The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 381: Rendezvous

Chapter 381: Rendezvous

In what felt like a mere heartbeat, Xu Zeng crossed from the rear to the front of the estate, the vast distance seemingly bridged effortlessly. As if time itself conspired to hasten his speed—the huge divide taking a fraction of the time than it would take if he had any other purpose in mind.

Xu Zeng was more than aware of his affection for his nephews. Recently, the two eggs were his favorite part of any day. All other things and tasks were just distractions and not even the more favored distractions he’d come to love in the new world were comparable.

Yet, he made his way to the stables at a breakneck pace, hoping he hadn’t missed his target during his doubled back pathway back and forth to Blooming Courtyard.

As he drew nearer, Xu Zeng could almost smell the fear of the animals in the vicinity. No not fear, it was submission.

This was a natural reaction. Lesser creatures who felt the obvious divide in lineage. But not all animals knew their limits, it was the same for demon beasts as well. This usually came about when the lesser creature thought they might have a chance to defeat an opponent with a better lineage.

It also happened with plain stupid creatures. The smile on Xu Zeng’s face grew into something more charming and filled with unrestrained mirth.

Of the four puppies—Yi, Er, San Gou, and Si Gou—that Xuan Yang had purchased the week after Xu Zeng came to Nanshan Estate, one particular puppy, Si Gou was notably silly.

These were larger hunting dogs of this world, not nearly as fierce as a wolf in Dongzhou, but fiercer than modern wolf dogs by far, and possibly on par with modern wolves (maybe stronger?). To top it all off, at their full height, the males could reach a man’s waist if they were of a good litter.

Most hunters who tracked with an animal companion would go for the smaller breeds of hunting dogs. Ones that were less costly to maintain were preferred, but the breed Xuan Yang invested in was the best silver and gold could afford.

It was an additional expense to add to the estate, but a worthy one. The pups were a fun new duty AND playmates that were entrusted to Xiao An and Xiao Momo to watch over and care for.

The new pups were also added security for the estate when they grew up.

Of the four pups, it was hard to tell which the runt of the litter was, or perhaps there were more than 4 puppies, to begin with, but that was doubtful.

All four had variations of black or gray fur covering their bodies, but Si Gou had the only full coat of black. The ebony hunting hound was only a few weeks old, handsome, and slightly slower than its companions.

No, not in speed. It was fast enough to trail and track Xu Zeng when the two children took their eyes off it for even a second.

The little noir puppy liked to follow Xu Zeng around like... well, a puppy. It had no concept of fear, and had taken a liking to him without any thought of its own life and the balance of power between them.

Xu Zeng didn’t truly realize he would enjoy this companionship. When the puppies weren’t spending time with Xiao An and Xiao Momo, he would steal... no, allow the hound to follow him back to his quarters.

A certain half breed demon beast would also follow him around occasionally, but not always. Some days he would follow Xu Zeng around, and other days he would avoid him like a monster.

At the thought of being avoided, Xu Zeng’s smile slipped, his face shifting back to its impassive state.

In the stables, three horses stood, their presence normally commanding attention in the dimly lit space.

Two majestic black stallions, their sleek fur glistening under the soft glow filtering through the wooden beams above, exuded an air of nobility with each graceful movement. The lineage of these beauties was evident in their regal stature and powerful presence.

Beside them, a third horse, while not as stunning as its companions, still possessed a quiet strength and dignity. Though of a lesser breed, it was a good horse in its own right, its gentle eyes reflecting a spirit tempered by years of service.

As Xu Zeng entered, his keen gaze swept over the horses, searching for a silhouette that remained conspicuously absent. The stallions, sensing his presence, straightened instinctively, as if paying homage to a superior, while the mare shied away, retreating timidly into its stall.

For someone more self aware, the silence that followed might have been stifling, but not for Xu Zeng.

With a quick once over of the stable, as if expecting to uncover a hidden figure lurking in the shadows, he confirmed that no one was concealed from his sight.

Satisfied in his search, he turned to leave, intending to continue his search elsewhere on the estate where his target was known to spend time with animals.

But just as he made to exit, a figure emerged from a side entrance, his dark hair dripping with water from the small gated stomping ground outside. The grin returned to Xu Zeng’s face, morphing into a mischievous smirk as he recognized his prey.

Before the other man, an unsuspecting Xu Hu Zhe, could fully register the change in the horses’ demeanor or the presence of the new intruder, Xu Zeng was on him.

Swiftly, he removed the mask covering Xu Hu Zhe’s face, revealing his identity with a flourish as if it were a bothersome hindrance.

The white mask stood no chance from the beginning. Whenever this certain Xu was present, this was a destined outcome that was unavoidable.

The mask was destined to be discarded. There was no space for it to shield Xu Hu Zhe from Xu Zeng.

Every line of the half breed’s face was meant to be seen by him, from the strong lines to the misplaced scales. Xu Zeng wanted to see everything with no filter to obscure his sight.

But of course, a glimpse was only the beginning. The smooth black scales were calling to him. His fingers were already itching for a feel before the mask was removed.