Not long after the Fertility Research Institute declared bankruptcy, Lu Xia made good on her promise and purchased it, bringing it under her name.

Upon seeing her again, Vice-Director Klaus had a complicated expression, but he was clearly relieved overall.

He was even somewhat glad that Lu Xia had actually purchased the Fertility Research Institute. To him, having Duke Lu Xia—who already owned No. 1 Institute and No. 2 Institute—as the new director might just be what the institute needed to reach even greater heights.

The first thing Lu Xia did upon her arrival was rename the Fertility Research Institute to No. 3 Courtyard, dedicating it to reproductive research. She also appointed Doctor Eugene as the head of No. 3 Courtyard, while Klaus was fortunate enough to continue serving as vice-director.

As for the former researchers at the Fertility Research Institute, after a thorough investigation, those who had not been involved in the former director’s and Lunen’s activities were allowed to stay. All others were dismissed.

Not long after this news was released, it attracted a great deal of public attention and celebration—

"This is great! Duke Lu Xia bought the Fertility Research Institute. No, it’s called No. 3 Courtyard now."

"Now the safety of our cubs is finally guaranteed. I’m sure Duke Lu Xia won’t let us down."

"With Duke Lu Xia’s research, do you think we might be able to achieve natural conception?"

"Whoa, OP, you’re pretty bold to be hoping for natural conception. There hasn’t been a single case in the Empire for hundreds of years. How could it be possible? Weren’t we told our genes no longer have the right conditions for it?"

"I’m just thinking about it. No crime in thinking, right? What if?"

"Yeah, Duke Lu Xia even managed to develop the gene fusion agent. Natural conception should be a piece of cake for her, right?"

...

Doctor Eugene, who was monitoring online trends, happened to see these comments. ’If it were ever revealed that Duke Lu Xia herself is a female capable of natural conception,’ he thought, ’these people would go even crazier.’

In fact, Eugene was still in a bit of a daze as he sat in the director’s chair of No. 3 Courtyard. He had never imagined that he would one day become the director of a research institute. And all of this was granted to him by Duke Lu Xia. Of course, he knew very well why he was in this position. He had complete data on females capable of natural conception, and Lu Xia’s goal was for him to use this data to further research the topic.

’Duke Lu Xia truly is a female of great vision,’ he thought.

Lately, Lu Xia had been busy with matters at No. 3 Courtyard, leaving early and coming home late. Just as things had finally settled down, she received good news from No. 2 Institute: the Golden Spirit Gene Extraction Liquid had been successfully created, though it still needed to go through a trial phase. Nevertheless, this was definitely great news for Lu Xia. With the Fire Spirit Gene and Ice Spirit Gene already developed, the research speed for the Golden Spirit Gene had increased significantly.

She believed it wouldn’t be long before the Golden Spirit Gene Extraction Liquid could be used on Cecil.

That evening, as Lu Xia was leaving No. 2 Institute, she was surprised to see Cecil waiting there for her. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

She walked over with a smile and asked, "What are you doing here? You didn’t tell me you were coming."

"I went to No. 3 Courtyard, and they told me you were at No. 2 Institute, so I came here. I was hoping to ask you on a date. Is that okay?"

As he spoke, he pulled a rose from behind his back and presented it to Duke Lu Xia.

Lu Xia hadn’t expected him to have a gift prepared. She reached out, took the rose, and nodded. "Alright."

Seeing Lu Xia agree to his date, Cecil’s smile grew even more brilliant. His golden hair glittered under the setting sun, his eyes curving as he smiled, looking both handsome and adorable. Lu Xia couldn’t resist reaching out to stroke his soft, golden hair. "Where are we going for our date? Have you decided on a place?"

Cecil wrapped an arm around Lu Xia’s waist, pulling her into his embrace. "You just have to follow me. I’ve arranged everything for tonight."

Lu Xia nodded at his words. "Did you let them know at home?"

"I told the butler before I left. Smelian and Simon will probably find out when we get back."

Lu Xia nodded again and said no more, following Cecil into the hovercar.

The sun was gradually setting, its afterglow dyeing half the sky red. The place where blue and orange mingled was exceptionally beautiful.

Cecil took her to Guangying Tower, the tallest building on the Imperial Star.

They took an elevator straight to the top floor. The moment the doors opened, Lu Xia realized it was a vast sky garden hotel.

Waiters were already lined up on both sides, waiting to serve them.

Lu Xia followed Cecil out of the elevator and asked, "This place must be difficult to book, isn’t it?"

Cecil said with a hint of pride, "It might be for others, but this is my property. I can come and go as I please. And of course, that means it’s yours too, Lu Xia."

Lu Xia was a little surprised and turned to look at Cecil.

’It seems I’ve underestimated Cecil’s capabilities,’ she thought. ’I never expected him to be the owner of this place.’

Noticing the surprise in her eyes, Cecil smiled. "You don’t have to be amazed, Lu Xia. All of my assets belong to you. If there’s anything you want to know, I’ll tell you everything."

Lu Xia knew exactly what he meant by that.

According to the Empire’s laws, the assets of a husband did indeed belong to the head of the household. But she had never thought about such things, nor did she care. Her own current assets were more than enough for her, and she had no interest in managing so many more.

She simply smiled and said, "You’re even more exceptional than I thought, Cecil. You’re very impressive."

Lu Xia’s praise delighted Cecil, and he even said a little smugly, "Lu Xia, I have even more impressive sides to me. You’ll find out in the future."

Lu Xia chuckled. "Alright, I look forward to it."

As soon as she finished speaking, music began to play. Lu Xia glanced to the side and saw a small orchestra on a nearby stage, playing just for them.

Cecil led her by the hand to the dining table.

Dinner was already laid out on the table. Outside the window, the sunset had faded, and their position offered a perfect view of the night sky.

Enjoying delicious food to the accompaniment of music felt exceptionally pleasant.

Lu Xia had rarely had such a chance to relax recently, and she ate with great satisfaction.

Cecil didn’t say much either. It seemed he had brought Lu Xia here simply to let her relax.

"So, Lu Xia, did you enjoy the dinner?"

Lu Xia nodded, saying with satisfaction, "It was delicious. You were very thoughtful."

"Then tonight... could you grant me a favor, Lu Xia?"

Faced with Cecil’s words, Lu Xia froze for a moment. Then she realized that the main purpose of his invitation tonight was likely to obtain this "favor."

By now, she understood perfectly well what a "favor" represented.

Meeting Cecil’s expectant gaze, Lu Xia asked, "You won’t regret this, will you, Cecil?"

"My only regret would be missing this chance with you. I want to truly become a family with you. So I’m begging you, Lu Xia, please grant me this favor. Please."