C106

Hope said with a slightly sad tone as she glanced at me with downcast eyes.

Lilith Is she pregnant?

I asked just to make sure because there was no telling what else the mastermind behind Hopes system could have done to my body without me knowing.

"Oh dear I'm so sorry, but don't fret It's not the end of the world technology Is always advancing and at worst, you two can just adopt"

Grandma Lang said as she grabbed Hope's large hand compared to hers and gave It a pat as she did Hope only smiled wrily because she knew my stance on children.

She Is not sir.

Lilith finally answered causing me to let out a subconscious sigh of relief.

"Wait If youre not pregnant when where Is all that food going? Don't tell me the secret to those giant things of yourse Is eating so much?"

Lang Xi asked while pointing at Hope's proud Instruments of war.

Eating my ass Its a cocktail of genetic resequencing serum and whatever else he put Into me.

Hope thought In her mind while subconsciously proudly pushing out her chest as she gave me a lewd wink.

"Its genetics"

Hope answered while shrugging her shoulders.

"Hmph! Not fair qianbei!"

Lang Xi couldn't help but sulk as she looked down at her chest causing the elderly couple to laugh out loud.

After supper, Lang De called Hope and me into his study as always I stood one step behind Hope while she sat down on the armchair and crossed her legs like a true CEO.

"Little Hope, I'll just ask are you willing to collaborate with our government's armed forces In the Implementation of Lilith?"

Grandpa Lang asked casually as he sipped his tea.

"Sure why not"

Hope responded without any hesitation only for her lips to curve Into a smirk.

"But let me make one point clear I will never give up Liliths core code so they either accept my terms or I'll find someone else who will and I doubt I will be lacking any"

Hope added while checking her black nails.

Lang De leaned back in his chair, contemplating Hope's words. The room was filled with the rich aroma of the tea, mingling with the weight of the conversation. The fire crackled softly in the background, casting a warm glow over the study.

"Alright, Little Hope,"

Grandpa Lang began, his eyes sharp and calculating.

"Let's discuss the details. What exactly are you willing to offer for our armed forces?"

Hope leaned forward, her demeanor all business.

"We can start with simplified versions of Lilith for missile guidance systems and more powerful versions for drones and full Lilith versions for fighter jets. These applications will enhance precision and operational efficiency significantly."

Grandpa Lang nodded, considering her offer.

"And the security measures? How do we ensure that Lilith cannot be tampered with or used against us?"

Hope smiled confidently.

"Each implementation of Lilith will have a unique encryption key tied to a specific device. Any unauthorized attempts to access or alter the code will trigger a shutdown protocol, rendering the system inoperable."

They went back and forth, hashing out the finer points of the agreement. Hope was firm in her stance, ensuring that Lilith's core code remained untouchable while providing the military with significant technological advantages.

"Say little Hope what about those combat droids you mentioned?"

Grandpa Lang asked, his tone casual but his eyes betraying his keen interest.

"When do you think they'll be ready for sale?"

Hope brushed off the question with a wave of her hand.

"Combat droids are still in the experimental phase. I estimate a few more years before we can bring them to market."

Grandpa Lang stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"Hmm, understandable. Now, what about those allegations regarding the members of youre PMC? Are they true?"

He shifted his gaze to me before looking back at Hope.

"Tell me the truth, Little Hope."

Hearing this Hope's expression didn't falter.

"The rumors are partially true,"

She admitted, her voice steady.

"But the enhancements involve an assortment of specialized training regimens and a s*itload of performance-enhancing d*ugs that you can find on the existing market here's no unethical experimentation or forced augmentations though of course it comes at cost In the form of life expectancy"

Grandpa Lang chuckled, a knowing smile spreading across his face.

"Every country has been dabbling in military artificial intelligence and super soldiers with minimal success. Ours is no different. It's refreshing to see someone making tangible progress albeit at a cost as you say"

Hope and Grandpa Lang continued their discussion, solidifying the partnership. As they wrapped up, Grandpa Lang stood, extending his hand to Hope.

"I can't promise all the terms we discussed will be accepted by the government but I will do my best after all it is the least I can do,"

He said, his grip firm and his eyes gleaming with anticipation, Hope shook her hand, her smile unwavering.

"Thanks, uncle Lang. I look forward to it."

With the negotiations concluded, Hope and I made our way out of the study. As we walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but think about the potential trouble coming our way because we touched someone's cake.

"You do know that youre about to make a lot of powerful people very unhappy"

I said as I glanced at the all smiles Hope.

Hope glanced at me her lips curling Into a smirk.

"And what of It? Frankly speaking, I do not give a f*ck do you know why?"

Hope said as she clapped her hands behind her back and jumped in front of me.

"Do tell?"

"Because I got you"

Hope said as she stood on her tiptoes while looking straight at my eyes.

"And I know you will make all of my problems disappear, won't you Drac my big and scary dark knight?

Hearing this I chuckled.

"Just like I told you when we first met I'll be youre muscle and I'll kill anyone you tell me to no questions asked"

"Hmmm right answer"

Hope said as she wrapped her arms around my neck and Invaded my mouth with her pierced tongue.

As we exited the house, Lang Xi and her parents saw us off, Lang Xi giving Hope a playful nudge.

"Qianbei, you should Introduce me to one of youre men I also want a big bad supersoldier of my own"

Lang Xi whispered Into Hope's ear while giving me a wink only for Hope to resolutely shake her head.

"Believe me you do not want that at all of them are g*ddamn psychos and mine Is the craziest of them all"

Hope said with a wry smile as she gave me a mischievous glance.

"Hmph! You just want to keep them all to yourself don't you?"

Lang Xi couldn't help but pout, seeing this Hope just snickered.

After a final farewell, we boarded the dropship, its thrusters humming softly as it lifted off. Hope settled into her seat, her demeanor relaxing now that the business was concluded.

"So, what's next on the agenda?"

I asked, leaning back.

Hope sighed, closing her eyes for a moment.

"I guess It's about time I took a look at what's going on the other side"

I nodded It was time to pay my battle brothers a visit.

"No rest for the wicked huh?"

Hope smiled.

"Yep"

I nodded.

...

A few days later, I found myself in our master bedroom, meticulously preparing my gear for the return to the apocalypse.

The large TV fixed to the wall played foreign news outlets which mainly focused on Hopes press conference, the constant stream of information providing background noise as I loaded my magazines and checked my weapons.