Walking under the heavy snow, he brought his furry coat closer to his body. White mist emit from his breathing as he tried to survey the road and get back to where he was. However, it was all in vain.

He was cold, a bit hungry, and the only thing that kept him warm was the white coat that wrapped him. The sound of a rattle drum thumping kept him entertained until he arrived at an alley.

He heard the shivering sound of a young child, presumably about his age. Huddling at the corner of the alley. He narrowed his eyes and found the boy was also wearing a coat but in dark red and is knocking off repeatedly.

'Got lost?' He reached out with his rattle drum, saving the boy from sleeping. He was worried; sleeping in the cold could make people die because of loose consciousness.

The boy looked up and he was struck. Beautiful pair of starlight eyes gazed at him, amber and silver met. His heart thumped weirdly in his chest as no words came out of his mouth. The boy looked at him for a few more minutes before a toothy smile made it to his face, once again, he was pummeled in the heart.

Sputtering with his words, he only shook the drum once. "For you,"

He waited anxiously. His hand holding the drum was numb until he felt something warm hold onto his hand. Looking up from the snow-covered ground, he almost melted on the spot from happiness.

The boy got up from his crouching position and is holding his hand tightly and emitting warmth. The boy's face still has that beautiful smile on with his pearly white and bunny teeth showing.

His hand was tugged. He snapped out of his daze with a little flinch and heard the boy's voice for the first time.

"Hello, pretty Gege! Thank you for the rattle drum!" Voice dripping with honeysuckle, sounded melodic like it was trained with perfect pitch.

He gulped, "N-no problem."

The boy smiled further, and his eyes can't believe how someone could smile so brightly and warmly. It brought different feelings. When his Xiong Zhang smiled at him, it was reassuring and familiar. However, this boy made his heart hammer against his chest and threatened to burst out of his chest.

Before he could speak, the boy spoke again. "My name is Wei Ying, waiting to get my courtesy name! What's your name, Pretty Gege?"

Again calling him 'Pretty Gege'. He was sure his ears are red from keeping the blush on his face, even though he could use the excuse of the cold and shivering weather.

Wetting his lips to keep the cold out, he spoke again. "... Lan Zhan, courtesy name Lan Wangji."

The boy or Wei Ying dipped his head to the side, curiosity colored his starlight eyes. "How old are you, Pretty Gege? Jiejie said only when you are six or decided from birth because of your status, we can get a courtesy name."

Lan Wangji flexed his finger and held up five fingers in one hand and one thump on the other that was held tightly in Wei Ying's grasp. "Six... Turn six one month ago. Have from birth,"

That got Wei Ying thinking and Lan Wangji found the sight endearing as well as beautiful. The snow fell onto the black fur and red thick coat, highlighting the paleness of the child's skin. Now that Lan Wangji thought about it, just how could they talk when they could freeze and die?

"He-he... Well, I'm five!" Wei Ying said heartily and Lan Wangji's heart melted once again in that cold winter

Before Lan Wangji could speak another word, he noticed a beautiful red and silver morpho butterfly drifting toward them, leaving a speck of red and silver trail behind it. He felt Wei Ying jump in excitement when he noticed it as well.

Pointing at the butterfly, Wei Ying grinned. "Pretty Gege, that's my Jiejie's butterfly. That means she or handsome Gege is here!"

Lan Wangji was worried instead. If this boy was found, wouldn't he be left alone in this coldness? Feeling a squeeze from the hand that grasped Wei Ying's, he turned his head to face Wei Ying again and his stiff face turned soft again. Maybe, he wouldn't.

"Don't worry, Pretty Gege! Handsome Gege is very kind, but he likes to ruin the mood! A real party pooper, really"

"Who are you calling a party pooper?" A smooth voice came from the front of the alley and a figure under a white Yóuzhǐsǎn (oiled-painted umbrella) emerged from it. An amused smile played on that person's lips with two more people behind him.

"Handsome Gege!" Wei Ying ran toward 'Handsome Gege' after he let go of Lan Wangji's hand

The teenager chuckled but let the boy collide into his midnight blue fur coat and brought the boy into his arms. Lan Wangji watched all of this while feeling his once warm hand numbly go cold.

Lan Wangji watched as Wei Ying patted the teenager's arm to let him down and ran toward him. Welcoming the crash as the teenager did, Lan Wangji stumbled back a bit.

Wei Ying's smile widened and brightened, something that seemed to never leave his cute and blushed face. "Pretty Lan Gege, this is Long Handsome Gege. Handsome Long Gege, this is Pretty Lan Gege!"

Lan Wangji gave the best formal bow possible with the limo of warmth practically clinching to him. "Lan Zhan, courtesy name Lan Wangji. Nice to meet you,"

The teenager looked mildly amused and shocked but he also gave a formal bow, the other two people followed him silently. "Long Xuan, courtesy name Long Wangxue. Nice to meet you as well, Lan Er Gongzi."

"Lan Er Gongzi?" Wei Ying sounded curious with his eyes showing wonder

Long Wangxue chuckled in his sleeve but he stopped and crouched down. "A-Ying, your Jiejie is worrying about you. We can send Lan Er Gongzi back with Haoran as his guide."

At that, Wei Ying pouted angrily. Lan Wangji who was watching this suddenly wanted to hide his face and his hands to stop himself from pinching those pouty cheeks and his face. Long Wangxue let out a long sigh with a resigned smile. The two people just almost identically have a problem keeping a straight face.

Wei Ying crossed his arms stubbornly, "But it's cold! Lan Zhan is my Pretty Gege too! Can't we bring Lan Zhan to go for the night and come back for the morning?!"

Lan Wangji really couldn't prevent the redness of his cheeks to flushed further

"But Lan Er Gongzi has his family waiting for him. I'm sure his Xiong Zhang and Shufu are over-worrying." Long Wangxue tried reasoning but somehow, Lan Wangjj think this was useless with how stubborn Wei Ying looked at the moment.

Wei Ying turned to look at him abruptly, "Lan Zhan. You want to come, right? I want to show my room, oh even Jiejie's cooking. Her pork wonton soup is to die for! Do you want to come?! We can send you back to the Lan Sect after tonight!"

Lan Wangji was contemplating deeply the pros and cons. The pros were that he could learn about his Wei Ying a lot more than the fact he was a cheerful little one and maybe his future in-laws as well. However, the cons were his family worried about him and that he might get punished for disappearing. But couldn't he use the excuse of due to the heavy snow, he was separated from his Xiong Zhang?

While Lan Wangji was dazed, he suddenly noticed the red and silver traced morpho butterfly sitting on top of Wei Ying's head. He looked at Long Wangxue who was patient with his reply, "Can we use the red butterfly?"

Long Wangxue's eyes widened but chuckled soon after with fondness. "No problem, Lan Er Gongzi. Haoran, Haori, you two will escort the two Gongzi back to our carriage."

He stood up and brushed the snow off elegantly, "A-Ying, please keep our guest entertained until I return. I will tell your sister to make extra pork Wonton soul, with no pork of course."

Lan Wangji watched as Wei Ying jumped in excitement and he can't help but feel warm about the excitement the boy felt and the weird fond look that was thrown at him by the teenager. Even if it was odd, it wasn't unpleasant.

Lan Wangji took the offered smaller hand and squeezed in appreciation. 'Wei Ying,'

"I will welcome you to our humble abode when we get there, Lan Zhan!"

Lan Wangji almost smile at the happy rambling that wasn't unpleasant, unlike the way the elders like to do so. It was warming and unthoughtful, but no malice in them.

He followed the red and black-covered fur coat boy with two guards behind them, not expecting he would be welcome in such a warm atmosphere.

He watched as they went through the forest path that was lit up by the red and gold lanterns that weaved through the branches of the trees. Fireflies created soft glowing golden lights as they were attracted to the lanterns.

Lan Wangji turned his head to look at Wei Ying talking without stopping and Long Wangxue nodded from time to time. He was unfamiliar with them and may have been kidnapped but Lan Wangji knew better. He has learned a lot in Cloud Recess and one of the subjects he indulged himself in was Human Psychology and Human Behavior. It may not seem like it but he likes to be in the dark and observed everything that is happening. With his already quiet demeanor and reserved self, it was quite manageable to be forgotten in Conference Meetings or any other occasions he needed to attend as a Young Master of a prominent Sect. Moreover, he was quite confident with his skill as he had done it too many times in the two years since he started to learn it. Even his Xiong Zhang doesn't know he was secretly learning this particular subject. So when he was observing the talk between the boy and the teenager, he didn't feel any danger or alternative intention that may put him in danger.

"— Then, Mu Shūshū (Uncle) lifted the oar to bring up the Water Ghoul! It's super cool, Gege! Why didn't you tell me Mu Shūshū is a cultivator?!"

Now, Lan Wangji was a bit surprised. From what he gathered from drifting out and in of his mind, this Mu Shūshū is supposed to be the Head Butler of the Long Household. This meant the Long Household was either super rich or the man just retired to be a servant of this household. Either way, Lan Wangji found joy in pulling the mystery strings in his mind each time new information flowed from M H Wei Ying's mouth.

Rubbing his now-gloved hand together, he noticed the glove was silky and thick. Very good material for harsh winters like in the north.

He listened keenly when Long Wangxue talked after the teenager chuckled fondly, "Mu Shūshū is very good like that, A-Ying. Lan Er Gongzi is also a cultivator, am I right?"

Another thing he liked about the conversation was that they would include him even though he was awfully quiet for a child his age. He nodded with a smooth hum, "Mm... Learn to cultivate since five,"

Wei Ying suddenly jumped from his seat and grasped Lan Wangji's hands with eyes of wonder. "Really?! Lan Zhan must be very strong then! Can I learn? Jiejie and Long Handsome Gege are cultivators as well but they won't teach me!" he whined at the end of his sentences

Long Wangxue sighed, "A-Ying, you were four. Too young to learn and you were too mischievous. Your Jiejie said that you can't even sit still for one day!"

Wei Ying turned to look at Long Wangxue with a pout before letting a humped and sitting down next to Lan Wangji. Whilst Lan Wangji was amused at the dramatic disappointment shown by Wei Ying. He was unfamiliar with such an act as he was never like this, so boisterous and untamed. Unlike him who is so reserved and proper that make him seemed like he was made out of Jade Statue that came to life.

Lan Wangji patted Wei Ying's head consolingly, "Will teach Wei Ying. Wei Ying needs to sit still,"

Wei Ying's eyes brightened then before. He found this pair of eyes and smile to be irresistible and contagious with how he fought his inner self to stop smiling as well. Without wasting another time, he went on to explain the concept and found something new about Wei Ying.

The boy can't just sit in one place. Lan Wangji looked at Long Wangxue who gave him a look of 'told you so'.

"Wei Ying, meditation require you to sit still with crossed leg and breath steadily." He reprimanded softly when the boy quickly slack

Wei Ying sat in a proper posture again and tried to do the breathing technique Lan Wangji taught him a minute ago.

So from the ride back from Yiling Town, Lan Wangji taught and adjust Wei Ying's sitting posture while Long Wangxue would chime in from time to time. Before they even know it, a knock was heard on the wooden carriage and Long Wangxue lifted the flap.

With the help of Lan Wangxue, Lan Wangji gracefully landed on the smooth pavement. He watched as the wooden craved gate opened and almost gasped when the foyer and the garden came to view.

It was big. Bigger than the ancestor hall of the Lan Sect or even the training field. The dark rooftop was covered with heavy snow making it seem to be blending in with the surrounding forest. The courtyard is lit up with lanterns just like the road they came from, illuminating each curve and arc of the rooftop. The pavement was cleaned from the snow as the garden was covered with them. The only color in the garden was the Méihuā Shù (Plum Blossom Trees) and another younger child dressed in red and an old man in a dark blue coat.

The child welcomed them with a smile, "Steward Ming, please heat the stew."

The old man, Steward Ming, bowed and went to the kitchen. The child still smiled but Lan Wangji quickly found it became ominous.

She spoke again, "A-Ying, come here."

Wei Ying made a pitiful howl behind his throat as he walked up to the steps. Before Lan Wangji could react, Wei Ying's already reddened ear is grabbed.

She softly scolded with a stern voice, "You young man is in big trouble, do you know that? If it weren't for my Chì Jiá (Crimson Butterfly) notifying me when you separate from A-Xuan. What do you think would happen? Huh? Are you cold? Do you need a heat blanket? How many? Ling'er, bring two heat blankets!"

Lan Wangji was stumped by the sudden different attitude as the maiden who seemed to be a bit younger than his Xiong Zhang fussed over Wei Ying. He looked up to Long Wangxue who only smiled ambiguously.

"And you! Why are you kidnapping a child? I thought you knew better, A-Xuan!" Her attention was directed to Long Wangxue with a glare

He raised both of his hands in defeat, "Calm down a bit, Yang'er. Lan Er Gongzi here agreed to stay here for the night, am I right?"

Lan Wangji nodded immediately when he felt the pair of fierce eyes directed at him. It was scary, he admitted. So scary but so caring at the same time. This reminded him a bit of his Shufu but his Shufu wasn't this overprotective nor this overbearing. He wondered idly how much they go through to get such a reaction.

He observed as the maiden calmed down and ushered them into the foyer with little complaints. It seemed to be something Wei Ying and Long Wangxue got used to as they just shook their head and followed her direction. Without knowing what to do, he sat down on the chair of the round table and observed silently while listening to Wei Ying's rambling again.

The interior is not too luxurious, modest, and elegant even as some expensive porcelain vases were put on display. The wooden structures seemed to be made out of rosewood and sandalwood with the incense burner burning with the pleasant smell of rosewood. A scent that would go well with his Muqin's sandalwood scent that she very much preferred.

'Should I buy some for Muqin?'

"Lan Er Gongzi," He looked up to see Wei Ying's sister holding a bowl of stew. "This is Wonton soup, without pork of course as I heard the Lan Sect don't eat meat. I hope this is to your satisfaction."

He tentatively scooped a spoon full of the soup and hummed in appreciation and wonder as flavor exploded in his mouth. It wasn't any he had eaten before, not in Cloud Recess where the food is healthy but bland. Now he wondered if he could ever be survived at his home without tasting something like this once again.

"How is it? Yummy, isn't it?" Wei Ying asked gleefully and Lan Wangji nodded silently, dutifully not talking when eating.

Conversation flowed naturally as Lan Wangji got to know the maiden named Feng Yang, courtesy name Feng Wuyou. And two years older than his Xiong Zhang. Very much indicating she is married and possibly to the older teenager in front of him.

Although it did surprise him, it wasn't unusual for parents to arrange a marriage between close friends; especially for those wealthy families that wanted connection. Though he doesn't know much about how arranged marriage worked and only heard of the one between the Jin and Jiang Sect.

He listened to Wei Ying's rambling as he finished eating his soup before dutifully answering some questions assaulted at him by the eating Wei Ying. This boy is very much energized and will not go to sleep.

However, he very much loved this situation and before he knew it, he was already changed into Long Wangxue's old sleepwear. Not too loose, not too tight. It was a perfect fit and he wondered how the servants even know his size.

Putting his sacred forehead ribbon down on the table, he brushed his hair and tried to braid them as his Xiong Zhang did. However, he missed a strand and he has to redo it one more time before satisfied with the result. Tying his forehead ribbon around his left arm for security so no one can touch it. He climbed up the bed before a nod made him pause halfway up there.

"Lan Er Gongzi? Can I come in?" Lan Wangji recognized the voice, it was the same smooth voice he heard before

With a humped, he jumped off the bed and went to open the door. Long Wangxue was holding an incense burner and Lan Wangji immediately identified the smell.

"Sandalwood?" Lan Wangji let the teenager in, he observed as the young master placed the incense burner down

Long Wangxue nodded with a hum, "I don't know what kind of scent you prefer, so I pick up the one that has the same scent on your clothes. I heard from my *Gūmǔ that every Lan disciple would meditate before going to bed. So I hope this would help with calming your mind,"

Lan Wangji's interest piped. If Long Wangxue's Gūmǔ know of such routine that only the Lan Family knew, something definitely point that the teenager is his relatives. Although he don't remember any married-in maiden have the surname Long, he would have the pleasure if researching.

Giving a thank and a formal bow toward each other, Lan Wangji inhaled the scent softly before finally smiling for the first time.

Today he accomplished many things. And one of them was to make a friend he desperately wanted.

Now, it to figured what relationship he have with Long Wangxue and keep his friendship between Wei Ying.

Snow continued to descend to the ground as he listened to the scolding of his Shufu, carefully gripping his fist under his billowing sleeves. His eyes trained on the wooden table, and he suddenly realized he was starting to zone out, and it wasn't a good thing.

Lan Wangji nodded dutifully when his Shufu asked if he understood everything he had said.

"Get up then, don't repeat the same mistake. Someone could have kidnapped you if it weren't for Long Gongzi. Do you need anything?" It was always like this. One minute, his uncle was scolding him. Now he is gently asking if he needs anything.

Lan Wangji shook his head negatively. He already had everything in his hand. A way to communicate with his Wei Ying and the item along it.

He made a formal and perfect bow, "Sorry, Shufu."

His Shufu, Lan Qiren, understood the silence after the soft apologies and he dismissed his nephews. He was worried, and Lan Wangji knew. From the way his Shufu immediately fast-walked down the flight of stairs and crumpled off his robe's sleeves earlier.

With another bow, Lan Wangji went out of the Hanshi and encountered his brother. Lan Wangji's tensed body melted under the soft and worried gaze of his brother.

Just like a proper Lan, he formally bowed again but his brother stopped him midway. "Stand up, Wangji. You don't need to do this,"

'No, I need to do this. Shufu will be angry,' He thought but straightened up and looked at his brother with questioning eyes.

His brother read his face with ease and answered with a gentle smile, "Just worry about you, Wangji... And I'm sorry for not noticing you were gone that time,"

This time, Lan Wangji shook his head. "No worry. Also, meet a friend."

Lan Xichen's eyes lit up and he asked wondrously, "Oh? I'm glad then, I hope you still want to keep in touch."

Lan Wangji indeed did find a way to do so with the fastest procedure he could ever hear of. Nodding in confirmation to reassure his brother, he was led to the back mountain while listening to his brother elaborating on everything that happened after he disappeared from his sight. He started to feel ashamed that he hadn't reconsidered that his brother might or may not stay up all night with wide eyes in bed, staring at the ceiling, being worried and anxious about a lot of possibilities that could happen to him. And how he knew this, was the way his brother has subtly leaked his weariness and concern from his face. He should have asked Wei Ying's sister to send a separate butterfly to his brother, shouldn't he?

Nonetheless, he enjoyed the walk back to the chamber where they shared until he reached a rightful age to own his chamber like his Shufu. Listening to his brother and watching as the snow fell.

When they arrived back at the chamber, Lan Wangji took off the fur coat that got wet on the clothing rack and got changed. When he came out, he was wearing a dry one and sat down in front of his brother.

Lan Wangji greeted, "Xiong Zhang,"

Lan Xichen smiled more genially, "Wangji, may I know his name?"

Lan Wangji instantly gave his brother and Lan Xichen's smile turned amused as he sipped his tea. With one eye opened, he spoke again. "No need then, there will be time."

Lan Wangji wasn't one bit amused or comfortable with the fact that his brother wanted to meet his Wei Ying. He knew his brother was more friendly, more sociable, more keen to show emotions, and more keen to interact. He doesn't like it. What if Wei Ying wanted his brother more? What if his brother gets to call Pretty Gege as well? His thoughts horrified him.

Lan Wangji gripped the teacup and drank the content. Not minding it was a bit hot as he needed to calm down from his thoughts. He didn't mind his brother. He knew his brother was just enjoying the tea and scrutinized as his face changed subtly. Besides, it would do him no good to look at his brother at the moment. Brother's teasing ability came from their mother who loved to do just that if she wasn't writing poems or singing her hometown songs.

Lan Wangji felt his mouth go dry even though he had just drunk tea. The thought of his beloved mother made him depressed. She died a month ago, and he only got to see for one time a month because of the damn rules and restrictions.

Looked like he needed to investigate further if he wanted to know what had happened to his mother before he or his brother were even born. Just what kind of misdeed resulted in her being imprisoned? He knew his mother wasn't sick, he could feel it because he secretly learned apothecary and healing. When he pretended to play with her dragon jade bangle, he could feel his mother's health fine and her spiritual energy in full vitality. Even though it was somehow restricted. He only learned the skill because he wanted to surprise his mother. However, he got more than he should have gotten. He has kept quiet since then. He was suspicious but he can't do anything about it yet. Not when the elders were pressing and annoying.

Drinking the tea to calm himself down, he was brought out of his trance when he saw a silver and jade hair stick. His breath stuck in his throat. Raw and parched again. He looked back at his brother with shock painted on his face. Only for his brother to smile and show him another hair stick. This is his favorite.

"I know you miss Muqin, take it." He had to look at his brother to make sure what his brother was saying.

Lan Xichen had only smiled at him sympathetically, "I'm your brother and it's my responsibility to give you happiness. Even if it meant I needed to sacrifice my position."

Lan Wangji immediately shook his head frantically while grasping his brother's hand. Hoping for his brother to know he doesn't want any of that through his actions and eyes. Although he could talk, he preferred to stay muted as it consumed a lot of his energy and he just came back from a trip. Lan Xichen read him perfectly as he placed his hand on his smaller one, tightly gripping them with a smile.

A kind of smile that suggested Lan Wangji can't do anything with it, "Okay, okay I won't do that. But my words still stand,"

Lan Wangji felt exaggerated as he knew that look of unyielding and stubbornness of his brother, meaning the older won't take any persuasion and puppy eyes. Though Lan Wangji doesn't know how to do that in the first place. Moreover, he knew that stubbornness can't be broken easily unless he started to be stubborn as well which doesn't result well. Even if it doesn't happen before and he thinks it never will.

Letting go of Lan Xichen's hands, Lan Wangji took the one on the table and inspected both of them. They were their mother's treasured hair stick, not even his father's courting hair stick could compare to them. Maybe it was because of the way the hair stick was held in his hands or the way it illuminated under the candlelight, or it originated from his mother's homeland. He has always adored them as long as he can remember and would take any opportunities given him if his mother wasn't wearing them.

Lan Wangji looked at his brother before placing the one with green jade bead and silver tassel on his hand. "Have one, Xiong Zhang."

Lan Xichen was flabbergasted and asked concernedly, "Are you sure, Wangji? I know you like them,"

Lan Wangji nodded determinedly. He watched as his brother took the hair stick before going back to the one he chose. This one is with a piece of round jade circled by the silver body of the magnificent dragon. He twisted the hair stick thoughtfully, appreciating the style before noticing something when he traced his hand over the edge of the hair stick. Holding it to get a better look, he saw a character, possibly an ancient phrase as he didn't know it. It was faded, and almost can’t be seen by the ***** eye but Lan Wangji touched the edge. Pressing onto the strokes, Lan Wangji memorized them by heart before he heard movement.

Looking up at his brother, he saw him fixing his robe before smiling at him.

Lan Xichen replied to the silent question, “You must be tired from the travel and Shufu’s scolding. I will leave first to attend my class. You can rest, Wangji.”

As a good younger brother and A Lan, Lan Wangji gave his brother a formal bow and watched as he disappeared into the snow with a new and dry coat. When he felt it, the warmth around his neck.

Hurriedly looking around, he took out the pendant of the necklace. The slight tug of the silver necklace chain and the pendant of two feathers circling a clear pearl now gleamed with blue light. The same blue light that he imbued with his spiritual energy. The same necklace was given to him to let him get in contact with his Wei Ying and the two older siblings who were married to each other. The same necklace is made from rare silver jade metal and clear pearls that are said to haul from the eastern sea. The same necklace that only has seven pieces in the whole world. Two of them knew of his password and taught him how to turn it into his spiritual items and even gave him instructions to follow.

With the lessons learned by heart, Lan Wangji let out a wisp of his spiritual energy that coated his finger and pressed onto the clear pearl that illuminated his spiritual energy. Feeling a foreign spiritual energy raised from the pearl before a clear image manifested. He inwardly smiled at the familiar mischievous smile and was a bit regretful that his cultivation wasn't high enough to allow the image to be bigger.

“Lan Zhan?! Can you hear me? This is from Jiejie’s Tōngxùn Zhēnzhū (communication pearl)!” A joyful voice rang from the pearl and Lan Wangji hummed closely to it

Wei Ying from the other side giggled at the successful communication as he held the necklace close to his mouth. “Good! Good! Lan Zhan, do you know what Jiejie said after you have gone?”

Lan Wangji indulged the younger with another hum and an instant reply shot up, “Jiejie said she would give me one if I successfully control my spiritual energy! Isn't it amazing?! You have to reply to me every single time!”

When Lan Wangji heard laughter from the other side, he stopped moving around and settled on his bed with a few more pillows he took from his brother’s bed. He would give them back anyway. Moreover, the laughter. It was beautiful as he remembered from last night and it reminded him that he wasn’t hallucinating.

He loved this. Even if he has to hide the fact he could communicate like this, he doesn’t mind the slight inconvenience. He made a friend and would love for it to continue without a hinge. The worst that could happen was for someone to assume he was possessed and is talking to himself.

“Wei Ying can send a message,” Lan Wangji suggested as he looked at the mole under Wei Ying’s mouth

The lips turned into a full-blown pout and Lan Wangji wanted to pinch both cheeks but they weren’t physical, only an illusion made from the pearl.

Wei Ying’s voice turned a bit angry, “But that is too slow! Even if my message bird is fast, it would take at least a week to get to you!"

Lan Wangji raised his brow at that, “Don’t your sister tell you the function?”

“What function? Wait! Don't tell me this can send messages!?” Wei Ying shouted in surprise and awe. Lan Wangji agreed with the reaction, he too was shocked when he heard of it.

Lan Wangji placed the pendant a bit further away from him when he heard the shout, not expecting it would be loud. After confirming Wei Ying had calmed down a bit, he started to explain as short words as possible but still came out as sentences.

Lan Wangji wanted to pat himself on the back for being able to explain the functions and instructions for a few minutes straight without being thirsty. He watched as Wei Ying’s mouth moved into as interesting shape as it possibly could while asking some questions.

For the rest of the morning, Lan Wangji sat on his bed and indulged his friend with anything they could talk about as possible.

At that time, Lan Wangji’s chest filled with explicit warmth and utter contentment. Even if he needed to keep this item under wrap forever, it wouldn't be a bad thing after all.

For the first time in his life, Lan Wangji’s lips twisted into a peaceful and beautiful small smile, visible to the ***** eye.