C47 Psychological Time
When Yang Chuxia heard Edi's self-deprecating comment, she couldn't help but turn her head to look at him. She had to concede that Edi was exceptionally attractive.
After all, in this age of genetic selection, everyone was a looker.
But Edi stood out not just for his features and physique; his presence was remarkable. His thick eyebrows angled upwards, his nose bridge soared, his lips were sharply defined, and his chin tilted upward.
His deep blue eyes were so captivating that one couldn't help but be drawn in, as if plunging into a brilliant sea of stars.
The lines of his neck below the chin were elegant, and his sexy Adam's apple moved subtly. The top button of his military uniform unfortunately concealed his alluring collarbones.
Yang Chuxia's thoughts wandered to his solid chest, robust abs, and seductive V-line. She suddenly realized there wasn't a single part of him that wasn't appealing, right down to his short, cropped hair that exuded a masculine scent.
Yet, it was his firm buttocks she adored the most, so much that a slap would leave her hand tingling! His arms were long and powerful, his hands thick and fingers well-defined.
And then there was his voice, slightly raspy and low, oozing with allure. It gave her the impulse to devour him. Oh no, better yet, to swallow him whole...
"Chuxia, I think I should request a Mothership from headquarters to take us back to base," Edi's voice broke through her reverie.
Snapped out of her daydream, Yang Chuxia's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she inwardly chastised herself, "Yang Chuxia, what are you thinking? You're completely smitten by Edi's charm." She awkwardly asked, "Why?"
Edi replied, unfazed, "Because the Mothership has a bedroom, which would be perfect to alleviate your yearning for me."
Annoyed and flustered, Yang Chuxia retorted, "When have I ever yearned for you?"
Edi arched an eyebrow and responded with cool assurance, "Dear Miss Yang, even behind sunglasses, you can't hide the longing in your eyes for my body. What exactly are you trying to conceal?"
Truly incensed now, Yang Chuxia snapped back, "Shameless!"
A smile played at the corners of Edi's eyes as he stroked his chin and said in a deep tone, "Shameless? Perhaps, but I'm not a hypocrite. I never hide my affection for the things I desire!"
Yang Chuxia shot him an angry glare, knowing full well that arguing with him was a losing battle.
Even behind his sunglasses, Edi could still picture the flirtatious look in her eyes. His gaze deepened as he mouthed the words silently, "Little Enchantress!"
Understanding his lip-reading, Yang Chuxia's cheeks flushed with color. Boldly, she stuck out her tongue and circled it around her glistening lips, then, with a mischievous smile, she turned her head forward, adopting a pose of attentive stillness, as if nothing had happened.
Edi's heart fluttered with anticipation, and he swallowed hard, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Wait until we get back to base, then I'll deal with you!"
"General, military law doesn't apply to me. Remember, I'm not a soldier; I'm a doctor!" Yang Chuxia replied with a stern tone.
Suddenly, Edi raised his voice to Sean, who was intently piloting the vehicle, "Sean, am I still in need of a secretary?"
Glancing at Yang Chuxia in the rearview mirror, Sean answered, "Yes, General! The Human Resources Department hasn't sent anyone yet."
"Tell Human Resources they don't need to send anyone. I find Ms. Yang Chuxia to be quite suitable for the role of my secretary," Edi declared.
Yang Chuxia was taken aback and protested, "I have no interest in being a secretary. I'm a doctor, not an administrator. It's not my field."
Sean chimed in, "Chuxia, becoming the General's secretary is a step up. You could at least make major!"
Her eyes darting, Yang Chuxia countered, "Put me on the Mecha Team, and I might consider becoming your soldier!"
Sean was sweating bullets. So many women longed to be General Edi's confidante, and yet Yang Chuxia was reluctant. Didn't she realize the advantages of being close to power?
While she would undoubtedly excel as a Mecha Soldier, wasn't it the right choice for a woman to stay close to the one she loves?
Hearing Yang Chuxia's unexpected desire to join the Mecha Team, Edi was taken aback and asked with a hint of incredulity, "Why the sudden interest in becoming a Mecha Soldier?"
Yang Chuxia declared emphatically, "General, I've longed to join the Mecha Team with all my heart!"
Edi quirked an eyebrow and inquired, "For how long?"
Unflinchingly, Yang Chuxia responded, "Since the moment I saw you and Major Sean suited up in your Mechas!"
Edi chuckled, "So, just two days ago then!"
Sean couldn't suppress a laugh either, "That's quite a long time to yearn! I was under the impression it was a spur-of-the-moment wish."
With a touch of indignation, Yang Chuxia retorted, "Go ahead and laugh. You were off battling, unaware of how I was feeling utterly isolated in Niya Planet's stone caves. My longing may not measure long in actual time, but it felt like an eternity to me."
The laughter faded from Edi and Sean's faces as they discerned the undertones of helplessness and fear in her voice.
Edi affirmed, "Fine! Once you're back at the base and have completed basic training, immerse yourself in learning about the Mecha. Demonstrate excellence, and you'll earn your place on the Mecha Team."
Edi's leniency visibly moved Yang Chuxia. She clenched her fists in gratitude and vowed, "General, I'll strive to excel and won't disappoint you!"
Edi laid out his terms, "The catch is, once you're on the Mecha Team, aside from training and missions, you'll also serve as my secretary."
Yang Chuxia bristled with irritation. Why was he always trying to get the upper hand? She snapped, "Why not just say you want me as your personal assistant!"
Edi replied earnestly, "That was my intention, but I thought you might prefer a more dignified title, hence the secretary role."
"Edi..." Yang Chuxia growled in frustration.
Edi simply tilted his chin up at her, a picture of nonchalance.
Yang Chuxia made up her mind that upon her return to the base, she would ignite fires at every turn and not concern herself with putting them out.
It was eleven at night when they arrived back at the base. Yang Chuxia joined Edi and Sean for a late dinner in the mess hall.
Once they had eaten, Edi sent Sean off and strolled out of the mess hall with Yang Chuxia at a leisurely pace.
The last couple of days have been incredibly thrilling! Upon returning to the base, Yang Chuxia was struck by the eerie silence, feeling as though she had stepped into another world.
The pair made their way to the quaint garden outside the dining hall. They were supposed to return to their respective quarters, yet Edi seemed to have no intention of parting ways with Yang Chuxia.
With the new recruits busy with training, and the veterans off-duty and likely out seeking the night's pleasures, the base was deserted. So when Edi reached out and took Yang Chuxia's hand, she hardly resisted and allowed herself to be led.