Chapter Text
In Jiang Cheng’s defence, he has every fucking right to punch the double-oaked door of his lecture hall when he came through it. How can he not? Yet again today, a bunch of neatly wrapped presents are sitting innocently on his table – the one he frequently uses and has claimed as his throne, oblivious to the owner of the seat’s rage. Next to the presents were a handful of stacked letters and cards, each decorated beautifully and written with care.
Jiang Cheng curses aloud.
A string of fucks and shits and damns overflowing.
It startles his peers – the few of them who had come to lecture early today. Of course, he ignores the bunch. Stalking towards his usual seat, Jiang Cheng is barely able to restrain himself from hurling the fucking presents and letters to the back of the hall. With a deep breath, he roughly plops down onto his seat and groans pitifully. “Why can’t those fuckers understand that I don’t want all these shits?! God, do I have to beat them up before they would back the fuck off!?”
He fucking spats, words dripping out like lethal poison. It doesn’t help that his usual scowl has now been replaced with a heated glower; one that rivals that of his mother’s. Everyone knows Yu Ziyuan could possibly kill with her looks alone; even if they have never met her before. True to his genes, Jiang Cheng has inherited most of his mother’s look and is now beginning to think there are more ups to it than downs; especially with his current predicament.
See, when he enrolled into his first choice of university with his adopted brother, one located near their house that they don’t have to think about lodging somewhere else, Jiang Cheng expected his life to be calm – well, maybe not calm since it’s fucking university, you’re bound to be swamped by assignments and bullshits and fake people.
But, whatever he expected, this isn’t it.
“Fuck you, stupid self-proclaimed fan club of mine. Spouting all that bullshit about loving me, but can’t be bothered to leave me to my own comfort huh?” Jiang Cheng mumbles darkly under his breath. “What a load of crap. I swear to God, if I ever catch you fuckers, I’m going to break all of your bones. You fucking lot better be prepared.”
Of all the stuffs he could be facing, it had to be a fan club. His fan club.
Jiang Cheng isn’t sure how he has gotten himself a fan club – one with high membership too from the abundance of presents and letters he receives; each with a different alias, signature and initials, but he knows they’re a bunch of stupid bastards who can’t keep their gross thoughts and mushy feelings to themselves and just had to convey it to him, one way or another.
Rationally, he supposes letters gushing about his looks and how much love he deserves with odd and strangely cute presents aren’t all that bad; compared to some of the explicit ones.
God, those are fucking awful.
Jiang Cheng has to wonder if his fans are just fucking idiots who have no delicacy or absolute dipshits seriously wanting a beating from him; those fucking letters are basically porn, damn it! With him as the main actor!
Do they have no shame?! What if someone else opened the letters instead of Jiang Cheng?! Those absolute fools!
He doesn’t even understand half of the content of what they wrote, for fuck’s sake. He knows they basically want to screw him over and sideways, but the more detailed ones are too explicit it’s fucking hard to understand; either Jiang Cheng is too innocent, or his fans are just fucking kinky.
Honestly, Jiang Cheng is tired of hiding the presents and letters somewhere nobody but him could ever reach and find – mind you, he’s not an asshole who would throw away stuffs others had bestowed upon him. His family, especially Wei Wuxian, said adopted brother and Jiang Yanli, his angelic sister, are growing suspicious of him coming back with extra bags every damn time. It also doesn’t help that he’s losing space in his closet to conceal the stuffs from prying eyes.
God, Jiang Cheng’s closet isn’t a fucking black hole that can absorb anything and everything. He’s glad his siblings haven’t decided to just barge into his room one night and do an impromptu search for anything suspicious. Who knows what his family would do if they find out the baby of the family is borderline being stalked?
Again.
This is like high school all over, only it’s so much worse.
“Fuck, I need some coffee.”
He decides to leave the presents and letters for awhile to get some much-needed caffeine. It’s the only way he’s able to last the day without killing someone. Jiang Cheng arises from his seat, ready to venture to his favourite café in the building when a chime echoes from inside his jean’s back pocket. Pulling it out, a grin immediately latches itself onto Jiang Cheng’s face, replacing the earlier glower.
A text from Lan Xichen.
soft angel: Good morning, Wanyin. Are you in class yet? Did you have breakfast already?
soft angel: I’m at your favourite café. Do you want your usual coffee?
soft angel: U´,,•ω•,,U ♡
Jiang Cheng takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. Fuck, Lan Xichen sure knows how to make his day better. The emojis resembling puppies he tends to send to Jiang Cheng are adorable as fuck, and Jiang Cheng has trouble suppressing the urge to squeal loudly in delight at both the puppy, and the fact that Lan Xichen seems to know he’s in dire need of coffee at the moment.
me: ok first of all fuck you
me: THAT’S A FUCKIN ADORABLE PUPPY WTF XICHEN ARE YOU TRYIN TO KILL ME
me: and yes please get me some mocha frappucino
He can’t help the small tilt of his lips as he texts the other back and forth. All too sudden, he feels chills running down his spine; but Jiang Cheng brushes it off, thinking it’s just the doing of the air conditioner in the lecture hall. He misses the stares of his peers, and the way their eyes darken and mouths twist at the sight of him smiling softly while texting away.
soft angel: I’m glad you like the puppy U˵ ◕ ω ◕ ˵ U
soft angel: Though we could work on that potty mouth of yours. Bad Wanyin.
soft angel: Do you want anything else though?
Jiang Cheng pauses. He thinks for a moment if he needs anything aside from caffeine and he’s about to type none when a playful part of him decides otherwise. The small smile that rests on his face slowly turns into a predatory grin as Jiang Cheng desperately tries not to laugh at his ridiculous reply. Lan Xichen is either going to laugh, combust, or scold him. Jiang Cheng thinks each is worth it.
me: hmm
me: what if I want xichen-gege here by my side?
me: like right now? U´,,•ω•,,U
He sends his replies with smugness oozing off his entire being. It has been awhile since Jiang Cheng called Lan Xichen affectionately so; he blames it entirely on Wei Wuxian and Jin Zixuan being overbearingly annoying whenever he refuses to call them the same. And maybe a part of him feels a bit bashful to call Lan Xichen as such; he can’t explain why though.
soft angel: !!!!!!!!!!
soft angel: Wanyin, you never call me that anymore. I miss having you call me gege.
soft angel: I’ll be there soon with your coffee. Wait for me, alright?
He smiles at the reply. It causes his peers and some random students passing through the corridor to stop in their tracks and stare at him; not that Jiang Cheng is aware of any of these, of course. Well, he supposes the way his day started is not so bad now. Jiang Cheng spares a glance at the untouched letters and presents. He needs to hide them. Fast, before Lan Xichen or worse – Jin Zixuan – comes.
He shudders thinking of the possibilities that would occur if his future brother-in-law finds out about his fan club and the things they did. One, the older man would flip out in rage; possibly threatening to sue anyone who dares to even look at Jiang Cheng. Second, he would join the fan club, rise to be the president and expand it further. That, he thinks, is in and out of itself, enough reason for Jiang Cheng to keep his mouth shut and bring the matter to his grave if he could.
“Better hide these shits then,” he mutters. Luckily, Jiang Cheng has gone through enough of the same bullshit to be prepared for it. He decides to drop back down in his seat, eyeing the abundance of stuffs on his table, gauging whether it would fit the extra bag he brought with him. “Hmm, should be okay.”
He pulls out a medium-sized tote bag from inside his backpack; one with a tired puppy and the words ‘Ruff Day’ printed above him. It was one of the gifts from Wei Wuxian for his birthday a few years back – his brother found it hilarious and knowing Jiang Cheng’s love for dogs, decided to buy it along with other stuffs that had pictures or doodles of dogs on them and shitty puns. Jiang Cheng had cried back then, hogging the gifts and promising to cherish it forever.
Huh, so dramatic of little him. Well, he’s still easily moved by dogs but who can blame him, really? Dogs are awesome.
He carefully sets the letters and presents into the tote bag, taking care to not ruin them while he quickly shuffles the stuffs around to better fit inside the small space. He then puts the bag down, directly under the space his table provided to keep it from view. Once he has finished adjusting it to give some space to his long legs, a smooth voice whispers next to his ear, “Good morning, A-Cheng.”
He shivers. A hand automatically brings itself up to cover his ear. It’s pinkish now; because Jiang Cheng is fucking sensitive there and the one whispering in his ear probably knows that all too well. He turns around to find Jin Zixuan standing behind him, a cocky smirk gracing the man’s features. Jiang Cheng glares half-heartedly.
As always, his future brother-in-law is dressed in expensive designer clothes – looking regal with his bangs framing his light eyes perfectly, a fitted navy turtleneck topped off with a black blazer, dark jeans and polished dress shoes – beckoning people to stare and question their choice of clothing.
Of course, Jiang Cheng isn’t of them.
He has impeccable taste and style, mind you. Somewhere deep inside his mind, Jiang Cheng can almost picture the disapproving looks of his mother and sister at his plain shirt littered with either doodles of dogs, pictures of dogs, or puns related to dogs. Wei Wuxian had been amused to no end, and his father, Jiang Fengmian, had gushed about how cute Jiang Cheng looks and hissed at his wife and daughter when they tried to burn the entirety of his wardrobe.
Well, his point still stands.
Jiang Cheng’s fashion sense is top tier, and nobody can convince him otherwise.
“Xuan, morning,” he starts, a small pout forming itself on his lips as the other ruffles his hair. He eyes the other’s extra effort into dressing today and smirks.
“You look nice. Going on a date with A-Jie today?” he innocently asks, tilting his head to the side for good measure. Jiang Cheng has to hold back a laugh when Jin Zixuan’s cheeks turn rosy from his simple question. The latter merely clears his throat and looks away, nodding once to confirm. Jiang Cheng hums in amusement. His eyes glint with mischief at the other’s flustered state. He tugs on the luxurious blazer, silently asking for attention from the other.
They have known each other for so long that Jiang Cheng has regarded Jin Zixuan as part of his family, in more ways than one. Before he was engaged to Jiang Yanli at the age of 15 and Jiang Cheng began dubbing him as his future brother-in-law, the man was the older brother he secretly wished for every day – until Wei Wuxian came, that is. It’s a bit different from what he imagined back then, but he loves it whenever Jin Zixuan would indulge him with cuddles and practically listens to all of his childish demands.
Jiang Cheng thinks it’s embarrassing to do all of those things now, but secretly likes it whenever he gets any attention from the other. Jin Zixuan probably knows, that’s why the man is treating Jiang Cheng the same way he did back then. As if to emphasize this, Jin Zixuan bends forward to hug Jiang Cheng, placing his chin atop of the latter’s head. “Did you miss me, A-Cheng?” the older one asks.
Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes, even as he leans more into the other’s embrace. “We just met yesterday. The fuck you’re on about?” he chides.
“Mind your language. I can and will tell your sister.” Jin Zixuan chides him softly. “Also, I really missed you. I keep having this urge to hug you, A-Cheng.”
“But we cuddled yesterday! Like a lot! And you wouldn’t dare tell A-Jie!” Jiang Cheng turns around to glare at the other. “A-Ying got mad when we went back home. He said I should’ve let him cuddle me instead of you, something about being the favourite brother.”
“Hmph, serves him right. You’re my cute baby brother. I found you first. And we all know I’m your favourite big brother. Isn’t that right, A-Cheng?”
This, Jiang Cheng thinks, is probably one of the reasons why his adopted brother, Wei Wuxian, and Jin Zixuan, his almost brother-in-law, don’t get along well with each other. The two see each as enemies; getting into frequent fights and arguments trying to decide who’s the best brother, or who gets to have Jiang Cheng’s attention, and so on. It doesn’t help that Wei Wuxian is hostile towards the other because he was engaged to their elder sister; the former thinks Jin Zixuan is undeserving of Jiang Yanli. Wei Wuxian has been tolerating it, but now he finds new ways to aggravate Jin Zixuan; with Jiang Cheng at the centre.
“You two are so childish.”
“Wei Wuxian is, but I’m not. I’m just claiming my title as the best brother A-Cheng could ever have,” Jin Zixuan replies.
A snort escapes Jiang Cheng. He tilts his head up, gazing into Jin Zixuan’s light-coloured eyes before he pinches the other’s cheeks. A loud gasp escapes the older, and it made Jiang Cheng chuckle. He escapes the man’s hug, flopping his upper body into the smooth table.
He remembers the letters and presents that were previously there and nudges his leg around under the table to make sure it’s still there. From the corner of his eye, Jiang Cheng notices that Jin Zixuan has taken a seat to his left. He grins at this. As the other busies himself with taking out his laptop and notebook, Jiang Cheng takes this chance to lay his head on his brother-in-law’s shoulder. Jin Zixuan’s eyes glint in amusement, obviously pleased with the blatant display of affection. The older responds to this by wrapping his arm around Jiang Cheng’s midriff, and Jiang Cheng hums.
They continue staying close to each other as Jiang Cheng eyes the door he punched earlier and the stream of students coming through it. He is lucky it was sturdy enough to not break from his act of violence.
“This feels nice,” he mumbles quietly.
The whole situation with the fan club stressed him out and frankly, it amazes him that none of his family members caught wind of it yet. This has been going on for like a few weeks now; if anything, he expects at least Wei Wuxian – ever the social butterfly – to find out about it.
Nobody did though, and he’s fucking grateful for it.
Jiang Cheng isn’t sure he can handle the onslaught of questions that will surely arise and the things they would do – God, after he was harassed and almost molested that one time in high school, Jiang Cheng always makes sure to keep his life fucking private, even from his family. He values his life and as much as he hates his stupid fan club, Jiang Cheng does not wish hell and death for them.
He shifts slightly, leaning his forehead against Jin Zixuan’s shoulder to hide his face from view. He hums a quiet melody, one he hears Wei Wuxian hums every other day.
He once asked what it was, but his brother in everything but blood just laughs and says it’s a random tune he came up with not too long ago. Jiang Cheng was sceptical; there’s no way it’s random if the way Wei Wuxian was smiling like he just met a fucking angel was anything to go by. He learns much, much later that it was a song Lan Wangji, or Lan Zhan as Wei Wuxian calls him, had composed as a tribute to Wei Wuxian. At the time, Jiang Cheng thought it was sappy as fuck, and he wondered idly if Lan Xichen, the older one of the two Lan brothers, were like that too. Probably. Definitely. He doesn’t admit it, but Jiang Cheng secretly likes the song. It’s cute, especially now that Wei Wuxian is happily dating Lan Wangji.
He’s lost in thought, reminiscing of simpler days where he doesn’t need to deal with a bunch of horny and emotional fans; days where Jiang Cheng is surrounded by his two idiot brothers while his amazing sister, Jiang Yanli, watches on with a fond smile. She sometimes had to step in though when things get a little out of control. It sure was fucking hilarious seeing Jin Zixuan and Wei Wuxian cower in fear at the cold smile and sweet words (read: threats) coming out of the always soft-spoken lady’s mouth. That had no doubt been one of Jiang Cheng’s favourite memories.
Even so, fond memories can’t erase the turmoil in his heart and the tension that comes with facing a bunch of fucking idiots.
Unbelievable, the lot of them.
He’s not even sure why his fans like him so much, honestly. If it’s about looks, Jiang Cheng can confidently say that while his are not bad, there are certainly others who top him in that department.
Jin Zixuan, for example, the typical prince that he’s sure many envies, resent and admire all the same. Wei Wuxian too, with his boyish smile and warm charisma overflowing from his carefree attitude. There’s also Lan Wangji, the younger brother of Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian’s long-time lover who is the very definition of cold beauty.
But, if Jiang Cheng’s honest, nobody can ever top Lan Xichen when it comes to having good-looks. The man – his best friend – is practically an angel, or something equivalent to it. It’s one of the many reasons why Jiang Cheng had saved Lan Xichen’s contact name as such. Because he is. A fucking angel, that is. One too soft and pure for this world. Words are not enough to justify his beauty, in Jiang Cheng’s opinion. Lan Xichen’s truly one of a kind, and Jiang Cheng is oddly proud of that fact.
Right, Lan Xichen.
What’s taking him so long to get to class?
Jiang Cheng changes his position from leaning on Jin Zixuan to sitting up straight; ignoring the protests from the other. He scans the hall and furrows his brows when he doesn’t find the person he’s looking for. Taking out his phone, Jiang Cheng fires a quick message to ask whether Lan Xichen is okay and why is he taking so long to come to their class.
me: xichen-gege, wya? ur taking so longggg
me: xicheeennnn
me: lannn huaaannn are youuu okayyyy
He taps his fingers on the smooth surface of the table, his face contorting in a mix of worry and furry. First, Jiang Cheng fucking needs his damn coffee. Second, did something happen to Lan Xichen? The café isn’t too far from their hall, and the other is taking too long to arrive. He exhales a sigh and waits for a few minutes for Lan Xichen to reply to his messages.
soft angel: I’m sorry, Wanyin. U´,,•^•,,U
soft angel: The line was a bit long. But I’m almost there.
soft angel: And thank you for worrying about me, Wanyin. That’s very sweet of you ♡
Jiang Cheng visibly brightens up at the response. He thinks it’s odd that the café is packed at this time of day, but who knows – maybe people just need their fucking intake of caffeine like he does. He sends a quick text of ‘okay’ and ‘i wasn’t worried’ and ‘hurry up with my coffee’ to Lan Xichen, which earns him a picture of the other imitating a puppy-face with Jiang Cheng’s favourite drink in hand; it’s adorable as fuck and Jiang Cheng promptly saves it. He always does whenever Lan Xichen sends him a picture of himself.
There’s a whole fucking album dedicated to Lan Xichen’s selfies alone and Jiang Cheng is not ashamed to admit it. The man is a fucking angel, okay?! A really beautiful one too!
“A-Cheng, who are you texting? You seem happy. Is it a girl? Or a guy? Do I know them? Are they your lover? Crush? Potential punching bag for me and Wei Wuxian? Do they treat you right? Do I have to interfere anytime soon? Does A-Li know? When can I meet them? How long have you two been together? Are you keeping secrets from me now? Bad A-Cheng! Are they at least as pretty as A-Li or as handsome as I am? Are they nice to you? You deserve only the best and I won’t hesitate to bring someone to court for breaking your heart and the likes. Do they –“
Jin Zixuan’s endless question snaps him out of his reverie and almost makes his ears bleed. Jiang Cheng makes a face at the idea of himself dating someone and shakes his head once he locks eyes with the other. “It’s not like that. I’m just asking Lan Xichen where he is. He promised to get me coffee,” he says.
“Ah, okay. I see.” A pause as Jin Zixuan eyes him critically. “Well, even so, once you find yourself a lover, you have to tell me, A-Cheng. I need to make sure they deserve you. Not that anyone deserve you. You’re too good and pure for anyone.”
“What’s with that? You’re ridiculous.” Jiang Cheng smirks. His fingers thrum on the table, eyes lazily glancing around the hall once before he gazes into Jin Zixuan’s light-cloured eyes. “Nobody deserves me, huh? Not even you?”
“Not even me,” Jin Zixuan nods solemnly.
At the honest and nonchalant reply, Jian Cheng burst into fits of giggles, surprising not only Jin Zixuan but the entirety of the lecture hall. All movements halt in place and sounds die down to give way to the melodious laughter of the usually prickly man; Jiang Cheng doesn’t notice but everyone seems to have lost the ability to breathe for the few seconds he spends giggling like a child.
An angel, they agree silently.
“Huh? What’s wrong, Xuan? You look distracted,” Jiang Cheng finally gasps, a small smile lurking at the corner of his lips.
“Nothing, A-Cheng. I’m glad you’re amused with my response.”
Jiang Cheng lets out an embarrassed squeak when Jin Zixuan graces him with a soft smile. Fuck, he never smiles; unless he’s with Jiang Yanli! His brother-in-law is too good-looking for Jiang Cheng’s heart to handle. The nerve of the man to show him such a sacred sight! He abruptly gets up from his seat; a need to pace himself from becoming too flustered from a simple smile. He turns to his right and collides into another person’s chest.
It’s broad, he absently notes. And firm. Like, really firm. He kind of likes the feel of his face buried in them. Jiang Cheng gasps, his innocent-but-not-so-decent thoughts making him flush in embarrassment. How could he think that of another person?! He staggers to the back a bit and almost falls when he trips his own foot. Fuck, can things get any worse?
Apparently, no.
Jin Zixuan steadies him immediately, chiding him for being careless with irritation apparent in his smooth voice. “Be careful, A-Cheng! What if you fell? Your mother would kill me if she knew I let something happen to you. And A-Li would be so disappointed! God, I wouldn’t hear the end of it from Wei Wuxian too. And your father, A-Cheng! Do you know how scary he gets whenever you’re involved? Have mercy on me.”
Jiang Cheng chokes on his spit at the sudden lecture.
Wait, his father? Jiang Fengmian? Scary?
Huh. Who would’ve thought? Jiang Cheng has never seen Jiang Fengmian angry before; all sweet smiles and soothing words, with lots of cuddles and kisses for him. He has never really thought of the word scary when it comes to his gentle father.
But now that he thinks about it, when that incident in high school happened, it did incur Jiang Fengmian’s wrath; enough for him to stalk into Jiang Cheng’s class one morning and smile serenely at those bastards. At the time, Jiang Cheng thought his father looked normal – if not too happy to be talking to his attackers, but he was young and dense back then. The way Jiang Fengmian’s eyes had frozen over like glacier and the way his lips tilted into a slightly crazed smile had actually escaped Jiang Cheng.
Huh, the way those people had apologized and trembled for the remaining of the day makes sense now. His father really is scary when it comes to Jiang Cheng.
“I’m sorry, Wanyin. Did I startle you? Are you okay?”
The deep and silky voice immediately catches Jiang Cheng’s attention. His steel eyes dart upwards and meets with honeycomb ones, dimming slightly from its usual vibrant hue with worry clouding it. Lan Xichen stands there in all his perfect glory, looking every bit like a gentleman carved from a girl’s ultimate daydream – except for his clothes, apparently.
Jiang Cheng desperately tries to hold back a scoff or laugh – he can’t decide – at the attire Lan Xichen has chosen to wear for today; a dark sweater with a heartbroken puppy and the bold letters of ‘Don’t Pug-get Me’ embroidered on it, slim light-coloured jeans, and a pair of black boots. His hair that is usually combed back neatly is tousled lightly, leaving a few short strands to frame his forehead. A warm vanilla musk seems to waft off from him.
Jiang Cheng smirks playfully, “No. It’s fine. I was just a bit dazed. I’m fine, Xichen,” he starts as he focuses on the man’s sweater, “Hm, image change? That’s a nice sweater you have there.”
Lan Xichen chuckles at his comment. He hums lowly, eyes twinkling with mischief; Jiang Cheng notes. This causes him to raise an eyebrow, daring Lan Xichen to not answer him. The other chuckles some more, placing Jiang Cheng’s coffee on the table and taking a seat to his right, rather gracefully too – like a swan, Jiang Cheng thinks.
“I just wanted to match with Wanyin today,” the man says, “I look good, don’t I? Do you like it, Wanyin?”
Jiang Cheng raises a brow at that as he glances down at his own attire for the day – oversized red shirt with a smug looking mutt wearing a bandana and shades with ‘Pug Life’ written above it in bold letters, black leggings that was probably too fitting for Yu Ziyuan’s standard, a pair of pristine white converse, and a light black jacket tied up on his waist because Jiang Cheng gets cold. He hums as he eyes the sweater donned by Lan Xichen once again; Jiang Cheng thinks it’s ridiculous on him, but the other does look good. He clears his throat and haughtily scoffs, “Hmm, it’s okay, I suppose. And here I thought you’re trying to steal my impeccable sense of style. I would be very offended if you did, Lan Xichen.”
“Why, I wouldn’t dare do such a thing.” Lan Xichen gasps dramatically. “But, they do say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, Wanyin.”
“Oh? Is that what this is? An attempt at flattery for my fashion sense? Are you sure it’s not just mockery disguised as a compliment?”
Lan Xichen clicks his tongue at his accusation, loose strands swaying lightly as the man shakes his head in disappointment. Jiang Cheng has taken to settle back into Jin Zixuan’s welcoming embrace, relishing in the latter’s warmth. He doesn’t miss the way Lan Xichen’s eyes darken into a fiery copper as he observes Jiang Cheng and Jin Zixuan’s close proximity. A twitch at the end of Lan Xichen’s lips catches his attention. Now that he thinks about it, the smile on the other’s face looks a bit strained, different from what Jiang Cheng is used to. Curious, he extends his fingertips to brush lightly at the corner of Lan Xichen’s mouth.
The act surprises both of them; Jiang Cheng gasps softly at how soft the other’s skin felt, and the warmth that radiates from Lan Xichen’s lips almost burns him. It’s hot, he thinks. Lan Xichen, on the other hand, is silent, but the way his eyes widen startles Jiang Cheng.
“There is no praise I wouldn’t offer you, Jiang Wanyin. I would drown you in it, in fact. After all, you deserve all the praises in the world, and so much more,” Lan Xichen says quietly, eyes locking into Jiang Cheng’s steel ones, the former filled with swirling emotions Jiang Cheng fails to identify.
Confused, Jiang Cheng merely tilts his head to the side, as if asking for clarification. Of all the responses he expects from the other, this certainly isn’t it.
“Yeah, no shit? The hell you talking about, Lan Xichen? Everyone knows I deserve praises simply for existing. I’m a delight, for fuck’s sake,” he says, chuckling at the dumfounded expression etched into Lan Xichen’s beautiful face.
“Of course, what was I expecting?” Lan Xichen mumbles and rolls his eyes, though a grin stretches through his face at Jiang Cheng’s reply. “I would like to say you’re full of yourself, but I can’t, because it’s the truth anyway,” Lan Xichen continues.
“Damn right it is!” His enthusiastic reply earns a laugh from Lan Xichen and a ruffle of hair from Jin Zixuan; which he welcomes both openly.
Jiang Cheng grins in triumphant, satisfied that the other two is aware of the fact that he is the most delectable person to ever exist. He snatches the warm coffee from his table, sipping it contently as the bittersweet taste burns through his taste bud.
He has long forgotten of the issue with his fan club, the very reason he needed caffeine in the first place, but it’s still nice to have something warm to drink. The hall is cold, after all.
“Thank you for buying me this,” Jiang Cheng says after a moment, taking out his wallet to repay Lan Xichen. He pulls out a few notes, just enough to pay the other for the delicious drink. He thrusts the money to the man, but Lan Xichen makes no move to accept it. Instead, he pushes Jiang Cheng’s hand lightly, a serene smile plastered on his face.
“You don’t have to pay me back, Wanyin. And you’re welcome.”
Jiang Cheng blinks at the feel of the large hands on top his; it’s nice and warm, he thinks, but a scowl still mars his face at the words that left Lan Xichen. “It’s not like I don’t have money to pay you back!” He shoves the bill to Lan Xichen with a pout. “Take it! I don’t want to owe you anything.”
Lan Xichen chuckles and shakes his head, “That’s not what I meant, Wanyin. I am aware you are more than capable of paying me back,” he pauses here, staring intently into Jiang Cheng’s steel eyes. Jiang Cheng huffs in annoyance. He raises his chin and narrows his eyes, prompting Lan Xichen to continue.
“But I want to spoil you sometimes. Can’t I?” Lan Xichen finishes, eyes drooping in a manner that reminds Jiang Cheng of his dogs back before Wei Wuxian came into the Jiang’s house. God, this is so unfair! Lan Xichen has no business looking that pretty or adorable, for fuck’s sake.
“Hmphh! But you spoil me all the time. How many times has this been? Let me pay you back!” he says heatedly. Once again, he shoves the notes to Lan Xichen’s hands but is met with a stern looking Lan Xichen, who shakes his head furiously and still refuses to accept the money.
“No, I won’t accept it.”
“Lan Xichen!” Jiang Cheng almost shouts in frustration. The frown on his face grows heavier each passing second before he sighs, replacing it with what he knew was Lan Xichen’s weakness; Jiang Cheng droops his eyes, willing himself to think of sad thoughts so that tears would gather in his eyes, lips jutting out almost childishly and cheeks puffed out.
He says pathetically, “If you don’t take the money, I’m going to be really upset.”
Lan Xichen startles in his seat. He reaches out to cradle Jiang Cheng’s face, wiping the fake tears away. Heh, he knew this would work. Lan Xichen – well, almost everyone, he thinks, is weak against what Jiang Cheng calls his ‘puppy’ face. Lan Xichen continues wiping away at the corner of his eyes, before softly tracing circles on Jiang Cheng’s smooth cheeks with worry evident on his beautiful face. Jiang Cheng almost feels bad, but he secretly enjoys the touch, so he leans in more and gazes into the other’s eyes pleadingly. He sees Lan Xichen’s cheeks turn red, and Jiang Cheng blames it on the cold.
After a few moments of silence, the other finally speaks, “Well, we can’t have that. How about this, Wanyin? Let me buy you the coffee, and you can treat me to lunch or dinner later? Hmm?”
Jiang Cheng ponders on the suggestion, brows scrunching and lips pursing trying to determine whether it was a good proposition or not. Nodding his head in satisfaction, he decides, “Okay. Let me buy you lunch later!”
“Of course, Wanyin. I’m looking forward to our lunch date,” Lan Xichen says, his voice soft and a bright smile forms itself on his face.
Jiang Cheng hums, a giggle escaping him, “Hmm, I guess it would look like a date. We’re even wearing matching clothes,” he says, eyes crinkling at the corners as a bright smile appears on his face. He sees a blush steadily forming itself on Lan Xichen’s cheeks, and Jiang Cheng wonders if the lecture hall is too cold for the other. He reaches out and cups Lan Xichen’s face in his palms, much like Lan Xichen did to him earlier. It makes the other shriek in disbelief; which Jiang Cheng thinks is uncharacteristic of him. The blush on Lan Xichen’s face blossoms into a deeper shade as Jiang Cheng brings it closer to his face.
“Your face is red. Is it too cold for you, Xichen? Do you want my jacket?” he asks, nimble fingers stroking lightly on Lan Xichen’s cheeks to provide some sort of warmth. Lan Xichen’s breath hitches. Jiang Cheng thinks the other dislikes his touches, like just now when he caressed that soft lips of Lan Xichen’s and he is ready to retract his hand when Jin Zixuan promptly removes it first. A bit forcefully at that too.
“I’m sure he can handle it, A-Cheng. It’s not even that cold,” the man mutters, burying his face into the crook of Jiang Cheng’s neck.
It tickles Jiang Cheng, so he shoves his brother-in-law’s face elsewhere. Lan Xichen reassures him that he’s fine, that he is a bit cold but as Jin Zixuan stated, he can handle it. This doesn’t satisfy Jiang Cheng in the least, so he unties his jacket and forces the other to wear it. Lan Xichen chuckles and heeds his words, the jacket wrapping around his torso perfectly. It pleases Jiang Cheng that the other is no longer cold, thanks to himself. He’s fucking glad that his jacket fits Lan Xichen seeing as the other’s built is slightly bigger than his. Good thing Jiang Cheng always buys oversized clothing. He fusses over Lan Xichen a bit more, making sure he really isn’t cold when he hears Jin Zixuan scoffing in annoyance from behind him.
Jiang Cheng turns and punches the man lightly on his arm, “Not nice, Xuan.”
“That hurts, A-Cheng. What did I do?”
“Insulting my best friend for not being able to handle the cold,” Jiang Cheng says haughtily.
“I did no such thing! A-Cheng, I would never. I know it would just upset you if I did.” Jin Zixuan replies with a shake of his head. “I just think you’re worrying too much. He’s an adult. If he’s cold, he can damn well do something about it.”
“But Lan Xichen can’t control the fucking temperature!”
Jiang Cheng retorts with a huff. He crosses his arms and looks at Jin Zixuan expectantly, daring the other to argue with his logic. He knows he’ll win; Jiang Cheng always does when it comes to Jin Zixuan. To his right, Lan Xichen is holding back his laughter from the childish spat between the future in-laws, humming innocently when Jin Zixuan glares at him heatedly and Jiang Cheng smacks him for fuelling the former’s anger. Just as Jiang Cheng is about to give a word or two, Jin Zixuan sighs and tightens the hold he has on him, “If you say so, A-Cheng.”
Jiang Cheng grins in delight.