C30 The General Is My Jinx

Edi set the documents down with a somber expression and spoke gravely, "We were all called back by headquarters and then ambushed. If headquarters can't provide a satisfactory explanation, everyone's going to feel threatened!

"It's unlikely that there are spies in headquarters who leaked our combat groups' routes. The enemy is probably guarding the main routes, lying in wait to ambush us as we pass through.

"It's inconceivable that all the technicians managing the Heavenly Eye are traitors, or that they wouldn't notice an enemy breach. A sneak attack isn't something that happens in mere seconds.

"Moreover, even if they targeted the main Heavenly Eye routes, they couldn't bypass all the Heavenly Eyes on our routes when the enemy's mother ship approached. We need to investigate the technicians who were on duty at that time."

Cliff nodded, "I'll have it looked into. By the way, what was that surgery you had on Niya Planet?"

Edi gave him a fleeting look and replied, "I've had Sean document it for you. There's no need to pursue responsibility—I consented to the surgery."

Cliff gave Edi a sharp look, "I get it, you're protecting someone dear to you. But many saw that you needed the Medical Cabin after the surgery. Even if I can ensure my people stay quiet, I can't promise the same for other departments."

Edi closed his eyes, and upon reopening them, he fixed Cliff with a resolute and piercing stare, "As long as I'm alive, I won't let Yang Chuxia face military justice for saving my life!"

Cliff's demeanor turned solemn, "Were your injuries that severe?"

"With her, you'd be looking at my dead body right now," Edi said with a heavy tone. "Do you understand?"

Cliff nodded, "Understood. I'll handle this discreetly. Rest assured."

Sean escorted Yang Chuxia to the headquarters' dining hall.

The dining hall at headquarters was noticeably more accommodating than that of the Flying Eagle Combat Group, allowing for free choice of meals without any restrictions on quantity.

The pair ordered a feast, with a majority of the dishes being meat, drawing the attention of the other officers dining in the area.

In reality, Sean had only chosen two dishes and a soup; Yang Chuxia was responsible for the rest of the order. Noticing Yang Chuxia's low spirits, Sean whispered, "Are you feeling down because you're worried about military punishment?"

Mid-bite into a fried chicken leg, Yang Chuxia was reminded of her unauthorized surgery on Edi and froze. Sean, misinterpreting her reaction, reassured her, "Don't fret, kiddo. General Edi won't let them punish you—you saved his life, after all!"

Yang Chuxia put down her chicken leg, disheartened, and muttered, "General Edi isn't in charge of military law. He's not a military court judge; he can't just declare me innocent."

Sean reminded her, "Didn't you catch what the general said earlier? If anyone comes to question us, we're not to go with them without his consent."

Her anxiety eased slightly, but the thought of being at Alliance Headquarters, surrounded by many with higher ranks than General Edi, the Supreme Commander of the Flying Eagle Combat Group, made her nervous once more.

Seizing the moment to distract her, Sean shifted the conversation. "Did you know that last night eight enemy battleships were after us, but only three landed on Niya? Have you wondered why the remaining five never showed up?"

Yang Chuxia glanced at Sean and guessed, "Were they taken out by the Alliance reinforcements that arrived later?"

"Exactly," Sean confirmed. "They didn't realize we'd left Niya. Only the three pursuing battleships were aware. When they got the message from the others, they ran right into the Alliance reinforcements, and a battle ensued. The Mothership sent several more battleships in response, but our Rescue Team took out their smaller ships and then joined the larger vessels to counterattack their Mothership."

"I heard they put up quite a fight. The battle lasted a whole hour, and our forces turned their Mothership into space debris! That's why the rescue was delayed."

Yang Chuxia's pretty brows furrowed as she listened. "So, this is the real reason I'm facing military punishment?" If they had arrived earlier, she wouldn't have had to perform surgery on Edi.

Sean rubbed his forehead, puzzled as to why she kept circling back to the topic of military punishment.

Seeing Sean's frustrated expression, Yang Chuxia burst into laughter, her white Little Tiger Teeth gleaming playfully.

Sean felt a flutter in his heart and took her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, you'll be fine."

Yang Chuxia beamed back at him, gripping his hand in return. "With you here, I'm not scared."

They shared a smile.

Sean suggested, "Let's fill up on food first, then you can rest up before the ball tonight. I can't wait to see you dance—it'll be quite the sight if you manage to make General Edi look foolish!"

Yang Chuxia gasped, finally understanding that Sean was teasing her about her last-minute dance lessons and the potential embarrassment for General Edi. The thought of Edi's mercurial temper made her look worried.

"I've realized that ever since I got involved with General Edi, I've had nothing but bad luck. He's like my personal jinx! Next time I see him, I'm going to steer clear and avoid any trouble."

Sean chuckled. "You know, there are plenty of girls who would throw themselves at General Edi. He'd be quite upset if he heard you talking like that."

As they were speaking, Sean's phone rang.

He quickly shushed the air and answered the call.

Edi's voice came through, "Are you with Dr. Yang? Where are you?"

Sean responded, "Yes, we're at the Alliance Headquarters restaurant. Will the general be joining us?"

"I'll be there shortly. Order something for me, will you?" Edi said before hanging up.

Sean glanced at the table laden with food and shook his head. Turning to Yang Chuxia, he mused, "The general's just recovered from his injuries. Should we order something more suitable for him?"

People who leave the Medical Cabin are just like anyone else! No need for a special diet.

Remembering her own enforced dietary regimen at the base, Yang Chuxia felt a mischievous urge to get back at Edi. "Let's just get him a soup and a couple of vegetables!"

Sean eyed her with skepticism. "Are you sure?"

Suppressing a smile, Yang Chuxia replied earnestly, "Absolutely! Those who are injured should eat light, nutritious food. Vegetables are rich in vitamins, which aid in wound healing. Even though the general's wounds have healed, it's still beneficial to eat plenty of them."