THE GAME

Memories

"Huaisang...Nie Huaisang."

"Yes yes, I'm here, what is it."

"Master Zhen just gave you a compliment."

"I...w...what was it again?", Huaisang stuttered. A billion questions run through his mind at that very hour. Why was Zhen in his house? How long has Da Ge known him? Was he being played all along?

The two lotuses exchanged glances from time to time. They too needed answers. Who really is Bo Zhen and when did he have 'Han' attached to his name.

Jiang Cheng remembered something crucial. Clearing his throat he gains his sister's attention across the table.

'Abort Jie...abort mission!', he mimed with his lips. Yanli had some difficulty understanding him.

"Wanyin, are you uncomfortable?", Xichen asked undertone. He could hear his mate tap his feet.

" I'm fine", an idea clicked in Cheng's head. ".... I'm just trying to understand why the 'food' is 'not here'. I wish to be eating 'now before it gets too late' for me to digest it early. Jiang Cheng blinked at his sister while stressing some specific words.

Yanli caught on instantly and stood up. "It's best if I check it out then.", she said.

"Lady Yanli, please sit, I have servants to take care of it."

"Sect Leader Nie, I insist.", Yanli spoke with a radiant smile. Minjue could not refuse her. But before she could take five steps toward the door, the servants came strolling in with dinner. Thus, she slowly returned to her seat with her lips pursed.

Huaisang was too confused to recall that his loving friends had spiked his suitor's food. He only recollected when the alpha picked up his cutlery.

" Don't!...umm, I mean...*gulps* Tell me why you've decided to invade my home at this hour. What do you want?", Huaisang's outburst left all except his crew astonished.

NM, "Huaisang...Forgive his rudeness, Zhen. My brother is only being defensive."

Zhen's face branched into a smile, "That's okay...Second Master Nie is worth every trouble. Even if it means interrupting his dinner. Allow me to treat you to lunch tomorrow, as an apology."

Huaisang diverted his focus to the morsel hanging on Zhen's cutlery. "W...what if I don't want to eat lunch. Take me to dinner elsewhere, right now!"

Xichen and Minjue watched the omega with plain shock. This was the same Huaisang that refused to come out of his room a while ago.

Zhen, "Your brother went through the trouble to set this up. It would be impolite to leave."

"He won't mind, come...I'll get my car keys.", the shaker got out of his seat.

" Nie Huai-sang! Stop misbehaving and sit! Zhen and I have things to discuss afterwards.", Minjue struggled to manage the pitch in his tone. 

"..."

"Minjue, please be mindful of your guests...Huaisang, Master Zhen will make time for you another day. Even if your brother agreed, it would be unfair to his lovely sister, Peng, who came a long way to see you.", Xichen calmed the situation reasonably.

It was awkward but the omega slithered back into his seat and kept quiet.

The crew stared blankly as Zhen consumed the first bite.

Peng, " Second Master Nie, would it be alright to call you by your first name."

"...", Huaisang nodded affirmatively, praying that the alpha does not react to the substance. Jiang Cheng and Yanli lost their appetite.