The room was quiet as everyone ate their congee. Even Wei Ying didn't complain about its simplicity. Right now, it was a familiar comfort and welcome.
In the semi-lit room with full bellies, it wasn't long before everyone was tired. A'Yuan leaned further into his Baba and whispered something.
Wei Ying smiled at the boy and gently stroked his ragged bangs out of his face.
"If it's okay with him, that's fine." he told him.
A'Yuan nodded and turned to Sizhui.
"Can I sleep next to you?" he asked.
Sizhui was startled for a moment, but he couldn't tell that hopeful face no.
"Okay, kid, but no drooling." he replied, making A'Yuan giggle. Sizhui didn't add that he didn't want to sleep alone either.
Lan Wangji helped A'Yuan half hop off the bed. His ribs were healing, but there was no point in aggravating the bruises. A couple of weeks would fix the bruises, black eye, and the last of the split lip. He'd have some extra weight on him, too, if his Gugu had anything to do with it. He'd be good to go.
Physically, anyway.
Lan Zhan watched the boys decide which bed they would choose. They chose the next to the last bed. Sizhui said it was more comfortable, but he noticed the teenager was looking at the door and the room's layout.
He was giving himself options if there was another incursion.
'Smart boy.' Lan Zhan thought.
Observing the boys brought to mind the picture he had taken of them. He pulled out his phone and found the photo.
He hadn't been mistaken. The boys were looking at each other, creating a profile picture of them both. It was eerily similar.
Looking up, he saw Sizhui help A'Yuan onto the bed with his sky blue blanket.
"Sizhui, sit next to A'Yuan, so I can take your picture." he said.
Wei Ying smiled. "That's a great idea. Say cheese!"
Sizhui seemed less than enthusiastic, but he obliged. Both boys smiled at the camera. Lan Zhan walked over to show them the results.
A'Yuan was all grins. Sizhui pronounced he looked terrible and flopped back on the bed.
Soon, the two were lying side by side and discussing their game wth the type of seriousness usually reserved for life changing decisions.
As the boys were absorbed in their conversation, Wei Ying watched as Lan Zhan was switching back and forth between two pictures.
"May I ask what you're doing?" he asked quietly.
Lan Zhan looked up and appeared to consider for a moment.
"I noticed something, but I am unsure if I should mention it." he admitted.
"Does it affect our safety?"
"I do not believe so. Not at the moment, anyway." His face was thoughtful.
"If you are comfortable sharing, I would like to know." Wei Ying stated.

YOU ARE READING
Red Light
General FictionLan Wangji, a detective with the Beijing Police Force, interviews a possible witness of a murder. Only willing to give his working name, Yiling, the man had denied any knowledge despite eyes full of horror and tears. What happens when the detective...