Rebound

16

Baoshan had a boardwalk that spanned along the large lake on her mountain. The lake branches off into several streams and it made for a beautiful view. There were a few pavilions on this boardwalk. Each one was set with a nice table and mats and even a pot and tea set to make tea. There was even a space off on one side set specifically for meditation purposes. Lan Zhan was at one of those meditation spots. I chose a pavilion next to his as to not disturb him. It also gave me some alone time in the meantime.

I sat there at the table, staring out at the beautiful view of the lake. Beyond it, I saw Baoshan's peach blossom forest. I was sitting there with a big smile on my face. All I could think about was the day before. Lan Zhan made me feel so special and loved. I've always known that he was better at proving himself more through actions than words, and he definitely showed me how he feels. He left behind some gifts on my neck and shoulder to prove it.

"I take it you are feeling better?" I heard Baoshan ask me.

I looked at her as she sat down beside me at the table, "I am," I said.

"I also take it that you and that Lan of yours are doing well?" She asked and pointed out the mark on my neck.

I covered it with my hand as I felt my cheeks get flushed, "You are very interested in your grandson's love life huh?"

"Of course, it's not every day you come across a fated couple," she said, "not to mention how well they match just by looking at the two."

"It's new to me to have someone interested in my life that isn't about my cultivation or my behavior," I said.

"Looking back on your past experiences, you are a lot like your mother," Baoshan told me, "she had such a playful heart and yet she was always so kind. She had people who did not like that about her, but I just think that it was more envy and jealousy. Take your Lan's uncle, he has a grudge against your mother and he took it out on you because you are the closest person to her."

"I don't know why he would, I never managed to spend time with her or my father," I said, "I hear people say I am like them so much but they don't understand that it kind of hurts me a bit. They all know my parents but no one was willing to tell me anything about them other than that I am just like them. No one will tell me what really happened to them...and if my father had this ability to use resentment and spiritual energy, I feel he was killed for it, Mother included."

"I know it's frustrating," she said, "but ignoring it as well as you did was very impressive. You did what you could to ignore it all."

"Only for it to bother me later that night and I couldn't sleep. I'd lie awake for days just because of it. I never slept well," I explained.

"I know, but you don't have to worry about that anymore," she said, "you are here now and no one can hurt you here. You have the opportunity to heal and get your strength back."

I nodded and looked over at Lan Zhan, "I have it, and it's him," I said, "he is my strength."

"Good," she said.

"And he has a name you know," I said.

"I know, but I like saying that Lan of yours," she replied with a smile.

I giggled, "I remember how much I used to rile him up when we were a little younger."

"I saw that, but he needed it, Lan Qiren has his nephews so caught up in their studies and those rules that they don't know how to be playful," Baoshan said.

"I think I fixed that a little bit," I said, "I make no promises for his brother but Lan Zhan is not so rigid as he used to be."

"That's because you entered his life," Baoshan said, "I imagine that he was very confused by you."

"I can understand that," I said. Soon enough, Lan Zhan woke from his meditation and looked my direction. I smiled at him and motioned him over. It only took a short moment for him to make over, "hi, how was your meditation?"

"It went well," he said and sat on the other side of me, "how are you?"

"I am doing good," I said.

"Have you two decided on marriage?" Baoshan asked.

"We have..." I said but hesitated to say more.

"If you wish to have some time, we can do a small ceremony in a week. If you want more time, we can plan for that too," Baoshan suggested.

"Um," I looked at Lan Zhan.

"I will be okay with whatever you are comfortable with," Lan Zhan said.

"I think a week from now is okay," I said, "it gives us time to prepare separate rooms as we need to be separated for a few days."

"Very well, and I have a space that can be used as a bridal chamber. Leave that to me to deal with," Baoshan said.

I nodded, "Alright," I said and looked at Lan Zhan again, "are you okay with this?"

"I am," he said, "As long as you are the one I am marrying, I am content."

I giggled, "I am the one you will marry," I said, "...did you want to talk to your Uncle or do you wish to leave them alone?"

"I do not know if I can face them again, but I know that I should," Lan Zhan said.

"The three of us can go talk to Lan Qiren," Baoshan said, "as for your brother, I am guessing you wish to have more time."

"I don't know. He told Jin Guangyao that Wei Ying was still alive. The world knows either will know this or already knows of this and will be looking everywhere for him," Lan Zhan said.

"We can try to tell him that his actions could get you killed as you and I are bonded," I said.

"We are not bonded yet," Lan Zhan said.

"They don't need to know that. We could pretend that we are. So if they know that if they want me dead, you will die too," I said.

"Or you two can marry before you speak with them," Baoshan said, "It will give you both extra protection."

"It might be a better idea," Lan Zhan said.

"I just thought maybe you'd like your Shufu to be there...though he is strict with you, I know that he loves you dearly," I said.

"He will understand," Lan Zhan said, "I do not want to risk anything when it comes to you, Wei Ying. I almost lost you a few times now, and I do not want to go through that again."

"Very well," I said in agreement.