Chapter 118

Chapter 118: The Cubs’ Bargain Big Brother, the Crown Prince, Went Full Volume to Protect Them

Li Ao’s first look wasn’t for Chong Ming.

It was for Jiang Tea Tea.

His eyes tracked her too long, too sharp—like she was a rare specimen that had walked into his lab on its own.

Chong Ming’s expression didn’t soften. He glanced over his shoulder at Jiang Tea Tea and Sui Xuan Chu.

“You two. Go to my office and wait.”

Jiang Tea Tea didn’t move. “I have something—”

“You can wait,” Chong Ming cut in, voice dominant. “I have questions. Whatever you think is important can wait.”

Strong dragons didn’t lose to local snakes.

And he wasn’t just a dragon—he was the ground itself.

Jiang Tea Tea’s jaw tightened, but she stepped forward and stared straight at Li Ao. “Director Li, weren’t you here for Commander-in-Chief Chong Ming? Why are you staring at me?”

Li Ao snapped out of it with forced politeness, excitement still burning in his eyes. “Apologies, Jiang Tea Tea, classmate. It’s like this—Commander-in-Chief, I reanalyzed the tea leaves you gave me earlier.”

“Besides natural plant-type psychic power, they contain an unknown energy.”

Since she was right there, at the commander-in-chief’s side, everything would be easier.

Li Ao’s smile widened. “Since Jiang Tea Tea is here as well, after you finish receiving the Insect Clan crown princess, I’d like to invite Jiang Tea Tea to my Ability Research Institute.”

“We can research mutant plant-type abilities together.”

“No,” Sui Xuan Chu said instantly.

He’d been trying hard not to believe Jiang Tea Tea’s fear.

But now the Ability Research Institute director was openly reaching for her in front of him—and in front of Chong Ming.

Sui Xuan Chu’s voice turned cold. “My roommate refuses to go to your Ability Research Institute. And Commander-in-Chief won’t agree to it.”

Li Ao narrowed his eyes, looking Sui Xuan Chu up and down. “Classmate, I saw you at the 30-school military academy championship. You are her classmate. Her teammate. You may not understand what it means if her mutant plant-type ability is widely applied—it would benefit countless cadets like you across the empire.”

“And besides,” Li Ao added, tone sharpening, “Jiang Tea Tea hasn’t refused me yet. Commander-in-Chief hasn’t refused me yet.”

“You, a student, are making decisions for her and issuing commands for the commander-in-chief.” He lifted his chin. “That’s arrogance. And you have no respect for rules.”

Jiang Tea Tea’s eyes flickered.

Perfect.

She’d been wondering how to get Sui Xuan Chu to stop hesitating and stand firmly in front of her.

Li Ao had just handed her a weapon on a silver tray.