𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭┃𝐌𝐝𝐳𝐬 ✓

Part : 41 (b) Calling you with delight

#Forteen year old Jingyi

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Author's POV

Jiang Cheng was already awake from the sweet troublesome sleep his son put him into.

It was a bright and busy morning at the Lotus Pier. Jiang Cheng was deep in discussion with his disciples, preparing them for a training session, when he suddenly heard a voice calling out, loud and clear from across the field.

"Cheng Cheng!"

The sound of the name made Jiang Cheng freeze. The last time anyone had called him that was... Wei Wuxian. His fingers tightened around the scroll in his hands as the memories came rushing back-the carefree laughter, the teasing voice that could get under his skin like no other.

He turned slowly, expecting-hoping, for just a split second-that the voice might belong to his long-gone brother. But instead, it was Lan Jingyi, the grinning troublemaker, bounding toward him with that same ridiculous nickname on his lips.

"Cheng Cheng! I've been looking for you everywhere!"

The entire temple went silent for a moment, before Jiang Cheng whipped around to glare at Lan Jingyi.

Lan Jingyi grinned cheekily, giving him a thumbs-up. "Classic, right?"

"You're lucky you're still alive," Jiang Cheng muttered, his fingers twitching dangerously as if he might strangle the boy then and there.

Wei Wuxian, seated on Jiang Cheng's other side, was practically bouncing with glee. "This is going to be so good," he whispered loudly, making Jiang Cheng even more irritated.

The disciples standing nearby stiffened, their expressions a mix of confusion and dread. Did Jingyi really just call their sect leader that?

Jiang Cheng's eyes flashed dangerously. "What did you just call me?"

Lan Jingyi, oblivious to the tension in the air, trotted up with an innocent grin. "Cheng Cheng! It suits you! I figured you needed a fun name to brighten things up!"

Jiang Cheng could hardly believe what he was hearing. "Cheng Cheng?" His voice dripped with disbelief and barely restrained anger. "Do I look like someone who enjoys being called Cheng Cheng?"

Nie Huaisang snorted in the background, struggling to keep his fan from fluttering out of his hand from laughter. "You have to admit, Jiang-xiong, it's got a certain charm to it!"

Jiang Cheng shot him a glare so sharp that Nie Huaisang immediately hid behind his fan, stifling another giggle.

Lan Xichen leaned forward and spoke softly. "It's not so bad, Wanyin. It's... affectionate."

"Affectionate?!" Jiang Cheng sputtered. "This is pure disrespect!"

Lan Jingyi tilted his head, completely unbothered by the warning tone. "Well, you could use some cheering up, A-niang. You're always so serious... Cheng Cheng sounds really cheerful. I will always call you Cheng Cheng... what do you think Cheng Cheng?"

Jiang Cheng's patience snapped.

"Enough!" he bellowed, his voice echoing across the courtyard. The nearby disciples immediately snapped to attention, pretending to be very busy with anything other than watching their sect leader lose his temper.

Lan Jingyi, however, didn't flinch. In fact, he only tilted his head to the side, like a curious puppy. "What's wrong, A-niang? I thought you'd like it!"