“Lieutenant Colonel, are you free this afternoon?”
A cold voice came through the phone, addressing him by rank without any fluctuation in tone, as if his status made no difference. In the background, faint but distinct voices could be heard, overlapping in a steady rhythm.
Zhai Mu was familiar with that kind of background noise. He immediately recognised that the caller must be in an office.
“I’m free. Do you need something from me?”
The voice on the other end was unfamiliar, but the number belonged to none other than the central military command. When speaking to the gambling king, Zhai Mu was always at ease, but the moment he answered this call, his stance subconsciously adjusted—his entire being becoming taut, like a bowstring drawn tight, ready to unleash immense power at any moment.
“This is the General Staff Department.”
The caller paused briefly, as if sensing the subtle hitch in Zhai Mu’s breathing, then softened their tone.
“We’ve received notice from the higher-ups. This afternoon, the Marshal will be arriving in D City and staying the night. Due to General Xu’s strong recommendation, the upper ranks have decided that you will be responsible for tonight’s reception.”
It was like a thunderclap on a clear day.
For a brief moment, Zhai Mu completely blanked out, unsure how to react.
The Marshal?!
The supreme military authority of the entire empire!
Even if one looked back a thousand years, no one in the nation’s history had ever matched his power.
In a country where the royal family symbolised sovereignty, if there was one person who could surpass the emperor—it was the Marshal, and only him.
Zhai Mu opened his mouth, only to find his throat dry, unable to utter a single word.
The staff officer from the General Staff Department was clearly accustomed to this reaction and chuckled slightly.
“General Xu is your superior and happens to be accompanying the Marshal on this trip. He repeatedly praised your achievement in winning the national firearms competition last year. That’s why the higher-ups agreed to grant you this exceptional honour.”
The most powerful man in the empire!
The royal family represented the face of the empire, the government stood for the people’s interests—but military power?
There was only one ruler.
To be given an audience with him… this was nothing short of ascending to the heavens in a single step!
Not knowing what to say was one thing—not screaming out loud in excitement was already an impressive display of restraint!
“Thank you. Thank you. This is the highest honour my superiors have bestowed upon me.”
Zhai Mu clenched his fists, his face practically glowing with excitement. The next moment, he steadied himself and carefully asked:
“What do I need to prepare for this reception?”
The personnel from the General Staff Department were experienced and naturally willing to offer guidance. They thoroughly explained the key details he needed to pay attention to. By the time the call ended, nearly half an hour had passed.
Zhai Mu waited politely for them to hang up first before lowering his phone.
Glancing down at his current attire, he frowned.
When he had gone out with that cold Miss Leng, he had dressed purely for convenience—but this?
There was no way he could wear this to meet him.
He’d probably be blocked three feet away from the Marshal before even getting close.
Without even sparing a glance back at the casino, he immediately rushed toward his residence.
His place wasn’t far from the underground room where Leng Yiyao was recovering—only two streets away.
As the elevator doors chimed open, he swiftly scanned his fingerprint and strode into his walk-in closet.
The most formal military uniform.
A uniform that showcased his sharpest, most disciplined side to the extreme.
Standing before the mirror, he had completely transformed.
The casual smiles were gone.
His eyes—turbulent waves crashing within—barely contained the excitement surging in his heart…
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