𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓━━━J. Cheng

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆

030—Red Lotus II

Although it was still messy, Cloud Recesses and Lan Qiren finally lifted up some work and finally had a bit of time to relax. [First Name] came home, and everyone knew that she was the best at managing stuff and working on papers amongst the disciples. Even the senior disciples and elders of the sect recognized her abilities and of course, let her handle a portion of the works. Of course, they were considerate about her wounds as well and gave her as much break as she wanted.

But she was an efficient worker and seemed to be in a hurry, desperate to go somewhere. She rarely took a break and only slept for a few hours for days. The others were worried that she might collapse, however, despite not learning inedia, she sat still and worked perfectly.

The other really didn't know what motivated this troublemaker to unusually work hard. She has always been lazy and easygoing, and to see her going all out like this, her peers felt strange. They never really saw her so serious like this.

But they didn't question her and let her work. After all, the sooner they get themselves back to their feet the better. Only Lan Wangji, who had been working side-by-side with [First Name] decided to bluntly ask about what everyone has been curious about. "[First Name], why do you... Seem so desperate?"

There was a bit of hint of hesitation in his voice, but [First Name] didn't notice that. "I wanna go back to Yunmeng as soon as possible. I left without telling anyone there, after all." She didn't say anything about the strange foreboding she felt back then and only gave a reasonable answer. Lan Wangji nodded and hesitated for a moment. And then, he opened his thin lips again. She didn't know if she was just imagining it but from the corner of her eyes, Lan Wangji's hands seemed to be trembling as he spoke. "Wei Ying... Was he already awake when you left?"

Just like Lan Xichen, [First Name] was aware that this cousin of hers held feelings for that boy. She paused for a moment and then shook her head carefully. Lan Wangji clenched his hand into a fist and so, [First Name] decided to say something. "But he's fine. Although injured, he's just in a small coma. Who knows, he might be awake now or maybe he will be in a few days. No need to worry about him, that guy's tough and he has people taking care of him. He'll be fine."

Hearing that, Lan Wangji finally eased up and his hand loosened. His indifferent face held some relief while he nodded in understanding.

Both of them were working on the Ancestral Hall. Most buildings were burned down and most disciples lost their places when Wen Sect ravaged Cloud Recesses. Usually, the two would've done their work on the Library Pavilion. But it was also burned down into ashes. Most rooms that survived were used by the others and the tasks given to these two were important so in the end, they were given the most tranquil and peaceful place in Cloud Recesses, the Ancestral Hall, in order for them to work efficiently.

So, when the door suddenly opened, [First Name] was a bit startled while Lan Wangji only looked up and stared in the direction of the entrance. "Father..." [First Name] muttered, standing up and doing her greetings. After [First Name] came back and helped out with the work, Lan Qiren finally had time to take a break and ease up. So there was not that much hint of stress on his face compared to when [First Name] first saw him after coming home.

"... You two have done enough. You can leave the rest of the work to the others. Go do whatever you want." He said suddenly, bluntly and so directly that both of them were too stunned to speak.

Lan Wangji shook his head but [First Name]'s eyes brightened up. A small bit of her usual cheerfulness finally appeared on her face, and for some reasons, Lan Qiren's expression changed a bit after seeing that. He caressed his beard and closed his eyes. "Lan Wangji, that's enough. Go take a break as well. Your wounds from the cave and the attack have not completely healed up yet."