The Song of Inquiry | The Untamed 陈情令

Chapter 10: Beyond Time

"LOTUS PIER?" LAN QIREN ASKED AS ASHLEY NOD AND REPLIED, "Yunmeng Clan Leader Jiang Cheng invited me to come...but Jiang Cheng...can I bring Lan Wangji?" she asked as Jiang Cheng, sitting in the corner silently hissed in annoyance.

"You can..." Jiang Cheng replied as Ashley smiled.

"Well then, you two will go then investigate there...me and Lan Xichen will stay here to protect Cloud Recesses..." Lan Qiren replied as Lan Wangji nodded.

Jiang Cheng stood and replied, "Well then, you can ride with us to Lotus Pier." He walk away outside as Ashley and Lan Wangji stood and bowed.

"We will be back, Master." She replied as she went outside with Lan Wangji and the other Yunmeng Clan guards to escort them.

The trip to Lotus Pier is the nearest part than most of different clans and usually some stayed to keep company. Ashley slept during the travel hours and not aware of being their quickly as they could. Lan Wangji woke her up as the two went inside the Sword Hall.

"Welcome, the banquet will starting soon...please rest first. Jin Ling will escort you there."

Jin Ling hissed, "Jiang Cheng! I am not one of your servants!"

"Ayaa, do you want me to break your legs?" Jin Ling hissed in reply as he had no choice but to escort Ashley and Lan Wangji in their room.

The room contains two separate beds and each had their own bath towel in case of taking a bath. Ashley deeply sigh and took off her boots as she lay down in bed while Lan Wangji went to an occupied table and summon his Guqin to play a calming music.

She began to wonder what is happening as she let out a deep sigh, "You know Lan Zhan, I feel Jiang Cheng likes me." She said as Lan Wangji didn't reply and continue to play in his Guqin.

She continued, "Okay okay...don't tell me I am assuming...the wrapped object Lan Sizhui gave me earlier contains a letter and some small gifts...while reading the letter, he told me that he likes me..." Lan Wangji stopped playing when he heard her and stood as he walk towards the bed where Ashley is laying down.

"He likes you?" he asked as she nodded, Lan Wangji felt a sting of jealousy inside...giving her a letter and small gifts silently pissed him in annoyance.

He is just blind to her beauty he thought to himself as he knelled down beside the bed and stared at her.

"Do you like him?" he asked as Ashley's eyes widen when he ask that.

What is happening? Why he ask such a personal question? She thought to herself as Lan Wangji still staring at her waiting for her response.

"Uhh. I appreciate his honesty and the small gifts...there's nothing much to worry about..." she replied as Lan Wangji is still staring at her. She stood up and stared back at him.

She added, "Lan Zhan...let me ask you, are you jealous?" she asked him as he look away.

Ashley slowly reach her hand towards his chin and move as he stare towards her, "You are jealous!" she exclaimed as Lan Wangji hesitated when he felt his heartbeat quickened.

Staring at her brown orbs, he tried to refrain himself to do an attempt to initiate a kiss, but failed as he stood - still staring at her - and sat down beside her, leaning his head closer to hers.

Ashley felt the tension between them and she can read Lan Wangji felt the same. The closer they get, the quicker their both heartbeats at the same time. She can feel his heartbeat while her both hands placed together between his chests, refraining him to stop.