The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 210: The Gates of Nanshan

Chapter 210: The Gates of Nanshan

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a warm orange hue over the land, Xu Feng and Bai Mo rode their horses down the familiar path leading to the Nanshan estate. The late afternoon bathed the surrounding landscape in a golden light, igniting the leaves of the trees in a vibrant display of colors, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

The air was crisp and filled with the scent of pine, carrying the sounds of rustling leaves and the occasional song of a bird as the forest gently whispered its secrets.

The path they followed was lined with ancient trees, their sprawling branches forming a natural canopy overhead, filtering the sunlight to create a dappled pattern on the ground.

Xu Feng’s stallion, its grey coat glistening in the fading sunlight, moved with an easy grace, its hooves lightly kicking up dust from the trail.

Beside him, Bai Momo’s horse, a spirited chestnut mare, kept pace with an energetic trot, its sleek body displaying a sense of vigor and strength.

Approaching from the other end of the path was the estate’s carriage—the hard one prize that Xuan Yang retrieved from the former estate steward months earlier—a sleek and well maintained vehicle gliding along the pathway.

The carriage, adorned with simple designs and pulled by a single healthy horse, advanced slowly toward them. The familiar silhouette of Xu Si, the youngest member of the household, leaned out from the carriage, waving excitedly at the sight of Xu Feng’s return.

The estate itself stood proudly in the middle of the vibrant scenery, its grand architecture and domineering walls visible through the gaps in the trees.

As the two riders drew nearer to the estate, the harmonious blend of natural beauty and the estate’s grandeur became more apparent, painting a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the setting sun.

The cute little head that popped out from the window could no longer restrain itself, and Xu Si’s enthusiastic voice rang through the air, "Master Feng!"

A warm smile graced Xu Feng’s lips at the recognition of Xu Si’s cheerful greeting. They were too far away to clearly see the expression on his face, but the wave didn’t go unnoticed.

He knew all too well who else must be tucked away in the carriage. However, a surge of caution pierced through his momentary joy. With a decisive shift in his demeanor, he signaled to Bai Mo and swiftly spurred the stallion he rode toward the gate, leaving his companion behind.

Riding with haste, Xu Feng reached the estate gate, spotting the notes left for the guards. Without hesitation, he retrieved and swiftly tore them into shreds.

The guards were now informed—his leave and return should remain discreet, with no mention of when or where he and Bai Mo had left. He hadn’t shared where they were riding, and no one needed to know. The fact the two went out alone was enough to get Xu Feng in trouble.

Peeking into the estate, his gaze fell upon two distant figures. The air was filled with anticipation as Xu Feng caught sight of figures in the distance, likely Xuan Jian and Xuan Yang, who weren’t yet waiting at the entrance to welcome him back.

It was about time—his return before Xuan Jian and Xuan Yang put considerable effort into finding him and before Xu Hu Zhe returned home felt like a stroke of luck. The Xuan ancestor’s space truly proved to be a treasure of time and space.

However, as the approaching carriage drew nearer, Xu Feng caught sight of Xu Hu Zhe squinting in their direction, making eye contact. Suddenly, Bai Mo’s playful nickname for the "Wild animals" fell into place, understanding dawning upon Xu Feng in that moment.

He couldn’t help but acknowledge the trouble he was bound to get into today—perhaps, a bit more trouble than anticipated. Nevertheless, with a hint of resignation but an underlying sense of readiness, Xu Feng braced himself for the challenges that awaited him upon his return to Nanshan estate.

In the thick of the tension at the Nanshan estate, Xu Feng found himself lost in a wild whirlpool of thoughts. As he sat in the middle of the scrutinizing gazes of Xuan Jian, Xuan Yang, and Xu Hu Zhe, a weird sensation washed over him, similar to that of a young child being reprimanded in public by their parents.

The weight of their collective glares felt oppressive, bearing down on him like a heavy burden. Was the adventure worth it? Yes, but only because of the Xuan ancestor, if not just a trip into the woods would be far from worth this.

However, what escaped Xu Feng’s notice in that moment of judgment—he was being heavily judged—was the silent exchange occurring beyond his own self conscious bubble.

While the trio of "wild animals" maintained their "passive looks" in the presence of Bai Mo, it became evident to him that their attention wasn’t completely fixed on him. The intensity of their glares seemed to extend beyond, directed at the visitor by his side—Bai Mo.

Despite Xu Feng’s hurried mad dash to retrieve and destroy the notes, a glaring piece of evidence had been left behind—the basket brimming with treasure, proof of his and Bai Mo’s adventures, the same basket that Bai Mo wouldn’t abandon even during the boar attack.

The "precious" haul sat nestled in the basket, the biggest evidence of the recent chaos and the secrets they should have been hiding. The state of the basket was also considerably more mangled than when it left the estate. Xu Feng hoped no one would notice this...

As he sat in his living room in Nanshan estate, the conflicting emotions churned within him. The discomfort of being at the center of attention. The tension in the air was thick, and for good reason.

Xu Feng couldn’t help but feel a wave of gratitude toward Bai Mo, who sat beside him unwaveringly, still protecting the damned back basket. He must really be looking forward to the meal Xu Feng promised...

He would need to make a good dinner for the hungry and most likely traumatized fox beside him.