The primary positioning and efficacy of the first-generation beauty cream focused on scar removal.
With Lu Xia present, the experimental process proceeded exceptionally smoothly.
The four researchers involved in the beauty cream study never imagined they could complete the development of this cream in just one month. Even for them, the value of this beauty cream was essentially equivalent to that of cosmetics, with far less research significance compared to something like gene Potions.
Yet they also hadn’t expected to conquer it in such a short span of a month, a feat undoubtedly made possible by Lu Xia’s involvement.
It was at this moment that everyone seemed to fully realize that Duke Lu Xia was not merely a financial backer but also a formidable presence in the research field—a stark contrast to the rumors of a frivolous, pleasure-seeking Duke Lu Xia.
The successful production of the beauty cream gave hope to the four researchers next door working on the hair growth solution. Although their progress was slightly slower, the process remained relatively smooth, and achieving results was only a matter of time.
As for the progress of the beauty cream, Lu Xia was moderately satisfied. After all, she had completed the research on the beauty cream long ago; now, she simply needed this development process to refine the outcome.
“Recruiting some Volunteers to test our product is our next step. However, everyone can take a break during this period. There will be other research projects awaiting development afterward. If there are no objections, the meeting is adjourned.”
Lu Xia considered herself not an overly demanding boss. When research yielded results, rest and relaxation were essential. She wouldn’t exploit her team indefinitely, believing that only with proper rest could they energetically face the next challenge.
The four researchers never expected they would actually get a vacation. Having worked in other research institutes before, they were accustomed to year-round work without breaks, where even requesting leave depended on others’ moods.
They had assumed Lu Xia would immediately push them into a new project, but instead, she was giving them time off. For a moment, all four remained seated, unmoving.
Seeing them still there, Lu Xia found it odd. “What’s the matter? Do you have other questions?”
“N-no, no questions. It’s just… are we really allowed to take a break?”
Lu Xia raised an eyebrow, looking at the four. “Otherwise? Do you want to keep working? That’s not the rule here. During intense research periods, breaks might be scarce, but now that we have results, it’s time to rest and relax properly. If you’re unsure what to do during the break, I’ll have someone arrange a tour group for you to travel together. I’ll cover the expenses. By the time you return refreshed, our next project should be ready to launch. That’s the plan. If you prefer not to travel, the tour funds can be cashed out instead. Any other questions?”
All four shook their heads in unison. “N-no, that’s more than enough already!”
Not only were they given a break, but also a chance to travel? Goodness, if they hadn’t experienced it themselves, who would believe it?
It was enough to make their peers green with envy!
As the four left, Lu Xia directly entrusted the task of recruiting Volunteers to the old butler.
Just as Lu Xia was discussing with the old butler the types of Volunteers to recruit, the conference room door was knocked.
Both of them stopped their actions simultaneously. The old butler stood up and said, “It should be Grace arriving. He’s off duty today and just contacted me to say he’d be bringing lunch over.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Xia nodded. “Then let’s talk while we eat.”
Opening the conference room door, it was indeed Grace delivering lunch. The man wasn’t wearing his military uniform during his break, dressed instead in simple casual clothes, yet his back remained straight, and his demeanor stood out.
Lu Xia directly pushed the documents on the table aside to make room for the upcoming meal.
Recently, due to her pregnancy, she had been getting hungry faster and particularly craved spicy food—to the point where she couldn’t enjoy a meal without it.
“Everyone, sit down and eat together. We’re not at home, so there’s no need to be too formal.” This remark was clearly directed at the old butler.
The old butler didn’t refuse. After taking his seat as instructed, he discussed various pieces of information with Lu Xia while they ate.
Grace, meanwhile, quietly peeled crayfish for Lu Xia beside them.
“By the way, Grace, last time I mentioned visiting Duke Leslie with you when we had the chance. I happen to have some free time now. When can we go?”
Unexpectedly, this wasn’t just something Lu Xia had casually mentioned. A flicker of surprise appeared in Grace’s eyes, but he quickly replied, “I’m available anytime. It depends on your schedule.”
“Then let’s go next Sunday, the next time you’re off duty. We’ll inform Duke Leslie in advance.”
“I will.”
After receiving Grace’s response, Lu Xia turned to the old butler. “Prepare some gifts for Duke Leslie when the time comes.”
“I’ll arrange it.” As the old butler replied, he couldn’t help but glance at Grace. The other’s good fortune was something even he was starting to envy!
After all, even with the status of Main Husband, such treatment wasn’t something just anyone could receive. Yet Grace was merely a ‘defective product’ male and only a Husband-Attendant, yet he received such consideration from Duke Lu Xia.
It was truly incredible.
Unaware of what the two were thinking, Lu Xia’s reason for visiting Duke Leslie wasn’t entirely for Grace’s sake. She simply wanted to use this connection to enter Duke Leslie’s social circle.
After all, her own social circle was full of rotten people. Of course, given the nature of Empire Females, Duke Leslie’s social circle might not be entirely composed of good people either, but at least they should put on a decent front.
Moreover, Duke Leslie had much more seniority 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 learning from, they could still broaden her horizons.
As long as the connections were in place, would she have to worry about sales for her products in the future?
After lunch, Lu Xia took a short nap in the lounge, while Grace packed up the dishes and left the research institute to return home.
However, on the way, his Terminal rang. Answering it, he heard the voice on the other end say, “The person has been found.”
Grace’s expression remained unchanged as he simply responded softly, “Understood. Keep him confined for a while.”
“Alright, I understand.” At this point, the other person paused, hesitating before speaking. “Boss heard you got married. Is the other party treating you well? Do you need us to…”
“No need. Focus on your own affairs. I’ll handle my own matters. I’ll come over in a few days. That’s all.” Without further elaboration, Grace ended the call.
Then, a flicker of an unreadable emotion surfaced in his eyes.
In truth, his married life with Duke Lu Xia had been smoother than even he had anticipated.
Even now, he still felt as if all of this were an unrealistic dream conjured by his own imagination.
Thus, he dared not let anyone disturb it. If it truly were just a dream, he wished it could last a little longer.
He did not want to wake up so soon.