XiCheng: The Last Lotus [AU- OMEGAVERSE]

9

"Jiang Fengmian! Y-You! You caveman!"

Jiang Cheng preened, beaming happily at his father's retreating figure. Jiang Fengmian had asked him and shijie to come with him on a trip to the marketplace. It was Jiang Cheng's first time doing something without Wei Wuxian, and he was looking forward to all the time he could spend with his father.

"Shijie!" he exclaimed, bouncing around with the biggest smile on his face. "Did you hear that?" he whisper-yelled, grinning as he grabbed his sister's hand. "We get to go with father to the market!"

"I did hear A-Cheng," Jiang Yanli murmured, chuckling fondly as she ruffled Jiang Cheng's hair. "It's exciting, isn't it?"

"Yes! Shijie, I can't wait!"

Jiang Yanli chuckled, hiding her laughter behind her sleeve. "A-Cheng is very impatient, isn't he?" she asked, shooting her little brother a tender smile.

Jiang Cheng puffed with pride at his sister's attention. It had been a long time since shijie had last given him her undivided attention. Usually, she would be forced to split her days between both her brothers and would rarely have the time for Jiang Cheng. It made him lonely, and he started craving time spent with his family. His father was always busy with work, and Jiang Cheng would only see him three times a day during their meals together. His mother was busy training their disciples, so the most he would get was a soft pat on the head and a gentle reminder to go back to his studies. His sister was so absorbed with the new addition to their family- that she would always try and include Wei Wuxian in everything they did. Even his beloved pets had been sent away to make room for his new brother.

It wasn't that Jiang Cheng hated Wei Wuxian- oh no, the older boy certainly had his charms. But Jiang Cheng wanted something to himself, something that didn't have Wei Wuxian in it.

He beamed, violet eyes twinkling with excitement. "Of course I am shijie! I want to spend time with you guys!"

Jiang Yanli laughed, "You wouldn't even be with us! You'll just spend all your time eating!" she giggled, smirking as her brother pouted. Jiang Cheng loved eating street food from the vendors in Yunmeng. And every time he made an appearance, restaurants would always send their best waiter out- trying to cajole the young master of Lotus Pier into eating at their place. Over time, it became a habit for them to stop at nearly every stall- Jiang Cheng having given in to his hunger. He would never let anyone talk about it though- his precious pride still delicate and fragile.

"Shijie!" Jiang Cheng whined, face flushing as he narrowed his eyes at his sister. Jiang Yanli might be a demure, soft-spoken young maiden- but she had her moments. She might be sweet, but like her brothers- she too had mischievous streaks. Times when she would forget to play the role of the kind, charming mistress. Times when she would smirk and snicker, hiding her amusement behind her sleeves. Times when she would arch a brow, a slight, snarky edge to her words. Times like this, when the true personality of Jiang Yanli peaked out from behind the clouds. Times that were quite rare, indeed. And Jiang Cheng felt blessed to have been shown something that his sister so readily hid from the world.

"A-Cheng," Jiang Yanli murmured, a teasing glint in her eyes. "You know it's true!"

"Shijie! It is not!"

"A-Cheng, lying is forbidden in Cloud Recesses! How are you going to become Young Master Lan's wife if you don't abide by the Lan Sect rules?"

"I am not his wife!" Jiang Cheng huffed, crossing his arms in frustration. "I'm a boy!"

Jiang Yanli laughed, pulling her brother into a tight hug. "Yes, yes. A-Cheng is a boy wife!"

"Hey! Shijie~"