When Zhong Feng drove into the Zhong family estate, Hu Lei could not help looking at everything in wonder like a village idiot. The Murong home that she had seen a couple of years ago paled in comparison to this residence such that the two homes seemed to be in different dimensions.The countless acres of green land put golf courses to shame, and the tall trees gave the landscaping enhanced appeal. In the distant, she could see a lake which might have been artificial or real. On the lake, there was a traditional pavilion. On the other side, there was a large conservatory which looked like a crystal dome.
When the large mansion was revealed, Hu Lei could only shake her head at the lives of the rich and extravagant. She could not help thinking that Zhong Feng was an extremely low profile person. The most luxurious home he had was definitely the Azure Woods. However, even though the mansion was humongous, the rest of the property was quite simple. Moreover, he did not have a thousand luxurious limited-edition vehicles. He seemed to favour practicality over flamboyance.
But again, she supposed, the residence of the Zhong family had to match the prestige of the family and clan, or they would become laughingstocks. This estate definitely matched what one would expect from a powerful family with the power to move Supreme City.
Hu Lei turned her mind from the affluence of the property to her current predicament. She did not regret coming with Ah Feng to his home. It was better to do so sooner rather than later. This way, she would not keep feeling distressed about the first meeting. In essence, this was a case of ripping of the Brazilian wax strip.
It was also up to her to make her relationship with the in-laws work because she did not want Zhong Feng to feel torn between two sides. Since she understood the pain of not having a parent to count on, she would have to manage the situation before it escalated. She would not allow Ah Feng to know the dejection of being at odds with his family.
"What are you thinking?" Zhong Feng asked.
"I just realised that I have never met elders before and do not know how to behave." She laughed drily.
The only elders of significance that she had met were tribal leaders and medicine masters in a couple of countries while travelling with her father. But she doubted foreign rituals would help. If anything, she might be chased out or exorcised.
"My parents are not strict in terms of traditions, so you do not have to worry about anything." He paused. "Even if you do anything outrageous, they are too polite to mention it."
Hu Lei looked at him with an aggrieved look, and he chuckled a little. It was true. Otherwise, he would not have left the country for a month if he thought that his parents would cause Hu Lei real problems. He understood their personalities, so he could be at ease.
"That does not make me feel better." She responded with a soft punch to his arm.
Zhong Feng parked the vehicle outside and opened the door for Hu Lei. She took a deep breath and stepped out. He took her hand and led her up the steps and past the statuesque guards who bowed slightly at Zhong Feng"s appearance.
The large hardwood entrance, which seemed imposing and a little like an opening to a magical land, was opened before they reached it.
"Welcome home, young master." Two rows of neatly dressed household staff in the foyer called out loudly with an extravagant bow.
Hu Lei had never felt like laughing so hard in her life. The look of discomfort on Zhong Feng"s face made it even more hilarious. She turned her head into his right arm and laughed subtly while covering it up with light coughing. Her small face turned back to the scene once her laughter was under control.
"You are dismissed." Zhong Feng declared coldly, ignoring his insensitive and inconsiderate wife.
The household staff disappeared neatly, leaving a middle-aged man. He approached them with a smile.
"Young master, I am so glad that you came while it is still early. Things are already quite lively her." The uncle spoke cheerfully.
"Where are father and mother?" Zhong Feng asked.
The old man snuck subtle glances at Hu Lei. Hu Lei unabashedly stared back at him, making him feel uncomfortable and awkward. He had expected her to blush and look away as young misses always did. Zhong Feng felt his face darken when the man did not respond immediately, but instead kept looking at Hu Lei.
"Lead the way, Uncle Guo." He looked with some ice in his eyes.
Hu Lei looked up at Zhong Feng. He really did not need to speak to the curious uncle so toughly. She often forgot that he was a man who was feared for being cold and frightening. After all, he only showed her his gentlest side.
"Right away, young master." The butler felt cold sweat on his body.
Zhong Feng kept Hu Lei"s hand in his as they were led to the drawing room. From afar, Hu Lei could hear the sounds of joyful laughter and exclamation. She felt a little more tense and squeezed Zhong Feng"s fingers tightly.
"Are you planning on breaking your husband"s fingers?" Zhong Feng bent down and whispered almost imperceptibly.
However, Hu Lei heard and loosened her hand with some awkwardness. At this rate, she might be reported for domestic violence. Wouldn"t the world drown her in spit if they found out that she had bullied this glorious man with an ethereal appearance?
Uncle Guo ushered them into the room before exiting at incredible speed.
In the room, there were three people. The older man looked powerful and had some significant facial likeness with Zhong Feng. Hu Lei could immediately tell that he was his father. Beside him was a woman with an air of grace and dignity. Obviously, that was the empress dowager.
Hu Lei"s eyes were finally drawn to the third person in the room. This person was a young woman who looked elegant and beautiful in all ways. She had a beautiful oval head with shoulder-length hair framing her face. All her features were refined, making her look like a bewitching siren. Moreover, though she was seated, Hu Lei could see that she had the ideal height and figure for a G.o.ddess.
Hu Lei did not know why, but she felt a lot of animosity towards this girl. Usually, she would not dislike anyone on sight. She was always a believer that even evil people had their reasons. Even people she had killed, she had never disliked on sight.
She wondered if her mental condition was deteriorating again. She had not had an episode since that night she had dreamt about her childhood. She had been feeling quite good, and her mind had been quite stable. Perhaps she was overthinking this situation.
"Feng"er, you came." The empress dowager noticed her son first.
"It seems you know the way back here." His father added in a gruff voice, but there was a hint of happiness.
Hu Lei felt that once again she had become invisible. She really was not that small. Who would miss her auspiciously dressed figure?
The beautiful girl gracefully stood up and smiled at Zhong Feng.
"Feng"er, I have returned."