Life is so fragile I learnt this fact when it was already too late. My questions forever and always remained the same, what did I do so wrong for all to hate me, except you?

You never hated me. Rather you named your entire existence after me.

Did I ever thank you?

~11 year old Wei Ying~

Jumping from a height and uncaring for the cool water below, my body hits the surface and I dive deep into the belly. Suibian in hand my gaze follows the darkness beneath and on finding the desired content I cut the lithe body in half and break the surface right in time to hear holler of cheers.

Shining brightly in my hand was Shijie's most loved lotus. Perched on a boat I place it on her lap and she bestows me her beautiful smile as always.

Coming up for air Jiang Cheng was next to hand Shijie another bunch of lotuses and the kids around clap their hands.

"Wei Ge, Wei Ge, can you get me one too?" A young kid enquires and giving her my toothy smile I yet again submerge into the pond and fulfill her request.

"Wei Ge," a sultry voice calls out and I look over my shoulders towards Li Fei, a young maiden of our age.

Swimming towards her boat I cock my head and with a grin ask, "What can Wei Ge do for you Miss Li Fei?"

"Can Wei Ge get me one lotus too?" Her sultry voice gets me a lot of cheers and thus leaning close I whisper into her ears, "Sorry Miss Li but the only ones I can give lotuses to are my Shijie and young kids. Strict rule of Jiang Cheng."

Suddenly someone splashes water on my face and I cough out. Clearing my eyes I find it was Jiang Cheng and thus began our water battle. No one was left alone. Everyone including Shijie were spraying water on each other. The pond was filled with laughter and happiness.

Little did I know in future it would be these few memories that I would remember forever.

"Hey," nudging Jiang Cheng's shoulders I smile "thank you for helping me with that situation back then."

Rolling his eyes he sighs, "Didn't do it for you, I was feeling bad for her. How can anyone have any feelings for you is beyond my comprehension?"

Grinning I tease, "Sad that she likes me and not you?"

"Whatever," moving away from my reach he walks ahead and I smile fondly. He acts tough but always the one to save me.

Just as we enter Lotus Pier at the entrance I find Miss Li Fei.

"Talk to her and be polite," Jiang Cheng cautions and walks away.

As she makes her way towards me I smile warmly and we take a short walk towards the lotus pond behind.

"I like you," her direct confession surprises me and I nod humbly.

"Do you like me?" Her question makes me take a deep breath and I look into her warm eyes. She's a lovely girl who would make someone very happy.

Just not me.

"Miss-"

"Wei Ge," moving closer to where I was she whispers softly, "I have a feeling that you're going to reject me."

True.

"Do you like someone else?" Ah, the age old question.

Surprisingly its not so surprising for children of age 10 and above to find their own life partners. Many by the age of 12 in Yunmeng are already married and by age of 16 have their own family.
(A/n: this is made up by me.)

"I don't like nor love anyone but my life isn't to be bound by just one soul, Miss Li. I don't think this heart has capacity to love someone else."

Oh the future would so prove me wrong.

"I am sorry Miss Li but you're better off finding a partner who will love and be true to you."

Smiling at my words she nods and we walk back towards the entrance of Lotus Pier. With a bow she makes her way towards the gates while I walk back to my eager siblings who were shamelessly spying on me.

"What did she want?" Shijie questions excitedly and I whisper loudly, "She wanted to know if Jiang Cheng would be interested in marrying her!"

Knowing that I am pulling his leg, Shijie joins me in for fun and implores, "What did you say?"

Glaring at me Jiang Cheng was ready to pounce at my answer, "I told her the day he stops admiring himself in the mirror and find time to look at other women, he might be interested in you."

"You! Wei Wuxian!" Hitting my ass with Sandu I laugh and hide behind Shijie who saves me from his anger.

Fond memories.

Your memories made me smile
Even in my darkest times
To have made you cry please forgive me
I have no words to comfort your soul
Maybe one day I will be back and we'll be whole.