Chapter 8
Sizhui and Jingyi entered the Jingshi after knocking and were greeted by Wei Ying and Lan Zhan sitting at a tea table. "Father, Baba," Sizhui said, while Jingyi addressed them with a respectful "Hangung Jun, Master Wei."
Lan Zhan nodded, and Wei Ying smiled, inviting them to sit.
As they settled in, Lan Zhan poured tea into the cups, and the boys wondered why they had been summoned that morning.
Wei Ying's composed expression hinted at the importance of what he was about to say, and the others grew calm and attentive.
Lan Zhan gazed at Wei Ying with interest, captivated by the beauty before him. He reached out and took Wei Ying's hand, under the table stroking it slowly, and Wei Ying smiled before focusing on the children. If they had been alone, Lan Zhan would have pulled Wei Ying into a fierce kiss.
Wei Ying thoughtfully pinched his nose, considering where to begin. He knew Jingyi was past the typical age for adoption, and he estimated that Sizhui was now in his twenties, making Jingyi nineteen.
"Mn?"
Lan Zhan asked, noticing Wei Ying's deep contemplation.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Wei Ying looked Jingyi straight in the eye and said, "Jingyi, we don't know if you'll like this, but Lan Zhan and I are thinking of adopting you as our second child and Sizhui's real brother."
Initially, Jingyi was perplexed, his expression indicating he didn't understand. But then Sizhui excitedly grabbed his hand, "If you agree, we'll become real brothers, not just best friends! Baba is waiting for your answer, please say yes!" Jingyi's eyes widened as he turned to Wei Ying, "You mean you and Hunguang Jun will adopt me?"
Lan Zhan nodded, "You can call us what Sizhui calls us."
Overcome with emotion, Jingyi leapt up and embraced Wei Ying, tears streaming down his face.
Wei Ying smiled, hugging him back, "That's enough, we'll make the official announcement after our marriage. Lan Zhan has already spoken to Zuwa Jun and Master Lan."
Jingyi gazed at Lan Zhan, hesitant for a moment before rushing into his arms, calling out "Father!" Lan Zhan embraced him tightly, nodding his head with a smile, "Mn, father."
After their warm hug, Jingyi returned to Sizhui, and they exchanged a brotherly embrace, grinning at each other.
Jingyi's face lit up with mischief, he first glance at his new found father, before he turned to Wei Ying and says, "I won't call you Baba, but...he thought for a second, how about Mama?" Wei Ying's expression turned comically incredulous, glancing at Lan Zhan.
Lan Zhan do i look like a Maiden?
Lan Zhan who innocently replied, "Mn, Wei Ying's structure is feminine." Wei Ying's disbelief was palpable, but he nodded with a smirk, his eyes sparkling with playfulness.
Jingyi, ready to flee, took off running, with Wei Ying hot on his heels, chasing him around the living room.
Lan Zhan and Sizhui watched with joy, their hearts full of warmth, knowing their family was perfect just the way it was.
On the late evening one day before their wedding, Lan Zhan entered Jingshi and found Wei Ying slumbering peacefully, his beauty radiant even in repose.
Wei Ying wore a red inner gown, his hair fanned out around him, and a loose red ribbon adorned his head. He lay on his back, his face upturned, his eyes closed, and his eyebrows resting on the bottom of his eyes. Lan Zhan sat beside him, his fingers tracing Wei Ying's face, feeling an overwhelming urge to kiss him.
Sixteen years ago, he would have given everything to behold this vision; now, after all those years, he was willing to do anything to be with Wei Ying, to have him care for him with all his might.
Lan Zhan couldn't resist the temptation, bending to kiss those enticing lips, savoring the taste, and lingering unwilling to stop.
Wei Ying stirred, his eyes still closed, and murmured between kisses, "Lan Zhan, let me sleep..." Lan Zhan whispered, "No, Wei Ying, you must wake up. Although I don't want to disturb you, it's necessary. My brother is outside with the Sect leaders of Yunmeng and Jin Lin Tai."
As soon as Lan Zhan mentioned the names, Wei Ying's eyes snapped open, and he grasped Lan Zhan's shoulders, pulling him into a deep, passionate kiss.
Lan Zhan responded softly and gently, the kiss lingering until they finally parted.
Wei Ying whispered in Lan Zhan's ear, "Lan Zhan, what Jiang Cheng and Jin Lin want from me?" Lan Zhan shrugged, offering reassurance, "Don't worry, Wei Ying, I'm right beside you." Wei Ying remained silent, contemplating the upcoming meeting.
Lan Zhan offered, "If you don't want to see them, I can send them away." Wei Ying nodded, "No, I'll see them." Lan Zhan tenderly gathered Wei Ying's hair and tied it with a ribbon, then helped him into his outer robe. Once satisfied with Wei Ying's preparedness, Lan Zhan went to open the door.
Wei Ying stood as Xichen, Jiang Cheng, and Jin Lin entered, and they all bowed before sitting at the tea table.
Lan Zhan and Wei Ying sat together, facing Jiang Cheng and Jin Lin, with Xichen between them. After Xichen poured tea for everyone, an uncomfortable silence fell, with only the sound of sipping breaking the stillness. Wei Ying, unaccustomed to such quiet, felt uneasy until he met Xichen's smiling eyes.
Finally, Jiang Cheng spoke up, "Wei Wuxian..." Wei Ying glanced at him, then gaze away, but listened intently. "I heard your marriage is tomorrow," hmm.. Wei Ying mumbled Jiang Cheng continued, but Wei Ying's brief response left him taken aback.
Jiang Cheng's eyes welled up with tears as he struggled to contain his emotions. "No, this isn't how things should be. Wei Wuxian, I...I just wanted to say sorry and ask for your forgiveness. "I know I did terrible things to you, and if you find it hard to forgive me, I understand. I don't expect forgiveness, but I hope you can see the sincerity in my apology. I realize now that my actions caused you immense pain, and for that, I am truly sorry."His tears spilled over, but he quickly wiped them away.
Jin Lin also apologized, shamefaced and unable to meet anyone's gaze.
Wei Ying felt a heavy weight press upon his chest, acknowledging that all past events were his fault. He never held anyone responsible, realizing too late the harm he had caused. Yet, he never hated Jiang Cheng, still loving his brother in his heart, and Jin Lin, like a son, his shi jie son, the one person he can't forgive himself for her death a mother figure to him.
As they sat before him, apologizing, he knew all was forgiven. He looked at Jiang Cheng and said, "Cheng Cheng, I've never held it against you. Everything is in the past." Jiang Cheng rose and embraced him, and Wei Ying fought back tears.
Wei Ying's thoughts overflowed with affection as he embraced his brother, the one person he shared a lifetime of experiences with. Despite occasional envy, their bond remained unbreakable.
As the hug lingered, Lan Zhan cleared his throat, his gaze fixed on Jiang Cheng, no he's glaring, prompting Wei Ying to laugh and release his brother.
He beckoned Jin Lin, who hesitated, intimidated by Lan Zhan's fierce glare. Wei Ying reassured him, "Come, Jin Lin," and opened his arms. The boy trembled, but eventually embraced his uncle, seeking comfort.
Wei Ying understood Jin Lin's fear and gently turned Lan Zhan's face towards him. "It's okay, my love. He won't hurt me again. You can lower your guard." He kissed Lan Zhan's cheek, and Jiang Cheng tried not to frown or hissed, while Xichen smiled, shaking his head in amusement.
Lan Zhan's gaze softened, and he pouted, but Wei Ying's smile reassured him.
As tensions eased, Lan Zhan drew Wei Ying close, content in his embrace. With his free hand, he sipped tea, his other hand resting on Wei Ying's wrist.
The group chatted excitedly about the upcoming wedding, with Jiang Cheng, Jin Lin, and Xichen agreeing to stay for the celebration. Xichen would remain for the wedding before returning to his seclusion.
The photos aren't mine, credited to the real owners for their hard works.😊