Lan Zhan studies the lady lying on the bed. They've taken Wei Ying and made him lie down next to her, though they're sitting up, and it's clear that she looks exhausted. But the smile on her face is as familiar as Wei Ying's, bright and happy, and full of love.
"YingYing! My love! Are you alright? Have you been eating well? How do you like Cloud Recesses so far? Have they made you write out any rules yet?" She strokes his cheeks lovingly, and kisses his forehead, hugging him close.
Lan Zhan likes her already.
Wei Changze laughs. "You must give him a chance to respond, Xingan. He's only five! How do you expect him to keep up with you?"
Wei Ying tugs on her sleeve so she lowers her ear, and then he whispers something in it, making her smile even more broadly.
"Is that so? Well, I can't see anyone there!" She pretends to look past Lan Zhan and beyond, and even if Lan Zhan knows only too well that she's seen him, the childish part of him feels like fire ants are crawling up his back in his anticipation. She winks at him, making him feel warm all over.
"Dere, dere!!" Wei Ying is so frustrated with her, he yells, "Wan Zhan! Wan Zhan, come here!"
"There's room, A-Chang, put him here." Cangse Sanren shifts slightly, wincing and covering up her pain with an even brighter laugh as she makes a space big enough for Lan Zhan to fit on her other side. "Now tell me, who do we have here?"
"Dat's Wan Zhan. He's my bestest friend, Mama, and I love him."
Lan Zhan is not prepared at all, to have two equally adoring faces stare back at him, twin silver eyes that are sparkling with affection and acceptance. He wills himself not to cry, at this situation and the abundance of love surrounding them all.
The last time he felt as wrapped up in it, according to the memories of his past life, was a few months ago when his mother was still alive. That's what this feels like, being in her arms and feeling as safe as can be. So, even while he's an adult mentally, Lan Zhan lets himself be a kid again, letting himself be loved unconditionally, as all children should be.
Added to this is the overwhelming love he feels blooming in his chest for Wei Ying, especially since he has just proclaimed it back to him, something Lan Zhan never thought to hear so soon. Of course, Wei Ying is an open, loving person and this love is exactly what he feels for everything his beautiful heart rests upon at this age - for him, it's like loving a dandelion, or a favourite toy, or a delicious meal. But he's said it just the same, and Lan Zhan will treasure this moment forever.
"Then, Second Master Lan, I must thank you so profusely for looking after my YingYing and his father so well, while I could not. If YingYing loves you so much, then we must do the same. Welcome to our family, A-Zhan." She hugs him tightly while YingYing claps his hands delightedly.
The door of the infirmary opens suddenly, and Uncle Qiren walks in, followed by the Head Healer.
"I came as soon as my patients allowed," the Healer said, coming right up beside the bed they're on. "May I examine you, Madam?"
Uncle Qiren stands next to Wei Changze quietly. If he's surprised at where Lan Zhan is, his face doesn't show it as he strokes his whiskers in contemplation.
Cangse Sanren ignores the Healer to whoop with delight. "Qiren, is that really you?? Oh my God, you grew it back!!" She waggles a finger at him as if admonishing a three year old. "What did I tell you about that beard and that moustache? They've got to go! How shall we find you a nice little Lan girl if you're looking so old?? I don't want to get arrested for hunting a child bride!!" She cackles loudly, shattering whatever peace was hanging on by a thread in that confined space.
