Aden Clover slumped against the door of his small room , cheeks red and little brother tall, his mind reeling from the influx of memories to calm his brother. The original Aden had grown up in Eldoria City, Azure Province, in a world where cultivation defined worth. His father, Elias Clover, a mortal merchant with no qi talent, had heroically saved Governor Jiang Wei thirty years ago during a bandit raid on a caravan route. Elias took a poisoned blade meant for the governor, earning eternal gratitude. Before dying from the toxin a decade later, Elias secured a betrothal between his son and the governor's daughter, Jiang Xiaoxiao. But Aden and Xiaoxiao had never met before the wedding yesterday—arranged purely on that old debt, with no prior encounters or budding romance.
The wedding night replayed in Aden's thoughts: Xiaoxiao, stunning in her white bridal robes, her eyes like frosted jade. She stared at him with eyes saying, I will cripple you if you dare touch me.
Xiao, Aden called her softly. Yes? she answered still staring at him?
I'm going to get some fresh air outside. He bolted out of the bedroom.
A soft knock jolted him from his memories. "Brother? You in there? Mom's worried—why did you come back home after the wedding!" Freya's voice was lively, teasing as always. At 20, two years older, she was Body Refining Stage 6, a genius in her own right with mid-grade spirit roots, training locals for income. But she paled next to Xiaoxiao's brilliance, a fact that fueled her protective streak toward Aden. As kids, she'd declared, "When we grow up, I'll marry you and keep you safe forever!".
He opened the door. Freya beamed. "Missed you, dummy! How was the ice queen? Did she thaw for her new hubby?"
Aden's face heated, pushing her gently. "Sis, stop! It's... fine. We didn't meet before yesterday, remember? She's cold, but not mean. I came back home myself.
Freya pouted, hands on hips. "Came back yourself? That's bullshit! youre just maintaining steeze. You're her husband—Dad saved her old man! She should be pampering you. If I were her, I'd—" She winked, trailing off suggestively.
From the kitchen, Mira scolded, "Freya Clover! Language! And stop teasing your brother—he's married now." Mira, late forties and mortal like Elias, was the family's anchor. Widowed young, she sewed robes for cultivators, her warm eyes hiding quiet strength. She doted on Aden, seeing him as fragile, and fretted over Freya's boldness. "Aden, sweetie, come eat. You look starved. What happened last night? There are are rumours spreading out there that you were kicked out by you wife.
Aden joined them at the scarred wooden table, steam rising from herbal porridge. "Wandered off to think, Mom. The marriage... it's just a paper.
Everyone knows that. I won't run from my responsibilities though.
Mira smiled softly, ladling more into his bowl. "Dear. Elias would be proud to hear that. But don't let them trample you. That governor owes us everything."
Freya snorted, slurping noisily. She's probably meditating, ignoring the world. Remember, Brother, as kids I said I'd marry you? Well, if she doesn't appreciate that handsome face..." She ruffled his hair, grinning wickedly. Aden flushed deeper, unsure—did she mean it romantically? Her genius status made her confident, but her clings felt too intimate.
"Enough, Freya," Mira sighed. "Help with dishes. Aden, rest. But if trouble comes—fend it off. This home's your haven."
Aden nodded, retreating to cook. He simmered a qi-nourishing stew with forest herbs, packing it neatly. Indifferent to Xiaoxiao beyond duty, he'd stay home mostly, cultivating.
after cooking, he retreated into his room.
Wow! So im this handsome.
he saw a very handsome boy with sharp jawline, blood red lips and a face boyish charm still present on his face but it made him even more charming. He can't be said to be the most handsome in the whole world, but he is surely top 20.
.....
Time flew quickly. At the mansion, guards leered. "that trash is back?"
Inside, Xiaoxiao's personal maid Caocao came foward and bowed respectfully. Young master, my lady is waiting for you in the hall. she was a beautiful woman full of vitality. although her bust is too small, her back was the perfect size for her slim body.
Young master is so handsome. Will he ask me to serve him serve him? hehe.
if I agree too fast will he think im a cheap woman?
Miss! Miss!he waved his hands infront of the maid who was daydreaming.
eh! oh young master hehehe come in.
she led the way, twisting that round perfect ass left and right .
My lady, I have brought him. she bowed towards XiaoXiao which she noded calmly.
excuse us. Yes my lady. She winked at Aden before she left the hall.
Aden sat on the sofa opposite her.
I want to make things clear. We can sleep together on the same bed but you must not touch me otherwise hmphh. I know you dont have a job and as my husband , you should not be a disgrace to the family. From tomorrow onwards you will be part of the security in our company.
Wife to make me accept this, call me hubby or baby?he said with a smirk at the corner of his mouth. boom, boom, puff, poff, ta, bam.
the guards outside pretended not to hear the screaming sounds coming out of the villa.
....
Aden layed sprawn on the floor with his face resembling a pig. She game him the last kick to his side which he saw heaven and couldnt help mutter, "white". then came another round of beatings.
Xiaxiao couldn't help it but beat him to hide her blushing face.
By the time she was done with him she had returned to her indifferent look.
she patted of the dust off her skirt and walked upstairs to her room.