Time Through Time We Remain Untamed.

Chapter 20.5

       From the get go, Wuxian was engulfed in the entirety of Lan Zhan's home. The air smelt just of him; earthy herbs and wood. He walked through the small corridor entrance that had a translucent, sliding glass door which separated the inner room and outside. Lan Zhan motioned for Wuxian to remove his shoes, stating that the inside floor was self heating so they could walk barefoot. Wuxian subtly prepared himself as he entered into the realm of Lan Zhan's space.

       The ground floor was divided into 2 sides. Lan Zhan had designed his home to exude 2 different styles that expressed himself well. The ground area was set in a traditional Chinese style with the outer ceiling structure curving in like a cave held by 4 tall, jungle green, obsidian columns at the sides. The left side was made into a comfy study room with a low floor table and cushions around on the floor. High windows were placed close to the ceiling to cast the light into the room but not to necessarily blind a person. 3 book shelves situated themselves around the small study desk and were well organised with books of all genres extensively. The study room was separated by a small wooden fence from the main hallway centre which was floored with warm, shiny bamboo boards that emitted a warm sensation to their bare feet.

      To the right was a relaxation area. Three cushioned sofas were placed around a low black glass table. The sofas were made of velvet and their designs were of green and gold embroidery. The relaxation room directly faced the study room with nothing separating the two views. Small, rabbit-shaped lanterns hanged off the arched ceiling and others were situated around the room. Behind the sofas were large windows that had been left open and were wide enough for a person to easily pass through. Another window was also situated on the right side of the main windows that viewed the front gate. To the left of the relaxation room was a glass door that led them outside to a small garden and backyard. The garden wasn't much, just a few flower bushes here and there, a green patch of land and a lotus flower pond in the middle. A swingset had been added to the small balcony shared between the relaxation area and kitchen and out looked the yard.
 
      Once you passed both the study room and relaxation area, further down was a minimalistic kitchen to the right that had two doors that opened into the balcony from the sides while on the left side next to the study room was a door leading out to the open field and after it was one of the spare bedrooms. At the end of the hallway was a set of stairs that led one to the upper floor which was much different from below. Wuxian was more than impressed with what he had seen soo far. How could a 16 year old like him live like this?! It was unimaginable.

     Upstairs, the whole situation was different. It was more modern and had a more 20th century look to it. The colour scheme of white prevailed in that level except Lan Zhan had added splashes of blue around. The stair case opened up to a long, well lit corridor. On the left side were 2 addition spare bedrooms and a bathroom while to the right at the far end of the corridor was Lan Zhan's room. A double door was placed as the entrance and it opened up into his habitation. The room was wide and spacious and full of light. It was extremely neat and clean and organised. Mmmhhh, what did he expect?

    Once you opened up the doors, the first thing you noticed was the huge bed ahead of them. It was a big bed, more than enough for Lan Zhan and lower than most, closer to the ground. It was well made in blue covers and pillows. Around and under the bed was a white furry carpet. Nightstands stood at both sides and on the right side was another large window that had a cushioned window sill. On the left were wardrobes and drawers full of clothes and accessories. Below the window sill was a small set up on it was a traditional Chinese instrument called a Guijin that was stringed and is played by sitting down and plucking gently at the chords. (Refer to the drama). It was a must have for Lan Zhan and was a secret passion of his. His bathroom was down across his bed through a small door and contained both the shower stall, bathtub, toilet and sink. That marked the end of the whole tour and house. There was nothing more to see.

           They went back downstairs after it all and Lan Zhan let Wuxian settle in the relaxation area while he prepared something to eat. All this while, Wuxian tried to process all that he had seen. It was more than crystal clear that he and Lan Zhan were from very different worlds. There little common ground for them yet here they were. He took his time memorising the place and fitting it all in his mind as he waited for Lan Zhan to finish whatever he was doing. It would take time before he became accustomed to all of this. The sound of moving crockery was all that could be heard as Lan Zhan set to work. He had learnt to be self sufficient since 13 when he began to live alone and therefore knew alot more than other 16 year old boys. He fixed a bowl of tofu and vegetable stew with a generous amount of side dishes and rice. A cup of warm water finished the whole set and he set off to serve his guest.

      Balancing the tray, Lan Zhan walked back towards Wuxian and was pleased to find him well acquainted, sitting comfortably as though he himself lived there. He didn't know why but the picture of Wuxian in his lonesome home felt oddly right. It seemed perfect in all honesty. Wuxian exclaimed in pure joy at the sight of the promised meal and couldn't help smiling brightly at Lan Zhan.

     "Ohhhh Lan Zhan!!! Truly you are a man of your word. Whaaaaaa!! This looks sooo good already! Thank you for the warm welcome my friend. I shall eat well." he went on already picking up his spoon and took a huge gulp of the hot broth.

   "Wei Wuxian!" Lan Zhan spoke in a reprimanding tone which Wuxian immediately knew was to keep him in check and eat slowly. He had come to learn that behind all Lan Zhan's properness and strictness, he was actually very caring behind his actions and Wuxian appreciated that. They ate as quickly as possible then proceeded with the purpose that brought them together.

    Heading out to the wide, open, green space, Wuxian covered his eyes for a  moment against the sunlight. Lan Zhan led them to the back where he usually trained and Wuxian was in motion for another surprise. The place was properly built for Martial Arts training. Equipment was placed in every corner to facilitate whatever Lan Zhan had set out to practice. It sufficed to be a professional training centre. Wuxian was in awe.

     "Whaaaa Lan Zhan, did your father buy you all of these? He must be really proud of you for being a martial artist that he wanted to enhance your skills even further!! How lucky you are! This is soo cool." he said as he went round inspecting each thing.
He totally missed Lan Zhan's grim face and silent click of the tongue.

'Proud of me?! Do not trick yourself Wei Wuxian. This is more of an investement than an act of fatherly love towards his son. The man never shows interest in my activities unless it is something that brings honor to the Lan' s name then he would invest in it. That was all it was.'  Lan Zhan thought, wanting to say but withheld himself. It was not of importance why his father had bought all of these equipments either for Lan Zhan of for himself right now. What was important was if they could put it to good use with the time given.

     Lan Zhan was deep in his thought when he heard a quick sound come from behind. Instinctively, he drew his sword from the rack and cut through the air in a precise manner. The sound of slicing echoed as the ripe plums fell to the ground in unequal halves. He turned to face the culprit who was scoffing with a smile. Lan Zhan glared at him unimpressed by his childish antics but tolerated it. They would have time to rest themselves out.

     "What are you doing standing there Lan Zhan? We don't have all day! Weren't you the one who said that we must make every minute count?! Stop wasting time and come fight me!!" Wuxian said provokingly as he drew his own sword and held it in his hands. He gave Lan Zhan a playful glare which turned serious in a second when he saw the sight of Lan Zhan gripping his sword tighter. It was going to be another tiring session.