Stones Overturned (MDZS x Reader)

Chapter 4

Narrator's POV

It was a busy morning in Caiyi town. You noticed Jin Zixuan waiting for his boat to be ready for him. You hovered a fan over your lips as you murmured to Min, "Wishing you were on a boat as well, aren't you?" You weren't looking at him, but you know he rolled his eyes and replied, "And what, you'll make me row for you? In your dreams." You snorted, "You say that yet you're holding my writing pad," responding at his remark and then heard a conversation right at the foot of the stairs. It was hard not to, given that Wei Ying's voice is distinct and not to mention, he's loud.

"The old prude is attending the Discussion Conference in Nie Clan. Once luck strikes, it's unstoppable!" Wei Ying says as he takes a spoonful of the dessert he has. You kept your eyes on the river, but your ears were listening to their conversation. "Luck? You've offended the whole Lan Clan. After Old Man Lan returns, nobody will bury your corpse." Jiang Cheng was annoyed at how nonchalant he was of the whole situation. "You've already buried my corpse so many times, what's wrong with once more? Besides, who cares about what happens after death? Seize the day before then! It's a bright spring day, a crispy ice dessert with a rich milk incense lies before us. Why not just indulge?" He narrated, which you kind of agreed with but you had always feared death because it is unknown what comes after.

"You're like a gluttonous ghost who've never had this before." Jiang Cheng retorted, which made you want to giggle. Who knew Jiang Cheng to be this funny? You weren't the only one thinking it because even Min was chuckling beside you. "But the Cloud Recesses doesn't provide decent food. If I can enjoy such a delicacy every day, I wouldn't mind staying a few months longer in Gusu. Those who grew up eating this dessert are so fortunate." Wei Ying daydreamed, which made you curious on what the dessert tasted like.

"Forget it. If you're punished to copy for another month, you'll definitely escape faster than rabbits." Jiang Cheng reminded him which he may have done something to retort but you weren't near enough to hear everything. You were then just startled when he jumped on a boat, nearly splashing both of you but you both jumped back a bit, and then you heard Jiang Cheng apologize. "I apologize on his behalf, Min-xiong and [Name]." He bowed his head, but Min waved him off.

"No need, we aren't wet anyways." He brushes it off as you also nod your head, agreeing with Min. He then invites the two of you to sit with him. You looked back over your shoulder and saw Wei Ying paddling as if he's on an expedition which then led you to question Jiang Cheng with your pad, "He's a handful, isn't he?" he reads it and just nods his head and sighs. "Wei Wuxian is a pain in the ass but he's like a brother to me." He says, and you could feel the admiration he has for him. You have a great younger brother Wei Ying.

"Oh yeah, [Name] won't say it but she's been eyeing the dessert Wei Wuxian had earlier, what was it?" Min was trying to embarrass you, but you were genuinely curious what it was. Jiang Cheng blinked rapidly until he shook his head and said he'd ordered for the both of you, whilst Min saying that one is enough as he'll just taste it and give the rest to me, as he does not have a sweet tooth. Liar, you always fight with me on desserts. You just don't like others to see how much of a pig you are. You glared at him at the side, and he stuck out his tongue while Jiang Cheng ordered.

"You're the worst" you whispered, which made the other laugh at you. Jiang Cheng returns to the table and the dessert was perfect for a hot weather. You took off your mask which had bewitched Jiang Cheng. It was the first time any of them saw you without it, since at the mess hall, you would always have your back against them, on a separate table, even when they invited you to eat with them, you would look away before taking a bite. The reason Min gave was because you were shy of your face. "You're beautiful." He said without thinking and that made the two of you lock eyes while Min also stared at him. Jiang Cheng realized what he had done and covered his mouth and looked away.