In one of the many courtyards of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, surrounded by vibrant flowers in full bloom, the scent of jasmine heavy in the air, and the gentle murmur of conversation drifting from nearby buildings.
Xiaosheng lay suspended in a hammock woven from strips of soft cloth and surprisingly strong vines, the gentle swaying a lullaby in the warm morning sun.
The courtyard door shuddered under a series of heavy, resounding knocks
A voice, sharp and insistent, pierced the quiet of the courtyard, calling, "Brother-Xiao!"If you don't open this door, I will kick it down!"
Xiaosheng's eyes fluttered open, a look of startled confusion on his face.
Xiaosheng stretched languidly, his movements slow and deliberate, before swinging his legs over the hammock's side. "I'll be right there," he mumbled, his voice still thick with sleep.
Xiaosheng opened the door. Ning Rongrong stood there, arms crossed tightly against her chest, her usually bright eyes narrowed to slits. A sharp line etched itself between her brows, a stark contrast to the playful dimples that usually graced her cheeks. He yawned, rubbing sleep from his eyes, the sight of her displeasure doing little to rouse him from his morning stupor. "Morning," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.
Author's note:
He will now gain some of sans personality
Back to the story.
The frown vanished, replaced by a playful smirk as she tilted her head, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes
"I've got the perfect prank in mind, and you're the perfect victim."
A small smile played on his lips. "Heh. Sounds like fun. Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into
With a sly grin, Xiaosheng set the stage, using his quick wit and understanding of the clan's layout to create a labyrinthine series of misleading clues and red herrings. Ning Rongrong, meanwhile, provided the comedic timing and exaggerated reactions, turning the whole affair into a hilariously chaotic game of hide-and-seek with a touch of the absurd.
The air buzzed with anticipation as the last of the students, completely unsuspecting, approached the culmination of Xiaosheng and Ning Rongrong's elaborate scheme. The afternoon sun dappled through the leaves, casting a warm glow on the scene.
Xiaosheng had initially refused Ning Rongrong's request to sleep in his courtyard, a firm "No, it's not proper," but her playful insistence and a few well-placed arguments later, he found himself leading her there, a reluctant smile playing on his lips.
The promise of rest, and perhaps something more, hung between them as they walked.
The next morning, a terse summons arrived—a message from a solemn servant requesting their immediate presence in the main hall. The air crackled with tension as they faced Ning Fengzhi's impassive stare, Chen Xin's sharp gaze, and Gu Rong's unnervingly calm demeanor.
Xiaosheng, ever the pragmatist, remained outwardly calm. Ning Rongrong, however, wore a knowing smirk, her eyes flitting between Ning Fenghzi's, Gu Rong and Chen Xin.
A silent battle of wills commenced; her subtle gestures and carefully chosen words were a veiled attempt to persuade them.
Ultimately, Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong, and Chen Xin found themselves unable to resist her charm.
Before their release, they received a mild scolding from Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong, and Chen Xin, a light repromand that paled in comparison to the triumph of Ning Rongrong's persuasive skills.
As they walked out, Xiaosheng and Ning Rongrong headed back to Xiaosheng's courtyard. "See?" Ning Rongrong murmured, a teasing glint in her eyes, her hand lightly touching his arm.
Xiaosheng smiled, a hint of exasperation but also fondness in his expression.
"You and your schemes," he said, shaking his head, "Next time, let's try something a little less… dramatic."
Their playful banter trailed off as they stepped into Xiaosheng's courtyard, a sun-drenched haven overflowing with vibrant blooms and the intoxicating fragrance of jasmine.
Months drifted by, a blur of sun-drenched days and moonlit nights punctuated by the increasingly elaborate pranks Xiaosheng and Ning Rongrong orchestrated on the students of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
One day, they'd replace all the training dummies with life-sized replicas of their teachers, complete with comically exaggerated features.
Another, they'd rig the clan's water fountains to squirt anyone who dared to approach.
With each shared mischievous adventure, their bond deepened, growing stronger with every shared laugh and conspiratorial glance.
On a sun-drenched day, in one of the tranquil courtyards of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, a white-haired boy with eyes like the summer sky and a girl with skin so fair it seemed to glow lay side-by-side, watching the clouds drift lazily across a sky the color of forget-me-nots, occasionally touched with the fiery brushstrokes of the setting sun.
A gentle breeze whispered through the nearby trees, rustling the leaves with a soft, susurrus sound.
Their names were Xiaosheng and Ning Rongrong. Xiaosheng absentmindedly traced patterns on Ning Rongrong's hand, a comfortable silence settling between them.
"Are you going to fall asleep on me, sleepyhead?" Xiaosheng teased, playfully poking Ning Rongrong's side.
"It's getting late." Ning Rongrong swatted at his hand, a grin spreading across her face.
"Nuh-uh! The sunset's too gorgeous to leave yet! Just five more minutes?"
Finally, Xiaosheng conceded with a slow grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners as a hint of exasperation, quickly replaced by amusement, played across his features; a barely perceptible sigh escaped his lips If you say so.
Five minutes later, Xiaosheng said, "Time to go back, Ning Rongrong, but you're responsible for getting me there."
Xiaosheng and Ning Rongrong bickered playfully, a mix of exasperation and laughter coloring their argument. Finally, with a sigh and a grin, Xiaosheng scooped Ning Rongrong into his arms and carried her back.
As they walked, Ning Rongrong's head bobbed, then rested on Xiaosheng's shoulder. He smiled, shaking his head. "See? I told you we should've left earlier."
As they walked, Ning Rongrong's head slumped against Xiaosheng's shoulder. He chuckled, shaking his head. "See? I told you we shoulda left sooner." A tiny, muffled "Mmmhmm..." escaped her.
With no other option, Xiaosheng carried Ning Rongrong inside and laid her gently on his surprisingly soft bed, a comfortable nest of silken sheets and fluffy pillows.
A wave of tenderness washed over him as he watched her sleep.
He'd intended to sleep outside, but the feel of her fingers tightening around his hand, the small, unconscious gesture, tugged at his heart.
He sighed, a mixture of exasperation and affection coloring the sound, and settled down beside her.
Hidden in the inky blackness beyond the window, unseen and unheard, Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong watched.
The moon cast long, skeletal shadows across the courtyard, highlighting the tender scene within.
Xiaosheng, his face etched with a mixture of exhaustion and affection, lay beside Ning Rongrong.
A tremor, barely perceptible, ran through Gu Rong's usually stoic frame.
The familiar, almost paternal concern that softened his sharp features was now a palpable tension, his gaze fixed on the sleeping pair.
"I just hope Xiaosheng's martial soul is strong," Ning Fengzhi murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Their future together... it might depend on it."
Gu Rong frowned. "Are you sure this is wise, Ning Fengzhi? They're still so young. Rushing into a decision like this could have unforeseen consequences."
Ning Fengzhi sighed, his gaze fixed on the sleeping children. "Their future... it's something we must consider carefully. A strong martial soul for Xiaosheng could change everything. But of course, their happiness is paramount. If they aren't suited, I won't force it."
The weight of words hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the peaceful slumber of the two.