"It means someone attacked both of us," Zhiquiang said looking at Wangji.
"I am not sure of it." Euni interrupted. "Maybe other rooms also got attacks. I think I need to check."
"A'Ni, are you okay?" Wei Wuxian asked.
"Wei gege, I have Zhiquiang by my side. He did protect me." Euni smiled as she went out of the room.

First, she went to Jiang Cheng's room to ask if they were attacked the previous night. Zewu Jun informed that no such attack happened. The same situation happened in other rooms as well. It meant the attack occurred only to Wei Wuxian and Zhang Euni's rooms. She went to Wangji's room to inform about this.

"What's the matter A'Ni?"
"Wei gege, only we two got attacked."
"What!? Who wants to harm both me and my meimei?"
"Zhang Euni, how did you realize that the attack is only on you and him?" Hanguang-Jun asked.
"Well...its..." Euni looked at Zhiquiang and he nodded. "An attack happened on us at the library pavilion."
"What!? When!?" Wei Wuxian at once stood up from his seat.
"That day we had our punishment of copying book of conduct and Lan family rules. Zhiquiang and I were there in that room when suddenly the candles went off and someone attacked us." Euni explained.
"Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Hanguang-Jun asked.
"Well...its..."
"Its because she trusts Zhiquiang more than me." Wei Wuxian cut her words.
"Wei gege... it's not like..."
"Shut up Zhang Euni!" Wei Wuxian yelled. "Now you trust Zhiquiang more than me that you didn't think it's important to inform me about that attack?"
"Wei gege, I was..."
"Don't talk to me."

Wei Wuxian stormed out of the room leaving Euni and Zhiquiang dumbfounded. She looked at Hanguang-Jun with tears in her eyes. Before Hanguang-Jun could say anything, Zhiquiang spoke.

"Euni, stay here. I will talk to Senior Wei."
"But Zhiquiang, he is already mad at me. He won't listen to you."
"Do you trust me Euni?"
"Mn."
"Then stay here."

Saying so Zhiquiang left the room to catch up with Wei Wuxian. Euni was already in tears. The tears started to flow down her cheeks.

"Hanguang-Jun, what should I do now? Wei gege doesn't want to talk to me now." Euni sobbed.
"Don't worry. He will calm down." Wangji tried to console her.

"I...I am sorry."
"Why didn't you tell him? At least he trusts you completely."
"Hanguang-Jun, it's not that I don't trust him. I didn't tell him because I thought he would be busy with other things and that attack was a minor one. So..."
"Zhang Euni, don't hide anything from Wei Ying. He loves you very much. He said that he feels like you are his Shijie. So if you hide something from him, it will hurt him."
"I am sorry Hanguang-Jun. I won't ever do it again." Euni cried.
"Don't cry like a baby. Zhiquiang already went there"

On the other hand, Zhiquiang followed Wei Wuxian and the latter stopped outside the inn.

"Why are you following me?" Wei Wuxian asked angrily.
"Senior Wei, you need to listen to my explanations."
"Why should I? Euni already trusts you more than me."
"You are misunderstanding it, Senior Wei. Euni trusts you not me. She even doesn't consider me as a friend."

These words made Wei Wuxian calm down. He moved a step closer to Zhiquiang.

"And...does it bother you that she doesn't consider you as her friend?" Wei Wuxian smirked.
"Huh?!" Zhiquiang got started by the sudden question. "Well...no...hmm..."
"Haha...you don't need to say that. I understand it. Now tell me why you guys didn't tell me?"
"Euni wanted to tell you, but it was me who stopped her." Zhiquiang lied
"Why did you stop her?"
"Well...its..." Zhiquiang hesitated as he knew what he was saying was completely a lie. It was Euni who stopped him from informing Wei Wuxian.
"It's what!?"
"Well...its...I stopped her because I thought you will be too busy with your work and I didn't want her to disturb you. Moreover, it was just a minor attack,  so I thought I would handle it."
"Well." Wei Wuxian moved another step closer, keeping a few inches difference between them. "I hope you are not lying."
"I am not lying."
"Good. I was mad at her not because she didn't inform me, but because she is putting herself in danger. I cannot afford to lose her. She is very precious to me. And what I see, she trusts you more than your brothers. So take care of her. She is your responsibility. She spends most of the tome with you."
"I will Senior Wei," Zhiquiang said in a determining tone.

Wei Wuxian smiled.

"Follow me." Wei Wuxian said as he went into the streets
"Where are we going?" Zhiquiang asked catching up with Wei Wuxian.
"To buy Euni something nice."
"Oh."
"Well, Zhiquiang, what does A'Ni like?"
"Huh?!"
"2nd Lan Zhan...I am asking you something!"
"How can I know Senior Wei? I don't know."
"Don't you stay with her all the time?"
"I seriously don't know Senior Wei. She never talks to me nicely."
"Really! Even Lan Zhan is better than you. I thought he is fuddy-duddy. But I am wrong. It's you who is fuddy-duddy.

Zhiquiang kept silence. He looked down. Actually, he was feeling guilty for not knowing Zhang Euni well. The words that Wei Wuxian said about Euni trusting Zhiquiang more than his brothers made him somehow feel happy.

"Zhiquiang? Are you feeling sad for not answering about A'Ni's interests?"
"Well...no..." Zhiquiang snapped out of gaze.
"Haha...Zhiquiang, why do you become so nervous and hesitant when I talk about A'Ni?"
"I don't know."
"Zhiquiang ah Zhiquiang." Wei Wuxian shook his head. "You are...forget about it. What do you like?"
"Me?!" Zhiquiang asked pointing at himself.
"Yes, you, Young Master Fuddy Duddy."
"I like...hmm...Swords."
"Damn it! Where will you find swords here!?"
"I don't know."
"I think have found what A'Ni likes." Wei Wuxian smiled as his gaze fell on a candy shop.

Soon after that, they went back to the inn. They went to Euni's room expecting her to be there. But the room was empty. They headed straight to Wangji's room.  Both Zhiquiang and Wei Wuxian stood dumbfounded witnessing the situation.

All the members were present in that room. Jiang Cheng was consoling Euni while she became a crying mess. Her eyes became red and puffed while pink shade spread across her pale fair skin. The juniors stood on the side while Zewu Jun and Hanguang-Jun stared at Jiang Cheng who was sitting beside Euni.

No sooner Wei Wuxian opened the door, everyone looked at him. Before he could say anything, Jiang Cheng spoke.

"Wei Wuxian! What on the earth did you do to my A'Ni!? She is crying from the moment you left and kept saying 'sorry Wei gege, I won't ever do that'. How dare you make her cry?" Jiang Cheng stood up and was about to move towards Wei Wuxian, he felt someone pulling his robes.

"Wanyin gege, don't do anything to him." Euni sobbed. "I was at fault."

"Aiyaa...A'Ni." Wei Wuxian knelt down to reach her level. "Why are you crying?" He wiped her tears.
"I am sorry Wei gege. I won't ever hide anything from you."
"Shhh." Wei Wuxian hugged her. "Don't cry, you silly girl. I am just worried about you."
"Huh!?" Euni broke the hug. "You are not mad at me anymore!?"
"How can I get mad at my little Meimei?" Wei Wuxian smiled. "I am sorry for getting mad at you."
"Wei Wuxian is this how you apologize to A'Ni?" Jiang Cheng interrupted.
"Hey...Jiang Cheng. I am talking with my A'Ni. Why are you interrupting?"
"Wei Wuxian, Ni..."
"Gege, please don't fight." Euni sobbed.
"Look what I have bought for our little girl." Wei Wuxian said talking a small pouch from his sleeves. "Candies!"

"Huh!? You bought candies for me!?" Euni exclaimed looking at the colorful candies.
"Yes, and it's only for you." Wei Wuxian smiled.
"Senior Wei, it's not fair. We are juniors as well." Jingyi pouted.
"Yes, Shufu. You never gave such cute things to us." Jin Ling said.
"You guys are not girls of course. I didn't know that Jingyi likes this kind of stuff." Wei Wixian teased.
"Wei gege." Euni smiled. "Why are you teasing them? We all will eat together."

"Finally Euni smiled." Zewu Jun said smiling.

Wangji also smiled.

"Wangji, I think we should go around and check if everything is alright." Zewu Jun said.
"Mn."
"I too wanna join." Wei Wuxian stood up.
"Yes. We too wanna come with you." Sizhui said.
"All of you will stay here. Only Zewu Jun and I will go." Wangji said coldly.
"Hey! Lan Zhan. I wanna join." Wei Wuxian pouted.
"Wei Ying, listen to me," Wangji said looking intensely at Wei Wuxian.
"Ah...haha...yeah. I will stay here. I have to look after something." Wei Wuxian smiled sheepishly as he understood Wangji's signals.
"Zhiquiang, Wanyin, please take care of Wei Ying and Euni," Wangji said
"Don't worry about it Wangji." Jiang Cheng assured.

After that, the Jade twins left the inn. Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, and the juniors sat in Wei Wuxian's room. The seniors sat on the bed while the juniors sat around them.

"What should we do now?" Wei Wuxian asked elbowing Jiang Cheng.
"Should we play something?" Jin Ling suggested.
"What should we play?" Jingyi asked
"Mn. Truth or dare?" Euni asked.
"What's that?" Zizhen asked.
"Well, its a game. You have to spin a bottle. The person whom the bottle indicates will ask questions to the person whom the tail of the bottle indicates. First, he will ask the person 'truth' or 'dare'. If the person chooses truth, then you can ask any question and that person has to answer. If he chooses dare, then you will give him a dare to do something." Euni explained.
"That's great." Wei Wuxian smirked. "We will play this game at night with Hanguang-Jun and Zewu Jun. Otherwise, it won't be fun."
"Then what should we play now?" Jingyi pouted.
"Ah! Lan Zhan went now, right? Then they will return by lunchtime. Jiang Cheng, how about we cook lunch for today." Wei Wuxian said giving a friendly smack to his brother.
"That's a great idea. I cannot wait to taste Senior Wei's cooking." Sizhui smiled.
"Well, then you guys play. Jiang Cheng and I will buy some groceries."

"Okay senior Wei." Zizhen smiled.
"Zhiquiang, take care of my girl." Jiang Cheng said and Zhiquiang nodded.

Soon the Pride Twins left the inn and the juniors sat on the floor forming a circle while Zhiquiang stood beside the bed.

"So, Zhang Euni, how did your day start?" Zizhen asked.
"My day?" Euni asked making her eyes got big and round. "It's amazing!!"

Zhiquiang smiled a bit at her words. He knew how 'amazing' her day started.

"Really?" Jin Ling asked. "How did it start?"
"Well, let me tell you. First I woke up and went to Zizhen Gege's room. Before I could knock the door, I heard a very beautiful tone." Euni paused.
"Beautiful tone?" Jingyi asked.
"Mn." Euni nodded. "I heard the beautiful voice of Jingyi asking Zizhen for flying kisses."

This sudden confession made Jingyi go red with embarrassment.

"And next thing what happened is related to my friend Lingling and Sizhui gege." Euni paused and smirked at Jin Ling.

Jin Ling understood what Euni was going to say, so he stopped her.

"A-ah, Zhang Euni, why don't you change the topic and tell us anything else?" Jin Ling said.
"Euni did you check Seniors rooms?" Jingyi asked.
"I dare not to," Euni replied.
"Zhiquiang...how did your night go with your girl?" Zizhen smirked.
"Your girl!?" Zhiquiang and Euni blurted out.
"What do you mean by 'your girl'?" Euni shrieked.
"She is not my girl." Zhiquiang replied." Moreover, my night was nothing special. She slept like a log all night."

Before the juniors could say anything else, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng entered the room.

"We are back." Wei Wuxian smiled holding all necessary items for cooking.
"Yay! We are going to have something spicy today." Euni jumped like a kid.
"A'Ni, I think we have Lan Clan members. So I think foo won't be so spicy." Jiang Cheng smiled.
"Aishh...Jiang Cheng, where is paprika!?" Wei Wuxian exclaimed checking the baskets.
"Didn't you buy it?"
"Jiang Cheng, you said you will buy it."
"Wei Wuxian, you..."
"A-ah." Euni interrupted. "Wanyin gege don't argue. I can buy it."
"Well, then I will accompany her." Jin Ling said.
"Hmm...Jin Ling, I think I need Zhiquiang to accompany me."
"Why should I?" Zhiquiang asked coldly.
"You have to," Euni said looking intensely at him.

Wei Wuxian looked at Euni and understood she wanted to tell something to Zhiquiang.

"Zhiquiang, I think you should accompany her." Wei Wuxian said.
"But..."
"Don't argue Zhiquiang. Listen to Senior Wei." Jiang Cheng said.

Zhiquiang nodded and both Euni and he left for the market.

As they went into the market, Euni didn't even say a word. She kept walking beside Zhiquiang. At first, he thought that Euni was mad at him. But after a while, he saw she was zoning out.

"Euni?" Zhiquiang called but received no response.
"Zhang Euni!?"
"Ha?!" Euni got startled.
"What are you thinking?"
"Its nothing Zhiquiang."

Again they kept walking and Zhiquiang again found Euni zoning out. Suddenly a carriage came by. Euni was so lost in thoughts that she didn't hear the sound. When the carriage was about to hit Euni, Zhiquiang pulled her and she found herself in Zhiquiang's arms.

"Zhang Euni! Are you out of mind or what?!" Zhiquiang yelled.
"I...I am sorry." Euni hung her head down.

Zhiquiang sighed and looked at her.

"What are you thinking so deeply?"
"What do you say to Wei gege that he calmed down so soon?"
"What!? Zhang Euni, are you thinking about this all the way?!"
"No. Actually...I am thinking about last night's attack."
"What's about it? Everything is okay now."
"Did my knife formed that cut on your neck?" Euni asked looking at Zhiquiang.
"No. But according to the sound of the knife, it formed a cut on the attacker's body, maybe on his upper arm of right hand."
"Thank God! I was worried that my knife formed a cut on your neck." Euni smiled.
"Zhang Euni did you really don't remember anything else about last night?"
"Zhiquiang, you know, a thought is bothering me..."
"What's it?"
"I think I know that attacker but I cannot recognize him. He is the same attacker who attacked us at the library pavilion."
"Are you sure?"
"I feel like it. The scent...the smell of that person is the same."
"I agree with you. The fighting skills are the same as well."
"And Zhiquiang, the way his sword clashed with you, it seemed as if he knew your moves very well."
"Euni, it was so dark. How did you manage to see that much?"
"I didn't see anything. I just heard the sound. From the clash of the swords, I can tell, his sword is not an ordinary one as well."
"Euni, I felt as if he is one of the students of Gusu."
"Lan Clan disciple!?"
"I am not sure of it."
"Why!? Why do they want to attack us? What did we do!?" Euni said making a sad face

Zhiquiang took a beautifully carved antique from his sleeves and gave it to Euni.

"Take it."
"Huh!?" Euni took it and started to examine it. "What's it Lan er gege."
"Don't call me that."
"Oh...hehe. What it Lan er Gonzi?"
"Perfume."
"Hah!? You bought perfume for me!?" Euni's jaws dropped to the ground.
"Mn." Zhiquiang's ears started to become pink.
"Woah! The legendary Lan Zhiquiang bought this silly girl Zhang Euni a perfume bottle!? Wow wow! I am so lucky." Euni said dramatically.
"Ridiculous!"

Zhiquiang speeded up. Euni laughed and ran after Zhiquiang to keep up with his speed. Suddenly her eyes fell on a young person of around 20 or 22 years, holding some papers. It has Yiling Laozu pictures drawn on it.

"Excuse, can I have a look at these?" Euni asked that person.
"Sure Miss. You do have a good taste. These are pictures of Yiling Laozu. If you keep them at your home then evil won't dare to enter." The man explained.

Euni smiled and looked at the pictures. Those pictures were drawn terribly. Euni burst out into laughter. Zhiquiang, who already moved a few steps ahead without noticing Euni, halted hearing her laughter. He turned around to see her laughing.

"Euni, why are you laughing?" Zhiquiang said as he stood beside her.
"Look at these," Euni said showing the pictures.

Zhiquiang's eyes widened. He too wanted to laugh but he kept a stoic face.

"Give to him and let's go now," Zhiquiang said looking away from her.
"Tch. You are of no fun. By the way, gege, do you happen to know about any unusual things happened here recently." Euni asked the person.
"What did you say?" That person asked.
"Hmm...do you know about any unusual events happened here?"
"You called me gege!?"
"Mn." Euni nodded. "Am I not supposed to call you that?"
"No no. It's okay. You are the first one to call like that." That person smiled.
"Hehe. Can you please answer my question?" Euni smiled.
"Oh yes. Some of the unusual things happen but thanks to Hanguang-Jun that he takes care of everything." The person replied.
"Young master, she is asking about recent events." Zhiquiang interrupted.
"Well, some mysterious killings happened in last month. No one knows about the correct reason for it."
"Did you see it with your own eyes?" Euni asked.
"No. But I heard about it. But another strange thing happened which I saw with my own eyes." That person paused and looked at Euni. "It was about a snake."
"Snake!?" Zhiquiang asked.
"Mn. A strange snake appeared a few days ago. It was somehow green colored but gigantic. I have never seen such a huge snake in my entire life. I was passing by the forest when I suddenly saw the snake moving in its own way."

Euni looked at that person as he paused for a moment. She understood what to do next. That person wants money. Since Euni doesn't have money, so she decided to give him the perfume bottle which Zhiquiang gave her. As she was about to hand it to the man, Zhiquiang interrupted.

"Euni, you cannot give it to him."
"I have no other option Zhiquiang. I don't have money." Euni replied looking at Zhiquiang.
"You still cannot exchange it for information." Zhiquiang held Euni's hand which was holding the perfume bottle.
"Lan er gege, try to understand. We don't have money. I know you gave this to me but now we have to collect the information first. You can buy me perfume later."
"No means no."

That person was watching the two arguing. He smiled a bit.

"Young Master, your girl is so polite and thoughtful. She doesn't want to spend your money. So she is even willing to exchange your gift. Why are you so strict with her?" He said looking at Zhiquiang as if he was signing him not to fight with her.
"She is not my girl," Zhiquiang replied coldly.
"Even if you don't admit it, but it's true. You two look so good together. And she is so polite with you. Why do you argue with her? And Miss, you don't need to exchange anything for information. I will tell you for free."
"Gege, it's no good."
"Miss, I am not that bad person to watch a beautiful couple break up right before me due to such a stupid cause."
"We are not a couple!" Euni said widening her eyes.
"Haha. Whatever you say. But you guys don't look like normal friends. And yes, talking about snakes, I suddenly remember that a clan is suddenly emerging as a powerful one."
"Which clan?" Zhiquiang asked.
"I don't know."
"Anything else you know?" Euni asked.
"No miss. Its what I know." That person smiled.
"Thank you for information gege. Well, I would like to buy few Yiling Laozu pictures." Euni smiled.
"Take these." That person said handing three pictures.
"How much are they?" Euni asked.
"I am giving them free to you."
"No. I won't take it then. Zhiquiang, aren't you a rich guy? Why don't you give him money?" Euni said making face at Zhiquiang?
"Huh? You are Lan Zhiquiang?" That person asked.
"Mn." Zhiquiang nodded.
"You know him?" Euni asked astonished.
"Hm. Why not? He is most handsome among Jade Trio of Gusu and an excellent swordsman. You are so lucky to have him, Miss."
"Hehe. He is my senior. I am not his girl." Euni scratched her head.
"Here," Zhiquiang said handing two silver taels to him.
"It's so much." That person refused.
"Its okay gege. You already helped us with much information and these pictures." Euni smiled and gave the money to that person.

After that person accepted the money, they headed into the market to buy paprika.

"Zhiquiang, do you think we need to inform Hanguang-Jun about that clan getting powerful?"
"Not yet. First, we need to check it."
"We!? Who does this 'we' consists of? All our juniors?"
"No. Only you and me."
"Really? Zhiquiang...you are considering me as your partner? Yay! I am your partner." Euni jumped around.
"Don't tell about this information to anyone else. Not to even Senior Wei."
"I know Zhiquiang. I would like to investigate it and then inform it."
"Mn. There many things which we need to investigate."

After reaching the market, Zhiquiang bought paprika first. Later by Euni's nagging, he had to buy lotus ribs. After that, they headed towards the inn.

"Ah...Wei gege, we are back." Euni said entering into Wei Wuxian's room.
"A'Ni, what took you so long?" Jiang Cheng asked.
"I bought lotus ribs. I am going to cook today." Euni smiled.
"Really!? You can cook lotus rib soup?" Wei Wuxian asked excitedly.
"Mn." Euni nodded.
"A-ah... Would it be edible?" Jin Ling asked.
"What do you mean!?" Euni asked.
"Well, your attitude is like guys. And none of us can cook. So I guessed..." Jingyi mocked her.
"Even though my attitude is like boys, I love cooking. So I think you can try it." Euni replied back.

Soon Euni went to the kitchen with the seniors. It was a special inn where customers can cook their own food if they want to. After a while, the Jade twins returned to the inn. Soon after, the food became ready. Some dishes were cooked without spices while some are moderately spicy and some are spiciest. Euni prepared lotus rib soup in such a way that everyone could enjoy without complaining.

"Ahh...our dishes are ready." Wei Wuxian said bringing dishes and Jiang Cheng helped him.

"Woah! They look so delicious!" Jingyi exclaimed as his mouth started to water.
"What a pleasant aroma!" Jin Ling said sniffing.
"Where is Euni?" Zewu Jun asked.
"She..." Wei Wuxian turned around to find her.
"Aiya...I am here." Euni said bringing a big pot of lotus rib soup.

"Wow! Euni, the aroma is so good." Zizhen said taking in the smell.
"I cannot wait anymore." Wei Wuxian sat near the table.

Soon they started eating. Euni served the soup to all of them. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng first tasted the soup. After putting a spoonful, the pride twins stopped chewing, their facial expressions changed. Seeing the condition, Euni couldn't help but ask them.

"How's it?"
"..."
"Wei gege? Is it bad?"
"..."
"Wanyin gege? Is it too bad to taste?" Euni asked nervously.

A teardrop escaped Wei Wuxian's eye. He gulped and looked at her.

"Is it too spicy Wei gege? Did I add a huge amount of paprika?"

"No. It's amazing." Wei Wuxian said wiping his tears. "It has the same taste as that of Shijie's."
"A'Ni, you tasted it last when Shijie made this soup. We didn't even imagine that we would taste the soup again." Jiang Cheng said smiling with his teary eyes.

The Jade twins smiled as their husbands became emotional due to Euni's soup.

"So...someone mocked me in the morning that I cannot cook food," Euni said looking at Jingyi.
"Hey! Why are you looking at me!?" Jingyi said
"Because it's you who said that I cannot cook."
"It's not true. Jin Ling said it first."
"Jin Ling asked if it would be edible or not but you directly said that I cannot cook."
"Aiya, it's not the same."
"Nope. So you are not going to have the soup."
"Hey! Zhang Euni, it's unfair."
"Well, then let's make a deal."
"What's it?"
"You have to give me something that I demand if you want to have the soup."
"Okay. What do you want?"
"Hm." Euni started to think. "I want...hmm...I have almost everything I want."
"A'Ni, don't waste this opportunity. Ask him whatever you want." Wei Wuxian smiled eating his food.
"Hm. I don't think I need anything right now." Euni said.
"Well, then I will give you girls clothes and accessories."
"But I don't need them Jingyi. You know I don't wear them."
"But still I will give you those. Maybe one day you feel like wearing it. So, I think its better." Jingyi winked.

"Well, everyone listen to me." Wei Wuxian said. "Tonight we are going to play a special game introduced by our little girl Zhang Euni. The game is called 'TRUTH or DARE'."
"Ha!? Wei gege, are we seriously going to play truth or dare?" Euni asked as her eyebrows almost disappeared into her hairline.

"Yes, dear. We are going to play for sure and it would be fun." Wei Wuxian smirked.

______________________

1. Sorry for not making the dialogues inclined. This update has 4360 words in total and I am too lazy to backread and incline so many words. Sorry for the inconvenience.

2. Sorry for typing mistakes. Please point out the mistakes, so that I can correct it.

3. English is not my first language, so please compromise with it😊.