While Wei Ying slept a memory invaded his dreams. A memory that wasn't his.
As the first rays of dawn painted the sky with hues of soft gold, Lan Zhan gently stirred awake, his eyes settling upon the peaceful visage of his beloved Wei Ying. Unable to resist the impulse, he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss upon Wei Ying's forehead, silently conveying his love and affection.
Quietly slipping out of bed, Lan Zhan crept across the room, his steps light and purposeful. He entered the room adjacent to theirs, where their young son A-Yuan slept, his dreams a canvas of innocence and wonder. Lan Zhan's lips found their way to A-Yuan's forehead, leaving a gentle kiss that stirred the child from slumber, his eyes sparkling with anticipation for the day ahead.
Together, father and son made their way to the cozy kitchen, their movements synchronized as they prepared breakfast. A-Yuan eagerly assisted in setting the table while Lan Zhan put the final touches on their morning meal, his meticulous nature evident in every gesture. They sat down together, savoring the simple pleasure of a shared meal, filling the air with contented silence and the occasional laughter that bubbled forth.
With breakfast concluded, their routine unfolded like a familiar dance. Lan Zhan took on the role of teacher, guiding A-Yuan through the intricacies of writing, imparting wisdom and patience with each stroke of the brush. They then turned their attention to the crops, working side by side, tending to the earth that sustained them. Lan Zhan's hands moved with precision and care, and A-Yuan followed suit, absorbing the lessons bestowed upon him by his father.
Meanwhile, Wei Ying remained peacefully asleep, his body vulnerable to the sun's harsh rays which made him weak and useless. Something that Wei Ying tried to change but couldn't figure it out no matter how much he researched and experimented. At night, under the moonlight, is when he was alive again and full of strength.
Amidst their daily chores, Lan Zhan's reverie was interrupted by the flutter of a message, silently delivered from his cherished brother, Lan Xichen. Their clandestine communication had remained a secret, a lifeline connecting their hearts despite their separation. As he absorbed the words penned by Lan Xichen's hand, a mix of emotions welled up within Lan Zhan—longing, anticipation, and a surge of love reserved for this kinship that ran as deep as his bond with Wei Ying.
A decision sparked within him, kindling a resolve that whispered of reunion and stolen moments. Lan Zhan would meet his brother, his confidant and pillar of support. The love he held for Wei Ying was unparalleled, but in the depths of his heart, a special place was reserved for the brother who had stood by him through life's trials and tribulations.
Lan Zhan and Lan Xichen arranged to rendezvous in the quaint town of Yiling, the closest meeting point between their separate lives. Lan Xichen had an important announcement to share with his beloved brother—news of his upcoming marriage. Lan Zhan, though genuinely thrilled for his brother's happiness, couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow, realizing that he would not be present to witness this significant moment in his brother's life.
Embracing one another tightly, Lan Zhan and Lan Xichen exchanged heartfelt goodbyes, their bond reaffirmed by unspoken understanding and unconditional love. Lan Zhan's footsteps carried him back home, his heart heavy with a sense of longing, while the radiant sun continued to bathe the world in its warm embrace.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow across the tranquil landscape, Lan Zhan returned home to continue with his daily chores. The atmosphere was serene, seemingly undisturbed by the chaos that was about to unfold.
Suddenly, the serenity shattered, giving way to an eruption of turmoil. The resolute footsteps of the Lan Clan reverberated through the air, led by Lan Quiren, their patriarch. A wave of violence swept through the once peaceful surroundings, as the Lan Clan unleashed their wrath, leaving destruction and despair in their wake. The sounds of anguish and terror pierced the air, carried by the anguished cries of women and children caught in the midst of the turmoil.
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In the Shadows
FantasíaIn a secluded village surrounded by a mystical forest, seventeen-year-old Xiao Zhan, a blind and beautiful boy, lives with his family. Known for his bravery, Xiao Zhan frequently ventures into the forest to gather herbs, despite the villagers' warni...
