Time Through Time We Remain Untamed.

Chapter 26.5

   The party promptly started around 5:25 pm with the first guest appearance at 5. Lan Zhan had stood at the side  the whole time giving each an official welcome into the Lan home, internally anticipating for his Wuxian. And as forseen, Wuxian was not among the first people to arrive nor the second or third, in fact, he was among the very last people to arrive and by that time, Lan Zhan was in a sulking mood. Though he did well to conceal it. When Wuxian finally arrived, the party was in full force and Miss Liu was quite surprised to find the Jiang family among the few last arrivals.

      Wuxian had immediately excused himself from his aunt and uncle after the greetings and went in search of his dear friend who was all by himself in one corner of the room.

    "Hey Lan Zhan!!! I know, I already know that I am late and I'm sorry! It wasn't my fault. My uncle had a hard time getting here. Please do not be mad Lan Zhaaaaan!!!" Wuxian pleaded as he rocked Lan Zhan back and forth by his shoulders, so close to each other that the heat from their bodies could be transferred between them.

   " You promised you would be here first Wei Ying." Lan Zhan muttered lowly, particularly shy at feeling like a 5 year old with his complaining. His sudden coyness didn't go unnoticed by Wuxian who suddenly grinned at the slight insight into Lan Zhan's soft side.

    "Ohhh Lan Zhan, I never thought I'd ever say this but you look soo cute  blushing like this!!" Wuxian whispered into Lan Zhan's ear which was immediately counteracted by a hard smack on his arm by the other. Lan Zhan was beyond flustered. How could Wuxian say something like that so causally especially at a gathering like this? It made him feel soo exposed and the unconscious circles of his thoughts revealed but he regained himself. He glared at Wuxian who was now rubbing his arm and crying how he had used too much force when he was only joking. Lan Zhan pretended not to care even though he felt a rush of heat across his neck and cheeks and was sure that he was emitting that so called blushing that Wuxian had mentioned. No, he refused to look deeper into it, he was just happy that his companion was finally with him and that's all that mattered. The two of them then proceeded to just stay where they were, occasionally talking, occasionally in silence in their world, far from the rest simply enjoying just being next to each other and this interweaving of their presence together.

     They were finally brought to attention when Miss Liu announced for them to eat dinner. Lan Zhan and Wuxian responded as they went  into the extravagant dining room that had not escaped Miss Liu's touch of transformation. Expensive and unused China set and silverware had been properly arranged on the 26- seated mahogany table. Every guest had been assigned to a specific seat and followed a systematic arrangement. Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian sat across each other as Miss Liu assumed the head seat for the evening. Once all the guests were seated, Miss Liu rang the hall bell which alerted the kitchen staff to finally serve the food.

     Miss Liu had arranged for a fusion of dishes, the main course being many western food and as for desserts, she opted for Chinese ones that were much more suited to their palates than foreign ones. The already heavy set dinner table was soon overflowing with various serving pots, side dishes and drinks. Once the whole thing had been done, the guests couldn't help but clap at the extravagant sight. Miss Liu had outdone herself. The atmosphere was soon filled with compliments towards her who had done a phenomenal job in the absence of her fiance and she wasn't a legal wife just yet. Even Lan Zhan acknowledged that she had really worked hard to prepare this dinner party.  A shame it was for his father to have opted out of it.

     "I would like to propose a toast before we begin to eat. First and foremost, I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for accepting this invitation. It brings me great honor on your arrival to the Lan Estate. Secondly, I would like to mention that this party is not for me but in honor of my future step son Lan Zhan and his partner Wei Wuxian for coming out on top of the Martial Arts Competitions that took place a few weeks ago. An outstanding performance that has brought much pride to their family and this is a small gift of my appreciation for their efforts. And lastly, it is my humble request that you all enjoy this evening and that it may be another memory look upon in the future. All your needs are at your disposal, so feel and most welcomed to partake in all before you. I thank you all once again and cheers to good health and prosperity!!! Cheers!!"