“Wangji.” Lan Xichen called his younger brother.

“Brother.” Lan Wangji bowed.

“What do you think of uncle recently?” Lan Xichen asked, indirectly inquiring his younger brother’s thoughts. If there’ll be a change in Lan Qiren, he and his brother will know – and greatly will be affected, since they are the ones closest to their uncle.

“Wangji... doesn’t know.” Lan Wangji answered as he lowered his eyes.

He’s also bothered of uncle maybe going senile. Lan Xichen thought and sighed. They passed by their uncle’s quarters.

Just as they were about to take a step to leave they heard something fluttered inside the room. It’s too faint to hear but with the help of the dead silence of the room did they hear it.

The brothers looked at each other and immediately went inside. They thought they’re gonna see their uncle sleeping, yet what they saw surprised them. The room is still as neat as ever. However, there’s a lone object lying on the desk.

It’s a letter, and seemed freshly written. The scent of ink still lingered in the air.

I’ll be taking indefinite leave since work has taken a toll on my aging body.

The brothers were left speechless. “So he’s just having a problem thinking of retirement...” they sighed in relief. However, their breath hitched when they saw the bottom of the letter.

P.S.: I already filed my retirement papers. Choose the next elder to fill my vacant post.

The brothers looked at each other. “I have my Wanyin.” Lan Xichen smiled.

“Wei Ying...” Lan Wangji said, the tip of his ears gone red.

Lan Xichen chuckled as he burned the letter of his uncle along with his retirement letters. “Uncle just needs more vacation.” He said.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji nodded.

Thus the brothers began their life of being corrupted for their personal gains – their uncle taking the brunt of his nephews’ corruption.

Meanwhile, somewhere...

“Haaa...” Lan Qiren sighed as he looked at the unmoving rod.

The fish didn’t take the bait again. (A/N: what are you thinking, something yellow? 😏)

He heard Jiang Fengmian chuckled. Lan Qiren turned to see the handful of fishes Jiang Fengmian poured on his bucket. He smiled, then continued to fish.

This peaceful scene can be seen in the everyday life of the residents of this remote town.

As to when will Lan Qiren go back... only time will know. As to when will he go home...

Sometimes, even if you’re in the middle of nowhere, as long as you’re in the arms of someone you love... this can be called ‘home’.

His other home is in this someone’s arms.

End.