Chapter 10: Former Friends

Mr. Da Feng is approaching his forties, dressed in a simple and plain manner, with a few crow's feet at the corners of his eyes.

Whether a person is living a comfortable life or not, there's really no need to ask. Mr. Da Feng's complexion is rosy and he has a smile in his eyes, indicating that he is living a good life.

Uncle Shen Mao is tall and strong, with a dark complexion and sharp eyes. His right hand habitually rests at his waist, a characteristic habit of a martial general accustomed to holding a sword hilt.

Beside Mr. Da Feng are two young men. One is about fifteen or sixteen years old, dressed in a dark blue martial attire. He is tall and strong, with slightly dark skin, thick eyebrows, and large eyes, resembling a young tree full of vitality.

This is Shen Jia, the youngest son of Shen Mao.

The other young man, about the same age as Shen Jia, is dressed in dark blue martial attire.

He has a slender and upright figure, with thick, long eyebrows, deep black eyes shining with a cold light, and thin lips slightly pursed.

His beauty exudes a coldness.

At a glance, an inexplicable chill rises in the heart.

He seems like a fierce beast with hidden fangs. Although still somewhat green, he already exudes a chilling and fierce aura that is enough to startle people.

In a few years, he will become the powerful commander of the Jin Yi Wei, Shen You, who wields great power and the trust of the new emperor, but for now, he is just a destitute young man living under someone else's roof.

Miss Feng, with a slight squint of her eyes, gives a meaningful smile.

Commander Shen, long time no see!

Shen You, keenly aware of the two pairs of eyes assessing him, calmly looks over.

Their gazes briefly meet in the air.

The graceful figure of a beautiful young woman comes into view, standing tall and elegant like a lotus. Her bright black eyes are like water, and her lips curve into a sweet smile, resembling a clear spring flowing into people's hearts.

This is the cousin of the Feng family who has not returned home for over a decade.

Why does she look at him with such a strange expression?

It's as if she's looking at a long-lost friend.

Before tonight, they had never met.

Shen You furrows his brow slightly and looks deeply at Miss Feng.

His right wrist tightens as a familiar hand firmly grabs it. An excited voice rings in his ear, "Fourth Brother, that's Miss Feng, who just returned home. Let me take you to meet her."

It's his cousin, Shen Jia.

The fifteen-year-old boy, full of youthful vigor, is practically glowing at the sight of the beautiful cousin. This is the normal reaction of a young man meeting a beauty.

But for him, his heart is as calm as water, without any ripples, and even a sense of inexplicable vigilance and wariness arises.

So, perhaps it's always been him who's not normal!

Shen You self-deprecatingly tugs at the corner of his mouth and lowers his voice to remind, "Rein it in, don't forget your manners."

Shen Jia looks at Miss Feng again, his young heart pounding with excitement, and nods in agreement.

Mr. Da Feng has three sons, the eldest and second son are already grown up, one serving in the Jin Yi Wei in Jiangnan, and the other entering the palace to join the Jin Yi Wei.

Shen Jia is the youngest son, pampered and kept by his side even at the age of fifteen.

Shen You is the posthumous child of Shen Rong, the deceased elder brother of Shen Mao.

The Shen family is hereditary Jin Yi Wei, and Shen Rong was a top-notch expert in the Jin Yi Wei, with very few rivals. The Emperor appointed Shen Rong as the personal guard commander of the Prince of Yan. The Prince of Yan highly valued Shen Rong, and even betrothed his sister-in-law, Jiang Xue, to Shen Rong.

Later, the Prince of Yan was assassinated, and Shen Rong died protecting him.

The Prince of Yan ordered a lavish burial for Shen Rong and rewarded a large sum of compensation.

But no matter how much money was rewarded, it couldn't bring Shen Rong back to life.

Upon hearing the news of Shen Rong's death, Jiang Xue, in deep grief, gave birth prematurely to a son, Shen You.

In her mourning for three years, Jiang Xue remarried and left the Shen family. At the age of three, Shen You began living with his second uncle and aunt.

Shen Mao was busy with his duties all day long, spending very little time at home. Mr. Da Feng, being kind-hearted, took good care of Shen You, providing him with everything just like Shen Jia. When he visited the Feng residence, he often brought Shen You along.

Shen Jia was born in May, and Shen You in June. The two cousins, only a month apart in age, grew up together and had a deep and close relationship, as close as brothers.

Shen Jia eagerly pulled Shen You to greet the elders, expressing his warm greetings. His eyes occasionally drifted towards the smiling Miss Feng.

As usual, Shen You nodded in acknowledgment to everyone, never speaking unless necessary.

Feng Shaolan sneakily glanced at the exceptionally handsome young man, feeling a slight warmth behind her ears before quickly lowering her gaze.

Feng Shaozhu, on the other hand, was quite close to Shen Jia. She approached with a smile and coquettishly said, "Jia cousin, it's been months since you last visited. What have you been busy with these days?"

Shen Jia made a distressed face and said, "Don't mention it. In half a month, it will be the recruitment martial arts competition for the Embroidered Uniform Guard. My father keeps me practicing martial arts at home every day. I barely have time to sleep, let alone leave the house."

Feng Shaozhu burst into laughter at his exaggerated complaint.

A hint of amusement flashed in Shen You's dark eyes.

Shen Jia's complaints were exaggerated; in reality, he often slacked off during martial arts practice. Every time they sparred, he would give up after just thirty moves.

Shen Jia absentmindedly chatted with Feng Shaozhu for a while before finally approaching Feng Shaojun. His eyes sparkled as he said, "You must be Shaojun's cousin! I'm Shen Jia, the third in line. You can call me Jia cousin."

Feng Shaojun smiled and greeted him as an equal, "Nice to meet you, Jia cousin."

Her voice was sweet, soft, and gentle.

Shen Jia's ears tingled a bit, and a faint blush appeared on his slightly dark face as he smiled in response. He then pulled Shen You forward and said, "This is my fourth brother, Shen You."

Feng Shaojun smiled faintly and looked at Shen You, saying, "You cousin."