Not From This World ( MDZS STORY BOOK 1)

26

"And just a few more stitches and...done!"

Xia holds up her handmade pouch and admires it with a smile. She was currently sitting at a table in one of the courtyards of the Jiang compound. Jiang Cheng, who happened to be sitting next to her, looks at the bag and grimaces.

"What in the world is that supposed to be?"

"It's a Xiangnang* ! I'm making one for Yan Li jiejie and Madam Yu. I know that Yan Li prefers fruity scents so I have orange blossom for her, and Madam Yu likes mature scents so I have lavender and honey-'' she pauses. "Do you want one?"

Jiang Cheng's face suddenly turns red, and he looks at her as if she had grown two heads.

"I- w-why would you want to give me one?!"

Xia blinks with a confused pout.

"Ehhh? Why not-"

Jiang Cheng covers his mouth with his hand.

"D-do you even know what you're saying? Those things are for..." He doesn't finish his sentence which only confuses Xia even more.

"I don't know what you mean, but all I know is that I made these for people I like. And I like you guys so..." She looks down at her work with a small smile. Though it wasn't perfect, it was her own. She was grateful that the Jiang Family let her stay in their home, so she wanted to thank them with something handmade.

Jiang Cheng listens to her and finds his eyes softening. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke.

"Make me one too."

Xia looks up in surprise at Jiang Cheng who has his head turned and his arms crossed.

"I don't like strong scents ...a-and I don't want a colorful bag."

Xia blinks.

"You're quite demanding," she then smiles."But okay. I'll make you a nice one, A'Cheng!"

Jiang Cheng felt his heartbeat quicken at her words. To think she would care about making him something nice made him feel excited. He found himself asking another question.

"Have you...have you made one for Wei Wuxian?"

Xia was about to answer when she heard the sound of Madam Yu yelling. She gets up to see the older woman walking away from Jiang Fengmian. She frowns.

'Looks like Madam Yu is angry again. Wait...if I am correct, this may be when Fengmian left the pavilion. Which means that...'

Her eyes widen.

"Jiang Cheng, I'm sorry but I need to leave," she says quickly before running off to find Wei Wuxian. Jiang Cheng opens his mouth to call to her, but she is already leaving down another corridor. He lowers his arm.

"Why did she look so shaken just now?"

+++

Xia finally finds Wei Wuxian who was hanging out with his friends. He looks at her with a bright smile.

"A'Xia, how are you -ehh?"

She grabs his hand and begins dragging him off somewhere.

"Sorry, but I really need to talk to you in private."

"Wait what - hey slow down a little-what's wrong?"

"Nothing right now, but there's a chance that tonight we may be visited by Wen clan." Almost instantly, Wei Wuxian's face becomes serious.