The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 471: Thanks

Chapter 471: Thanks

As Xu Zeng led the way to the riverbank, Xu Hu Zhe watched him attentively, taking in his every movement with a sharp interest.

Despite being away from Sun Village for some time, Xu Zeng moved with a familiarity that spoke of a deep connection to this place. His steps were sure, his movements fluid as he navigated the terrain effortlessly.

Arriving at the river, Xu Zeng wasted no time in checking the old traps he had set up earlier that morning.

Despite being left untouched for a year, the traps were still in working condition, a show of Xu Zeng’s value for the seemingly simple tools.

Now, they were trinkets to the two newcomers, but in the past, they were a form of survival. It was how he kept from starving for so long. The land fed and nurtured him when there was no one else to provide for him.

With practiced hands, Xu Zeng began to empty the traps, revealing a bounty of seafood caught in the mesh.

The catch was abundant enough for only 2 hours’ worth of use, with fat native pink crabs scuttling about in the traps, their claws snapping in protest as they were pulled from their watery homes.

Bai Mo who was satisfied resting his sore piggies was immediately drawn over by the bright color that stood out in their current landscape.

At first, Momo was a bit flustered, his feet had moved on their own to see the pink hard-shelled behemoths. He had seen crabs before, but not this strange pink variety.

This was the first time he’d seen so much Surf and Turf in his life. Food was always interesting as was nature. The novelty hadn’t worn off yet, but he became aware of his proximity to the two hard workers.

They were catching crabs, and he was slacking. Not knowing where to put his hands, Xu Hu Zhe smiled at the other—it was more indulging than reassuring. The smile made Bai Mo blush deeper, but he still hung around to watch the two silently.

Shrimps wriggled and squirmed in the crude netting, their translucent bodies shimmering in the sunlight. A few fish were also caught in the traps, their scales glinting as they flopped about in the shallows.

Xu Hu Zhe observed Xu Zeng’s actions closely, noting the techniques he employed to handle the catch. He learned quickly, mimicking Xu Zeng’s movements with growing confidence.

With each trap emptied on the shore, Xu Hu Zhe’s skill improved, and his movements became more fluid and efficient.

They were a dynamic duo, both hard-working. While Hu Zhe grew up in the streets, he was very resourceful. Still, he’d never caught seafood before, and he couldn’t help but respect the silver-haired ger.

If they’d grown up together, how would life have been different? No one would bully Xu Zeng if he was around. There would always be food if Xu Zeng was in his life. And if Momo was present, they would all be rich!

"Pfft!" Xu Hu Zhe couldn’t help but snicker as he got lost in his thoughts. Momo was a little god of wealth, a kind one, who had a domineering side.

The only man present couldn’t help but feel the traits of both potential partners were good. They all seemed to do well together and compliment each other in strange ways.

They were a group of orphans who weren’t so lonely anymore— not while they had each other.

Time passed swiftly as they worked, the morning sun began to give way to the midday sun, casting dappled shadows on the water’s surface.

The tranquility of the riverbank was interrupted only by the sounds of nature—the gentle rustle of leaves, the murmur of the flowing water, and the occasional splash as a fish leaped from the river.

By the time they had finished, their haul was impressive, a show to Xu Zeng’s knowledge of the river and its inhabitants. It was more than enough to feed the three with rather large appetites.

With baskets filled with fresh seafood, they made their way back to camp— Momo’s stone perch— their spirits lifted by the success of their hunt.

There was little to no dialogue, but from restrained looks to cheerful smiles, the mood had changed drastically. One didn’t always need to talk to enjoy the company of their loved ones. The silence was also companionable too.

Without delay, Xu Zeng set off on his next course of action, this time with two helpers in tow. He’d promised a home-cooked meal, and he would deliver.

He began to gather the limited ingredients needed for their makeshift feast. When he cooked in this space in the last few years, it was always for one, with a much smaller harvest, and much more humble ingredients.

Today was different.

Xu Hu Zhe took charge of lighting the fire, his tall frame bending gracefully as he arranged the kindling and struck a spark with a flint. Soon, flames danced merrily in the set-aside fire pit, casting flickering shadows on the ground.

Meanwhile, Xu Zeng retrieved a small jar of flour and a pinch of salt from their supplies acquired in the town they passed through last.

It was a luxury compared to the coarse grains he had grown accustomed to grinding himself from harvested wild-growing grains or stealing from his former family’s land when hunger gnawed at his belly.

He handled the ingredients with care, a fond smile playing on his lips as he reminisced about his dad’s cooking lessons.

With the fire crackling merrily behind them, the trio set to work. Xu Zeng deftly cleaned and prepared the seafood they had caught earlier, his movements precise and practiced.

Xu Hu Zhe eventually took over this task after watching Xu Zeng shell the crabs on the nearby rocks, and devein a few of the mammoth shrimp. It would only take a few attempts for the man to become proficient, his learning ability was strong.

As for Bai Mo, his cheering skills were unmatched. Even the awe in his eyes could make both Xu Hu Zhe and Xu Zeng work more seriously to feed the hungry fox.

Momo eagerly lent a hand where he could, their enthusiasm infectious as they worked together in harmony.

Using ingeniously repurposed flat and shiny rocks as makeshift pans, Xu Zeng expertly cooked up batches of seafood pancakes, the savory scent wafting through the air and making their mouths water in anticipation.

Meanwhile, Xu Hu Zhe carefully tended to the pot of soup, adding fragrant herbs and spices that Xu Zeng pointed out from around the river bank to create a rich and flavorful broth.

As they cooked, the trio exchanged playful banter and shared laughter, conversation wasn’t hard to start or sustain even after such a tiring morning.

Bai Mo playfully teased Xu Zeng about his cooking skills. Yes, Xu Zeng had promised them a meal in his place, but they weren’t expecting an actual full-on meal.

A love of cooking also ran in the family. Cooking and winning men’s hearts through their belly was something the two Xu brothers shared.

Momo was ready to eat even before the meal was done. This was the first time he’d seen Xu Zeng in action, but he and Xu Hu Zhe would need to encourage the other to cook more, and maybe they would also need to help more in the future.

Finally, as the dishes came together and the meal took shape, they gathered around the fire, their faces illuminated by its warm glow.

As the trio finally began to enjoy the fruits of their labor, their stomachs could stop grumbling in anticipation.

Bai Mo was less reserved than the other two even with his more refined upbringing. He couldn’t contain his enthusiasm for the meal, his eyes shining as he eagerly dug into the food before him.

Xu Hu Zhe, initially more restrained, soon followed suit, tearing into the meal with a little hum as he savored the flavors dancing on his tongue.

Xu Zeng had never enjoyed a shared meal so much in his life. The happy feeling gave way to tears, and fat drops began to roll down from his eyes uncontrollably.

He was overcome with emotion at the simple joy of sharing a meal with his new companions, but also for the support and strength he received in Sun Village. He’d never been able to imagine a scene like the one at the village entrance.

He wasn’t alone.

"Thank you," he barely got out— his voice choked with emotion as he tried to hold back feeling his heart was too full.

Xu Hu Zhe froze when he realized the king of daze was crying. What do you do when the most undisturbed person finally shows his emotions?

Show even more emotion.

Hu Zhe was the first to react, rising from his seat and crossing the small distance between them in a few quick strides. Without hesitation, he gathered Xu Zeng into his arms, holding him close as he offered silent comfort and reassurance.

Bai Mo quickly joined them, wrapping his arms around the two and adding his warmth to the embrace.