Chapter 9
“Xiao Xi, when your grandpa comes back, please avoid arguing with him. Invite your grandpa to our home, and let’s have a sit-down to chat as a family. Do you understand?” Chu Tianhao offered his sincere advice.
Chu Muxi furrowed his brows. “What is there to discuss with him? Who is family with him?”
Chu Tianhao’s expression soured. “Xiao Xi! Watch your tone. Regardless of anything, he is your only relative.”
Chu Muxi sneered internally. Indeed, he was his only relative, had his father ceased to consider him a son?
Unaware of his mistake, Chu Tianhao continued with his persuasion.
Pretending reluctance for a while, Chu Muxi finally agreed, saying, “I understand. I’ll will listen to your advice.”
Chu Tianhao was pleased with this response, and he smiled. “Alright, you can go now. I still have matters to attend to.”
“Okay.” Chu Muxi walked to the door, turned around, and paused.
“What’s the matter?” Chu Tianhao asked.
Chu Muxi scratched his head and sheepishly said, “Father, you need to take care of yourself too. I’ll go now.” He left with a shy expression.
Hearing Chu Tianhao’s deep laughter as he exited, Chu Muxi felt repulsed.
As he descended the stairs, he didn’t come across He Hui. Having nothing to do at home, he decided to go for a walk.
.
Once he entered the yard, he spotted Chu Lulu returning from shopping, accompanied by a household robot laden with bags of various sizes.
Upon seeing Chu Muxi, Chu Lulu halted and revealed a smirking expression on her previously cheerful face.
“Oh, who do we have here? Isn’t it the little bitch?” Chu Lulu quipped, “If it were me, I would have moved out by now. How can you still shamelessly live off someone else, enjoying their food and shelter.”
Chu Muxi remained unfazed, as if he couldn’t hear her words, and walked past her.
Chu Lulu despised his arrogant attitude. She vividly remembered the time when He Hui, carrying her, had stood outside the villa while Chu Tianhao held Chu Muxi, joking with Shen Lan. At that moment, He Hui had pinched her arm so hard; she cried out loud, yet Chu Tianhao had seemed to ignore them entirely.
Later, when Chu Tianhao was away, He Hui had taken her into the villa to confront the woman she had found lying on the bed, to show off her authority.
“Who are you?” the woman inquired feebly. Despite her pale countenance, she sat halfway upright on the bedside with an air of elegance, and looked at He Hui like she was a dirty thing.
He Hui proudly displayed her communication device, which showcased heartwarming photos of Chu Tianhao alongside her and their son, portraying them as a harmonious family of four.
“…Indeed? So, that’s the case,” the woman murmured, “Nevertheless, as long as I’m here, I’m still Madam Chu.”
Just then, a young boy burst into the room and pushed He Hui away. He extended his arms protectively, like a young wolf guarding his territory.
“Get out! Get out of my home!” he shouted, and the household guard robot escorted the woman and her daughter away, their faces flushing with embarrassment.
.
Chu Lulu vowed that one day they would return and reclaim the house.
“Little bitch, do you want to learn why your mother jumped from there—uh—”
She felt a tight grip around her neck, and her back was forcefully pinned against the wall. Chu Muxi’s expression was icy, like a demon emerging from the depths of hell. Chu Lulu struggled to breathe, her face reddening as she writhed. She tried to speak, but Chu Muxi’s strength was relentless as he pinned her firmly against the wall.
“If you wish to meet your end,” Chu Muxi’s voice carried a chilling gentleness. It was the first time he’d shown such a ruthless side. Chu Lulu, frightened out of her wits, trembled, her tears streaming uncontrollably.
“Feel free to cross my path, and I’ll be sure to satisfy you.”
After delivering his warning, he dropped her to the ground. He retrieved a tissue from his pocket to cleanse his hands as though wiping away contamination.
Without even glancing at the terrified Chu Lulu, he walked away.
.
Chu Muxi had intentionally selected this location to elude the villa’s surveillance and escape Chu Tianhao’s scrutiny from his study window. Even if Chu Lulu were to complain later, there would be no evidence.
Furthermore, Chu Tianhao was presently focused on coaxing Chu Muxi into securing the resource star held by Shen Wu. Chu Muxi’s mood would not be swayed by the likes of Chu Lulu.
“…Chu Muxi…I’ll never let you off…ahem,” Chu Lulu lay on the ground like a defeated dog, venomously mumbling in the direction of Chu Muxi’s retreating back.
However, even if Chu Muxi were to hear her, he wouldn’t take her seriously.
Chu Muxi was on his way to meet Shen Wu.
Chu Tianhao had already received the news that Shen Wu was returning, but Shen Wu had grown suspicious and wouldn’t contact Chu Tianhao directly.
Chu Tianhao was a little confused but there was nothing he could do without any information.
.
Chu Muxi promptly arrived at the coffee shop where Shen Wu had agreed to meet him.
Before he could even take his seat, a young waiter rushed over and accidentally collided with him. Chu Muxi sidestepped gracefully. As he dodged, he heard the man quietly inquire, “Chu Muxi?”
“We’re here to collect you. The airship is accessible through the coffee shop’s back entrance. Someone is tailing you. Let’s head inside the store first,” the waiter informed. He straightened up and extended his hand, revealing the token given by Shen Wu.
Then, he couldn’t help but bow down and apologize, repeating, “I’m sorry, sir, I’m terribly sorry, sir. Are you alright?”
“It’s fine,” Chu Muxi replied casually, but deep down, he suspected that the person trailing him might be associated with He Hui.
Guided by the waiter into the coffee shop, they proceeded directly to a utility room. The waiter mentioned, “I might need you to swap clothes with me, is that alright with you?”
Chu Muxi had come dressed casually today and raised an eyebrow, saying, “Do I need to wear your clothes? I don’t have any issues with hygiene, but I’d prefer not to wear someone else’s attire.”
The waiter smiled and assured, “We’ve prepared new ones for you, so don’t worry.” He produced a fresh suit that was ready, handed it to Chu Muxi, and then turned away.
Chu Muxi changed into the new attire and replied, “Alright.”
The man then led him out through the back door and directed him down a path that took them into a building. They ascended to the top floor, where an apron was situated, and an airship was docked there.
Upon entering the airship, Chu Muxi glanced up at the opposite side.
Dressed in a military uniform that emphasized the slender waist, and sporting mid-calf military boots, the man had a striking, handsome face devoid of any visible emotion. His expression remained indifferent, making it nearly impossible to discern his thoughts. Yet, he exuded a captivating aura that rendered people entranced.
This was none other than the Empire’s Marshal, Lu Junzhi.