The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 589: Honey Rice Cakes

Chapter 589: Honey Rice Cakes

Moving through Yilin Town’s bustling market street was proving to be more of an ordeal than anticipated. If they had been a little less eye-catching, maybe they could have moved unnoticed through the crowd, but between their sheer numbers, the two strange-looking strollers, and the undeniable presence of four tall men flanking him, blending in was a lost cause.

He should have anticipated this.

Still, even as stares pressed upon him, Xu Feng’s expression remained flawlessly composed. The carefully crafted mask of the young mistress of Nanshan—calm, poised, and utterly unaffected—settled over him like second nature.

He did not flinch, did not meet the curious eyes lingering on their group. His lips were slightly pursed, his posture effortlessly elegant, exuding an air that could only be described as untouchable and a bit unbothered.

Unknown to him, however, there was another who was working just as hard to maintain a regal image.

Xiao Momo, his small hand wrapped firmly around Xu Feng’s, had been diligently sneaking glances at him. At first, it was just curiosity. But the more he watched, the more convinced he became—this was how a proper ger was supposed to behave!

He’d never gone to town with his dad, and Xu Feng was the only adult ger in their group. He should learn from the adults!

Lee Mo straightened his back, puffed out his little chest, and adjusted his expression to mirror Xu Feng’s exactly... well as closely as he could manage. His round face scrunched in fierce concentration, his lips pressing together in what he imagined was an elegant pout.

The problem?

Xiao Momo had no idea how to look "stoic and untouchable."

His soft features weren’t suited for such an icy demeanor, and his large, glossy eyes only made him look increasingly adorable rather than imposing. Every so often, he would strain his neck upward, stealing another peek at Xu Feng’s expression before adjusting his own with exaggerated seriousness.

But his tiny nose twitched from the effort, and his soft cheeks, rather than appearing haughty, only made him look like a child pretending to be a scholar in a dramatic play.

To the crowd, those who focused on the two gers, Xiao Momo’s performance was hilarious. Cute not imposing. A young noble who didn’t know how to be haughty!

A few shopkeepers stifled chuckles, their faces twitching as they watched the little ger try his hardest to mimic the silver-haired beauty beside him. More than one woman in the crowd murmured how cute he looked, while a few exchanged knowing glances as if relishing this rare sight of a child so determined to look mature.

Normally, they’d be holding back their frustration when the nobles’ children came to wreak havoc on their stalls. But now, those who couldn’t muster a grunt in the presence of the nobles themselves were actually smiling.

Xu Feng remained oblivious, but Xuan Jian who continuously circled their large group, had caught on. Though he maintained his usual impassive front, the glint of amusement in his gaze was sweet.

Even Xuan Yang’s lips quirked slightly in what might have been the beginnings of a smirk. Only Xu Hu Zhe and Xu Zeng, who were constantly protected near the rear from the eye of the crowd, couldn’t see the small play.

The slow-moving crowd finally gave way as they passed the lower end of the market, where stalls were packed tightly together, overflowing with goods, before transitioning into the more established storefronts. These buildings, though still cluttered, were at least organized, and Xu Feng felt a faint bit of excitement.

Was this where they opened up their first store? He knew they had a storefront, but after walking past the stalls set up on mats, and in mobile carts, he couldn’t help but be proud of his men!

For a brief moment, a flicker of pride welled up in him. It was here that they were taking their first real steps in establishing something of their own—as a family business. But before he could fully indulge in that feeling, their group moved past this section of the market street, leaving behind the messy charm of the old market in favor of a different kind of wealth.

The street they now walked along was noticeably cleaner, quieter, and undeniably more refined. They were nearing Bai Mansion and the residences of Yilin Town’s wealthiest households. Though Yilin Town was not as vast as the capital, the social divide was still clear—those with money lived beyond here, separated from the more modest parts of town.

As they approached a tea house on this new street, the delicate scent of freshly brewed tea and warm pastries filled the air. An excited voice broke through the gentle murmurs of the street.

"Rice cake!"

Xiao Momo, still gripping Xu Feng’s hand, pointed eagerly at a cleanly dressed woman sitting by the entrance of the tea house, a neatly cut piece of semi-sweet rice cake in her hands. His eyes shimmered with unrestrained excitement, and his earlier attempts at looking regal crumbled in an instant.

The woman, startled by the sudden outburst, turned sharply, her lips pressing into a thin line of annoyance.

She had been enjoying a peaceful moment, and now—was she being disturbed by some unknown child? Her brows knit together in disdain, but before she could utter a word, her gaze swept over the figures accompanying the child.

Her entire demeanor shifted. She wasn’t expecting anyone of high standing to be walking the streets so early in the day, especially not in front of this smaller tea house.

The casual displeasure in her face melted into something more neutral, almost deferential. Her eyes flickered between the well-dressed group—Xu Feng’s rich robes, Xuan Yang and Xuan Jian’s undeniable presence, and the unfamiliar yet clearly expensive prams.

The realization settled swiftly.

These were not commoners.

The servants of different households sitting with her quickly followed suit, their postures straightening, their expressions adjusting to match hers. She was from the most notable household in their group. If she with her haughty attitude, knew to show respect, the other servants quickly controlled themselves too.

Fortunately for them, Xu Feng’s group had barely spared them a glance.

His gaze was instead fixed on the tea house itself. It was indeed a reputable establishment, but as he observed the tightly packed tables inside, the lack of proper ventilation, and the slight haze of smoke curling in the air from guests using long pipes, he hesitated. Would this be a comfortable place for them to stop?

It wouldn’t have been a big deal in the past. He bought roadside buns and frequented a small wonton shop previously but with the babies...

Before he could decide, Xuan Yang crouched down beside Xiao Momo, his voice calm and coaxing.

"Uncle Yang will take you to a good place."

Xiao Momo, undeterred by Xuan Yang’s usual facial paralysis, blinked up at him with hopeful curiosity. "Honey rice cake?"

A soft smile touched Xuan Yang’s lips. "Yes, we’ll have some honey cakes. The ones Momo likes best."

Xiao Momo’s entire face lit up in an instant. His earlier attempt at looking regal was entirely forgotten as he clapped his hands together, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Even Xiao An let out a small squeal of joy.

Xu Feng, on the other hand, was baffled.

There was a honey rice cake that these two regularly got from Xuan Yang. When had this happened?

Before he could question it, Xiao Momo was suddenly lifted into the air. With a delighted giggle, he was swept up by Xuan Yang, cradled securely in his arms as they moved toward their next destination.

Xu Feng watched them go, blinking as the weight of a tiny hand disappeared from his own.

For a moment, he simply stood there, pausing at the absence of his little shadow, the strollers moving around him. Then a familiar presence stepped in beside him.

Xuan Jian seamlessly took up the now empty space at his side. The warm, calloused hand slipped into his own, fingers curling around his in that steady way that always managed to anchor him. He made Xu Feng feel both cherished and undeniably his.

With their change of positions, Xiao An seemed distracted.

The little girl kept glancing back at them—once, twice, then a third time—her eyes flickering between Xuan Jian and Xu Feng as if trying to make up her mind about something. Before Xu Feng could question it, a low chuckle rumbled beside him, rich and full of amusement.

That was all it took. Nearby, a pair of young women walking in the opposite direction faltered mid-step, their faces flushing as they exchanged glances.

Xuan Jian, entirely unbothered by the attention, simply raised a brow in silent amusement as he beckoned to Xiao An, who had been hovering uncertainly near the stroller.

The little girl hesitated, her small fingers tightening on the handle for a moment before she finally let go. With cautious steps, she moved back toward them, her head tilting slightly as she peered up at Xuan Jian with that quietly observant gaze of hers.

Xu Feng half-expected her to take his hand, but instead—

She was scooped up into the air.

A startled squeal burst from her lips before transforming into a cascade of giggles, the sound light and unrestrained. Xuan Jian lifted her effortlessly, swinging her up before settling her securely in his arms.

Xu Feng was caught off guard by the sheer delight on her face and found himself chuckling as well, his small irritation—at the lingering stares of the blushing women—dissolving into something warmer.