Special Chapters

SC24 - Test of Huiyi

The air buzzed with anticipation as the scent of sizzling meat and fragrant spices wafted from the inn's kitchen.  Future Jin Ling, his sleeves rolled up, expertly tossed a wok full of stir-fried vegetables, while Future Jingyi, a mischievous glint in his eye, expertly flipped a pancake on the griddle.  Wen Yang, his expression softened by a hint of amusement, diligently chopped vegetables, his movements precise and efficient.

After two hours of frantic cooking, the table was finally set.  Lan Sizhui carefully arranged the dishes, a gentle smile playing on his lips.  "Everyone, please take a seat," he announced, his voice a gentle melody.  "There's plenty of food for everyone."

The cultivators, their stomachs growling in protest, eagerly took their places, their dignified facade crumbling under the onslaught of hunger.  Only the Lan cultivators, their faces impassive, maintained their usual composure.

Lan Sizhui deftly navigated the crowded kitchen, carrying platters laden with steaming delicacies.  "Please, feel free to eat," he encouraged, his voice warm and inviting.

Just then, Lan Zhan, Wei Ying, and Jiang Cheng descended the stairs, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and confusion.  They took their seats beside Sizhui, Jin Ling, and Jingyi of the past, their eyes darting around the table.

"Are you going to explain everything to us now?" Jiang Cheng demanded, his voice sharp.

Sizhui took a deep breath.  "It's a long story," he confirmed, his voice a gentle murmur.  "I'll tell you after the meal."

The anticipation hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension that vibrated between the three sects. 

Future Sizhui, his eyes filled with a warmth that belied the gravity of the situation, turned to Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying. "A-Ling prepared a special dish for both of you," he said, his voice soft but firm. 

Jiang Cheng, his face hardening, scoffed. "I see," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "My nephew is still 'someone dear' to you.  I thought you'd break up eventually."

Past Jin Ling, his face flushing with annoyance, leaped to his feet, his voice rising in indignation. "Uncle!" he shouted. "That will never happen!"

Wei Ying, his eyes flashing with protective fury, joined in the protest.  "Jiang Cheng, what kind of mindset do you have?" he demanded, his voice laced with exasperation.  "The Lan Clan only loves once, you should know that!  Don't be surprised if Sizhui never lets go of your nephew, no matter what."

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, his expression unreadable.  He reached out and took the bowl that Future Sizhui had carefully scooped for him, his movements brusque.  "Fine," he muttered, his voice a low growl.  "I'll try it."

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a sword.  Past Jin Ling, still fuming, glared at his uncle, while Wei Ying, his eyes narrowed, watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and concern.  Lan Zhan, his gaze fixed on Sizhui, remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Wei Ying, his curiosity piqued despite his earlier outburst, also reached for a bowl of soup.  He and Jiang Cheng both took a tentative sip, their expressions turning from skepticism to bewilderment.  They stared at the bowl, then at each other, then back at the bowl, speechless.

Future Jin Ling, his eyes twinkling with pride, broke the silence.  "Did you like it?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of playful challenge.

Future Sizhui, his gaze fixed on his husband, nodded.  "The soup might be nostalgic for both of you," he explained, his voice soft.  "It might remind you of someone."

He was right.  The aroma of the pork and lotus root soup, a simple yet comforting dish, instantly transported Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying back to their childhood, to the warmth of their home, to the loving presence of their sister, Jiang Yanli.  She had often made this soup for them, a simple gesture of love and care that now held a bittersweet poignancy.