Translated by Eve

　　Edited by Cat, Juurensha, Celtic, Serefina

　　"That…if I didn't remember incorrectly, you're called Lin Zhan, right?"

　　Lin Zhan, who was standing at the window after having decided on the flavour for the nourishment fluid that he wanted to try for lunch, was startled. He turned to look towards the direction the voice came from and immediately saw a brilliant smile.

　　He didn't know if it was because the other's smile was too infectious, or if it was because his Eastern appearance made him feel familiar, but Lin Zhan reflexively smiled. He replied with a bit of hesitation, "Yes. You are…Zheng Yu?"

　　"That's right!" Sui Yuan smiled and placed a hand on Lin Zhan's shoulder as if they were familiar with one another. The naturalness of this action made Lin Zhan, who usually was not fond of strangers touching him, feel like nothing was wrong at all. "I heard that you and I are alike and have Eastern blood?" Sui Yuan continued, "Where are you from? China?"

　　Lin Zhan shook his head apologetically, "Maybe it's China, I'm not too sure."

　　"It's just that your name sounds Chinese. Whether it is or not doesn't matter! I just wanted to find an excuse to strike up a conversation with you," Sui Yuan casually waved his hand. "Seeing that you're quite amiable, I'll have to trouble you to take care of me in the future!"

　　"Likewise," Lin Zhan agreed with a nod. Lin Zhan causally ordered a serving of a random flavour nourishment fluid before moving to one side to look at Sui Yuan. The other was lightly biting his lips with furrowed brows as he gazed at the display window as if making a choice here was a difficult problem of life or death. His handsome and bright looks gave off a childish and willful air, making people really want to laugh.

　　Lin Zhan didn't realize he had been laughing all along, his mood inconceivably cheerful.

　　After struggling for several minutes, Sui Yuan finally pressed the b.u.t.ton under the urging murmurs from the discontented people behind him. Afterwards, he grabbed the nourishment fluid with a face full of aversion. He turned towards Lin Zhan, "Sorry for making you wait this long. I found that I don't have any appet.i.te towards this kind of taste at all."

　　"Bear with it a bit and it'll quickly be over," Lin Zhan comforted him good-naturedly. Together, they walked towards the dining tables.

　　"I heard the military instructor say that during the training camp, the cafeteria will only serve nourishment fluid. I feel like the sky's going to collapse!" Sui Yuan complained exaggeratingly. He tore open the nourishment fluid and drank a mouthful with knitted brows. Soon after, as if facing death, he poured a large amount down his throat.

　　Lin Zhan watched him and immediately felt that the nourishment fluid in his own hands that he originally had no qualms drinking had suddenly become something he could no longer bear to drink. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

　　——This person's every action was infectious. It was truly both good and bad.

　　"Clearly it hasn't even been a week since I've left home. However, I've already begun to reminisce about my mother's Chinese home cooking. One is heaven while the other is h.e.l.l!" Sui Yuan smacked his lips, throwing the nourishment fluid's container to one side. Tilting his head as he looked at Lin Zhan, "Don't you think so? You seem to be really used to eating this kind of thing."

　　"…I've never had Chinese food. Or rather, when I did eat it I was too young, so I don't remember it anymore," Lin Zhan's expression was calm as he replied, his black eyes revealing a slight smile, "I've been living at an orphanage since I was six years old. They only supplied nourishment fluid there."

　　Sui Yuan immediately realized his own mistake and awkwardly opened his mouth, "Sorry…"

　　"There's nothing to be sorry about," Lin Zhan shook his head, his tone gentle, "I feel that my life has been very good. I also don't hold any sort of impression of my birth parents."

　　"…That's right! The orphanages are also under the government's control. The conditions would be good," Sui Yuan added with a smile as he immediately changed the subject. "As someone with Eastern blood, how could you have never tasted Chinese cuisine! Later, I'll make it for you. Although my skill is far lower than my father's, it will still definitely be better than nourishment fluid!"

　　"Ok, I'm looking forward to it," Lin Zhan smiled, nodding his head. His favourable impression of his new friend increased a lot.

　　“You can occasionally eat your own cooking to your heart’s content, but you can’t eat it every day,” the trainee beside Sui Yuan and Lin Zhan interrupted. He had also finished his meal. "Our training is really intense, and it's only nourishment fluid that can provide enough nutrients and calories. Home-cooked meals can't even compare."

　　"Naturally I also know this!" Sui Yuan glanced at the other, annoyed, nodding his head in embarra.s.sment, "I obviously would only make it once in a while. I'm also busy with training, I won't have time to make it often—-when I have a chance, everyone should come have a bite!"

　　"Sounds good!" The rest of the trainees guffawed. Regardless of whether Sui Yuan was sincere in asking or was only speaking thoughtlessly, at least the mood was good. The interaction between him and everyone else was very harmonious, making it easier for him to fit in.

　　The training camp didn't just hone their individual combat ability, but rather emphasized group combat. It was beneficial to have good interpersonal abilities and teamwork, considering the training to come. Although Alphas were arrogant and preferred to interact only with other Alphas and Betas were even more inclined to stick together, because of the training camp, the Alphas and Betas were not divided at all.

　　The trainees rapidly familiarized themselves with one another during lunchtime. After a short rest, the afternoon training would begin.

　　Unlike the morning session, which was a relaxed tour of the facilities intended to familiarize them with the Mechas and the theory behind them, the difficulty of the afternoon session was increased. Much to the surprise of the trainees, there was an unexpected guest that had a lot of their jaws dropping from shock.

　　In the rest time between the physical training sessions, the news about General Adonis arriving spread amongst the trainees like wildfire. After hearing this, everyone was skeptical but full of antic.i.p.ation nonetheless.