Lan Zhan engulfed Xian in a warm hug. At this moment, it didn't matter if they were being watched. All that he wanted was to whisper words into Xian's soul. 

"You did it, Wei Ying. You achieved your dream."

Lan Zhan could feel Wei Ying's body tremor in his arms. The younger man was crying softly into his shoulders. The adrenaline was finally waning, and the latter just wanted to let it all out. 

"Wei Ying-"

"You came." It wasn't a question, and Xian still hadn't looked up. 

"How could I not be here? It was your final match. Although I missed the majority of it, but I saw your winning goal. Well done. Your sensei is very proud of you."

At that, Xian glanced up with a smile and tear-filled eyes. Next to join them was JC, who placed a warm hand on Xian's back and turned and gave him a hug. 

JC pulled Jun into a hug too, including him in a group hug, and soon the rest of their team joined them. 

Loud cheers were in order, and after a very long time, Jun got the chance to feel this atmosphere again. No words were exchanged; no one asked him any questions for now; they just accepted him. Periodt.

"Alright boys!" Chen grinned. "It's time for you all to freshen up and get back to the presentation ceremony, because after that, we have the whole night to partyyyyy!"

Chen's eyes met Jun's, and they were genuinely happy to see the latter. It has been years since Jun was a part of such clout. 

"The most valuable player award goes to Jiang Cheng!" Jessie announced it, and JC joined him at the podium.

"Congratulations, Jiang Cheng; you are the one who has scored the most goals this season. What would you like to say?" 

"Thank you, Jessie. If it weren't for my team, which had faith in me, it would have been difficult to score. They trusted my instincts and judgements. I also had some wonderful assistance from our captain, and my biggest support will always be my brother, Xian." 

"What do you have to specifically say about the game today? The first half must have been worrisome."

"Yes, it was. We are all so attuned to playing with each other, so when it comes to defence, we always rely on Xian and Victor, with wonderful assists from Ken. They are a solid team back there. 

"Tonight, Ron played well too. For a rookie, I can see him going places. He saved many goals too, so it was best for us that we didn't have a wide gap to fill."

"Were you all confident that Xian would be playing in the final half?"

"Yes. That man breathes and survives purely on his game. We knew he had his reasons for getting delayed, and we were all confident he would join us. 

"As you can see, he made amazing calculative moves, and we won the game. His goal at the end was one that would create a history of its own."

"Very well said, Jiang Cheng. I wish you and your future endeavours all the very best. Please proceed to collect your award from the Chairperson of the Asian Sports Association, Mr. Nakamura and our Sponsor Partner, TODs CEO, Mr. Troy Daniels." 

"Next, we would like to call upon the captain of Japan, Ao Tanaka to come here and accept the award for best strategy throughout the season.

"So, Tanaka, how do you feel at the moment? Coming so close to winning and yet having lost by 3-2. Did you expect the sudden change of scores in the final half?"

Giving them a cute dimpled smile, Tanaka shrugged and said, "It would have been amazing to maintain the score and take a lead, but we weren't surprised when we saw Xian enter the arena.

"Our team hoped that even if we wouldn't be able to score, we could play with our strong defence." Giving a chuckle, Tanaka continued, "It was just amazing how the final goal was scored. Xian leading his team to victory is well deserved."

"What would you say about the sudden change in strategy where he switched over from being aggressive to Hybrid?"

"Oh! That was amazing. Our forward, Kim, was absolutely astonished, and so were we. We should have anticipated, but nonetheless, in the end, we are all sportsmen, and we learned a few tactics today."

"What sportsmanship, Tanaka. Do you think next year you'll be ready for them?"

"Oh yes. We will be."

"Well, it was lovely talking to you. I wish you all the best for now and your future. Please collect your award from the Chairperson of the Asian Sports Association, Mr. Nakamura and our Sponsor Partner, TODs CEO, Mr. Troy Daniels." 

Jessie called out a few more players who deserved appreciation and awards. Finally, it was Xian's turn, and when he was called upon, one could hear his fans screaming his name.

"Wow! That's a lot of cheering." Jessie grinned as Xian joined him at the podium. "Let me start by saying, wow, what a game, Xian. None of us ever expected it to take such a drastic turn. Can you tell us how an aggressive player learned the technique of Hybrid, which is seen only in the NHL and never in Asian Cups?"

"For that, I would like to thank sensei," Xian smirked at the word, "Mr. Lan Wangji. He took me under his wing and churned out the talent I had within me. He motivated me to be true to myself and believed in my potential."

"Is that the reason you both were photographed together?"

"Yes. He has been a constant support, not only professionally but in my personal life too. I have been going through a lot, which again is known to everyone, and he has continued to cheer me on and stand by my side."

"Well do you think Mr. Lan would talk to us?"

"Jessie, if you ask him nicely, he will." Xian laughed, and Jessie joined him.

"Next time I want to interview him, I'll call you. Stand next to me, and he might be quite forthcoming."

"Sure thing."

"Thank you so much, Xian, for giving us insight. Congratulations on that lovely goal and winning a cup for the home team! We all wish you all the best for your future endeavours."

"Thanks Jessie. Much appreciated."

"Please collect your award from the Chairperson of the Asian Sports Association, Mr. Nakamura and our Sponsor Partner, TODs CEO, Mr. Troy Daniels, for the most promising goalie of the season."

The award ceremony concluded with a team photo, all of them holding the cup, and finally drenching the entire team with gallons of champagne.

The team was escorted to a private room, where they met their sponsors and other important delegates. As Xian met their last sponsor, it was Val who tapped his shoulder and gave the former a warm hug.

"You did well, Kid. We're so proud of you."

"Thank you so much, Val. Had it not been for you, I wouldn't have been able to play for the final half of the game."

"You're an amazing player. Of course, we would have allowed you to play. By the way, here." Val handed him an envelope and asked him to open it.

Complying with Val's wishes, Xian was shocked when he read the letter. It was on the official letterhead of the National Hockey League, accepting him as one of the prime members.

His astonished gaze met Val's fond ones, and Val gestured to him to check the next letter.

RED TITANS

Dear Wei Wuxian,

We are happy to announce that you have been selected by our prestigious team for the position of goaltender. We would like you to join the team before the next play-off.

Warm Regards,
Max Fuller
Manager,
RED TITANS

Xian was unable to believe these letters. RED TITANS were the top most team under the NHL banner.

"Xian, check out the dates."

When Xian did, he could not contain his gasp. It was dated even before his suspension from the two games.

"Val?"

"I was planning on handing these two letters before the finals, but I wanted to hold onto it. The amount of potential I have seen in you, I wanted everyone to experience the same."

"So, regardless of whether I would have won or not, I still got accepted?"
Xian was shocked.

Scratching the back of his neck, Val grinned sheepishly and said, "Yes. But I wanted you to go beyond your limits. You needed to see for yourself how good you are, and now you know. It is very different out there, and I wanted you to push yourself. Plus, there is someone who is here to meet you. He flew all the way from the US."

Glancing behind him, Val gestured for the said person to come forward, and when Xian met the said person, he was even more surprised, if that was even possible.

"Xian, meet the veteran goaltender of RED TITANS, Mr. Hugo Marc."

"Wei Wuxian." Hugo had an accent that would melt any human heart. "Congratulations. Great game."

Xian shook the legend's hand. "I have followed all your games. Big fan."

Yes, he was officially a fanboy.

The room had gotten silent as they watched the interaction between Hugo and Xian.

"Val has put in such a good word for you. We watched your games, and the team was pretty impressed with your abilities, and so I knew for the finals, I had to fly down and watch the game myself."

"And?"

"You were amazing. You could have done better, but nevertheless, you were still amazing. The tweaks here and there can be rectified once you join the team, and I'll personally train you. After me, if I can see the next prodigy for RED TITANS, it is you. Don't disappoint me, alright?"

Xian grinned and raised his fist for a fist bump. The senior reciprocated, and Xian made a commitment to be the best.

"I also have some people who wish to meet you." Val turned his iPad to face Xian, and the latter saw the entire team of RED TITANS congratulating him.

"Xian." The team captain, Leon, called out, "Congratulations. We're all awaiting your arrival here. We have our play-offs in three months. Get here as soon as possible."

"Sure. Will."

After a few more exchanges with the team, Val and Hugo said their farewells and proceeded to walk out.

Xian was unable to believe that this was not a dream.

Later that evening, as his entire team was out there dancing and partying, Xian received a call from Christian that the verdict in his case was out. The accused were now facing jail for life with no possibility of parole, and they had to pay Xian a compensation of 200 million dollars.

"Are you alright?" Lan Zhan was next to him, and Xian sighed deeply.

"I think I will be. Christian just sent me a message." He showed Lan Zhan his phone, and the latter gave him a hug.

"Yes, you will be."

"Lan Zhan." Xian whispered. "I'll be leaving soon." He turned to face the older man. "Up until now, it all seemed so distant, but now I'll be leaving in a few days."

"Mn." Azure tucked a few of Xian's wayward hairs behind his ears.

"Three years."

"Mn. I'll be right here."

"Promise?"

"Mn. Always and forever."

Amidst the dark and florescent lights of the club and away from prying eyes, Xian leaned forward and kissed Azure at the tip of the corner of his lips.

Lan Zhan finally smiled just for his Wei Ying, and Xian knew that his home was this man's heart.

Three Days Later

Except for Kiara, JC, and Azure, not many were aware of Xian's departure. He didn't want the paparazzi to click his pictures. Jeff and Christian were waiting for him at Colorado.

Kiara's baby bump was now quite visible. Placing a light hand on her bump, Xian whispered his promise to meet them soon.

JC, even though he was never much of a conversationalist, hugged his brother tightly. They had always been together. A solid team.

Lastly, it was Azure's turn. They didn't need to talk much. The last three days, the time they spent together, was enough for them.

After the match, Xian went back to the sanctuary and found out that the paparazzi were not allowed anywhere near the trails of the main house. Mr. and Ms. Lee were emotional to see him, as were the rest of the staff.

The animals loved him, and he knew Azure would cherish each one of them.

They spent their nights in each other's arms, but nothing more. They still kissed, but it was always either on the cheek or forehead. Both of them were in the process of healing.

"Lan Zhan."

"Mn?"

Xian wasn't sure what he should say. But Azure had other plans. Taking a step forward, he cupped Xian's face, placed a kiss at the tip of his nose, and said, "Live your dream. I'll always be waiting for you here."

"I will and soon I'll come back to you, my Lan Zhan."

The announcement was made, and he had to board his plane. With a final look at his loved ones, he raised his fist in the air in victory and walked towards his dream with new determination.

Dear Lan Zhan,

Each second I struggle,
Every second I feel like giving up,
It's your memory that cheers me,
It's your smile that thaws my soul.

Just like the eternal love of peonies,
I will be back.
Maybe in years,
but never far away from your heart.

Yours,
Wei Ying.

Hey there, everyone!

I am so glad that you've all come to love these two so much. Our boys have been through a lot, and finally they are on their way to realising their dreams.

Now, I, as an author, would love to seek your opinion as a reader. Do you wish for me to write volume 2 of this book, Hybrid?

Or, give them a sweet epilogue, and you all can be happy knowing that in the end, they got what they deserved.

But, before you make up your mind, let me say that in Vol. 2, if you choose, you will get to see the growth of both Xian and Jun in their respective fields. They will heal and grow, be humble, and along the way, make amazing friends.

I am planning on introducing more amazing characters and amazing plots that will be ice hockey-based, but then you have me to guide you. Each chapter will either be divided between Jun and Xian living their lives or each chapter will be dedicated parallelly, and of course they are and will always be together.

So, let me know!

Warm Regards,
LuvLaws ©️