Wen Qing makes sure to sit next to Wei Ying, quickly dabbing at her eyes before anyone notices anything amiss. She smiles politely at everyone around the table, after making sure Wen Ning is alright.
“Does everyone know everyone? She asks, being obtuse on purpose, and Wei Ying could have hugged her for that alone.
He knows she is keeping up appearances for the sake of it, not to give anything away, and it's the best course of action right now to not give themselves away.
“Of course they know us!” Wen Xu says, oozing scornful disdain. “How can they not, when we are the sons of the most powerful cultivator?” He makes a face at her.
Wei Ying is just about to retort something unsavoury to dispute that and make him look like a fool, when Lan Zhan’s hand grabs his, holding him back. It's surprisingly easy to let go of the scathing words resting on the tip of his tongue, just from this simple touch. Lan Zhan calms him down, makes him remember that he should stay in control. It's not even just the light touch, but every time Lan Zhan moves, Wei Ying gets a whiff of that sweet-and-spicy sandalwood scent, and it inspires bravery.
“No need. Empty vessels make the most noise,” Lan Zhan whispers, making sure nobody overhears him.
That makes Wei Ying smile beautifully.
“Well, just in case,” Wen Qing says pleasantly, addressing her oldest cousin. “As you say, it would be a shame if no one knew who you were. Right?” But her mouth is downturned, and there's a tightness behind her eyes.
Maybe this isn't the first time she's had to go loggerheads with the sons of Wen Ruohan.
“I didn't say that,” Wen Xu murmurs. “Or if I did, I didn't mean it like that.”
“You did say that, dummy!” Wen Chao blurts out, with an evil grin.
Wen Xu pushes him out of his chair.
Wen Chao screams bloody murder, and that's when Wen Ruohan stands up, ringing the little bell next to him. A servant comes and takes away the crying child, while the little hellion kicks and screams in frustration that he doesn'twant to go.
“Good riddance,” Wen Xu remarks, leaning back with a terrible posture.
“Welcome one, welcome all,” Wen Ruohan's deep voice echoes around the circular room, making everyone silent. “Let us make the first toast.” He lifts up his cup and says, “Raise your cups to the unity and cooperation between the sects in the Cultivation world.” He drains his cup and immediately, more wine is poured for him. “Today marks this occasion as one of the largest conferences in our history, and it is only possible to hold such an event in a place like Nightless City.”
This time, there are murmurs for and against his little speech, though every cup is raised and drunk from.
“I wish to acknowledge each and every one of you for attending this legendary meeting, and for understanding this. Everyone cannot be great, but together, we can be greater. Now, enough talking. Let the meal begin.”
He sits back down and waves over a servant to pour more wine in his cup.
The servants are busy serving food to everyone, and all of it except for the plain white rice is alarmingly red in colour. Everyone is served the same food, and when Wei Ying’s bowl is placed in front of him, he grins enthusiastically, happily anticipating what the spices will taste like. But he notices Lan Zhan pushing away the colourful bowls and eating only the plain white rice instead.
“Lan Zhan…is something wrong with the food?” Wei Ying asks him, quickly tasting a piece of cabbage from his serving. Yes, it's spicy…but, that wasn't cabbage.
