Chapter Fourteen: The Promise.

The primary purpose of the first generation of the beauty cream was mainly to eliminate scars. Thanks to Lu Xia’s presence, the experimental process went very smoothly. None of the four researchers involved in the beauty cream project had expected that they could develop it within just one month. Even though, to them, the cream’s value was comparable to that of a cosmetic product and far less significant than genetic drugs, they still hadn’t anticipated achieving such rapid progress. Naturally, Lu Xia’s involvement was indispensable in this success.

At that moment, everyone seemed to fully realize that Duke Lu Xia was not just a financial backer but also a formidable presence in the field of research. He was a far cry from the rumored prodigal duke who only indulged in pleasure and neglected his studies.

The smooth development of the beauty cream also gave hope to the four researchers working next door on hair growth serum. Although their progress was slower, their process was also steady, and the results were only a matter of time.

Lu Xia was moderately satisfied with the beauty cream’s progress. After all, she had completed much of the research on it a long time ago; now, it was just a matter of perfecting the results through this development process.

“Let’s gather some volunteers to try our product—that’s our next plan. But in the meantime, everyone can take a break. There are other research projects waiting for us to develop. If there are no objections, we can adjourn,” Lu Xia declared.

She didn’t consider herself a harsh boss; when research yielded results, rest and relaxation were necessary. She wouldn’t overwork anyone without limits because only after proper rest could they face the next challenge with full energy.

The four researchers were surprised—they didn’t expect to have a holiday. They had all worked at other institutes before, where they toiled year-round without breaks, and even taking leave required begging for permission.

They had assumed Lu Xia would push them relentlessly into new projects, but instead, she gave them time off. For a moment, none of them moved.

Seeing this, Lu Xia found it strange. “What’s wrong? Do you have other questions?”

“No, no questions. We just… can we really take a break?” they asked.

Raising an eyebrow, Lu Xia looked at them. “If not, do you want to keep working? There are no rules here about not taking breaks during research. Now that we have results, you should rest and relax properly. If you don’t know what to do with your holiday, I can arrange a group tour for you. You can travel together, and I’ll cover the expenses. After you’ve had your fill of fun and come back, we can start the next project. That’s the plan. If you don’t want to go, I can pay you the equivalent in cash. Any other questions?”

All four shook their heads in unison, “No, no more questions. This is already amazing!”

Not only were they given time off, but also a trip paid for by their boss. If they hadn’t experienced it themselves, who would believe it? It was enough to make their peers green with envy.

After the four left, Lu Xia handed the task of recruiting volunteers to the old butler. While she was discussing with him the type of volunteers needed, the meeting room door was knocked upon.

Both paused. The butler stood and said, “It must be Grace. He’s off today but just contacted me to say he would bring lunch.”

Lu Xia nodded. “Then let’s eat while we talk.”

Opening the door, indeed, it was Grace delivering lunch. Though on his day off he wasn’t in uniform but casual attire, his posture remained impeccable, his presence commanding.

Lu Xia pushed the documents aside to make room for the meal.

Lately, due to her pregnancy, she got hungry quickly and especially craved spicy food—she simply couldn’t live without it.

“Let’s all sit and eat together. We’re not at home, so don’t worry too much,” she said, clearly addressing the butler.

He didn’t refuse and took his seat, sharing the meal with Lu Xia while exchanging various information.

Grace quietly shelled crayfish for Lu Xia nearby.

“By the way, Grace, you mentioned last time that when you had time, we could visit Duke Leslie together. I happen to have time now. When can we go?”

Unexpectedly, it wasn’t just casual talk. Grace’s eyes showed a flicker of surprise but he quickly replied, “I’m available anytime. It depends on your schedule.”

“Then let’s make it next Sunday. When you have a day off next time, we’ll go and give Duke Leslie a heads-up.”

“I will,” Grace confirmed.

Lu Xia then looked at the butler. “Prepare some gifts for Duke Leslie.”

“I’ll arrange it,” the butler responded, sneaking a glance at Grace, feeling almost envious of his good fortune.

Even as a househusband, such treatment was rare. And Grace was just a ‘defective’ male, merely a husband’s attendant, yet he was treated so well by Duke Lu Xia. It was truly astounding.

Lu Xia didn’t know what the two were thinking. Her desire to visit Duke Leslie wasn’t only for Grace’s sake but to use that connection to enter Duke Leslie’s social circle.

Her own social circle was full of worthless people, and though the women of the empire were as such, Duke Leslie’s circle wouldn’t necessarily be any better—but at least they would pretend to be respectable.

Besides, Duke Leslie had far more experience than she did.

As a newly arrived duke, there were indeed things she needed to learn and observe.

Even if some experiences weren’t worth emulating, at least it would broaden her horizons.

With the right connections, how could she worry about the future sales of her products?

After lunch, Lu Xia took a short nap in the lounge, while Grace tidied up the tableware and left the research institute to go home.

On the way, his device rang. Upon answering, he heard a voice say, “The person has been found.”

Grace’s expression remained unchanged, and he simply replied, “Understood. Detain him for a while.”

“Okay, I got it.” The other side hesitated before speaking, “The boss heard you’re married. Is the other party treating you well? Do you want us to—”

“No need. You take care of yourselves. I’ll handle my own matters. I’ll be there in a few days. That’s all.” Grace cut off the conversation without further words.

Then a subtle, unreadable emotion flickered in his eyes.

In truth, even Grace himself hadn’t expected his married life with Duke Lu Xia to be so smooth.

Even now, he sometimes wondered if it was all an unrealistic dream he had conjured.

So he dared not let anyone disturb him. If it was just a dream, he hoped it would last longer.

He didn’t want to wake up so soon.