Investment in Green Energy

"Of course! We're definitely going to drink until we drop!"

Hans said with a look of regret.

Although this was a tavern, it was still a military base after all; not only was the alcohol exorbitantly expensive, but each person was limited to only one drink.

It wasn't satisfying at all.

"There will be chances."

Xu De said softly.

The world had already been slightly nudged by his butterfly effect.

The future would likely be a little different as well.

Therefore, they all had a chance—a chance to see tomorrow's sun.

A chance to achieve fame and success.

Just as Xu De's voice faded, a dainty figure appeared at the entrance, skipping through the crowded tavern and waving in Xu De's direction.

The girl's softness bounced along with her movements, making one's heart burn with desire.

The girl, naturally, was Bella.

"Sorry..."

Seeing that she clearly meant for him to come out, Xu De looked at the others apologetically.

"It's fine, we're just about finished eating anyway."

The others had also seen that lovely figure, and the smiles on their faces became a bit more suggestive.

"No wonder you didn't fancy those communication girls from before; turns out you found someone this impressive."

Hans teased with a laugh; she was, after all, a beautiful young officer.

Though, at the moment, she seemed like a perfect match for Xu De.

Of course, if they knew this beautiful girl had a powerful family behind her, they probably wouldn't think that way.

"Stop spouting nonsense. See you later."

Xu De laughed and scolded.

"Mhm, we'll come to see you off later."

Flint nodded, and the group watched as Xu De's upright figure walked away.

It was as if the alcohol had no effect on his resolve at all.

"Xu has really changed a lot."

Watching his back disappear, Hans couldn't help but sigh.

"Come to think of it, you two came out of the same orphanage, right?"

"Was Xu always that capable?"

Price asked curiously upon hearing this.

"I don't think so..."

If he had been that capable, they probably wouldn't have ended up joining the army in such a muddled state.

Thinking back to the days he and Xu De spent in the orphanage, while they weren't exactly in rags, they were certainly underfed, underclothed, and lacking in resources.

Drinking and eating to their heart's content was their dream back then.

If someone had told him in the past that his dream would be easily realized because of Xu De, not only would he not have believed it, but Xu De himself probably wouldn't have believed it either.

But now, the dream had indeed been realized.

As for what came next? Xu De seemed to have other, more grandiose dreams, and heaven only knew how far he would go.

As for them, as long as they followed in his footsteps, perhaps they could reach places Hans never even dared to imagine.

Unaware of the complex thoughts in their minds, Xu De followed Bella into a small lounge.

It was a paid facility, similar to a hotel room, with a bed and excellent soundproofing.

The moment they entered, the noisy sounds from outside were completely cut off.

"You've been drinking~"

Bella's face was slightly flushed.

It was hard to tell if it was from the scent of alcohol on Xu De or the workings of a young girl's heart.

"Had a little, it's no bother."

Xu De said, not noticing the ambiguity of his words, which only made Bella's face flush even more.

She bit her cherry lips with her pearly teeth, looking as juicy as a small, exquisite peach.

"Congratulations~"

The girl said softly, with a hint of shyness.

"I went to take a look earlier too, but my uncle called me over, so I had to leave."

"Xu, you're amazing!"

Meeting the gaze of the young girl whose eyes seemed to shimmer with stars, Xu De smiled.

"Thank you."

"Mm!"

Facing the young man's gentle, smiling eyes, and with the adoration surging in her heart, Bella finally gathered her courage and took a step toward Xu De.

The two, already standing close, now overlapped, and Bella pressed a light kiss onto Xu De's cheek with her cherry lips.

"Th-this is just the etiquette around here, don't get the wrong idea."

Seeing Bella's expression, ripples began to stir in Xu De's heart.

Though it wasn't apparent on the surface, the alcohol had still exerted a slight influence on him.

After a moment of hesitation, Xu De chose to take a step forward as well, kissing Bella on her smooth, glowing, and flushed cheek.

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Before she could react, Xu De's teasing words rang out right by Bella's ear.

Bella was unexpectedly simple in this regard, which made an inexplicable heartbeat linger in his own chest.

And Xu De's words were spoken almost pressed against Bella's ear.

The breath he exhaled while speaking made Bella's ear feel tingly and numb.

That numbing sensation quickly traveled from the girl's sensitive earlobe straight to the bottom of her heart.

"You learn fast..."

Bella replied in a soft, delicate voice, the sound brushing against the young man's heart like a feather.

Immediately after, Bella's soft, supple, and curvaceous body leaned into Xu De, and she hugged the young man tightly.

Although Bella was well-endowed, Xu De didn't feel any discomfort; instead, he felt the warmth of her body and the beating of her heart, which only made his own heart race all the more.

However, Xu De didn't do anything untoward at this moment.

Beyond the fear of Cook killing him, he also wanted to give Bella time to think.

Furthermore, he himself needed time to train; heaven only knew when the ZAFT airborne units or space forces might arrive.

He had been attending quite a few dinners lately—some with the elites he met during the assessment, and others with Hans.

Although these were necessary social engagements, they still wasted a bit of his time.

After the two held each other for a good while, they finally let go.

Only then did Xu De calm his emotions and continue.

"By the way, Bella, do you know anything about clean energy?"

"What?"

Bella, who was still feeling shy, was caught off guard by Xu De's sudden change of topic.

"Clean energy, as in non-nuclear power generation projects?"

Bella asked, puzzled.

"Yes."

Hearing this, Bella didn't hide anything and shook her head.

"Not really. Our family is mainly responsible for energy efficiency improvements and design."

"Hardly anyone works on green energy these days. We do have a subsidiary responsible for it, but it's just to satisfy inspections and government policies."

Xu De's expression turned more serious as he replied.

"If a Neutron Jammer exists, the importance of green energy will skyrocket."

Just as Halberton had said, they couldn't possibly defend against everything.

So, regardless of the outcome, the importance of green energy would likely soar.

Upon hearing this, Bella's beautiful eyes widened in surprise.

"Are you saying... they could launch a Neutron Jammer at Earth!?"

"I think it's very possible."

Xu De said.

Bella, who had wanted to ask just how high the probability was, opened her mouth, but seeing Xu De's serious expression, she found she couldn't ask.

Xu De's tone right now reminded her of when they were at the World Tree Garrison Force.

When the two first met, that was the tone Xu De used when speaking to her.

That unquestionable demeanor made Bella subconsciously believe him.