Chapter 47: She Was a Beauty

Since Xiao Yun wasn't around, Xu Feng had to summon two other maidservants to prepare bathwater. After a refreshing bath, he felt invigorated, though he was a bit hungry. After all, he had been out hunting for several hours. According to custom, there would have been a feast in the evening, but the sudden appearance of the Demon Octopus compelled the cancellation of all events.

Just as he was about to instruct the kitchen to prepare dinner, an enticing aroma wafted in. Turning around, he saw a young girl bearing a silver tray with several exquisite delicacies on it.

"Young Master!"

The girl curtsied gracefully, her voice as melodious as an oriole's song. As she raised her head, her stunning, breathtaking beauty was revealed—lips like jeweled pearls, skin like clear water. In Xu Feng's household, aside from Nana, who was renowned as the Magician's Flower, only one other girl came close: Sha Sha, the elf. Yet even she was slightly outshone.

"Xiuer, what brings you here?"

The girl smiled slightly without answering. Instead, she placed the exquisite dishes on the table. "Young Master, please try them."

Xu Feng took a few bites. The taste was excellent, but it was quite different from what the kitchen usually prepared. A thought crossed his mind, and he glanced at the girl. "Did you make these?"

"This is my poor attempt, Young Master." A flicker of joy appeared on the girl's face. "I'm so glad you like it."

By now, it was getting late. The candlelight cast a glow on the girl's lovely face, adding to her charm. What a stunning beauty she was...

Not only was this girl beautiful, but she was also talented. When Xu Feng first met her at the Marquis's mansion, he had already witnessed her masterful singing and dancing. He had thought that was impressive enough, but he never expected her to be skilled in cooking as well.

A lady of such qualities, yet born under an unlucky star.

Xiuer surpassed noble girls in both looks and talent, but unfortunately, her background was humble. She had been bought into the Marquis's household at a young age, like a pearl covered in dust. However... a faint smile appeared at the corner of Xu Feng's lips. Since this girl had been bestowed upon him, such an extraordinary beauty, he would naturally cherish her dearly.

Seeing the Young Master smiling at her, Xiuer's fair cheeks flushed, making her appear even more shy. Her heart pounded like a startled deer, nervous yet filled with overwhelming joy.

This was understandable!

Although her status remained that of a servant after being gifted to Xu Feng by the Marquis, Xiuer secretly rejoiced. After all, her master was young, handsome, and of good repute. Everyone said he was a gentle and kind Viscount. Compared to the other maids, Xiuer was already quite content.

Xiuer didn't ask for much. She had already resolved in her heart to serve this young master wholeheartedly, hoping only for a bit more of his affection so that her future days would be free from fear and more comfortable.

Confident in her beauty, she initially thought this small wish wouldn't be hard to fulfill. However, things didn't go as planned. After returning to the mansion with her new master, he had largely ignored her. For half a month straight, she rarely saw him.

Although her food, clothing, and accommodations were comfortable, and she didn't have to do much work or endure any scolding—life was peaceful and leisurely—Xiuer's heart was filled with unease. Why did her master ignore her? Initially, his gaze had been filled with desire, so why hadn't he summoned her to his bed?

Could it be... he was preserving her virginity to gift her to another noble later?

This speculation frightened Xiuer. She had finally encountered a young and amiable master like Xu Feng and didn't want to be given to some elderly lord!

What should she do?

Sitting around waiting wasn't an option, so Xiuer decided to take the initiative. She had to make her master develop a favorable impression of her.

Things went more smoothly than expected. Seeing the look in her master's eyes now—filled with appreciation, desire, and even... affection—Xiuer was both surprised and delighted.

In truth, this girl was overthinking things. How could Xu Feng let such an extraordinary beauty go to someone else? Of course, he would keep her for himself.

The reason he hadn't touched Xiuer was because he wanted to confirm something first. After all, this girl was gifted to him by the Marquis. Although Loshiki didn't seem to have any ill intentions, it was better to be safe than sorry. Until he confirmed that Xiuer wasn't a spy planted by the Marquis, Xu Feng wouldn't get involved with her.

Since this girl was already his maid, there was no need to rush. Once he verified she was no threat, he could take his time.

But times had changed. After these days of investigation, Xu Feng knew that Loshiki truly meant him no harm and had been trying to win him over through repeated goodwill gestures.

Xiuer was both beautiful and talented, but she wasn't a spy sent to his side. Since that was the case, there was no reason to hold back from cherishing her.

"Xiuer."

"Yes?" The girl obediently looked up, awaiting her master's instructions.

"Dance for me."

"As you wish."

The girl stepped back a few paces and began to dance gracefully under the red candlelight. At the same time, her cherry lips parted, and a beautiful song flowed out—like pearls falling onto a jade plate or an oriole singing in a valley. Her voice was so enchanting it could linger for days.

The dance was beautiful, the song was beautiful, and the girl was even more beautiful. It wasn't the wine that intoxicated him, but the beauty herself. When the song ended, the girl stepped forward to pour wine for Xu Feng. Her slender fingers were as delicate as orchid petals.

Xu Feng smiled gently and softly took the girl's delicate hand. "Xiuer, are you hungry? Sit down and eat with me."

"This servant dares not."

A flicker of surprise crossed the girl's lovely face. Hailanxing was still in the Middle Ages, with strict social hierarchies. As a mere maid, how could she share a table with her master?

"Silly girl." Xu Feng gently stroked the girl's smooth hair. "In my household, there aren't so many rules. Be good."

With that, he pulled Xiuer to sit down.

At first, she was a bit reserved, but as time passed, Xiuer gradually relaxed. Xu Feng truly was a gentle master. He was completely different from other nobles. How to put it... he didn't treat her as a maid but with a touch of affection and indulgence.

As her master, he even served her food.

To Xu Feng, this was perfectly normal. Beauties were meant to be cherished. Moreover, seeing the girl so reserved, he couldn't let her go hungry. What was so strange about serving her food?

But on Hailanxing, for a maid like Xiuer, Xu Feng's actions were truly surprising and deeply touching. Where else could she find such a good master?

Just as a scholar would die for one who appreciates him, a girl would cherish someone who truly cared for her. Initially, Xiuer had tried to please Xu Feng merely to secure a better life without fear. But now, a hint of affection flickered in the corners of her eyes and brows. The little girl... was falling in love.

With fine wine in a luminous cup and a beauty illuminated by candlelight, Xu Feng swallowed softly. He took the girl's slender hand, pulled her closer, leaned in, and pressed his lips against her sweet cherry mouth.

It was Xiuer's first kiss, and she was a bit flustered and inexperienced. Yet she obediently responded. This was no longer just about winning her master's favor. Xu Feng's tenderness had melted the girl's heart like spring snow.

Xu Feng kissed her gently. Xiuer's lips carried a floral fragrance, making it hard to part. He gently pried open her pearly teeth, tenderly chasing her delicate tongue.

After a long while, their lips parted. Xiuer's expression grew even shyer, and at this moment, the girl was at her most beautiful.

"Xiuer." Xu Feng gently stroked the girl's hair. "You've suffered a lot in the past, haven't you?" Without waiting for her answer, he smiled and kissed her forehead. "It's all in the past now. From now on, by my side, I'll cherish you properly."

Tears like white jade slid down the girl's cheeks. Memories of the past flowed before her eyes: losing both parents at a young age, being bought into the Marquis's mansion as a maid. Because she was clever and beautiful, the steward had her practice singing and dancing. From that moment, Xiuer understood her fate was sealed. When she grew up, the Marquis would gift her as a present to powerful figures he wanted to please or curry favor with.

It might be an old man or a cruel brute, but as a maid, Xiuer had no choice. Every day was filled with fear and anxiety.

The sky had always been gray. She never imagined that one day, she too could have happiness.

"Silly girl, why are you crying?"

Xu Feng's affectionate words made Xiuer even more emotional. She threw herself into his arms, her tears dampening the young man's clothes.

After a long while.

"Young Master, I'm sorry!"

Seeing that she had cried all over the front of the Young Master's clothes, Xiuer blushed. But she was no longer afraid of this gentle master. She even playfully stuck out her tongue.

Xu Feng gently tapped the girl's delicate nose. He noticed Xiuer's change and was delighted. As a Transmigrant, Xu Feng naturally wouldn't treat girls as mere appendages. He wanted them to have their own thoughts and would give them enough respect. This was precisely what attracted the girls to him.

With her heart unburdened, Xiuer was no longer fearful of the future but filled with hope. Her already stunning beauty now carried a touch of brightness.