Chapter 2274
According to Sheryl, many people from the Gaius Ragnar Branch would be attending the Valkyries' welcome party for Freya. Xiao Ran had not particularly wanted to go at first. Given his status, attending such a gathering felt somewhat inappropriate. If it had only been the Valkyries, or even the Delta Squad as well, it would have been fine. But there would be too many people. He could put aside his airs, but that did not mean the others attending would not feel restrained around him.
In the end, however, Xiao Ran, Sheryl, and Saki appeared at the Niangniang Shop where the party was being held. The timing was neither early nor late, and the shop was bustling with people coming and going. Everyone had taken off their Gaius uniforms and changed into casual clothes that made them comfortable. Ernest, the burly green-skinned man, had even put on a white suit jacket with a gold chain around his neck. Rather than the captain of a MACROSS-class Battleship, he looked more like a mafia boss.
The moment Xiao Ran, Sheryl, and Saki appeared, they drew the attention of everyone in the Niangniang Shop. Men and women alike showed captivated looks the instant they saw Sheryl and loudly called out her name. Freya, the star of this gathering, charged straight toward Sheryl. Xiao Ran, whose identity was far more special, was instead completely eclipsed by Sheryl's radiance.
"Miss Sheryl!"
"Sheryl! Sheryl!"
"Welcome, Miss Sheryl!"
Xiao Ran merely smiled faintly at the sight. Most people did not focus their attention on him, though some still looked his way, such as the other three Valkyrie members—Yao Bacania, Makina, and Reina—as well as the five Delta Squad pilots and Ernest.
After seeing Xiao Ran and Sheryl enter, Ernest shifted his massive body and walked