TCFGBH Chapter 89

Central Military Academy, Third Canteen.

After a morning full of rigorous training, everyone was starving. While a small number opted for nutrient shakes to recharge, the majority made their way to the cafeteria.

The buzz about Xia Yan teaming up with three commoners had spread across the academy like wildfire.

As soon as they entered, countless discreet glances followed their every move.

The five-person squad made their way in, with the young man walking at the front. His pristine white uniform, without so much as a wrinkle, fit perfectly, and the emblem marking his status as top-ranked shimmered under the light, complementing his golden eyes that radiated an almost regal brilliance.

The cafeteria was expansive. Despite it being lunchtime, it didn’t feel crowded.

Xia Yan took the lead at a six-seater table, sitting down first. Ludwig naturally took the seat beside him, while Edwin silently positioned himself across from Ludwig.

Betty hesitated before nervously taking the seat directly opposite Xia Yan.

Zhao Jiang: “…” A life-or-death decision. At this moment, he wasn’t merely choosing where to sit for lunch—he was choosing between Xia Yan and Edwin’s sides.

Xia Yan, however, had no interest in making things difficult for his teammates. A brief glance from his golden eyes, accompanied by a commanding tone, resolved the matter:

“Don’t get in my way.”

Relieved, Zhao Jiang quickly slid into the seat next to Betty.

The Central Military Academy spared no expense in its facilities. Even the cafeteria employed professional chefs, while robots were assigned to take orders and deliver food, streamlining the process and sparing students from the inconvenience of queues.

A rounded, cheerful little robot zipped over to take their order.

“… Your meals have been ordered. Please tap the device on your right wrist to confirm payment~!”

The young man raised his wrist.

Beep!

“Three thousand nine hundred and fifty-six interstellar credits received. Thank you for dining with us!”

Edwin and Betty froze mid-motion.

Zhao Jiang stared at Xia Yan, his expression unreadable.

On the other hand, Ludwig blinked his clear blue eyes, and a faint smile crept into them, sweet and unspoken. If Xia Yan was treating him to a meal, it must mean something.

Xia Yan: “…”

Oblivious to the awkward silence, the robot cheerfully flashed a heart gesture with its tiny hands before scurrying off to serve other diners.

Edwin frowned. “I’ll transfer the cost of my meal to you.”

“Same here,” Betty quickly chimed in. But as she glanced up to speak, her eyes inadvertently landed on Xia Yan’s face.

Up close, the sharp, striking features of the young man’s face made an almost overwhelming impression.

His pale skin, without a single blemish, was as flawless as fresh snow from ancient Earth. Beneath his elegantly tailored collar, the slightest glimpse of his collarbone was visible—a subtle curve of bone adorned by a faint red mark.

Betty’s eyes widened.

Was that… a mole?

Her gaze lingered for a good ten seconds, her mind spiraling.

So scandalous.

An unbidden thought popped into her head: What would it feel like to bite it? To lick it, even, just to see if it was real?

Betty’s face turned beet red. She felt as if her brain had short-circuited. Whatever she had been about to say was long forgotten.

A sharp, cold gaze broke her trance. Betty’s instincts flared as she turned to look at Ludwig.

Sitting at an angle, Ludwig’s expression was unreadable, but the chill in his eyes was unmistakable.

Betty blinked. “?”

Ludwig curled his lips into a frosty smile, leaning back slightly to drape his arm casually over the back of Xia Yan’s chair. From Betty’s perspective, it looked as though he was pulling the young man protectively into his embrace.

Betty’s gaze darted between Ludwig’s possessive posture and Xia Yan’s oblivious demeanor. Her thoughts whirled.

This… could they…?

Xia Yan: “?”

Betty swallowed hard, her mind racing so fast that it crashed entirely. The notion of transferring her meal cost slipped her mind completely.

“Unlock your device,” Edwin pressed. “I’ll transfer the payment now.”

“No need,” Xia Yan replied, lifting his gaze lazily. His tone was flat, almost bored. “The cost of your meals doesn’t even add up to a fraction of mine.”

Such a small sum wasn’t even worth the effort for someone like him.

Just his own meal had cost 3,199 interstellar credits. The remaining 700-something was for the others—a mere afterthought. Covering his teammates’ meals was second nature for a young noble accustomed to luxury. Asking for repayment? Laughable.

“I don’t need you paying for me,” Edwin insisted, his tone firm.

Whatever faint camaraderie had existed between them as classmates had long since shattered over the events of the past few days. They might not be outright enemies, but they certainly weren’t friends.

Accepting Xia Yan’s generosity? That was out of the question. It would be easier to accept a blade to the chest.

Xia Yan’s expression darkened. His sharp golden eyes narrowed, fixing Edwin with a displeased glare.

Edwin’s jaw tightened as he stared back, his posture tense.

In just a few seconds, a thousand scenarios ran through his mind. He knew he couldn’t outmatch Xia Yan—not in terms of power or influence.

But that didn’t mean he’d back down.

The tension was palpable, ready to erupt at any moment.

“Oh wow! The codfish in the cafeteria today is so fresh, and the meat is so tender. Edwin, want a bite?” Zhao Jiang suddenly interrupted, shoving his fork past Betty and right in front of Edwin.

Betty’s eyes darted around before she subtly pinched Edwin’s hand under the table.

When Edwin turned to her, she slightly shook her head and whispered softly, “Let it go. Let’s just eat.”

For some reason, Betty’s impression of Xia Yan had shifted slightly after their brief interaction. According to the rumors, Xia Yan constantly bullied Ludwig, and their relationship was supposedly terrible.

But reality seemed to tell a different story.

Ludwig displayed possessiveness toward Xia Yan—even her lingering gaze was enough to elicit a warning and a show of dominance.

If that part of the rumor was false, what about the rest? Were all the stories about him just as exaggerated or untrue? Considering Xia Yan’s unique status as a contender for the imperial throne, Betty couldn’t help but wonder.

Could it be possible that his character wasn’t as terrible as the rumors claimed? Perhaps someone was working in the shadows to tarnish his reputation?

Betty sighed inwardly.

The waters of royalty run deep.

Unaware of Betty’s thoughts, Edwin frowned at her sudden change of attitude. He raised his wrist once more, determined to return the money to Xia Yan.

Their group had already attracted attention upon entering, but now, the tension brewing at their table drew even more curious glances.

Seeming annoyed by the commotion, Xia Yan exhaled a faint sigh of impatience. “I don’t need that money. If you’re so insistent, donate it instead.”

The Gardner Empire had numerous charitable projects for children, overseen directly by the Empress. The system was strictly regulated to prevent any corruption.

Edwin glanced around. Betty and Zhao Jiang were both staring at him, nervously signaling for him to drop the matter. Making a scene here would benefit no one.

After a moment of hesitation, Edwin opened the charity organization’s website and donated the combined cost of his and Betty’s meals as a rounded sum.

Betty and Zhao Jiang finally breathed a sigh of relief, but their relief was short-lived.

Edwin suddenly spoke again, his voice low but firm. “I’ve ‘returned’ the money. We don’t owe you anything now.”

Xia Yan: “?”

Edwin continued, his tone carrying a sharp edge, “When it comes to actual combat, don’t think this so-called favor will make me or Betty your stepping stones.”

Xia Yan had spent three years at the academy. In every team-based scenario in the virtual world, he’d coldly sacrificed his commoner teammates, using their “lives” to secure maximum benefits for the team.

Because of his noble background and his role as team leader, no one dared to openly voice their grievances. However, among Class 3-A’s commoner students, Xia Yan was, without a doubt, the last person anyone wanted as a teammate.

Betty felt a pang of unease. Yet, deep down, she harbored a sliver of hope as she gazed at Xia Yan, silently pleading for him to say something to reassure his teammates.

Xia Yan lifted his eyes, his golden gaze sweeping over them, indifferent and aloof as ever.

Edwin instinctively tensed.

Betty’s eyes held a glimmer of anticipation.

Xia Yan took in their contrasting expressions and, with a faint sneer, refused to offer even a shred of reassurance. “I’ll act in the best interests of the team. Nothing more.”

Edwin’s lips curled into a cold, disdainful smirk. Best interests? If it meant sacrificing himself, would he be willing? Of course not. He always targets the weakest to eliminate first.

But Betty interpreted his words entirely differently.

As a team leader, Xia Yan naturally needed to maintain absolute rationality and avoid being swayed by emotions. Though his response sounded cold, it reflected the qualities of a true leader.

Her recent interaction with Xia Yan had subtly shifted her perspective, leading her to interpret his actions more favorably.

A gentle smile appeared on her face. “The captain isn’t wrong. As team members, it’s only right that we prioritize the group’s interests.”

Edwin: “???”

Xia Yan: “???”

A single thought echoed in both of their minds:

Are you okay?

Xia Yan felt a wave of confusion inside. Had his behavior just now not been obnoxious enough? Grinding his teeth slightly, his gaze swept over the table before finally landing on his cup of coffee, which he had taken only a single sip of.

His eyes lit up. Got it.

He tapped the edge of the cup lightly with his stirring stick and, with a graceful motion of his long fingers, pushed the coffee toward Ludwig.

“You, go add milk and sugar,” he ordered as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

[Daily Task: Bully Ludwig (1/1)]

Xia Yan felt a rush of satisfaction. Not only had he completed his side quest, but he’d also solidified his reputation as insufferable—a perfect two-for-one.

Actually, no—three-for-one.

Once Ludwig inevitably refused, Xia Yan could feign anger and abandon the coffee altogether. No more enduring the bitter black coffee of the interstellar era, which was far too intense for his taste.

But contrary to his expectations…

Ludwig immediately picked up the coffee cup without hesitation.

Xia Yan: “?”

What happened to your dignity as the protagonist gong?!