MTLNOVEL Chapter 147: Chapter 147: I Want to Stay with the Commander
"Are you planning to go in person this time?"
Rapi stopped in her tracks, turning around, her ruby-like eyes locking onto Mo Chen.
"Yes," Mo Chen replied.
He gazed at the increasingly prosperous outpost: the streets were bustling with pedestrians, and under the hazy twilight, the noise washed away the harshness of the past. The Nikkes' faces, once filled with numbness upon their arrival, now brimmed with laughter.
"Although I don't really want to go, it's a matter of mutual survival. If the Ark is destroyed, this place won't be spared either."
The Ark was Mo Chen's ultimate goal; there was no way he would let others seize it first.
As Mo Chen watched the vibrant outpost, Rapi's eyes lingered on him, observing his profile.
No one understood better than Rapi just how much effort Mo Chen had poured into the outpost base.
"Oh, right," Mo Chen suddenly remembered something and turned to Rapi. "I heard the base is running low on food. Is that true?"
Rapi shifted her gaze, looking slightly guilty.
"Yes, it's true. Based on the current consumption rate, the outpost's food supplies can only last for a month at most. And that doesn't account for the Nikkes who might arrive here in the future."
"A month, huh."
Mo Chen felt a headache coming on.
The farm was already vast and productive, yet it still couldn't meet the food demands of the outpost base.
No wonder people in the Ark relied on Splendamin for sustenance.
Rapi contemplated for a moment.
"Commander, I have a proposal."
"Hmm?" Mo Chen turned to her curiously.
"I suggest selling surplus grains, vegetables, and meat to the Ark in exchange for credit points. At current vegetable prices, even considering fluctuations, the earned credits could secure over two years' worth of food from the Ark."
Rapi had already done the math. Selling produce like vegetables and fruits would yield more than enough credit points to buy Splendamin and still leave a surplus for other necessities at the outpost base.
"No," Mo Chen rejected the idea outright.
Rapi froze, surprised by his firm response.
Seeing her reaction, Mo Chen softened his tone.
"No matter how desperate the outpost becomes for food, I won't let everyone eat Splendamin. We don't know what's in it, and it could contain harmful substances. Food safety is critical."
He recalled the earlier scene of Splendamin flashing credit point calculations, which disgusted him.
Moreover, he had a gut feeling that it was not as harmless as it seemed.
Being produced by the Ark's corporations, the food supply was controlled entirely by the upper echelons. If they wanted to tamper with it—add toxins or viruses—it would be all too easy. The Ark's population would be entirely at their mercy.
"I'll figure something out," Mo Chen assured her.
"Understood," Rapi replied softly, not pushing her suggestion further.
But her gaze toward him grew even gentler, and a warm feeling surged in her chest. It was because he cared about the Nikkes' well-being.
Perhaps only the Commander would worry so much about the safety of Nikkes.
Mo Chen smiled. "I'll deal with this after I return from the mission."
Rapi looked at his smile, her thoughts in turmoil. She bit her lip, and in a moment of courage, a sentence escaped her mouth.
"Then I want to go with you, Commander."
It was a decision she had made. When she said it, the tension and anxiety in her heart vanished as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
"Go with me? Sure," Mo Chen laughed, "but aren't we already together?"
Rapi pressed her lips into a faint smile, lowered her head, and murmured, "Not like that... I mean I want to go with you on the mission."
Under the neon glow of the night, she stood gracefully, her slightly blushing cheeks making her look as though she had stepped out of a painting. Her slender shoulders, the slight rise of her chest, her narrow waist, and the way her combat uniform hugged her body accentuated her flawless figure.
Mo Chen couldn't help himself. He stepped forward and embraced her.
Rapi's body trembled slightly, but she didn't resist.
As he felt her soft and delicate form in his arms, he couldn't help but marvel at Rapi's figure. His arms wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her tightly into his embrace.
The two became even closer.
"Rapi, I like you."
In the past, Mo Chen would never have said something like this.
He considered himself a rather dense person, especially when it came to emotions.
Many had confessed their feelings to him before, but those encounters often ended without any resolution. Part of the reason was his passive nature, which often made others feel like he had no interest in them, leading to disappointment and withdrawal.
But now, he had figured it out.
Instead of wasting time, it was better to face things head-on. Even if he were to be rejected, there was nothing shameful about it.
Besides, he could tell that Rapi was even more passive than he was—practically a sealed jar. If he waited for her to take the initiative, it might never happen.
Rapi abruptly raised her head, her ruby-like eyes staring at Mo Chen in shock, as if she couldn't believe he would be so straightforward.
"Commander, you…"
"I'm serious, Rapi."
Mo Chen, with his arms wrapped around her waist, spoke with unprecedented sincerity.
"Would you like to be with me in the future?"
If he had a favorite in the game, it was Rapi.
Her personality, her appearance.
The more time he spent with her, the more he noticed her many strengths.
"Commander…"
Rapi's gaze shifted from astonishment to gentleness. A blush spread across her fair cheeks, as if something she had long hoped for had finally come true. A radiant smile bloomed on her face.
"Commander, are you joking with me like you do with Anis?"
"Of course not." Mo Chen looked straight into her eyes, holding her waist and pulling her closer. "I'm being completely serious."
Held in his arms, Rapi stared at Mo Chen. Seeing the earnestness in his eyes, her heart trembled, and her body softened as if she might melt completely.
"Alright."
Her stunning face, framed by long lashes that cast shadows under the dark night sky, softened into a smile that was both shy and warm.
Rapi had agreed. Without a moment of hesitation.