C31 Snatching Food

Sean eyed Yang Chuxia with a mix of skepticism and concern. He had a nagging feeling that something was off. After a moment's thought, he said, "If the general has any objections, remember to help me explain, okay?"

Yang Chuxia gave a reassuring thumbs-up and replied, "Alright!"

Feeling somewhat relieved, Sean summoned the service robot and indeed ordered two servings of vegetables and a clear broth for Edi.

Upon Edi's arrival in the dining room, he was greeted by a table overflowing with dishes at Sean and Yang Chuxia's spot. He made his way over and took a seat.

Without drawing attention, Yang Chuxia slid the tray of food toward Edi and, without uttering a word, dove into her meal.

Sean watched her, his eyes wide with disbelief. Wasn't she supposed to offer an explanation to the general? Why was Chuxia silent?

Turning his gaze to Edi, he noticed the general didn't seem to mind. Edi simply adjusted the tray and began his meal with knife and fork in hand.

Alright then! I must be overthinking it. The general isn't one to fuss over food. Sean decided to drop the matter and, without further comment, focused on his own meal.

Edi started by leisurely savoring the soup before him, then reached for a plate of steak from the table, placing it before himself with an air of elegance. He then began to eat, using his knife and fork with grace.

Sean shot a glance at Yang Chuxia and, feigning ignorance, continued with his meal.

Yang Chuxia thought to herself in frustration, General, that's crossing the line! But with everyone watching, it wouldn't do to quarrel with the general over a steak, would it? Best to endure it.

In no time at all, Edi polished off the steak.

Concerned he might go for more, Yang Chuxia quickly attempted to secure the caviar she had ordered for herself. But as she reached out, the caviar blurred before her eyes and reappeared in front of Edi.

Taking a deep breath, Yang Chuxia shifted her focus to the lobster. She placed a plate with three large lobsters in front of her. No sooner had she let go than her vision blurred once more, and one of the lobsters vanished, now in the hands of Edi, who was meticulously peeling away the shell.

"Let it be, three lobsters, and he can have one," Yang Chuxia resigned herself, silently picking up one of the lobsters to peel. But as she savored her final bite, her vision flickered yet again, and the last lobster on the plate had disappeared.

Yang Chuxia was at a loss for words.

"This lobster is quite tasty!" General Edi remarked while peeling the shell, utterly oblivious to Yang Chuxia's glare of fury.

Sean ate in silence throughout the ordeal, seemingly oblivious to the unfolding scene.

Grinding her teeth, Yang Chuxia managed to keep her temper in check and said with displeasure, "General, that's my food. Yours is on your tray." After a brief pause, she added, "You're overstepping your bounds."

Sean turned his head away, struggling to swallow his food, appearing to have choked.

"Oh! Dr. Yang, my apologies! I had no idea. I assumed it was for sharing, so I didn't put it on my tray," Edi exclaimed in surprise. Without hesitation, he bit into the peeled lobster, devouring half of it in one go.

Taking three deep breaths, Yang Chuxia then turned and signaled for the Ordering Machine.

The Ordering Machine greeted her with courtesy, "Hello, officer! May I assist you with anything else?"

With an exasperated look at General Edi, Yang Chuxia requested, "I'd like to add a steak and another lobster to my order."

"Of course! Officer, please present your Identity Imprint," the Ordering Machine responded.

Yang Chuxia lifted her wrist to scan her Identity Imprint before the machine's optical sensor.

After a confirming beep, the Ordering Machine regretfully informed her, "I'm very sorry, officer. This is the Senior Officer Restaurant, and I'm unable to serve you. You may dine at the sergeants' cafeteria. Exit this restaurant, turn left, and it's about twenty meters down. Please make your way there."

A smirk played at the corners of Edi's mouth as he cast a brief glance at Yang Chuxia, saying nothing as he continued with his meal.

Yang Chuxia was certain she saw a gleeful smile on Edi's face. He truly was smiling! Even if his face remained impassive, his eyes betrayed his amusement.

With a resounding "thud," Yang Chuxia's fist struck the table hard. She glared at Edi, filled with frustration and anger. What was so wrong about wanting to enjoy a good meal after a narrow escape from death? Why was he treating her this way?

The commotion caught the attention of the other Senior Officers dining in the room. They all turned to look. Seeing a petite woman glaring at the stoic General Edi like an indignant kitten, their eyes widened in surprise.

What was going on here? Could it be the secret lover of the austere General? Who else would dare to be so impertinent in front of General Edi? This was huge news!

A muscle in Edi's cheek twitched. "...Really?"

Seeing Yang Chuxia on the verge of an outburst, Sean quickly addressed the Ordering Machine, "Let me handle this, I've got it." He scanned his Identity Imprint from his wrist into the machine's sensor.

With a "ding," the Ordering Machine responded courteously, "Greetings, Senior Officer! Please hold on for a moment. Your order will be served shortly."

Yang Chuxia settled back into her chair, fuming, "General, you did that deliberately!"

Edi grunted, giving her a look of genuine confusion.

Glancing around at the curious onlookers, Yang Chuxia gave Edi a scathing look before turning to Sean, "Thank you, Sean! You're the best! Not only did you invite me to lunch, but you didn't fight me for the food."

Sean caught Edi's darkening expression and managed a strained smile. "Please, it's nothing! Really, it's all thanks to General Edi. Without his approval, I wouldn't even have the privilege of dining here."

Yang Chuxia eyed Edi with a mix of irritation and defeat, "General Edi—no thanks!" She then realized she'd been duped. If Sean wasn't qualified, how could he use his Identity Imprint? She glared at him anew.

Edi, as if it were nothing, remarked, "It's simply the courtesy one gentleman owes another. No thanks necessary."

Yang Chuxia was at a loss for words. I meant no thanks, as in I'm not thanking you, okay?

Thankfully, the tension dissipated when the Ordering Machine brought over the steak and lobster.

Once they finished their meal, Edi instructed Sean, "Head over to Major General Cliff and give your statement."

Sean nodded in acknowledgment and set off to find Major General Cliff.

Edi then stood and addressed Yang Chuxia, "Let's go."

The two exited the restaurant, and Yang Chuxia queried, "General, where are we headed now?"

Without looking back, Edi simply replied, "To rest."

Reluctantly, Yang Chuxia followed. She would have much preferred to stay with Sean. Edi's aloof demeanor made him difficult to approach. Besides, she had this nagging feeling that nothing good ever came from being in Edi's company.

Edi led her to a quaint two-story villa and swung the door open to step inside. The interior was decorated with a minimalist touch, skewing slightly towards a masculine aesthetic.

As Yang Chuxia was still trying to make sense of the situation, Edi explained, "This is the house the military has provided for me. You'll be staying here."

Yang Chuxia faltered, voicing her concern, "Is this really okay? What about Sean? Where does he live?"