Marvelous Mecha

With a burst of youthful exuberance, Raymond pushed the door open with a hearty laugh, the fragrance of flowers immediately filled his nostrils, refreshing his heart and mind, but as he laughed, his voice gradually turned into a forced chuckle...

"Hahaha... hic..."

At the moment their eyes met, for some unknown reason, Raymond suddenly felt a drop in his aura, as if his thoughts were being penetrated. Despite being used to navigating through life's storms, he found himself at a loss, especially with those intelligent eyes seemingly able to see right through him. This left Raymond slightly alarmed and uneasy.

"So it's Colonel Raymond. Please have a seat." The young lady's voice was gentle, her movements graceful, like a dragonfly touching the water, as she offered him a seat.

"I apologize for the intrusion. Miss, please sit down."

The young lady slightly raised her delicate eyebrows, "You're too kind. You are busy with national affairs every day; there's no need to be so reserved." Her eyes gleamed like autumn water, revealing a comforting smile that immediately calmed Raymond's uneasy mind.

However... a brief conversation already made Raymond regret his rashness. He had come too thoughtlessly! Initially, he was captivated by just a smile or a frown, yet he unexpectedly found her bearing akin to a celestial being, the contrast in her demeanor leaving him feeling somewhat powerless to contend.

"I wonder if there is an important matter for which you've come?"

"Well... actually..."

Raymond bowed his head for a moment of contemplation, feeling unlike his usual self. Damn it! Normally unafraid of life and death on the battlefield, how could he be defeated by a mere maiden today? Resolutely, he bit his teeth and stomped his foot, "Ahem, it's nothing. Your elegance is unparalleled, and I find myself admiring you greatly."

Oh no, the stench of romance. Seeing the uncommon surprise on the young lady's charming face, he hurriedly added, "Of course, I'm also very interested in your sect's martial arts, so today I won't leave empty-handed."

The young lady's almond-shaped eyes shimmered with an unreadable mystery, suddenly turning away with her back to him, standing with hands clasped behind her back: "Why do you say this?"

Raymond chuckled, "May I invite you for a cup of coffee?"

"Colonel Raymond, we are merely in a cooperative relationship, and you are a figure of great importance; why let trivial matters of the heart interfere?" At this point, she too seemed a bit embarrassed, "Hmm... Indulgence in beauty will only ruin a bright future." Her voice was melodious but carried an undercurrent of a chilly distance that repelled.

"You misunderstand. I've admired you at first sight, with no intention of disrespect."

"Thank you for your kindness, sir, but... my heart already belongs to someone."

"The nearer the water, the more the advantage. So does this mean I have no chance to become your companion, not even as a friend?"

"Why not? I've often heard that Colonel Raymond is meticulous in work and clear in his distinctions between public and private matters. You are a person of understanding, and there is much collaboration between us. Please forgive my bluntness just now."

"Very well!" Raymond nodded with an unpleasant expression, "However, I am curious about what sort of divine rarity could possibly be worthy of you, a match not commonly seen in this world."

"What difference does it make whether you know or not?"

"Haha, you're not deliberately dodging the question, are you, miss? As you said, I wouldn't recognize a man who can't protect his own woman. Farewell then."

"Wait! What do you mean by that?" She slightly frowned, hinting at an underlying meaning.

"Rest assured, I have no ill intentions. Rather, why not allow me to test that person for you?"

Without turning back, Raymond walked out the door, leaving the young lady deep in thought, expressing an unusual sense of helplessness. This truly was a case of a scholar meeting a soldier...

But as for a man, a man who desires to have her, Raymond believed he did no wrong. He had to challenge them, in a personal capacity, of course, not a real challenge, but with the aim of drawing out the person mentioned by the young lady.

After all, Jade Clear Sect and the government are originally in a cooperative relationship. Once Jade Clear Sect's higher-ups become involved, the negotiations would collapse, and Raymond knew that his actions were somewhat rash, yet he couldn't care less.

——

"Brother Feng certainly has a good appetite." With a slightly tipsy smile and enchanting eyes, beneath the pavilion, the young lady was gazing tenderly at someone, her gaze filled with secrets she longed to convey...

Feng Yi was taken aback; this was awkward. He was drinking and eating at someone else's expense under the guise of friendship, yet he promised he had no intention of joining Jade Clear Sect, merely here for a free meal. Who would have known the host would catch him in the act? He had to craftily conceal his embarrassment with his foolproof warm smile, like a gentle spring breeze, "Please sit. How did you know I'd be here?"

"Just happened to look around and didn't expect to find Brother Feng here, though I wonder if you're enjoying the meal."

This was obvious. The food was quite enjoyable, but the sudden question made it lose its flavor. Fortunately, Feng Yi was thick-skinned enough to comment, "The food's fine, just a bit heavy on the seasoning. Why don't you try some?"

As Feng Yi spoke, he picked two pieces of meat into her bowl and chopsticks.

The young lady turned her lovely face away, "I'm not in the mood to eat."

"Why's that?"

"Because of a person, and I fear he'll soon come to cause trouble." The young lady then succinctly explained to Feng Yi what had just happened.

"Your unmatched martial prowess and extraordinary skills are burdened by your commitment to your sect, and I completely understand—this meal should not be in vain. Please, leave this post-meal exercise to me."

The young lady gazed warmly at him for a long time, "Do you know?"

Feng Yi was perplexed, "Know what..."

"Brother Feng, you encompass qualities that are very endearing to women; your character is quite pleasing."

"It's my duty, and I wouldn't refuse to help." Feng Yi even owed her a favor.

The young lady shook her head, "If two people are only together without mutual feelings, it's merely a scar through time, withering blossoms in spring. Brother Feng, don't you think so?"

Indeed, a forced connection isn't sweet. Besides, the young lady wasn't obliged to agree to a meeting, yet Feng Yi was still caught off guard for two seconds... because the topic they were just discussing clearly wasn't this! The transition was rather swift.

How could he not empathize with the young lady's feelings, or rather, he should have known her thoughts long ago.

"If in life you can find a soulmate, it would not have been a life in vain." The young lady expressed unprecedented sentiment, as if she only revealed a different side of herself in front of him, "Brother Feng, why would you help me? We are mere acquaintances."

"Because... because I consider you a friend, a good friend." Feng Yi lowered his head.

"Just merely a good friend? Besides friendship, is there anything else you wish to say to me?"

Feng Yi dared not meet her enchanting gaze, tugging his sight back, "As you said, helping someone doesn't require a reason, like caring, better to have a soulmate... a soulmate..."

"What soulmate? Do you think I am a soulmate?"

Feng Yi truly couldn't continue; he had friends in her grasp, intimidated by her gaze, and uncertain about the truthfulness in her words!

This couldn't entirely be blamed on Feng Yi. The combination of the two strongest characters to some extent means an ultimate ruler, he couldn't out-talk her, and wasn't inclined to delve deeply into this topic.