Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1597: 522: Not Entirely Impossible
Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
Chapter 522: Not Entirely Impossible
In the dead of night.
Along a quiet, empty road, Su Ming made his way to the noodle stall.
Upon reaching the place, he noticed Irelia was already seated at one of the stools.
Clad in a purple lace gown, her lengthy hair cascading down her shoulders, a Star’s Tear pendant adorning her neck, she radiated grace with every gesture.
“Granny Cai, two servings of beef noodle soup, please.”
Su Ming took a seat beside Irelia and called out to the bustling Granny Cai with a grin.
“Coming right up.”
Granny Cai answered warmly.
Turning to Irelia, Su Ming flashed a warm smile.
“Senior, it’s been a while.”
“Yeah, what choice do we have? Junior Su Ming’s schedule is packed; once you vanish, it’s for a long stretch.”
Irelia responded to Su Ming in a tone laced with implication.
Su Ming paused at Irelia’s remark, though she ought to be aware of his recent activities. Why flip the script like this?
Yet he soon understood she was chiding him for the lack of contact, so he shot back with a smile.
“Senior, that wasn’t my plan! My boss uses me as a tool, and I can’t say no, so I’ve been dashing about.”
“You obey your boss so obediently, why not just move in with him?”
Irelia shot Su Ming a glance and quipped back with a smirk.
“Ahem, ahem, it’s duty, see? Now that I’m off, I rushed straight to you.”
Su Ming hastily explained.
“Is that so? Then how did I spot junior Su Ming today, casually wandering the streets with three ladies in high spirits?”
Irelia commented evenly.
“Uh, feeling a bit envious?”
Su Ming blinked in surprise before chuckling and asking.
“Jealous? We’re nothing to each other, so why would I mind?”
Irelia gave Su Ming a smile as she said it.
“Come on, Senior, don’t say such things.”
Su Ming shot back, looking a tad sheepish.
Right then, Granny Cai set down two bowls of steaming beef noodle soup before them, asking gently.
“You two quarreling?”
“Nope, just clearing things up.”
Su Ming answered swiftly.
“Exactly, if words can sort it out, spill them all.”
Granny Cai advised Su Ming with a kind grin.
“Got it.”
Su Ming nodded right away.
“Dig in then; if you need more, I’ll toss in extra noodles.”
Granny Cai went back to arranging the kitchen items.
Su Ming and Irelia ate their beef noodle soup in silence; moments later, Irelia broke the quiet.
“Junior Su Ming, summoning me this late isn’t solely for the noodles, is it?”
“Yeah, I’m thinking of heading to the Bright Star Sea.”
Su Ming pondered briefly before sharing with Irelia.
“You only just returned; why depart again so quickly? Won’t you take a break?”
Irelia eyed Su Ming with mild bewilderment.
“My unit’s stationed in the Bright Star Sea; they’re facing assaults from the Mechanical Clan, and the retreat’s proving difficult. The Federation Government lacks sufficient hands, so I intend to go assist.”
Su Ming laid it out for Irelia.
“When do you set off?”
Irelia inquired after a brief pause.
“It hinges on circumstances. If a vessel opens up tomorrow, I’ll board it.”
Su Ming informed Irelia.
“What’s the hurry?”
“Delay now, and the window slams shut!”
“What window?”
Irelia regarded Su Ming with puzzlement.
“Mom keeps nagging about marriage and starting a family. If I linger, I’m doomed. Senior, mind lending a hand?”
Su Ming teased Irelia lightly.
Irelia gazed at Su Ming and let out a soft laugh.
“First time I’ve heard a confession kick off with talks of kids.”
“Ahem, ahem, only kidding.”
Su Ming mumbled awkwardly.
“That jest fell flat.”
Irelia stated coolly, resuming her meal.
“Fair enough.”
Su Ming noted and dipped his head to slurp his noodles.
Once the bowls were empty, they stood and exited the stall, making for the close-by transit station.
The walk passed without words.
Su Ming walked Irelia to the station in quiet companionship.
“This spot’s fine.”
Irelia told Su Ming.
“Okay.”
Su Ming halted and gave a small nod.
Irelia proceeded to the station but paused after several paces, pivoting back to smile at Su Ming.
“Not out of the question, but you’d need to begin as my boyfriend.”
“For real?”
Su Ming’s pulse quickened, and he beamed at Irelia delightedly.
“Yes.”
Irelia affirmed with a radiant smile.
At that instant, the public hover bus approached from the distance, while a soft gust tousled Irelia’s locks.
Su Ming waved goodbye.
“Bus is here; hop on.”
“Sure, take care out there, and come back in one piece.”
Irelia brushed her hair aside, offering her counsel to Su Ming.
“Will do; upon my return, maybe we stroll together?”
Su Ming grinned in response to Irelia.
“Sure.”
Irelia agreed smilingly, then spun around to step onto the hover bus.
Su Ming remained rooted, gazing as the bus receded into the horizon.
……
The following morning at dawn.
Su Ming woke promptly, donned fresh attire, and transmitted a request through his wristband to the Military Department for transportation to the Bright Star Sea.
With that done, Su Ming entered the bathroom to freshen up.
Emerging from the bathroom, his wristband buzzed, displaying an incoming notification.
“Honored Admiral Su Ming, your application is approved. Kindly report to the interstellar port by 7 PM this evening to embark on the Level 5 Battleship·Harmony. Vice Admiral Alifei shall oversee your travel….”