Time Through Time We Remain Untamed.

CHAPTER 25 : RELATIONSHIPS PT. 3

     The room was void of any noise above the movement of utensils moving against each other and even then, the utensils emitted little to no noise as the users used them with grace and poise so as to uphold one of the household rules of not creating unnecessary noise. It was only 3 people present in the vast dining area with 2 other awaiting maids who stood at the far end of the table quietly waiting for the masters to finish their meal and clear the table accordingly.

        Lan Zhan lifted the pickled radish and took a small bite of it, his body working on its own. His thoughts were undoubtedly still on a particular person who was unrefutedly sticking in his head. As much as he tried, he seemingly couldn't get the idea of Wuxian and Qin Su together out if his mind and it soured his already dampened mood further. The only thing he was grateful for was the fact that his older brother was not around for it would have been disaster since his brother would have undoubtedly questioned him to find out what was the matter. There were certain things Lan Zhan would have preferred to keep to himself for the time being.

        "Oh Lan Zhan,I want to  congratulate you once again for winning the Martial Arts Tournament and receiving such grandiose awards. I very much wished to have been there to support and watch you get awarded."  A soft, elegant voice spoke breaking the anomaly of silence surrounding the trio. Lan Zhan slowly raised his head to gaze at the female correspondent who sat across him. Lady Liu Feng, his father's fiancé.

Her presence was not an uncommon sight in the Lan household, in fact, she slowly was becoming embedded in the family and  rightfully so as she would soon be the mistress of the place in a few months. Lady Liu dined with the Lan family on more than one occasions so Lan Zhan was no more surprised by her presence but had learnt to accommodate her accordingly but it was still weird to have her initiate conversations with him especially with his father around. Lan Zhan respected her as much as anyone else but it was a different thing knowing she would soon be the new Mrs Lan.

      "Thank you Miss Liu. I am more than honored to have won the tournament though I can not take the credit for myself. My teammate is also responsible for us winning. Nevertheless, I thank you for the appreciation." Lan Zhan said bowing at her before he continued eating. Miss Liu clapped her hands in awe and pride. She had always loved how Lan Zhan was such a distinguished and eloquent young man from the first time she had met them and wanted to know him more. Granted he was a bit difficult in getting to know but she was sure as time goes by, they would as close as any real mother and son.

    "Of course Lan Zhan! I heard from many people talk about the wonderful performance you two displayed and I am more than interested to know more about this teammate of yours. Ohhh! How about we throw a party this weekend Qiren?! It would be perfect  to meet this other person and congratulate him as well....mmmh?" she said, her eyes gleaming at the idea. Miss Liu was a big fan of parties and she looked at Lan Qiren expectantly for an answer.

     " A party? What for my dear? The boy already got more than enough from the school and committee for us to be throwing an expensive party for him. I warned you not to go along spoiling them Feng or else they will become spoilt brats," Lan Qiren counteracted  as he wiped the corners of his lips. He didn't see the need to throw a party for his well-deserving son. Of course, Lan Zhan would win the tournament, after all he had invested in the boy it was a predictable outcome so he didn't see the need to drag the obvious any longer. Much more important things needed to be done. However, Liu Feng wasn't about to let it go.

       " Come on Qiren, it is only fair for us to celebrate his extraordinary achievements especially at this age. It is not everyone's son who can accomplish such feet. Allow him to celebrate with his friends this once my love. Besides, as far  as I know, this is the last year he will taking part in such activities since next year he will be a senior, correct Lan Zhan?" she suddenly asked, dragging the boy into the conversation. Lan Zhan glanced briefly at his father who was sporting a frown before looking back at the lady ahead. He gave a small nod then proceeded with his own meal. Frankly speaking, he was a bit surprised to know that his father's betrothed knew of such yet his own father didn't and was somewhat impressed but he preferred not to have this talk at all. He didn't want nor needed a party of whatever sorts and by the look of his father neither did he but Miss Liu was adamant about it. She wanted to start taking her place as the soon to be Mrs Lan and what better way to start than to hold a get together for Lan Zhan. It was a perfect opportunity that had presented itself.

     "Look here Qiren, I am aware that you will be busy then and I am not asking you to be present. All I want is to give Lan Zhan a gift of my own and this is what I want to present. I will personally look into all the preparations and will be careful of whom to invited. Furthermore, this will also give me a chance to know the families around and socialise with them accordingly. What do you say then? "Liu Feng finally said awaiting an answer. Lan Zhan had give it to her, she was persistent, eloquent and stubborn. He could faintly understand what his father saw in her to make her a potential wife.

    Lan Qiren was quiet for while mulling over what was being said. It was true all that Feng had mentioned and Lan Zhan had never asked for anything from him in all his years of competing. So after weighing the options, he finally gave into her request. As if he could refuse her at all.

   "Fine. I approve of it but it should  be a proper party and I expect you to be on your best behaviour and Lan Zhan understand?" he said eyeing him.

    "Yes father. I thank you and Miss Liu in advance for allowing this." Lan Zhan said bowing to the two. Lan Qiren simply watched him, nodding once before anything, finishing his meal. Miss Liu on the other hand was ecstatic. This was her chance to show Lan Qiren that she was capable woman who could handle the job and a chance to grow somewhat closer to this charismatic boy.

   "Wonderful! It is settled. I shall begin writing out the invitation letters and make sure to give one to your teammate and his family alright? This will certainly be fun party. I promise you Lan Zhan." she said flashing him a warm smile. Lan Zhan simply nodded his mouth flattening into a straight line as a response. It dampened the lady's spirit at not getting a smile back back but she pushed it away. One day at a time, they would get there.

    Afterwards, the trio finished up the ever awkward dinner and Lan Zhan excused himself before another conversation about him was brought up. He bade them goodnight then made way to his house in the dark with only green lantern posts to light the way. Along the way, he thought of how unnecessary the whole party would be and how much study time he would lose during those hours. Not only that but he would also be forced to interact and show interest in all the unknown guests who would come and be as hospitable as possible as his duty. Just imagining the whole thing made him sigh out loud but he couldn't do anything. He had already given his consent and plus it was a gift from Miss Liu. It would be rude to turn her down. Nevertheless, it didn't mean Lan Zhan enjoyed such things.

      It was only when he was taking his nightly bath did Lan Zhan realise one good thing about the whole thing. At least he will have Wei Wuxian by his side the whole time and that would be more than enough to make the whole thing bearable. In fact, it was more than enough for Lan Zhan to even look forward to the party.

'Wei Wuxian what are you doing to me?'  Lan Zhan silently questioned as he turned on the hot water knob and flushed the room in hot steaming air. A ghost smile spread across his lips as he tried to answer himself and prepared for bed.