Chapter 16: The Arrogant Jin Ling
After drinking Sizhui's Wen-clan nourishing soup for several days, Wei Wuxian's illness had indeed largely healed. That afternoon, he sat on the porch of the quiet room, basking in the sun, a string of freshly peeled lotus seeds in his hand, teasing the rabbit at his feet. His complexion had become much rosier, and his eyes had regained their former cheerfulness.
Si Zhui moved a small stool and sat next to him, sometimes handing him water, sometimes peeling oranges, staring at him with sparkling eyes, like a clingy little animal.
"Daddy, how are you feeling today? Are you still coughing?"
“You’ve stopped coughing a long time ago.” Wei WuXian smiled and stuffed a lotus seed into his mouth. “Your soup is well-cooked. It’s much better than your father’s.”
Si Zhui immediately smiled, his eyes curved. "Then I'll stew it for you tomorrow? Can I put your favorite lilies in it?"
“Okay.” Wei WuXian ruffled his hair, feeling slightly amused by his clingy demeanor. “But don’t hang around me all the time. Go play with JingYi and the others for a while.”
"No." Si Zhui moved closer to him, resting his head lightly on his arm, and said softly, "I just want to be with Daddy. You were sick the other day and ignored me."
This coquettish look made Wei WuXian burst out laughing. "Still holding a grudge? Then how about I tell you a story to make amends? It's about my time in the mass grave..."
"Okay, okay!" Si Zhui immediately sat up straight, his eyes full of anticipation.
The grandparents (?) and grandchildren (?) were enjoying themselves in the corridor, causing Jin Ling, not far away, to frown. He had come to discuss the night hunt with Si Zhui, but this disgusting scene had pinned him to the spot, the sword tassel in his hand wrinkled from being clenched.
Why was Lan Sizhui able to act so naturally like a spoiled child with his uncle? And so close! He had never been this close to his uncle in his entire life, except for the few times he was held in his arms when he was a child. The last time he wanted to ask about the secret of drawing talismans, his uncle shut him down with a remark: "Jin Ling has grown up, he needs to be more stable."
Just as he was feeling awkward, Wei WuXian caught sight of him and laughed out loud, "Jin Ling? What are you doing standing there? Come here."
Jin Ling's heart tightened. He walked over reluctantly, lowering his head awkwardly, "Uncle."
“Hey.” Wei WuXian responded, patting the empty seat beside him. “Sit down. What’s wrong? Are you jealous of SiZhui’s flirting with me?”
Jin Ling's face flushed red, and he stiffened his neck and said, "Who, who is jealous?! I'm not!"
“Oh? No?” Wei WuXian raised an eyebrow, deliberately teasing him, “Then I seemed to see someone staring at us just now, their face almost wrinkled into a bun.”
Si Zhui couldn't help but laugh and pushed Jin Ling: "Sit down, my father won't eat you."
Jin Ling felt even more awkward, but he still sat down as he was told, with his butt only touching half of the stool, and he felt uncomfortable all over.
Wei Wuxian watched him like this, feeling both amused and distressed. This child had been placed with such high expectations since childhood, taught to be dignified and steady, that he'd almost forgotten what it meant to act like a spoiled child. He suddenly stretched out his arms and pulled Jin Ling into his arms, his movements as natural as if he were hugging Sizhui.
"Ah!" Jin Ling was startled, his body instantly stiffened, his ears red as if blood was dripping out, "Uncle! What are you doing!"
“Don’t move.” Wei Wuxian’s voice was gentle, with a hint of intimacy that could not be refused. “Let me hug you. My Jin Ling has grown so tall, almost taller than me.”
He carried a faint scent of medicine and sunshine, warm and reassuring. Jin Ling froze for a moment, then, as if possessed by a ghost, he stopped struggling. His body remained tense, and even his breathing slowed.
Si Zhui watched from the side and winked at Jin Ling secretly, but Jin Ling glared at him and his cheeks turned even redder.
Wei Wuxian held two half-grown children in his arms, his heart melting. One was a sweet, caring little boy he had raised since childhood, and the other was a proud and spoiled nephew who was cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Both were treasures he cherished dearly.
“Jin Ling,” Wei Wuxian patted his back, his voice coaxing a child, “Don’t be so tense from now on. You don’t have to act like an adult in front of me. You can act coquettishly if you want to, and ask questions if you want to, okay?”
Jin Ling's nose suddenly felt a little sore, and his eyes were hot. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but only a muffled sound came out: "Hmm."
"Louder! I didn't hear you." Wei Wuxian teased him deliberately.
Jin Ling took a deep breath and called out in an almost inaudible voice, "Uncle."
This time, there was no alienation or awkwardness as before, but a hint of subtle grievance and dependence, like when a child found his family after being lost.
Wei Wuxian's heart melted instantly. He tightened his arms, hugging both children even tighter. "Hey, that's right."
Sunlight streamed through the bamboo leaves, bathing the three of them in warmth. Rabbits huddled together at their feet, nibbling on the grass. The wind chimes under the porch occasionally chimed.
Jin Ling gradually relaxed, even daring to secretly lean into Wei Wuxian's arms. Although his expression was still awkward, his heart felt like it was being filled with something warm and soft. He suddenly understood what it felt like to act like a spoiled child with his uncle.
Si Zhui looked at Jin Ling's relaxed face and couldn't help but smile. He knew that Jin Ling, the awkward kid, was finally willing to let down his guard.
In the distance, Lan Wangji approached, carrying a lunch box. Seeing the scene in the corridor, he paused, a gentle smile forming in his eyes. He didn't step forward to interrupt them, but simply stood quietly, watching the three overlapping figures in the sunlight, like the warmest painting.
That's what life in the Cloud Recesses feels like. There were laughter, awkward moments, moments of coquettishness, and moments of dependence, all woven together into the most peaceful moments. And these moments, like seeds, will take root and sprout in the children's hearts, growing into the strength that sustains them on their journey.
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