The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 101: Wontons and 3 Backers

Chapter 101: Wontons and 3 Backers

The wontons were a delicious, a masterpiece of flavors that danced on Xu Feng’s taste buds. They were exactly as he remembered: hearty, succulent, and filled with the rich taste of meat. The only difference was the lamb filling.

It was a delightful surprise from the pork-filled wontons he had enjoyed before. The lamb filling offered a distinct, savory note that paired perfectly with the delicate dumpling skin. The dish was evidence of the wonders of traditional cooking methods and the simple yet exquisite ingredients used.

As Xu Feng indulged in his meal, his passion for the food was obvious for anyone with eyes. He couldn’t help but emit soft, contented hums of delight, and his eyes lit up with joy. Each bite was savored as if it were the most precious food on earth.

He took his time, enjoying the simple yet perfect flavors that exploded in his mouth, appreciating every bite of the dish.

But when he looked across the table, he was met with a sight that left him completely confused.

Xuan Yang and Xuan Jian, with all their grace and refinement on display, were eating like they were handling porcelain figurines. Their movements were measured, their bites small and delicate. It was a far cry from the single-minded focus with which they had devoured his meals back at his dining room in Nanshan estate.

On his last visit, he was surrounded by Si, San, and Erlang, three children who ate just as enthusiastically as him. Today, he seemed like a hungry ghost.

Xu Feng couldn’t help but wonder what had come over them. Were they trying to show off the manners of delicate young masters, showcasing their refined etiquette? That shouldn’t be right, but...

The huge contrast between their previous hearty appetites and their current eating style was puzzling.

Xu Feng decided to address the situation, "Is there something wrong with the food, or are you both just not that hungry today?" His tone was light, masking his confusion.

Xuan Yang exchanged a quick, almost imperceptible glance with Xuan Jian before answering, "The food is good."

Xu Feng raised an eyebrow, still uncertain about their change in behavior. It was unusual for them to lose their appetite. But then again, he didn’t have that much experience with them. Two days of eating together wasn’t really that great of a pattern.

He decided to respect their...whatever this was, and continued enjoying his meal, although at a slightly more restrained pace.

While Xu Feng savored his meal, he also noticed that Erlang had finished his wontons without a trace left behind. This further reassured him that the food was indeed delicious and he wasn’t losing his sense of taste. There appeared to be no issue with the meal.

It took Xuan Jian and Xuan Yang some time, but they eventually finished their meals. As Xu Feng promptly handled the payment, there was a collective sigh of relief from the other patrons in the stall.

Not all the observers were happy to see them go though.

Many onlookers, of various genders, were attracted by the good-looking group. Their appearances turned heads and left a trail of longing glances. Some more obvious than others.

It was clear that the people of Yilin town were a fan of beauty. Xu Feng should have felt pride like a peacock, but honestly, this wasn’t his scene. The entire show was draining, and he almost regretted leaving his fort (Nanshan estate).

The next destination on their agenda was a cloth shop, but not the same one Xu Feng had visited with Erlang during their previous trip.

Xu Feng was daring but cautious enough not to reveal his actions to the new men. They didn’t need to know what he was up to when they weren’t around. He had already caused quite a commotion in the first cloth shop, and he wouldn’t be surprised if the store assistants treated him strangely if he returned.

He was a well-behaved ger!

Besides, it wasn’t a guilty conscience that drove his decision...

It was all a matter of discretion and practicality. And, of course, there was no need to share the details about selling items from his dowry with anyone bearing the surname Xuan. It was his little secret with the children.

The cloth shop they entered was a typical cloth store that mimicked the one Xu Feng had gone to last time but with a little less fanfare. Even so, it was still brimming with ready-made clothes, bolts of fabric in various colors and patterns, and an assortment of trinkets.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with the rich scent of silk and cotton filling the air. The shop had the charm of a place that had been in business for generations, its shelves stacked with vibrant textiles and garments.

Surprisingly, the service they received here was notably friendlier compared to their previous visit to the more expensive clothing shop. Xu Feng initially thought that his aura of icy elegance had unconsciously leveled up, effortlessly commanding the respect of the store assistant.

But upon closer observation, if he paid closer attention to his companions he would know, it was the presence of two cold-faced men surnamed Xuan trailing behind him. They were the ones that caused a sense of wariness in the shop attendant.

Xuan Jian and Xuan Yang, with their aristocratic and commanding airs, got a different level of respect than the silver haired ger snooping around the store.

Erlang didn’t linger in the corner as he had during their last visit either.

His confidence had grown in the past few weeks, and he had been spending his free time learning from Jie and Bo, Xuan Yang’s two trusted servants from the capital. Their presence inspired Erlang to strive to become a better servant for Xu Feng’s sake.

He didn’t want to be the reason anyone tried to take advantage of his young mistress...his master.

The trio of men stood beside Xu Feng, their piercing gazes firm as the young shopkeeper provided pricing information on various types of cloth as Xu Feng assessed the quality in the store.

Even if the shopkeeper was greedy for all the silver in Yilin or even all of Donghua, someone with self preservation skills would know not to mess with Xu Feng. He looked like a soft persimmon, but he had tough backers.