Hua Xianle

Chapter 13:

Without the Jiangs there to cause any more scandals or disturbances, the rest of the Discussion Conference went off without a hitch. Peace was restored to the Unclean Realm, and Huaisang was able to enjoy his time with an overly happy Jin Zixuan, an amused Mianmian, and a stoic Lan Wangji all throughout the event.

That night, he eagerly cradled the wraith butterfly in his hands, telling Hua-Xiong all about what happened. His feet were kicking in the air from residual excitement, which was palpable in his voice as he spoke.

“Now that those sour grapes are gone for good, you should come by for another visit. This time I can bring you to the Unclean Realm, and you can meet my Da-Ge and all my friends. Jin Zixuan, Mianmian, Lan Wangji, and maybe even Er-Ge too! Then they can be your friends too!”

“Mn. I-... I l-like that idea, N-Nie-Xiong.” Hua Ying’s voice was small and weak, peppered with the occasional stutter, but Huaisang cherished each syllable. “A-Die s-said he was… was free tomorrow. Maybe… he can a-...accompany me. I n-need new robes and-... and Nie-Xiong knows the b-best places i-in Qinghe.”

Nie Huaisang grinned and nodded as if Hua Ying could see him. “That sounds perfect! We could even get matching robes if you wanted! I think you would look amazing in Nie green and gold. Ooh! We should get matching fans too!”

Hua Ying giggled at the idea. “Mn. Sounds fun. Tomorrow then?”

“Tomorrow. Rest well, Hua-Xiong.”

And with that, they said their goodnights and went to bed.

…

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng were tucking their son into bed when Hua Ying reached out for his A-Die. Feeling the small hand on his sleeve, Crimson Rain turned back to his son with a warm, loving smile.

“Do you need something, Baobei?”

“Can…” A-Ying’s voice was barely above a whisper, and his face was red from embarrassment. “Can you… accompany me… tomorrow to… Qinghe, a-die?”

“Ah, of course, A-Ying. Are you going to visit your new friend over there?” 

Hua Ying just nodded and stifled a yawn which made his parents chuckle. His A-Die rearranged the blankets once more as his Baba brushed stray locks of hair from his face.

“Sleep well, Little Hua,” Xie Lian whispered, gently kissing his son’s forehead. “That way, you’ll have a lot of energy for tomorrow.”

Hua Ying pouted slightly, signing tiredly at his Baba. ‘I wish you could come too.’

Xie Lian’s heart melted at his son’s purity. “Oh baby, Baba will take you out another day, I promise. Besides, think of this as a special day for just you and A-Die. Alright?”

Hua Ying smiled at the idea, then closed his eyes. After a few minutes of complete silence, the child’s breathing finally evened out as he drifted off to sleep.

…

The next day, Hua Ying found himself in front of the Unclean Realm, wearing dark-green, billowy robes with gold embroideries along the edging. He also had golden earrings and a golden guan to hold his hair up in its usual half ponytail, with a red ribbon to secure it. He was also wearing a pair of boots that were identical to his A-Die’s, with chimed chains wrapped around them that rang lightly with every step he took. 

He was holding his A-Die’s hand tightly, hiding half of his body behind the Ghost King’s robes when he felt people staring at them. Hua Cheng was quick to comfort his son, sending a wraith butterfly to go locate Nie Huaisang. Even though he had made sure to take on his San Lang form for this trip to blend in better, they still stood out like a sore thumb, which was less than ideal for his shy son.