Chapter 27 - Ouyang Bo

In a realm beyond the ordinary, somewhere in the vast expanse of the void, a man stood amidst an organized chaos of documents and notes. 

His tall frame was draped in an elegant white inner robe, which contrasted sharply with his shimmering red outer coat. 

The coat, seemingly made of jade, sparkled as the light from the ethereal torches danced across it. 

His golden hair framed a face that was strikingly handsome, and a single earring adorned his left ear, catching the light and adding a touch of mystery to his appearance.

The room itself was a blend of scholarly disarray and otherworldly elegance. Scrolls and books were piled high on a large mahogany desk, their contents hinting at ancient knowledge and secrets yet to be unraveled. 

The walls were lined with tall bookshelves, each crammed with tomes bound in rich leather and embossed with gold leaf. 

A large window overlooked a swirling void of stars and nebulae, casting a soft, ever-changing glow into the room.

Deep in concentration, the man was reading a thick, ancient document when he suddenly sneezed. "Achoo!" he exclaimed, rubbing his nose. "Ugh, now who tf is cursing my name?"

He shook his head and returned to his work, scanning the document with intense focus. Around him, notes were scattered in a seemingly haphazard manner, yet each one held a place in the intricate web of his research.

Just as he settled back into his reading, the door to his study burst open. A young woman, dressed in a crisp white uniform with silver accents, hurried in. 

Her hair was tied back in a neat bun, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of urgency and respect. "Squadron Leader Ouyang!" she called out, her voice clear and steady.

Ouyang Bo looked up, his piercing blue eyes meeting hers. "Yes, what is it, Lieutenant Su?"

She paused, almost hesitant, then continued, "We still seem to have found no traces of the fugitive. Are we sure to continue?"

Ouyang's expression remained calm, though a hint of frustration flickered in his eyes. "Yes, we continue," he replied firmly. "We must leave no stone unturned. The king of Powau has entrusted us with this mission."

Su Xue nodded, though it was clear she had expected this answer. "It has been like this for who knows how long," she muttered, more to herself than to him.

Ouyang stood up, his full height and presence dominating the room. "I am aware," he said, his tone softening slightly. "But we cannot give up. The fugitive is out there, and we have a duty to find them."

The young woman straightened, her resolve strengthening in the presence of her leader. "Understood, sir. We will continue the search."

She turned to leave, but not before Ouyang's playful smile stopped her. "Su Xue," he said, his voice smooth and teasing, "aren't you going to stay and chat for a bit? I could use some company."

Su Xue's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, but she forced herself to keep her composure. "I have my duties, sir," she said, trying to sound stern.

Ouyang chuckled, leaning back against his desk. "Always so serious. It's just a bit of harmless flirting, Su Xue. You know I can't resist teasing you."

Su Xue rolled her eyes, though a small smile played on her lips. "And you know I can't stand your advances, Squadron Leader."

Ouyang's grin widened. "Oh, come on. You know you secretly enjoy it."

Su Xue's blush deepened, and she quickly turned to leave. "I have work to do, sir. If there's nothing else..."

Ouyang's gaze softened, and he spoke more gently. "Take care, Su Xue. And let me know if there's any progress."

She nodded, hurrying out of the room, her heart pounding in her chest. As the door closed behind her, Ouyang sighed and looked around his messy study.

Despite his flirtatious demeanor, there was a depth to him—a seriousness that came with his responsibilities as the leader of the 52nd Squadron under King Powau.

Ouyang returned to his desk, shuffling through the scattered notes. The search for the fugitive had been long and arduous, but he was determined. 

His playful exterior hid a mind sharp as a blade, and a will forged from years of service. He would find the fugitive, no matter the cost.

Just as he settled back into his reading, the door opened again. Su Xue peeked her head in, her cheeks still flushed. "Sir... there's one more thing."

Ouyang looked up, his eyebrow raised. "Yes?"

Su Xue took a deep breath. "Thank you for... believing in us. In me."

Ouyang's smile was warm and genuine. "Always, Su Xue. Always."

As she closed the door once more, Ouyang couldn't help but chuckle. He loved ruffling her feathers, but he also admired her dedication and strength. 

She was a remarkable officer, and he was lucky to have her by his side.