Old Fang listened to his wife talk about Wan Lei and had serious doubts whether it was the same Wan Lei he knew.
Looking at Wan Lei's slightly憨厚 (hanhou - simple and honest) smile, Old Fang felt a strong sense of contempt.
This kid, he could really put on an act.
During the meal, Wan Lei's sweet talk poured out like there was no tomorrow, a whole basketful at a time, making his mother-in-law laugh continuously. She praised Wan Lei as a sweet-mouthed and sensible child.
By the end, Fang Xiaoyu herself felt contempt for him.
As for the other three brothers and sisters, they merely chimed in, not daring to utter a peep, which showed how much they feared Old Fang.
The meal didn't last long, but Wan Lei left a deep impression on his mother-in-law.
After the banquet dispersed, Wan Lei and Fang Xiaoyu walked out of the room side by side. The other three brothers and sisters also followed.
After walking a short distance, the three looked back. Seeing that Old Fang wasn't following them, they immediately transformed as if they were different people.
The eldest, Fang Guyu, stretched lazily, his face full of ease and contentment.
"It's so much more relaxing without Father around. I really dislike being with him. The pressure every time is suffocating."
"Isn't that the truth? Why did he have to come back? It's much better when he stays outside. Every time he returns, the atmosphere at home changes."
The tall Fang Hanlu twisted her dangerously slender waist, raising her hands high in a stretch, further accentuating her perky bosom and slender waist.
"How can the head of a family always be away? Before, he went out mostly because of little sister. Now that little sister is back, and the whole family is home, and Grandma's birthday is approaching, he has even less reason to go out.
Anyway, I've decided. After Grandma's birthday, I'll go out and lead troops. I'll see which sect or family has been unruly recently and wipe them out. Just to relax a bit."
Second brother Fang Bailu said this, then suddenly looked at Wan Lei and smiled.
"On the other hand, my brother-in-law is truly amazing, skilled in both literature and martial arts. Not only can he fight, but he can also speak. The number one prodigy of the Lei Feng Realm is truly worthy of his reputation."
"Isn't the number one prodigy little sister? When did it become this brother-in-law?
Alas, little sister has excellent taste. She's so young and already close to getting married. When the time comes, we sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law must prepare the dowry properly, so no one can look down on our Fang family."
Fang Hanlu shot Fang Bailu a glare, her lips pouting slightly.
"You're still talking about little sister, but how old are you? Both of us brothers are already married, and now little sister has a husband. It's just you, at your age, who hasn't found a good match."
"Forget it, my standards are very high. The best man in the entire Lei Feng Realm has already been snatched up by little sister. What good match can compare to him?"
Fang Hanlu said this as she looked at Wan Lei, her big eyes blinking playfully, as if she were being coquettish.
"Little sister, how about you let your little husband be mine, okay?"
Young Master Lei was stunned by her words, then involuntarily imagined a heavenly life with a sister on his left and a sister on his right.
Cough, cough, this was just instinct. Isn't it allowed to think about it?
Meanwhile, Fang Xiaoyu sneered and gave Fang Hanlu a sideways glance. Then, she grabbed her wrist, lifted her wicked little hand, and delivered two sharp slaps to the full, proud curve covered by the red dress.
"You seductive slut."
Fang Hanlu, after being slapped twice, was stunned.
Since childhood, she was the one who bullied her little sister. How could she be bullied by her little sister now?
"Big Brother~ Little Sister is bullying me!"
Fang Hanlu ran to Fang Guyu's side, her mouth pouting high, her big eyes teary.
"I can't help it if she's bullying you. I can't beat little sister either."
Fang Guyu tapped Fang Hanlu's little head, making Fang Hanlu pout even higher.
Watching the intimate, playful, and boisterous interaction between the siblings, Wan Lei felt envious. His own family affection seemed like something from a past life. In this life, as an only child, ever since he arrived in this world, it had been a constant struggle filled with schemes and bloodshed. The scenes of his own kin slaughtering each other played out incessantly. He had never really experienced the warmth of family.
After bidding farewell to the three siblings, Fang Xiaoyu led Wan Lei towards her residence.
Logically speaking, for unmarried men and women, the man should stay in a guest room. They couldn't cohabitate before marriage, nor could they cohabitate in the woman's home before marriage.
But…
Who cared?
As long as Young Master Lei was happy.
The fact that the two had consummated their relationship was common knowledge throughout the Central Region, and their marriage was a sure thing. No one with a shred of sense would seek trouble with Wan Lei or object to it.
Fang Xiaoyu's residence was far from the main house. In the past, she preferred solitude, so she chose a remote location, by a lake in the northwest.
The entire lake, including the surrounding territory, was Fang Xiaoyu's private domain.
It was larger than the South Mansion City.
By the lake stood a small courtyard, nestled against the mountains and facing the water, with beautiful scenery that was refreshing and invigorating.
"Here, this is where I used to live, and now it's our place."
Little Sister Xiaoyu chuckled charmingly, proudly pulling Young Master Lei's large hand as they entered the house.
Her demeanor was exactly like when Young Master Lei brought Little Sister Xiaoyu home.
Upon entering the room, Wan Lei carefully surveyed the furnishings. As expected of the Fang family, and as expected of the little princess's room, the furnishings were exquisite and elegant. The walls were adorned with famous calligraphy and paintings, and the furniture was all crafted from extremely expensive sandalwood. Even the inner chambers, despite being uninhabited for over seven years, still exuded a fragrant aroma.
"So, why are you lingering in my boudoir and not leaving?"
"What is it now? My boudoir? This is my boudoir."
Young Master Lei flopped onto the bed, feeling so comfortable he wanted to roll around.
"Pah, pah, pah, you smelly man, you've made my room smell foul."
"It doesn't smell, it doesn't smell. It's very fragrant."
Young Master Lei picked up a pillow, placed it on his face, took a deep breath, his face full of intoxication, acting like a pervert.
"Wan Lei, this is the Fang family."
"I know."
"I am the little princess of the Fang family."
"So?"
"So, little Lei, why aren't you quickly attending to this empress and washing my feet?"
Hiss…
This felt like something.
…
Spring colors fill the garden, yet an apricot branch blossoms over the wall.
The next morning, Little Sister Xiaoyu woke up from her sleep. Habitually, she reached out to the side, only to find no one there.
Rubbing her drowsy eyes, Little Sister Xiaoyu got dressed, casually picked up a childhood doll, and walked out of the room.
The morning mist was heavy, the scene misty all around. Dewdrops hung from the eaves, and a cool breeze brushed against her.
She saw Wan Lei sitting alone, cross-legged by the lake, motionless, like an old monk in meditation.
"Yo, up so early to show off? Or does the lakeside attract you more than my bed now?"
Little Sister Xiaoyu called out as she walked slowly.
Wan Lei remained motionless, not saying a word, like a high mountain with flowing water, profound and unfathomable.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"Waiting."
"Waiting for what?"
"In a few days, it will be your Grandma's birthday."
"So?"
"Waiting for the feast!"