A Girl Eager for Answers

Of course, Asta meant every word she said.

By protecting Arlan and the honored guests of the Astral Express, and standing against the Doomsday Beast, Lin Feng had already proven his courage and spirit through his actions. Even without any deeper feelings, she would have sincerely thanked him for his heroism simply as the lead researcher of Herta Space Station.

"Actually, Mr. Lin Feng, you might not know this, but you're quite a celebrity on Herta Space Station now!"

"Guardian of Herta, Galactic Baseball Hero, our strongest ace... those are all names people have given you. Haha..."

As she spoke, a faint smile appeared on Asta's delicate, lovely face. It was a beautiful sight.

"Ahem... what are all these strange nicknames? Well... I suppose I can live with them."

Lin Feng gave an awkward laugh.

"Mr. Lin Feng, there's actually something I've been wondering about..."

"Please, go ahead, Lead Researcher Asta."

"When the Doomsday Beast attacked, even the Astral Express Crew seemed to choose to retreat for the time being."

"But you resolutely decided to stay and protect Herta Space Station. Was there some important reason?"

She slowly stepped closer, looking at Lin Feng's handsome face with undisguised curiosity.

Through the holographic surveillance footage, she had learned exactly what had happened before the battle against the Doomsday Beast.

Even now, she could still vaguely recall his words:

"I'll stay and fight the Doomsday Beast. There's something here I want to protect."

Asta couldn't quite understand what Herta Space Station had that was worth Lin Feng risking his life like that.

Could it be Ms. Herta's Curios? But he doesn't seem to know her very well, does he?

"Ahem... actually, I'm just a handsome guy passing through..."

As he spoke, Lin Feng looked off to one side, avoiding Asta's stunning face.

"Is that really all? Can you tell me the truth?"

Seeing his evasive gaze only fanned the flames of Asta's curiosity. She had to admit that she did find Lin Feng quite handsome.

But she knew he was lying, and he was clearly hiding something.

Looking at Asta's earnest expression, Lin Feng couldn't help feeling amused.

As an accomplished astronomer, Asta had a relentless thirst for knowledge about anything that interested her.

That was precisely why she had left her family and come to the remote Herta Space Station: she longed to explore the mysteries of the stars.

Still, Asta's question made Lin Feng want to laugh.

Why did I stay to protect Herta Space Station? Because if I left, it would've been game over for my life in the Path Simulation.

If Herta Space Station was gone, where would I farm points?

Even if he told her all that, Asta wouldn't understand.

So Lin Feng decided to keep up the act, using this opportunity to reel Asta in a little further.

"The truth is actually right beside you. With your intelligence, Lead Researcher Asta, you should be able to figure it out..."

Lin Feng spoke slowly, his expression growing solemn.

"What? How am I supposed to guess? You haven't given me a single clue..."

Clearly growing impatient, Asta knitted her delicate brows and complained instinctively, forgetting her manners a little.

By now, Lin Feng had thoroughly piqued her immense curiosity.

"All right... it seems there are some things I have to say, even if I'd rather not."

"The only reason I stayed to protect Herta Space Station was because someone important to me was here."

"Perhaps she's never even noticed me, but seeing her safe and sound was enough to fulfill my wish..."

As he spoke, Lin Feng's intense gaze settled on Asta's lovely face.

Then he shook his head with a bitter smile, quickly turned away, and fell silent.

"I... I..."

Gentle ripples stirred in her lake-blue eyes. Asta bit her rosy lips, an anxious flush spreading across her fair face.

Her heartbeat inexplicably quickened, like a little deer racing through the woods. At that moment, Asta's heart was in complete turmoil.

Although Lin Feng hadn't said it outright, his gaze and actions had already given her the answer.

He wanted to protect Herta Space Station simply because he was worried about my safety?

This supposed truth was unexpected, yet it pierced Asta's heart like a sharp arrow.

"So... even now, he still feels that way about me..."

Her rosy lips moved as she murmured almost inaudibly, her head swimming slightly.

It was the secret joy of having her hopes answered, mixed with the sorrow of having the person she longed for right before her, yet being unable to reach him.

At his bedside last night, she had learned a great deal while pretending to be March 7th.

Things like Lin Feng's past, and his secret love for her.

Faced with feelings so sincere, Asta felt she would have to be made of stone not to respond.

Though Lin Feng had spoken lightly, to Asta, his words surpassed the most beautiful declarations of love in the world.

"Lead Researcher Asta? If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving..."

A moment later, Lin Feng's voice interrupted Asta's tangled thoughts.

"Wait! Don't go..."

Almost instinctively, Asta stepped forward and took Lin Feng's hand.

A faint sadness lingered on her fair face, and stars seemed to sparkle in her beautiful eyes. At that moment, Asta looked utterly adorable.

"Hm?"

"Um... Lin Feng... I have some things I'd like to give you."

She stumbled over her words, but ultimately did her best to restrain herself and keep from behaving too boldly.

Although she had felt an urge to throw her arms around Lin Feng and make him stay just a moment ago, she didn't want to be so abrupt.

What she wanted was to let him feel how much she cared and understand what was in her heart.

Otherwise, too direct a response might only backfire. Perhaps Lin Feng wouldn't be able to accept it either?

"Oh? What things?"

Lin Feng asked slowly, his face full of curiosity.

"Well... you'll find out in a moment! Just wait a little..."

The corners of her lips lifted into a radiant smile, like a flower blooming. Asta slowly turned and went to rummage in a corner of the room.

Beneath the crisscrossing white ribbons, her bare back was exposed to the air, her snow-white skin gleaming under the lights.

As she bent over, the full, rounded curves beneath her white lace skirt made it impossible for Lin Feng to look away.

"Gulp..."

While Asta wasn't looking, Lin Feng swallowed.

After all, the Asta before him had a different charm from last night: innocent and adorable, yet inadvertently revealing a hint of allure.

"Phew... finally found it!"

Lin Feng didn't have to admire the enticing view for long before Asta slowly walked over, carrying an enormous box.

With a bright smile on her lovely face, Asta seemed to be in a good mood.

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