It is the second day of the conference at Nightless City, and today, all the new sects are to introduce themselves if they have never attended such a gathering before, and it is a tradition that their host welcomes all those attending. In return for the honour of being invited here, everyone brings gifts for their host.

A host that is not in attendance himself.

Lan Qiren looks around the grand room, a different one to the banqueting hall and the reception room; this is even larger to accommodate the hundreds of guests arriving from all over the country to participate in what will be talked about for a long time, if only about the sheer amount of coin spent on holding such an event.

Each Sect is seated in their own section, and refreshments have been served. There's a quiet hum of low, impatient conversations, of people discussing the event and how much they're looking forward to the coming days, some for the chance to air their grievances to the Chief Cultivator himself, and others in great anticipation of the entertainment days, learning new skills and watching the competition, because even if everyone is gathered here under the fragile veil of friendship, the truth is, the Cultivation world is a cutthroat community of those forever seeking any advantage over their fellow sects.

In that respect, nothing much has changed in their hundreds of years of existence.

The grandeur of this cavernous room is truly overwhelming, especially to the smaller, newer sects who are wowed by simply being here, something Wen Ruohan was no doubt counting on. He's aiming to impress the newcomers and establish his right to his position as the Chief Cultivator - this event is designed to exact a political defeat over anyone seeking to undermine Wen Ruohan and cast doubts on his efficiency. But is that all this is?

One man waving around his manhood in an attempt to establish his dominance over all others?

Lan Qiren does not think so. Years of dealing with the political side of running a Sect, he can easily smell a rat. He hasn't felt comfortable ever since he walked past the gaudy golden gates of Nightless City, and this uneasy feeling has only increased, the longer he is here. And this is only the second day.

This hall is surrounded by tall and wide windows reaching up as high as the ceiling, from which excessively long Wen Sect banners hang down, all the way to the floor. Intermittently red and white, with embroidered flames of gold tipped with red, they tie in nicely with the silk drapes centred in the middle of the domed ceiling to reach the beginning of the walls, interspersed with gold to break up the red and white decoration.

Fresh carnations are woven into garlands and wreaths that adorn the gaps between the banners, and line the sumptuous red carpet that sits upon the floor in a straight path from the magnificent double doors all the way to the throne at the other end of the hall.

The throne that is still currently empty.

Lan Qiren hates that he wished yesterday had been a case of Wen Ruohan genuinely being busy, too busy to keep to his own schedule of hosting his own event, an occasion which should have been better planned for if he could not make the appropriate time to attend it himself. But it's looking like Wen Ruohan simply does not care for propriety.

Someone should say something.

Wen Ruohan's absence is yet another snub, another pointed insult to those who have made sure to attend, who have made sure to be punctual.

The rest of the Wen family, Wen Ruohan's sister, her husband and their two children, and Wen Ruohan's own two sons are seated on platforms lower than the Chief Cultivator's throne, and if none are affected by their leader's tardiness, at least Wen Tang Changpu looks uncomfortably embarrassed.

Then, exactly two hours after the ceremony was supposed to start, the great double doors open with an almighty clang, an echo that resonates around the room, and all eyes turn to the late Chief Cultivator, who strides in slowly as if he's doing THEM a favour by coming here.

Lan Qiren shoots an aggravated look towards his sister, who is surprisingly watching him back as if she's holding her breath. Lan Qiren hopes his eyes convey how angry he's feeling, and they must do so because she throws him an almost desperate look back, with an imperceptibly brief shake of her head.

If Wen Tang Changpu intends to address this, then Lan Qiren feels mollified. It's like drinking a cup of cold milk after eating a spicy bowl of noodles, and he nods before quickly diverting his gaze back to the man in question.

Wen Ruohan is wearing his most extravagant robes yet, all blazing in white with red and gold intricate embroidery of double phoenixes on his back, their wings spreading across his back to down his long, billowing sleeves. The front of his robe has twin suns cast in an eye-catching red and gold beadwork. Even his guan resembles a crown rather than simply an adornment meant to contain his hair, and he knows the gasps of awe are deserved and warranted.

Perhaps that was his intention all along, because as his gaze passes over Lan Qiren and the Lan Sect members, his cold smile deepens, turning haughty and cruel.

But he refrains from speaking, and continues on towards his revered seat.

If anything, that little display has further intensified Lan Qiren's distrust of him. He's unsure of what Wen Ruohan's intentions are exactly, but his instincts are telling him that it isn't anything good, and that Wen Ruohan intends to target them somehow during the coming days. But why or how, the answers to those questions remain elusive for now. Perhaps, if Lan Qiren can find an opportunity to speak with Wen Tang Changpu, she might be able to throw some light on this situation.

Lan Qiren hates being at a disadvantage, especially to someone like Wen Ruohan. And now he wishes he had not agreed to bring the children, including Lan Huan as well. They would have been safer in the Cloud Recesses.

He feels a small weight on his knee and looks down; Lan Huan, who has always been far more intuitive than others of the same age, has placed his little hand on Lan Qiren's knee. Without looking at him, his gaze is thoughtful as he watches Wen Ruohan ascend to his throne. Lan Qiren covers his hand with his own, glancing back to make sure his other two charges are still there. Wei Ying sees him looking and gives him such a bright, toothy smile that Lan Qiren is suddenly overcome with the urge to weep at his innocence. And WangJi is doing that intense thing with his eyes, staring back at him with the gaze of an old soul that understands far more than he lets on, a strange stubborn determination shining out from him.

And even if these three would have been safer back in Cloud Recesses, Lan Qiren is extremely glad of their presence here now. No matter what happens, he's going to keep everyone safe, if it's the last thing he does.

****************

Wei Ying takes Lan Zhan's hand and uses Wen Qing's method of tracing out characters so no one can tell what they're doing.

Wei Ying: Do you think Wen Qing did what she said she would, last night? She had to leave quickly after we showed her the list.

He giggles and has to bite his bottom lip because everyone is now silent, and it wouldn't do to draw attention to himself. But he can't help smiling when he recalls Wen Qing's face on seeing what Lan Zhan had written. But best of all, he's beyond glad and overjoyed that she doesn't feel alone anymore, and that he and Lan Zhan have backup.

It's not that he's a stranger to the many challenges he's had to face in both lifetimes, all of them enough to make a lesser person keel over and let fate take the upper hand, but it makes all the difference to know that there's three of them now, ready to change their world. He hasn't let himself think about what they're going to do, or how, until now, but there's finally a real chance that they might be able to succeed.

Lan Zhan nods, taking his hand and drawing his answer on Wei Ying's palm.

Lan Zhan: Yes, the ball of red twine had disappeared from the bookcase.

Wei Ying: I wonder why Wen Ruohan is late. It must be a deliberate move. But I don't understand why he would want to invite everyone here and then behave this way. He's got to know how insulting it is.

Lan Zhan: Maybe he's pushing their limits. Testing the waters. At this point, it's only us three who know what's going to happen in the future. All of these people would never have thought that one of theirs could turn on them to that degree, to go as far as declaring war on the Cultivation world as a whole.

Wei Ying: You could be right. But then, it feels like he's targeting the Lan Clan specifically more than the others, but I don't know why. Have you seen the way he looks at Shifu?

Lan Zhan: I agree. There is extra hatred towards Shufu. But it won't matter for long. We will put a stop to it before he can do more harm.

Wei Ying: Look out, here he comes. Wow, he really wants to impress everyone, doesn't he? He's gone all out with his robes, and all those hair ornaments. He's almost nothing like I remember him to be like. Do you remember how he died? That day, and with his hair loose and matted, sunken eyes, and that gaunt figure, it was easy to see how much his cultivation was taking him down a terrible path.

Lan Zhan: He might have looked skeletal, but he still had his golden core. I believe that's why he thought he could mitigate the effects of demonic cultivation by using his spiritual powers.

Wei Ying: This is gonna shock you, but I think your Shufu was right all along about the effects of that particular cultivation method. It does harm the body and the soul. A pity that no one could tell the difference between what I was doing and what he was doing.

This time, Lan Zhan takes his hand and discreetly presses his lips to the centre of his palm before sealing that kiss by clasping their hands together.

Now it's time to pay attention to what's going on here.

*************

The first Sect to come forward and salute the Chief Cultivator is of course, Jin GuangShan.

He rises from his seat with Jin ZiXuan, and an entourage of servants, about fifty of them, all wearing that distinct yellow uniform. The servants are wearing the same colours but their robes are made from hard-wearing jute and cotton, incomparable to the Sect Leader and his heir, both dressed in elaborately embroidered rich golden silks, their famous peony embellished with diamonds on the backs of their robes, bringing its name to fruition by literally sparkling.

They march forward slowly, Jin GuangShan giving everyone a good chance to look at him and his son, and view the lavish gifts he is going to present to Wen Ruohan. Each servant is bearing the weight of a casket; one is filled with pearls, another with the choicest of silks, one full of gold pieces, another of silver and so on.

"Lan Zhan." Wei Ying whispers, jerking his chin at the Sect Leader.

Lan Zhan looks to where Wei Ying is directing his gaze. Sect Leader Jin is actually parting his robes so that attention is drawn to his member. There's a certain bulge in his trousers.

Wei Ying looks like he's about to throw up. Lan Zhan gets that, because ew! He tries not to gag.

Jin GuangShan bows and is met with one in return.

"The Jin Sect are here to support Wen-Zhongzu in his esteemed role as Chief Cultivator. May you live long and continue to support the Cultivation world with justice in your right hand and truth in your left," Jin GuangShan bows again and waves a hand for his people to transfer over his gifts to Wen Ruohan's servants.

"Jin-Zhongzu well remembers our long relationship supporting each other. The doors of the Wen Sect will always be open to such an ally." Wen Ruohan says this without an ounce of sincerity, but cheers ring out in the hall nonetheless.

Wei Ying discreetly rolls his eyes at Lan Zhan and with his free hand, he writes on the back of Lan Zhan's hand: Both of them are such hypocrites. Does this set the tone for the rest of the day?

Lan Zhan nods without looking at him.

Then it's the turn of the Lans.

Lan Qiren stands up and goes forward with just himself, Lan Huan and Lan Da Wu, another senior disciple, with him. All three bow to Wen Ruohan, who bows at such an awkward angle, he might as well have not bothered doing it at all.

There are murmurings at such blatant disrespect shown so openly, but Lan Qiren is even more determined to get to the bottom of it. Inquiries must be made discreetly in the face of these passive aggressive moves. Why is Wen Ruohan behaving in such a manner? What has he got against the Lan Clan in particular, where he is deliberately singling them out to insult on purpose?

Lan Qiren still soldiers on, determined not to let it get to him.

"The Lan Clan respectfully celebrates the leadership of Wen-Zhongzu as Chief Cultivator, and we hope that together, we can thrive in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for everyone." Lan Qiren gestures towards Lan Da Wu, who comes forward with a wooden box. "I present a rare and beautiful incense powder designed to promote internal health and well-being. It has been produced alongside our best musical cultivators to enhance its effects, and I am sure Wen-Zhongzu will see great benefits from using it."

"Thank you," Wen Ruohan replies.

But when his servant goes to take it from Lan Da Wu, something happens and the servant fumbles with the box, accidentally dropping it. Incense goes everywhere, permeating the air with a most beautifully sweet fragrance.

To say that was embarrassing would be a severe understatement.

Lan Qiren isn't sure what he can do, but it all depends on Wen Ruohan.

"Clean that up," he barks at the servant who dropped it. "And then report to the prison guard, for fifty lashes. How dare you make the Wen Sect lose face like that?"

The poor servant nods hastily and gets on with sweeping up the precious gift, no doubt going to throw it away. Months of cultivation wasted by a single clumsy act.

Naturally, Lan Qiren is upset, but he's more shocked at the severity of the punishment given. He has to say something.

"Wen-Zhongzu is kind and benevolent," he says quickly, otherwise he will miss his chance. "The punishment should fit the crime, and perhaps fifty lashes is too harsh. I can arrange for a replacement gift to reach you as soon as it becomes ready." Lan Qiren bows again.

He cannot see a problem with anything he's said, and hopefully, this will save that poor unfortunate wretch from a painful experience.

"Hmm," Wen Ruohan says, staring back at Lan Qiren from hooded eyes that conceal whatever he's thinking. "So, are you questioning my leadership? And in my own Sect, where I think you'll find I am still its leader. My authority should be maintained."

"That was not my intention," Lan Qiren amends, not liking where this conversation is going. He hates being put on the spot like this.

"Then are you saying that the gift was but a mere trifle, and since another can be arranged speedily, as you so helpfully suggested, then perhaps it was not worth the value Acting Sect Leader Lan deemed to put upon it in the first place."

A verbal trap. Lan Qiren should have kept silent because there's no winning this battle - he's damned if he agrees, and damned if he disagrees.

"The Lan Clan will follow whatever the Chief Cultivator decides," he has to say, if only to save face for his clan in such an impossible situation as this, made all the more awkward by Wen Ruohan, absolutely on purpose.

"Indeed." Wen Ruohan replies as if Lan Qiren is a fly in his soup.

It's an awkward walk back to his seat, and Lan Qiren is feeling completely out of sorts. The Lan Clan has been ridiculed and embarrassed to its limit, and this is only the second day of the conference. At this rate, there'll be no respect left for them by the end of this farce. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place, with no way out.

The Nie Sect comes next to present their gift. Sect Leader Nie Xiongmeng, a tall and wide man, even without his battle armour on - though no one has ever seen him without it, and there's a running joke about how he came out of his mother's womb like that, ready to fight - and it's worth seeing this just for the uncertain flash of fear in Wen Ruohan's eyes as he acknowledges his peer. It is soon replaced by arrogance.

They exchange greetings and then Nie-Zhongzu offers Wen Ruohan a gift of three matching sabers, all with polished bronze handles, one for all three males of the main Wen family: Wen Ruohan, Wen Xu, and Wen Chao. They are of the highest quality, the blades refined and tempered for impact, shining with a gleam so bright, a person could see their own reflection on the surface while the handles themselves are engraved with wards protecting the intended wielders from harm.

Wen Ruohan is effusive with his praise.

And then the next Sect to arrive is the Jiangs.

*************

This is what Lan Zhan has been on edge about, privately in his mind, regarding Wei Ying's reaction to his former Sect.

They might not have anything to do with each other in this life, but for himself and Wei Ying, in their headspace, only a few months separate them from the reality of their past lives, and so it makes sense that Wei Ying would still feel the closeness between them and himself.

Lan Zhan is ready to step in and stop anything untoward happening, that's for sure. He is dead against Wei Ying feeling any kind of responsibility towards them, or any misguided loyalty because it definitely doesn't apply in this life. The Jiangs have not done anything for Wei Ying in this lifetime, and nor will they get the chance to, as long as Lan Zhan is alive. There will be no inappropriate debt collecting, not on his watch.

So he's alert and aware and notices Wei Ying stiffening when the Jiangs are called to present their gifts.

Jiang Fengmian and Madam Yu stalk in front confidently, one arrogant and the other deferential. Behind them are Jiang Cheng and Jiang YanLi holding hands, and behind them is their servant carrying the gift. It is covered in a purple silk shroud and looks to be in the shape of a tall birdcage, but it is impossible to know what lies underneath.

The Jiang family bows and exchanges pleasantries with Wen Ruohan and then Madam Yu glares at the hapless servant to come forward. The purple silk is ripped away to reveal a pure white lotus flower still rooted in a muddy, wet foundation. The flower itself is freshly bloomed, and even though there is a glass cover to protect it, the hall is immediately fragranced by its wonderful perfume, a heady, intoxicating scent that brings a smile to everyone's faces.

"This variety of lotus blooms once every ten years, and only at the midnight of the moon solstice. It is a rare gift because its perfume will enrich your entire palace within seconds of taking the cover off, and the fragrance will remain for a whole month. We hope Wen-Zhongzu is pleased with this gift." Madam Yu says.

But the moment she had started speaking, Wei Ying had shuffled closer to Lan Zhan, closing his eyes and burying his face in Lan Zhan's neck, his little heart beating so fast and so hard, Lan Zhan could feel it through his robes.

This is trauma. It's triggered by Madam Yu's voice, making Wei Ying distressed enough to remember his terrible past life at her mercy. Lan Zhan covers his ears so that her effect is lessened. But his own heart aches for his soulmate, and if he could erase her existence, then he would do it in a heartbeat, anything to protect his Wei Ying.

**************

Wen Ruohan announces that it's time for lunch which will be served in the banqueting hall in half an hour, and then he strides out of the room before anyone can ask him where he's going.

All his guests trickle out of the room behind him, no doubt assuming he's headed towards the same place he mentioned.

Lan Qiren is just about to ask Lan Zhan why Wei Ying looks so upset, when a shadow falls over his table and he looks up to find Wen Tang Changpu standing there.

"I usually take a walk in the rose garden before lunch," she says with an exaggerated wink aimed at him. "It helps with digestion. I'm sure even a great cultivator like yourself can see the benefits of light exercise before a meal."

Lan Qiren looks at the children under his care and is faced with a moral dilemma: does he stay with the children, or go and talk to Wen Ruohan's sister and possibly find out the answers to important questions?

The choice is taken out of his hands when Nie MingJue runs up to them and requests Lan Huan join the Nies for lunch, and then Wen Qing arrives with her baby brother in tow, offering to take Lan Zhan and Wei Ying to see the archery grounds for the competition in a few days, because boys like that sort of thing. Wei Ying perks right up and that is the deciding factor for Lan Qiren.

He joins Wen Tang Changpu, while his treasures go off in two totally different directions.

"I can see you care for your charges very much," Wen Tang Changpu says gently.

Her husband is walking a few feet behind them, close to give the impression he's with them, but enough of a distance that they may talk freely.

"There is another matter which I wish to address," Lan Qiren tells her.

"Not here," she whispers under her breath, and then adds louder, "Acting Sect Leader Lan, since you have a keen interest in gardening, may I show you the breathtaking rose garden our groundskeeper has cultivated? You remember how we used to discuss soil variants back in Cloud Recesses? I've been looking forward to showing you."

They have done no such thing, and Lan Qiren has never heard such a blatant string of lies in his life!

But his shock is enough to buy his silence, and they walk outside, past countless closed doors and hallways, alcoves with water features and drinking stations. More carnations decorate thresholds and balconies, and Lan Qiren gets an idea of how vast this palace really is.

Wen Tang Changpu makes a show of talking about the most inane topics, from which spoons she likes to use, to the colour of plates, ending on her extensive opinion regarding dinner aesthetics.

"Wen-Guniang-" Lan Qiren finally interrupts her, when they're surrounded by varying heights of rose bushes.

They're in a wide area with clusters of miniature rose bushes and trees in an arc, positively thriving with the weight of the perfumed blooms, in a multitude of reds, pinks, yellows and oranges. There are even some delicate mixes, yellow roses with pink tipped petals, and white roses that look as if someone had dipped them in red sugar syrup.

Wen Tang Changpu takes one look at his face and breaks into peals of laughter.

"Sorry," she says, gasping to catch her breath while her husband looks over at them fondly. "That was as much fun as it was necessary. Too many eyes and ears around us," she explains. "I had to make it sound so boring that no one would think twice about following us out here."

"A commendable job," Lan Qiren replies drily. "I assume you picked this place because it's impossible to crouch down and listen," he gestures towards the ground that they have a great visual periphery of, all around them. If anyone came close to them, they would immediately be able to tell.

"Exactly, A-Ren. Now we can speak freely," her expression turns serious.

"Then I must ask you, why is Wen Ruohan targeting the Lan Clan? What exactly have we done to merit his displeasure?"

"That's partly why I needed to see you," Wen Tang Changpu lowers her voice now. "You see, A-Ren, we are in grave danger. Not just my family, but the entire Cultivation world."

Lan Qiren looks at her in shock, really looks at her. Wen Tang Changpu has dark smudges under her eyes that she's tried to cover up with makeup, and worry lines that were absent when he knew her better, years ago. Can a person age so much in less than a decade? A cultivator of her strength should be able to burn away the signs of time passing with her golden core, which as Lan Qiren recalls, is quite strong.

"Wen-Guniang, explain yourself."

****************

Wen Qing leads the three boys towards the back of palace, and as they're walking past the kitchens, a maid sneaks out and hands her four steamed buns.

"Eat them while they're hot," the young lady tells them with a smile, "they're just vegetables," she adds when it looks like Lan Zhan won't accept one. She runs back into the kitchen from where a range of delicious smells are emanating, making their mouths water.

"Where are we going?" Wei Ying whispers to her. "Are we really going to see the archery ground?"

"Sort of," she says vaguely. "Same direction. Though people don't pay as much attention to us kids, we don't want to have to explain anything to anyone."

By the time they finish eating, and Wen Qing wipes their hands with her sleeves, and cleans Wen Ning's mouth with her other sleeve, they've reached the last door that will take them outside. But as Wen Qing opens it, they hear voices from the balcony above them, and Wen Qing lifts a finger to her lips as they press themselves against the wall so they can remain hidden.

Wei Ying gives up and hugs Lan Zhan tightly because he has recognised one of the voices. It seems there are two people up there having a private conversation.

Madam Yu: I did not expect to see you again.

She doesn't say it in her usual brusque fashion; she almost sounds kind for once. A deeper voice answers her.

"Nor I, you."

"Why are you here?"

"I do not know. My father has brought me here without explanation."

There's silence. The children don't dare to make a sound.

"I wish things could have been different."

"It does not suit a lady of your bearing to voice regret."

"That is all I have nowadays." Madam Yu sounds sad.

"Madam is forgetting her family. One should appreciate what one has been gifted."

"Will you lecture me now? After we have not seen each other in ten years?" There's a disbelieving tone, edged with impatience.

"You misunderstood. Madam has always had my blessings."

"Pah! What do I want with paltry blessings? Do not pity me!"

"Then I will take my leave first. Jiang-Furen."

"Wait! A-"

"You have lost the right to call me that. Farewell, Jiang-Furen."

There are footsteps fading away above them. Then more silence.

And then a sob breaks free.

Wen Qing looks over to Lan Zhan with incredulity on her young face, and an expression that reads "what the hell?"

Lan Zhan shrugs. All this time, he's been holding Wei Ying tight, rubbing his back and trying to calm him down, whispering soothing words in his ear.

When the second pair of steps recedes, that's when Wen Qing leads them out from the shelter of the balcony above them. She hurries along a path that leads around the back of the palace. Lan Zhan spots his uncle and Wen Qing's parents walking in the other direction, and he hastens his steps in case his uncle turns around and sees them.

This area is sectioned off and is clearly a herb garden. Wei Ying recognises some of the plants; there are ginger shoots and garlic leaves stemming from the ground, and mint bushes next to basil plants.

But Wen Qing clearly has another area in mind as they pass cinnamon trees and an old gingko grove, rushing past them to an abandoned place, overgrown with weeds and smelling rather questionably rank.

"Qing-Jie, what the hell?" Wei Ying asks, covering his nose.

"Don't touch anything. ANYTHING!" she emphasises, before pushing open the door of a greenhouse.

They shuffle in and look around. It's clear that this place was unused until a few months ago because there's only one set of footprints on the ground before they arrived. Someone has taken the trouble of cleaning out an entire section of shelves that will gain the most sunlight, and they've been hard at work.

The shelves are lined with pots of many various shapes and sizes, and Wen Qing has utilised all manner of containers for the sole purpose of growing a wide variety of smelly plants.

"Did you know," the lady in question says quite proudly, "that foxglove seeds can damage the liver? And all parts of the plant are poisonous? If ingested." She points out a mortar and pestle with a fine powder in it. "I'm also growing hemlock, Oleander, and Deadly Nightshade. But my favourite of all is that yew tree." Wen Qing gazes outside towards it, looking positively gooey now.

"Who'd have thought she could look like that?" Wei Ying whispers to Lan Zhan, earning himself a flick on his forehead. "Ow!"

"You don't understand. Yew berries and leaves equals sudden death. If you're going to do something, might as well pick the most efficient method. But I also have these!" She sounds full of glee now, as she lifts the wooden box off the shelf in front of them carefully. "I love them because you can add them to a meal and no one would be able to tell."

There are a variety of mushrooms growing in thick soil, and these babies are thriving. White, brown and black, these fungi look ordinary.

"They don't look dangerous," Wei Ying says, attempting to touch one, and his hand is slapped away at the same time as Lan Zhan pulls him back.

"What did I say about touching?" Wen Qing snaps, covering the mushrooms again, just in case. "These babies can kill on a huge scale. I'm thinking about drying them out and making a powder out of them. I think that might be less noticeable than tiny pieces. Either way, it'll be blamed on the kitchen staff, and it's not like they can pinpoint exactly who it was. It'll look like an accident."

"Mn. Our only problem is targeting the individuals who need to die," Lan Zhan says, utterly serious.

"Pull out your kill list," Wen Qing tells him. "We don't have much time."

"Will your poisons dissolve in liquid?" Wei Ying wants to know as they pore over the names.

"Probably. Who's first?" A fifth, very interested voice says, grinning with all his teeth.

Wei Ying exclaims, "Xue Yang! What are you doing here?"

************

A/N

Dear Beautiful Readers,

Don't hate meeee!! I just had to do it! All in the name of making up for no chapter yesterday, I give you not one, but two cliffhangers and a mystery!

Thank you so much for your comments, ideas and feedback in general, I truly appreciate everything. I do want to apologise for not responding to all of them because I don't want to give away anything even by accident, so please bear with me!

What do you think? Xue Yang wasn't part of the plan, but since when does he listen??😆😅

All my love,

Charlie

🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫