The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 407: Round Two of the Hunt

Chapter 407: Round Two of the Hunt

A gentle smile graced Xuan Jian’s lips as he glanced at Xu Hu Zhe. It wasn’t clear what he was thinking as he assessed the maskless man.

The two met each other’s gaze for a few seconds which felt like a lifetime. A lifetime that caused Xu Hu Zhe’s cheeks to flush under the intensity of the scrutiny—especially after the mention of the mask.

As Xuan Jian moved his gaze from Xu Hu Zhe to Bai Mo, Xu Hu Zhe was still stuck in a state of embarrassment. The mask Xu Zeng was now wearing was a token commissioned by Xu Feng, everything was too bare.

Xu Hu Zhe couldn’t help but wonder if Xuan Jian would misinterpret the situation. He hoped not, but deep down, he couldn’t help but wonder if there was some truth behind the assumption.

But then again, ’the Nile’ was a river somewhere...

*denial*

"I must apologize for the modesty of this meal," Xuan Jian expressed sincerely, despite the generous spread before them. Bai Mo had dined with them when Xu Feng hosted meals, and he knew they could be far more lavish.

Nonetheless, Bai Mo expressed gratitude for the meal and the extra time spent with Xu Zeng. Moreover, he had to acknowledge Xu San’s culinary prowess.

She wasn’t quite as gifted as Xu Feng, yet, but in less than a year of guidance and free rein in the kitchen, she was much more talented than the cooks in his mansion.

Natural talent could do wonders with a little guidance.

"No, it is far from modest. I’m truly grateful for your hospitality, especially during these... challenging times," Bai Mo replied a bit uncertainly.

It was a truthful answer, but it was always hard navigating the loss of Xu Feng. This was true whether it was in simple conversations, or places they would spend time together like the greenhouse.

Even places they hadn’t visited with Xu Feng could bring uncomfortable feelings for anyone close to the ger.

Xu Feng had only been at Nanshan for a few months. It hadn’t even been a year yet, and he hadn’t experienced everything the area had to offer.

There were too many ’what ifs,’ hanging in the air.

"Thank you for showing our cubs affection and being supportive," Xuan Jian paused momentarily before continuing. "And thank you for being a dear friend to our Xu Feng."

A brief silence enveloped the table this time before Xuan Jian spoke again. "I trust you will continue to watch over the cubs in the days to come."

Bai Mo agreed readily! Of course, he would take care of the Da Long and Xiao Long. These were his best friend’s children! They would get all the good things in the world from him.

Bai Mo also had something he would need to discuss with Xuan Jian in the future. Maybe he could share happy news with the other someday?

One thing was certain for Bai Mo though, he would like to get even closer to those of Nanshan Estate.

Dinner was silent even with the good company. Everyone with different thoughts in their mind. Everyone seemed stuck in a haze that loomed over most of Nanshan Estate.

Xuan Jian’s appetite wasn’t what it was in the past, but even so the food decreased among the four men and two Gers. Xu San had outdone herself.

The two eggs were also eventually found, much quicker than usual this time. The two girls weren’t naive, they knew Da Long was an expert at hiding, and if he wanted, it could take them hours to find him.

He rarely went back to the same hiding spot, but that night, he went to a spot Xu Si frequently checked when hunting for the mischievous not so little egg!

The true master, Da Long—the round egg who had everyone running around in circles when he felt like playing one of his disappearing tricks—went easy on Xu Si and Xu San.

The grey shelled young master was hard shelled, but soft hearted. He didn’t hide too deeply after Xu Si screamed about her hunger.

For eggs that had yet to hatch, both Da Long and Xiao Long were too intelligent for everyone else’s good.

"We’re clearing the tables." Xu San called out in the dining room, as the men either smiled, made way, or nodded in recognition. "Now would be a good time to escape."

Xu Si’s lips twitched.

They all knew the eggs would run around again. Their baskets couldn’t contain the spherical little bandits.

The evening was still young and they had some more energy to burn off, plus their papa was going to have an adult talk. He wouldn’t have time to shoot evil eyes their way to make them behave slightly better.

Still, Xu Si was hoping the eggs would let her get back to the craft room. Now that they could roll around, half her life was spent chasing after the two young masters when Xiao An and Xiao Momo weren’t around to interfere.

"I still don’t understand how they can be so quick," Xu Si muttered as she took the last bowl of empty food onto her tray. They were finally done clearing the table.

And you guessed it, the eggs were gone!

Long gone.

Xu San with a small smile on her lips, and an exasperated Xu Si, headed into the kitchen first, to finish cleaning up.

Next would be another game of cat and mouse as the men discussed their pressing matters.

The dining room was silent, but everyone remained silent, seemingly enjoying the lacking atmosphere. It was obvious there would be a portion of this conversation involving all six of them, otherwise, why would they have settled down for dinner together?

Xuan Jian wasn’t unaware of the group’s patience with him, but he hadn’t decided if they should move locations or not.

"I brewed some tea," Xu San reentered the space with a tray and quickly served the hot tea directly from Xu Feng’s stock.

The steward of their estate was too wise. "Xu Si and I will look for the young masters toward the front of the courtyard. Da Long knows to give you some privacy."