Wild Creatures

Chapter 143

Uncle doesn't call him out on it, either.

"While he is what nowadays would be called a 'catch', do not forget that you are, also." And then he ups and leaves, giving Lan Zhan a sense of disbelief.

What just happened?

He's still reeling from that encounter, when XiChen knocks on his open door and comes to sit in exactly the same place their uncle just vacated.

They look at each other, noticing the little details that have been slowly changing about them.

XiChen is wearing an engagement ring, and he seems more relaxed today than the days that have passed. Whether that was because of the stress from organising an impromptu wedding is basically over with now, or because of the events from the last few months, their lives have definitely resembled a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions.

"Are you ready, Didi?" XiChen asks him, smiling at the picture in front of him.

Lan Zhan looks calm and collected, embracing those two dear souls with the protectiveness of a loving father, like a lion protecting his cubs.

"Yes, I am, Xiongzhang." His answer is crisp and to the point.

"Good." XiChen doesn't say anything more, content to simply sit with him.

"Uncle just came to see me," Lan Zhan offers.

"Yes, I met him on my way here." XiChen looks amused. "I'm pleased for you that he's accepted A-Xian into our family. Uncle is becoming mellower as the years pass."

"A-Yuan and JingYi are our secret weapons," Lan Zhan replies. He doesn't feel nervous at all, just restless because he wants to be standing at the altar with Wei Ying, right now.

As soon as possible.

Juhua begins to fret, and XiChen helps to warm up their formula. Once both bottles are ready, he closes the microwave when it pings and takes a child himself to feed, after handing Lan Zhan a small bottle.

It's not long before the babies need to be changed again, and then they fall asleep straight away.

"They're such good girls," XiChen remarks, barely whispering. "And I believe that's your cue to get dressed. No time like the present."

"Is Wei Ying awake?" Lan Zhan lets himself ask only one of the many questions coiling around in his head like a pit of snakes.

"Yes, that he is. I sent Mo XuanYu up there to help him get ready, and then it's your turn. He said it's a younger brother's duty to make sure both of you look good today," XiChen chuckles, his smile always ready. "I can't believe you're getting married, Didi." And just like that, his voice becomes thick with happy tears.

"Neither Wei Ying nor I wanted to steal your thunder, Xiongzhang. If we had not found the girls, we were going to wait until after you and MingJue-Ge got married before thinking about our own one. Wei Ying mentioned that was why he wouldn't give me an actual answer." Lan Zhan says, going to his closet and taking out his suit.

"He's such a thoughtful Didi. I am lucky to have both of you in my life," XiChen replies, wiping at his own eyes. "And it's okay, WangJi. I understand, and so does A-Jue. Neither of you should worry about that. If the choice is between these darling little angels and getting married, I'm picking them every single time. And look at how useful my research was! Came in handy at the right time." He pulls Lan Zhan into a warm hug. "Now, let's get ready."

An hour later, after XiChen has taken the babies to Uncle Qiren, there's a timid knock on Lan Zhan's door, and Mo XuanYu pokes his head around it.

He waves his makeup bags in the air, hoping Lan Zhan will understand.