Lan Zhan

It hadn't been my intention to step into his line of sight. I thought I would be content with just observing him. I watched him flirt with an endless stream of women and men while working. I saw the way he looked at them, gave each of them easy smiles. Let them put their hands on him. Fuck. He's exactly the same. The photographs had not done him justice. He was as breathtaking now as he was then. More so. The last vestiges of boyhood that had clung to him then had been stripped away. He was gorgeous, all clad in black but still commanding all the attention in the room like a shining beacon. And now I was finding it difficult to look away. I couldn't tell if I was falling prey to him all over again or if it had to do with my surroundings. He and Lotus were strangely indistinguishable. Sexy, unexpected and a little dangerous. How is any of this unexpected, Wangi? Why was I feeling heady. It's this place. Not him. Never him. He hadn't even bothered to show up for the meeting he arranged earlier. Was he already playing with me again? Wei Ying always knew exactly how to rile me up. I guess he's just like every other businessman. Now that our booking had been secured his interest had dissolved. Jiang Cheng had greeted us professionally but warmly. He had always been the more responsible of the two. The only responsible one. He hadn't asked any prying questions about where we had been all this time either which I appreciated. Has Wei Ying even heard our music? In all likelihood he had just jumped on the bandwagon. What do I even care? We were never close. We hadn't even interacted often. He just left a lasting impression. Damn him.

He had two women lolling around on the bar trying to get close to him without actually climbing over it. I stepped out of my hiding spot but refused to look at him anymore. I am not trying to get his attention. It was just time to head backstage to get ready with Xichen. I don't care if he looks at me. Let him look. Fuck. Is he looking at me? Don't. Don't look at him. The lights guttered out then. And I allowed my gaze to drift to him. He won't notice me in the dark anyway. But he was already looking at me. FUCK. When did he start looking at me? Wei Ying's face bloomed into a smile as I frowned on instinct. That's the same way he looked at me the day we met. Like there wasn't a single other person in the room. My heart was pounding. But there was something off in his expression. There was no recognition in his eyes. My eyes narrowed as I scowled. He's looking at me like I'm a snack. An anonymous snack. He doesn't remember me. I turned away from him abruptly. He doesn't remember me? My chest felt tight as I moved backstage. I could feel his eyes on my back. Of course he forgot all about me. Did I really believe someone like Wei Ying would harbour thoughts and memories of me? He hasn't changed one bit. Why was I even surprised?

Wei Ying

My phone vibrated in my back pocket. The burner. I kept my personal phone tucked under the bar while I worked. It had begun as one of JC's ridiculous rules but unlike most of his ideas, I had come around to this one. I clocked the number calling me. The only number I would never save a name to and hit answer. I continued drawing on the cocktail napkin with my free hand. I loved to draw, and I was quite proud of how this one was turning out. My downtime these days was next to nonexistent so any sketching on my part was reduced to stolen moments like this. The voice that came down the line used to turn my stomach, but I was resigned to it now. I straightened and turned my back to the room. To the exquisite man on stage that I had barely been able to keep my eyes off, to the beautiful music he and his brother transformed Lotus with. This is my favourite song. "What can I do for you?" I murmured. I listened and swallowed my agitation. I had been looking forward to having a drink with the Lan's after their set, particularly the younger Lan whose expression of disdain was seared into the back of my eyes. Taunting me every time I closed them. What a contrast to the peace that permeated his features while he played guitar. He was practically angelic. Watching him made me want to ruin him and worship him all at once. The two weren't so different really. "Yes, I'm listening. I'll be right there." Fuck. I hadn't been listening. Hadn't spoken a single word to the guy and he was already distracting me. Focus, Wei Ying. I reluctantly headed to the exit but I couldn't ignore the way each step away from him felt heavier than the last. And all for a pretty face. I was not that guy. I couldn't afford to be.

Lan Zhan

I strummed my fingers and the opening chords to our first song trickled to life. The excitement in the room was palpable. The patron's voices rose to join Xichen's and the smile on his face grew wider. He plucked idly at his own guitar, letting me lead as usual. I closed my eyes, relinquished all control to the music and was home. I opened my eyes to the applause at the conclusion of the song and bowed my head slightly as Xichen introduced the next song. That was when my eyes snagged on him. Wei Ying. Slouched over the bar. Not paying us any mind. Muscle memory took over as a spark of annoyance made me press my lips together. We played our next song and then another, and not once did my eyes find him watching us. Music isn't for the eyes, I chided myself. But I was beginning to fume inside. Our music may not have been raucous but there were hundreds of people right in front of him singing along and dancing like they were on fire. There was also lingerie piling up around us. And he's what? What is he doing? Taking a nap? Who did he pay off to get that article written about him anyway? Did he pay extra for those stupidly gorgeous photos? How could he not recognise me? Xichen flicked a glance at me, inclining his eyebrows in a silent question and I nodded back minutely to indicate I was fine. Luckily for me, Xichen was one of two people who could read my expressions. To everyone else I just looked bored. Which worked perfectly for a moody guitar player such as myself. I really didn't like that Wei Wuxian was getting a rise out of me though. How can he still affect me like this? I spent the rest of the set actively not looking in his direction. Until his broad, black silk clad back turned to face me. He was on the phone and his posture was tense. And then he disappeared without so much as a backwards glance. I wanted to run after him. Wait. What?

Wei Ying

"Where are you going?"

I disconnected the phone call and tucked it into my backpocket.

"Are you done ignoring me, then?" I asked my brother without breaking stride. I didn't have to. Jiang Cheng was at my shoulder instantly.

"When did I ignore you?"

It was my turn to roll my eyes but I huffed a laugh instead. I slid my eyes to him, where an exasperated smile was forming. It cheered me to get a peek of the old JC. All of Jiang Chengs soft edges had been hardened to steel the day he and Yanli lost their parents. I clapped him on the shoulder. "I'll be back before closing."

"See you sometime tomorrow then," Jiang Cheng retorted. But there was no malice in it. I shrugged into a leather jacket and stepped into the street behind the club. I danced back a step before walking straight into the reason my brother was in such a good mood.

"Evening, Wen Qing." I sketched a mocking bow at the tiny woman and continued to my car.

"You should stay in tonight, Wei Ying." Her authoritative tone grated me.

"And you should stay away from my brother."

Her reflection appeared in the car window as I leaned in to open the door.

"I mean it. I don't care who called you out tonight. Go back inside."

"Why? What do you know?" I asked over my shoulder. I watched the hesitation in her reflection. I pulled the car door open smoothly and turned back to face her. Even in six inch heels she barely grazed my chest. She was a doll. A terrifyingly beautiful, venomous doll. The niece of the most dangerous man in the city and all it's territories. And my brother was completely in love with her.

"There are eyes everywhere," she breathed.

"You don't say," I snorted.

"I can make you do as I say," She whispered, leaning in.

"And when your uncle asks me why I ignored his summons?"

Wen Qing's composure cracked when she realised just who had been on the other end of that phone call she had no doubt been eavesdropping on.

"Admit it, Wei Ying. You're in way over your head."

"You're the last person who gets to make that judgement," I retorted.

I slammed the door shut and flicked the window down. "End things with Jiang Cheng. If any harm comes to him because of you, there won't be a hiding place far enough where I won't track down Wen Ning." I let the threat to her younger brother hang between us and sped off.

Fuck. I'd left the napkin I was drawing on behind. It had probably been swept into the trash by now. And I'd worked so hard on it. It was meant to be a peace offering. I'd have to find another way. At another time. There was no doubt that whatever horror I was being called away to deal with would live up to Wen Qing's warning. She knew the extent of her uncle's capabilities all too well. But so did I. Working for the veritable king of the underworld had proven quite the education these past two years. I slammed on the accelerator, needing to get this over with.

Lan Zhan

Jiang Cheng poured a glass of red wine for Xichen. The set had ended smoothly but I was having trouble not sulking into the glass of water in front of me. I didn't drink often. I always got myself into trouble when I did, even when it was only a small amount. So Xichen had decided it was best that I refrained. I stood and clasped Jiang Cheng's hand.

"Thank you for having us, I'll be heading out."

"The gratitude rests with me, entirely. I hope you'll be back soon," He responded. I nodded to my brother and turned to leave.

"Wait, Wangi. I believe this is for you." He pressed a cocktail napkin into my hand and patted my back. A small smile played on his lips but he turned back to his conversation with Jiang Cheng without any further explanation. I hoisted my guitar case over my shoulder and headed through the back exit Jiang Cheng had shown us earlier to avoid the patrons. I unfolded the napkin in my hand and frowned until I stepped into the light of a streetlamp. My breath caught in my throat as I drew it closer. I was staring at a meticulous sketch of myself playing guitar. The detail was startling and visceral. And scrawled in the corner were the initals W.Y. I didn't look bored or moody at all. He had captured the serenity that I felt when I played. I resisted the urge to scrunch it up in my fist because I knew I would treasure it forever. The absurdity of the situation was too much. Does he know me or not?

Wei Ying

I was relieved to find the apartment empty when I got home. It was after four in the morning as I dragged myself into the bathroom and peeled the bloodstained shirt from my shoulders. It clung to where the blood had soaked in deep. I shuddered at the hot stream of water from the showerhead that turned crimson as it hit my skin. I pressed my head to the tiles and let the water wash me clean. On the outside anyway. There was no such fix for the stain on my soul. Not anymore.

Yanli

The pier was bustling. I straightened the cutlery. Rearranged the plates and bowls. Again. The lunch I had spent all morning preparing for my brothers covered the entire picnic table. Is there enough food? I worried my bottom lip and looked to my purse. The ring box within peeking up at me. Was it possible to hold terror and excitement in your heart simultaneously? I was eager to begin my life with Zixuan, I couldn't wait. Truly. But my brothers. They needed me too. I promised to always be there for them. I gulped down a breath and closed my eyes at the threat of tears. Letting the cool breeze rolling off the water soothe me. I miss mum and dad. I didn't hear Ah Xian's footsteps. Only registering his presence when his weight hit the bench. "Hi sis," he whispered, planting a kiss on my cheek. He stretched his legs out and laid back. I brushed a hand over his forehead. "You're on time," I teased. "My big sister made me lunch…and it'll piss JC off." I smothered a laugh, but I could see the fatigue lining his eyes. Running the club meant that he and Jiang Cheng kept irregular hours. They never complained about it and refused to let me get overinvolved. Jiang Cheng appeared and scowled as he sat down. "Of course, Wei Ying is late," he declared by way of greeting.

"Shut up," Ah Xian responded halfheartedly. He didn't budge from where he lay with his head in my lap. His arm locked tight over his face. Jiang Cheng stood and peered over the edge of the table at him. "What happened to you?"

"Your voice gives me a headache." I could practically see the smoke coming out of Ah Cheng's ears. This is going well. "Sit up, Xian Xian. Have something to eat." His arm fell away from his face and he smiled up at me. Jiang Cheng dug in while I piled Ah Xian's plate with food. I leaned over to do the same for Ah Cheng and he smiled around a mouthful of food at me. A crack in his armour that made me relax. I have to say it before the bickering starts back up again. Say it, Yanli. Just say it. Now. Now!

"Zixuan proposed." It took all the poise at my disposal not to clap my hand over my mouth.

Ah Cheng narrowed his eyes. "He proposed without my blessing?" Ah Xian snorted.

"I'm the oldest living male of the Cheng family. He should have sought my permission," Ah Cheng pouted. "Our sister doesn't need anybody's permission to do anything. What century are you living in?" Ah Xian retorted. He swung to face me. "No one will ever be worthy of her anyway." A tear broke free and rolled down my cheek. Ah Xian gently wiped it away.

"Why are you crying? Did you just realise that you're engaged to the gaudiest most stuck-up peacock ever?" Ah Xian asked sweetly. "He is gaudy," Ah Cheng agreed solemnly. Laughter bubbled up my throat. "I'm just relieved you're both taking the news so well. And Zixuan loves me. I know you know he does."

"His love for you is his only redeeming quality," Ah Xian whispered, taking my hand. I reached across the table and clasped Ah Cheng's hand as well. "I'll still be there for you both. Always. Nothing is going to change," I promised.

"...You'll move to Lanling though?" Ah Cheng asked quietly. I didn't miss the look he and Ah Xian exchanged. I clutched both their hands tighter. "We only just got engaged, all of that is a long way off."

"Don't worry about us, Sis. We just want you to be happy." Ah Xian threw a pointed look at Ah Cheng and he nodded his agreement.

"We're both adults, we can take care of ourselves. Even if Wei Wuxian acts like a toddler most of the time." Ah Xian poked his tongue out at his brother and we all laughed. "He's right though," he whispered. "We can take care of ourselves. It's time you did something for yourself instead of letting us hold you back."

"Speak for yourself," Ah Cheng snorted. "When have I ever held her back?" Ah Xian ignored him and wrapped his arms around me. He was a big man, which was hard to remember when he spent so much time in my lap. He pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Congratulations, sis."