Whispers of the Jade Lotus
Chapter 7
Lan Yueming
(to himself)
He hides it well… but his heart is genuine.
Wei Lianfeng looks back at Lan Yueming, catching his gaze. There’s a moment of unspoken understanding between them.
Wei Lianfeng
What? Did I impress you?
Lan Yueming
You’re unpredictable.
Wei Lianfeng
(laughing)
I’ll take that as a yes.
Night falls, and the townsfolk gather by the river to release lanterns. Each lantern represents a wish or a memory to honor. Wei Lianfeng nudges Lan Yueming as they watch from the bridge.
Wei Lianfeng
Ever made a wish before?
Lan Yueming
Wishes are fleeting. Actions bring results.
Wei Lianfeng
You’re hopeless. But hey, just this once, try it. Humor me.
Wei Lianfeng hands him a lantern. Lan Yueming hesitates but finally takes it. They release their lanterns together, their hands brushing briefly.
Wei Lianfeng
See? That wasn’t so bad.
(As their lanterns drift down the river, Lan Yueming glances at Wei Lianfeng, the soft glow of the lanterns reflecting in his eyes. For a fleeting moment, Lan Yueming feels an unfamiliar warmth, one that both unsettles and intrigues him.
Later, as the festival winds down, the two sit by the riverbank, away from the crowd.
Wei Lianfeng
You know, you’re not as cold as you pretend to be.
Lan Yueming
And you’re not as reckless as you act.
(Wei Lianfeng chuckles, lying back to gaze at the stars.
Wei Lianfeng
Careful, Lan Yueming. At this rate, I might start thinking you like me.
Lan Yueming doesn’t respond immediately, his gaze lingering on Wei Lianfeng.
Lan Yueming
Perhaps… I don’t dislike you.
Wei Lianfeng freezes, surprised by the candid admission. He quickly recovers with a grin, but his heart races.
Wei Lianfeng
I’ll take that as a win.
They sit in comfortable silence, the bond between them growing stronger as the night deepens.
After the Lantern Festival, Lan Yueming and Wei Lianfeng decide to stay in the town's inn to rest and gather information about potential threats. The inn is modest but comfortable, with paper lanterns casting a warm glow in the common area.
Inn keeper
Welcome, esteemed guests. A room for two?
Lan Yueming
Two separate rooms, please.
Wei Lianfeng
(teasing)
Afraid to share a room with me, Lan Yueming?
Lan Yueming
(ignoring the comment)
Separate rooms will suffice.
Inn keeper
I'm sorry, but due to the festival, we only have one room available.
Wei Lianfeng
😏
Looks like fate has other plans.
Lan Yueming
😮💨Very well. We'll take it.
The room is small, with a single bed and minimal furnishings. An awkward silence fills the space as they unpack their belongings.
Wei Lianfeng
You can have the bed. I'll take the floor.
Lan Yueming
There's no need. We can share the bed.
Wei Lianfeng
😏 Sharing a bed? My, my, Lan Yueming, I didn't know you were so forward.
Lan Yueming
😳It's simply practical. Nothing more.
Wei Lianfeng
(smirking)
If you say so.
As night deepens, both lie awake, the tension between them palpable. Wei Lianfeng breaks the silence.
Wei Lianfeng
Lan Yueming, can I ask you something?
Wei Lianfeng
Why are you so determined to uphold the clan's strict codes? Don't you ever wish for... more?
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