Beneath the Moonless Sky

A New Beginning

Christmas break was just two days away, and the excitement in the air was palpable. For Wei Ying, now officially a Lan, this Christmas was poised to be a turning point in his life. It wasn't just the holiday season that was changing; his entire path, both at home and at school, was about to shift dramatically.

Lan Xichen walked into the school with Wei Ying at his side. The contrast between their appearances was striking: Lan Xichen, composed and confident in his formal attire, and Wei Ying, still adjusting to his new identity as Lan Ying, radiated a quiet but profound relief.

As they approached the front office, Lan Xichen held a stack of documents tightly in his hands. The paperwork was crucial—this was the official declaration of Wei Ying's new guardianship status. With Lan Zhan's help, Lan Xichen ensured that all the necessary legal documents were prepared, reflecting their new roles in Wei Ying's life.

The school secretary, a woman with a no-nonsense demeanor and a welcoming smile, looked up as they entered. Her eyes quickly took in the sight of Lan Xichen and Wei Ying, and she gestured for them to come forward.

"Good morning, Mr. Lan," she said, her tone professional but friendly. "How can I assist you today?"

Lan Xichen approached the desk, setting the documents down with a decisive thud. "Good morning. I'm here to submit these new guardianship papers for Wei Ying. He's officially under the care of me and my brother, Lan Zhan, from now on."

The secretary took the papers and began reviewing them. Lan Xichen watched her carefully, his mind focused on ensuring that everything was in order. He had made it clear to the school that any decisions regarding Wei Ying's education, medical needs, or any other aspects of his well-being would now be managed by him and Lan Zhan.

As the secretary scanned the documents, she glanced up at Lan Xichen. "I see everything appears to be in order. I'll make sure these are processed and updated in the system. Is there anything specific you'd like to discuss regarding Wei Ying's school record or support services?"

Lan Xichen took a deep breath, knowing that this was a crucial moment. "Yes, I'd like to ensure that Wei Ying receives the support he needs moving forward. I'm aware of the challenges he's faced in the past, and I want to make sure he has the resources and assistance required to succeed."

The secretary nodded, making notes on her clipboard. "I'll arrange a meeting with the school counselor and special education coordinator to discuss Wei Ying's needs and how we can best support him. We'll review his current academic standing and ensure that any necessary accommodations are made."

Lan Xichen felt a wave of relief. This was the beginning of a new chapter, and ensuring that Wei Ying received the appropriate support at school was a crucial step. He looked over at Wei Ying, who stood quietly beside him, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety evident in his expression.

"Thank you," Lan Xichen said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I appreciate your help with this."

The secretary offered a reassuring smile. "You're welcome, Mr. Lan. We'll make sure everything is taken care of. It's wonderful to see Wei Ying getting the support he needs."

As they left the front office, Lan Xichen placed a comforting hand on Wei Ying's shoulder. "This is just the beginning, Wei Ying. Things are going to change for the better."

Wei Ying looked up at Lan Xichen, his eyes reflecting a mix of hope and nervousness. "I know. I'm ready for it."

Lan Xichen smiled, feeling a sense of pride and determination. The road ahead wouldn't be without its challenges, but they were taking the right steps to ensure Wei Ying's success and well-being.

As they walked through the school halls, the festive decorations and the buzz of excitement for the upcoming Christmas break provided a backdrop to the momentous changes in Wei Ying's life. The journey ahead would be a blend of new experiences and adjustments, but with Lan Xichen and Lan Zhan by his side, Wei Ying was on a path to a brighter, more supportive future.

The transformation from Wei Ying to Lan Ying wasn't just a change of name; it symbolized a fresh start, a chance to build a new life surrounded by people who cared deeply for him. And as Christmas approached, it was clear that this holiday season would be one of hope, renewal, and the promise of a more secure and loving future.