The bustling streets of Xianzhou were alive with vibrant lanterns, the hum of merchants, and the scent of freshly baked mooncakes. The annual Celestial Blessing Festival was in full swing-a time when the heavens were said to be closest to the mortal realm.
Scene 1: A Clash of Fates (Devran & Tianlan's Second Meeting)
Devran walked through the festival, barely paying attention to the decorations. He had no interest in divine blessings, only in finding a powerful sword master to refine his skills. But fate had its own plans.
As he turned a corner, he bumped into someone-hard.
"Watch where you're going, peasant," a cold voice snapped.
Devran gritted his teeth. Tianlan. Again.
The prince stood tall, his robes immaculate, his expression unreadable.
"You again?" Devran scowled. "Great. Just what I needed to ruin my night."
Tianlan smirked. "I could say the same. Yet, here you are-still as rough around the edges as before."
Before Devran could retort, a hand suddenly hooked around his arm.
"Devran! Tianlan! What a coincidence!" Saanvi grinned, appearing between them as if materializing out of thin air.
"We are not together," they both snapped at the same time.
Saanvi giggled. "Oh, but you look so... compatible standing next to each other!"
Tianlan scoffed, "Don't be absurd. I have no interest in undisciplined fighters."
Devran smirked, "And I have no interest in arrogant princes."
Saanvi's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Yet, the heavens keep bringing you together... Interesting."
Unbeknownst to them, above the glowing lanterns, the celestial threads of fate shimmered faintly, tying them together ever so slightly.
---
Scene 2: A Stormy Rivalry (Wei Zhan & Xie Lian's Festival Encounter)
In another part of the festival, Wei Zhan stood near a tea stall, drinking quietly. He had hoped to enjoy a peaceful evening, but of course, that was impossible.
A familiar voice called out. "Ah! Wei Zhan! There you are!"
Wei Zhan froze mid-sip.
Not him.
Turning slowly, he found Xie Lian smiling at him, holding two sticks of sugar-coated fruits.
"You look so lonely. Here, have one." Xie Lian beamed.
Wei Zhan sighed. "I don't eat sweets."
Xie Lian pouted, "But I got it just for you."
Wei Zhan snatched the fruit stick anyway, biting into it aggressively.
Xie Lian leaned closer. "See? You like it."
Wei Zhan scowled. "I tolerate it."
Xie Lian chuckled. "I'll take that as a win."
As much as Wei Zhan tried to be annoyed, there was something oddly comforting about Xie Lian's presence.
---
Scene 3: Saanvi's Unexpected Run-In with the Second Couple
Saanvi hummed happily as she explored the festival, her arms filled with sweets and trinkets. The night was full of entertainment, but she enjoyed watching people more than anything.
Just as she turned a corner, she spotted a familiar sight-Xie Lian grinning mischievously while Wei Zhan glared at him.
Saanvi smirked. "Oho~ What's going on here?"
Wei Zhan stiffened. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing."
Xie Lian leaned casually against the tea stall. "He says 'nothing,' but in reality, he just shared a romantic moment with me."
Wei Zhan's glare could have burned a hole through him. "Eating a fruit stick is NOT romantic!"
Saanvi laughed. "Depends on how you eat it, doesn't it?"
Xie Lian clutched his chest dramatically. "Ah, Saanvi, you understand me so well! Unlike some people here who refuse to acknowledge my charm."
Wei Zhan rolled his eyes. "You're insufferable."
Saanvi clapped her hands. "Oh, I love this! You two have such great chemistry."
Wei Zhan groaned. "Not you too."
Xie Lian gave a smug smile. "Face it, Wei Zhan, fate keeps putting us together. Maybe it's a sign?"
Wei Zhan huffed. "It's a curse."
Saanvi giggled but then suddenly narrowed her eyes, sensing something unusual. The way Xie Lian looked at Wei Zhan... there was something deeper hidden beneath his playful smiles.
She didn't know why, but for a moment, she felt a strange connection to Xie Lian-as if she had met him before, in another life.
The thought vanished as Xie Lian suddenly threw an arm around her. "Come, Saanvi! Let's go admire the lanterns before Wei Zhan runs away from me again!"
Wei Zhan muttered, "I wish." But, despite his words, he followed them anyway.
---
Scene 4: Saanvi's Observations
As they walked together under the festival lights, Saanvi smiled to herself.
"This is going to be so much fun," she whispered, watching the unspoken emotions between both pairs of men.
She had no idea how deep these tangled fates truly ran.
---