Tis The Season (WangXian RomCom, SEASONAL)

2

The funeral went on without a hitch, but afterwards when Xiao Yuan started to ask Lan Wangji when his father would go home, Lan Wangji almost couldn’t hold back his tears.

He knew that Xiao Yuan missed his father, and that he cried himself to sleep every night, although he did not tell him about it. Still, he could see the track of tears on his small, chubby face, and couldn’t help but feel lost.

The boy knew something was wrong, but Lan Wangji did not know how to explain to the boy that his father would never be back and gave him a warm hug, took him to school, and cooked for him again.

Lan Wangji grew up in a very strict household that allowed no mistake, and expected perfection, until one day when a stranger came and took him away – and told him that he was his brother.

At first, Lan Wangji did not know what to do with the freedom he suddenly gained, but with time – and Lan Xichen’s patience – he was finally able to start to nurture his passion and became a renowned musician.

Lan Xichen, on the other hand, became a very successful businessman and he supported his little brother in everything he did – including his education at the best music academy in the world, up until he became what he was now.

So, when suddenly his anchor and his only family left him alone with a young child that needed extra care for his fragile constitution, he was at a loss of what to do.

He tried to treat Xiao Yuan as Lan Xichen treated him before, but Xiao Yuan became more and more withdrawn instead of coming out of his shell, and Lan Wangji was getting more and more concerned about his condition.

Lan Wangji’s schedule was usually very strict from morning to night, but with Xiao Yuan’s presence, his whole world turned upside down while he tried his best to accommodate the child.

He loved Xiao Yuan, he did.

But he didn’t know what to do to make the child back to his old self again. 

Then he remembered Wen Ning – the teacher – and he decided that he would ask him a question about this kind of situation and what he should do to make Xiao Yuan happy even when his father was not here.

The morning after, Lan Wangji informed Nie Huaisang to clear his schedule for the day and took Xiao Yuan to school – and asked if he could speak to Teacher Wen for a moment.

After he told him about the gist of the situation, Teacher Wen looked very serious, and there was compassion in his eyes.

“Mr. Lan, I know the situation right now is not easy for both of you, and you’ve done all you can for Xiao Yuan.” Teacher Wen took his time to open a file and showed it to Lan Wangji. “As you see, Xiao Yuan is a pretty quiet child, and he tends to keep everything to himself until it comes the time that he can’t handle it anymore. But still he would not throw a tantrum or cry like any other child, but he became withdrawn more and more. I’m afraid with this incident, he would bear every pain himself since he couldn’t express himself clearly unless it’s with his father.”

Teacher Wen explained the situation with Xiao Yuan quite clearly, but it only made Lan Wangji more depressed by hearing it.

“Is there anything I can do to help him, Teacher?”

Teacher Wen contemplated for a moment when his face suddenly turned bright.

“Mr. Lan, in fact I have something that can help you and Xiao Yuan to become closer and maybe he would be able to open his heart to you.” He rummaged through the stack of fliers on his desk and pulled one out before he gave it to Lan Wangji.

“Parents and children cooking class?” Lan Wangji frowned.

“Yes. This joint activity will help both parents and children to bond by creating something delicious and enjoying them together. And maybe it will help Xiao Yuan to be more open to you.”

Lan Wangji thought about it for a minute when he nodded.

“I will try as you suggested, Teacher Wen. Can you help me out with the registration please?”

“Absolutely. The lesson will be conducted on weekends, and you only have to pay a small fee for the ingredients that you will be cooking and eating together.”

“The fee is not a problem, Teacher, as long as Xiao Yuan could become better, I will do anything.”