Chapter 101

Chapter 101

The sky was overcast, with a light drizzle gradually turning into a downpour.

"Daddy's here!" Baby Shang shouted, running towards Gu Wen.

Gu Wen held a large black umbrella, scooping the little cub into his arms and walking towards Shang Xi.

The woman was crouched before a gravestone, her figure slender and thin. Then, she was sheltered by the black umbrella, shielded from the intrusion of raindrops.

She looked up, the man cradling the cub in one arm and holding the umbrella over her with the other. His handsome, chiseled face bore a rather indifferent expression.

She didn't seem to notice, asking, "Mr. Gu, is there only one umbrella?"

Gu Wen lowered his gaze towards her, his voice devoid of any emotion, "It's enough."

Shang Xi pursed her lips slightly, clearly noticing that Gu Wen was tilting most of the umbrella towards her, leaving his back and shoulders exposed to the rain.

The rain grew heavier, pattering loudly on the umbrella.

"We should probably head back," she stood up, believing Grandma Zhu wouldn't have approved of anyone getting drenched visiting her.

"We just got here, what's the rush to leave?" Gu Wen said flatly.

Shang Xi shook her head, "I've said what I wanted to say to Grandma, I think I can come visit her anytime. Let's go."

Gu Wen curled his lips in a mocking arc, "Yeah, you've said what you wanted to say."

Shang Xi froze briefly, sensing something amiss. Just as she was about to study Gu Wen's expression, a blur of motion caught her eye as Gu Wen thrust the cub and umbrella into her arms.

"You two head back to the car first."

"What about you..."

"I'll have a few words with the old lady."

Gu Wen stood in the rain, gazing at the woman under the black umbrella. Suddenly, he curled his lip in self-mockery and asked her, "Or maybe you don't agree, and I have no right?"

Shang Xi's eyes widened slightly as she raised the umbrella higher, straining to get a clear look at Gu Wen's face.

Gu Wen stood motionless in the rain, countless raindrops pelting his hair and face.

Rarely did Shang Xi see a hint of dishevelment and despondency in him.

"I didn't mean it like that, we'll wait for you in the car," she said before turning to leave.

What's wrong with Gu Wen?

About fifteen minutes later, the car stopped.

Shang Xi looked out to see they were at Meng Lai Mountain Manor, a place she had visited once before.

The houses there were all built of wood, with a distinct charm. Wooden wolf statues and wolf carvings adorned the pillars. Behind the houses lay a lawn and forest.

Was Gu Wen bringing their son here for hunting practice?

Without a word, Gu Wen exited the car first, opening the rear door and fixing her with an expectant gaze, clearly waiting for her to get out.

For some inexplicable reason, she felt a subtle sense of pressure.

Shang Xi looked at her adorable, chubby-faced son and felt a twinge of apprehension, "Isn't Baby Shang a bit too young for hunting practice? Will it be dangerous..."

"If anything, he's late. Do you want him to starve in the wild later on?"

Of course, Shang Xi didn't want that.

"Little Shang," Gu Wen addressed the young cub in the middle seat, "Want to catch some rabbits?"

Baby Shang's eyes lit up, his little fangs peeking out as he moved his lips, "Yes! Daddy, are we going to catch little rabbits?"

"Yep, any you catch will be yours."

Gu Wen glanced at the woman who had yet to unbuckle her seatbelt, recalling her earlier words. His eyes darkened as he leaned in close, one hand braced on the car door as he intently studied Shang Xi's face, "What are you worried about? He'll only be allowed to catch small prey."

Shang Xi didn't expect him to make such a move, blinking in surprise, "Oh... then I guess it's alright..."

Click.

Gu Wen had undone her seatbelt for her, his voice low, "Let's get out."

"Okay."

As they entered, a man wearing a white shirt and black vest approached to greet them.

No, Shang Xi realized, he wasn't human.

The way he addressed Gu Wen, leaning forward with his head raised in a deferential, respectful manner.

Humans don't converse like that.

"The practice hunting grounds for the young cub, I presume? Please proceed this way. Inside, we have rabbits, squirrels, chickens, birds, and more, all legally kept within human regulations. Please feel at ease."

Baby Shang listened, unconsciously licking his little lips.

His wet, sparkling eyes shone with excitement.