Mecha Chapter 139: Petty

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Lhachril

 

The men sent out by the military returned empty-handed because they missed their best opportunity and only got some prior information about those mecha parts. As for the origin and whereabouts of those parts, Heavenly Winter was as quiet as a mouse. For one thing, it was about ethics, and for another, Heavenly Winter had quite an extensive background. Not to mention, Heavenly Winter’s clients alone were quite a few people in high places. So, they really couldn’t do anything about Heavenly Winter.

As a direct consequence of this, several people in charge of the R&D department were furious, and so the atmosphere in the military’s mecha R&D department had become extremely tense in recent days.

When Luo XiaoLou saw Private Carew again, the poor soldier was filled with depression and left without even bothering to say a word after a hurried greeting. Luo XiaoLou shrugged his shoulders at the only person who would even say a few words to him. Well, he had a busy day ahead of him anyway.

Once again that afternoon, Luo XiaoLou left easily with a few Grade 4 parts. In fact, he would have left them, but he had that freedom now. He only hoped that the next time he went to pick up the materials, the person in charge of the materials team wouldn’t have such a long face. How could the Federation’s military department be so petty? When he asked for the materials, that uncle’s face was just like 125. In response, 125 also expressed disdain.

In the corridor, Luo XiaoLou encountered several researchers from the military department. Like all researchers working in state institutions, they usually looked superior, but today they looked a little dejected. However, that was none of his business. He also hadn’t been given an assignment today – God forbid he should be given one, he’d been so busy lately – Luo XiaoLou prayed calmly as he walked past several people.

Despite the agreement to isolate the future prince consort who had come in on connections, or at least not to upstage and stammer, at the moment, the military fellows glared at the back of that easy to shame figure and gnashed their teeth under their breath.

It wasn’t that they were pretentious. This place was different from those groups full of mercenary smells and competing interests. Working here wasn’t just a symbol of status, there was also the supreme honor of serving the country. And which person here was not higher than Luo XiaoLou’s rank? They were very disgruntled. When they entered the military, they could rely on their own hard work, and move step by step to climb up.

At a time like this, seeing someone else parachuted in by virtue of their status and power, their hearts certainly would feel bitter.

Since he was the prince’s future consort, so why didn’t he stay in that gorgeous palace with brocade clothes and beautiful maids?

Although for some reason, their attitude got a tacit approval from the top, maybe it had something to do with the fact that Luo XiaoLou wasn’t officially a prince consort yet, it was truly uncomfortable to see someone else so relaxed when they were being all kinds of pressured by their moody bosses.

Why didn’t those old men see that they weren’t the only ones who were useless in the military department?!

Luo XiaoLou hurriedly left the military headquarters, where A5 was dutifully waiting outside the door in his hovercar.

“To Saint Miro Academy,” Luo XiaoLou said.

“That last part of yours is about to work, why didn’t you finish it? Also, you obviously promised to make me a couple of Energy Boxes today, but you didn’t lift a finger. How little do you really care about me?” 125 complained as he chose a comfortable position to lie back on the leather seat.

“I’ve tried three times and it still won’t work and I don’t know if it’s okay to continue. But what I can guarantee you is that if we don’t get to Saint Miro Academy in twenty minutes, Yuan Xi is going to be pissed.” Luo XiaoLou said calmly, “As for your Energy Boxes, my dear, believe me, I would do anything for you, and if you take care of Yuan Xi, I can go right back to making them.”

“…No, don’t bother, I think you’re right. We can do Energy Boxes tomorrow, I’m in no hurry at all.” 125 very spinelessly supported Luo XiaoLou, and shuddered a little at the thought of Yuan Xi’s face being so gloomy it could cause thunderstorms.

Even so, Luo XiaoLou was the last one to push open the door to the restaurant booth.

Luo XiaoLou took one look at the Mecha Department’s big three and Mu Chen, who was barely a friend, and immediately said, “Sorry, I’m late. I’ve been delayed.” After saying that, he quickly sat down next to Yuan Xi.

Yuan Xi gave Luo XiaoLou a disgusted glance, like he couldn’t bring himself to say anything at all, but as Luo XiaoLou sat down, he pushed the cup of tea he was holding over to Luo XiaoLou’s side and said, “Now that everyone is here, we’ll begin.”

Yuan Xi opened his e-book and used the projection function to briefly explain the trial task they were going to do over winter break, as well as the route selection and schedule.

Ling Xu, Luo ShaoTian and Mu Chen nodded their heads, indicating that they were clear about this. If they really didn’t want to go, of course they could refuse. But no one wanted to refuse the military department’s A-rank mission. It was filled with mysterious seals and treasures. That in itself appealed to the brave and adventurous mecha warriors, but they were also the best mecha warriors. Putting aside Yuan Xi’s status, he was the first place in the Mecha Department, and the line of people who wanted to follow him on his trial couldn’t even see the edge. There was no reason for them not to go.

Even if they didn’t participate in this mission, they would have to go back during the holiday to find a mission that matched their abilities. This was a tradition at Saint Miro Academy. Starting from sophomore year, in addition to the training sessions arranged by the school, students had to complete practical assignments during the holidays. Of course, if their credits were high enough, they didn’t even have to attend the school’s intensive training.

Ling Xu and Mu Chen both agreed without saying anything.

Luo ShaoTian considered for a few seconds and asked, “This assignment will be completed by the five of us? It’s a challenging task, so are members being chosen by ability?” He glanced at Luo XiaoLou at the same time, a slight frown on his brow.

“No, there are five more people, you’ll see them then, most of them are acquaintances.” Yuan Xi said, “I think ten people will be enough. As for the selection criteria, it’s of course personal ability.”

Luo ShaoTian looked at Luo XiaoLou one more time and nodded, indicating that he had no more questions. Other than Luo XiaoLou, the people present were all the best mecha fighters in the Mecha Department. Mu Chen could be considered an exception, but his results in the mecha competition were equally surprising. As for Luo XiaoLou, no one in the Mecha Manufacturing Department was comparable to him. And with so many people, he wasn’t afraid that they couldn’t protect a single mecha maker.

Ling Xu, as if he hadn’t even seen Luo XiaoLou beside Yuan Xi, asked, “So, ten people. What about mecha makers?”

Yuan Xi said, “Ten people including two mecha makers. Although the number of people is small, due to the danger and uniqueness of the mission, the number of mecha warriors can’t be any smaller.”

That’s when Mu Chen spoke up, “There will be two mecha makers out of ten, that should be enough. In the worst case, we all bring extra mecha, and enough Energy Boxes.”

Luo XiaoLou heard this and smiled at Mu Chen. Ling Xu, who was sitting next to Mu Chen, saw Luo XiaoLou’s expression and was stunned for two seconds before he lowered his head to drink his tea.

Regarding the number of mecha makers, Luo XiaoLou wasn’t that worried. Not only was there himself and another mecha maker in the team, Mu Chen was an invisible talented mecha maker, as well. He could also help if problems really came out.

Since everyone was fine with the numbers, the food was served and they had dinner together.

“Then, by the end of this semester, I’ll let you guys know. I hope you’re all well prepared before then.” Yuan Xi said.

This trial mission and the mecha competition were completely different concepts. The danger alone couldn’t compare at all. They not only had to prepare enough mechas, Energy Boxes, and replacement parts, but also improve their abilities within this half year.

After everyone parted and in the car, Luo XiaoLou patted his overfed stomach, half reclining, half squinting to calculate his latest achievements and earnings, and next to him, in the same position, was 125.

A5 was in the front of the car, with Yuan Xi in the back. He stared at Luo XiaoLou for a while, then suddenly spoke up, “You looked at Ling Xu twice today….deeply.”

The cozy Luo XiaoLou’s reaction was significantly slower, and it was only after a few seconds that he sat up with a start and stammered, “Dee – deeply? I wasn’t even paying attention. You – what do you mean?”

Yuan Xi grimly approached Luo XiaoLou, tugged the man over and ran his hand inside Luo XiaoLou’s shirt.

Luo XiaoLou looked at him in shock, glanced at 125 and A5 in the driver’s seat, which was running ahead at some point, and shouted, “Wait – you can’t do that!”

Yuan Xi huffed, his hand on Luo XiaoLou’s heart not moving, “What can’t I do? I’m sorry I can’t do what you want to do right now.”

Luo XiaoLou almost burst into tears. I don’t want to do anything! He felt it was dangerous to be near Yuan Xi now, but with Yuan Xi’s hand on his heart, he didn’t dare to shrink back.

After a strange silence, Yuan Xi asked coldly, “You still like him?”

“No! You’re wrongly accusing me! I really wasn’t looking at him!” Luo XiaoLou shouted reflexively. He especially wouldn’t look at his ex. Although his vision also looked a bit questionable, he would never give Yuan Xi a chance to commit domestic violence.

Yuan Xi frowned, touching Luo XiaoLou’s heart. When his hand moved, Luo XiaoLou was frightened, even though it wasn’t a lie detector. He really didn’t mean anything at all to Ling Xu, ah! God knows he didn’t even know he just looked at Ling Xu twice ‘deeply’. What was that look in Yuan Xi’s eyes?

“What did you like about him?” Yuan Xi suddenly changed his mind.

Luo XiaoLou muttered in his mind. How do I know what ‘I’ liked about him? “…This kind of question is hard for me to answer.”

Yuan Xi’s face shifted expressions while thinking angrily, Damn, I’m not a bit similar to that Ling Xu guy. If Luo XiaoLou liked Ling Xu – But judging by Luo XiaoLou’s behavior in bed, it should be me only…

“You should believe me. I really don’t like him. I only like you.” Luo XiaoLou added in a timely manner.

“You’d better not give me the chance to set the family law on you.” Yuan Xi’s face looked better and his anger smoothed out when he believed him. But the hand that touched Luo XiaoLou’s heart didn’t have the slightest intention of pulling out.

 

“……!” Luo XiaoLou looked sadly at the front of the car. 125 and A5 were no longer visible.