Fated | Fangs Of Fortune FF

Chapter 4 : An Unexpected Encounter

Meeting once a month to explore Tiandu City, the young demon and the young master grew close over time, though they never pried into each other's identities. They simply respected each other's secrets.

Three seasons passed, and as autumn came to a close, both eagerly counted down the days to their next meeting. Each month, on this special day, Yichen's brother took care to ensure the guards wouldn't chase after him and kept their father occupied. Zhuo Yi Xuan found joy in seeing Yichen's smile brighten whenever he spoke about his friend.

At last, the day arrived. This time, Yichen dressed differently, choosing a darker look over his usual neutral attire. He wore deep blue robes with wide sleeves, along with a long, dark blue coat accented by white stripes that flowed elegantly to his ankles. His long hair was braided into small sections, and instead of his typical golden headband, he wore a black one detailed with intricate silver designs. With quiet steps, he slipped out before anyone in the Demon Hunting Bureau could notice.

Arriving at their usual meeting place, Yichen waited eagerly in the bustling market, his gaze searching for Zhu Yan. Yichen stood in the middle of the crowded market, feeling the chill of the autumn air as he waited, his anticipation building with every moment. Zhao Yuan Zhou seems to be running late, he thought—or maybe he simply couldn't recognize him in his new attire.

Then he spotted him. Zhu Yan was weaving through the crowd, his silver-streaked ash hair flowing in the breeze, his black robe adorned with intricate golden details. Hanging from his waist was a small ornament—-a red jade, the one Yichen had given him. As soon as Zhu Yan saw Yichen, his face lit up, and he quickened his pace, his smile wide and his eyes filled with excitement.

"I'm late" Zhu Yan said, catching his breath, his chest rising and falling as he tried to steady his breathing.

"You are" Yichen replied, smiling. There was no trace of irritation, only warmth and amusement.

"My master nearly wouldn't let me leave" Zhu Yan admitted, glancing at Yichen's face as if worried he might be upset. Seeing nothing but Yichen's patient smile, he let out a sigh of relief.

"And look at you...wearing black today" Yichen pointed out, a hint of playful mischief in his eyes.

"And you" Zhu Yan responded, taking a good look at Yichen's dark blue robes and the silver-lined black headband that framed his face. "You look like a cunning young master" he teased, eyes gleaming. "One who could charm anyone into doing his bidding."

Yichen chuckled softly, his cheeks warming with the compliment, but he shrugged as though to brush it off. "I'll take that as praise" he said, trying to sound unaffected, though his eyes glowed with a quiet pride.

They began walking together through the market, their footsteps falling in sync as they wove past the vendors and colorful displays. The air grew brisk, a chill settling over the city as autumn neared its end and a light rain began to fall, marking the transition to winter. So they made their way to their favorite steamed bun stall. Warm and inviting, the shop was tucked away from the main square, and the delicious scent of freshly steamed buns drifted through the air.

As they entered the small shop, a faint warmth greeted them, and they took their usual seats. Yichen ordered a few buns for them, and Zhu Yan settled in beside him, savoring the familiar comfort of their quiet ritual.

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As Yichen and Zhu Yan strolled around the market, they paused near a crowd gathered around an outdoor stage. Curious, they climbed up to the balcony of a nearby shop, finding a comfortable vantage point to watch. The play unfolding below was, once again, about the famous Hero Yi Xuan—this time telling the tale of how he received the Emperor's recognition for his valor.

"I'd truly like to meet Hero Yi Xuan one day" Zhu Yan murmured thoughtfully, his eyes trained on the stage below. "He's my... my model of virtue."

Yichen let out a small, playful laugh, leaning close with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, really? Would you now?"

Zhu Yan's expression softened, his lips curving into a sly smile. "If only there were a way" he said, his tone deceptively innocent as he held Yichen's gaze. His eyes sparkled with a glimmer of intrigue as he leaned a little closer, closing the distance between them. Their faces were so close now, caught in a moment of unspoken understanding, a delicate tension growing between them. Neither seemed willing to look away.

Just as Yichen was about to speak, a familiar voice interrupted the moment. "Didi"

Startled, Yichen turned around, his eyes widening in surprise. Zhu Yan shifted his gaze as well, looking at the figure who had spoken, his curiosity piqued.

Standing there was a tall, graceful figure dressed in flowing cream-white robes, his stance elegant and commanding. A sword hung at his side, the hilt adorned with a mesmerizing, faintly glowing blue crystal. The man's eyes held a calm wisdom and warmth, though his gaze was attentive and slightly cautious as he looked at Yichen.

"Gege!" Yichen's face lit up with both surprise and joy as he hurried over to the newcomer. "How did you find me?"

The man's eyes softened as he took in Yichen's excitement. "I can always find my little brother, no matter where he wanders," he replied with a quiet amusement. "But tell me, where are those bells, I gave you?"

With a small, bashful smile, Yichen tugged at his headband. "I took them off for today, just to look a little different."

Yi Xuan's gaze lingered on his younger brother with a fond, almost indulgent look, as though Yichen were a beloved puppy returning after an adventure. Then his eyes shifted to Zhu Yan, observing him with a calm, discerning expression.

Sensing the unspoken question, Yichen's face brightened as he gestured toward Zhu Yan. "Gege, this is my friend, Zhao Yuanzhou."

Yi Xuan's face relaxed, and he offered Zhu Yan a polite smile. "So, you're the friend he's spoken so highly of?"

"Yes" Yichen replied eagerly, turning to Zhu Yan with a playful glint in his eyes. "Yuan Zhou, this is my elder brother, Zhuo Yi Xuan."

Zhu Yan met Yi Xuan's gaze with a respectful nod, his expression polite but filled with admiration. Yet, He felt the air subtly shift as Yi Xuan's eyes took him in, a touch of wariness beneath his courteous demeanor. For a brief moment, Yi Xuan's gaze moved to his sword, his fingers brushing over the glowing crystal on its hilt as though in thought.

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How could I possibly ignore his look as Gong YuanZhi^_^
Hope you guys liked the chapter<3