NOVEL NEXT Chapter 30: Chapter 30: The Harem Master and His Loyal Companions
Ingrid?
"You mean the CEO of Elysion?"
Anis's eyes widened in surprise.
"Wait, you mean that menopausal old hag?"
Mo Chen shot Anis a glance, and she playfully stuck out her tongue. "Don't tell anyone I said that, or I'm toast."
Mo Chen sighed. Why say it if you know it's trouble?
Rapi immediately contacted Shifty to verify the situation.
"No records of personnel orders," Shifty reported.
"What about the Commander's orders?"
Mo Chen checked his phone.
"Doesn't seem like I've received anything."
"So, she's lying, right?" Anis deduced.
"Yep, guess we'll execute her," Mo Chen teased.
The girl turned pale. "What?!"
"Enough scaring her," Mo Chen intervened, seeing the girl's distressed face. "Let's ask her directly."
Anis seemed a bit annoyed. He clearly was the one who started it!
"What's your name? Spill it," Anis demanded.
"I-I'm Neon! I'm… not a spy! I'm a Nikke! My boss Ingrid sent me to assist with your mission and report everything back to her," the girl stammered.
Anis looked exasperated. What kind of spy admits to that?
Mo Chen, however, was intrigued.
"Your name's Neon?"
The girl nodded nervously.
So, it really is her.
Mo Chen observed her outfit. It matched her in-game design perfectly. But instead of the confident firepower specialist, this Neon cried like a fragile heroine from a romance drama.
"Alright, get up. Stop crying. People will think we're bullying you," Mo Chen said.
But you are! Neon screamed internally.
Still, intimidated by Mo Chen, she timidly stood up.
Rapi leaned closer to Mo Chen and whispered, "Commander, her identity is unconfirmed. Should I verify this at headquarters?"
"No need," Mo Chen replied. "She'll stay with us."
Though unconfirmed, Mo Chen was pretty sure of her identity.
After introducing themselves, they acknowledged Neon as part of the team. Finally realizing she was safe, Neon relaxed and even joked.
"I honestly thought you guys were bank robbers planning a heist! You scared me to death."
Anis and Rapi turned to her, their sharp glares silencing her.
"Wait… are you really planning to rob a bank?" Neon's voice trembled.
"Does this even sound feasible?" Anis whispered to Mo Chen, eyeing Neon skeptically.
Mo Chen lightly flicked her forehead. "Don't mess with her; she's not the sharpest tool in the shed."
Rapi approached Neon, her tone serious.
"Forget what you overheard earlier. It's better for both you and the Commander. Understand?"
It was a blatant threat.
Neon stiffened, nodding vigorously. She silently vowed never to speak out of turn again.
"Oh, right," Mo Chen suddenly remembered. "Almost forgot—I got something for you guys."
He took out the gifts he'd bought earlier.
"What's this?" Anis's curiosity was instantly piqued.
"For you," Mo Chen handed her one gift, then gave another to Rapi.
"And this is for you."
If Neon hadn't disrupted things earlier, he would've given them the gifts sooner.
"Don't mind if I do!" Anis wasted no time ripping open her box, revealing a silver necklace.
"Wow! This is T.T. Star's official necklace!" Anis squealed in delight, clutching it like a precious treasure.
Rapi hesitated, seemingly considering refusing, but seeing Anis's excitement made her pause.
Mo Chen noticed her expression and cut in.
"Go ahead, open it. I don't know if it's your style, but I gave it some thought."
Rapi seemed conflicted but eventually relented.
"Thank you."
Opening her box, she found a silver bracelet with a star motif, accented by crimson gemstones. The design was a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
"Try it on."
"Alright."
Mo Chen nodded in satisfaction, pleased with his choices.
Neon stood to the side, utterly stunned.
A Commander giving gifts to Nikkes?
In her experience, Commanders were far from generous. At best, they were perpetually broke, miserly, and stingy with even a smile—always acting like they were owed millions.
Their lives seemed to revolve around barking orders and groveling to the higher-ups for survival.
Neon felt a bit disoriented. Could it be just her bad luck that led her to meet only "pathetic" Commanders before?
Mo Chen noticed Neon's dazed expression. Realizing it might be unfair that Anis and Rapi received gifts while she didn't, he decided to get her something as well.
But there was a problem—he had only bought gifts for Anis and Rapi.
At that moment, Anis snuck up behind him, grinning mischievously as she whispered in his ear.
"Commander, why are you being so nice to us? Even pulling out the 'gift attack' card?"
"Hmm, just a way to thank you all for your help," Mo Chen replied, keeping his real thoughts hidden.
He couldn't exactly say, "I noticed how broke you were and wanted to help." That would hit their pride too hard.
Besides, Mo Chen couldn't bear the thought of them continuing to eat those mystery burgers.
He didn't want to accidentally raise a Hannibal Lecter in his squad.
"Really? It doesn't look like just gratitude to me," Anis teased, her amber eyes glinting slyly. "Commander, come clean. Are you planning to build yourself a harem?"
"What?"
Mo Chen thought he misheard. "What did you say?"
"A harem," Anis repeated smugly. "Hmm, hmm." Her slender finger poked his cheek as her amber eyes sparkled with playful mischief. "You can't fool me. I bet this was part of your grand scheme all along. You've got ulterior motives, don't you? Who would've thought our seemingly upright Commander is so flirtatious."
"What, do you want to join the harem then?"
Mo Chen countered smoothly.
"Pfft! No way!"
Anis rolled her eyes, quickly dismissing the idea. Then she turned her attention back to the T.T. Star necklace, admiring it with utter delight.
"If you like it, just wear it," Mo Chen encouraged.
"Here, I'll help you put it on."
"Nope!" Anis darted away like she was protecting a treasure, carefully tucking the necklace away. "What if it gets damaged in battle? This is the first gift you've ever given me!"
Her voice was full of pride, and her tone was one of deep affection for her new keepsake.