Chapter Text
The weather in the Cloud Recesses was usually predictable, with the exception of spring. Sometimes, rain would fall heavily without warning, causing all disciples to reside indoors until it subsided.
On one spring day, while Wei Wuxian was tending to Lil' Apple, it suddenly started to pour with rain.
"Ugh!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, running under a tree for cover. "I hate it when it rains! It's so not fair!"
Lil' Apple trotted over to him and shoved Wei Wuxian out of the way so he could get more shelter. Wei Wuxian frowned at the donkey, who promptly glared back.
"Alright, you win," Wei Wuxian laughed. "I'm gonna go back inside. See ya!"
Lil' Apple gave a grunt as Wei Wuxian sprinted towards the jingshi.
However, on his way there, he noticed there were several sheets of paper on the ground that were getting drenched in the rain.
That's weird, Wei Wuxian thought, stopping in his tracks. I wonder who left those here...
Deciding that he didn't mind getting a little bit wet, Wei Wuxian made a quick detour and gathered the papers. Upon inspection (once he was under the eaves), he realised they were essays that hadn't yet been marked.
Wei Wuxian sighed. It wasn't like Lan Qiren to leave homework unattended, and he knew the man would force the students to write those essays again if they weren't located before their next class.
He dried himself off as best he could before he entered the jingshi. Surprisingly, Lan Wangji wasn't there.
Wei Wuxian lit a candle and placed the essays next to it, hoping he would be able to dry them out enough to give back to Lan Qiren the next time they crossed paths -- which would most likely be at dinner.
When Wei Wuxian eventually saw Lan Qiren that evening, he eagerly made his way over to him in the dining hall.
"What do you want?" Lan Qiren grumbled. "It's time for dinner, not for chit-chat."
"I know, I know," Wei Wuxian replied, taking the papers out of his robe. "Er, I found these earlier. I think they're your students'? The paper's still a bit wet, but I did what I could..."
Lan Qiren eyed him suspiciously. He looked like he wanted to say something, but whatever it was was probably against the rules, so instead, he took the papers from Wei Wuxian and gave a nod. "They are indeed," he said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way." With that, he turned around and left.
"Yeah, sure," Wei Wuxian grinned.
What, I don't even get a thanks? he remarked to himself, perplexed as always by Lan Qiren's behaviour. Whatever.
He shrugged and walked over to where Lan Wangji was waiting for him.