Chapter 314: Chapter 314; Breakfast can wait
Xu Xie lingered only briefly, ensuring the transfer was complete, her expression unreadable. Once satisfied, she turned back toward the waiting car, her thoughts already shifting to City B. The night was far from over, but her presence demanded swift, unflinching action.
As the engines roared to life once more, she leaned back in her seat, eyes reflecting the city lights streaking past. Each decision, each movement, every calculated step carried weight, the weight of family, of honor, and of consequence.
The car vanished into the night, swallowed by darkness, as Xu Xie prepared herself for the next Chapter of this perilous journey. The city slept, unaware that its balance had already shifted. And for Xu Xie, every heartbeat was a promise: she would protect the Xu name, and no one, not even her own brothers, would endanger it again.
— — — — —
The first light of dawn barely touched the edges of the master bedroom when Tang Fei’s eyes fluttered open. The room was quiet, bathed in the soft gold of early morning.
Huo Ting Cheng’s steady breathing was still, deep, and even, and she studied him for a moment, the faint shadow of last night’s intensity lingering in her mind.
Careful not to disturb him, she shifted gently, slipping out from under his embrace. The silk sheets rustled faintly beneath her, but he didn’t stir. Tang Fei wrapped a robe over her pajamas, the fabric warm against her skin, and padded lightly across the bedroom.
In the bathroom, she washed her face, the cold splash of water clearing the remnants of sleep. She brushed her teeth methodically, each motion slow and deliberate, as if she were treading softly on the edges of a dream, not wanting to wake the storm she had so willingly lain beside.
By 5:30 a.m., she descended the staircase, the polished steps cool beneath her slippers. The mansion was still hushed; only the occasional creak of the floorboards broke the silence. Tang Fei entered the kitchen, letting the aroma of early morning coffee and the sizzle of frying ingredients fill the quiet, grounding her in the normalcy of domestic life. She moved with calm efficiency, chopping vegetables, setting pans, and humming softly to herself.
A few minutes later, the soft click of the kitchen door announced another presence. Twilight stepped in, her expression curious, holding a mug of steaming tea. "Good morning, Mama," she said quietly, pausing as she leaned against the counter. "So... are you and your husband... in good terms this morning?"
Tang Fei smiled faintly, not looking up from her preparation. "He’s... easy to soften," she said, a teasing lilt in her tone. "If I overreact just a little, or act like I’m upset, he’ll... bend to me." She paused, slicing a piece of toast. "It’s really nothing, just me acting, you know? A little theatrics here and there..."
Twilight raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Ah... so the stormy husband isn’t always a storm, then? I just wish you happiness..."
Tang Fei chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "No. Not when I know exactly how to reach him. He’s... intense, yes. But predictable if you know him well enough." She glanced toward the quiet staircase, where the faint shadow of Huo Ting Cheng’s presence lingered even in his absence. "Last night... it was all just a little... acting, a little game between us."
Twilight nodded slowly, leaning a bit closer, her curiosity softened into genuine interest. "Well, you make it sound effortless... but I suppose only you could handle him like that. I believe in you!"
Tang Fei allowed herself a small, private smile, the first warmth of the morning settling over her. "It’s... not effortless," she admitted quietly, her hands returning to their work. "But I know him. And sometimes, knowing someone’s fire is the only way to keep from getting burned, or to make them burn just for you."
The kitchen remained calm, the sun still low, as the first breakfast of the day began to take shape. The quiet clatter of pans and soft morning light formed a fragile cocoon around Tang Fei, a space where she could breathe, plan, and smile quietly to herself, ready to face whatever the day and Huo Ting Cheng might bring.
Twilight stood just close by watching her bask in the happiness of marriage...
The soft clatter of kitchenware was interrupted by a gentle, familiar voice.
"Tang Fei, you really shouldn’t be up this early doing all this by yourself," Nanny Wei said, her tone a mixture of gentle admonishment and affection. She stepped into the kitchen, carrying a small basket of fresh herbs. Her eyes swept over the preparations Tang Fei had started, and a small frown tugged at her lips.
Tang Fei straightened, wiping her hands on her robe. "I just... wanted to make breakfast for my family," she said softly.
Nanny Wei shook her head, stepping closer and placing a careful hand on Tang Fei’s shoulder. "Breakfast can wait. You need rest, not endless chopping and frying. Leave it to us. The kitchen, the meals, everything, you just focus on yourself."
Before Tang Fei could protest any further, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. A few of the household staff appeared, their faces polite, deferential, and efficient. They carried trays, cleaning supplies, and the tools to start cooking additional dishes.
One of the chefs, a stocky man with kind eyes, gave her a small bow. "Missus, we’ll take over the cooking for today. Please, you have nothing to worry about."
Another servant began sweeping the floor, while a younger assistant arranged the fresh fruits and juices onto the counter. The kitchen gradually filled with quiet, methodical activity, the hum of the mansion coming alive in gentle coordination.
Tang Fei watched them for a moment, a soft warmth spreading through her chest. She realized how much care the household gave, not just for her, but for the rhythm of life itself.