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

Chu Muxi went to Mr. Barlow’s place at noon, easily evading He Hui’s people.

Although Chu Tianhao knew He Hui had someone following Chu Muxi, he wouldn’t inquire about it.

He Hui’s people were dismissed, sparing Chu Tianhao any further trouble. At most, they would subtly influence him.

Chu Muxi, however, no longer concerned himself with such matters.

“Teacher,” Chu Muxi smiled as he opened the door. The store had few customers, and Barlow didn’t use it for profit.

“Welcome,” Barlow, with a pipe in his mouth, sat at the bar examining a list.

“Any guests today?” Chu Muxi, now in a white shirt, helped move goods to the warehouse, revealing sweat on his forehead.

“No, try this.” Barlow pointed to a drink on the bar. “It’s blue moon grass juice with sweet fennel. 2:1 ratio. Right?”

Chu Muxi sipped, “Correct.”

Barlow smirked, “Good taste.”

Chu Muxi, after downing the drink, sat at the bar.

Barlow asked, “Worried?”

Although, Chu Muxi called him ‘teacher’ but Mr. Barlow didn’t necessary would intervene with his life.

“Teacher, if a friend invites you to a party with hidden motives, and your trusted friend colludes with enemies to frame you, would you still attend?”

“Of course. I do what I’m told to.” Barlow grinned. “Can you?”

Chu Muxi looked at the cabinets, then Barlow. “I can, teacher.”

Barlow said, “If you can’t, you’re not my apprentice,” heading to the kitchen. “Stop dwelling. Get to work.”

“Understood, Teacher.” Chu Muxi chewed a leaf, a content smile on his face.

.

After leaving Mr. Barlow’s cafe, he had afternoon classes back at the academy.

However, the afternoon subject’s teacher was ill, leading to self-study. Phil, noticing Chu Muxi’s delicate box, asked, “What’s this?”

“A gift for a friend,” Chu Muxi replied, keeping it mysterious.

Phil’s keen nose sensed something. “What’s inside? It smells delicious. Where did you get it?”

Chu Muxi, respecting a promise, hinted, “It’s a secret, near the school. Find it yourself.”

Phil, eager, declared, “I can find anything in Central Star!” Skipping class, he hurriedly left.

Chu Muxi, amused, watched Phil go. “Why are you that excited.”

Glancing at the small box, Chu Muxi messaged Lu Junzhi.

[Are you free in the afternoon?]

After a while, Lu Junzhi replied, [Yes, what?]

Chu Muxi, contemplating, continued texting. [I have a small gift for you. There’s a party tonight, and I can’t stay overnight. Just wanted to ask where I can find you. If it’s inconvenient, forget it.]

The wait felt long, but Lu Junzhi surprised him with a video call.

“Lu da-ge, good afternoon,” Chu Muxi greeted, feeling the short separation intensely.

Lu Junzhi, in military uniform, asked, “Where can we meet?”

“I can do it, as long as it’s convenient for you,” Chu Muxi replied, his eyes involuntarily drawn to the other party’s perfectly stitched neckline. For some reason, his mouth felt dry.

Lu Junzhi, unaware of the gaze, considered for a moment and then provided an address.

“Okay,” Chu Muxi nodded. “I’ll be there on time at four o’clock.”

“Do you need someone to pick you up?” Lu Junzhi inquired.

Chu Muxi chuckled, “Wouldn’t it be meaningless to agree on a meeting place then?”

Lu Junzhi seemed taken aback and eventually said, “Okay.”

The conversation seemed to warrant ending the video call, but neither took the initiative. Chu Muxi felt a twinge of reluctance and nervousness, knowing he had a significant task tonight.

Despite the advantages of being reborn, he couldn’t shake off the nerves when facing a crucial challenge.

Alone, he preferred to keep this from his grandpa for now. It was also a personal test—handling this simple matter himself was a prerequisite for facing larger challenges from Chu Tianhao and his associates.

“Lu da-ge,” calling him felt somewhat challenging. Chu Muxi touched his face, “Can I ask you a question?”

Lu Junzhi looked at him with deep, gentle eyes., “Yes.”

“What do you do when you can’t predict the outcome of something? Do you continue?”

Chu Muxi hesitated. “It’s like having a crucial task but needing to deal with smaller challenges first. You have key clues but struggle to connect them. It’s like a gamble, about 50% uncertain.”

Lu Junzhi reassured. “As long as you think it’s okay, then it is okay. If you need help, come to me anytime.”

Chu Muxi felt a surge of confidence, displaying a sincere smile. “Thank you, Lu da-ge.”

This time, ending the call felt smoother.