The Blossom of Fate

Wei Xiotian's POV

I watched him quietly, my heart tightening at the sight. He was so different now, a shadow of the person I once knew. The Yu Hengtian I remembered was a force of nature—a storm wrapped in brilliance, always brimming with energy, wit, and that irresistible spark of mischief. He was my ball of thunder, my lightning strike in the dull skies of this world.

But now? Now he seemed withdrawn, his shoulders tense, his gaze unfocused as if weighed down by a burden I couldn't see.

What happened to you, Yu? I thought, the ache in my chest deepening. The boldness and carefree laughter I had come to cherish were replaced by fear and uncertainty. It wasn't like him—it wasn't him.

He glanced at me briefly, his eyes flickering with something akin to hesitation, then quickly looked away. The action was so small, yet it felt like a chasm had opened between us.

Is it because of me? I clenched my fists tightly, my golden-ringed hand catching the dim light. Did my absence in those moments when you needed me most create this rift?

I wanted to reach out, to pull him close and demand to know what plagued him, but I stopped myself. He wasn't ready. Pushing him now would only deepen the divide.

Instead, I spoke gently, careful not to startle him. "Yu, are you alright?"

He blinked, startled out of his thoughts. "Huh? Oh… yeah, I'm fine." But his voice lacked conviction, and his eyes refused to meet mine.

I didn't press further, though my heart ached to. Instead, I vowed silently, I will bring him back. No matter what it takes, I'll restore the light in his eyes—the light that was mine to protect.

As I stood up, brushing the creases from my robes, I spoke with a sigh, "Okay, where do we have to go?" My voice carried an edge of impatience, though my heart still felt unsteady.

Wei Xiotian straightened, clearing his throat as he replied, "I will lead the way. Just stay with me." His tone was steady, but I sensed the tension beneath it.

Without thinking, I extended my hand toward him, an instinctive gesture seeking reassurance. "Alright," I said softly, "but… can I hold—"

Before I could finish, he gently waved my hand away. "I'm fine like this," he said, his voice calm but firm, the words cutting through my hesitancy.

I blinked, momentarily stunned, my outstretched hand slowly falling back to my side i felt really strange and something in me missed everything about him and his behaviour.

Wei Xiotian's lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes betrayed something deeper—something he wasn't ready to say. Without another word, he turned, his steps deliberate and measured. I followed.

As we walked through the seemingly endless hallways, the sound of our footsteps was accompanied by the soft murmur of greetings and the rustle of robes as people bowed deeply before us. It felt unending—each bow, each deferential gaze, a stark reminder of the status I was supposed to hold.

Wei Xiotian walked ahead, his presence steady and confident, like an anchor in a storm.

Finally, as we reached the last stretch of the hallway, a booming announcement echoed through the air: "The Young Lord Yu Hengtian and Lord Wei Xiotian have arrived!"

The massive doors before us swung open, revealing a grand chamber bathed in light and color. The space seemed alive, as if it breathed beauty into every corner.

delicate flowers blooming in perfect harmony, and golden lanterns casting a soft, warm glow. At the center of the room stood an ornate platform with two thrones made of white jade, draped in blossoms that shimmered like morning dew.

I froze momentarily, overwhelmed by the grandeur, but Wei Xiotian placed a hand lightly on my lower back. "It's alright," he murmured. "I'm here."

Before I could respond, two figures descended the steps of the platform. Their auras were so commanding that it felt like the very air in the room shifted around them. The first figure, delicate and graceful, approached me with soft, measured steps. 

Without hesitation, he opened his arms and wrapped me in a tight embrace.

"Lingfu…" The word escaped my lips before I could stop myself, instinct driving me even though my mind still struggled to process it.

The man—Qiu Meiyu, my lingfu—pulled back slightly, just enough to meet my eyes. Tears shimmered in his own as his lips trembled into a smile. "My flower," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I've missed you so much. Do you know how long I've waited for this moment?"

"I… Lingfu, I…" My voice faltered, unsure of what to say.

You don't have to say anything," Qiu Meiyu continued, his hands cupping my face as though to confirm I was real. "From now on, my clever, mischievous little one, you can be as naughty as you want. Nothing will ever take you away from me again. I love you, my flower."

I felt a lump in my throat, unable to respond. I wanted to bask in the love he so freely gave, but a part of me recoiled.

As Qiu Meiyu held me close again, I caught sight of the second figure standing a short distance away. Unlike Lingfu's tender approach, this man's presence was reserved.

This must be Xinfu—Yu Zhenhai.

He didn't speak at first, simply watching Lingfu fuss over me. When he finally stepped forward, his voice was calm, deep, and steady. "Hengtian," he said, his gaze locking onto mine. "It's good to see you standing here again."

"Xinfu…" I nodded awkwardly, 

"You've been through much, and your return has been hard-fought," Yu Zhenhai said, his tone carrying both reassurance and weight. "But you are my son, and you will always have this home."

Qiu Meiyu, still holding onto my arm, turned to glare at Yu Zhenhai. "Must you be so formal, Zhenhai? This is our son, not one of your disciples!"

Yu Zhenhai raised a brow. "And must you be so emotional, Meiyu? The boy has barely arrived, 

"It's alright," I interrupted, holding up a hand to calm them both. "I… appreciate it. Both of you."

The room fell silent for a moment as they both looked at me, Lingfu's expression softening again while Xinfu gave a slight nod of approval.

"I just…" I hesitated. "This is all…

Yu Zhenhai's eyes softened slightly as he stepped closer, placing a firm yet gentle hand on my shoulder. "We'll guide you, Hengtian.