Chapter 167: Never Do It For Me

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.

"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??