Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 240

Chapter 240 Light in Her Eyes 

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Finished 

That night, the cafeteria food was clearly a few levels better than usual–richer even than what they’d been served on the very first day. 

After days of eating rough and sleeping outdoors, the students descended on the meal like a storm, clearing entire tables in no time. 

Once dinner was over and they’d rested for a bit, Ivan gathered the girls together. He told them that tomorrow they would give their final performance in front of both the school leadership and military officials. This was their last chance to rehearse. 

After more than half an hour of formation drills, the squads clustered together. Some sang, some danced, and the field filled with laughter and noise, smiles bright on every face. 

But the liveliness eventually faded into the quiet of the night. 

Ava walked alone along the path back to the dorm. Tonight would be her last night sleeping here. 

The air was still. As she walked, she yawned again and again. Sleeping in tents these past few days hadn’t done her any favors. 

Covering her mouth after another yawn, she noticed someone standing not far ahead. 

Ava rubbed her eyes. “Were you waiting for me?” 

Before she’d even finished speaking, Laurent was already walking toward her. 

Under the cold white lights, Laurent studied her face closely. “How have these past few days been? Was it hard?” 

Ava reached out and took his arm. “It was fine. Our team got along really well. Mostly because we had a great captain who planned everything perfectly.” 

Hearing her praise someone else, Laurent smiled. “You did great too. I didn’t even know you could cook.” 

Ava blinked. “How did you know?” 

“We can see everything from the control room,” he said. “Otherwise, how could we feel safe letting you handle things on your own?” 

Ava let out a small gasp. “Then you can see people when they go to the bathroom too?” 

“The system automatically blocks anything involving privacy.” As he spoke, Laurent gently lifted her hand from his arm and held it in his palm. 

“You’re braver than I expected,” he said warmly. “You did an excellent job these past few days.” 

Ava pressed her lips together in a soft smile. “I think I did pretty well too.” 

Over the past month, there was more light in her eyes now–steady, determined. Her whole presence radiated confidence and momentum. 

What pleased Laurent most was how natural she’d become around him. Accepting the position as chief instructor at Starry Heavens University had been the right decision. 

18:17 Sat, Jan 24 

Chapter 240 Light in Her Eyes 

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Finished 

Even if they would part after training ended, he believed something meaningful had already begun between 

them. 

They walked back to the dorm together. Laurent reached out and patted her head. “Get some rest tonight. Once tomorrow’s performance is over, your military training will be completely finished. Enjoy college life, my Ava.” 

He gently tapped her nose, then watched as she stood at the doorway, smiling. “Good night.” 

“Good night,” Ava replied, closing the door softly. 

Laurent smiled to himself and turned to go inside as well. 

Early the next morning, after breakfast, the students followed their instructors to the venue for the performance. Ava, without surprise, was chosen as model cadet for the third time. 

Sitting in the vehicle, Ava looked back through the window at the place behind them. She might never return here again. Still, it held a chapter of her life she would never forget. 

When they arrived, the instructors led everyone into the venue. Students training at other military bases had also gathered there. 

All 3,800–plus freshmen from Starry Heavens University were finally reunited. 

On the field, the university president was giving a speech. After that came a military officer Ava didn’t recognize. Her gaze drifted, and she spotted Laurent standing not far away, another person beside him speaking quietly. 

Once the dull speeches finally ended, two freshman representatives went on stage–a boy no one recognized and a girl everyone knew. 

Tylissa. 

At long last, the performances began, one formation after another. 

Watching the students below, Matthew leaned toward Laurent and whispered, “Which formation is your wife in? Point her out for me.” 

Laurent scanned the passing squads and replied coolly, “You talk too much.” 

Matthew hadn’t expected him to be that guarded. He clicked his tongue and fell silent. 

At the final segment, outstanding trainees from each base stepped forward to receive commendations. Ava heard Tylissa’s name announced. 

Behind her, Noelle leaned in and whispered, “Ava, if our base doesn’t nominate you as the female it’s definitely rigged.” 

She stressed the word rigged with unmistakable force. 

rep, then 

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18:38 Sat, Jan 24 M • 

Chapter 240 Light in Her Eyes 

He 

Finished 

What pleased Laurent most was how natural she’d become around him. Accepting the position as chief instructor at Starry Heavens University had been the right decision. 

Even if they would part after training ended, he believed something meaningful had already begun between 

them. 

They walked back to the dorm together. Laurent reached out and patted her head. “Get some rest tonight. Once tomorrow’s performance is over, your military training will be completely finished. Enjoy college life, my Ava.” 

He gently tapped her nose, then watched as she stood at the doorway, smiling. “Good night.” 

“Good night,” Ava replied, closing the door softly. 

Laurent smiled to himself and turned to go inside as well. 

Early the next morning, after breakfast, the students followed their instructors to the venue for the performance. Ava, without surprise, was chosen as model cadet for the third time. 

Sitting in the vehicle, Ava looked back through the window at the place behind them. She might never return here again. Still, it held a chapter of her life she would never forget. 

When they arrived, the instructors led everyone into the venue. Students training at other military bases had also gathered there. 

All 3,800–plus freshmen from Starry Heavens University were finally reunited. 

On the field, the university president was giving a speech. After that came a military officer Ava didn’t recognize. Her gaze drifted, and she spotted Laurent standing not far away, another person beside him speaking quietly. 

Once the dull speeches finally ended, two freshman representatives went on stage–a boy no one recognized and a girl everyone knew. 

Tylissa. 

At long last, the performances began, one formation after another. 

Watching the students below, Matthew leaned toward Laurent and whispered, “Which formation is your wife in? Point her out for me.” 

Laurent scanned the passing squads and replied coolly, “You talk too much.” 

Matthew hadn’t expected him to be that guarded. He clicked his tongue and fell silent. 

At the final segment, outstanding trainees from each base stepped forward to receive commendations. Ava heard Tylissa’s name announced. 

Behind her, Noelle leaned in and whispered, “Ava, if our base doesn’t nominate you as the female rep, then it’s definitely rigged.” 

She stressed the word rigged with unmistakable force. 

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18:38 Sat, Jan 24 M G 

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