The Mad Ҡìղց

Upbeat Mood

Wanji had just slipped on his silk robe over his nightwear and was making his way down the dimly lit corridor to the private hall. The atmosphere was quiet, but as he approached the entrance, he heard the unmistakable sound of voices in conversation. It wasn't his nature to eavesdrop, but something about the tone of their discussion drew him in, and so he paused just before the door.

Inside, Wei Ying, Nie, Cheng, and a few other familiar faces were gathered around, sharing drinks and stories. The sound of laughter rippled through the room as Nie recounted what Wei Ying had done earlier that morning, causing the others to chuckle.

"Young Master Lan is so considerate," Cheng remarked, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.

"Wei Ying, did you apologize?" Jin Zixuan asked, his eyes narrowing.

Wei Ying, with an expression that seemed both sheepish and nonchalant, nodded. "Yes, I did," he replied simply, his voice carrying a hint of mischief.

Hearing the exchange from outside, Wanji's mind briefly wandered. So his name is Wei Ying, he thought, the name echoing in his mind as though it held a weight that hadn't been there before. Collecting himself, he knocked on the door, announcing his presence.

Nie, who had been in mid-sentence, swung the door open and stood there, visibly surprised. "Young Master Lan, you decided to join us," he said with a smile, stepping aside to allow Wanji to enter the room.

Wanji's gaze swept across the gathering. He didn't recognize everyone present, but he didn't let it show. His expression remained calm, concealing the flicker of excitement that burned somewhere deep inside.

In the corner of the room, Wei Ying, who had been seated in a relaxed posture, suddenly froze. His face grew pale as his eyes locked on Wanji's form. He rose to his feet abruptly, his head bowing as if in deference. Without a word, he moved towards the door, intent on making a quick escape. The sight made Wanji's lips curl in the faintest hint of a smile, something rare for him. He shifted slightly, positioning himself in Wei Ying's path, and just as Wei Ying made his hurried exit, he collided with Wanji.

Wei Ying stumbled, his face still lowered, voice soft with apology. "I'm sorry," he mumbled hastily, avoiding eye contact as he darted past Wanji and out of the hall.

But in his rush, something curious happened. Wanji's robe, loosened by the impact, slipped from his shoulders and caught on Wei Ying's hand. Unaware of what he had done, Wei Ying continued running, pulling the robe with him. The sudden tug made Wanji lose his balance, and to everyone's surprise, he landed on the floor with a thud.

For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then, as if on cue, the others in the room scrambled to their feet.

"Young Master Lan, are you alright?" Cheng asked, his voice filled with concern as he approached to help.

Wanji waved him off, getting up on his own, his lips curving once again into a rare smile. "I'm fine," he said, brushing the dust from his clothes. His eyes still held that quiet amusement. "I could use a drink," he added, walking further into the hall. He grabbed a jar of alcohol and poured himself a generous cup, settling down as the rest of the group resumed their earlier merriment.

As he sat, Wanji couldn't help but replay the scene in his mind. He wasn't sure what had compelled him to block Wei Ying's path or to smile the way he had, but there was something about Wei Ying's awkwardness that he found both amusing and oddly satisfying. The way Wei Ying had run off, the mix of fear and embarrassment in his expression, it all lingered with Wanji.