The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 224: Young Fox vs Old Fox

Chapter 224: Young Fox vs Old Fox

Breakfast that morning was a far cry from the usual generous meals that left Xu Feng’s appetite thoroughly sated. The absence of the new mushrooms and savory buns was depressing, and it seemed like his appetite had taken an unplanned vacation.

Xu Feng’s aloof and faraway face changed when breakfast was finally over. His appetite wasn’t as strong, but he did eat a hefty meal the night before, it was understandable to eat lighter in the morning to balance things out.

As Xu Feng gathered himself and his spirits in preparation for their excursion to Yilin town, he recalled he also ate a small snake the night before.

Ate it whole.

The flush that powdered his cheeks was ignored and the slightly perverted smile gracing his face, was absolutely normal. There was nothing to see on this ger’s face...

The disappointment was fleeting, a few thoughts of the night before—not just the perverted things—made Xu Feng giddy again. From a perverted smile to a small and barely noticeable grin and a pep in his step. Xu Feng was on cloud nine.

With his renewed mood, Xu Feng found himself focusing on something far more important—the upcoming trip to Yilin Town with Bai Mo.

Xu Feng tried to think of anything and everything he wasn’t able to do when he went to town with Xuan Jian and Xuan Yang in tow. He wouldn’t be able to do them with Momo before seeing him off, but maybe he could spend the day with Xu Hu Zhe and the girls before returning to the estate!

He and his husbands were in a second honeymoon phase—or maybe this was the first one—but still, he was rebellious! The opportunity to go out and explore on his own was too good to pass up.

Before they boarded the carriage for Yilin Town, Xu Feng made sure to have a private moment with Bai Mo. He had carefully packaged treasures for both the Bai and Deng families, knowing that these parting gifts held a deeper significance.

Among the treasures was the package of Dragon Chrysanthemum tea, carefully wrapped in a hand carved bamboo box. The bamboo boxes were a recent addition to the Nanshan estate, discovered by Xu San with her discerning eye.

The young talent who was one of their new servants was responsible for crafting it had been recommended to Xu Feng after hearing one of his tales about luxury goods and trading the estate’s produce.

The young artisan came from a long line of artisans, but his family fell on hard times, unable to sell their craft for a high price in a border town full of artisans. When his mother grew ill, the family discussed it, and as the youngest of 7 sons and 1 daughter, he was chosen to "sell himself" for the family.

And he did. It was a long journey before he found himself in Beiyin, and then in Nanshan estate, but Zhao was a clever and talented 13 year old. Xu Feng was happy to have him as part of the household.

"There is the tea," Bai Mo rattled off the items Xu Feng packed for him with bright eyes, "the dried Dragon Chrysanthemum tea, the fried mushrooms, and the herbs."

Xu Feng couldn’t offer too many of the mushrooms and fungus they scavenged from the woods the day before. Most had yet to be treated and would need some time to be preserved so they could be easily consumed by those who weren’t accustomed to them.

While he had cooked with some of these items the night before, too much of certain types of fungus or just fungus cooked incorrectly could be poisonous. They were trying to win the Bai and Deng elders over, not to kill them.

The bamboo box, though slightly crude by modern standards, bore intricate carvings that depicted the beauty of nature—delicate flowers, winding vines, and serene landscapes. Zhao’s skill was undeniable, Xu Feng wondered what his brother’s talent levels were like if he was the one sold.

"Momo," Xu Feng began, his voice becoming serious, "You have to be careful. Of all the bloodlines, a fox, especially an old fox, shouldn’t be taken lightly. If it comes down to it, throw the Xuan family under the bus."

"Under the bus?"

"I didn’t say under the bus, I said under the carriage!"

"Under the carriage?" Bai Mo was still confused. He knew Xu Feng knew more about the world than he did, his dad had told him many stories, but Momo couldn’t understand how ’throwing someone under a carriage’ would be a good thing...

"It means," Xu Feng explained as he averted his eyes, the bus part wasn’t part of his plan, well this speech wasn’t, but he wanted his friend to come back safe. "If any of the Bai or Deng elders suspect you, or you find yourself in a difficult situation, either blame the Xuan family or use them as a shield."

Bai Mo’s eyes grew wide as he fully took in the meaning behind Xu Feng’s words. Yes Xu Feng was a favored new bride. It was obvious he was cared for by his glowing appearance, and the care all the ’Wild Animals’ of Nanshan estate showed him.

But still, just because he was currently favored didn’t mean he would always be favored.

"Xu Feng, you have to be careful. The Xuan family isn’t a family to be taken lightly."

Xu Feng stared into his friend’s eyes, and understanding passed between both parties. Perhaps foxes really were too cunning?

"I won’t be part of the Xuan family for long," at this admission, Momo’s eyes grew even wider. Xu Feng almost ruined the serious moment, but managed to hold his chuckle back, "I won’t leave Xuan Yang, but the Xuan family and I aren’t a good fit."

Bai Mo’s confusion was apparent. Xu Feng wouldn’t leave Xuan Yang, the only young master of the Xuan family. If that was the case, how could he ever leave the Xuan family?

While he was a sponge when it came to Xu Feng, soaking up all the wisdom he could, Momo wasn’t stupid in the slightest. If either of them was sly like a fox, it was Bai Mo. He used his appearance and the current standing of his family to his advantage.

Many might find him pitiful, but he had far too many thoughts to continue this declining trend his ’family’ was in. He would be the reason for his family’s survival. And it wouldn’t be a matter of luck.

The bamboo box, along with the carefully packaged treasures, was a gesture of goodwill and the beginning of two young ger’s plan to out fox some old foxes.

As Bai Mo accepted the gift, a grateful smile crossed his face, and he nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Feng Feng," he replied with genuine warmth, the questions from before fading from his eyes. He would know what he needed to when the time was right. He trusted his friend.