NOVEL WEB The dense foliage of the forest seemed to hold its breath as Xulan approached the secluded house, curiosity etching deep lines into his young face.
As he reached out to knock, the door swung open abruptly, revealing Celia. Her appearance was startling; her face was flushed, and she seemed a bit out of breath, her skin glistening with perspiration. The gown she wore clung to her form in a way that was uncharacteristically revealing for her usually modest attire.
"X-Xulan?" Her voice wavered, filled with a tremble of shock. The sight of her son at this remote location seemed to shake her deeply, fear flickering across her features as she considered what he might have witnessed.
She suddenly remembered that night where Lucas looked in through the windows outside her home...the night that had turned into an eternal nightmare for her.
Did Lucas send him here to…
Xulan, equally surprised to find his mother in such a state, took a moment to process the scene before him. His concern deepened at her disheveled appearance. "Mother... what are you doing here? Whose house is this? You look a bit pale. Are you alright?" His questions tumbled out, each one underscored by growing worry.
He had never seen his mother come to such a place nor did he ever see her looking flustered like this.
Celia's heart raced as she tried to compose herself, though feeling grateful that her son seemed unaware of what happened inside.
But before she could fabricate a response, another voice cut through the tension.
"Look who showed up!" The familiar, unwelcome tone of Jiang filled the air, his presence like a shadow falling over the scene. He stepped out from behind Celia, a smirk playing across his lips as he regarded Xulan.
Xulan's eyes widened in disbelief, not just at the sight of the young master but also at the shock of finding him here, behind his mother, in such an isolated place.
Celia's face betrayed a hint of anxiety as Jian emerged from the shadows. Her worry deepened as Bo and Zhen appeared beside him, their grins too wide to be friendly.
"Hey, Xulan. What a pleasant surprise to see you here," Zhen said, his voice dripping with a sarcasm that didn't match his smile.
"We were just telling your mother how we want to be good friends with you," Bo added, his laughter booming and his belly shaking with each chuckle.
Xulan's discomfort escalated into a tangible tension that gripped his stomach. He turned to his mother, confusion etched deeply into his features. "Mother, what is going on here?" he asked, his voice a mix of concern and demand for clarity.
Celia, her nerves somewhat calmed by her son's presence, managed a strained smile. "Your father and your master are conducting business with the families of these young men. I came here to discuss certain matters, as they will be taking over their family businesses soon," she explained, hoping her words would soothe his evident distress.
"Oh..." Xulan's response was tepid, his suspicion not quite allayed. His gaze darted between the smirking faces of the young men feeling as if they might be trying to play a trick on his innocent mother. "Then we should return home now that you must be done with the discussion," he suggested, urgency lacing his voice, eager to extract both himself and his mother from the unsettling environment.
Celia nodded, the relief visible on her face as she agreed. "I will be leaving now. Take care, you three," she said, addressing Jian and his companions with a forced smile.
"Of course, Lady Celia. We can continue our discussion later," Jian responded, his smile carrying an edge that made Celia's expression freeze momentarily.
Xulan's fists clenched at his sides as he noted the undercurrents of the conversation, their smiles making him bristle with frustration and protectiveness towards his mother. Without another word, he took Celia's hand firmly in his, leading her away from the trio.
"Mother, are you really okay?" Xulan's voice broke through the silence that had enveloped them since leaving the house. His tone was laced with concern, his brows furrowed as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye, trying to read the emotions she so carefully masked.
Celia managed a small, reassuring smile, though it did little to hide the worry etched deeply into her features. "Yes, son, I'm fine. But what are you doing here? Don't you have a class with your Master?"
"It was long over and he told me I could find you here." Xulan, however, was not entirely convinced. The encounter with Jian, Bo, and Zhen had left a sour taste in his mouth, their forced cordiality ringing hollow in his ears. "Mother, those three... they don't seem like the kind of people we should be involved with. Their intentions don't feel right."
Celia sighed, her free hand brushing against her forehead in a weary gesture. "I know, my son. But the business ties between their families and ours are complex. Your father believes these alliances are necessary for our future stability." Celia felt her heart churn with guilt and disgust at herself for not only having to lie to her son but for having to do those immoral things with those three.
"But at what cost, Mother?" Xulan's question hung between them/
Celia paused, her steps slowing as she considered her words carefully. "Sometimes, we must navigate difficult waters to ensure the safety and prosperity of our family. I don't like it any more than you do, Xulan. But I promise, I'll always try to steer us clear of the worst. It is all for you in the end."
"No, mother. Never do anything like that for me. I would never want that. So please, promise me you won't meet them again. They are not good people and I don't like them around you." Xulan stressed firmly, though his gaze was pleading.
Celia felt her heart twist and seeing the hurt in his eyes suddenly reminded her of Lucas' eyes she saw that night which made her feel a sense of fear.
Would Xulan leave her as well if she continued to do this to protect him? What should she do to protect him and stay with him at the same time??