Rebirth Counterattack: I Heard That the Imperial Marshal Has a Crush on Me

Chu Muxi took a sudden step back, forgetting about the chair behind him, and nearly stumbled backward.

Fortunately, Lu Junzhi reached out in time, wrapping his arms around Chu Muxi’s waist. “Be careful.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Chu Muxi felt a moment of embarrassment. His feelings for Lu Junzhi were somewhat complex, best described as a subtle affection that he couldn’t quite articulate yet.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that just now.”

Regaining his balance, Lu Junzhi released his hold in a gentlemanly manner. “I understand.”

After a brief silence, Chu Muxi took the initiative, saying, “Well, I’ll go somewhere else. I haven’t explored a starship before, so I’m curious.”

Seeing the slight blush on his face, Lu Junzhi nodded. “Go ahead.”

.

Chu Muxi hastily left the cab, seemingly eager to escape. Once he was outside and facing away from the door, he took a deep breath.

He gave himself two light slaps on the face, gradually calming his nerves.

Looking up, he noticed Xu Gaolai staring at him with surprise, clearly puzzled by his sudden self-slapping.

Coughing dryly, Chu Muxi explained, “Well, the cab felt a bit stuffy, so I came out for some fresh air.”

Xu Gaolai stepped out and remarked, “The entire starship is under constant temperature control and fully sealed. Why would you need fresh air? Moreover, young master, your face is as red as a monkey’s butt. Do you really think I’m blind and can’t see your emotional expression?”

Despite noticing Chu Muxi’s embarrassment, Xu Gaolai chose not to expose him, respecting his privacy.

“That’s right. Are you feeling better now? Staring into the silent and desolate universe for too long can be oppressive,” Xu Gaolai tactfully shifted the topic.

Having regained his composure, Chu Muxi glanced at Xu Gaolai. As his grandfather’s right-hand man, Xu Gaolai’s perceptiveness surpassed that of ordinary individuals.

“This is my first time leaving the central star in a starship,” Chu Muxi walked to the window and spoke softly. “Tell me about the resource star, Uncle Xu.”

“Passing through the dead asteroid belt, we’ll reach the resource star soon. It was surveyed by the Shen Group, and we currently own it. However, we have to pay rent to the empire, covering shipping lanes and establishing independent ports of call,” Xu Gaolai explained. “It incurs significant expenses, and other shareholders have criticized it because—”

“Because, so far, no rare resources have been found on that resource star, right?” Chu Muxi interjected, continuing, “How many times have you been there in total? Have you surveyed the entire resource star?”

“From discovery to now, we’ve been there five times in total. Each time, a team of twenty people with instruments went, but unfortunately, we haven’t discovered any useful resources,” Xu Gaolai sighed.

“The chairman has been hesitant, and your arrival—” He paused, casting a meaningful glance at Chu Muxi.

Chu Muxi smiled nonchalantly and asked, “Are we talking about Chu Tianhao? He hasn’t shown clear intentions against my grandpa, but he’s been pushing me to acquire this resource star from him.”

Xu Gaolai hummed, furrowing his brow slightly. “That’s one of the reasons the chairman has been puzzled and hesitant. He suspects there’s more to the other party’s motives.”

Xu Gaolai continued, “Primarily because a new type of energy stone is believed to be present. The detection of this energy stone requires a recently developed instrument at the institute.”

Chu Muxi still couldn’t fathom how Chu Tianhao and his backers were certain about the presence of this unknown energy stone. Nevertheless, with Chu Tianhao’s eagerness and his memories from a previous life, Chu Muxi was convinced of the stone’s existence.

“So, I personally came here this time and brought Lu da-ge along. I wanted him to help me understand what enchanting power this planet holds to attract Chu Tianhao so strongly,” Chu Muxi said, feigning curiosity.

Xu Gaolai remarked, “The young master’s consideration is indeed thoughtful. The Shen Group’s surveying capabilities are limited, and we might overlook something. If Marshal Lu brought a military-grade detector, there might be additional discoveries.”

Chu Muxi aimed for this effect so that, when he did discover the new energy stone, it would appear natural and logical. Chu Tianhao and his associates would be less likely to doubt his foresight.

“By the way, I feel like having a cup of coffee. Take me to the tea room, please.”

Xu Gaolai paused for a moment, then realized what was happening. Adjusting his glasses, he smiled, “Certainly, young master. The tea room is this way. Please follow me.”

.

As Chu Muxi prepared coffee and returned to the cab, he opened the door and saw Lu Junzhi engaged in conversation with one of his associates.

Holding a dish with one hand and knocking on the door with the other, Chu Muxi teased, “Well, I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Oh, no, my subordinates have already grasped the information! Marshal, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.” The man, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a tall stature, seemed a bit goofy.

Chu Muxi vaguely remembered his name as Zhao Lei, though his specific role eluded him. He initially assumed he was an adjutant or something similar.

“No, Xiao Lei is a member of my Guards. My adjutant is Zhou Xu. He, well, attended the military meeting on my behalf.” Lu Junzhi mentioned Zhou Xu, and an unnatural flash crossed his face.

Chu Muxi glanced curiously and noticed Zhao Lei had burst into laughter.

Lu Junzhi said coldly, “Why are you still here?”

Zhao Lei quickly stifled his laughter, saying, “I’m leaving now, I’m leaving now.” Saluting, he swiftly turned around and departed.

“Why was he laughing just now?” Chu Muxi placed the coffee in front of Lu Junzhi. “I didn’t expect the items on this starship to be quite comprehensive. How does it taste?”

Lu Junzhi picked up the coffee, appreciating its rich aroma before taking a sip. “It’s good.” However, he didn’t address Chu Muxi’s question, appearing somewhat resistant.

“So, what were your subordinates laughing at just now?” Chu Muxi took the opportunity to inquire again. This was the first time he had seen Lu Junzhi display such an embarrassed expression, and curiosity got the better of him.

Lu Junzhi set down his cup and regarded Chu Muxi.

Chu Muxi shrugged, “Come on, for the sake of making you coffee, can’t you spill the beans?” He tilted his head, widening his eyes like a rabbit.

Lu Junzhi suddenly softened and admitted uncomfortably, “Because I tricked Zhou Xu into attending a military meeting at the headquarters.”

“Huh?” Chu Muxi’s eyes genuinely widened in shock this time. “You can actually deceive people like this?”