"Lan Zhan's Love Serenade". (Wangxian)

Chapter 23

The sun was shining brightly over the Cloud Recesses as the Lan family prepared for a rare day out in Gusu town. Lan Zhan and Wei Ying were excited to spend some quality time with their children, including Sizhui and Jingyi, who were eagerly looking forward to the outing. Wen Ning, ever the loyal friend and protector, joined them as well.

As they descended the steps of the Cloud Recesses, the children buzzed with excitement. Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue darted ahead, their laughter echoing through the forest path. Lan Yichen walked calmly beside his father, while Sizhui and Jingyi chatted animatedly with Wei Ying.

Wen Ning brought up the rear, his serene presence a calming contrast to the children's energy. "It's a beautiful day for an outing," he remarked.

Wei Ying grinned. "Absolutely. It's been too long since we all went to town together."

Upon reaching Gusu, the bustling town was alive with activity. Market stalls lined the streets, selling everything from fresh produce to colorful trinkets. The delicious aroma of street food filled the air, making everyone's stomachs rumble.

Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue immediately gravitated towards a stall selling sweet buns. "Baba, can we have one?" they pleaded, eyes wide with anticipation.

Wei Ying laughed and ruffled their hair. "Of course. Lan Zhan, should we get a few for everyone?"

Lan Zhan nodded, his usually stern expression softened by the joy of the moment. "Yes, let's enjoy ourselves today."

They bought an assortment of buns, and the family sat on a nearby bench to eat. Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue giggled as they got sticky fingers, while Lan Yichen ate his bun with careful precision.

Sizhui and Jingyi, sitting beside Wei Ying, exchanged knowing looks. "It's good to see everyone so happy," Sizhui said.

Jingyi nodded. "Especially Father and Baba. They deserve this."

After finishing their snacks, the group wandered through the market. Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue were fascinated by a stall selling colorful kites. "Can we get one?" Meixue asked, tugging on Lan Zhan's sleeve.

Lan Zhan smiled and handed some silver stone to the vendor. "Choose whichever you like."

The children picked out a bright red kite with a dragon design. "Thank you, Father!" they chorused, eyes shining with excitement.

As they continued their stroll, Wei Ying couldn't resist stopping at a stall selling trinkets and charms. He picked up a small jade pendant and turned to Lan Zhan. "This would look lovely on you," he said with a playful wink.

Lan Zhan blushed slightly but accepted the pendant with a smile. "Thank you, Wei Ying."

Meanwhile, Sizhui and Jingyi found a stall selling musical instruments. They both picked up flutes and began to play a simple melody, drawing the attention of passersby.

Wen Ning watched with a gentle smile. "You two have become quite skilled."

Sizhui grinned. "We've had good teachers."

As the day went on, they visited various stalls, sampling different foods and buying small gifts. Lan Zhihao and Lan Meixue each got a small wooden toy, while Lan Yichen picked out a beautifully bound book.

At one point, they stopped at a tea house to rest. The children sipped on sweet herbal tea while the adults enjoyed a more traditional brew. Wei Ying leaned back in his husband chest, sighing contentedly. "This is perfect. Just what we needed."

Lan Zhan nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's been a wonderful day."

Wen Ning, sitting beside them, added, "It's moments like these that remind us of what's truly important."