cradle of life (the forsaken #2) [WangXian FF]

8

The barbecue started with a bang – a literal one – when Xiao Bai demanded Xue Yang to light up the fireworks she brought with her and said no barbecue party would be complete without fireworks.

Although Lan Wangji already told Xiao Bai that the fireworks would not be visible when it was still not dark, the kids already became so excited so he finally let them with Xue Yang's supervision.

"Is that your daughter?" Marie asked Wei Wuxian since Lan Wangji seemed to be very patient toward the girl.

"She's actually my niece, her father is my husband's brother." He smiled. "But we love her as our own daughter, and since her father is going to be away for a while, she will be staying with us." 

"Oh? Do you happen to need a babysitter? We have a recommendation if you do." 

"Ah, we actually have one, that boy over there?" Wei Wuxian pointed at Jingyi. "He's an orphan from the orphanage that my brother-in-law manages. We asked him to come with us since he needs the money to go abroad. He's a nice kid but you know, kids that age…" Wei Wuxian shrugged as if he was tired of the teenager's tantrums.

Marie laughed, and suddenly a plan was formed in her mind.

Orphan. Abroad.

That was such a good excuse if he suddenly went missing along with some of the belongings of his employee.

She then excused herself to go to her husband and Wei Wuxian could clearly see what she had in mind without having one of his crows eavesdropping on them.

When Lan Wangji approached him, he took the bottle of beer that his husband offered, and he spoke in a teasing tone.

"So, can Jingyi swim?" Wei Wuxian chuckled.

"Yeah, he used to swim back when he was in high school and even won a championship back then. Why?"

"Good, then at least he would not die from drowning." Wei Wuxian smirked. "What is he, by the way?"

"You would not believe it if I told you." Lan Wangji chuckled as he grabbed Wei Wuxian's waist and kissed his temple. "And don't worry about him. He's more resilient than you thought, and he could hold his breath for a long time underwater."

The party ended just when the sun was about to set, and after everyone went back to their respective homes, Wei Wuxoan and Lan Wangji sat outside under the stars and enjoyed the silence.

"So, we need to create some excuse to leave Jingyi alone at the house soon. From what I've seen, Marie was already becoming jittery and John looked like he was torn between guilt and wanting to get it all over with. I think the day after tomorrow will be good timing, what do you say?"

Lan Wangji nodded.

"I should let Jingyi know then."

Hmm.

Jingyi was sitting alone in the empty house while Xiao Bai was playing outside with Xiao Hei.

He was told by Lan Wangji about the plan to catch the people who took the Forsaken's item, and to act just like humans – for example, playing dead when they tried to drown him.

Jingyi sighed.

He knew why they picked him to be the victim. Because he was an avid swimmer and he could hold his breath for a long time underwater.

Well, he actually wanted to help Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian with their investigation, so, yesh, this was supposed to be a great start. He needed to show them what he was capable of so that they would trust him with a bigger role in the future.

So, yeah, he sat back and put the TV on.

He had a feeling that they would come soon.