Chapter 20
Sure enough, after Natalie asked her question, Jasper’s gaze fell on her.
She maintained a calm expression, innocently blinking her beautiful eyes at him, and her delicate face flushed with a cosy hue.
He stared at her for a few seconds before finally looking away, unable to bring himself to interrogate her like she was a spy.
Zachary sensed something and boldly remarked, “Hey, you don’t know this, Ms. Talia, bet Captain Locke has two adopted sisters at home. He usually doesn’t pay much attention to worsen, probably because he finds having too marly females around bothersome, so he prefers to stay in the Air Force.”
Steintended thing that Jasper felt differently about Natalle, but she missed that implication
Instead, she pondered for a moment and thought that Jasper’s decision not ta return home and his choice to send her those ideology books must stem from his dislike for the original subject, wanting to avoid her
But she couldn’t help but wonder where that inexplicable disdain originated as she silently contemplated, her smile gradually faded.
Noticing her change in espression, Jasper frowned slightly, but he didn’t know the reason. He turned his cold gaze back to Zachary, “You talk too much.”
Zachary duced not say anything more, muttering, “Let’s just eat”
Natalie quickly regained has amila and cald. “You both should at more.”
Seeing that neither of them had eaten their food, she took the initiative to pick a piece of fish meat for Jasper. “Mr. Locke, give this a try,” she said, then placed a piece in Zachary’s bowl.” Mr. Sane, you should eat, too.”
Just as Zachary was about to say that Jasper never a fish, he watched in dishelled as Jasper took the fish mear and put it in his mouth without even frowning
Ha thought Jasper would simply throw the fish away, just like the last time they went on a mission by the coast when young intellectual tried to curry favor with him by making fish soup. Jasper had rejected it back them, stating he didn’t like fish and asking them not to bring it to him again
Comparinger’s current attitude toward Natalie with how he waedtobe, Zachary’s grim practically stretched to his temple. This was noteworthy!
After noticing jasper’s different demeanor toward Natalis, Zachary was like a child discovering something new. He barely touched his food throughout the meal, preoccupied with observing their expression.
In the end, a large portion of the meal was left uneaten, with two dishes that Jasper and Zachary hadn’t touched.
Reluctant to waste food, Zachary borrowed a thermal container from the water, packed the grilled chicken and pork chop inside, and handed the container to Natalie. “Ms. Talia, take this home and enjoy it!
*, you should take it back to the base,” Natalie protested Talking the food when she had promised to treat them to a meal felt insincere.
Zachary waved his hand dismissively “Our aviation squad on has good food in the cafeteria, so we eat meat day. Just take it back with you.”
I said I’d treat you, but you hardly ate anything you should take back insisted, taking the two new pieces of clothing she had bought earlier before going to the cashier.
She was mentally preparing to return the clothes if necessary, but when she reached for her money, the waiter pointed toward Jasper and said, “That gentleman already paid.” Paid! Maralle was stunned for a couple of second bedre processing what she heard ‘th how much did that meal cost, and what about the ration coupons?”
The waited amiled at her.” dollars and chocation coupons Misi, is that your boyfriend? He treats you well
Natalie chuckled awkwardly, too tired to explain their relationship
What worried her news that she hadn’t repaidher life–saving debt and now owed Jasper dollars on top of it, making her feel immense pressure. Subconsciously, she turned oglance bad at the table, only to see Jasper approaching with the the container in hand Zachary followed closely behind.
Feeling embarrassed, she addressed them, “Thank you for the treat today. Do you have time to join me for a meal sometime soon?” Topold tempor, Zachary eagerly said, “We have time! Captain Locke is fire the day alter tom, we can come out for a meal Natalie confirmed, “Great! Let’s meet at the Aroma House at noon the day after tomorrow, and both of you most come.”
Jasper replied sich a soft hum, while Zachary led badly.
The three of them used the restaurant
“Talia, I have some matters to attend to. Captain Locher will drive you h
you home “Zachary said to Natalat he winked at Jasper.
Natalie felt too embarrassed trouble Jasper again, fearing the couldn’t repay the debt of gratitude. Besides, she knew she couldn’t keep her Identity hidden forever.. te politted to a nearby bus stop. “There’s a need for the trouble. I can take the bus home 3ty relative lives near the base housing, and the area is quite safe “
Jas the finished speaking, abarthed the hurriedly said goodbye to the two and boarded the bus, finding a seat by the winukes,
The window was open Just as she sat down, Jasper appeared outside, extending the thermal container toward her with an unwavering tone. “Tal this with you.” Reluctantly, she accepted the contained and added at him. “Thank you, Mr. Locke. You really shouldn’t have spent so much today,ave you the day after tomorrow.”
As the began to pull away, she waved goodige to them through the window.
Jasper’s dark gaze lingered on her beautiful features, and he replied affirmatively in his usual tone.
The bus gradually drown ether away
Unable to corain himmel, Zachary nudged far with his elbow. “Hey, Captain Locke, What’s going on here?”
Jasper presied his lips together, his eyes icy as he glanced back “Str. Zachary one, we still have some matters to set as a soldier, you should know what’s appropriate to say and what In’r. Do you really Tack such bask awareness?”
Zachary raised an eyebrow, pondering momentarily, and walled he was chasted for anying too much ducing the meal with a good–natured acuture, he admitted his mistake.
“Captain Locke, you’re being unfair. I was trying to help you! How would she have understood your sanation if I hadn’t said anything?”
Jasper shot him a severe glace, “Tirst, my affalis don’t require your interference, Second, I have no plane to resolve personal issues for now.
Zachary scrunched his head, suddenly feeling a bit confused Jasper was clearly acting differently toward Matale, so Zachary thought this was a sign of something blowing. But was that junk his imagination? Or was ha
“Captain Locke, do you suspect tha
i has a problemaile background? Is she a spy?”
Η
Jasper face cambered “Tuuspect you might be the upy”
