Chapter Text
Summer was the best at his uncle’s house. Of course, he loved living with his parents. Jin Ling thought they were the perfect couple. They never fought. Even when they did disagree it was settled quickly. All due to his mother’s boundless patience and his father’s understanding. He loved his parents with all his heart. They would constantly tell him how much he was like his Uncle. Which is why he didn’t mind staying with him during the summer season. His job didn’t ask much of him during the summer, especially since He was the CEO. Realistically he could break whenever he wanted.
‘I don’t slack at my job. You better not either,’ Jin Ling recalled his Uncle’s words.
He adjusted his bag and waited at the shuttle area for said Uncle to pick him up. His dog Fairy stood by Jin Ling, her tail wagging happily. Of course, he would bring her along. He considered her to be his only real friend back in Lanling. Anyone else at school who hung out with him only did so because of his family’s wealth. But here in his Uncle’s home, Yunmeng, he had his friends. They were a district away in Gusu, but they all still met up with each other whenever he decided to visit.
Jin Ling mindlessly scrolled on his phone when he heard a honk of a car. A shiny purple custom car pulled up in front of him and he smiled fondly. His uncle was always described for his temper and sharp tongue. Yet, those who knew him understood he had pride and aesthetic he liked to keep up.
Fairy stood on all fours recognizing the car and its driver. Jiang Cheng stepped out of the car in a lavender V-neck with black jeans and black dress shoes. Jin Ling recalled a past incident when his Uncle picked him up from school. Students were asking why that ‘hot guy’ was even talking to him. He still cringes at the moment to this day.
“What, no greeting for me?” He spoke in a seemingly scolding tone.
By now Jin Ling could tell the difference between a real scolding and his Uncle’s fondness.
“Hello, Uncle,” he spoke formally, “You look well.”
Fairy barked happily and her tail wagged so wildly it took her whole body with it. She jumped up into Jiang Cheng’s chest and started to lick around his face. Normally Jin Ling would have pried her from him, but he knew his Uncle didn’t mind. In fact, he was just as excited to see her and she was.
“Good to know at least one of you has learned manners,” he laughed as his cheek was licked.
He still held Fairy showing no strain to hold a husky in one arm and reached out to ruffle his nephew’s hair. Jin Ling groaned and pulled his hand away to fix his hair.
“Good to see you, brat. How were your travels?”
After he fixed his hair, adjusting his ponytail, Jin Ling responded, “They were fine Uncle. I am starving though.”
Jiang Cheng raised a brow adjusting his hold on Fairy, “Did your mother not pack anything for you?”
Jin Ling smiled sheepishly, “She did but I ate it the moment the train started moving and I hate the food on there. You would have yelled at me if I ate your share of soup.”
“Damn right I would have,” he scoffed, “Climb on in. We’ve got people waiting on us.”
Soon enough the two piled his luggage along with Fairy in the car and were off. The people his Uncle spoke of were his mother’s family. In Lanling he spent most of his time with his father’s family. Not that he didn’t like Lanling. Wach family had their own share of faults, just lately things back home were getting rather tense.
“How’s school and your mother? You are still in archery, yes?” Jiang Cheng asked, turning down the radio and turning up the AC.
“Both are fine. The restaurant is really busy now since it’s summer. I’m the best in my archery class now. I’ve even surpassed some of my seniors.”
Jiang Cheng let out a ‘hmph’, “Those people don’t know how spoiled they are for her recipes in their backyard. And that’s good, don't get cocky and slack off with it.”
He strongly agreed with his Uncle. Jiang Yanli’s restaurant was one of the crown jewels in Lanling. People would line outside the door for his mother’s cooking. He felt blessed that he could have it whenever he wanted at home. As for archery, taking up a sport was common in their family. While the Jiangs practiced with a sword Jin Ling followed in his father’s footsteps and took up archery. Their family kept some traditions close to them, Jin Ling was told it made them stronger that way.
“That’s good to hear though, A-Jie told me that Peacock-er your father has been stressed lately,” he said making a turn.
Fairy had her head out of the back seat enjoying the smells and the fresh air. Jin Ling pursed his lips and watched her from the side mirror.
“Xiaoshu is back in town,” he said simply. Inwardly he winced seeing how Jiang Cheng’s grip on the steering wheel tightened.
“I see,” was all he said.
Not every family was perfect, Jin Ling learned that by watching both sides of his family. He would never admit it out loud, but sometimes he felt his mother’s side was a lot easier to deal with than his father’s side.
“Well, your father should have a handle on things. Has Jin Guangyao been spending a lot of time with you?” His uncle asked.
Jin Ling clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes (a habit he picked up), “He’s trying. He wants us to be closer since we are family especially after Yéyé died.”
‘As if that has ever mattered to him,’ Jiang Cheng thought. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, “I suppose if he’s willing to make an effort.”
For his mother’s sake, he tried not to bad mouth the family in front of Jin Ling. But Jiang Yanli wasn’t here right now.
“I have more of a problem with Mo Xuanyu, that lunatic is trying too hard to be my friend.”
“Hm,” Jiang Cheng chuckled, “Well if you can handle being around Wei Wuxian, then he won’t be so tough.”
Jin Ling smiled at his Uncle’s joke. It’s true his adoptive Uncle and Mo Xuanyu were like each other in the respect that a lot of people found them annoying.
They fell back into more idle chit chat of Jin Ling filling him in on his life back home. He always felt comfortable with his Uncle, no matter how many times the years have passed. Finally, they arrived at his Uncle’s house and there were already cars parked out front.
“Asshole had to park in the driveway,” Jiang Cheng grumbled.
Jiang Cheng parked near the driveway and got out. He grabbed his luggage for his nephew as Fairy jumped out excitedly.
“Get her to the backyard before going inside. The last thing I need to hear is Wei Wuxian’s crying.”
Jin Ling rolled his eyes and ran up to catch Fairy. His uncle Wei Wuxian had a crippling and somewhat annoying fear of dogs. No matter how many times he would tell him that Fairy wouldn’t hurt him he would cry and insist otherwise.
“Come on girl, you can go inside later,” he urged Fairy away. Once his companion was safely in the backyard safe to roam around he went inside from the back door.
He stepped into the living room to a practically full house. His 3 best friends, Lan Sizhui, Lan Jingyi, and Ouyang Zizhen were standing in the living room. Along with his Uncle Wei Wuxian and his husband Lan Wangji.
“There he is!” Wei Wuxian cheered. “And without the dog thank goodness.”
“Pft, just like a princess to make a grand entrance, welcome back your highness,” Lan Jingyi scoffed.
Lan Sizhui shot his friend a look before looking at Jin Ling with his sweet smile.
“It’s good to have you back again Jin Ling,” he stepped forward, “I hope your studies are going well.”
Wei Wuxian laughed loudly and he put a hand on his son’s shoulder.
“Always so formal! You sound more and more like Lan Zhan each day.”
He stepped forward and took Jin Ling’s face in his hands and squished his cheeks. Which he knew he hated, especially in front of other people.
“Ah, you’ve grown so tall since last summer you even passed A-Yuan! So glad you look more like your mother,” he sighed.
“Would you get off!?” Jin Ling pushed him back, “Before I bring Fairy in here!”
That immediately got him to lift his hands from his nephew and take large steps back behind Lan Wangji.
“He didn’t really mean it Wei-Qianbei,” Lan Sizhui put his hands up.
“Yes, I did!”
“Ah, please don’t,” Wei Wxuain cried, lifting up Lan Wangji’s arm to hide behind him. Lan Wangji only offered a small sigh and stepped further in front of him.
“Hey! Didn’t I say I didn’t want to hear him whine?” Jiang Cheng yelled over the commotion.
“I am not your servant, get over here, and pick up your things!” He barked, dropping his luggage on the for.
“Jiujiu, mom’s soup is in there!” Jin Ling ran to the bags.
“Aw shit!” Jiang Cheng gasped.
Even Wei Wuxian let out a cry and quickly went to the bags himself. Jiang Yanli’s soup was something special to all three of them. Many fights were settled over that soup. Several tears, parties, and engagements made it better because of Lotus Rib Soup. Something secret that she didn’t put on the menu because she felt it was something only meant for her family.
After most of Jin Ling’s things were unpacked they all got together for dinner. As Jin Ling expected it was loud and rowdy. The Lan family was very strict in not speaking while eating, while the Jiang family was the opposite. It was a wonderful mix together. Lan Sizhui listened intently following his father’s rules. Lan Jingyi spoke occasionally. He carried the name Lan because he was adopted by Lan Wangji’s older brother. Ouyang Zizheng was the last to join their little group. He was arguably the most sensitive of all them, but he had a kind heart.
“I just can’t wait to finally go to the pier again,” Jin Ling sighed, “Lanling doesn’t have lotus’s like Yunmeng.”
At the mention of the pier, it seemed that everyone stiffened up. It was the quietest the table had ever been. Jin Ling furrowed his brows and looked at everyone’s faces.
“You didn’t tell him yet?” Wei Wuxian looked at Jiang Cheng.
“I was going to wait,” Jiang Cheng rubbed his brow.
“What? Tell me what?” He looked to his uncle for answers.
A sigh escaped him, “I don’t want you boys to go to the piers. Not right now.”
“Huh!? Why not? Why can’t you just tell me?”
Lan Sizhui shifted uncomfortably and looked like he was trying to find the words but couldn’t. Then Lan Wangji spoke for the first time during dinner.
“In the past two weeks, several people have gone missing in both districts. More people in Yunmeng than in Gusu.”
Jin Ling gave him an incredulous look, “What!? Are you serious?”
Lan Wangji nearly nodded and took a glance at Wei Wuxian. He quirked his lips to the side and slumped in his chair. Lan Sizhui looked at his parents before continuing on.
“Wen Ning was the last person to go missing,” he spoke solemnly.
Jin Ling gave him a sympathetic look. Wen Ning was a friend of Wei Wuxian and has known Lan Sizhui since he was a toddler. Wei Wuxian grabbed his drink and chugged it down.
“There are plenty of things in Yunmeng and Gusu for you four to do,” Jiang Cheng spoke up. “Also, there’s gonna be a curfew for all of you.”
There was a resounding disagreement from all the boys. The last thing they wanted was a structured time during their summer. They offered up several counter solutions to a curfew but Jiang Cheng wasn’t hearing it.
“Alright, alright,” Jiang Cheng put his hand up, “That’s enough I don’t want to hear it. This is for your safety. This is getting serious. So far no one has turned up and there is no way we are risking any of you, do you hear me?”
The boys exchanged looks but their silence wasn’t enough.
“Well?” Jiang Cheng raised his voice.
There was a collective yes between them. None of them were happy about it. They would spend late nights by the pier or by a campfire. So much for that. At the same time, it did worry Jin Ling that his uncle failed to mention anything about people going missing. He knew his uncle was protective, but hiding something like that was unsettling.
Thanks to their new curfew none of them could stay behind for too long. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji took it upon themselves to bring everyone home. After their goodbyes and hugs, it was just Jin Ling and Jiang Cheng, and Fairy of course.
"Jiujiu what's really been going on? With the missing people?"
Jin Ling asked as he let Fairy inside. His uncle was in the kitchen cleaning up the dishes and stayed silent before speaking.
"Honestly, no one seems to make sense of it. There are no leads for any missing person. They've been adults and one teenager," he turned around to him and started to dry his hands. "I didn't want to tell you because I understand how much these trips mean to you."
Jin Ling looked to the ground. He was right, he didn't want to miss out on summer here because of this.
"I'm serious about the curfew. After Wen Ning was taken-"
"Taken?"
Jiang Cheng's jaw clenched, "Missing. After he went missing, your plans to stay here were already set. I didn't want to worry your mother by telling her you couldn't come."
“I-” He didn’t have much to say in response to that.
“You’ll just have to make the most of it,” he walked past to him, “Finish those, and then you can go.”
Jin Ling pulled a pout and did as he was told. All the while Fairy laid at his feet. Once the dishes were done and the husky was fed, Jin Ling went up to his room.
Jiang Cheng had a room just for him. He kept it the same as Jin Ling would leave it so it was as if he was going home again. Fairy curled up onto her bed next to his desk and Jin Ling climbed into his bed. Out of his bag, he pulled out his laptop and looked at the time. It was 8:30 pm, he was a little late for a video chat with his friends.
He saw that they were already online talking with each other and he jumped right in.
“Hey, look, the princess is fashionably late,” Lan Jingyi rolled his eyes to the camera.
“Fuck off,” Jin Ling said adjusting his earphones.
“Guys…” Lan Sizhui warned.
“What took you so long to get on?” Ouyang Zizhen asked.
Jin Ling squinted at his camera, “I was trying to see if my Uncle would change his mind about the curfew.”
“No luck?” He asked.
“You know how my Uncle is,” he said a bit quietly just in case Uncle could hear him.
“Well yeah everyone’s on edge. My father is talking about not even letting me go to Yunmeng anymore.”
Ouyang Zizhen’s father was always overprotective of his only son. He held Gusu’s schools in high esteem and allowed him to go there. At the same time, he had just as strong opinions about their group and the influence they had on him.
The boys all shifted, notably Lan Sizhui. He looked away from the camera as if there was something else that caught his attention. Jiang Cheng’s word choice came back into Jin Ling’s head. His uncle hardly let things slip like that to him. ‘Taken’ and ‘missing’ were two different meanings.
“Wen-xiongi has always been-” Lan Sizhui started looking back to the chat, “He never stays away for long! I’m sure he’s just fine.”
The boys stayed silent as Lan Sizhui tried to keep up the smile. Wen Ning was family to him and helped raise him. Jin Ling couldn’t imagine if one day Jiang Cheng disappeared.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Jin Ling asked.
“We figured you already knew. We were surprised that you were coming in the first place,” Lan Jingyi shrugged.
“Yeah but still, I mean what are we even supposed to do now?”
“There’s always Caiyi Town and we could go to the movies,” Lan Sizhui offered.
“Yeah there’s that,” Jin Ling drummed his fingers on his leg.
“Still, campfires by the pier were the best part of the summer!” Ouyang Zizhen whined, “I was finally gonna learn how to swim this year.”
The three of them snickered before Jin Ling pointed out, “You need to learn to float first Zizhen.”
“Easy for you to say. You started swimming when you were a baby!”
Lan Sizhui laughed, “Well when you grow up in Yunmeng...”
“You two are practically mermaids!”
Lan Jingyi scoffed, “Jin Ling does his hair like one.”
Jin Ling held up a middle finger, “Kiss my ass.”
“Bite me.”
“Guys!” Lan Sizhui sighed, “Come on it’s almost time for bed. What are we doing tomorrow?”
“I’ll never get used to how your families go to sleep so early,” Oyuang Zizhen shook his head.
“I’m this close to convincing Zewu-jun for 10 pm,” Lan Jingyi put up his fists in a desperate motion.
“We could go to the lake, I mean as long as it’s not after dark right?” Jin Ling asked.
“I’ll have to ask what Hunguang-Jun says about that, but I’m pretty sure if it’s not after dark then we should be fine.”
“If not then we can go for Caiyi Town,” Lan Jingyi shrugged.
“This sucks, is every one that freaked out? I mean people have been really disappearing without any sign?”
“Yeah it’s so strange,” Lan Sizhui said, “At first we thought it was a kid who decided to run away from home. It’s all been out towards the right where Gusu and Yunmeng meet.”
“So right outside of Lotus Pier?” Jin Ling asked.
“Mn.”
“Not only that, but it’s been almost impossible to reach people as well,” Ouyang Zizhen spoke up. “The kid that went missing, his parents put a tracker on his phone, but it suddenly turned off. It was like he stopped existing or something.”
Lan Jingyi grimaced, “Don’t say it like that!”
“Sorry!”
Jin Ling pursed his lips, “When Jiujiu was telling me about it...he said ‘after Wen Ning’ was taken. Not missing, but he said taken.”
They all looked at Jin Ling.
“Taken?” Lan Sizhui repeated.
Jin Ling nodded, “It might be bigger than people just getting lost in the woods…”
They all fell silent unsure of what to do with that possibility. People getting lost in the woods was common. The lake was large and led from a heavily dense forest. It looked like none of them wanted to admit the possibility of someone being behind this. That idea was worse.
“Could we change the subject?” Ouyang Zizchen offered.
“Mn.” “Yeah.” “Okay.”
Yet none of them had a subject to change it to. There was a knock at Lan Sizhui’s door and he excused himself.
“Looks like my cue,” Lan Jingyi said, turning back to his door opening to Lan Xichen reminding him of the time.
“What’s the point of putting us on a curfew when they gotta go to bed at 9 anyway?” Oyuang Zizchen asked.
Jin Ling shook his head, “I’m glad Jiujiu doesn’t follow it.”
“Yeah, but my father still doesn’t like me going to Yunmeng so much.”
“He’s still mad at Wei Wuxian?” Jin Ling asked.
“I don’t think he'll get over him telling my father off...”
Then the two Lan’s came back to their computers ready to bid the others good night.
“Hanguang-Jun said the lake was fine as long as it’s before sunset.”
“Zewu-Jun will agree with Hanguang-Jun, so-yes they can see you.” Lan Jingyi turned his camera away from Lan Xichen waving in the corner.
“Maybe I can learn to swim after all,” Ouyang Zizhen sighed.
“We’ll be sure to teach you the best we can,” Lan Sizhui smiled.
“Like I said it’s just floating,” Jin Ling shook his head.
“Alright, well good night guys. See you tomorrow!” Ouyang Zizhen waved and went offline.
“Yeah, see you tomorrow. Text me the time,” Lan Jingyi said before going offline.
Lan Sizhui lingered still on camera, “Jin Ling I-”
“Sorry about bringing up the missing people,” Jin Ling cut off.
Lan Suzhui blinked before he gave his soft smile, “It’s alright really. I have faith that Wen-xiong will turn up soon. Along with the other people.” “Right, me too.”
Lan Sizhui’s door opened once again. Wei Wuxian’s voice came through his mic talking about sleeping again.
“Okay! I’ll text you tomorrow.”
“Bye,” Jin Ling waved.
Not long after he went offline himself. It always felt empty once everyone went offline so early. Normally now, he would take Fairy out for a walk. But with it already being so late, he doubted his Uncle would let him leave.
“Screw this,” he put his laptop aside and stood up, “Fairy, come on.”
Fairy hopped to her feet and danced around on the floor. Jin Ling smiled and knelt down in front of her. He put a hand on her nose and tried to quiet her down. He scratched around her ears and stood up, grabbed her leash, and slowly opened his door.
The hallways looked clear. Slowly he stepped out of the room and let Fairy out first. Jin Ling made his way down the stairs and was almost to the door when he heard shuffling in the living room.
“Are you that stupid you would sneak out the front door?”
Jin Ling winced and turned to his uncle sitting on the couch. His back was to him until he stood up to turn to him. He was apparently reading a book and he slammed it shut with his hand. Fairy, the traitor, barked happily and trotted for him.
Jiang Cheng grinned and walked around the couch to meet the pup and knelt down in front of her.
“Your owner isn’t as smart as he thinks he is,” he skillfully spoke in a soft tone. “I hope he knows that if he tries this again I’ll break his legs.”
“You-” Jin Ling started but stopped himself before he made the situation worse.
Jiang Cheng frowned and stood up putting a hand on his hip. He started at Jin Ling with his icy flare before finally speaking.
“Is there a reason you don’t want to take my word seriously?”
“Jiujiu, I wasn’t going to go far. Just around the block, nowhere outside of the neighborhood.”
Jiang Cheng put a hand on his forehead and sighed, “You’re making me sound like a Lan. You don’t have to go to bed at 9, but you have to be in this house by 9. You can’t be out by yourself.” Jin Ling pulled a pout and looked at the door, “I can defend myself.” “So could Wen Ning!” Jiang Cheng shouted, “As meek of a person he was, he was fully capable of defending himself and he is gone now!”
Jin Ling snapped to look at him and even Fairy calmed down after his shout. Jiang Cheng approached him and Jin Ling expected the worst. He relaxed when all he felt was a hand on his shoulder.
“A-Ling look at me,” he spoke softly.
Jin Ling huffed and slowly looked up to his Uncle. He didn’t have that same hard expression as before, but it was still stern.
“You are my sister's son, the day we chose your name I promised her I would protect you. As long as you’re here in Yunmeng I’m going to do that.”
He gave him a little shake, “You need to help me do that by doing what I say. This is serious. Do you understand me?”
Jin Ling gulped down whatever frustration he had and nodded.
Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. He squeezed his shoulder tighter waiting for a better response.
“Yes, Jiu-Jiu, I understand.”
After a moment Jiang Cheng finally released him. He took a step back and rubbed his brow.
“Are you planning to go out tomorrow?” He asked.
Jin Ling exhaled, “The lake and maybe Caiyi Town.”
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and nodded, “Alright fine. You’re not to be at the lake after sunset. You’re in the house by 9. Not 9:05 and not 9:10. I mean nine o'clock.”
Jin Ling mimicked almost perfectly the same eye-roll. Brat catches on quick.
“Yes, Jiujiu.”
“Watch your eyes,” he warned, “You can take Fairy with you. Watch out for the others too. You all have a habit of getting into trouble.”
Jin Ling opened his mouth to protest but closed it again.
Jiang Cheng seemed to be satisfied with that and waved his hand. “Alright go on, you don’t have to sleep now, but don’t be up all night.”
Jin Ling muttered another yes before going back up to his room.
‘Summer is going to fucking suck,’ he thought to himself.