Chapter 229 Am I Getting Old?

    Chapter 229 Am I Getting Old?

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    Lucas had spent the entire ss mentally preparing what to say to Sloane, hoping to exin everything after. But when ss ended, Sloane acted like nothing had happened.

    “Lucas, I’ve made up my mind. Can you help set up a meeting with your friend? Let’s figure out a good time to talk,” Sloane said as she walked beside him, not showing even the slightest trace of anger.

    “Oh… okay.” Everything Lucas had rehearsed got stuck in his throat. He should’ve been happy, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized, if Sloane wasn’t even bothered by the whole Whitney thing, it meant she didn’t care. She hadn’t even considered him in a romantic light.

    She’d called him “Coach” in the car, dragging the word out yfully. But maybe, in her eyes, he was no different from any other teacher who helped her with her studies.

    Lucas had thought about telling Sloane directly how he felt, but every time he looked into those clear, unguarded eyes of hers, he just couldn’t get the words out.

    Andrew walked in quietly and swapped out the now–cold coffee. He nced at Lucas sitting motionless in his chair.

    Lucas hadn’t moved for over an hour.

    “Andrew, do you think I’m getting old?” Lucas asked out of nowhere.

    “Huh?” Andrew nearly dropped the coffee in shock at the unexpected question.

    He looked at Lucas, half–confused, half–incredulous. “Sir, you’re twenty–five. You’re in your prime, sessful, at the top of your game. How could you be old?”

    Lucas pressed his lips together, dissatisfied. That wasn’t what he meant. He wasn’t asking about his age, he was wondering if the six–year age gap between him and Sloane made her think he was old.

    He waved Andrew off, who left the room still in a daze.

    “Is the boss starting to worry about his age?” Andrew mumbled to himself outside the door.

    Next week, Sloane was set topete in the regional round of the 9th International League. The event was jointly hosted and designed by the Zero Day Vanguard Team from Makova University and ckhawk from Stonebridge University. The winning team would earn a direct spot in the 9th National League.

    Chapter 229 Am I Getting Old?

    Before that, Lucas had arranged a meeting between Sloane and Conor.

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    “Conor, this is Sloane–the one I told you about,” Lucas said formally, introducing the two.

    “Didn’t expect the so–called ‘Miracle Doctor‘–with those needles that can bring people back from the brink, to be this young. Remarkable,” Conor said with a kind smile, his gaze full of admiration as he studied Sloane carefully.

    Sloane politely shook his hand. “The rumors exaggerate. You, Commander, have achieved so much at such a young age–that’s what’s truly admirable. I’m honored to have this chance to meet you.” Her tone was poised, her smile just right–respectful, confident, andposed.

    Conor chuckled and waved his hand. “Ms. Rivers, you’re far too modest. I’ve heard plenty about your medical skills and research. That muscle restoration pill you developed is a major breakthrough. I’m hoping we can talk about a potential coboration today.”

    Sloane nodded, her expression serious. “Commander, the pill is indeed effective for muscr and skeletal injuries. If we can mass–produce it and integrate it into military medicine, I believe it would greatly benefit the soldiers‘ health. But the biggest issue right now is cultivating the herbs.”

    A glimmer of appreciation shed in Conor’s eyes, and his voice turned sincere. “We can solve that problem together. I’ve heard you have a unique cultivation method, if we can apply that on a wider scale, it should ease the supply issue. As for other resources, just say the word. We’ll give you our full support.”

    Sloane thought for a moment before replying, “The cultivation requires specific conditions and environment. I can provide technical guidance, but we’ll need time and experimentation to optimize the process. Also, mass production of the pills will require a solid manufacturing line and quality control system. These need to be nned in advance.”

    Conor nodded. “None of that is a problem. Let’s set up a special task team–you’ll lead on the technical side, and we’ll handle logistics and resource coordination. As long as you’re confident, we’re behind you all the way.”

    Sloane responded with equal seriousness, “Then the sooner, the better. The faster weunch this project, the sooner we can mass–produce the pills.”

    Conor smiled in approval. “That’s the spirit, Ms. Rivers. I’ll have someone follow up with you soon to finalize the partnership. I look forward to what our coboration can bring to military

    healthcare.”

    Lucas stood off to the side, proud but also slightly conflicted.

    As he watched Sloane calmly and eloquently discuss terms with Conor, he couldn’t help but

    Chapter 229 Am I Getting Old?

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    marvel at her talent and presence. But at the same time, a faint pang of disappointment tugged at him, reminded of the distance that still lingered between them.

    Conor seemed to sense Lucas‘ quiet mood. With augh, he patted Lucas on the shoulder. “Lucas, this wouldn’t have happened without your introduction. I had no idea someone like Ms. Rivers was right under our noses.”

    Lucas snapped out of his thoughts and smiled lightly. “You tter me, Commander. Sloane really is a rare talent. It’s an honor for all of us to support the country and the military in way we can.”

    “Come, let’s toast to peace, prosperity, and the enduring strength of our homnd!”

    They chatted a while longer before Conor had to leave for other duties.

    “Lucas, thank you,” Sloane said, turning to him with sincerity in her eyes.

    She understood that Lucas had set up this coboration with Conor to give her a powerful shield. She was deeply moved by his quiet efforts on her behalf.

    Lucas raised an eyebrow and grinned. “No need to thank me. Just… next time you give me acupuncture, could you go easy on the needles? They hurt.”

    any

    Sloane let out a softugh, then straightened her expression. “No can do. Treatment has to be precise and effective. Mr. Hawthorne, you can’t let a little pain stop you from getting well.”

    They bothughed, the atmosphere easy and warm.

    Sloane arrived at the training center a day early. The team was set to leave for Anfeng City the next day for the tournament.

    “Sloane, let me carry your suitcase.”

    “Give me your bag, too.”

    Their captain, a senior in college, stepped up and took both her suitcase and bag without hesitation.

    Nowpletely empty–handed, Sloane felt a little awkward and jogged after him. “Hey, at least let me carry my own bag. I’ve got it, really.”

    The captain chuckled, his tone kind. “It’s fine. You’re the youngest on the team. Carrying all this stuff would just wear you out. I’m the captain–it’s my job to take care of the team.”

    Sloane wanted to insist again, but he was already striding ahead with her things. She had no

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    Chapter 229 Am I Getting Old?

    choice but to follow along.

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    Meanwhile, Lucas sat in his car, one hand resting on the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the training center gate. Atst, that familiar figure appeared. He was just about to get out—then he saw the boy next to her.

    The two young students walked outside by side, talking andughing.

    The sight hit Lucas like a punch to the gut.

    Chapter 230 Where Feelings Begin

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