The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 52: Exit, Please

Chapter 52: Exit, Please

The Flowering courtyard was still a picturesque oasis in the Xuan family estate with a light pattering of snow barely sticking to the ground. It was a tranquil space adorned with meticulously arranged peer trees, their gnarled branches, bare for winter, whispering ancient tales to the wind.

Stone pathways snaked through finely planned gardens that would be lush and vibrant in warmer months, leading to the main reception hall.

After Xu Feng’s exchange in the charged conversation with his new mother-in-law, Lady Xuan, the servant’s veiled and unveiled looks held their curiosity and disgust.

Their eyes, darted between Xu Feng and Lady Xuan, lurking on the border of this unfolding drama. Everyone unknowingly ignoring Xuan Muyang, who was attempting to mark a territory that wasn’t his to claim.

Xu Feng couldn’t help but become increasingly self-conscious. The weight of their gazes bore down on him, making him acutely aware of the intricacies of this unfamiliar world he had been thrust into.

Ancient ABO world filled with conspiracy and intrigue? Not for him. This was supposed to be a slow slice of life story in ancient times.

In that moment the slight chill coming from outside the reception room was swept away by the warm palm. It was the same palm that welcomed him into the Flowering courtyard. The same exact fingers that replaced the jade egg the night before.

Those hands, they were something else entirely. Light and smooth, they had an air of scholarly elegance, as if they’d been groomed meticulously over time. Yet, they were undeniably substantial and firm, revealing a hidden strength beneath the surface.

These were hands that knew their way around books and manuscripts but could also offer unwavering protection when needed. It was a unique blend of soft, scholarly grace and the unwavering, masculine assurance that left a lasting impression.

Xu Feng’s face flushed involuntarily as the memories of the previous night flooded his thoughts. His senses going on high alert with the alarm bells going off internally. The memories were vivid paintings of sensations and emotions that caused him to tighten his legs.

Xu Feng found himself unable to maintain eye contact with anyone in the room, his gaze instead fixated on the richly polished wooden floors of the ancient courtyard reception hall.

It was abundantly clear that the Xuans were a family with history and wealth. Their country home had the marks of money, the recent renovations had left it even more well equipped.

Xu Feng couldn’t help but reflect on the contrast between how the original owner of this body must have lived and the Xuans’ current luxury lifestyles.

The appearance of the Xuan’s Nanshan estate only solidified the vast extent of their power and influence in the capital.

It dawned on Xu Feng that Xuan Yang’s unending prickliness was probably a side effect of the expectations that weighed on him, expectations from his family that were as heavy as the world itself.

Maybe if Xu Feng hadn’t been betrothed to the cranky Xuan Yang, he might have found himself the bed partner of an old man like the Xuan patriarch.

Another shiver ran down his spine as he made this realization. Maybe he should be glad Lady Xuan was quick to act when it came to securing a grandchild. If she had been slower maybe she would have had another concubine to compete with for her husband’s attention.

"It’s premature to decide who and if Xu Feng will marry again in the future. He is currently mine," Xuan Yang’s words carried a heavy weight, causing the atmosphere in the room to grow increasingly tense.

Throughout the Xuan estate, both the servants and the elders sat at attention or subtly straightened their stances, as if compelled by an unspoken command.

The palpable pressure emanating from Xuan Yang was impressive, a display of authority that bordered on frightening. Yet, to the ger at his side and the man standing behind him, this energy felt strangely reassuring. The former was comforted while the latter was accustomed to the potent presence.

With a graceful nod, Xuan Yang made his intentions clear. "Xu Feng and I will excuse ourselves, wishing the esteemed elders a good lunch." With that, he rose, Xu Feng’s hand still firmly in his grasp.

"I will return later to discuss the necessary preparations for your journey back to the capital tomorrow. Until then."

Xu Feng, catching up to the conversation, offered a quick head nod as a sign of respect before allowing Xuan Yang to lead him out of the room.

The walk from the Flowering courtyard to the Blooming courtyard was a journey in itself. The magnificent stone pathways that meandered between the two courtyards would normally hold Xu Feng’s attention, but like earlier that morning, there were more important things on his mind.

Every step was a reminder of the Xuan family’s wealth and heritage, their estate, evidence to centuries of prosperity and power.

As they walked in silence, the men couldn’t help but watch Xu Feng, who was lost in deep thought. His brow furrowed, and his eyes carried a distant gaze as he processed the events of the morning. It was as if a storm of emotions swirled inside him, and the weight of the situation pressed on his shoulders.

Maybe the ger finally regretted his words?

Even the young servants, Si and San, who had been onlookers to the tense encounter, found themselves trembling with a mix of fear and anger.

Their new young mistress, Xu Feng, had been subjected to bullying right before their eyes, and the feeling of helplessness gnawed at their hearts. They wanted to protect him but were knew their limits in the face of the Xuan family’s authority.

The walk back to the Blooming courtyard felt like a hazy blur, each step taken as if in a dream. The entire situation felt off-kilter, like a puzzle with pieces that didn’t quite fit together.

From beginning to end, Xu Feng couldn’t deny the morning had started a fire in him. He wanted to know what parts of the story he was missing, there had to be more.

As they entered the Blooming courtyard, the air was still charged. Xu Feng couldn’t help but respect the man still holding his hand, whatever his reasons were.