Joseph saw his son's face, red and swollen from the beating. Knowing his son wasn't inherently bad and had always worshipped heroes, he figured the lesson was probably harder on his son than on himself. With a sigh, he turned his head away.
It turned out that Simai Hotel's important guest today was the returning delegation transiting at Gallipalan. Vice Admiral Mickey was the special envoy from the Federation Supreme Command to welcome this group. There had been public criticism in the Central Star Domain of Simai Hotel for its extremely lavish spending on the wealthy during the wartime mobilization of the entire nation.
To resolve this issue and boost Simai Hotel's image, Joseph had painstakingly secured the opportunity to host the returning Federation Hero. Unexpectedly, things went awry. If this news hit the papers the next day, Simai Hotel would be universally condemned. Joseph felt utterly despondent, believing his life's work was about to go down the drain after tonight.
After hearing Pete's report and the accounts from Tian Xingjian and Milan about the incident's origins, Vice Admiral Mickey finally understood the situation. He gave Milan a fierce glare and then looked oddly at the legendary Fatty dating his daughter. Summoning the guards, he ordered, "Due to state secrets, confiscate all reporters' equipment immediately and strictly prohibit the spread of information. Everyone present must register their identities. If any information leaks, the Military Department will investigate thoroughly, and those responsible will be sent to a military court." As the guards saluted and prepared to leave, Mickey suddenly added, "Wait, tell Mr. Joseph to rearrange the banquet and invite those reporters and guests to have dinner with the Federation Hero."
The guards went to execute the orders while Tian Xingjian felt enlightened. No wonder Vice Admiral Mickey was in such a high position while he was just a lieutenant. It was evident that Mickey's actions were to protect the Federation Hero. With a few simple words, he managed to stabilize a highly troublesome situation firmly and decisively. Even in the hotel, he exuded the commanding presence of a general directing and determining life and death on the battlefield.
Joseph nearly knelt down upon hearing Vice Admiral Mickey's resolution—it not only salvaged Simai Hotel but also preserved its reputation.
The reporters, who had infiltrated as guests, could not accept that their front-page scoop was lost just like that. A commotion arose as some tried to protect their photos and dash out of the hotel, but they were caught within two steps. Eventually, facing the guards' guns, they understood the seriousness of the wartime situation and, reluctantly, had to accept the guards' non-negotiable apology.
The guests were relatively happy. They had only come to have a meal, but not only did they see the legendary platoon leader, but they also witnessed his fierce fighting skills firsthand. The only regret was that such an extraordinary encounter had to remain a secret, unable to be shared with others.
Damn, isn't this torturous? Some entertainment moguls were rather melancholic.
In the hotel's main hall, Vice Admiral Mickey gathered everyone and announced that the earlier incident was a misunderstanding, done to protect the Federation Hero. Joseph quickly declared the reopening of the banquet with all guests' bills waived. The reporters and guests present would have the opportunity for close interaction with the Federation Hero.
This news excited the hotel's guests, and the reporters were thrilled. Although today's incident couldn't be reported, they could interview others—such a good opportunity was hard to come by.
The banquet resumed with Simai Hotel showcasing its best efforts for an elaborate buffet featuring music, dance, and gourmet food.
Meiduo, Milan, and Nia, three beautiful women, whispered amongst themselves, becoming the most stunning sight in the entire hall.
Fatty squeezed in between the women with a cheeky grin. Just now, these two silly women had even dared to confront a general for his sake. Fatty decided to heroically repay them properly.
Women's thoughts are hard to understand. Nia, holding Milan's hand, completely ignored Fatty, turned around, and walked away. Laughing while pointing here and there, she led Milan around the room like butterflies, mocking, "Weren't you dating someone else? Now I'll take your date away, let's see how you handle it!"
Meiduo, gentle in nature, blushed and lowered her head, allowing Fatty to hold her hand. With her other hand, she continuously pinched his soft waist, muttering, "Take that for dating someone else, take that!"
Those present watched as the obsequious Fatty held one woman's hand, chasing after two others around the hall. They couldn't help but marvel—such a hero, saving groups of people and charming groups of women.
Mills and his group were particularly impressed, almost prostrating in admiration. The three most beautiful women in the restaurant all seemed to have an enigmatic connection with this Fatty platoon leader. That unique allure only female soldiers possess was heart-stirring. Comparing their own girlfriends to these women made them look like mere maids, thoroughly convincing them of the stark difference.
Vice Admiral Mickey, his head spinning with frustration, watched as his daughter, led by Nia, circled the buffet tables. Milan kept glancing back with doe-eyed looks at the trailing Fatty.
Vice Admiral Mickey had never seen Milan act like this before. Usually, at home, she would even bully him, her own father. What angered him more was that the Fatty in the drab Army Lieutenant uniform was holding the hand of a shy, nurse-like woman.
Furious, the Vice Admiral seized the opportunity, darting forward to block the troublesome Fatty, dragging him out to the garden.
"What are you doing chasing after my daughter?" As soon as they reached the garden, Vice Admiral Mickey got straight to the point.
"I wasn't... I was chasing the other one." Fatty hadn't expected the Vice Admiral to pull him aside just to ask this. He fumbled with his words, gesturing incoherently.
The Vice Admiral was livid. This sleazy Fatty dared to explain like that, as if he was being presumptuous. If others found out, his face would be utterly lost.
"Bullshit! I saw it with my own eyes, and you still dare to deny it! Not only were you chasing, but you circled several times!" The Vice Admiral's decisiveness in battle flared up again, determined to wrong this Fatty to death!
Fatty was dumbfounded. Milan's father looked murderous, adopting a stance that brooked no contradiction. It seemed that if he uttered even half a dissenting word, he'd be swiftly executed.
"Well... if you say so, then it is." Fatty muttered timidly, looking terrified.
The Vice Admiral, seeing the helpless Army Lieutenant before him, suddenly felt deflated. Explaining things to this guy might kill him with anger first.