Chapter 99: Worrying Over Nothing

Chapter 99: Chapter 99: Worrying Over Nothing

President Lucas’s words sounded like a teasing joke, but to the others, they carried profound implications that made them overthink.

"You must be joking, President. The Animal Protection Association can’t do without you."

The fact that Lucas had climbed from an ordinary breeder to the position of president of the Interstellar Animal Protection Association was a testament to his abilities.

"That’s right. If you’re going to retire, shouldn’t we all pack up and leave early?"

As president, Lucas’s contributions were obvious to all. As long as he was able, he participated in every animal-related rescue operation. The animals that had survived in his hands numbered absolutely in the thousands, if not tens of thousands. Moreover, he usually only stepped in when others were at their wits’ end and the animals’ will to live was extremely low.

"Haha, everyone is flattering me too much. The world will keep turning without me." Lucas never considered himself important; he simply did his best to do what he wanted to do. However, he had indeed reached the age of retirement. He no longer had enough energy to meticulously care for the animals. It was just that he had never found a suitable successor, which was why he had forced himself to hold onto this position. But now, he seemed to see hope.

"You can’t say that, President. You’ve played a crucial role in animal rescue. Many young people look up to you as their idol. Miss Liang He must feel the same way, right?"

The topic suddenly shifted to Liang He. She raised her eyes to look at the man, a slight arch to her brow.

Highly sensitive to malice, Liang He instinctively knew there was a trap in his words. If she agreed with him, she might eventually be exposed as knowing nothing about President Lucas, and people would call her a hypocrite who deliberately flattered others. But if she bluntly stated that President Lucas wasn’t her idol, it might worsen the president’s impression of her. Caught in a dilemma, Liang He decided she absolutely would not let this person have their way.

Liang He believed that positions were simply different divisions of labor, with no real distinction in status.

"I’m sorry, but having lived on the Blue Star all my life, I don’t know much about the outside world. However, I believe that whether one is a breeder or a president, the ultimate goal is to help animals survive better in nature.

"Survival of the fittest is a law of nature, but once human interference occurs, it easily leads to the extinction of a species. This is exactly why animal protection is necessary."

"Well said!"

After hearing Liang He’s words, President Lucas clapped excitedly. Seeing him so supportive, the others couldn’t say much even if they had different opinions, so they had to clap along. The person who had dug the trap for Liang He in the first place looked visibly worse, his face darkening like a thundercloud.

"Young people like Liang He are the hope for animals in the future!"

The high praise from President Lucas made some people’s hearts leap. Their expressions constantly changed, though their gazes remained fixed on Liang He. Unfortunately, Liang He was unfazed and didn’t care about their thoughts at all.

"I’m just an ordinary breeder, President. You flatter me." Liang He simply disliked complicated and ineffective socializing, which was why she only wanted to stay with her fluffy companions. Talking to a group of people with complex minds consumed far too many brain cells.

"President, I’m hungry, so I’m going to eat first. Do you want me to take Koko for a bit?" Liang He felt that the little marmoset didn’t really like being around this group of people either.

Faced with such a straightforward Liang He, the people present felt a mix of curiosity, appreciation, disdain, and disgust, but no one actually dared to criticize her aloud. After all, they weren’t stupid; they had all heard the rumors about her to some extent.

President Lucas actually appreciated Liang He’s personality. Being able to be oneself in today’s society further proved her strength and confidence, which was a trait a person in a high position must possess.

"Haha, it’s my fault. I got too carried away chatting and delayed everyone’s lunch.

"Since Koko likes you, you can take him to play a bit longer. Where’s Cyril? Why don’t I see him?"

"Cyril is a large beast, so he wasn’t allowed to attend the training session. Hoder is watching him."

They had originally thought that only Liang He could control the Platinum Giant Lion, but they hadn’t expected an Evolutionary Beastman to extend his affection for her to others, obediently following her arrangements and allowing someone else to get close. President Lucas grew more and more satisfied the longer he looked at Liang He. It was truly rare for someone with such great abilities to not be proud of them at all, and to even treat them with such normalcy.

Little did he know, Liang He truly didn’t take this matter to heart. She felt that she was just petting fluffy animals and taking care of them in passing, which was a breeder’s inherent duty.

"Cyril? That Platinum Giant Lion?"

Hearing the name Cyril, combined with the fact that Liang He had brought him, everyone naturally thought of the Empire’s Crown Prince, the beastman currently in his Evolutionary Stage. So, she had actually abducted the Empire’s Crown Prince to attend a training and exchange meeting?!

"Isn’t he in the reserve on the Sky Shining Star? How could you bring him out?!"

Cyril was not only an SSS-level Beastman, but also the future King of the Empire. If anything went wrong and ruined the relationship between the Empire and the Federation, they would be in massive trouble!

Not quite understanding why they were so agitated, Liang He frowned slightly. For President Lucas’s sake, she offered an explanation.

"Cyril secretly followed me onto the Starship. I’ve already reported it to both the reserve and the Empire, and they unanimously agreed that it was more appropriate for me to look after him."

She wished they would stop worrying about things that were none of their business and just mind themselves!

Too lazy to deal with them any longer, Liang He bid farewell to President Lucas and quickly turned to leave the VIP room, entirely ignoring their calls. Seeing this, some people became even more dissatisfied.

"President, this Liang He is spoiled and arrogant. She’s simply—"

"Simply what? Hmph, I think she’s wonderful. She has a pure heart and only thinks about the animals." President Lucas cast a meaningful glance around the room, silently noting their varied expressions, before following her out.

As for Liang He, who had been annoyed by all the questions, she no longer wanted to go to the banquet hall. She sent Hoder a message and, after confirming they were in the restaurant, rushed over with the little marmoset.

"I never would’ve thought that the old gentleman we met on the Starship would turn out to be President Lucas." After listening to Liang He’s complaints, Hoder was also very surprised. However, he felt that this was a good thing for her. With President Lucas’s favor, her future might be even brighter.

"No matter who he is, I still prefer dining and chatting with the old gentleman from back then." Liang He pursed her lips in frustration. After eating and drinking her fill, she started petting the fluffy beast.

The Platinum Giant Lion, who hadn’t seen Liang He all morning, had been longing to cuddle with her. His sense of crisis particularly skyrocketed when he saw the little marmoset.

"AWOO~"

The Platinum Giant Lion flopped down right at Liang He’s feet, rolling around continuously and acting coquettishly. Even when Liang He rubbed his most vulnerable belly, he deliberately spread his limbs wide open. He was terrified that she wouldn’t pet him enough and swore to compete with the little marmoset for her attention.

"This is bad! This is bad! A wild beast just broke into the hotel—"