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In the weeks leading up to Sect Leader Nie's birthday, Nie Huaisang took it upon himself to organize the festivities, requesting help from several other sect members of course. They'd helped him in planning the decorations for the main hall and the menu for the banquet. All that had been left to figure out now was the entertainment.
One such sect member suggested the hiring of prostitutes from the well-renowned Yunping brothel. The men and women who worked there weren't just skilled in matters of sex, they were also quite talented in music, dance and poetry. The festivities were bound to be a great success, what with the level of first-class entertainment these performers were certain to provide.
Nie Huaisang approved of the idea without a moment's hesitation. He immediately set to work writing a letter to the brothel owner, requesting the presence of their absolute best. Within a week, Huaisang received confirmation that their finest performers would be in attendance.
----
It was quite the celebration at the Unclean Realm, Nie sect disciples and outside guests alike partaking in food, spirits and merriment. Among them was Lan Xichen, leader of the Gusu Lan Sect and Nie Mingjue's sworn brother. Sect rules prohibited him from drinking, so he enjoyed a nice hot cup of tea instead.
As Nie Mingjue's special guest, Xichen had a seat closest to the front of the main hall, granting him a better view of the performance that was about to take place. Following Huaisang's announcement and introduction of the troupe, the dancers got into position, waiting for the music to commence.
Gentle pluckings of a guqin soon resounded throughout the space, accompanied by soothing notes from a xiao as the performers sprung to life. They moved in unison with such fluidity, such grace. Their formations had been well-practiced, their transitions smooth as the dancers in the back traded places with those in the front.
And that's when Xichen saw him twirling into view, coming to a halt right in front of him. The young man possessed a stunning profile: a well-defined but smooth jawline, a pretty snub nose directed to the ceiling, beautifully-arched brows and gorgeous doe-like eyes that just so happened to look right back at him.
Xichen jerked back the slightest touch, a light blush flushing his cheeks as he felt a bit ashamed for being caught staring. The dancer didn't seem to mind, however, winking and offering a subtle smile. It then hit Xichen that the skilled performer was probably used to the attention. Though, it wasn't just his striking features that captivated the Lan sect leader.
The young man truly was a phenomenal dancer, from the grand entrance he made as he migrated to the front to the sensual yet graceful movements of his body now. His arms extended beautifully, effortlessly as they reached out to his sides and then in front of him before bringing them close to his chest. Stepping forward with one foot, his arms drew back at his sides as he thrust his upper body forward, neck craning in a refined, elegant manner. He gave of himself fully, into his craft, into this one performance. And Xichen could feel the emotion, the passion the young man poured into each and every move.
The way he carried himself with such poise, such finesse.
The way he lifted up a leg high into the air, pointing his foot with absolute precision.
The way he steadily lowered that leg without a stumble to his step.
The way he snuck glances at the sect leader, seeing as said man never took his eyes off of him.
Meng Yao had found himself quite taken with the man as well, offering him flirtatious smirks whenever he got the chance. Of course, he had to keep it subtle, lest the other attendees get jealous. Particularly the man of the hour, the one whom he was meant to perform for: Sect Leader Nie.
Shifting his gaze, he gracefully leapt in the direction of Nie Mingjue, making certain to lock eyes with him. Again, he allowed his body to move in sensual ways, anything to attract and keep the sect leader's attention on him. It would be easy, what with Meng Yao having taken center stage, leading his companions through the rest of the dance. He smirked as he watched the stern man's resolve slowly begin to crumble. Not very many men could resist him, not even the toughest of the tough. Meng Yao always managed to make an impression without fail.
Like his sworn brother, Nie Mingjue had also fallen completely mesmerized at the sight of Meng Yao. He couldn't possibly deny it, no matter how hard he tried to stave it off. The intensity of the music, the swaying of those hips, the way the young dancer seductively rolled his body for him, the way those gorgeous large eyes were locked purely onto him. It was all becoming too much and he inwardly begged for this to be over soon.
As if his pleas had been heard, the sounds of the guqin and xiao came to an abrupt stop. Following in tandem were the dancers who had fallen to their knees as they faced the throne.
Meng Yao, --who'd been closest to Sect Leader Nie-- threw himself at the man's feet, practically offering himself up to him. His doe-like eyes locked with the sect leader's, soft pants leaving his parted lips as he caught his breath. Even with his gaze on the man, the thoughts of another refused to leave his mind. From the corner of his eye, Meng Yao saw that the Lan sect leader still had his sights set on him.
Lan Xichen also couldn't stop thinking about the dancer. The young man had been such a tease, taunting him before he wandered off in the direction of Nie Mingjue. It made sense as these festivities were made in honor of Mingjue's birthday, but that didn't stop Xichen's curiosity, Xichen's selfish desire to have the man's attention set back on him.
There'd surely been something there.
A connection.
A spark.
Lan Xichen could feel it.
Meng Yao felt it too. Just as he was about to gaze in Sect Leader Lan's direction, Nie Mingjue helped him up, seating him beside his throne. Well, at least this way he'd have a better view of the Lan sect leader. A better way to exchange more hidden glances.