Wolf King And His Fox Consort [BL]
Chapter 18 - The Fox's Father-in-law Gives Him A Housewarming Gift

What a fucking start to his morning.

Chu Yun got dressed with Hua Nanyi's help, grumbling all the while about how rude all these wolves were, just barging into people's homes in the morning.

He decided to wear some Xin robes to greet Gu Wei. He felt more comfortable wearing the clothing of his homeland, as improper as it was for Zui's colder climate. Hua Nanyi picked a pomegranate robe with a gauzy outer layer for him to wear, along with matching haircrown and hairpin in dark, reddened wood.

Chu Yun was well-aware that some omega inlaws could be difficult to handle. There was no shortage of horror stories in Xin about a new couple being constantly hounded by an omega parent who thought they ought to be the most important person in their child's life.

There was no marital bliss for Gu Wei to intrude on, but Chu Yun still didn't want him to feel like he could drop in whenever he wanted. Most likely Gu Wei had his own ambitions for Xiao Zai, and even if their goals were the same his methods were likely to diverge from Chu Yun's.

---

Xiao Zai was already in the palace's main hall entertaining his dam-father. Both of them looked up as soon as Chu Yun walked in. He could feel their eyes sweep over the unfamiliar cut of his robes. He bowed politely to Gu Wei and took a seat next to Xiao Zai.

Gu Wei looked the same as when Chu Yun had last seen him. Beautiful and cold, like a lone willow dipping its branches in a shadowed pond.

"What do we owe the pleasure of father-in-law's visit so early in the morning?" Chu Yun asked, smiling while pouring Gu Wei a cup of tea.

Gu Wei likely noticed the not-so-subtle barb, but didn't let it show. "I was just telling A-Zai how impressed I am with how much you've done with the estate in such a short time. He tells me the credit is all yours."

Chu Yun took Xiao Zai's hand in his, almost startling him into dropping the teacup he was holding in the other. "Well, it's important to turn a house into a home, isn't that right?"

He looked at Xiao Zai who was staring at him as if he had grown a second head.

Meanwhile, Gu Wei's true feelings were inscrutable. He was smiling pleasantly, but what he really felt was anyone's guess.

"Speaking of which," Gu Wei put down his teacup and lifted a weaved basked from the floor, which he handed to Chu Yun. "A little housewarming gift, which will hopefully help giving it an even more homely feeling."

Chu Yun removed the basket's lid and immediately a small ball of white fluff jumped out, meowing in deep outrage.

"A cat," he said, returning the basket to Gu Wei. "How generous."

"It was common in my village to give newlywed couples a pet to look after, it was said it would help them bond." His lips turned up at the corners. "I hope there is some wisdom to these old traditions."

"Thanks for the gift, father," Xiao Zai said, sounding genuine even, about the fact that his dam had just foisted a small animal onto them.

As if they didn't have anything better to do with their time.

Gu Wei rose to his feet. "I know the two of you have a lot to do, with the journey to Xin tomorrow, so I'll be on my way."

The next day would mark the third day of their marriage, which meant they should visit Chu Yun's family and pay their respects. While Chu Yun was excited to see his family, he was not looking forward to the tortuous journey.

"I've prepared some gifts for Yun-er's family that I've left with the servants," he said, almost out of the door. "A-Zai, see me out."

His words were a command, a clear indication that Chu Yun wasn't to follow.

He stayed behind and bowed to Gu Wei. "Safe travels, and thank you for the gifts."

Gu Wei returned his bow with a nod and an enigmatic smile.

---

Out in the main courtyard, Xiao Zai slowed his steps so he could talk with his dam out of Chu Yun's earshot.

"He doesn't like me," Gu Wei said, exchanging and amused look with Xiao Zai.

Xiao Zai chuckled. "I suspect there aren't many people he does. Not in Zui."

Gu Wei hummed quietly to himself, and lifted his face towards the wan morning sun, closing his eyes as he let the rays soak up through his pale skin. "He was sending out powerful waves of pheromones the whole time were were in the hall. I suspect he was doing it subconsciously."

Xiao Zai had noticed it too, and didn't much understand what Chu Yun was trying to accomplish.

"He was marking his territory," Gu Wei said, that same enigmatic smile playing at his lips. "For some reason he felt I was intruding on his space."

Xiao Zai frowned. He didn't understand why Chu Yun would feel that way. He hardly seemed to care either way.

His dam-father patted him on the shoulder. "Whatever his feelings, your new husband feels some kind of ownership over you, and he can't stand any threats to it."

Xiao Zai was immediately outraged at the idea of being anyone's propriety. Gu Wei saw it written all over his face, and let out a laugh.

"I suppose that kind of tension is to be expected between two alphas." He patted his son on the back again. "I advise you to stay alert, unless you want to be marching to the beat of his war drum."

Xiao Zai nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line. "This son will keep father's teachings in mind."

Gu Wei smiled indulgently at him, and cupped his jaw. Sometimes he had a hard time believing the small boy who hid behind the skirts of his robes was a man now. "Silly child, be polite when you see his family again. Try to talk with him, replace out what he wants."

---

Xiao Zai walked back into the main hall still turning around his dam's words in his mind. Chu Yun was an enigma to him most of the time, his intentions were something Xiao Zai had no hope of understanding.

The doors slammed open just as he was about to walk in. Chu Yun stormed out in a huff, his fox eyes flashed as soon as he saw Xiao Zai.

"That thing is your responsibility," he said pointing back towards the main hall.

From inside Xiao Zai heard the sound of a cat hissing and of a priceless decorative vase shattering on the floor.

So much for talking.