Chapter Eight: Didn’t You Want Me to Do This?

Chapter 8 - Isn't This What You Wanted?

Luo Le had always believed it was part of Huo Lanjing's nature.

But now, he wore a pendant around his neck and claimed it had nothing to do with him.

A tear in Luo Le's heart revealed that there was someone who could make the pendant-disliking Huo Lanjing wear one so intimately.

"I'll ask you again, where did this come from?"

Huo Lanjing remained silent.

They stood at an impasse for a while.

Since he refused to speak, Luo Le was at a loss.

He clenched his fists, digging his nails into his flesh, the pain helping him suppress his tears.

"Huo Lanjing, as long as I'm around, you can forget about being with that person."

After delivering his ultimatum, Luo Le released his hold on Huo Lanjing and returned to his seat, deliberately positioning himself farther away.

Huo Lanjing couldn't fathom Luo Le's sudden change of attitude. Everything was fine just a moment ago.

He casually adjusted his clothing while inquiring, "You came here solely for this competition?"

Luo Le replied with a disinterested hum, turning his head to gaze out the window.

For the first time since their marriage, he felt suffocated sharing the same space with Huo Lanjing.

Upon hearing this, Huo Lanjing, as if his suspicions were confirmed, abruptly turned and grasped Luo Le's jaw.

"So... you had ulterior motives. Didn't the medical pod heal your injuries? Why are you still clinging onto this?"

Huo Lanjing lifted Luo Le's chin, forcing eye contact.

"Or perhaps, you're using this as a metaphor? Like..."

With a sharp pull, the bandages tore open, and Huo Lanjing proceeded to unwind them one by one.

The mecha workshop functioned somewhat like a medical bay, and Luo Le's wounds had almost fully recovered, revealing delicate pink flesh.

Huo Lanjing's slender fingers gently brushed against the tender skin, causing Luo Le to let out a soft moan from the tickling sensation.

Before he could react, Huo Lanjing swiftly captured his hand and pinned it behind his back, securing it with a bandage.

Startled, Luo Le thought, What is he doing? This is inside a vehicle, after all.

"What are you doing?" Luo Le asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.

The air inside the car was saturated with Huo Lanjing's pheromones, making Luo Le feel slightly weak all over.

Huo Lanjing loosened his tie, gazing at him with a faint expression.

"Luo Le, what are you pretending? Aren't you clinging to this bandage just to provoke me into doing this?"

As he spoke, Huo Lanjing buried his face in Luo Le's neck, nipping at his collarbone.

The blend of pain and pleasure transformed into an electric current that coursed through Luo Le's body.

Suddenly, Luo Le recalled another hidden meaning behind bandages.

Bandages could also symbolize abduction or carrying someone away, implying courtship.

He genuinely didn't mean it that way.

Luo Le wanted to clarify, but Huo Lanjing didn't give him the chance to speak again.

The hovering vehicle circled continuously.

The next day at noon, Luo Le was awakened by Little Yuan's commotion.

Huo Lanjing's figure was no longer in the bed.

With one hand supporting himself, Luo Le sat up, feeling an aching, sore, and swollen sensation beneath him.

The blanket slid from his chest down to his waist, revealing his bruised body.

There were even distinct palm prints visible on his waist.

Luo Le glanced at himself and couldn't help but inwardly curse, "Bastard."

Yesterday, Huo Lanjing hadn't given him the chance to explain.

This discomfort made Luo Le lie back down.

Feeling somewhat bored, he turned on his smart brain and found hundreds of missed video calls, from two different people.

There were hundreds from Wind City, and one from an unknown source.

Just as Luo Le was about to call back, he noticed a message.

Upon opening it, he discovered an invitation.

First Rank Army, led by Huo Lanjing.

Luo Le finally understood what had driven Huo Lanjing mad yesterday.

The winner of yesterday's competition would enter the First Rank Army.

Huo Lanjing believed that was precisely his intention.

Luo Le found the situation rather amusing and frustrating at the same time.

Now, no matter what he said, Huo Lanjing wouldn't believe that he wasn't here for that purpose.

Forget it. It was pointless to explain; he'd let him think whatever he wanted.

Just as he was lost in thought, Feng Cheng called again.

"Brother Le, we're due to report for duty the day after tomorrow. I just bought a hovercar. Should I pick you up?"

Luo Le thought to himself that he was already within the military district, only about one kilometer away from the First Army's training grounds.

"No need. For now, I don't plan on joining the First Army."

Even if he did, he couldn't do so in a way that might be misunderstood by Huo Lanjing.

He wanted to enter with integrity and honor.

"Ahh? But... But Brother Le, both participants are required for this..."

Luo Le sensed his friend's dilemma and lowered his gaze in contemplation.

"Can't you enter alone?"

Wind City didn't respond directly but instead whispered, "Brother Le, do you really not want to join the military at all?"

Luo Le fell silent.

Having known Wind City for so long, Luo Le was aware of how eagerly he had yearned to join the military.

Moreover, Wind City's situation was somewhat unique; if he missed this chance, there might not be another opportunity.

Though Luo Le and Wind City weren't the closest of friends, Luo Le wouldn't wish for Wind City to lose this chance because of him.

It was something he would not willingly allow.

After a moment, Luo Le made up his mind. "See you tomorrow."

He could always find an excuse to leave when the time came.

Perhaps Huo Lanjing wouldn't even let him stay for long.

At this thought, a self-deprecating smile tugged at the corners of Luo Le's lips.

Wind City hurriedly interjected, "Wait, Brother Le... there will be other chances if this one doesn't work out. You don't have to accommodate me."

As Luo Le listened to Wind City's voice through the smart device, he caught sight of the photo he had placed on his bedside table two days ago – a picture of himself and Huo Lanjing.

Recalling something, he chuckled softly.

"What are you laughing about, Brother Le?"

"Nothing, I didn't accommodate you. I was planning to join the First Military Division anyway."

Upon hearing this, Wind City's face lit up with joy.