Chapter 154

The elderly woman kept chattering with Ethan White and Luna White, making Luna feel inexplicably irritated. She decided to head home alone.

As she entered the courtyard, she spotted Andrew Smith standing under the eaves, staring at her with such intensity he looked like a lovestruck fool.

Luna couldn't help giggling. She took the freshly laundered military uniform from the clothesline, gave it a gentle shake, and handed it to him. "I washed it for you. You smelled like alcohol at noon—didn't want you getting scolded when you returned."

Andrew accepted the garment, his fingertips brushing against the soft fabric. His chest warmed unexpectedly. So this sharp-tongued girl could be thoughtful too.

"Thanks," he said, his voice oddly tight.

"What's there to thank?" Luna waved dismissively. "After all you've done for me, washing clothes is nothing."

As Andrew slipped on the uniform, the faint scent of soap made him smile unconsciously. This simple fragrance surpassed any expensive cologne.

"Oh," Luna suddenly remembered, "my brother's taking me to school the day after tomorrow. No need for you to make a special trip." She pulled out paper and pen from her pocket. "Give me your military base address—I'll write to you when I arrive."

Andrew blinked in surprise. Since when had she become so forward?

"What? Can't tell me?" Luna tilted her head.

"No, it's just..." Andrew hurried to explain, "I'm being transferred soon. This address won't be valid for long."

Luna nodded and dashed inside, returning with a slip of paper. "Here's my school address."

Andrew's eyes lit up reading it. Aeronautical University? This girl had enrolled in aviation studies!

"The training will be tough," he couldn't help warning. "You should prepare yourself."

Luna winked playfully. "Who knows? Maybe I'll be flying planes someday!" Imagining herself in a pilot's uniform, she suppressed a smile.

"I'll still come see you off," Andrew insisted.

Just then, Ethan and Aaron Jackson returned carrying pig feed, immediately shouting, "Uncle Andrew!" upon spotting him.

Luna's face burned crimson. "You little—"

"I should go." Andrew gave the boys a meaningful look, and they promptly scampered to the backyard.

"Wait!" Luna suddenly dashed into the kitchen, emerging with a steaming lunchbox packed with dumplings. "For the road."

Andrew accepted the warm container, gazing at her intently. "I'll see you the day after tomorrow." With that, he strode away purposefully.

Luna touched her flaming cheeks, bewildered by her own reaction. What's happening to me?

That evening, Ethan and Luna returned home, discussing their grandmother's strange behavior with disbelief. Luna began packing her luggage under her sister's supervision, soon accumulating numerous bags.

"Good thing your brother's accompanying you," Luna remarked while folding clothes. "You'd never manage all this alone."

Luna's heart swelled seeing the brand-new olive-green suitcase—her brother's gift to ensure she wouldn't face ridicule at school.

Late that night, lying in bed, Luna found Andrew's deep-set eyes haunting her thoughts. She rolled over, burying her face in the pillow.

How... utterly mortifying.