Free Web NovelChapter 170: Chapter 170: Admiral?
When He Hanshi heard this topic being discussed, a hint of interest clearly appeared in his eyes.
He listened intently, looking like an eager student. "Uncle Gao is that skilled? I wonder if I might have the opportunity to learn a thing or two from him later."
Aunt Gao grew even more pleased. "Of course, you can! Just ask Uncle Gao anything you want later. He used to be a soldier, and he even ran a volunteer cooking class in the army. All the men in his old squad learned from him, so he’s very experienced in teaching."
He Hanshi nodded. "Okay, I understand. Thank you, Aunt Gao."
Aunt Gao was smiling from ear to ear, while Jiang Xia and Mu Tangfeng tugged at their sleeves, annoyed and impatient. The moment Vice Admiral He arrived, it was as if Aunt Gao couldn’t even see them anymore.
Fortunately, Shi Lan still paid attention to the two of them. Seeing that they seemed a little down, she peeled an orange for each of them and handed them over.
Jiang Xia’s and Mu Tangfeng’s eyes lit up, and they looked at Shi Lan with delight.
’Sniffle... Lanlan is just the best.’
Although He Hanshi was chatting with Aunt Gao, he was also discreetly keeping an eye on Shi Lan from the corner of his eye. When he saw how much she cared for Jiang Xia and Mu Tangfeng, a strange sourness brewed in his heart. ’But I get it,’ he reasoned. ’They’ve spent more time with her lately, so it’s only natural she’s more fond of them.’ Even so, he couldn’t stop the bitterness from creeping in.
Just then, a brightly colored, peeled orange appeared before him. He Hanshi’s eyes, which had been a little dim moments ago, instantly brightened again. He fixed his gaze on her, the corners of his lips turning up as he took it. "Thank you, Lanlan."
Shi Lan’s lips curved in a smile as well.
Nearby, Aunt Gao watched the several males holding their oranges, none of them able to bring themselves to eat, and she found it amusing. ’I was worried Shi Lan was indulging them too much, that she wouldn’t be able to keep them in line,’ she thought. ’Looks like I was overthinking it.’
These males clearly only had eyes for her.
Feeling Aunt Gao’s teasing gaze, Shi Lan’s face grew warm, and she gave her an orange as well.
Aunt Gao chuckled, popped it into her mouth, and didn’t say another word.
In the kitchen, Liu Si brought the dishes Uncle Gao had stir-fried to the dining table. He then set out the tableware; Aunt Gao had already told the two in the kitchen how many sets were needed.
After everything was ready on the dining table, Liu Si walked into the living room to call everyone for dinner. But as he looked up, he unexpectedly saw one of the people on the sofa and froze. His body instinctively snapped ramrod straight into a military posture as he announced loudly, "Greetings, Admiral!"
Aunt Gao thought he’d been in the army for so long that it had become an occupational hazard. She sighed helplessly. "This child... he hasn’t been home in three years, spending all his time in the army. He must have picked up some habits. Now he has to announce an admiral’s presence before he can even eat."
"Then again, our Liu Si has always admired his commanding admiral. I hear he’s a truly remarkable person."
As Aunt Gao explained this to the others, Liu Si’s taut expression nearly broke. He pressed his lips together, too restricted to move, his eyes fixed on He Hanshi.
He Hanshi stood up and returned a crisp gesture. "Hello. I have some impression of you, Captain Liu."
He gave a polite smile, somewhat surprised. He hadn’t expected Liu Si to have a connection to Shi Lan’s adoptive mother.
It wasn’t just He Hanshi; Shi Lan also hadn’t known that Liu Si was in his unit and also serving on the Border Defense Star.
She studied Liu Si’s face. After not seeing him for several years, he had certainly matured a great deal. His skin was also much darker. No wonder she hadn’t recognized him.
At that moment, something seemed to click for Aunt Gao. Her eyes went wide with disbelief. "You, you... you’re the admiral?"
He Hanshi’s expression remained gentle, and he was as humble and polite as ever. "You’re too kind, Aunt Gao. Please, just call me Han Shi."
"I couldn’t possibly, I couldn’t possibly."
Like her own son, Aunt Gao suddenly became much more reserved.
After all, He Hanshi was her boy’s superior officer. She worried that if she misspoke, she might annoy him and affect Liu Si’s career. Her son had worked so hard to get promoted to squad leader.
He Hanshi looked at the mother and son, then glanced at Shi Lan. As if understanding his silent plea, she stepped forward and took Aunt Gao’s hand. "Aunt Gao, please don’t overthink things. He Hanshi is very easygoing. Today is just a casual family dinner, so don’t worry so much."
She then turned to Liu Si and said, "Fourth Brother, you can drop the army routine, too. We’re at home now, not in the military. There’s no need to be so formal."
Liu Si looked at Shi Lan with some confusion. ’Why is the Admiral’s crush calling me Fourth Brother?’
’Could she really be the Shi Lan from my memories?’
His gaze fell on Shi Lan, and he studied her for a long while but still couldn’t find any trace of familiarity. Instead, he felt several sharp glares from the other males nearby, and even the Admiral was staring at him intently.
A strange sense of pressure welled up in Liu Si. He nervously lowered his eyes and nodded. "Okay."
He tried his best to relax. Meanwhile, after hearing what Shi Lan said, Aunt Gao sought confirmation from He Hanshi. Seeing that his expression was still just as warm, she managed to relax a little.
’Goodness, how is Xiao Lan so impressive?’
’The males pursuing her are each more outstanding than the last.’
However, now that Aunt Gao knew He Hanshi was the very same admiral her son always praised, she felt even more at ease. ’Anyone Liu Si praises so highly must be a good person.’
Besides, she had asked Liu Si about his admiral out of curiosity just today. He’d told her the admiral already had a female he was interested in, and she had felt a bit disappointed at the time.
But looking at the situation now, it was a joyous outcome for all. ’That female must be Xiao Lan!’
The more Aunt Gao thought about it, the happier she became, and she ushered everyone to sit down.
Meanwhile, Jiang Xia and Mu Tangfeng exchanged a look before curiously asking He Hanshi, "Mr. He... Admiral, you got promoted?"
He Hanshi nodded. He had actually mentioned it on the way over, but the two of them were clearly too preoccupied with their jealousy to pay much attention.
Now that it was confirmed, they were genuinely happy for him. The trace of annoyance on Mu Tangfeng’s face vanished, and they said in unison, "Congratulations, Admiral He."
The corners of He Hanshi’s mouth curved up. "Mm."
The three of them chatted, but no one sat down first. He Hanshi reached out and pulled out a chair for Shi Lan. Only after she was seated did he naturally take the seat beside her.
As for the other side of Shi Lan, the two men who had just been amicable a moment ago were now glaring at each other, vying for the seat. Each had a hand on the chair, and neither was willing to yield.
Aunt Gao saw through the two males’ little game in a single glance. For the sake of a peaceful meal, she plopped herself down in the chair and pointed to the other side of the table. "Come now, Xiaxia, you and Tang Feng can sit in those two seats over there."
Hearing this, though their hearts were filled with reluctance, Jiang Xia and Mu Tangfeng grudgingly moved to the other side.
Once everyone was seated, Liu Si went to the kitchen to help Uncle Gao with the finishing touches, bringing out the last dish.
It was then that Chen San finally made his tardy appearance. He was yawning, and his whole body seemed boneless as he walked with a lazy, listless gait.
He Hanshi glanced over at him impassively.
