C8 Embarrassment

Sitting next to Edi, Major General Cliff Reg of the Military Intelligence Bureau was a long-time friend. He couldn't help but notice Edi's nonchalant glances towards Yang Chuxia, which piqued his curiosity. Turning his head, he caught sight of Chuxia devouring her meal with gusto, and his interest was immediately piqued. In a hushed tone, Cliff teased Edi, "What's this? Has our paragon of virtue, General Edi, taken a liking to this young lady?"

Sean's eyes widened in astonishment as he observed Edi, musing to himself, "Could it be that the General has really taken a shine to Dr. Yang? Is that why he had me dig up her details—to know his opponent and secure victory in every battle?"

Edi's mouth twitched in annoyance. "Is it a prerequisite for intelligence agents to be such busybodies?" he asked.

Cliff chuckled quietly, his fist pressed to his mouth. "In denial, are we? I bet the poor girl is upset because you've been ignoring her. That's why she's taking it out on her food. Or could it be that you've worn her out, forcing her to refuel with such vigor?"

Edi replied coolly, "Maybe you should quit intelligence and become a tabloid journalist or a novelist. You'd probably excel."

Cliff continued to snicker to himself.

Half an hour later, Chuxia let out a satisfied burp, set down her cutlery, and wiped her mouth with a napkin, preparing to settle the bill when...

"Here comes the young lady," Cliff nudged Edi.

Edi glanced up.

Chuxia approached them, her cheeks flushed and her expression anxious as she looked towards Sean. She had no desire to interact with Edi and would have preferred to keep her distance, but she had left home without her wallet.

Having walked out with nothing on her, she only realized her predicament after finishing her meal. She was relieved to see familiar faces, for she hadn't even brought her phone and couldn't call Lin Yin or Janice for assistance.

Stopping about three meters away, Chuxia gave Sean an awkward smile. "Major Sean, could I trouble you for a favor?"

Surprised, Sean looked at Edi, who remained impassive, neither objecting nor consenting. With no other choice, Sean stood up and approached Chuxia, offering a warm smile. "Dr. Yang, how may I assist you?"

Yang Chuxia cast a furtive glance at Reg, who was unabashedly displaying a look of eager curiosity next to Edi, and said with a hint of embarrassment, "I forgot to bring my wallet and phone when I left! Could you possibly cover for me, and I'll pay you back later?"

Sean looked at her blankly, then turned his gaze back to Edi and Reg.

Cliff wore a knowing, sly grin, while Edi's eyes were downcast, seemingly detached from the situation.

Sean finally managed to say, albeit awkwardly, "Sure, I'll take care of the bill for you." Internally, he was screaming, "Dr. Yang, you should be asking the general to pay, not me—I'm not ready to meet my maker just yet."

Yang Chuxia was slightly puzzled by Sean's awkwardness but was nonetheless grateful that he had agreed to pay. She expressed her thanks, "I really appreciate it, Major Sean! I'll transfer the money to you as soon as I get back."

Sean forced a smile and replied, "Don't mention it, it's no big deal!"

With a polite nod to them, Yang Chuxia left the restaurant in a fluster.

Cliff, with a meaningful look, teased Edi, "So it seems Deputy Sean has caught someone's eye? Here I was thinking she had a thing for you!" His face broke into a smug smile.

Edi gave him a cool glance and said, "Enough. We've finished our business here. General Gray has important matters to attend to; we should be going." He rose and strode out of the restaurant.

Cliff, misinterpreting the situation, thought Edi had feelings for Yang Chuxia. He chuckled, stood up, and clapped Sean on the shoulder with a sympathetic look, saying, "Major Sean, take good care of yourself."

Terrified, Sean broke out in a cold sweat and his legs trembled as he went to settle the bill, all the while mentally exclaiming, "No, she only asked for my help because she's intimidated by the general, not because she's interested in me. This is all a big misunderstanding!"

Unaware of the confusion her request for money had caused, Yang Chuxia left the restaurant and headed straight for her dormitory. Eager to settle her debt, she called out intending to immediately transfer the money into Sean's account.

After hearing her out, the response came after a thoughtful pause, "Sergeant Dr. Yang, you have an Identity Imprint on your wrist. Within the jurisdiction of the Alliance, you can simply have your imprint scanned to deduct the charges directly from your account."

Yang Chuxia was frozen in shock, the recent encounter at the restaurant replaying vividly in her mind. It suddenly made sense why Sean had been staring at her with such a bewildered and embarrassed look!

The officer seated beside Edi sported a cryptic smile, whereas General Edi himself remained expressionless. What a dizzying turn of events!

Quick-witted as she was, Yang Chuxia instantly realized they had misinterpreted her intentions towards Sean, hence the odd looks.

The thought of trying to flirt with Sean in front of General Edi made her feel unbearably hot and flustered, her mind going completely blank.

She was relieved that Edi hadn't scolded her and felt deeply embarrassed about her lack of social awareness. She wished she could turn back time and arm herself with a better grasp of everyday customs.

With her face burning, Yang Chuxia stuttered, "But, but I've already asked Deputy Sean to cover my bill, so please, could you help me repay what I owe him?"

The response came in a gentle tone, "Okay, I'll return the money to Deputy Sean right away. But, sir, do you need me to connect you with Deputy Sean's phone to explain?"

Explain? How could she possibly explain this? Any attempt would only make things messier! Yang Chuxia was still far from recovering from her mortification and certainly didn't want to make another blunder. She quickly interjected, "No, no, let's not bother with that right now."

He seemed to hesitate for a moment before adding, "Actually, there's nothing wrong with you pursuing Deputy Sean. The Alliance Army doesn't prohibit officers and medical staff from dating, as long as they're not in the same department. Even General Edi has no authority to interfere."