Red Strings of Connections

Chapter 07: Having You is Enough

"Today is A-Zhan's birthday, so I thought of bringing him and see if there's anything I could give to him as birthday gift."

Lan Zhan, "I've told you brother not to bother."

Tiao Shun, "Hm? It's Second Young Master Lan's birthday? Then~ here's my gift!"

The three lads were puzzled at her claim, they all saw her gestures her hand towards Wei Ying and without saying anything further she smiles. Lan Huan blinks at first until something clicks on him, he smiles as well.

"I see," Lan Huan, "such a splendid gift Lady Tiao."

Wei Ying is more confused than ever, "Hm? But Sister Shun haven't—"

Lan Huan, "Young Master Wei, would you be so kind and explore the Caiyi Town with us?"

"Well... yeah of course!"

Tiao Shun, "Is that good with you Second Young Master Lan?" Lan Zhan nodded.

Both Lan Huan and Tiao Shun covers their mouths with their sleeves, suppressing a laugh which confuse both the lads.

Wei Ying, "What?"

Tiao Shun shrugged, "Nothing!"

Lan Huan, "Please excuse our manners Young Master Wei."

"Now let's go!" Tiao Shun who couldn't hide her smile started walking.

"Yeah let's." Lan Huan agrees, as he follows her lead.

Wei Ying, "What's going on with them?"

Lan Zhan, "You've gotten closer to Lady Tiao."

"Hm? Yea. Turns out she's quite an upbeat brat like me."

Lan Zhan, "You like her."

Wei Ying, "She's my disciple sister!"

"I see." Lan Zhan unconsciously let out a sigh of relief but then he realized it and question why he felt it.

Wei Ying beams after something piqued his interest, that he grabs Lan Zhan's hand and begun dragging him.

On the other hand, when Tiao Shun and Lan Huan witnessed this, they didn't stop it. After all they all have the intention to leave the two alone.

Lan Huan, "I never thought I see the day that you are all smiley."

"You think?" the two continue walking.

"Did something happen?"

"Nothing special. Brother Ying simply targeted me on his pranks, and I have short circuit so... I pranked him back."

"I see. I do hope I won't get prank by either of you."

"You sounded like you actually want to."

Lan Huan, "No, please I'm serious! I don't know if I could handle a prank!"

Tiao Shun, "Wanna try?"

"No, seriously, please no." Tiao Shun smirk and shook her head.

"By the way, how's QingHeng-Jun and Madam Lan?"

"They're both doing great, all thanks to Young Master Wei—although on how did he convinced father to get out from seclusion is eating me."

"Be careful, don't let it get you. There are things that don't have definite explanation. Furthermore, will exhaust you."

"True." Lan Huan looks at where Wei Ying and Lan Zhan are, and smiled. "A-Zhan seems enjoying your gift." Tiao Shun turns her head at the two, she frowns and confused which makes her to turn back to Lan Huan.

'With that face?! He is enjoying with that face?!' She questions internally. But just like what she said to Lan Huan just a moment ago, she didn't let it get her.

On how Lan Huan could figure Lan Zhan at all is one of Lan Clan's wonders.

Wei Ying, "The items on that store were all good Lan Zhan, you sure you don't want anything from there?"

Lan Zhan, "Mn."

Wei Ying, "Then... anything in mind? Today is your birthday so let's make it special."

Lan Zhan, "It is special enough."

Wei Ying, "How come? We haven't bought anything for you yet!"

Lan Zhan stare at Wei Ying who pondering his brain, and secretly smile as he remembers how Wei Ying would drag him around with huge smile and bright aura. 'Having you for today is enough.'

"Wei Ying." Wei Ying halted upon hearing his name and look at Lan Zhan. "Thank you!"

"Hm? Thank... you? For? I haven't given you anything!"

"Just thank you."

Wei Ying tilts his head as he went quiet and doesn't know why he is getting a gratitude, but slowly his lips curl up and then turn into grin.

'Pretty.' Lan Zhan mouthed, still staring at Wei Ying.

"Hm? Did you say something Lan Zhan?"

"Nothing."

"You sure? I'm willing to listen!"

"There's a restaurant up there. The food is exquisite."

"Oh! It is Lan Zhan's recommendation?"

"Mn."

"Then let's not waste time and splurt there! HIE!!!"

"Wei Ying?" Wei Ying is trembling uncontrollably, "Wei Ying?" a loud bark then was noises from nowhere, Lan Zhan have gotten worried.

This is the first time Lan Zhan sees Wei Ying all scare.

Another bark, another flinch.

Another bark, Wei Ying grabs at Lan Zhan's hand.

Another bark, Wei Ying apologized to Lan Zhan.

Another bark, Wei Ying was about to run but Lan Zhan pulls him instead of him pulling the latter.

Lan Zhan grabs a hold of Wei Ying's waist, keeping him close. Wei Ying without thinking grips on Lan Zhan's sleeves, fear is showing on his face.

"Why? What's wrong Wei Ying?"

Lan Zhan turns his head, not letting Wei Ying go. He looks down to see a puppy barking at them asking for attention. It seems harmless, but with just a bark, Wei Ying would tremble.

Lan Zhan tightens his hold on Wei Ying's waist, staring at the fluffy puppy, second by second the dog's ears turning down, the tail as well, then the head, and finally turn away, leaving them.

After securing there are no nearby dog, Lan Zhan gently calls for Wei Ying's attention, "It's alright now Wei Ying."

Wei Ying raises his head from being buried on Lan Zhan's shoulder to see it by himself. He sighs in relief, looking closer to Lan Zhan's face Wei Ying realized how close they are. Wei Ying jumps away from Lan Zhan, feel so embarrassed on his earlier display. He opens his mouth to spout either nonsense or apologies, but Lan Zhan grabs his hand and pull him as he walk.

"Lan Zhan?"

"You want to try that restaurant's food, right? I recommend the most their frozen desserts."

Wei Ying is shocked, he thought Lan Zhan would want an explanation but instead as if it never happens Lan Zhan guiding him to the upper part of the town.

Wei Ying grins and walks next to Lan Zhan, not letting go of his hand.

Later that day, Lan Zhan thanked Tiao Shun to her gift, which confuses Wei Ying again.