At Smelian’s words, Lu Xia said no more. The two simply exchanged a smile.

"Since you’re here today, there’s something I want to show you. Follow me!"

Smelian stood and followed Lu Xia out of the lounge. Lu Xia led him to the laboratory where the Ice Spirit Gene was being researched. As she pushed the door open, the researchers inside looked over. Seeing Lu Xia, they greeted her with a smile before their eyes fell on Smelian, who followed her in.

Smelian could feel the researchers’ warmth toward him and returned their smiles.

Lu Xia led him further inside, stopping in front of a screen. She pointed at a rotating diagram and said, "What we’re studying here is an Alien Gene—the Ice Spirit Gene. We’re currently running experiments on test subjects. Before this, we had already successfully developed the Fire Spirit Gene. This one, Smelian, is for you."

As a male of the Empire, and now a Gene Fusion Expert, Smelian knew exactly what an Alien Gene was—and how valuable it was.

He never imagined that, without his knowledge, Lu Xia had been quietly preparing such a priceless gift for him. And from the sound of it, this wasn’t the first. She had already developed the Fire Spirit Gene, which meant Graces had already received his gift.

Smelian suppressed his elation and turned to look at Lu Xia. The young woman’s expression was calm, as if she didn’t think she had just offered him an extraordinary gift.

"Xiaxia, this gift is too precious. I can’t accept it. Its value is far beyond what you can imagine."

Lu Xia smiled and nodded. "I’m well aware of the value of the Ice Spirit Gene Extraction Liquid. But more importantly, I know it should go to someone who needs it. Smelian, your Beastification Form combined with the Ice Spirit Gene... I think it would be incredibly cool and a perfect match. I hope that on the day you gain your superpower, you’ll show it to me."

"But don’t be so quick to refuse. It’ll still be some time before development is complete. I just wanted you to know in advance that I’ve prepared this gift for you."

Smelian nodded softly and looked at the Ice Spirit Gene Extraction Liquid on the screen again. His heart swelled, completely filled by the young woman’s words and actions.

He always thought Lu Xia was already perfect, but time and time again, her actions showed him she could be even more incredible.

He couldn’t understand how a woman like Lu Xia could even exist in this world. Not even a fairy tale would be written this way.

Smelian’s eyes reddened slightly, his heart overflowing with emotion. He turned to Lu Xia and whispered, "Can I have a hug?"

Lu Xia could clearly sense Smelian’s emotional turmoil. Faced with his reddened eyes and his pitiful, pleading gaze, she found it hard to refuse—nor did she want to. "Of course, Smelian."

With that, Lu Xia reached out and initiated the hug, patting his shoulder gently. She felt his arms tighten slightly around her waist, pulling her completely into his embrace.

Seeing this, the people in the lab all raised the corners of their lips, pretending to be busy so as not to disturb the two. In their hearts, however, they were all incredibly envious of Smelian—or rather, they were envious of all the men who became partners to Duke Lu Xia.

’First there was Graces, and now Smelian. They knew full well that in the future, there would likely be even more men enjoying Duke Lu Xia’s favor. To become one of Duke Lu Xia’s men, you must have saved the Milky Way in a past life.’

Once Smelian’s emotions had settled, he released her and looked at Lu Xia, a little embarrassed. He smiled. "Let’s go on a date tonight."

His voice was quiet, but loud enough for Lu Xia to hear.

Lu Xia’s eyes crinkled in a smile as she looked at him. "Alright. Where are we going?"

Smelian said, "I’ll pick the place. All Xiaxia has to do is follow me."

Lu Xia was more than happy to agree.

After that, Smelian left the lab, no longer disturbing Lu Xia’s work. He returned to the lounge and began preparing for their date that evening.

His state of mind was completely different from the last time he had invited Duke Lu Xia to a private dinner. Back then, he had been full of anxiety, hoping Duke Lu Xia would accept his feelings. This time, however, he had already gotten what he wanted—in fact, Lu Xia had given him even more. He was undertaking this task with a heart full of joy.

He first sent a message to the old butler and Cecil, telling them that he and Lu Xia wouldn’t be home for dinner.

The old butler’s reply was simple, just a "Understood."

But Cecil’s reply was a question: what were they doing tonight?

Smelian’s answer was also very direct, comprised of just two words: "A date."

The moment he saw those two words, Cecil’s lips pressed into a thin line.

He let out a soft, mocking laugh. ’I knew it,’ he thought scornfully. ’Smelian isn’t as magnanimous as he pretends to be.’

Cecil ground his back teeth and replied, "Oh, okay. Take care of our big sister."

Seeing the word "sister," Smelian froze for a moment, then his brows furrowed slightly. He knew Cecil could only call her that if he had Lu Xia’s permission. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

He hadn’t expected Cecil to be so bold. Instead of calling Lu Xia "Xiaxia" like the rest of them, he had gone for the more intimate "sister."

Then again, Cecil really could call Duke Lu Xia "sister." After all, Cecil was the youngest.

’That certainly gives him an advantage,’ Smelian thought. ’But if Lu Xia likes being called sister, then I suppose I could do it too.’

Lu Xia had no idea what was going through Smelian’s mind.

If she knew, Lu Xia would have definitely rolled her eyes and told him that she did not, in fact, have a fetish for being called "sister" by everyone.

Fortunately, Smelian was only thinking about it and had no intention of putting his thoughts into action.

Because she had a date with Smelian, Lu Xia finished her work early.

The two of them left No.2 Institute. The moment Smelian opened the door to the hover car, Lu Xia’s eyes widened in surprise at the sight of it filled to the brim with red roses. She turned to Smelian with a smile. "When did you do this?"

They had taken this same hover car when they arrived, and she was sure it had been empty then. She had only been busy with work for one afternoon, and Smelian had managed to prepare such a surprise. ’It’s unbelievable!’

Smelian looked at Lu Xia with a tender smile. "Come to think of it, I don’t believe I’ve ever given Xiaxia flowers before. I’m making up for it now. I hope you like them, Xiaxia."

He remembered seeing Cecil give her flowers, and it had certainly left an impression on him.

Lu Xia smiled, turned, and walked over to hug Smelian. "Thank you. I love them."

Who doesn’t love flowers, especially flowers that were given with so much thought?

It was just that from Graces to Cecil, and now to Smelian, it seemed they all loved giving her roses.

Not that she was complaining; she loved them too.

The entire cabin was filled with the fresh fragrance of roses. When Lu Xia sat down, she was practically enveloped by them.

Luckily, Smelian had planned ahead, so she wasn’t in any danger of being pricked by thorns. Instead, it gave her the feeling of being nestled in a bed of roses.

For a moment, she felt like a princess in a fairy tale. It had to be said, no one could hate romance. Lu Xia was no exception; she adored Smelian’s gift.