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Lan XiChen had always harbored a secret.
He could peer into his brother's mind.
In Lan XiChen's eyes, a miniature version of Lan Zhan always perched on his brother's shoulder. This pint-sized companion was a secret known only to Lan XiChen; even Lan WangJi himself was oblivious to its existence.
This little figure had a small frame but a disproportionately large head, a round and cherubic face with big, expressive eyes, and an adorably endearing dimple on his cheek. The resemblance to Lan Zhan was striking; their stoic countenances were virtually identical at first glance.
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"Oh my goodness! Xi Chen gege's soul awoke."
Lan XiChen affectionately christened the little companion "Baby Zhan."
However, Baby Zhan's behavior often diverged significantly from Lan Wangji's. This disparity was most evident in their childhood, during Lan Qiren's lectures on the Lan sect's myriad rules. Lan XiChen observed his brother, sitting ramrod straight like a verdant bamboo, rarely blinking, wholly attentive. Meanwhile, Baby Zhan sat quietly on Wangji's shoulder, stifling yawns one after another.
Lan XiChen couldn't help but find it amusing. After all, his brother was still a child, unable to grasp the intricacies of the teachings. Exiting the courtyard, Lan XiChen queried Lan Wangji, "Isn't this a bit dull?" Lan Wangji paused briefly before replying, "No."
However, the Baby Zhan atop his head nodded vigorously.
Lan XiChen sighed, "..."
As time passed, Lan XiChen gradually realized that his brother possessed a vivid inner world. Despite Lan WangJi's perpetually serious demeanor, only Lan XiChen glimpsed the animated Lan Zhan, revealing a surprisingly lively nature.
Not far from the Cloud Recesses, there was a mountain teeming with rabbits. Many Lan disciples delighted in petting and cradling the tiny white creatures. Yet Lan Wangji abstained from such activities from a young age. Even when a rabbit scratched his leg, he observed it placidly.
Lan XiChen inquired, "WangJi, would you like to hold one?"
Lan WangJi gravely shook his head, while Baby Zhan enthusiastically nodded from his perch.
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To be continued...