Chapter 296 - 295: HomesickServal was well-prepared for such situations. Seeing Bochang''s flirtatious behavior did not surprise her at all. In fact, she felt slightly embarrassed when he abruptly grabbed her wrist. Moreover, his mention of "excuses" seemed misplaced, as there was nothing between Serval and him. Even if Bochang completely ignored her, she wouldn''t find it particularly troubling.

    Thus, witnessing Bochang rush out and accuse her of making excuses left Serval both flustered and secretly pleased. However...

    She managed to conceal these emotions, maintaining a composed expression on her gentle face, which went unnoticed by Bochang.

    Once again, the system''s voice echoed in his mind:

    [Reward distribution in progress—Congratulations! You have received the skill ''Mandatory Contraception.'' As the name suggests, it allows you to prevent unintended fatherhood.]

    "Huh?"

    Initially taken aback, Bochang quickly felt a surge of delight.

    With this skill, he could avoid many unnecessary complications.

    Serval''s beautiful blue eyes flickered slightly, feeling the warmth on her wrist where he held it.

    "You...you''re smiling about something? Is there anything strange in my words?"

    "No...not at all, I just suddenly remembered something joyful." Bochang shook his head, then released her hand and changed the subject, "Has Himeko finished preparing lunch already?"

    Slightly disappointed that Bochang avoided discussing their previous topic, Serval replied, "Yes, were you planning to eat? However... it seems March 7th, Stelle, and Qingque won''t be able to join for lunch."

    The blonde woman shook her head.

    All three had been thoroughly intoxicated by Bochang.

    There was no chance they''d wake up in time for lunch.

    "It''s alright," Bochang said, "Just save some food for them."

    "So, would you like to join me for lunch or..."

    Serval glanced at March 7th''s room, her meaning clear.

    "I think I''ll stay behind and take care of them. With their drunken state, it might be inconvenient, especially if they end up vomiting..."

    Bochang scratched his cheek, leaving any additional thoughts unspoken—only heaven knew what else was on his mind.

    Serval, being highly perceptive, had keenly observed the dynamics between Bochang, March 7th, and Stelle as an outsider. Her understanding was sharp. Therefore, Serval found it unsurprising that Bochang wanted to remain; the only awkward presence was Qingque, the Mahjong Girl. Concerned about potential mishaps, she suggested, "Then...I''ll bring your meal here later and we can catch up. We''ve been so busy lately, with hardly any chance to talk."

    Indeed, Bochang hadn''t spent much one-on-one time with Serval recently, except during their initial days aboard Xianzhou Luofu...

    "Sounds good," Bochang agreed.

    The two parted ways in the train corridor.

    As Bochang entered their room, he found Stelle already sitting up, her head turned towards the door as if waiting for someone. Upon seeing him, she lay back down and mumbled, "Bochang, I want some water..."

    Under the influence of alcohol, the gray-haired girl seemed like a playful child, her cuteness level rapidly increasing.

    "Alright, alright, I''ll pour it right away," Bochang responded promptly.

    Although the three girls were visibly intoxicated, they...

    hadn''t completely lost consciousness yet. Bochang noticed this when carrying them to the bed earlier.

    When lifting Qingque, she protested with a flurry of "no''s" and gently pushed against his chest with her small hands. This reaction only served to heighten his excitement.

    March 7th and Stelle appeared to be handling the intoxication better, especially Stelle. It was evident from the last time they got drunk too; even then, the gray-haired girl had enough strength to overpower Bochang.

    Bochang filled a glass with warm water for Stelle. He walked over to the bedside, carefully propped up her delicate body, and placed the cup near her soft lips, saying, "Take your time drinking."

    Watching Stelle, half-lidded eyes and flushed cheeks, slowly sipping the water stirred Bochang''s heart.

    Just then...

    A not-too-large hand suddenly pinched the soft flesh at Bochang''s waist.

    This familiar sensation—without even guessing, Bochang knew exactly who it was.

    March 7th''s hand slid down from his waist.

    Maintaining composure, Bochang discreetly glanced back. The pink-haired girl lay on her side, eyes slightly open, revealing her exquisite profile and delicate collarbones effortlessly visible against her fair skin. The blush on her cheeks stood out strikingly against the snow-white complexion, creating an enchantingly captivating sight. Her ample assets were equally enticing.

    Bochang''s gaze briefly swept over her before finally settling on March 7th''s slightly parted cherry lips.

    It seemed as if she was trying to say something, her hand still restlessly moving.

    Despite attempting to read her lips, Bochang couldn''t discern what she intended to convey.

    March 7th didn''t retract her hand, nor did Bochang plan to stop her.

    Their relationship had already reached a level of intimacy beyond mere physical closeness; there was no need for excessive shyness.

    Although he hadn''t yet delved deeply with Stelle,

    However...

    Bochang knew that if he expressed any desire, Stelle would not refuse him.

    The key lies in whether he chooses to guide things further.

    For now, Bochang wasn''t particularly rushed.

    Soon, Serval arrived carrying food.

    Bochang had already positioned Stelle''s head gently resting on his lap, softly stroking her hair.

    At some point, March 7th''s mischievous hand had retreated.

    Both girls were asleep.

    Serval placed the packed meals on the table and said, "Let''s come over and eat first."

    "Here you go."

    Bochang quickly moved over and sat next to Serval.

    The meals were served on two separate plates, their enticing aroma reaching Bochang even from a distance.

    As they ate, they engaged in casual conversation.

    "How are March 7th and Stelle doing now?"

    "They''re still asleep; I doubt they''ll wake up until this afternoon," Bochang replied.

    Over time, the alcohol''s effects intensified, making it impossible for even March 7th and Stelle to resist the drowsiness. They had fallen into deep slumber, likely unshakable at this point.

    Serval swallowed her bite of food and asked, "What are your plans after this?"

    "Well... not sure yet, probably just stay nearby to look after them." Bochang picked up a piece of lean meat with his chopsticks. "After all, I got them drunk, so I should take responsibility."

    "Responsibility..." Serval gently sighed inwardly.

    The blonde woman tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear before saying, "Himeko mentioned that she will lead the next Trailblazing expedition."

    "Oh, yes, I know. Is there something specific about it?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Bochang nodded.

    It seemed like there was now a rotation for leading missions on the Astral Express:

    First trip led by Dan Heng, second by Welt Yang, third by Himeko.

    Perhaps during the fourth trip,

    Bochang could also take charge and have some fun.

    After all...

    With Bochang''s capabilities, leading an expedition would be more than manageable.

    Serval poked at her meal with chopsticks.

    "Hmm... How to put it? I don''t plan to go on the next journey; instead, I''d like to return to Belobog for some rest."

    "Ah? After just these few days, you''re already homesick?"