZhu raised a paw, mimicking Lu YingHai's usual gesture, and playfully ruffled Xia You's hair.

The paw was a bit rough, yet carried a gentle force.

Xia You chuckled, grasping the white tiger's paw offered to her, and closed her eyes.

*

Training Base.

The emperor sat at the top, watching the fierce mech battles below. Holding back his feelings, he turned to Lu YingHai beside him, lowering his voice, "Aren't you curious?"

Lu YingHai replied with poise, "Curious about what?"

"Xia You has monopolized my empress for seven days," the emperor stressed the word "my". "For seven full days, I've been kicked out to join you at this training base!"

Lu YingHai hummed, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your profound affection and support for the First Legion."

The emperor: "..."

"Guarding her, right? It's pointless to discuss this with him!"

The emperor glanced at the black panther seated next to Lu YingHai and clicked his tongue in disbelief.

Just as Lu YingHai was about to speak, the emperor's holographic computer flashed a red warning light.

Their expressions changed instantly.

A red warning on the holographic computer indicates a keyword, previously set by its owner for immediate attention regardless of the situation, has been triggered. As the emperor of the empire, each of these preset keywords would signify matters that could shake the foundations of the realm.

The emperor straightened up, swiftly accessed his holographic computer, but upon seeing the alert, he abruptly stood and dashed out the door.

A few seconds later, Lu YingHai received the same message. Reading the update about Lu JiuZhu waking up from her stasis pod, he realized the reason why Xia You had been distancing both him and the emperor recently.

*

The day Lu JiuZhu entered the stasis pod, the emperor personally dressed her in her favorite clothes, styled her hair exquisitely, yet adorned her with no jewelry.

Only a violet was delicately tucked into her hair.

As the emperor rushed into the stasis room, he saw Lu JiuZhu, dressed in a red gown, standing with her back to him by the stasis pod. Her previously tied-up hair cascaded down, with a few stray braids hanging loosely.

Hearing the noise behind her, the woman with grey-blue eyes turned around. Holding the violet that had fallen from her hair, she smiled warmly at the love of her life.

"The flower looks beautiful. I love it," her radiant smile was sharp, yet her eyes held a tenderness reserved only for family. "Aren't you going to embrace me?"

The emperor stood at the entrance, staring intently at Lu JiuZhu, gripping the cuffs of his sleeves tightly.

Noticing his reaction, Lu JiuZhu swiftly walked toward him, consoling, "Wait a moment—my dear, you're not about to cry, are you? Please don't cry... Come here, let's hug... Remember, there are people outside..."

Lu YingHai, hearing Lu JiuZhu's flustered comforting tones from inside, showed no sign of surprise.

He motioned for the imperial guards rushing forward to stay back. On the other side of the corridor, a black panther blocked medical personnel trying to enter and check on Lu JiuZhu.

Standing with his back to the stasis room's door, Lu YingHai felt a mix of nostalgia and sentimentality.

Ever since his sister entered the stasis pod, he hadn't heard his brother-in-law cry for years. He had thought the man had finally matured.

Yet faced with Lu JiuZhu, even after so many years apart, and even as a reigning emperor, the man reverted to his old self—crying helplessly like he used to whenever Lu JiuZhu returned injured from the frontlines.

By the time the two emerged, Lu YingHai took a deliberate look at the emperor's eyes.

Indeed, not a trace remained, even the faint dark circles from staying up late had vanished.

The emperor shot Lu YingHai a covert glare, quickly hurrying after Lu JiuZhu.

Lu YingHai: "..."

Had he used a medical device because he cried his eyes swollen?

Truly... it wasn't surprising at all.

*

The emperor's guards had taken Lu JiuZhu's companion beast from the Marshal's Mansion. Both Lu JiuZhu and her beast were to stay at the stasis center for comprehensive checks and subsequent treatment.

Naturally, His Majesty the Emperor also remained at the stasis center.

After attending an event at the training base, Lu YingHai, accompanied by YuanYuan, returned home by evening.

Uncle Zhou was tending to the plants in the garden. As Lu YingHai walked by, Uncle Zhou bent down to pat the glossy YuanYuan.

Other than the absence of two members – one human, one tiger – the house seemed unchanged. Yet, Lu YingHai felt... something was amiss.

He checked the date.

His birthday wasn't today but tomorrow.

Upon entering the house, Xia You leapt onto him, wearing a triumphant expression, "Were you shocked today?"

Holding Xia You securely, Lu YingHai whispered, "More than that. You even made my brother-in-law cry."

Xia You blinked, lowering her voice, "Really?"

Lu YingHai gave her a 'family secret' look.

Xia You made a zipping gesture across her lips, embracing Lu YingHai with a mischievous smile.

Everything seemed perfectly normal, but the sharp intuition Lu YingHai had honed over years of life-and-death battles was signaling that something was off.

At that moment, Xia You reached up to grip Lu YingHai's neck tightly, her legs clinging to his waist as if afraid she might fall.

"Hungry?"

Xia You planted a kiss on Lu YingHai's cheek.

"What if I say yes?"

A subtle change crossed Lu YingHai's face, his hand full of emotions.

Xia You kissed his chin, "Then, Your Highness, I grant you one chance to revise your answer."

Lu YingHai looked at her, smiling.

Bending down, Xia You gently bit Lu YingHai's earlobe, leaving a faint mark.

"How about now?"

The youth's eyebrows danced with mischief. His gaze wandered along the Marshal's neck, seemingly deciding where to "attack" next if the response wasn't to his liking.

Lu YingHai chuckled, his warm breath caressing her neck, his voice husky and slow.

"Now."

With a playful smirk, he pulled her close and swiftly ascended the stairs.

YuanYuan was about to follow when suddenly, psychic tendrils appeared from nowhere, binding him tightly.

A psychic barrier enveloped the leopard, momentarily severing the mental link between Lu YingHai and his companion beast.

Seconds later, as if powered by some incredible strength, the tendrils hoisted the massive leopard and bolted out the door in a chosen direction.

Muffled by the tendrils in the night breeze and restrained from head to tail, YuanYuan managed a couple of whimpers before being unceremoniously stuffed into an unfamiliar aircraft.

YuanYuan: "??"

The leopard was in shock, helpless, and then...

The chubby psychic tendrils affectionately caressed YuanYuan's face, rubbing vigorously against his head.

Alright, the leopard cooperated.

Yuan Yuan stirred slightly, then lay still inside the flying machine.

The psychic tentacles that had been binding Yuan Yuan released the big leopard and now dangled around Yuan Yuan, playfully curling and uncurling around the leopard's ears.

In the bedroom, Lu Yinghuai sensed something amiss and hesitated, only to be pushed back onto the couch by Xia You.

……

Atop the flying device, Hamster D kept checking the time and was about to message Xia You when he saw her approaching, her steps slightly unsteady.

Although she had changed her clothes, hiding any visible marks, the filled sensation inside her hadn't dissipated. As Xia You moved, she couldn't shake the feeling that Lu Yinghuai was still with her.

Hamster D glanced back, wondering, [Where did they go? Not stealing anymore?]

Xia You glanced at Hamster D, whispering, "I've changed my mind. Let's try a different approach."

Hamster D was puzzled and curious about the new scheme Xia You might have in mind.

Xia You looked up at the bedroom window above, a certain thought crossing her mind given the distance and context, a smile playing on her lips.

Thinking about what Lu Jiu Zhu had said during the day, wondering how unrestrained and free Lu Yinghuai might be if not for these twists of fate, Xia You's gaze towards that window shone brighter than the stars.

Hamster D stroked his furry chin, understanding at last.

So now the plot has shifted from kidnapping to eloping out of love, huh?

Youngsters, tsk!