Chapter 50: Uncle

Chapter 50: Uncle

General Zou arrived as promised, just in time for the meal.

Since he was already here, it wouldn’t be polite to send him away. They had no choice but to welcome him in.

“I know Bai Mu has spatial powers, and you guys would definitely be having a special meal, so I came to join you for a few bites.”

General Zou sat in the main seat and pulled out a bottle of wine from his coat, “I specially brought some wine.”

Xiao Hua looked down at the chicken, duck, fish, and meat on the table, along with the fruits prepared for after the meal, and felt a little awkward.

This special meal was quite extravagant.

The others also looked at the table, their expressions a mix of surprise and unease.

Bai Mu broke the silence, “Alright, let’s eat.”

Xiao Hua was surprised. Bai Mu was usually so meticulous; why was he being so direct today?

What surprised her even more was that General Zou didn’t show any annoyance. In fact, he seemed very accustomed to it, saying, “Yes, let’s eat.”

Xiao Hua quickly realized that the two must already know each other.

Xiao Hua chose a chair nearby and sat down. Bai Mu pulled out her chair for her and handed her the chopsticks.

No one thought anything of it; after all, Bai Mu did this frequently.

Xiao Zui also treated Su Mo the same way.

It would be unfair to expect the other three to notice anything unusual.

It happened every day, so who would pay attention?

General Zou was taken aback by what he saw, but everyone’s reactions told him—this was normal.

For a moment, General Zou felt dazed. Was this really the stoic Bai Mu and the resolute Xiao Zui he knew?

Coming back to his senses, General Zou began to subtly inquire, “I’m Zou Ping, and I’m Xiao Zui’s superior. What are the two girls’ names?”

Noticing she was being addressed, Xiao Hua put down her chopsticks and spoke first, “My name is Xiao Hua, and I’m Xiao Zui’s younger sister.”

When Xiao Hua paused, she added, “Late Stage Level 3 ice-type power user.”

“Yes, I know that,” General Zou said calmly, while quickly glancing at Bai Mu.

Bai Mu didn’t look at him and continued eating.

General Zou then turned his attention to Su Mo.

Su Mo introduced herself, “My name is Su Mo, and I’m Xiao Hua’s classmate. I’m a late Stage Level 2 healing power user.”

This time, General Zou’s gaze slowly swept across the four of them.

General Zou nodded and asked with a steady expression, “You are all still students, right? How old are you?”

“We were nineteen and in our second year of university before.”

General Zou eyed Xiao Hua with obvious admiration. "Youthful brilliance, indeed."

He thought to himself that at nineteen, she was still quite young, which explained why the other two hadn’t made their move yet.

Xiao Hua smiled awkwardly. "Thank you."

Oh boy, this felt just like meeting an older relative during the holidays.

Someone save her, please.

Bai Mu noticed Xiao Hua’s discomfort and saw that General Zou was about to press further, so he quickly interrupted. "Uncle."

General Zou glared with his fierce eyes. "Call me Uncle."

"Uncle," Bai Mu said helplessly. "Let’s eat."

He wasn’t exactly acting like an elder should.

"Let’s eat and drink!" Then, General Zou raised his glass again. "Let’s celebrate our gathering today, everyone, bottoms up!"

Bai Mu was about to say something else but was cut off by General Zou waving his hand. "A few big men, can’t even finish this little alcohol?"

It wasn’t about finishing the alcohol.

Bai Mu was mentally drained from dealing with his uncle. "You're a senior officer, you need to mind your influence."

"What? You gonna report me? Watch out, I'll smack you."

Bai Mu: "……"

Let it be, he didn’t care anymore.

Xiao Hua rarely saw Bai Mu looking this 'too tired to care.' Amused, she raised her glass, bringing it close to her mouth.

Suddenly, a hand—long-fingered and elegant—gently stopped her.

Bai Mu asked Xiao Hua gently, "Have you ever drunk alcohol before?"

"No," Xiao Hua recalled. She hadn’t drunk in her previous life or this one.

"Why don’t you skip this one? I’ll get you something lighter next time, okay?" Bai Mu negotiated kindly.

Xiao Hua instantly relented. "Okay."

After sipping her juice, Xiao Hua’s eyes wandered to the fruit on the table. Bai Mu immediately noticed and passed her a plate.

"Thanks, Brother Bai," Xiao Hua said, taking the fruit without hesitation and slowly enjoying it, occasionally chatting with Su Mo.

Seeing that Xiao Hua didn’t need him, Bai Mu raised his glass and joined the drinking.

The meal concluded with everyone in high spirits.

Before leaving, General Zou called Bai Mu outside.

He looked at Bai Mu with a satisfied smile, as if watching a pig finally figure out how to root for cabbage.

"Not bad, kid, you’ve found someone special after just one trip."

Bai Mu wasn’t surprised that his uncle had figured it out, but he gently reminded him, "Uncle, Xiao Hua doesn’t know yet, so please be careful next time."

General Zou clucked his tongue and advised Bai Mu, "This girl is so strong, there are plenty of guys who want to get close to her. You should act fast before someone else does."

"She's still just a kid," Bai Mu said, not in a hurry. Xiao Hua was still young, and they had only known each other for a short time. He was willing to wait for her to figure things out on her own.

General Zou, getting frustrated with him, said, "But you're not young anymore! You're like a cradle robber. You’re not exactly a spring chicken, and you’re not taking the chance while you can."

Bai Mu: "..."

Do you have to talk about me like that?

General Zou wasn't giving up. "Do you understand or not?"

Bai Mu rubbed his temples. "I understand."

Finally seeing off the chattering General Zou, Bai Mu let out a breath of relief, but then couldn't help feeling a headache coming on as he thought about having to handle the other drunks in the villa.