"I will be honest, baobao. I do not think it is a good idea to visit Jiang-shushu today. Not after what happened last week," Lan Zhan remarked.

It was now Saturday. He and Wei Ying were having a late breakfast - well, second breakfast for the former since it was after 11:00am - while discussing their plans for the afternoon and evening.

Lan Zhan suggested that perhaps they ought to remain at home, feeling that it would be safer. However, Wei Ying wanted to go to Uncle Jiang's house for dinner as usual. They normally wouldn't be having this talk right now since the former rarely spoke during meals, but this was important.

Wei Ying drooped in his chair. "Maybe it isn't," he admitted. "But it would feel strange not to be there. The only time we don't go on Saturdays is if one of us are sick, or if Jiang-shushu or Yu-furen are, and that's not often. Besides, Wang Lingjiao might not show up again this time since we have a restraining order on her. Wen Chao's father and his friends probably won't either."

"We don't know that, though. As you said last Wednesday, a restraining order never stopped them before. Not if they truly wanted to get to the person they wished to harm," Lan Zhan commented.

"I know, but still. We haven't seen any of them yet this week."

"That is the key word. Yet. It is only a matter of time before we do. For all we know, they may be planning something dangerous."

Wei Ying sighed. "I know that too, Airen. We can just have Shijie or Jiang-shushu pick us up, though. Maybe even Jiang Cheng can. And they can always escort us if you don't want to leave the car here. Nothing's happened since Er-ge started doing both, after all."

Lan Zhan put down his cup of tea. "That is also true. However, that is another thing that worries me. It may not work for much longer. If they are spying on us - and they certainly may be doing that at this very moment - they could attempt to find a way around that."

"Well, if they really want to hurt me or both of us, then why does it matter if we stay home or not? I mean, I don't want us to get hurt. I don't want anyone driving or escorting us to get involved in any trouble, either. That's the last thing I want. But I don't want to let it stop us from doing what we normally do."

"I understand that, baobei. But I am not saying that we should let it stop us. Only that it may be best to postpone any visits for the time being. At least for a few weekends."

Pouting, Wei Ying laid his head on his hand. Fucking Wen Chao. He was screwing things up for him and those he loved in so many ways. Damn him!

He shoved his not-noticeably-eaten food around his plate and stabbed at it, wishing it was that asshole instead. "What if we invited everyone here?" he queried next.

Lan Zhan pursed his lips. "Unfortunately, that may not be a good idea either. They could be watching our families as well." he replied.

Wei Ying exhaled deeply again.

Taking his hand and gently stroking it with his thumb, Lan Zhan murmured, "I understand that this is frustrating for you. It also is for me. I did not say that we cannot go to Jiang-shushu's house, however. Only that it may not be wise to. We still can. But you know that we will have to be extremely careful if we do. Something could happen there also."

"Yeah. I'm just so tired of this shit. It's like we need bodyguards just to even peek out of the front door now, much less go anywhere. I hate it. It shouldn't have to be like this. None of it is fair," Wei Ying grumbled.

"No." Especially not to you, he added to himself. "We will figure something out. If nothing else, I can try to reserve a taxi for us. But I cannot promise anything. We may have to remain here. If so, I will make dinner special for you. I will cook whatever you are in the mood for. Perhaps even light candles. It will be your call."

"Thank you," Wei Ying said quietly, trying to smile. He appreciated that he would try to make him feel better if they were unable to go. A candlelit meal did sound nice. They haven't had one in a while.

Lan Zhan caressed his hand a second time. "This won't last forever. Everything will eventually calm down. It will get better after."

"I know. Well, I'll talk to everyone in a bit then, and let you know what they say."

"Mn. Please eat now, my love. You have barely touched your food."

Wei Ying called them accordingly once breakfast was over. Uncle Jiang had an errand to run in the afternoon, but he said that he could escort them again or pick them up afterwards if it didn't take too long.

Even though Jiang Yanli shared Lan Zhan's concerns about going to her father's house, she still agreed to do the same if they needed a ride. She also told him that Jin Zixuan could do it if they thought it would be better.

"I know you probably won't want him to, but you know that he will if you and I asked him," she added.

"Yeah, as long as he doesn't bother me. You haven't...you two haven't noticed anything...suspicious lately, have you?" Wei Ying inquired.

"Not that I'm aware of. I haven't been outside much this past week. I don't think Xuanxuan has either; he would have told me. Neither of us have seen those associated with Wen Chao either."

"Okay, that's good, I guess. I hope I can see you today, though, Shijie. I miss you."

"I miss you too, A-Xian. I will visit you soon if you can't, though. All right?"

"Yeah," he repeated. "But don't come if you don't feel it's safe. You know I wouldn't want you to if it isn't."

"I do, and I won't," Jiang Yanli assured him.

Wei Ying called Jiang Cheng once he had finished speaking to her. His brother was even more skeptical on the matter and reluctant to take him and Lan Zhan to Uncle Jiang's.

"I'm actually surprised that you're even thinking about going after Wang Lingjiao caused us all that trouble," he huffed. "But if A-Die or A-Jie can't bring you, then, sure. I suppose I can do it. I'll drive you two right back home if something crazy happens or any of Wen Chao's people show up on the way, though."

"Or you could, you know, just get out of your car and beat everybody up...as long as it's not Wang Lingjiao. Wen Qing could handle her herself. But you probably won't have to do that. They might run off scared if they see you. If I were them, I wouldn't want to mess with you or A-Ning after seeing that video," Wei Ying said, teasing a little.

Jiang Cheng actually snorted, and even Lan Zhan had to chuckle.

"They better stay away," the former muttered. "Well, just let me know. And tell me if you decide to stay home instead."

"I will."

Lan Zhan nodded when Wei Ying told him everything they said after hanging up his phone. He still couldn't promise that they would be able to go, but they would see about that later.

They spent the rest of morning and part of the afternoon before lunch in the study. Lan Zhan made sure that all of the paperwork from his job was completed or up to date. Wei Ying also had homework to finish, so he took care of that. He had only done half of it last night.

Nie Huaisang called to check on him after lunch. He knew that the past week had been tough for him, and he just wanted to know if he was all right. Wei Ying told him that he was at the moment. Nothing bothersome was going on. The day had been a relatively peaceful one so far. However, he would inform him if something came up.

Lan Zhan then practiced guqin for an hour. He asked Wei Ying if he would like to join him with his flute, but the latter wasn't in the mood. He simply wasn't interested in it playing it, though he couldn't understand why. He usually enjoyed practicing with him. He still listened to him, however. As always, his music soothed him.

It was just after four when Wei Ying's phone rang. He looked at the screen, then frowned a bit.

"Yu-furen is calling me," he announced.

Lan Zhan slightly rose an eyebrow. She never did unless she needed to discuss important matters, or if she had something to yell at him about.

Knowing this too, Wei Ying cautiously answered her. "Hello?" he said in a wary voice.

"Are you coming today or not?" Madam Yu demanded. "If you aren't, we are having dinner without you."

"Um...I don't know yet. Lan Zhan doesn't know if it's safe to."

"Well, you two had better hurry up and figure it out! Your shushu has already left for his errand ten minutes ago. He said he can pick you up or drive here with you when he's done."

"Oh. All right. Has he...has he seen anyone?"

"Not yet," she responded after a brief pause. "I told him to let me know if he does. He hasn't so far."

"Okay. Um...hold on a second."

Wei Ying then explained everything to Lan Zhan, who nodded pensively.

"May I speak to her, please?" he inquired while reaching for his phone.

He nodded and gave it to him.

Lan Zhan put it to his ear. "Hello, Yu-furen...Mn. He told me...That would be fine. As long as nothing happens. Have him return home, if so...Mn. Thank you...I will tell Wei Ying...Mn...Very well," he grunted.

After that, he said good-bye to her and hung up. "Jiang-shushu will pick us up soon. But only if it is safe. If so, we can get ready once he is here."

Wei Ying inclined his head. "Okay," he repeated.

They didn't have to wait long to find out if Uncle Jiang would come to get them or not. He sent a text message to Wei Ying minutes later, informing him that he may be there in another two. He needed to scope the area first.

The latter hastily gulped down half a bottle of Emperor's Smile. Not enough to make himself tipsy, but enough to settle his nerves. Even if nothing happened on the way to his uncle's house, something still could while they were there. After that, he shoved the bottle - as well as a full one - in his pocket to save it for later, just in case.

Lan Zhan pursed his lips when he noticed this, but chose not to say anything. He couldn't really blame him for wanting to bring a drink.

Wei Ying's phone rang with another text a moment later.

Uncle Jiang

I'm outside, but stay there. I am coming to get you and Wangji myself.

Wei Ying

Okay.

They were putting their coats on when there was a knock on the door. Lan Zhan opened it quickly. It wouldn't be good for him to linger out there.

"Hello, A-Wangji," Uncle Jiang greeted tensely once he did.

"Good afternoon, Shushu," he returned.

Wei Ying embraced him. "Hi Shushu. I'm guessing they weren't anywhere near here?"

"Not that I saw, A-Ying, but you never know either. We had better hurry."

Uncle Jiang took a close and thorough look up and down the street before ushering them outside. Lan Zhan insisted on driving his own car. As much as he knew that Wei Ying didn't want his uncle to be harmed, he also knew that Uncle Jiang would never forgive himself if something also happened to them on the way either. It was best to remain close, but separate.

He made Wei Ying get in first before doing so himself. Uncle Jiang stepped into his vehicle once he did, and they were off.

Other than a minor traffic problem halfway through the trip, nothing eventful occurred. They made it to his street without any trouble. Jiang Cheng's car appeared behind Lan Zhan's as they were parking. He and his father got out first, then waited several seconds before letting Wei Ying and Lan Zhan know that it was all right for them to as well.

"Hey, gege," Jiang Cheng said, hugging his brother after Lan Zhan opened the door for him. Then he nodded to the latter. "Glad you could make it."

"Yeah, me too. Where's Qingqing and A-Ning?" Wei Ying queried, seeing that they weren't with him.

He gestured to the house. "Inside, where we need to be. I came out to help A-Die make sure you arrived safely."

"Oh. Okay."

Uncle Jiang was taking out a few bags from his errand to the grocery store, so they all went to carry one each for him.

The first thing they heard as they entered the house was Madam Yu and Wen Ning talking in the kitchen. And as it always was when everybody was there, the TV was going.

Jiang Yanli, who had been coming down the stairs, smiled in happiness and relief as they walked in. Wei Ying beamed in return; it had been too long since he had last seen her.

"Hi everyone! Xianxian, Zhanzhan-didi, you're here safe," she declared.

"Thank the gods," he mumbled as she wrapped her arms around them in turn. "It looks like you and your boyfriend managed to get here okay, too."

She nodded. "Mmm-hmm. A-Cheng, A-Ning, and Qingqing actually met up with us halfway here, and nothing happened, so..." She shrugged.

Lan Zhan inclined his head as well. "It is good you did that. Something could have," he pointed out.

"Yeah," Wei Ying agreed.

Wen Qing and Jin Zixuan came out of the living room at that moment.

"Hi Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji," the former greeted.

"How are you today?" the latter asked next while shaking their hands.

Lan Zhan bobbed his head. "I am fine. Thank you," he replied.

"Ehn. I'm here," Wei Ying added with a shrug. "Are you guys okay?"

"Yes," Jin Zixuan responded.

"I guess I can't complain," Wen Qing added.

Wei Ying nodded in understanding, then held up the bag he was clutching. "I'm going to give this to Yu-furen now. She's probably wondering where it is and what's keeping us."

Jiang Yanli chuckled knowingly and waved her hand. "Go ahead. We can talk after dinner, if you like. We have a lot to catch up on."

"Okay. Yeah."

"And try to rescue A-Ning if you can. A-Niang is fussing over him again."

"Haha. Will do."

Madam Yu was indeed doing this when he and the others stepped into the kitchen. She looked as if she was making Wen Ning taste-test the food, but everyone knew otherwise. She was more or less feeding him.

"Oh, so you and Wangji have managed to come after all, have you?" she inquired offhandedly, noticing them almost right away. She looked as if she was in what was a good mood (for her). "Put the bags on the counter over there. Dinner will be ready in less than a half an hour. Are you two all right?"

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan bowed to return her greeting.

"Yes, Yu-furen," the latter murmured.

"And we're okay," the former added.

"Good."

"Hi Wei Ying. Hi Wangji-xiong," Wen Ning piped up next.

"Hey," Wei Ying said with a grin as Lan Zhan nodded to him. He threw an arm around his shoulders and led him out the room. "Come on. I swore that I heard our favorite show playing just now..."

Madam Yu frowned. "Wei Wuxian! I'm not done with him yet! Come back here with him!" she barked.

Wen Ning gave her an apologetic look. "No, no A-Yi. It's fine..." (She had told him to call her "Aunt".) "...I was starting to get full anyway. And I know you'd still want me to have room for dinner."

"...Hmph. Very well," she conceded. She couldn't argue with him or that logic; she knew he was right. "But you won't get away next time! I don't care who tries to get you out of here! I'll stop them! Do you hear me?" she demanded after that, brandishing her spoon at him.

"Yes, A-Yi," he mumbled, turning to keep her from seeing him smile in spite of himself. He knew that she wasn't really that upset.

"Good!"

Jiang Fengmian was also trying not to grin at this as he waved. "I will help her put everything away. Go and make yourselves comfortable."

Everyone nodded.

Wei Ying laughed once they were out of earshot. "Aiya. I swear she almost treats you more like a son than the rest of us guys here."

Wen Ning squirmed uneasily as he glanced at Jiang Cheng, who hadn't spoken that entire time. "Don't say that," he hissed. He knew it made him somewhat jealous, even if it was true.

"Sorry."

Unfortunately, the lighthearted mood ended soon after that. Ten minutes hadn't even passed when bickering was heard from the kitchen. Everyone groaned. They were all hoping for a peaceful dinner today. Wei Ying was especially annoyed. He was not in the mood for this.

"Fuck me. Not again," Jiang Cheng muttered, as if reading his thoughts. He snatched up the remote to increase the volume on the TV.

"I hope it will be over before it's time to eat," Jiang Yanli sighed.

Nobody else said anything, but quietly agreed with them.

Unfortunately, Uncle Jiang and Madam Yu weren't finished arguing by the time they were all called in for dinner. Apparently, the former hadn't bought the right brand of something she needed from the store during his errand, and she just wouldn't let it go.

The meal was not unlike the one from the previous Saturday. None of them spoke besides Uncle Jiang and Madam Yu, though Jiang Yanli and Wen Ning tried to intervene without being yelled at themselves. (Well, Madam Yu was the one doing all of the shouting. At least Uncle Jiang was trying to keep his fury under control.) But it was to no avail; Madam Yu paid them no mind.

"...Completely fucking inattentive! It's not as if you're illiterate! Next time, I'll just buy everything myself!" she screamed across the table.

"That is not necessary. I can easily return to the store and exchange it for the right one," Uncle Jiang pointed out.

Madam Yu snorted derisively. "I don't trust you to do that at all! You've shown that you're too featherbrained to even shop correctly! Dumb ass!"

Uncle Jiang laid his head on his hand and sighed deeply. Everybody else shared sullen glances. Why couldn't this have waited until after they left? Couldn't they at least attempt to get along for once?

Wei Ying asked himself these questions as he sipped the last half of his first Emperor's Smile bottle. He didn't even bother to touch his food, which he was spearing his chopsticks through. His appetite was completely ruined. Lan Zhan silently tried to encourage him to eat, but he was unable to. His stomach was aching from stress and embarrassment.

Perhaps this was the reason his wine didn't make him feel any better. He was so irritated that all of the Emperor's Smile in the world likely wouldn't have helped anyway. Like Uncle Jiang, he was attempting to curb his own rising temper.

The others were just as angry or unhappy. Lan Zhan was scowling as he ate. Jiang Cheng was facepalming while grumbling under his breath. Jiang Yanli and Wen Ning looked miserable. Wen Qing - like Lan Zhan - was also frowning in exasperation, as well as in disappointment. And Jin Zixuan mostly looked embarrassed (mostly for Jiang Yanli) and tired of everything like the others did.

Madam Yu didn't seem to notice this, or if she had, it was obvious that she didn't care. She continued to gripe about Uncle Jiang's shopping mishap, having no desire to drop the subject.

Finally, after several minutes, something in Wei Ying snapped. He had had enough. He couldn't take it anymore. This was driving him nuts.

He got up and pushed his chair under the table before leaving the room. Then he yanked his coat off the rack in the hall and stormed out of the house. He just couldn't stay there; it was filled with too much animosity. Fuck that noise.

Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, everyone watched as he abruptly walked out in bewilderment and surprise. Lan Zhan was about to do the same, to ask where he was going, when he heard the front door open and close.

They were all further taken aback. Wei Ying had never left the house in the middle of an argument at dinner. None of them had.

"A-Wangji, please go and bring him back. You know it's not safe for him out there," Uncle Jiang requested urgently.

Lan Zhan didn't need to be told twice. He immediately went to put his own coat on before leaving the house too. As he did, he heard Madam Yu snap, "Well, it's your fault! If you had just bought the right thing, there wouldn't be an argument, you idiot...!"

He exhaled deeply. Had it been his place, he would have told her that she didn't have to start one to begin with. She could have just had a few words or be understanding, then let it go.

Walking out of the front yard, he looked for Wei Ying, spotting him across the street to his right. He quickly followed after him, keeping an eye out for any threats. There were none that he could see, but someone could still be lurking.

"Wei Ying!" he called after his fiancé. "Wei Ying, come back!"

Wei Ying heard him, but refused to do so. Returning to that house was the last thing he wanted. Frowning, he turned onto a short path that led to a lotus pond. He, Jiang Yanli, and Jiang Cheng used to go there often when they were younger. In the spring and summer, they would relax in a canoe they brought with them.

He sat down on a wide, flat rock by its shore, thinking about those days as he dragged a thin tree branch through the ice-cold water. Everything was simpler then. Less crazy than it was now. He wished that he could travel back to one of them.

Lan Zhan's footsteps echoed behind him a moment later. However, before he could say anything, Wei Ying did first.

"I know you're about to tell me that we need to go back. Don't bother...because I'm not. I'm so fucking sick of everything right now. I just need to be left alone," he declared in irritation.

With another sigh, Lan Zhan perched next to him. "I understand. I do not blame you. But you still shouldn't be out here. It's too dangerous, baobao," he remarked.

Wei Ying scoffed with a sarcastic smirk. "I don't see how it's any more dangerous when Madam Yu is driving everyone, including me, insane. If anything, that's just as harmful to our mental state as anything out here can be."

He honestly couldn't object to that; he wasn't wrong. "Mn. But still."

Letting out a huge breath, Wei Ying mumbled, "Fine. I'll go back. Just let me stay out here for a few more minutes. Please. I just needed to get away from all that before I went crazy."

"...Mn. But only a few minutes."

"Thanks."

They both grew quiet, then, having nothing more to say. Lan Zhan kept an eye on their surroundings as he rubbed his back, helping Wei Ying calm down. After he did, he agreed to return to the house with him, though it was clear that he wasn't ready to yet. They left the pond hand and hand, still in silence.

Wei Ying didn't even bother to join him and the others in the kitchen again once they were inside, though. He went upstairs instead, taking his second bottle of Emperor's Smile with him.

"Baobei, where are you going? You should finish eating," Lan Zhan said.

"I will later. I've already stopped being hungry. I'm just gonna be in my old room. See you."

Knowing that he wouldn't be able to change his mind, he decided to let him be. He just went back to the kitchen, where everyone except Madam Yu (who was no longer present; she must have gone to her room also) turned to him in worry and concern.

"Where is A-Ying, A-Wangji?" Uncle Jiang inquired.

"Is he all right?" Jiang Yanli asked next in a fretful voice.

Lan Zhan sat down. "No, he isn't. But he is in his room upstairs. I convinced him to return."

Uncle Jiang pursed his lips in understanding. "I see. It's good that you were able to."

"Mn. I apologize on his behalf for him leaving in the manner he had."

He waved his hand. "There's no need to do that, A-Wangji. It's fine."

Wen Ning shook his head to himself. "I almost can't believe he did that. But with all of the stress he's going through, I'm not too surprised."

"Me neither," Jiang Cheng agreed. "If anything, I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner with any of us. Wei Wuxian is just the first to do it."

No one commented on this, but they all agreed.

"Well, I'll put A-Ying's food aside for him and wrap it up. He will need to have something later," Uncle Jiang remarked, exhaling deeply.

When they were finished eating, Lan Zhan made to go and check on Wei Ying. However, Jiang Yanli laid a hand on his arm to stop him.

"I'll talk to him, didi. I promised to catch up with him, after all. Do you mind waiting a while?" she queried.

He shook his head. "No. That is fine. Perhaps speaking to you will cheer him up a little."

"Mmmmm. I hope so."

And with that, she went upstairs, and Lan Zhan helped Jiang Cheng and Jin Zixuan with the dishes.

Wei Ying was lying on his stomach, drinking his Emperor's Smile as he mindlessly fiddled around on his phone, when there was a light knock on the bedroom door. He sighed heavily and turned.

"Who is it?"

"It's me. May I come in?" he heard Jiang Yanli inquire.

Moving so that he was leaning against the headboard, he replied, "Yeah."

She entered the room then, looking worried. "Hi A-Xian. Are you feeling better?" she queried next. She closed the door and sat beside him.

Wei Ying shrugged. "A little, I guess."

Jiang Yanli caressed his hair. "I know it upsets you when A-Niang and A-Die argue. I can't say that I blame you for leaving, even though it shocked me. It shocked all of us. But you know that I don't have to tell you how dangerous it was to do that."

"Yeah. I wasn't really thinking about that at the moment, though. All I knew was that I had to get out of there before I went nuts. I'll tell Shushu that I'm sorry for that later."

"You don't have to do that, A-Xian. Zhanzhan-didi already apologized for you, though A-Die told him it wasn't necessary. He understands. But that still isn't like you to walk out in the middle of a meal."

Sighing again, Wei Ying wrapped his arms around his knees. "I know. It's just...It's just that I'm so tired, Shijie. Everything is crazy because half - if not two-thirds - of the people in town hate me or feel sorry for me because of what Wen Chao did. I understand why some would feel sorry, even though I don't want anyone to, but I can't understand the hate. I'm not the one who did anything wrong. I can't get any peace at school. Neither can Lan Zhan, A-Cheng, or anyone else. Hardly anything feels the same at home either."

Jiang Yanli pursed her lips and hummed. "Yes, I have been told about that. Some of my classmates - and even a few people who aren't - haven't been so kind to me, either. And that's putting it lightly. I'm sorry that you're having such a difficult time, Xianxian. From what I've heard, it's not a wonder you feel as if you're going insane."

"You don't have to be sorry, A-Jie. I'll be fine in a while, I guess, if everything would calm down."

"Mmmm. Do you...do you want to talk about what's bothering you more?"

Wei Ying shook his head. "No, not really. That will just upset me again, and that's the last thing I need right now. Maybe I will another time. I'm...I'm not ready for that, yet."

She nodded. "I understand. But you have my number, A-Xian. Or you can always visit me, or I can come to see you, as long as it's safe. You know that, right? And you know that you can tell me anything."

"Yeah, I know. Thank you, Shijie."

Jiang Yanli kissed him on the cheek. "You don't need to thank me, Xianxian. I just want you to know that I am here for you, however you need me. And don't worry. Even though it feels like it, what is going on now won't last forever. Everything will eventually settle down and return to normal, especially once those who doubt you realize you are telling the truth."

He finally smiled as he leaned against her. "I know, and I hope things calm down sooner than later," he murmured, tearing up a bit. He closed his eyes so that she wouldn't notice. "You're the best sister in the world, Shijie. I love you so much. I really don't know what I would do without you."

"Awww! And I don't know what I would do without my Xianxian. I love you too."

They stayed in each other's arms for a while until there was another knock on the door. Lan Zhan opened it after Wei Ying responded and peeked in.

"I came to check you both. Are you two all right?" the former asked him and Jiang Yanli.

Jiang Yanli smiled. "We are fine now."

Wei Ying nodded. "Yeah. I just needed to be alone for a bit, that's all."

"Mmm. That is good. Are you ready to come back downstairs? We still have time before we have to leave. Unless you wish to remain here?"

"No, no. I'll come down. I don't mind. Are you coming too, Shijie?"

"Yes, but give me a few minutes. I'm going to make sure that A-Niang is a little less angry first."

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan had to chuckle.

"Good luck," the former said.

They headed to the living room, where everybody was either talking amongst themselves or playing on their phones. However, they looked up when Wei Ying and Lan Zhan stepped into the room.

"Oh, there you are, A-Ying. Feeling better? I wrapped up your dinner for you. You can have it now, unless you want to take it home?" Uncle Jiang stated.

"Yeah, I'm okay. And thanks, Shushu. I'll just take it home. I'm still not very hungry. And I'm sorry for walking out earlier. That was rude of me," he mumbled as he hugged him.

As he had when Lan Zhan apologized to him, he waved his hand after kissing his temple. "You don't have to be. I am just relieved that you were not harmed out there. If anything, I am sorry for my part. You know I try not to engage with Yu-furen when she's upset, but it happens."

"It's all right. Don't worry about it anymore."

"You shouldn't have left, though," Wen Ning piped up. "Anything could have happened to you."

"Good thing Lan Wangji came out after you..." Jiang Cheng added.

"Mn," Lan Zhan agreed.

"...The next time you do that - and there better not be a next time - I will instead, and I'll punch you in the face once I catch up to you!" he concluded threateningly.

"And you don't want to know what I would do if I had to be the one to get you," Wen Qing told him.

Wei Ying sat on one of the couches. "All right, all right. I just said I was sorry. I wasn't thinking straight at the time, and before you say it, I know that's not an excuse. But like I told Shijie, I had to get out of here. Or at least out of the kitchen. I would have lost my mind if I hadn't."

None of them could argue with him on this, as a few of them had felt the same way.

"I understand. But if you ever do walk out during dinner again, please remain in the house, at least. We don't want you to get hurt," Uncle Jiang said.

"Okay. I know."

They all returned to what they were doing afterwards. Jiang Yanli came in moments later, but Madam Yu wasn't with her. She was still sulking in her own room and had no desire to be around them. It was just as well. The last thing any of them wanted to do was potentially endure more yelling or bickering.

Another hour or so passed before it was time for Wei Ying and Lan Zhan to leave. They said good-bye to everyone except Jiang Cheng and Uncle Jiang, who would be driving with them again.

"Let us know when you are home. Please be careful on the way there," Jiang Yanli said as she hugged the former two.

"Yeah. See you on Monday," Wen Ning added.

"Contact us if you need anything," Jin Zixuan said.

Wei Ying nodded. "We will."

"Mn. And please tell Yu-furen we said good-bye," Lan Zhan told Jiang Yanli.

She inclined her head. "I will before I go."

"Thank you. I hope she is calmer."

"So do I."

Uncle Jiang then let him and Wei Ying know that it was all right to head outside. They waved to the others again and followed after him.

"Airen?" the latter said when they were in the car and putting on their seat belts.

"Yes?"

"The next time I want to go anywhere after you've warned me that it might not be a good idea, please remind me of what happened today. And if I complain, keep reminding me until I stop. Maybe then, it will keep us from getting into more annoying situations."

Lan Zhan raised his eyebrows a fraction at this statement, but nodded once. "Mn."

"Thanks," Wei Ying muttered. Then he leaned against the window and closed his eyes.

Author's note: Whew. That was just madness. I know that many of you will agree it was too. Let me know what you think, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I hope to post the next one soon. And again, thank you so much for reading! I really do appreciate it.