It'll Come Naturally
Chapter 1249 A Big Problem (Part Two)

"Don't worry, Bella. I've already taken some decongestant. I'll be okay." Leena was afraid that her cold would affect the competition, so she had already taken something before coming here. She hoped the pills would work.

"That's good. Mignonne, it's your special performance tonight. Poise and grace are a must, and you can't let a cold knock you down." Bella was a confident designer. She was sure that the media would focus all their attention on the designer of LN FASHION instead of the competition tonight. After Leena had made her debut in Paris, her popularity had reached a record high. Bella believed that Leena would gain the same popularity in China. She had high hopes, and so did Leena. To be recognized in her home country would really be something.

"Bella, why is it my special performance?" Leena knew if people knew she was the designer of LN FASHION, it would cause a stir. But she didn't know what Bella meant by a special performance.

"You've kept a low profile in the past. People want to know the face behind LN FASHION, and when you do your thing, it will go viral. Everyone knows that a prestigious designer in Europe will be at the show tonight. You'll be the one the media focuses on. They'll pay no attention to the participants. Pity, that!" That was the real reason Bella accepted the organizer's invitation, otherwise she wouldn't have agreed to take part in such a tiny competition. Of course, there was another reason: FX International Group was one of the sponsors. It was said that the CEO of FX International Group was handsome and charming, and girls the world over were enamored of him. Bella also wanted to get to know this dashing gentleman.

"I get it. But, Bella, I don't want to do the interview." Frowning, Leena thought she'd like to live a normal life. She didn't want to be popular and live in the spotlight, with the paparazzi reporting on every little thing she did. That would be the saddest thing to her. "Mignonne, you must take responsibility for yourself from now on. I'm afraid I can't help you anymore. Get it?" Bella cast a meaningful glance at her last mentee. She hoped Leena would be able to be the most successful designer, and this was Bella's long-cherished wish. It would be her greatest success story, and Bella's reputation would improve immeasurably.

"Bella, I know what you're implying. You'll always be my esteemed teacher, whatever happens. If it weren't for you, LN FASHION wouldn't be such a great success." On hearing Bella's words, Leena became a little sad and didn't feel so hot. Plus, the fight she and Kevin had made tears run down her cheeks.

"Why are you crying, Mignonne? You're no longer my student, but you're always welcome at my house," Bella consoled Leena, holding her hands. Leena was the only oriental girl among her disciples, and also the most talented one. Bella had a great affection for her. Leena could do no wrong in her eyes.

"Mignonne, are you sick? Maybe you need to eat something and lie down. A little rest will put you right again. You'll need it, as one of the judges." Gerard would leave the city after the competition, and be unable to see Leena again for a long time. The very thought hit Gerard like a sharp knife ripping his soul. But since he had made up his mind to let go of her, he had to stick to it.

After lunch, Leena drove to the military base. When she arrived, she did nothing but park outside and stay in her car for about half an hour. She had no idea what she should do, so she sat in her car and thought. Should she try to mend their relationship? She had always been the one who made the first move, but she was really tired now. Plus, she wasn't sure whether Kevin was here or not. After all, he hadn't told her where he was going last night, and she hadn't heard from him since.

Leena had been feeling drowsy the whole time, so she drove back home, took some pills and went to bed as Gerard suggested. She knew she would be more of a hindrance than a help if she got sick.

Meanwhile, Kevin had been busy ever since he left home last night. He went to the hospital first, then the army base. When he made sure the injured soldiers were being treated, he hit the barracks to deal with the senior officers. He'd been busy for several hours without food or rest. The higher ups in the city were upset and they needed to be mollified.

"Major General Gu, eat something first. You haven't eaten anything so far." Lee placed the dinner in front of Kevin, looking very worried.

"Put it there," Kevin said, indicating the spot. "I'll eat after I finish my report." Kevin's fingers still danced on the keyboard. He didn't raise his head to talk to Lee, and his face looked even colder than usual.

"Major General Gu, this isn't on you. Why are you making all the reports?" Lee was outraged. He thought Kevin was getting screwed. Though Kevin was Major General, the company commander and battalion commander should also share the blame.

"Lee, no matter which one of my soldiers made the mistake, it's still my fault. There was something wrong with how I managed things. I've not been doing enough in the areas supervision and administration. I know you feel I'm taking too much responsibility, but it's my choice. My men, my mistake." Kevin raised his hand to rub his aching head. He had worked the whole day and night without a break, and he felt exhausted.

"But I still feel you're getting the shaft," Lee complained. He felt that Kevin was dragged into this for no reason.

"Don't worry. They'll be held accountable as well. By the way, is Senior Colonel Ouyang back yet?" Kevin knew Daisy had her own work cut out for her today, so he hadn't informed her of what had happened last night. If he had told her that, it would just piss her off and wouldn't help anything. So Daisy was not in the army base today.

"No, she isn't. She's slated to be back tonight," Lee answered as he checked the time.0000000