In the Shadows

Chapter 05

Wang Yibo's heart shattered into a million pieces as he cradled Xiao Zhan in his arms, memories flooding his mind like an unstoppable tide. The echoes of Xiao Zhan's anguished cries resonated deep within him, awakening painful recollections of the last words Wei Ying had uttered before his tragic demise. The weight of grief bore down on Wang Yibo, threatening to consume him entirely.

Gradually, Xiao Zhan's trembling form began to calm in Wang Yibo's tender embrace, finding solace in the comforting presence of his reluctant caretaker. The haunting melody that permeated the air seemed to cast a spell, lulling Xiao Zhan back into a peaceful slumber. With great care, Wang Yibo laid him down, tucking him in as if safeguarding a precious treasure.

Leaving the room with a heavy heart, Wang Yibo made his way to his study, a sanctuary of memories and contemplation. The walls were adorned with beautiful paintings, each brushstroke capturing the essence of a man donned in ethereal white robes, a white headband adorning his forehead. Beside him stood a young man, the spitting image of Xiao Zhan, his hair gracefully tied up with a lone red ribbon. The man in the painting held a black flute, embodying a sense of melancholic grace.

A weapon rack adorned one wall, displaying an exquisite sword with a blade as translucent as ice, evoking an otherworldly beauty. Beneath it rested another sword, its agility evident in its design, bearing the engraving of Suibian. Wang Yibo's eyes traced the weapons, symbols of a past filled with battles fought and sacrifices made.

On the grand oak desk, Wang Yibo's guqin resided, meticulously crafted from the finest wood, and adorned with strings that sang with ethereal resonance. A vibrant red tassel dangled from its side.

One entire wall of the study was allotted to a vast bookshelf, housing a trove of knowledge and secrets. Countless tomes lined the shelves, their worn spines whispering tales of forgotten realms and long-lost wisdom.

In this room, Wang Yibo sought solace, pouring over ancient texts, lost melodies, and fragmented memories. The weight of his past mingled with the hope of a future intertwined with Xiao Zhan, weaving a tapestry of longing and uncertainty. With determination burning in his eyes, Wang Yibo delved into the depths of his study, driven by a relentless quest for answers, resolution, and perhaps, a chance at redemption.

The soft melodies continued to echo in Xiao Zhan's mind as he awakened to a new day, a sense of longing filling his heart. To his surprise, the usual breakfast was absent, leaving him waiting patiently for Haikuan's arrival. The morning passed by slowly and Xiao Zhan found himself consumed by thoughts of the unexpected kiss bestowed upon him by Wang Yibo. It had been his very first kiss, a moment that should have held profound meaning, but the circumstances surrounding it left him feeling conflicted. He grappled with the realization that the kiss was not intended for him personally; rather, it was a result of his resemblance to Wang Yibo's long-lost love.

Uncertainty clouded Zhan's mind as he pondered the significance of that stolen kiss. How should he feel about it? Was it an expression of genuine affection, or merely a desperate attempt to fill the void left by someone else? The questions swirled within him, leaving him yearning for clarity.

As the midday sun cast its warm glow into the room, the door creaked open, and a member of the wolf pack, Hao Xuan, entered carrying a tray laden with a steaming bowl of soup, a freshly baked bread, plump berries, and a generous portion of deer meat. The tantalizing aroma filled the air, signaling a more abundant meal than before. Xiao Zhan cautiously approached the table, relying on his sense of touch and smell to navigate, while Hao Xuan placed the tray within his reach, mindful of his blindness.

"Hello," Hao Xuan greeted, breaking the silence. "I apologize for the delay in bringing your food. Master wanted me to bake fresh bread and procure the freshest meat possible for you."