Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“You always have to do anything to make you happy, A-Yi.” A woman’s voice rang into Jingyi’s ears. The melodic and soft voice was enough to make Jingyi relaxed. He was feeling so afraid and abandoned to be left without his mom. 

His only anchor. 

The only person who loved him for being Jingyi. 

 It felt endless, this place. It was a bizarre place to be. He was surrounded by exquisite lotuses in the middle of a lake. He was alone on a decent size boat and it seemed like he was abandoned. 

“Mama…,” he sniffed as he called out to his mother. He couldn’t see her but he could feel her. 

Someone, please save me, he thought to himself with eyes closed. His heart was thumping hard and he’s afraid that some strange creature would devour him in the middle of the lake. This went on for god knows how long until the heavens lit up so brightly that he almost went blind. 

“Jingyi…,” a new voice called. It sounded so foreign and Jingyi didn’t recognize it all. 

“Who are you?!” Jingyi yelled, his hold on the boat’s oar got tighter. He swore to the heavens that if it’s a fucking ghost, Jingyi would rather jump on the lake than be haunted. 

“Jingyi…,” the same voice called. It was a deep, smooth and baritone that almost sounded like beautiful music. No rhythm was required and with just the voice, an acapella would be awesome. 

“Show yourself!” He shot back bravely but abruptly, a whirlpool suddenly emerged and Jingyi’s boat was getting sucked in. He held tightly on each side of the boat as tears started streaming down his face. 

Mama, this handsome child of yours shall meet you soon. 

As he braced himself to be drowned, an annoying sound coursed through and—-

DRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!

Lan Jingyi shuffled on his bed as he tried to ignore the infuriating sound coming from his alarm. He further buried himself into the warm duvet, his eyes squeezed shut. However, the continuous ringing was mercilessly attacking his hearing that he had no choice but to poke his head from the duvet and stretched out his arms to turn the bloody thing off. Propping himself up, Lan Jingyi scratched his sleepy eyes and stretched out his arms. 

Another freaking day of being penniless!

He muttered in his mind as a yawn escaped his lips. He stayed seated on his bed with the blanket over his legs and started to mull over things. 

These past few years, he had been doing odd jobs just to be able to feed himself and to pay for his tuition. Recently, he just graduated from university with a degree in literature. Before his Ma died, he promised on her deathbed that he’d do everything to finish his studies with the little inheritance that he got from his parents. His father died from a freak accident when he was very little and he couldn’t even remember him at all. His parents were never married and he knew that his Pa came from a very prominent family who got kicked out because he chose to be with his Ma who they deemed as a woman with a questionable background. 

How wrong they were. 

His Ma was the best of the best! She came from a poor family and worked all sorts of menial jobs to support herself. 

She was an orphan with only her grandma by her side. 

And in a restaurant she was doing part-time, she met his Pa. 

And yeah, from there, they fell in love and somehow got him. The reason they never married was that his Pa’s family somehow knew their plans and they did everything to cease all kinds of plans for weddings. He didn’t even know the whole story and he never asked his Ma. 

It wasn’t important to him though. He didn’t hold any crude feelings towards his father’s family. He’s never met them and he intended to keep it that way. Well except for the fact that he’s been best friends with Lan Sizhui - someone he met and his best friend since kindergarten. He didn’t even know they’re actual family until he met with his young adoptive Dad, Lan Wangji once during a high school PTA. It was only then that it had come to his attention that Lan Wangji was his cousin - with his Pa’s father being brothers with their father or something. 

Even after finding out about that, Lan Jingyi begged Lan Wangji not to say anything to the Lans and Lan Jingyi wanted to live his life away from all the drama. Especially that time when his mother’s health was rapidly deteriorating. He was just thankful that Wangji- gege respected his wishes.

He’s quite happy and content with his life although he was struggling a bit with money.

But fret not! He’d make sure that his current writing project would be published and then, he’d be swimming with money! Although he was still in a slump with the outline, he at least had the idea in his head. His mother was a big fan of romance novels that he got interested in when he was in high school and that’s when he found his calling!

He wanted to create - to write something that could move people as much as those romance novels had moved him.

Deciding that it was time to start his day, Lan Jingyi stretched his sleeping limbs and arms and put on music as he fixed his bed. Dancing through the music, the youth sang along until a certain line caught his attention---

Now I accidentally need you, I don't know what to do

HOLY SHIT!  

Lan Jingyi had a sudden wash down of ideas entering his brain for his big project and suddenly bolted downstairs where his desktop was placed and started to write, almost instantly forgetting everything.

*

Lan Sizhui sighed for the nth time as he silently listened to his boyfriend - Jin Ling complained about everything and anything.

“It’s so hot, A-Yuan! I need to be in an air conditioning room!” Jin Ling whined more as he fanned himself profusely. Lan Sizhui got up from the couch and grabbed a glass of cold water from their small fridge.

Ever since the two of them eloped - with his father’s approval, of course; they had been living in this small apartment with questionable living conditions because it was the only place that could fit their budget. Whilst Lan Sizhui had a job at an architectural firm, he was still at an entry-level position. Hence, his salary was still very little. Just enough to put food on their table three times a day.

And Jin Ling... his A-Ling couldn’t work to save his life.

Especially now that he recently got disowned by his family - mostly, his dad’s side of the family. Although A-Ling’s Ma was adamant in helping them because it was definitely hurting her seeing her only child being disowned and his father having no power to stop it because the Jin elders were all “old farts that are mostly money-sucking and want to gain control over the Jin Corp” according to A-Ling’s words.

They had no use of an heir who got into a relationship with a man - with a Lan bastard on top of it.

Jin Ling, being the stubborn person that he loved and hated at times, refused any help or penny coming from the Jins and the Jiangs. He wanted to let his family see that he could carry on with his life without the luxury that he’d been so used to if he had him by his side.

Lan Sizhui, in these two months that they’re living together, was always filled with worry that he might not give A-Ling a comfortable life and would somehow snap someday and leave him.

But Lan Sizhui knew he was doing the best he could and would save some percentage of his salary so that whenever he had been craving for something, he could at least buy it for him. That’s the least he could do for having his boyfriend give up a lot in his life. He was just thankful that his father was in this with him. Sometimes, he would drop by with his other father to give them food and some money.

It was hard, he must admit, but it’s fulfilling especially when he would see A-Ling smile.

Going back to the living room, he handed the glass of cold water to A-Ling and he instantly finished it with two big gulps.

Smiling a bit, Lan Sizhui took his former position beside Jin Ling and cupped his hand.

“I’m sorry A-Ling. Money is a bit tight for one more week until I get my paycheck,” he softly explained. Jin Ling looked at him and shook his head.

“Nah, it’s alright. It's just so hot--,”

Riiiiing.

Jin Ling’s phone suddenly rang, making the two youths jolt in surprise and Lan Sizhui instantly reached out to the table to get the phone. He saw the name flashing on the screen and his eyes widened. He instantly passed the phone to his boyfriend.

“I think you should answer it, A-Ling.”

Throwing him a questioning look, Jin Ling grabbed his phone and much like him, his eyes widened in surprise when he saw who the caller was.

With a shaking hand, Jin Ling answered the phone as Lan Sizhui wrapped his arms around Jin Ling’s shoulder.

“J-Jiujiu? Why did you call? I’m fine...What the fuck? No. I’m fine. Oh, you’re looking for a house? Hmmm, how about your penthouse? The fuck? Oh, really? You’d do that? Cool! I’ll give Sizhui your contact then. Okay. Bye, jiujiu.”

Grinning, Jin Ling turned to him as he threw his phone carelessly back on the table. 

“Good news! Jiujiu wants you to find a buyer for his penthouse and you’ll get a 15% commission!”

“Really? That’s great news.”

“Yeah, but jiujiu is looking for an actual house now…,” Jin Ling touched his chin as if he’s thinking hard. Lan Sizhui waited patiently until he saw a glint on Jin Ling’s eyes followed by a Cheshire cat grin and Lan Sizhui suddenly felt afraid.

Jin Ling and his ideas were never...good, chaotic even.

Turning to him, Jin Ling explained what he had planned and Lan Sizhui was stunned.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Jin Ling .”

“Huh, you’re calling me Jin Ling again?” he glared at him and Lan Sizhui instantly corrected.

“ A-Ling ,” he quickly spatted, fearing the dreaded tantrum. It got worse with hormones and no matter how big his patience was, Lan Sizhui could actually feel helpless.

“But Jingyi... No, A-Ling, not our best friend,” he said in a firm voice.

“We’ll pay him back once we’re settled. Besides, jiujiu should have someone by his side. Do it for me, A-Yuan, please?” Jin Ling pleaded with that soft and coy look he inherited from his mother and Lan Sizhui was left speechless. He gulped once and averted his gaze.

“But Jingyi...how is he going to survive?” he hesitantly asked.

“Jingyi will be alright. He has this bone for getting out of trouble and gaining a lot from it. He’ll be fine,” Jin Ling said with finality and stood up from the couch with a yawn.

“I’m going to take a nap and make sure to do what I told you. We will have to pay a visit to our best friend tomorrow.” 

As Jin Ling’s retreating back disappeared in the room, Lan Sizhui was left to either follow his lover or lose his best friend.

*

It had been two days and Lan Jingyi was still rooted in front of his desktop computer, typing away like there’s no tomorrow. He was grinning away as he typed because this story was his best one yet! He was feeling so confident and the ideas were unbelievably flowing out of him in the most possible way.

That was until---

DINGDONG!

What the actual fuck?! 

Jingyi tried to ignore and just continued writing until the incessant ringing snapped him out of his concentration. Based on the way they rang the doorbell, he had a hunch that it was Jin fucking Ling.

He was the only person who was so impatient like a fucking Young Mistress.

With a grunt, Lan Jingyi painfully left the comfort of his computer chair and stomped towards the door. When he opened it, his hunch was right.

Jin Ling’s grinning face welcomed him with Sizhui looking so constipated behind his back.

“What the fuck?”

“What’s up, bitch?!” Jin Ling greeted as he marched into his house as if he owned it. Well, they’d been around his house all the time, especially when they were still looking for an apartment to live in and Jingyi must admit, he missed his best friends. He hadn’t seen them for weeks and Lan Jingyi was amazed how they still looked so happy after all these years. 

He kind of wanted that for himself.

“Hi, Jingyi,” Sizhui greeted as well but he waited for Jingyi to let him in before actually coming inside unlike Young Mistress.

“Sorry about that,” Sizhui apologized sheepishly on behalf of Jin Ling’s actions. 

Lan Jingyi opened the door more and grinned at him, “Come in! What else do you expect? That’s the Young Mistress there! Anyways, it’s no bother! This is your house as well, duh!”

Lan Sizhui gave him a petulant smile as he entered the house. Lan Jingyi marched to the kitchen to get snacks and drinks for his best friends. 

Once the three of them were settled in the living room, Lan Jingyi took a sip of his orange juice first before he spoke, “So, what’s up with the sudden visit?”

Noticing that the lovers exchanged gazes first before they spoke, Lan Jingyi had a bit of a bad feeling about it. Jin Ling and his plans were never good. He would always get both of them in trouble with Sizhui always trying to get him out.

Raising his brow, Lan Jingyi waited until Jin Ling finally broke the silence.

“CONGRATULATIONS!!!!” he exclaimed happily as he handed him an envelope. Jingyi stared back at them with a baffled expression.

“ Wha--- ...What is this all about?!” he asked in confusion and stared suspiciously at the envelope getting shoved in front of him. His eyes then averted to Sizhui who was clapping and sharing the same enthusiasm as his boyfriend albeit there’s some contorted hesitation on his face. 

“You won at a raffle!” Jin Ling explained, making him more confused because as far as he knew, he hadn’t entered any raffle. 

“What raffle?”

Laughing nervously, Lan Sizhui answered, “...it’s from the architectural company that I was working for. They said family members could enter as well and I put your name in it and you were drawn as a winner.”

Nodding profusely, Jin Ling supplied, “Bitch, it’s a trip to Thailand! You should be thankful! And it’s all expenses paid for a week!”

Almost instantly, Lan Jingyi’s demeanour morphed into a thrilled albeit a bit scared. Lan Jingyi hadn’t been to any place other than China and he didn’t know how he could survive in a foreign country. He was also a bit worried about the language barrier. He wasn’t that good in English and he’s just clueless about Thai.

“Wow…,” he finally spoke after much thinking, “but are you sure it’s not a scam?” he asked indignantly.

Lan Jingyi noticed his cousin jolting lightly, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. And Lan Jingyi was growing suspicious.

“No---,”

“Of course not!” Jin Ling cut off Lan Sizhui before he could even finish his sentence. He was being awfully defensive which made him even warier.

“Are you sure?” Lan Jingyi asked again as he pointedly looked at them. Jin Ling was already pouting and he could tell that the Young Mistress was already being controlled by hormones. He’s been even more easily prissy since his pregnancy started and Lan Jingyi seriously didn’t want to be in the same position as his cousin.

Clearing his throat, it was Lan Sizhui who piped in this time, “Do not worry about it, Jingyi. It’s all good. I just…,” his voice faded as he looked at him tenderly with a small smile although there were some emotions swirling in his cousin’s eyes that he couldn’t even decipher.

“...You’ve been working so hard and I guess it’s time for you to treat yourself.”

Lan Jingyi knew  for a fact that Lan Sizhui was an angel sent on earth, he seriously didn’t know that despite his own problems; he was also concerned with him and it seriously touched him. How did he even get so lucky to have him as a best friend? It seldom happened that you found someone who cared for your well-being like Lan Sizhui. He was someone who stayed with him through his toughest times especially when he lost his Ma along with Jin Ling and seeing that they were looking out for him made his heart squeeze happily.

But he was still a bit hesitant not because he was suspicious of the sudden prize but because of his initial woe; that being he had to go alone in a place he wasn’t familiar with. But he thought this was the right time to explore; something he had dreamt of doing even before.

He wanted to broaden his horizons.

And maybe, just maybe, he could get some inspiration for his novel.

Finally deciding, Lan Jingyi happily grinned as he took the envelope from Lan Sizhui’s hand and flipped the envelope open to read what was written inside. 

  Bangkok, Thailand, huh? Jingyi thought apprehensively. If there was one thing he definitely knew about Thailand, it was their Pad Thai and Tom Yum. He just loved eating them at the Thai restaurant near their university. Sizhui and Jin Ling both knew about how he dreamt of going to the said country but came to his life situation, Lan Jingyi buried that dream away.

But this opportunity was something he couldn’t pass up!

He felt his insides bubble up in excitement as he rested both of his hands on his lap along with the letter.

Turning to both youths in anticipation, Lan Jingyi gave them a charming smile as he nodded his head enthusiastically.

“Right! I’ll go and I’m excited!” he exclaimed happily as Jin Ling let out a massive sigh of relief.

“Right,” Lan Sizhui gave him a lopsided smile. Now that Lan Jingyi had agreed, he had to make sure that he had enough money to buy them souvenirs. He might need to take out some money from his secret stash - the one that his mother had saved for him while she was still alive. He was obviously thrilled with this adventure that he was about to partake in.

He just wished that he could take his best friends with him.

And only then, this trip would be even more fun.

*

Jiang Cheng stared blankly at the wall behind Wen Qing’s head as she started to run her mouth --- nagging him . It was the same thing over and over again and Jiang Cheng was just exhausted . It’s not his fault that those fucking paparazzis just loved to pry into his personal life. 

Recently, he had been photographed getting cozy with a guy he met at the upscale bar owned by his childhood friend, Nie Huaisang. As much as he loved being on spotlight, Jiang Cheng just wanted some time to spend freely without a hoard of paparazzi behind his back, waiting for him to fuck up.

They just wanted to get a piece of his private life and Jiang Cheng was always so careful for them not to pry.

But alas, they tended to be even more interested the more he evaded any of them.

It seemed like he hadn’t escaped his family’s name at all. He had already nailed on his mind that he didn’t need his family’s wealth and name as he climbed his way up to the spotlight. Everything he had now, it was because of his hard work. He didn’t take any single penny from his family so they wouldn’t even hold it against him for wanting to enter the limelight instead of being the heir to their multi-million yuan company.

“Are you even listening, Jiang Wanyin?!” Wen Qing yelled as Jiang Cheng just gave her a haughty look, his eyes bored and empty.

“Yeah, go on,” he blankly said, not really minding if the woman would blow up on him with his attitude. He really didn’t have many friends in the industry because most of them were two-faced, insufferable twats whilst he’s more open with his obnoxious and petty attitude. He just didn’t want to try faking his facade and the directors, producers, writers and staff didn’t really seem to mind because of the fact that he delivered his work well.

It’s just that these cursed paparazzi just liked to smear his name because of the fact that he was so popular with the masses and that whenever he’s in their tabloids or magazines, they actually sold stuff.

In the midst of his thoughts, Jiang Cheng was abruptly pulled out when Wen Qing slammed her palm on the table followed by a loud, frustrated sigh.

“Fuck, now I’m even anxious when you go to Bangkok for the shoot of your new movie,” she stated tiredly and Jiang Cheng gave her a hard stare and said with finality, “Do not worry about me. Let them stalk and write. I will just keep mum about it.”

“Fuck, Jiang Wanyin, they’re even waiting outside your condominium to get those scoops about your private life!”

Breathing out an exasperated sigh, Jiang Cheng assured her, “I know. I’m already trying to look for a house of my own and I have already asked someone to find a buyer for my penthouse.”

“Is it going to be on the outskirts of the city?”

“My preference, yes,” he sighed out. He had already told Lan Sizhui, his nephew’s boyfriend who knocked him up and thus, getting disowned by his family - the Jins. His parents (the little fucker was so spoiled by his grandparents) and a-jie were adamant in taking them to Lotus Pier but Jin Ling insisted that they wanted to live on their own. In his own little way, he wanted to help them out for a bit knowing that Jin Ling was as prideful as him; refusing any kind of voluntary help thinking that people were just pitying him. Besides, that Lan kid is responsible enough and he actually liked him for his nephew.

Jiang Cheng watched as Wen Qing pulled out an envelope from her stack and handed it to him.

“Here’s your round trip plane ticket and the copy of the script, contract and pamphlets of Bangkok. I extended your stay for three days after the shoot just because I feel like you needed a break. You’ve been working too much,” she said without much ado. If there’s one thing he liked about Wen Qing, was the fact that she tended to notice how much he overworked himself that he, in fact, didn't even feel it. She might scold him more than he liked, he knew she still cared for his overall well being.

It’s like his body had gone numb. As long as there was a new project, no matter how busy he was, he would still insist on somehow fitting it on his schedule, no matter how tacky it was.

Obviously grateful, Jiang Cheng let out a small smile as he said his thanks to the woman.

“I’ll be busy for the next few days before I fly to Bangkok. I need to talk to different people to sell my penthouse and my PA will take care of finding the best house for me. It reminds me...my nephew is telling me something about his friend selling his house near the beach,” he stopped as he recalled his conversation with his nephew, Jin Ling.

“...he said it is about a thirty-minute drive from the city and I am interested in it. He sent me some photos and it is a beautiful house.”

“Good for you then. Make sure the paparazzi won’t get hold of your new address,” Wen Qing stated as she stood up from her swivel chair as Jiang Cheng did the same, “...make sure to report here the day before your flight. Have a good day, Jiang Wanyin.”

“Right, see you in a few days,” he bid his goodbye and exited her office. Now that he was in the midst of the house A-Ling was offering him, he really wanted to get his hands on it but alas, he wouldn’t even be here in Shanghai when the owner would be available for a house viewing. He would just let his Nie Huaisang - his best friend - take care of everything since he loved designing so much.

In four days, he would be flying out to Bangkok and he trusted Wen Ning to fix his new place once he’s back after a week. His shoot’s duration was only for four days but seeing that Wen Qing extended his stay for three days, might as well make the best out of it. He wanted to do some sightseeing while he’s at it.

Deciding to meet up with his wayward nephew with his boyfriend, Jiang Cheng fished out his phone and dialed A-Ling’s number.

Today was gonna be a long day.

*

The clamoring of people filled the surroundings but in Lan Jingyi’s mind, he could only think of one thing; he was about to ride on a plane alone.

He was a little bit pale on the face as he thought about his predicament. Whilst he was excited about going to Bangkok, it totally slipped past his mind that he had to ride on a plane to do that. He didn’t even know if he had air sickness and it would be utterly embarrassing if he had to retch his guts out for almost 5 hours.

Just thinking about it made him go green in the face.

“What the fuck, Jingyi?! It’s just a fucking plane ride. You’re the most audacious person that I know and you’re chickening out on this. So lame!” Young Mistress yelled out in annoyance as Jingyi’s grip on his backpack became tighter. 

“I know!” he snapped back and bit his lip, “I’m just worried that I’m alone and no one would be there when shit happens.”

“You’re just acting out!” Jin Ling snipped back and Lan Jingyi clicked his tongue in irritation.

“What the fuck?! I’m not! Unlike you, Young Mistress, I don’t have the leisure of being on a plane for vacations!”

“Alright, alright,” Lan Sizhui went in between them to stop them from further arguing.

“You have to understand, A-Ling,” Sizhui gently explained, “that this is Jingyi’s first time riding a plane. And you,” he turned to him and asked worriedly, “do you have any medicine for air sickness?”

Shaking his head, Lan Jingyi made an O face. Why didn’t he think of that? He was so occupied with which clothes he’s bringing as well as all the places he wanted to go that he spent an awful lot of his time on his computer, planning out his itinerary.  

Sighing, Lan Sizhui glanced at his wrist watch and then turned to them, “I think I saw a store that sells medicine near the entrance. Wait for me here.”

Jingyi and Jin Ling could only nod in compliance as Lan Sizhui ran away. Once both of them were alone with Jingyi still feeling sick on his gut for whatever was waiting for him, Jin Ling mumbled something that he couldn’t understand and it startled him

“What?”

“I said, do you have enough cash to go through the vacation?”

Arching his brow, Lan Jingyi thought, Why is he so concerned about me now?

“I have enough, I think. For the transportation going to the hotel then I’ll find a foreign exchange once I’m there. Oh wait, I have an airport shuttle. I have enough for food then,” he grinned lazily.

Lan Jingyi watched as Jin Ling’s face contorted into something he couldn't even fathom. There was hesitation, sadness and...was it guilt he’s seeing? He didn’t know. It might just be his mood. Young Mistress was always moody and you don’t even know when’s the right time to approach him - especially now that he’s carrying. Rummaging in his messenger bag, Jingyi became even more confused as Jin Ling fished out his leather wallet and pulled out some more cash and handed them to him. He looked at the money with a baffled expression and Jin Ling, being the impatient person that he was; clicked his tongue and grabbed his hands to put the cash on his palm.

Now Young Mistress was really acting out of character.

The cash was about 500 yuan and Lan Jingyi was truly hesitant to accept it knowing that they too had some money troubles since he got...kicked out from his family.

“Y-you didn’t have to give me this,” he said as he tried to give the money back but Jin Ling just raised his hand and made a stop motion.

“Keep it. My uncle gave us some work so we have money left.”

It’s not everyday that Jin Ling would act like an embarrassed person knowing he had such a confident aura in him. He didn’t feel good accepting their money but the way he was insisting made him stop.

“It’s from A-Yuan and I. Don’t forget to bring us souvenirs!” 

With his dilemma forgotten, Lan Jingyi grinned back to Jin Ling as he nodded in understanding as he kept the money into his pack.

“If you say so! Thank you, Jin Ling!”

A few moments later, Lan Sizhui came back with the medicine just in time as they called for his flight number. He bid his best friends goodbye as he entered the scanning area.

Although he was sad that he couldn’t be with his best friends on this trip, Lan Jingyi could say that he was happy that he’s finally bound to see what the world had to offer.

.

.

.

As much as he expected, Lan Jingyi found himself sitting on a first class, window seat. He bobbed himself up and down, trying out how soft the cushion was and the younger Lan couldn’t help but grin delighted.

“Welcome to Thai Airways,” the flight stewardess greeted him as she asked him what drink he desired which in return, he returned back with a smile. 

With a wobbly voice, thick accented English, Jingyi replied, “Can I have a Coke, please?”

That was as much he could understand but it didn’t necessarily mean he could speak English fluently. He glanced at the empty seat beside him and wondered what kind of person he was gonna sit with for the duration of the trip. He muttered a small thanks as he made himself comfortable in his seat while sipping his soda.

His wait didn’t last long when suddenly, he felt someone sit beside him and Jingyi turned his head towards his seatmate and preened at the newcomer behind his soda can. He looked so familiar but his name was on the tip of his tongue but Jingyi wasn’t entirely sure. His face was obstructed with his dark sunglasses so Jingyi couldn’t really make out his face. Jingyi’s eyes lingered on his seatmate as his eyes trailed down on his body and Jingyi found his throat getting dry. He had a nice set of body; the firm and toned mid range muscular body was something that he always found himself attracted to. And oh my, those broad shoulders, not too robust and just right. He wondered how his body would look beneath his fitted deep purple shirt. Jingyi had to shake his head in disbelief. He had been ogling too hard on this person’s body and that didn’t happen normally.

However, once the said person removed his sunglasses, Lan Jingyi let out a loud gasp. Not minding that they were basically strangers, Lan Jingyi suddenly grabbed the said person’s arm out of excitement and hollered,

“You’re Jiang Wanyin, right?! Goodness! What a lucky day! I’m a big fan of yours…..,”

Jingyi was obviously elated meeting his idol! He had dreamt of having him act as the main character should his writing be turned into a movie.

Jiang Wanyin’s acting was always stellar and his Ma always told him that it’s free to dream.

And dream he did. What he didn’t expect from this trip was actually meeting him, much less than sitting beside him!

Lan Jingyi started chattering, not really noticing that Jiang Wanyin’s face was that of annoyance now. Whilst he greeted him with a reluctant smile earlier, by now, his face was morphed into a scowl. But when Jingyi would get excited, there’s almost nothing to stop him unless---

“I get it, you’re my fan. Nice to meet you but I’m not at work right now and I would appreciate it if you leave me alone,” Jiang Wanyin said so haughtily, his sharp tongue was something Jingyi didn’t expect and it instantly shut him. So, the rumors were true.

Jiang Wanyin was an excellent actor but his attitude was shite.

Not backing down, Lan Jingyi pouted as he crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned his back on his seat, “Is this how you treat your fans? Such a grumpy old man,” he sneered back and took a sip of his soda. The older man just glared at him but he didn’t utter any words as he just irritatingly made himself comfortable on his seat.

Lan Jingyi didn’t dare to speak to the man knowing he’d just get brushed off. However, he never anticipated that they were gonna take off so soon. He still hadn’t readied his heart for the take off and as soon as the plane did, Lan Jing automatically grabbed the closest person to him who happened to be the Jiang Wanyin.

“Holy shit! We’re shaking!” he exclaimed as he grabbed Jiang Wanyin’s arm tightly, making the older man grunt in annoyance.

“Could you let go of me?!” 

“No... gege let me I’m afraid…,” Jingyi whispered as he buried his face on Jiang Wanyin’s arm whilst the older man was trying his hardest to escape his grasp. He could feel the man tense and his painful groan reached Jingyi’s hearing.

I’m sorry gege, it’s your fault for getting a seat beside me.

Jingyi thought with his eyes closed, clearly trying to avoid looking at the man. After a while, Jiang Wanyin relaxed slightly and only when the plane was stable in the air; it was only then that the younger Lan let go of the man. Looking at the celebrity, Lan Jingyi almost laughed at his sour expression as if he had touched a dirt. Although he didn’t know whether to get offended or not, he was still a bit thankful that he let him hold on to him.

“Geez, that was embarrassing. Sorry,” he said sheepishly, “to be honest, this is my first time riding a plane so I am a bit nervous,” he explained lightly. The said man finally looked at him with a sharp glare, further making his already sharp features even prominent.

“Then you shouldn't even ride a plane if you’re so scared,” he refuted with such cold, detached voice that Jingyi couldn’t help but think that this person was so lonely and he’d seen and read enough articles about celebrities on the top of the pedestal but no matter how popular or successful they were, they were still lonely.

But with this guy, other than being lonely, Jingyi just thought he had just a naturally horrible attitude.

In return, Jingyi just snorted as he shrugged his shoulders, choosing not to comment anymore and just distracted himself by looking out the window. Jingyi felt like he was flying, seeing the clouds surrounding him. Although he was still a bit shaken from the take off; he could say now that he’s actually having a blast.

An hour later, their on-board meal was passed on to them and Jingyi, of course, chose to have Thai cuisine.

And here he was, eating his grilled chicken thigh salad with Thai vinaigrette dressing for appetizer, chicken in pa-naeng curry with peanuts for the main course with steamed jasmine rice, a panache of mixed mushrooms sauteed in anchovy garlic oil as a side this. And for dessert, he had Thai mango sticky rice.

Jingyi found himself wolfing down his food as soon as it was served while his seatmeat was taking his time, eating so elegantly with his...what did you call it? Ah, yes, Western Cuisine. He heard him answer that when the stewardess asked for his preference and Lan Jingyi had to think that he must be someone rich.

However, looking at his food, Jingyi couldn’t help but let his eyes gaze on his food and he found himself salivating inside, wanting to have a taste of those dishes.

Especially the lobster medallion who he hadn’t even touched yet.

With the other man sensing him openly ogling at his food, Jingyi audaciously asked in a contrite voice, “You’re not going to eat that lobster? Can I have it?” 

Another glare was thrown in his direction but Jiang Wanyin actually gave him the said dish which surprised Jingyi a lot.

Hmm, he wasn’t even that bad,  he thought apprehensively. A word of gratitude slipped off his mouth with glee as he went back to eating, not knowing that the other was watching him intently.

*

Jiang Cheng lost his appetite as he watched his seatmate messily eating his food. Being an OCD, he didn’t like it when someone was eating messily or even taking the food not in proper order. He knew he couldn’t even eat his food now that’s why he didn’t think twice when this walking hazard asked for his lobster medallion.

It was pissing him off as well that he had clung onto him when the plane took off and if there’s one thing he hated, it’s being touched by strangers.

He’d have enough experience of getting harassed by his fans for that matter. He just drank his water to fill him up and would plan on getting a nice meal at the hotel once he arrived. Glancing at the walking disaster again, he was stuffing himself with so much food that he finally choked ungracefully, coughing out bits and pieces of food, making Jiang Cheng wince in disgust. He didn’t even bother helping the brat since it’s none of his business but the cursed hazard held his arm again as if he’s asking for help. Jiang Cheng had no choice but to grab the latter’s water bottle, twist it open and hand it to him.

He took big gulps with some water sliding down from his mouth and Jiang Cheng was really trying not to yell curses at the kid for his gross display.

“Thank you, gege ,” he grinned ruefully, his eyes glassy with unshed tears from choking

Appalling, he thought to himself.

“Can’t you eat more gracefully?” he commented as he handed his meal when the flight stewardess came and asked for a can of soda instead.

“Huh?” the brat asked with confusion, his mouth was filled with food again, “whash dzo yoo mhin?” he inquired with his mouth full and Jiang Cheng just had to sigh at that.

“Nevermind. Don’t talk when your mouth is full,” he said with finality as he leaned his head on his head rest.

Another hour had passed and just one could imagine his relief when the chicken brained brat was finally finished with his meal. However, the said person was now moving like a worm being salted on his seat, obviously distressed while clutching his stomach.

Maybe he has a stomachache?

Jiang Cheng had to silently snort at that as he glanced at the latter using just his eyes behind his magazine. He knew it wasn’t any of his business but the constant squirming was getting to his nerves. It’s this brat’s fault for having a stomachache (if he had it) because he was such a glutton earlier.

Letting him be, Jiang Cheng just continued reading but it didn’t take too long until he felt his arm getting gripped again and Jiang Cheng finally snapped. Shutting his magazine with a loud slap, Jiang Cheng was ready to give the kid a piece of his mind.

“ G-Gege …,” the walking hazard called weakly, his face pale and full of sweat.

“Will you let---,”

Huuuuuaaaaggggghhhhhh!

Jiang Cheng hadn’t even finished his words when all of a sudden, the walking hazard made some strange noise followed by a heaving sound and then---

Fuck!

A sour, awful smell reached his nose as he felt the sleeve of his fabric getting soaked with...vomit.

“What the fuck?!” Jiang Cheng yelled angrily as he pushed the brat away from him.

“M’sorry gege , I didn’t mean to…,” the kid weakly says, his face still pasty.

“Sorry?! SORRY?! You fucking barfed on me and all you could say was sorry?!” he bellowed as he called on for a flight stewardess to call for his assistant, Wen Ning, who was seated on the economy class.

WIth a slight quiver, the brat tried his best to apologize but Jiang Cheng was seriously having none of it. Instead, with a click of his tongue, he stomped towards the restroom and waited for Wen Ning to bring him a fresh set of clothes. Thank goodness it was only his right sleeve that got soiled but Jiang Cheng almost wanted to puke as he removed his dark long sleeve polo and started cleaning himself up. The foul smell clung onto his skin and he tried his hardest to scrub it clean with liquid soap available.

“Why am I so unfortunate today? Sitting beside a walking hazard,” he mumbled angrily as he continuously scrubbed his arm. After a few minutes, there was a knock on the restroom door followed by a timid voice,

“Boss,   I’ve brought your clothes,” Wen Ning informed him as Jiang Cheng closed the faucet and grabbed paper towels to dry his arm clean. Opening the door, Wen Ning’s face welcomed him and Jiang Cheng greeted him with a scowl. 

“Thanks, can you ask the flight stewardess if they can change my seat?”

“I already did. However, they said they don’t have any vacant seats because the aircraft is full,” he answered as Jiang Cheng let out a frustrated sigh. Two more hours of sitting beside the walking hazard and Jiang Cheng didn’t know what kind of peril he’d still get.

“Although,” Wen Ning continued, “I already asked them to thoroughly clean your seat.”

With resignation, Jiang Cheng grabbed the fresh clothes and nodded to Wen Ning. 

He could still smell the faint smell of the fucking brat’s vomit but Jiang Cheng had to suck it up. He would just take a long, warm shower once he arrived at his hotel.

Once he was sure that he was presentable enough, Jiang Cheng grabbed his bundled soiled long sleeved polo and exited the restroom. When he was back at his aisle, Jiang Cheng almost wanted to smack the walking hazard who was by then, already sleeping ungracefully with his mouth open as his head was leaning against the window. He had to stop himself from doing so as he just put his soiled clothes on the seat pocket and tried to make himself as far away as possible from the cursed brat.

He just hoped that he’d stay asleep for the whole duration of this trip.

*

Lan Jingyi jostled awake when the flight stewardess tapped him gently, saying that they safely landed. With bleary eyes, Lan Jingyi looked around only to see that other than the flight stewardess, there weren’t any passengers anymore other than him.

His eyes widened in surprise and apologized to the flight stewardess as he tried to make himself awake. He had slept well after barfing on Jiang Wanyin and as his mind went through the celebrity, Lan Jingyi almost felt regretful.

He had wanted to apologize for his previous actions but it seemed like he wouldn’t be able to do so. He even doubted they would even cross paths again. He quickly gathered his things and was about to leave his seat when he noticed a discarded cloth tucked on the backseat pouch. He knew it was the one that Jiang Wanyin was wearing earlier. Maybe, when he could possibly meet him again when his writing was finally turned into a movie, he could return his shirt and say sorry to him.

Making up his mind, Jingyi grabbed the said cloth and slipped it snugly on the sickness bag that he found. He had to shake his head on that. There was a readily available one and he just had to reach for it but he had to retch on the A-list actor.

Quickly saying his thanks to the nice lady, Jingyi finally exited the plane with his small luggage and pack. When he finally reached the exit of the airport, Lan Jingyi looked in awe, still couldn’t believe the fact that he was in Bangkok. Sizhui said that there was a ride waiting for him outside the arrival area and all he had to do was look for a sign with his name on it. Looking around, he finally saw a posh looking sign with his name in Pinyin held by a young guy and Jingyi almost instantly went in his direction.

“Hi, I’m Lan Jingyi,” he greeted with a small bow.

The said guy, in turn, pressed his palms together, with his fingers extended in chest level close to their body and bowed slight followed by,

“Sawatdee-krap,” he greeted.

Lan Jingyi smiled apprehensively, clearly knowing what the gesture meant. He had done his research and in turn, Jingyi imitated the gesture and greeted him back in the same way.

“I’m Moo,” he introduced himself in Chinese, which surprised Jingyi as they started walking.

“Hi, Moo. You can just call me Jingyi!” he excitedly informed him. He was really struggling in ENglish and it was nice that he could communicate with his airport shuttle driver in his own language.

“Thank goodness you can speak in Chinese. My English is really limited,” he sighed out.

“Yes. I learned it when I studied in Beijing for a scholarship.”

Bangkok was humid and Jingyi was already sweating despite wearing his cotton white shirt. It was mid-November now and it was already close to winter time in Shanghai. He only had one thick jacket, which he had already removed and was safely tucked in his pack for when he would fly back to Shanghai again. 

“Hot?” Moo asked him when they reached the hotel’s car and opened the door for him.

“Yeah, a little bit,” he replied as he hopped in the car. Once both of them were inside, Moo turned the AC on which Jingyi was truly grateful for before he drove .

“This is your first time in Bangkok?”

“Yes and I’m really pumped up especially with your food! Also, how far is the Berkeley Hotel?” Jingyi excitedly asked as his eyes didn’t stop looking around the city’s skyscrapers.

“About 21 minutes from the airport without traffic,” Moo answered with his eyes on the road. Jingyi nodded as he was thinking about what he wanted to do for the rest of the day. It was already past 4 pm and he seriously didn’t want to sleep again. He might go out for dinner and explore some of the night markets for later. But for now, he really wanted to take a cold shower because he was feeling so sticky.

The rest of the ride was spent with light conversation with Jingyi asking a native on which were the best places to go around. He was already taking notes on his mobile phone as he listened to Moo’s suggestion.

After a while, they arrived at the hotel and Jingyi was in awe at how lavish it looked. Suddenly, he felt small and hesitant to enter until the door man opened the door for him.

“Sawatdee-krap,” they greeted him and Jingyi returned in the same manner. When he reached the front desk, the lady greeted him again as he struggled to speak in English.

“ H-Hi...I’m Lan Jingyi and I have a reservation ,” he spoke in broken English but it seemed like the lady understood him and asked him to wait for a bit. As he was waiting, a tall, robust man stopped beside him and spoke in perfect English. 

Jingyi obviously looked in awe and because of the fact that he didn’t have any filter on his mouth and he’s feeling that this guy wouldn’t understand him at all.

“Oh, he looks hot.”

*

“Hi, I’m here to meet Jiang Wanyin,” Nie Mingjue inquired at the front desk in perfect English. He was instantly assisted, being a patron of this 5-star hotel. However, while he was waiting, he felt like someone was looking at him and Nie Mingjue stopped on his track and turned to look at the brat beside him with a raised brow after talking to the front desk. However, instead of getting intimidated, the other person just grinned widely and continued to speak to himself in his own language.

“What are you looking at, gege ? Did you find me handsome?”

With that remark, Nie Mingjue couldn’t help but chuckle lightly. The audacity of this kid was amusing and he decided to reply to his question in their language.

“Yes, I do,” he answered in an amused tone. Nie Mingjue couldn’t help but think that this brat looked so much like his childhood friend and he met most of his family and he had never seen this kid before. Probably realizing that he indeed spoke the same language as him, the kid looked at him with a shocked expression as the tips of his ears glowed red. Nie Mingjue couldn’t help but coo because he looked so much like his younger brother when he’s embarrassed.

“S-Sorry, gege !” the youth hurriedly let out with a small bow. Nie Mingjue then let out a gleeful laugh, clearly entertained by the display, from confident little shot to an embarrassed chickling.

“No need to apologize,” he informed as his laugh dissipated, “are you waiting for the card in your room?”

“Yes, I’m on vacation!” he replied sheepishly.

“Hm, enjoy your vacation then,” he said and the front desk called his attention informing him of Jiang Wanyin’s room number.

Taking one last glance on the other, Nie Mingjue gave him a rugged smile before he marched towards the elevator. 

Now, it’s time for business.

*

When Lan Jingyi entered his hotel room, he instantly jumped on the bed after dumping his luggage on the floor to see how soft it was. He had a standard sized room, perfect just for him and he looked towards the window to see that he got the perfect view of this place's skyscrapers. He was excited to be nighttime because he knew that it would be even more of a sight with all the city lights.

As much as he wanted to nest on the bed, Jingyi knew that he still had to clean himself. He had been through the most embarrassing moments of his life and it’s only been a day!

He didn’t know if he could even manage to get into a humiliating position for today and reminded himself to be more careful with his actions. 

Once he was satisfied, Lan Jingyi rummaged on his pack for his phone, wanting to send a message to Sizhui and Jin Ling, informing the couple of his arrival in Bangkok. However, the first one to peek out on him the moment he opened his pack was Jiang Wanyin’s shirt wrapped in a sickness bag. Not wanting to let his vomit dry out, Lan Jingyi decided to wash it first before he would shower.

But for now, he needed to send a message to his best friends. Knowing Sizhui, he might be anxious now that he hadn't heard from him yet.

Once he sent the message, he washed Jiang Wanyin’s clothes on the sink first before he got ready for a shower and his Bangkok adventure would start soon!

He was trembling in excitement as he quickly took a cold shower and he would make sure not to fuck up the rest of the night as he tries to explore in his own.

Somehow, in his heart, he wished that his Ma was still with him so he could share his excitement with her.

*

A week later and a good tan after, Lan Jingyi had already arrived back in Shanghai. The plane ride back home wasn’t as bad as the first one but he hadn’t met with Jiang Wanyin at all to return his clothes. He didn’t even see the hot guy after their embarrassing meeting either.

Oh, well. Hotshot people don’t just appear to make friends with a peasant like me.

He joked within himself. He was already inside a cab, on the way to his home. He sorely missed home that he didn’t sleep well during his first night in Bangkok, no matter how soft and comfortable the mattress was unless he would tire himself out.

He was homesick.

Hence, he was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed. But he wouldn’t deny that he would miss Bangkok. The food, the place, the experience, the awesome view and tourists spots, even the inspirations that he found for his writing; he couldn’t wait to show his best friends all the photos that he took as well as to tell them his adventures while he was there.

He was even broke now but he has no regrets!

He just had to make sure that his current project would be a success.

When he finally arrived at his house it was already dusk and Lan Jingyi’s heart pumped loudly as he saw that all the lights inside were open. He knew that he asked Sizhui and A-Ling to look after the house while he was gone but he knew that Sizhui was responsible enough not to leave all the lights on. He just told them to leave the lights on the porch open but not the ones all over the house.

With the adrenaline rush coursing through his veins amped up by his nervousness, Lan Jingyi left his luggage by the door. He looked around first, seeing that there’s no forced entry that happened which made him ease out a little bit. Pulling out his keys from his pocket, Lan Jingyi tried to open the door and imagine his surprise once he entered his house.

All his furniture were replaced with new, elegant ones, there were new framed posters and photographs hanging on the walls, new house ornaments and the most baffling of all, the house was sparkly clean - as if you couldn’t even spot a single speck of dirt in the house.

He went around the house to check on the first floor until----

Splash!

The soft splashing of water reached his ear and Jingyi listened intently. 

Aha! The intruder is on the second floor!

Hurriedly he grabbed a broom from the kitchen and went upstairs. He followed the sound until he found himself inside the master’s bedroom - his previous room that was also refurbished with fancy furniture and some other stuff. With a haste, Lan Jingyi marched towards the bathroom, wanting to catch the intruder.

However, the moment he opened the bathroom door, a well-toned, muscular slightly tanned ass welcomed him. Lan Jingyi couldn’t help but ogle openly because his buns were shaped in a concave rounded arch and Jingyi found it irresistible that he couldn’t take his eyes off the delectable pair of buttcheeks. 

With his main aim forgotten, Lan Jingyi’s gaze was glued to the said buns until the shower stopped and the man faced him in his all naked glory.

Snapping out of his stupor, Lan Jingyi was about to look up to get a glimpse of the man’s face to report to the police when he heard a familiar deep, sharp voice.

“You again? What the fuck are you doing in my house and how did you get in?!”

Chapter Text

His house?

Did he hear it right? His house was Jiang Wanyin’s house?!

HIS HOUSE?!!!

What the fuck?

Jingyi’s mind was spiralling as his grip on the handle of the broom tightened. He was absolutely mortified! What the fuck did he mean? This was HIS house and he never even thought of ever selling it.

It was the only thing that reminded him of his parents. It sure did have a lot of sentimental value on him.

He tried to compose himself but it was difficult when he could see Jiang Wanyin’s naked body all over his peripheral vision. How come this guy was so shameless?! Lan Jingyi’s gaze tried to focus on his face but he could still see his fishing pole shamelessly hanging semi-hard. It’s like he’s intentionally flashing his enormous eggplant without even an ounce of embarrassment. Jingyi couldn’t help blush.

Jiang Wanyin was still looking at him with a massive scowl; his demeanour never changing. 

It was still calm, cold and aloof. 

Lan Jingyi finally mustered up his courage to speak, trying to avoid looking from down there and tried to confront the celebrity.

“What are you doing in my house?” he questioned bravely, trying not to be intimidated by the man. He looked so small compared to the man before him. He might be afraid of ghosts but he sure as hell that he’s not afraid of this grumpy actor! He was just a little bit distressed seeing his undressed state and a little bit intimidated by his angry eggplant!

Instead of answering, Jiang Wanyin turned his back on him, making Jingyi furious by how rude this Jiang Wanyin was.

“Hey!” he bellowed, “I’m still talking to yo---,”

“Can you get the fuck out and let me finish my shower and then we’ll talk,” Jiang Wanyin cut him off with such a harsh voice that Lan Jingyi instantly shut up.

Thinking that the best way to deal with this was when both of them were fully clothed. 

“Fine,” he conceded as he retreated back to the bathroom door. But before he could, Lan Jingyi looked back and with a shit eating grin, he stated shamelessly, “You should publish a nude photo book soon if you’re this shameless. I bet your fans would go crazy,” he snickered as he proudly exited the bathroom albeit hastily without getting hit by something flying on his head . 

Lan Jingyi decided to just wait for Jiang Wanyin to finish downstairs. He was a little bit hungry and he’d see if he could get something to eat from the fridge. 

Opening the fridge, Jingyi made an awed face seeing that it was filled with... organic food. From vegetables, fruits, salad dressings - most were foreign food and Jingyi was definitely lost.

He much preferred eating his own cuisine rather than these...these foods inside the fridge. He quickly closed it and rummaged through the cupboards, thinking that his noodle stash must be somewhere but even after going through all of it,  there wasn’t any sign of chicken flavored instant noodles that he loved so much.

Fuck.

He was seriously getting exhausted and famished and he still had to wait for Jiang Wanyin to come out. It’s not in his personality to just eat someone’s food without asking. So for now, a glass of water would make do.

All he wanted to do was get a good night’s sleep but by the look of things, there might be a possibility that he wouldn’t even get to sleep in his own house.

But who would sell his house?

Yunhai was such an important thing to him - he could say that it was even more important than his life. He couldn’t afford to lose it.

Not when all the fond memories of his parents were here. Every nook and corner of the house was molded from his father’s hand and it was nurtured with his Ma’s love.

It’s too painful to think about it.

As he heard footsteps coming from the stairs, Lan Jingyi knew that it was only Jiang Wanyin. He was already sitting on a chair by the dining table when Jiang Wanyin finally emerged, Jingyi looked up to look at the actor clad in a v-neck fitted cotton purple shirt and grey sweatpants.

Glancing at the wall clock, Lan Jingyi couldn’t help but let out a loud snort.

How come this guy takes too long in the shower?!

Or was he doing it on purpose just to piss him off?

“Oi,” Jiang Wanyin called him with a deep scowl, his eyes blaring as he looked down on him. Lan Jingyi met his gaze and he wasn’t intimidated in the least. 

He would have to take his clothes off again because it was such a sight and Jingyi wouldn’t think twice raking his eyes all over him.

Damn, Lan Jingyi! You know he’s hot but focus, FOCUS!!!

Their eyes were locked, one with anger while the other was fueled with guts as Jiang Wanyin took a seat opposite him.

Clearing his throat, Lan Jingyi instantly went down to his business, “About this house. Why did you say Yunhai is yours? I don’t even remember selling this!”

With his lips thinning into a line and his shoulders tensing, Jiang Wanyin snapped back, “Excuse me? Your house? And what the fuck is Yunhai? I bought this house legally . Got a problem with that? Go get a lawyer.”

“No, no, no,” he refuted, “this isn’t right. Do you even have the title? Only I know where the title is! I can’t lose this house! This is the only thing I have left from my parents.”

“It’s not my problem so get the fuck off my house,” Jiang Wanyin said with finality. He was about to stand up but Lan Jingyi beat him to it as he jolted up off his seat and reached the celebrity’s arm with his hands.

“I--I can’t!” he yelled loudly as Jiang Wanyin shrugged off his hands and Jingyi hurriedly withdrew before it would fall on the dining table.

“I don’t have any place to stay!”

“Not my problem, brat,” the actor said haughtily and it just made Jingyi mad seeing how unpleasant and uncooperative Jiang Wanyin was.

“B-But! Hear me out, I really didn’t---,”

His words were cut as Jiang Wanyin started dragging him towards the front door. Jingyi was absolutely flabbergasted by the sudden action but that didn’t stop him from running his mouth.

“How come you are so mean?! You don’t even listen to people! You’re so self-centered!” he screamed and by the time they were at the front door, Jiang Wanyin threw him outside as if he’s just a stray cat he was shooing away.

“Was it because I threw up on you on the plane? I already apologized. Gege, don’t do this to me, this is my hou---,”

Slam.

In an instant, instead of Jiang Wanyin’s face, he was now facing the closed wooden door that just got slammed on his face. Gritting his teeth in frustration, Lan Jingyi rang the doorbell non-stop, hoping it would annoy the fuck out of the older man and he was right. A few seconds later, the door opened and Jingyi gave him a massive grin, all the irritation suddenly gone as he viewed Jiang Wanyin as his savior.

The older man, on the other hand, was sporting a dark face filled with annoyance.

“Gege!” he exclaimed, “I know you are a good hearted person, please hear me ou---,”

Bam.

Slam.

Lan Jingyi stared blankly at his luggage and pack that Jiang Wanyin kindly delivered to him. This was already getting frustrating and he didn’t even know where to go! He just went on vacation and when he came back, this was the situation he’s in?

“Fuck!” he cursed as he flopped himself on the porch floor as he tried to think of a solution. Based on Jiang Wanyin’s face, Jingyi doubted he’d open the door again. He felt that Jiang Wanyin was the kind of person who just didn’t give any fucks to strangers, especially to him.

With both of his palms cupping his face out of frustration, Lan Jingyi tried to think.

Who would dare sell Yunhai without his knowledge?

The only people who knew where he was keeping the the title was him, Sizhui and Jin Ling---

No, no, no.

It couldn’t be! 

They wouldn’t do this to him, would they?!

They’re his best friends and he trusted them. Especially Sizhui.

“Oh god, please no,” Jingyi bit his lower lip as he reached for his pack to grab his phone. Once he did so, he instantly searched for Sizhui’s number and dialed it. Much to his dismay, it was out of reach so he scanned his phone again to find Jin Ling number and---

In the end, he got the same response.

With both of their numbers unreachable, Jingyi was lost. He was hungry, tired, angry, confused, lost and most of all, he felt betrayed. He didn’t want to think of that possibility because those two were the only ones he had in his life. And he knew it would definitely break him if they did when they knew how important Yunhai was to him. His parents must be rolling on their graves seeing how idiotic his situation was.

Lan Jingyi let out a tired sigh. With him losing hope for today, Jingyi left his luggage on the porch and went to the backyard of the house - the one overlooking the beach. There was a bench swing there that he could use as a makeshift bed to rest his body and mind for the night. It was his favorite spot because he could clearly see the stars at night whenever the sky would be clear. Also the soft melodic swooshing sounds that the beach waves were making, it was almost his paradise.

He always felt peaceful here.

He didn’t give a shit if Jiang Wanyin would give him crap about sleeping in the backyard.

This was his house and he wouldn’t give this up!

For now, he needed to rest his mind and body so he could be ready to fight head-on in the next coming days. 

Even if it was Jiang Wanyin. He needed to track down his two best friends too so he could get answers.

Who said Lan Jingyi would give up easily?!

*

Jiang Cheng woke up the next day a little bit earlier than he was used to because he’d been wanting to go for a run by the beach. If he was to say something, this house was fucking perfect! It’s just about thirty minutes away from the city, was secluded and quiet, his backyard was already the beach and most of all, the house itself was beautiful. 

The walls facing the beachside were mostly made with sturdy glasses for him to enjoy the view even inside. It was a high-ceiling house, two floors, three-bedroom with two bathrooms—one in the master’s bedroom and the other one was for the guests. There was also a toilet located near the kitchen, just beside the laundry room for visitors. 

A decent sized garden was also built in the backyard with a small pond where Nie Huaisang planted his favorite lotus plants. There’s a small swing and two benches along with a coffee table placed in by the garden as well. There was a bridge connecting the wooden plank stretching out to the sea with a pavilion at the end for when he would like to have his barbeque while just enjoying the beach view. 

All in all, he was satisfied with his purchase. It seemed like A-Ling’s boyfriend could be trusted. He had to give his nephew a reward for finding him such a good place to live. 

Stretching his body for a bit, Jiang Cheng then got off the bed and changed his sleeping garbs into his work out clothes - running shorts, a fitted dri-fit sleeveless black shirt. He topped it with his work-out jacket because the weather by this time was a bit chilly in the mornings since autumn season was about to end soon. After putting on his socks, Jiang Cheng used the backdoor to exit the house but as he reached the garden, he stopped on his tracks when he saw the walking hazard sleeping by the swing in the fetal position. His face was frowning as if he’s uncomfortable and he had mosquito bites on his arms and even on his face. However, instead of feeling pity towards the damn brat, Jiang Cheng just let out a scowl and went on his merry way towards the beach to do his morning jog.

He spent more than an hour doing his workout and when he came back using the same direction, Jiang Cheng could still see that the walking hazard was still sleeping in his backyard. Irritated, Jiang Cheng used his feet to shake him on his legs and to tell him to get the fuck out of the vicinity of his house. He was shaking him for about 30 seconds now using his feet but he wouldn’t even budge. He was just responding with a lazy groan. Letting out another sigh, Jiang Cheng hunched forward and shook him harder using both of his hands and after a few tries, he finally opened his eyes but Jiang Cheng could feel that there’s something wrong.

“Oi,” he quipped the moment the younger man’s eyes opened.

“H-Huh?” the brat groggily said. 

“Get the fuck out of my backyard!” he yelled, “...who says you can sleep here?!”

Jiang Cheng watched as the brat shifted into a sitting position while clutching his head.

“I-I don’t have anywhere else to stay…,” he explained weakly.

“That’s not my problem,” he snapped and as he was about to turn, the brat suddenly fell off the bench and if Jiang Cheng wasn’t agile enough, he would have slammed his head by the stone tablet beside the bench. The brat felt so small and fragile in his arms and as he lifted him up to put him back on the bench, Jiang Cheng accidentally touched his neck and felt his skin scorching hot.

“Holy shit! Oi! Wake up!” Jiang Cheng angrily yelled as he shook the brat to wake but again, only a painful groan was heard. He really didn’t sign up for this shit but he really didn’t want a headline that someone died in his backyard. His reputation, he knew, wasn’t great and he didn’t want to have his name get slandered more.

Coming to a conclusion, Jiang Cheng decided he’d be a good samaritan only for today and dragged the cursed brat inside his house. He dumped him on the couch at the living room unceremoniously, not even aware if he somehow hurt him or not. He really didn’t care and he just wanted him to get better so he could finally get rid of him. Looking at the brat, Jiang Cheng could discern that he was shivering, noticing the obvious quivering of his lips. He quickly grabbed the soft lavender blanket he was keeping by the single couch and quickly set it on top of the brat making him warm. He then proceeded in his kitchen adjacent to the living room to grab something to eat for himself as well as to grab medicine for his sick patient. He was trying to survey his food and think of something to make for his breakfast and probably, a soup for the hoodwink. He brewed himself coffee as well, filling the room with its delightful  aroma.

How ironic , he thought. He was never the one to take care of anyone sick, not even his sister nor his gremlin adopted brother. Even A-Ling whenever he would get sick. He would just usually let them, thinking he might make them worse by taking care of them.

But now...this person just got slapped on him as if he was dropped down from the heavens and ended up in his house. Once he set all the ingredients down on the counter, Jiang Cheng decided to take a quick shower first and change into a fresh set of clothes before preparing the food. He was just glad that he didn’t have any commitments today but his plan of enjoying and exploring his new house came to a fucking halt.

After a while, Jiang Cheng went downstairs and carried on with his previous task. As he was making himself an avocado toast, Jiang Cheng made egg drop soup for the sick hazard since it was the easiest he could do and he seriously didn’t want to make rice porridge. It would take him a little longer and he figured he needed to take medicine pronto. He ate his toast with a cup of coffee as he cooked the soup. Once he was done, he set the bowl on the tray with a glass of water and a cup of tea plus his cold medicine.

This kid should really get on his knees to thank him. Him, an A-lister celebrity, taking care of a no name walking hazard. 

Setting down the tray on the coffee table, Jiang Cheng tried to wake him up by shaking him forcefully. Now that he thought of it, he kept on calling this brat a walking hazard because he still hadn’t gotten his name. And his claim about this house being his, Jiang Cheng still had to make sure. He had to give A-Ling a call after. When the brat finally opened his eyes blearily and turned to look at it.

“Eat,” Jiang Cheng ordered as he sat down on the couch opposite him and grabbed a magazine to read.

“W-Where am I?” the latter asked as he looked around the house before his eyes landed on him.

“Aaaaah!” Jiang Cheng snapped his head towards the kid’s direction when he heard him shriek loudly and saw how he tried to sit up too quickly making himself dizzy. 

Stupid brat.

“J-Jiang Wanyin?” the brat asked, clearly confused of what was happening.

Dropping his magazine back on the coffee table, Jiang Cheng looked haughtily at the kid and crossed his legs, “Who else has this face, huh?”

“Why is Jiang Wanyin in my house?” he muttered softly as he glanced at him and continued, “Are you gonna sue me for retching on you at the plane?” he asked while biting his lower lip, eyes downturn. 

Jiang Cheng just sighed, “Just fucking eat, will you? You’re getting delusional.”

For now, he would just let him eat in peace and chose to ignore another claim in this house. He was actually getting confused now because as far as he knew, everything about this house was legally claimed by his lawyer. He’d have to get to the bottom of this. He pulled out his phone from his pocket and dialed A-Ling’s number.

As he was waiting for his nephew to pick up, Jiang Cheng went to the kitchen to have his privacy as well as the kid’s. He hated it when someone was watching him eat and he felt like the brat needed some time to process what was happening to him. When A-Ling finally picked up, Jiang Cheng went straight to the point.

“Who the fuck is this brat claiming my house is his house?” Jiang Cheng questioned, his voice harsh.

Jiang Cheng listened to his nephew’s explanation albeit he was stuttering a bit, a sign that he actually did know something about this. He frowned as A-Ling finally finished his explanation and Jiang Cheng could only think of one thing.

“What the fuck?! Why did you do that...to your friend?” he asked, gobsmacked.

“ No! Jiujiu! It’s just that, I’m thinking...that you need someone to take care of you and Jingyi is perfect for that! He’ll help you! Get him as your maid or caretaker or whatever! Mama said you aren’t eating at the right time and would always get swamped with work!”

Jiang Cheng felt his blood pumped up to his head and was on the verge of exploding. Fucking…

This crazy nephew of his, why did he do that?! So the walking hazard’s claim was true! And knowing his nephew, he just wouldn’t come to take his friend with him and Jiang Cheng was helplessly stuck. Knowing that it was also his fault because he didn’t check it and just left it in the hands of Nie Huaisang and his lawyer since he was also in Bangkok during the buyout. Massaging his already throbbing head, Jiang Cheng asked A-Ling, distressed.

“So I’m stuck with your friend?! Is that it?”

“ Yes, jiujiu. He can clean your house since you’re such a clean freak. Lan Jingyi is also really nice and he’s cheerful, he can be your own personal clown since he’s mostly clowning himself and a little bit of a klutz but I can tell you that you can trust him. Please do it for me, jiujiu? As to why I did it, I know Jingyi would be good in your hands.”

“ Fuck. You are leaving me with no choice here. You know I can’t live with another person, especially with a stranger.”

But Lan Jingyi. So that’s his name. A Lan.

Fuck again.

“ Hire him as your maid. End of discussion. Bye, jiujiu.”

“Fuck that kid!” Jiang Cheng angrily yelled as he forcefully tapped the end button and shoved his phone back to his pocket. He really didn’t know how A-Ling ended up as his sister’s kid when his sister was such an angel. Jin Ling, for the most part, mostly got his father’s proud and fucking peacock attitude. Left with no choice, Jiang Cheng went back to the living room.

“Oi, Lan Jingyi,” he called haughtily, making the younger man snap his head up to look at him.

“You know me?”

“I talked to A-Ling. He gave me your name,” he started before he took a seat opposite him. Lan Jingyi’s face twitched into happiness by the mention of his nephew’s name but frowned afterwards.

“Why do you know A-Ling? Don’t tell me…,” his voice faded before Jiang Cheng heard a yell making him cover his ears.

“Pipe down, will you?” he ordered, making the brat calm down.

“I’m his uncle,” he informed him with a shrug.

And then another yell.

“WHAT?!”

“Why are you so surprised?”

“A-Ling...never mentioned. But did he say something about the house? I really can’t lose the house, gege. It’s too important to me,” he pleaded once again, his eyes already brimming with unshed tears. Jiang Cheng might be an asshole but knowing that his nephew was mostly at fault in this and him overlooking the buy out of his house, he felt a little bit guilty. A-Ling did mention how much the house meant to this Lan Jingyi and that it was the only memory he had left of his parents and that he’s actually an orphan with nowhere to go. Why he was so pissed that even knowing those details about the brat, his nephew still went on and sold his house to him.

Sighing, Jiang Cheng looked at him with such a serious expression that the kid actually flinched lightly but nonetheless, faced him bravely.

“He explained. It’s my nephew’s fault. But, the house is legally mine now. If you want to get it back, work for it. I’ll let you stay but be my housekeeper. I’ll give you a stipend. Take it or leave it,” he offered. Whether he would take it or not, Jiang Cheng didn’t really give a single fuck. But he did his part. He wouldn’t feel a single ounce of guilt if the fucking brat ever ended up on the streets.

“Since there’s a vacant room by the attic, you can use it. I already have the two extra rooms converted into a guest room.”

However, instead of the walking hazard jumping in joy with his offer, he just gave him a fucking pout and Jiang Cheng felt irritated by his response.

“You mean like a maid? Why would I be a housekeeper in my own house?” the brat whined and Jiang Cheng was itching to hit him on the head.

Here he was, trying to be a good samaritan and then the brat would just brush off his good offer?

What the fuck?

“I said,” he snapped, “take it or leave it.”

“Is there any way that I can get back the house?” Lan Jingyi inquired apprehensively. Jiang Cheng was so sure he wouldn’t give up the house.

Fucking not. He liked it too much.

“Fuck no. But you can stay as my maid. If you can pay for everything all at once including the renovation and all the furniture, then maybe.”

Lan Jingyi perked up, his expression morphed into a determined one. As if his resolve was already there.

“Deal!” the brat finally agreed and Jiang Cheng had to smirk at that.

“Good luck then. You can rest for today since you decided to make yourself sick by sleeping in my backyard. I’ll put your schedule in the fridge and I expect everything to be ready tomorrow on time.”

Without waiting for him to answer, Jiang Cheng got off the couch and went upstairs to the master’s bedroom. He had to review and practise his new script for the reading tomorrow.

He had to sigh out loud as he ascended the stairs. It’s just fucking past 9 am and he was already tired for the rest of the day. He also had to prepare for his grand plan tomorrow and he hoped that the person he loved would accept.

*

Lan Jingyi was left dumbfounded in his seat as his eyes followed the older man as he ascended the stairs. Once he was entirely gone, only then that Lan Jingyi processed that he actually agreed into being his maid. He was too preoccupied about the fact that he might get back his house that almost instantly, he agreed without thinking again.

He was always like that when he would get excited.

And thus, from today on, he was stuck in this dilemma and the only way he could walk away was either to pay in full or risk losing Yunhai. He was feeling all desperate and defeated that he had no choice for now.

Although the thought that his best friends were somehow involved with this made him feel hurt, edgy, distressed and most of all, betrayed. He trusted them too much and never in his wildest dreams that he thought that they were capable of doing this. His eyes started to water and as Lan Jingyi took another spoonful of the chicken soup that Jiang Wanyin cooked for him, Jingyi let out the tears of frustration that he was holding off since last night. 

Now that everything came crashing down through him like he was being poured with an ice cold bucket of water, Jingyi felt lost. No matter how much bullshit that he was in, he still couldn't quite find it to get mad at his best friends.

He was upset and felt betrayed, yes.

He was also feeling like he’s been played and used. And that he trusted them blindly.

But angry? He couldn’t.

Not when they were the only ones he had in his life and he’s pretty sure that they got a good explanation for him.

.

.

.

Before he knew it, Jingyi had slept through the day and after taking the medicine that came with the soup earlier, Jingyi actually felt better. 

It was already dark outside and he still felt a little bit drowsy. His master was nowhere to be seen. Looking at the clock, Jingyi was surprised that it was already half-past 10 pm and that he had slept so long. He reckoned that the older man was probably sleeping by now or was doing something in his room. Lan Jingyi’s throat felt dry so he decided to finally get up and grabbed some water. As he passed by the kitchen, Lan Jingyi already saw his luggage inside by the kitchen door. He couldn’t help but let out a small smile knowing that the Jiang Wanyin did that. He might be a bit of an asshole to him, Jingyi could feel that there was something good inside of him.

However, even before he could open the fridge, Lan Jingyi’s smile and current compliment for Jiang Wanyin were instantly wiped out to be replaced with a frown as he saw the long note plasted on the fridge. 

What the hell?

I retract what I said. He is still a big meanie!

Grabbing the note, Jingyi scanned it irritatingly.

0500 Wake up.

0700 Breakfast should be ready. Use all the organic ingredients that I have.

1000 The house should be sparkly clean. The glass walls would be wiped. Every nook and corner of the house should be dust free. Do not move any furniture. Vacuum the carpets everyday. The bathroom should be clean as well. Scrub the sink and the bathtub clean everyday. Spray lots of disinfectant around the house.

1200 If I’m in the house, lunch should be ready at 12 pm sharp. If I’m at work, you can just eat on your own and prepare your own food.

1500 The garden should be tended, weeded and all the plants watered. Pick up new flowers when the ones in the house are already wilted.

***You can rest in between but make sure to follow the schedule.

2000 Dinner should be ready if I’m at home.

After dinner and cleaning up the kitchen, you can do whatever you want.

P.S. I want eggs benedict for breakfast tomorrow and make sure my coffee is already brewed! 

Jiang Wanyin

Lan Jingyi crumpled the note in his hands, clearly frustrated. He couldn’t even wake up at fucking 5 am. The best he could was usually around 10 am and he knew he was seriously fucked. He needed to get an alarm just in case, he didn’t want to be evicted on his very first day without even getting back Yunhai.

But….

What the fuck is eggs benedict?! He usually just fed himself with simple food that required simple cooking and this benedict-something was totally out of his league. He might need to ask Mr. Google for help and he just hoped that it was within his prowess. Once he finally got his water, Lan Jingyi grabbed his luggage and went upstairs to his new room. While on the way, he peeked on one of the guest rooms longingly as he saw his former room being all cosy and decorated well now. He sighed softly as he closed the door and headed straight to the attic.

The attic was...a little bit clean but there’s no bed for him. There was a rolled futon, a pillow and a blanket and Jingyi was quite thankful. He might be a guy with lots of perseverance but sleeping on a hard, cold floor wasn’t really to his liking. He dusted out the futon first before he rolled it out on the floor. He made sure to set the alarm on his phone before he finally went under the sheets and got his much needed sleep. His body still felt a little weak but he knew once he had gotten enough sleep, he would feel better. This situation wasn’t all new to him. He had been living alone for a few years now and he knew better how to take care of himself.

*

Jingyi groggily woke up the next day with his phone alarm. Scratching his eyes, he slowly stood up only to see that it was still dark outside. Lazily, Lan Jingyi grabbed his phone to search for egg something something and he let out a what the fuck face.

How...in the world he was supposed to do this? The holla-something sauce...how do you even pronounce it?

Jingyi must admit, he wasn’t the best cook. He could only dish out a simple menu to sustain himself. Moreover, he had to use organic ingredients which he was pretty sure wasn’t at all cheap.

“Good fucking morning to me,” he sighed out before stretching. He needed to get a good shower first because he spent most of yesterday sleeping and he was feeling all icky right now. He was just glad that he was feeling good.

Once he was done with his shower and was all freshened up and ready, Jingyi went straight to the kitchen and grabbed the... deep purple apron with a printed lotus flower in the middle. He wondered where his cartoon chicken baby blue apron went. He sighed in distress.

He was definitely in his house but everything felt so foreign to him; from the furniture and the interior, it felt different.

He didn’t feel at home where he left his heart.

Definitely not.

But Jingyi wasn’t the one to give up. He might had been dumb for agreeing to be Jiang Wanyin’s maid due to adrenaline rush but he would see to it that he would definitely get back his house. Even if he had to sell his soul to the devil himself.

Jingyi tried to shake away his negative thoughts as he started with his task.

However, the first attempt to do the holla-something sauce was a total failure as it didn’t emulsify. He poured the oil too quickly and forgot the vinegar so Jingyi tried again and finally, after finishing up all the eggs but leaving at least 6 eggs for the poached egg, he finally did it. He felt so smug and happy at the same time. He just hoped that the devil incarnate himself would appreciate his efforts.

Next, he tried poaching the eggs. Thank goodness he didn’t have to bake the bread because the English muffin was readily available in the fridge; he just had to toast them and dump the fried ham and poached egg on top with the cursed sauce.

Five broken yolks later, Jingyi finally managed to poach the poached egg and fixed the dinner table for his grumpy master. In the midst of setting his food, the man himself appeared clad with his running outfit, all ready. 

“Morning,” he greeted with a small smile if he wanted to impress the celebrity and give him back his house but the man just grunted at him and went on his merry way out. Once the kitchen door banged shut, Lan Jingyi gritted his teeth as he stabbed the bacon with a fork. He was in the middle of plating and Jingyi didn’t care for his food anymore. He just stacked everything together and put the sauce on the side and covered his breakfast on the dining table.

He then started brewing coffee before he proceeded to clean the house. He’s not going to lie, Yunhai was big. And the glass walls were obviously taller than him and Jingyi didn’t know if he could reach it. He knew he had an adjustable glass wiper before but he’s sure as hell that Mr. Actor threw his belongings out.

Thirty minutes had passed and Jingyi was only done vacuuming and making the floor of the living room squeaky clean when Jiang Wanyin came back. As usual, compared to his Mr. Congeniality personality on television, he was once again greeted with a scowl as he wordlessly sat down to eat his breakfast. Jingyi just ignored him and chose to focus on his task when after a few minutes, Jiang Wanyin finally talked to him.

“What the…? The yolk isn’t runny! And your hollandaise sauce is too sour,” he complained haughtily and Jingyi instantly stormed towards the dining room to see what the fuss was about.

“Huh? I thought it’s good,” he replied nonchalantly once he was in front of the man.

“Good? It’s garbage.”

Really?

REALLY?!!!

“What?! Can’t you like, appreciate it? It was my first time doing it and I never even tasted it my whole life,” he bit back, his voice raising.

This man was so mean and snappy! He could have just told him what he did wrong instead of insulting his cooking abilities. While he knew he wasn’t the best in the kitchen, Jingyi tried his absolute best to whip up the egg something he so liked.

With a click of a tongue, Jiang Cheng set the silverware on the table and got up, “Then better learn fast, brat. And it’s eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce, ” he corrected him.

Grabbing his coffee mug, Jiang Wanyin walked away from him without looking back. Jingyi was absolutely fuming right now and out of curiosity, he tasted the sauce once again and Jingyi could say that it was...acceptable

But still, the way he treated him didn’t sit well with him.

How come someone who was well loved by the masses was this cold and grumpy?!

It was just the start of the day and Jingyi was already thinking if he could go on living with this person until he could get back his house.

While he knew that he was someone who had a strong will once he set his mind into something, Lan Jingyi wasn’t sure if he could take Jiang Wanyin’s cold and harsh demeanour the whole time.

*

A week had passed and it was the same cycle over and over again. Jingyi for the most part, could say that he and Jiang Wanyin were always butting heads with both of them never backing down and that usually ended with harsh words. Jiang Wanyin would just always threaten him that he’d throw him out and never get back his house and it would always make him shut up.

However, his patience was running thin.

He couldn’t even find the time to sit down on his laptop to write his novel because Jiang Wanyin was making him work all the time as if he was his slave.

From making him redo his food to re-cleaning the house because he spotted a speck of dust. Even making him laundry his clothes using his hands because his clothes were so fucking expensive and delicate that he didn’t want to use the washing machine for them.

Thus, another day with Jiang Wanyin episode 8 and Jingyi was sorting through his master’s mail until something caught his interest among the letters.

Nie Publishing Company Gala Ball

Jingyi’s eyes twinkled the moment he saw the company name. Nie Publishing was one of the biggest publishing companies in Shanghai and Jingyi’s dream was to have his work published by them. They were also connected to the movie industry for their novels were usually turned into movies and they had tons of script writers in their company as well.

Looking around, Jingyi made sure that no one was gonna see him as he tried to peek at the letter. Jiang Wanyin left early after breakfast because he had some shoot and Jingyi couldn’t care less of his whereabouts.

Looking at the invitation, Jingyi’s eyes widened when he saw that the venue was at Bulgari Hotel.

That one was one of the most luxurious hotels in Shanghai and Jingyi just had to roll his eyes on that.

Ugh, rich people.

However, he knew he couldn’t pass up this chance. He would have to bring out his best clothes for this event.

.

.

.

Jiang Cheng smiled at the camera as Lan Xichen took his photos. He loathed waking up early but Lan Xichen would always schedule their photoshoots in the morning. Although he wanted to complain, Jiang Cheng couldn’t especially when Lan Xichen would just smile kindly at him.

He had been friends with Lan Xichen since they were kids and they were practically best friends. The older Lan was a couple of years older than him and he was the first person who had shown him kindness and accepted him for who he was.

And thus, Jiang Cheng wouldn’t want to let go of him.

He would do it.

He would finally confess his love for him -- something he had been holding on for a long time. He just wanted to make a name for himself and say what he really feels. He just hoped that he would accept otherwise, Jiang Cheng didn’t know what to do anymore. He couldn’t lose him.

He was one of the people who could keep his sanity and loneliness in line.

Once the shoot was finally over, it was already past 3 pm. He was Lan Xichen’s favorite model for his fashion photographs and it seldom happened that he would have a free day to do a photoshoot with him. His schedule was usually packed these past few weeks -- with his upcoming movie almost close to the wrap up and he had to do a lot of publicity and tv appearances.

Lan Xichen was nice and kind but when it came to his work, he’s very diligent and meticulous.

Jiang Cheng must admit that he was dead tired and his eyes felt dry because of the camera flashes. Nonetheless, Jiang still had to push through with his plan. He turned to look at Wen Ning, his personal assistant and gave him a quick nod.

He knew what that meant. 

With Wen Ning giving an okay sign, Jiang Cheng went to approach Lan Xichen who was by then, already packing up his much loved cameras.

“Xichen-ge,” he greeted with a small smile. The older man lifted his head up to look at him and gave him a massive smile.

“Thank you so much again, A-Cheng for accepting this shoot!” Lan Xichen greeted back enthusiastically. Jiang Cheng had to give him a smile in return. He seldom smiled in photoshoots, choosing to use his poker face all the time. On some occasions, with his tv interviews, Jiang Cheng had to put on a fake smile but he would mostly do his haughty demeanour in which he was extremely popular.

“Don’t worry about it,” he shrugged off as he helped him with his task.

“Hm,” Lan Xichen hummed softly, “I’m running out of male models for the next special magazine we’re releasing that I had to go to Wen-nüshi’s office to beg her if I could somehow manage to book you at least a day,” he chuckled.

“Uh, yeah. Just a bit busy with the upcoming movie stretching in,” he informed mindlessly.

“So I heard from Wen-nüshi,” he sighed, “are you taking care of yourself well? Or even eating in time, A-Cheng?” he then asked worriedly.

With the mention of food, Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes as he remembered the disastrous cooking of his in-house maid. Lan Jingyi was an annoying brat and his attitude was like his nephew's, less the Young Mistress manner. The past week living with the walking hazard was full of dumb arguments but whenever he would tell him to just pack and leave, he would instantly shut up and just do what he wanted albeit complaining under his breath.

The house must be really important to Lan Jingyi.

Speaking of, he hadn’t noticed before but other than Jingyi bearing the name of Lan; he and Lan Xichen were kind of similar in their appearance. Now he had to wonder if somehow, the two of them were related.

But that wasn’t important now.

He’s got more important things to do than to know Jingyi’s ancestry.

“Would you like to have dinner with me?” Jiang Cheng suddenly asked.

Nodding, Lan Xichen answered, “Of course. If you’re not busy, that is.”

“Wen Qing freed the rest of my day so I’m good,” he explained as he put the last lens in the bag before Lan Xichen zipped his camera case.

Slinging the bag on his shoulder, Lan Xichen gave him a charming smile and said, “That’s good to hear. Do you want to go to the usual Japanese restaurant?”

Jiang Cheng gave him an appreciative smile because he could still remember his favorite cuisine.

“Yes, that would be great,” he replied as he led Lan Xichen towards the exit. 

Once they reached the restaurant, Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen were instantly guided to a private room before the guests of the restaurant would start to notice him. Being a celebrity came with a great sacrifice of having your personal life invaded all the freaking time. Lan Xichen just followed him without saying anything because he knew how he treasured his privacy above all.

After placing their order, Jiang Cheng remained quiet with some few nods and hums as he listened to Lan Xichen telling him stories about his adoptive brother - Wei Wuxian, who happened to become Lan Wangji’s husband.

And with a twist of fate, they had a kid together.

Lan Sizhui.

His nephew’s boyfriend.

Lan Wangji adopted Lan Sizhui when he was about 10 years old. Lan Wangji was still starting his med school and he saw him being abandoned in the hospital after his parents died in a car crash. With no one claiming him, Lan Wangji got attached and in the end, he decided to adopt him at just the young age of 18. Both of the Lan brothers were supportive of Sizhui to go live with Jin Ling when he got disowned by the Jins. They were already of age and Lan Sizhui didn’t want to bother his parents since he had already finished his studies and was starting to work in the architectural industry.

“I miss Sizhui. Is he doing alright with your nephew?” he broke out of his thoughts when Lan Xichen asked him a question. He was always so honest to his best friend but he didn’t want to tell him what had conspired for the last week because he knew it was his nephew who coaxed the Lan Sizhui into doing it.

“They’re fine. I just met them last week,” he responded before he took a sip of his tea. Whilst it’s true that they met them last week, Jin Ling, for the most part, didn’t want to go visit his house. He said he was still trying to figure out how to face his best friend after what he had done to him. Jiang Cheng was utterly confused. He still wanted to be friends with the walking hazard? If he were Jingyi. He would have cut them off their lives without any questions asked if he was ever in his position. He didn’t know what their plans were and Jiang Cheng didn’t really wanna know. He didn’t want to get entangled in his nephew’s mess.

“Hm,” Lan Xichen hummed before he let out a frown, “are the Jins really...going to disown him? He’s their only heir. All he has done is to be in love with my nephew,” he bemoaned.

“Honestly? I don’t have any idea. But I know my sister and that peacock husband of hers are trying to convince them. The Jins are full old money leeching hags.”

Chuckling, Lan Xichen set down his tea cup before he lamented, “A-Cheng, language. But, I hope it will go well. While we are supportive of Sizhui, we didn’t want them to be in such a slump.”

“I know,” he sighed out, “that’s why I try to help them as much as I can.”

They waited for their food with some more light conversation. When it finally arrived, both of them happily dug in. Jiang Cheng ate cheerfully knowing that he was eating his favorite cuisine along with the fact that he really liked his company. He waited until they finished their food before he would do his confession. He didn’t want to spoil their early dinner and he was raised not to waste food.

And thus, once they were done with their empty bowls and plates cleared out, Jiang Cheng then decided to start as they waited for their dessert.

“Xichen-ge,” he called hesitantly, his eyes trying to lock with Lan Xichen’s honey coloured orbs. Almost instantly, Jiang Cheng found himself getting drowned in his kind eyes once again.

Lan Xichen’s aura was just so soothing and calming that he couldn’t help to be pulled deeper and deeper.

“I-I…,” he stuttered stupidly and he berated himself inside. He was Jiang fucking Cheng and he shouldn’t be this weak.

“What’s up, A-Cheng?” Lan Xichen asked worriedly.

Jiang Cheng shook his head and cleared his throat, “I-I have something to tell you,” he finally muttered.

“What is it? You know you can tell me anything, A-Cheng,” he stated with a bright smile.

“Uhm, we have known each other for too long...and you are one of my closest friends...you have always been there for me and would tell me if I’m right or wrong so I’m thinking if---,”

Riiiing

Fuck.

Fuck.

Fuck.

Who the fuck would call Xichen-ge?!

Jiang Cheng cursed in his mind whe Lan Xichen’s phone suddenly rang, interrupting his momentum. It was so fucking annoying that Jiang Cheng didn’t almost want to continue.

WIth an apologetic smile, Lan Xichen said, “I’m sorry but I have to take this call.”

Without much room for complaints, Jiang Cheng just nodded as Lan Xichen excused himself.

Once he was alone in the private room, Jiang Cheng slammed the table with his palm. The stinging sensation did nothing to calm his raging emotions. Whoever called Xichen-ge, they could go fuck themselves.

So much for the planning and confessing.

Jiang Cheng wasn’t in the mood anymore.

*

When Jiang Wanyin got home, Lan Jingyi instantly noticed that he had such a sour mood and a dangerous scowl on his face. Hence, he decided it was better to keep his distance but not before setting all his sorted mails on the coffee table. Jingyi finally had the time to sit down and write. He was just a little appreciative of the fact that the grump allowed him to use his desktop. Jingyi usually opted to work in the living room because the view from the inside through the glass walls were overlooking the garden and the sea and he would usually find his writing inspirations there.

With Jiang Wanyin going through his mail, Jingyi suddenly felt thirsty. He reached for his glass with his eyes trained on the screen of the desktop. Once he took a sip, Jingyi  almost cursed out loud.

It was empty.

And he was really trying to avoid his grumpy master because usually, their argument wouldn’t end well with Jiang Wanyin threatening to throw him out over and over again that it just fell on deaf ears. Without much choice, Jingyi silently went to the kitchen, trying to avoid Jiang Wanyin’s peripheral vision as much as possible. But then again, with his grump of a master, it seemed like he was walking on a ticking bomb that could explode anytime of the day.

“Fuck!”

Alas! Before he could even reach the fridge, his celebrity master let out a loud curse as he stared at his phone making him jolt out of surprise. Jingyi watched him from the corner of his eyes as he opened the fridge to pour him a glass of orange juice. In his stay with his master, Jingyi had never seen him smile.

Usually, he was greeted with a scowl, a frown or a haughty look.

Sometimes, with anger.

But this.

This expression that Jiang Wanyin had was something new.

It was an expression of hurt...and frustration.

Closing the fridge, Jingyi cautiously trudged towards Jiang Wanyin and with concern, he asked, “Everything alright?”

He watched as Jiang Wanyin lifted his head up from his phone to stare at him with a sharp dark, empty look. Jingyi could almost feel that he could swallow him alive just by his stare.

“It’s none of your business, brat,” he replied harshly and turned to look back on his phone. He could see that the celebrity was gripping it so hard that his knuckles had turned white. 

And Jingyi didn’t want to pry further. If he was to be honest, he was a little bit afraid of Jiang Wanyin now and he thought it’s best if he would leave him alone.

He just hoped that tomorrow, his mood would be better so he could ask him if he could take him to the gala night.

*

A week had passed and Jiang Wanyin’s mood didn’t get any better. In fact, it just got worse. Jingyi had a hard time breathing the same air as him and could only do so when the older man was out of the house to do his work. He didn’t know what ticked him to be this upset and he was praying every night that whoever did it must apologize or else, he would be at the receiving end of it.

He couldn’t even stay in the living room to write when Jiang Wanyin was in the house. 

Sighing in frustration, Lan Jingyi put more force on his feet as he stomped hard against the blanket. As usual, even with bed sheets and duvets, Jiang Wanyin wanted them to be hand washed and today was another laundry day for him.

Jiang Wanyin just loved changing his sheets every week and Jingyi would always dread doing the laundry every week. During the first week, he could complain but now with Mr. Celebrity’s mood swing, he couldn’t even utter a whine.

Also, he still couldn't ask him about the invitation for the gala night and Jingyi was running out of time.

The event was for today and with Jiang Wanyin’s mood, he doubted he could even ask him.

He was already thinking of taking a risk by stealing the invitation and running away from the house.

A moment later, he heard Jiang Wanyin call him out from the living room and Lan Jingyi gritted his teeth as he stomped harder on the sheets thinking as if it’s Jiang Wanyin’s face he’s stepping on.

“Oi, chicken brain, get the fuck out of here!” he yelled from the living room and Lan Jingyi snapped at the nickname.

These past two weeks, Jiang Wanyin had called him all sorts of things but chicken brain, walking hazard and brat were the usual ones. 

Chicken brain, his most hated one, rooted when he was always doing his meal but failing miserably.

As if he’s dumb and it pissed him too much.

Jiang Wanyin outright told him that his brain was as small as a chicken’s brain -- his favorite animal and food ever.

Getting off the plastic tub, Lan Jingyi wiped his soap soaked feet dry before he dragged himself towards the living room.

“Yes, master? What do you need from this peasant freeloader in your place?” he mocked with a frown and Jiang Wanyin just gave him an unpleasant grunt.

“Clean the living room again,” the older man started, “the carpets are not well vacuumed and I see a lot of dusty furniture.”

Raising his brow, Lan Jingyi looked around and he could see that the house was well cleaned and organized, “Huh? I just cleaned it this morning! Besides, it’s laundry day today!” he reasoned out thinking that he might understand it.

With a click of the tongue, Jiang Wanyin snapped, “I don’t care. I want the house clean.”

“Why don’t you do it? You’re not busy. You’re just walking around.”

“Why did I even hire you if you can’t do your job properly?”

“Excuse me, but I’m still busy with the laundry. I can’t cut my body in half! It would be too bloody and I have to clean more!”

“I don’t care. Do something!”

“You’re asking for the impossible!”

“It’s not my fault you can’t do your job well! Well, I wouldn’t even be surprised. You have a chicken brain!”

“What the fuck?!” he refuted. By now, Jingyi’s patience was running thin. He could take his previous jabs but now, he was already insulting his intelligence.

“Yes,” he smirked haughtily and continued, “your brain capacity can’t even read nor understand simple instructions. No wonder, your brain is that of a chicken! Chicken brain! Fucking walking hazard!”

Jingyi’s sight blackened and his patience finally snapped, “Why are you always so mean?! No wonder, no one wants to be friends with you! You have such a bad attitude that’s why you’re always alone!” he yelled before he stormed away. Lan Jingyi went straight to his bedroom and slammed the door with a loud bang. He felt so frustrated and angry. He knew his face was blotched with different shades of reds right now as his heart thumped uncontrollably due to anger.

He felt so insulted.

Jiang Wanyin was too much.

Quickly taking a shower, Lan Jingyi put on his best clothes. He at least wanted to get back at Jiang Wanyin. When he headed downstairs, he saw Jiang Wanyin cosily sitting on the couch with a script on hand. Stealthily, he went to the mail stack and pulled out the invitation. However, before he could even leave through the front door, Jiang Wanyin saw him.

“Oi, what the fuck are you doing?!”

Before he answered, Lan Jingyi ran away with the invitation on hand. As he was doing so, he looked back at Jiang Wanyin and yelled, “None of your business! Bye! See you later!” 

When he thought he was safe because he knew he was a pretty good runner, he saw Jiang Wanyin running after him and Lan Jingyi’s eyes widened because the man ran so fast, not to mention, he’s got longer legs than him.

“Get back here, you chicken brain! The laundry isn’t finished yet!” Jiang Wanyin yelled as he chased after him.

“Really?! He’s really chasing me out here?!” Jingyi asked himself loudly as he sprinted away while his legs weren’t giving out yet. He tried to reach the main road where a bust would come any minute now because he knew his grumpy master didn’t like crowds. And him being an A-list actor, he would end up getting chased by his fans and paparazzi.

Jingyi could already see the main road and he pushed himself to run faster. He was only less than two meters away and Jiang Wanyin was still chasing him.

“Damn, all those damn jogs he does in the mornings are showing!” he exclaimed when he finally saw the bus passing by. Jingyi ran hard and faster until he finally reached the bus stop but the door was already closing and with a loud gasp, Lan Jingyi yelled at the driver to leave the door open. Luckily, someone saw him running forward and probably told the driver. 

“I’m coming in. Thank you!” he tapped his card and finally sat down on an empty seat gasping for air. His body was all sweaty now and he wiped his sweat with the back of his palm. When he peeked through the window, he could see Jiang Wanyin standing by the tree, both of his hands on his waist as he caught his breath. Like him, he was also drenched in sweat. He was looking at him with an annoyed expression and Lan Jingyi pulled his middle finger up to him and waved as the bus moved.

“Hmp! I am Lan Jingyi. I wouldn’t let a grumpy cat stop me from reaching my dream.”

He rested his back on the seat and let out a sigh of relief. He would just deal with Jiang Wanyin later if he would still accept him back at the house. Besides, his stuff was still inside but he wouldn’t be surprised if he would find his belongings outside the house. The hotel was still an hour away and Lan Jingyi thought he should take a quick nap. After all, it was just past 3 pm in the afternoon and the party wouldn’t start until 6 pm.

Maybe, he could do some sightseeing by The Bund.

*

Jiang Cheng was gritting his teeth as he was walking back to the house. He was already gaining attention by the bus stop no matter how much he tried to cover himself and go to more inconspicuous spaces. One thing he hated was sweating, especially right after a shower and he was totally cursing Lan Jingyi in his mind. Once he reached his house, he was awfully parched and gulped down a glass of cold water.

He really wanted to throw out all of Jingyi’s belongings but looking at the time, he had to take another shower because Wen Ning and his stylists would come soon to prepare him for the gala party hosted by the Nies. 

He really wasn’t in the mood for a party, much less to socialize with two faced people. The only redeeming factor was the fact that Lan Xichen was attending as well. Although he was still a little bit upset that he stood him up in the middle of his confession after receiving a call. 

A call, perhaps, coming from Nie Mingjue. 

Lan Xichen...had been in love with Nie Mingjue since they were kids. And Jiang Cheng, always the third wheel, was so sick of him being so smothered with Lan Xichen’s overwhelming feelings towards Nie Mingjue. 

The older Nie didn’t know. Or maybe, he did. 

But whatever it was, Nie Mingjue never looked at Lan Xichen the way he did. 

Removing his sweaty shirt, Jiang Cheng headed straight to his bathroom to get that shower again. 

Fucking Lan Jingyi and his ways. He swore he’s gonna deal with him later. 

.

.

.

Saved!

Lan Jingyi let out a sigh of relief as he finally passed an awful lot of security for this party. It was such a right decision to get the invitation because he read in the policy that no invitation, no entry. Although he was guessing Jiang Wanyin didn’t really need it. He was, after all, a familiar face and he was just a peasant that’s about to get his bread. 

But what ticked him off was the fact that they were looking at him like he just didn’t belong in their circle. He knew he was just a plain looking lad and he wasn’t really dressed gaudily like the rest of the guests. 

Once he entered the ballroom, Jingyi got awed by the grandiose and gaudy interior. It seemed like the host of the event went all out. It’s no wonder since this was one of the massive publishing companies and he had a hunch that the money that they had spent on the party was just a change for them. 

And here he was, working his ass off as Jiang Wanyin’s made just to get his house back. 

In a matter of seconds, Jingyi felt so small and underdressed. Everyone was wearing a coat and tie or a tuxedo. In his case, he was just wearing his baby blue long sleeved dress shirt that he had gotten from Jin Ling and tight slacks. It was the only signature clothes that he had because the Young Mistress just liked to give him expensive gifts when he was still with the Jins. 

Moving forward, Jingyi didn’t know where to train his eyes. Everywhere he looked, he had been seeing a lot of different A-list actors and actresses, along with famous scriptwriters, writers, editors, directors and the like. 

He was feeling himself getting more excited but before he could approach anyone, Lan Jingyi wanted to eat. He didn’t have enough money with him because he was rushing (chased) out earlier. He could feel his mouth water as he looked at all the food on the buffet but Lan Jingyi’s eyes would only dive on one food without having second thoughts. 

Found you! My fried chicken!

He was thankful that there was one although it was just a chicken lollipop and was on the appetizer table. Grabbing a plate, Lan Jingyi took food that he’s familiar with and passed on the ones he didn’t know. He was in the midst of grabbing more asparagus wrapped bacon when someone suddenly appeared beside him. 

He was completely overshadowed and the man clearly was taller than him. 

And bigger. 

Lifting his head up, he saw the familiar face of a man that he met back at the hotel in Bangkok!

Lan Jingyi grabbed 3 more before putting down the thongs, Lan Jingyi tapped the man on his arm and greeted him. 

“Hi! Do you remember me?” he grinned cheerfully. The taller man’s eyes sparkled in recognition and replied, “Why of course! Fancy meeting you here…?”

“Jingyi. My name is Jingyi,” he cheerfully answered. It’s not like he didn’t like his surname. As far as he knew, the Lans were pretty well known in the corporate world and honestly, he didn’t want to answer any questions with regards to his extended family. 

And they didn’t even know he existed for that matter so it’s a win-win situation. 

“Right, Jingyi,” the man replied in his deep baritone voice. He was such a tall man with a burly build but Jingyi could say that the said man was hot. 

“I’m Nie Mingjue.”

Jingyi’s mind suddenly started buffering as he processed what the man had said. 

Nie Mingjue. 

Nie. 

Nie Publishing Company. The CEO and the host of this party!

His eyes instantly widened as he looked at the man before him in awe. Nie Mingjue was a young CEO, like in his mid-30s. But before he was a CEO, he was a writer himself. He was well known in his writer's circle of friends and Jingyi couldn’t help but compliment the man. 

“Holy crap! You’re Nie Mingjue! You’re my idol!” he exclaimed. 

Nie Mingjue just let out a chuckle and Jingyi suddenly got aware of his sudden outburst that he couldn’t help but flush in embarrassment. He muttered a low apology towards the man. 

“No need to apologize,” he assured. Lan Jingyi let out the breath that he was holding and let out a grin. He wanted to take this opportunity himself and while he’s here, he should bare and sell his soul. 

He needed to gather his guts and thick face. Batting his eyelashes and mustering his shy face, Lan Jingyi went on with his plan. 

“Uh, you know I write as well,” he stated, “and you’re my idol and I’m thinking that maybe...you could look over my project? If that's okay with you.”

Lan Jingyi held his breath as he waited for Nie Mingjue to answer. He went quiet for a few moments and gazed at him with calculative eyes. Lan Jingyi met his gaze and didn’t back down albeit he was being more determined by this. This was his only chance and he wasn’t gonna let this pass up so easily. 

“Hm, I like that you’re determined but now pushy,” he heard him mutter a few moments later and then gave him a satisfied smirk. 

“Come with me. There’s a pool area outside and there aren’t a lot of people there. It is a bit noisy here,” he agreed and signalled him to follow. 

Jingyi made a happy dance inside his mind as the Nie Mingjue accepted his request. He was absolutely over the moon by the sudden turn of events. His heart was starting to beat faster due to adrenaline rush and he was just hoping that he wouldn’t meet Jiang Wanyin tonight. 

No one could spoil his evening by the way it was going. 

At least, that’s what he hoped. 

*

When Jiang Cheng arrived at the party, his eyes almost instantly looked around trying to find the older Lan. As he made his way inside, he kept on being stopped by the people he knew in showbiz. As much as he wanted to ignore them, they were mostly directors, editors and producers that he mostly worked with. Wen Qing had reminded him to play nice but he would ultimately ignore those fake celebrities that he had worked with. He didn’t have any spare time for them.

Finally, after the gruelling socialization, Jiang Cheng finally found Lan Xichen talking to his best friend, Nie Huaisang.

He excused himself from the producer of his recent movie with a slight bow as he made his way to them. It was Huaisang who first saw him and waved his hand enthusiastically.

“A-Cheng!” Huaisang called and Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but give him a small smile. Nie Huaisang was someone he would call his best friend. They’d been studying together most of their lives and had been together through thick and thin.

Lan Xichen, on the other hand, was smiling softly at him.

“What’s up?” he greeted flatly but when he turned to Lan Xichen, Jiang Cheng’s eyes softened.

“Xichen-ge,” he nodded as Lan Xichen gave him a small pat on his shoulder.

“A-Cheng, it’s so nice to see you!” he acknowledged. Jiang Cheng tried to contain his emotions because he just wanted to trap Lan Xichen in his arms. He might be a few inches taller and was older than him but Jiang Cheng knew he could dominate the older Lan.

While he was still reeling about what had happened last week, seeing Lan Xichen made him ease out even for a little bit. After mulling it over for a week, Jiang Cheng reckoned that he would have to try again.

WIth a server passing by with glasses of champagne, Jiang Cheng grabbed one and gave out a small thanks. He didn’t dare to give any alcoholic drinks to Lan Xichen knowing the famous Lan alcohol tolerance.

The three of them conversed in a light manner until Jiang Cheng felt his stomach grumble a bit. He hadn’t eaten anything before leaving because his cursed housemaid just fucking ran away. He didn’t know where he went nor was he interested in his business.

Excusing himself, Jiang Cheng went to the buffet area and grabbed some finger food for himself. However, as he was nearing the end of the table, his eyes caught a familiar figure. His eyes widened in surprise and muttered,

 What the fuck is he doing here?  

Quietly, Jiang Cheng approached the said person. He snorted amicably seeing that he was getting shit tons of chicken lollipops.

“Oi, chicken brain,” he called haughtily.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” he continued.

Lan Jingyi just looked at him with a shit eating grin and replied, “Why? Am I not allowed to go to a party? I’m your maid, not your prisoner.”

A vein popped out on his forehead with Jingyi’s remark and Jiang Cheng held his arm rather forcefully.

“I said, what are you doing here?” he repeated his question again, this time in a low hiss. He looked behind Jingyi to see that Nie Mingjue had approached Lan Xichen and Nie Huaisang and his mood instantly turned sour. Looking back down on Lan Jingyi again, he could see that his face morphed into distaste as he tried to brush off his hold. Jiang Cheng didn’t notice that his hold on the younger Lan tightened as he saw Nie Huaisang retreating from his older brother and Lan Xichen. He could see in his peripheral vision how Lan Xichen’s face turned into distress.

“Let go of me, Wanyin. You’re hurting me,” he snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Lan Jingyi. He finally turned his attention to him and instantly let him go.

“We will talk in the house. Make sure to find me in an hour,” he said dismissively. With the way things were going now, Jiang Cheng would rather opt out and go home.

“Why? I’m still talking to Nie-xiansheng!” Lan Jingyi whined out. Jiang Cheng had to raise his brow on that. He didn’t know that Jingyi knew Mingjue-ge. He just assumed that walking hazards stick to their own kind like how this chicken brain was best friends with his nephew.

Not minding to comment, Jiang Cheng just said with finality, “I don’t care. Finish your business in an hour and then we’ll go.” 

He was about to take a step when he saw Lan Xichen approaching him with a determined yet upset face. Once he was standing in front of him, Jiang Cheng looked at him with a frown with Nie Mingjue trailing behind the older Lan. Lan Xichen then took a deep breath before he asked in a straightforward manner.

“A-Cheng, is it true that you’re in love with me?”

Jiang Cheng was, to say at least, absolutely flabbergasted. He threw a sharp look at Nie Mingjue who was already grunting in displeasure. He noticed Lan Xichen looking at Lan Jingyi with a questioning look, seeing how close they were standing next to each other but didn’t comment further.

“Xichen,” Nie Mingjue called, “this isn’t the time and place for this. Let A-Cheng go.”

“No,” Lan Xichen said stubbornly, “I need to know. Is this why you’re always denying my feelings to you, Da-ge?”

Jiang Cheng was suddenly feeling all awkward about being caught in a crossfire. Although he wanted Lan Xichen to know of his feelings towards him, he didn’t want it to turn out messy and certainly not in a public place. They were already garnering attention and with Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue’s eyes on him, he was absolutely put in a sticky position.

He had to do some damage control. But he didn’t know what to do. He didn’t have the guts to spill his feelings towards Lan Xichen in a public place, much less with Mingjue-ge watching.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw Lan Jingyi putting down his finished plate on the table and a wild idea entered his mind.

He didn’t want Nie Mingjue having the last laugh nor coping up with the fact that Lan Xichen was already ready to turn him down.

So instead, the moment Lan Jingyi set the plate on the table, Jiang Cheng finally spoke.

“No,” he hissed out, his eyes trained on Lan Xichen’s shocked face.

“I have no such feelings towards you because…,” he panned out as he grabbed the unsuspecting younger Lan, snaked his arm around his body and pressed him closer to his. 

“Wanyin! What---?”

“Because I’m already engaged,” they both said at the same time as Jiang Cheng suddenly leaned in and claimed Lan Jingyi’s lips. Lan Jingyi was trying to get him off but he had such a strong hold on him. He instantly slid in his tongue when Jingyi opened his mouth probably out of shock to stop him from trying to get away. Lan Jingyi’s mouth...tasted like fried chicken.

He almost found it sweet.

Jiang Cheng knew it came with consequences as flashes of photographs started to feast on his dumb display.

But, he would just cross the bridge when he would get there.

For now, he would have to make himself out of this mess.

Chapter Text

Lan Jingyi woke up the next day even before his alarm. He didn’t know how he got home nor how he actually ended up in his room. He got brain dead when Jiang Wanyin....kissed him and announced to the world that he’s engaged to him.

It was just a dream.

He touched his lips and he could still feel the sensation that Jiang Wanyin left there and Jingyi instantly face palmed.

It wasn’t a dream. It all happened last night.

The last he could remember was Jiang Wanyin having a conversation with Lan Xichen and Nie-xiansheng. He kept on looking at Lan Xichen because he looked so much like Wangji-gege. He knew he had an older brother but he didn’t know the name.

After the unsuspecting announcement, Jiang Wanyin dragged him to his car and both of them were quiet until they reached home. He didn’t dare to speak nor confront the older man because Jiang Wanyin’s stillness was a little bit scary to say the least.

His eyes were shining with anger.

So he just let it go and had gotten sleep thinking that time would revert back.

That Jiang Wanyin didn’t steal his first kiss.

But back to his current dilemma, Lan Jingyi had to confront Jiang Wanyin about it. Maybe, a whole night was enough for him. Forcing himself to get up, Jingyi started the day with his usual schedule. Jiang Wanyin had a Western-style breakfast on his meal plan and Jingyi felt relieved at that. It was pretty easy compared to those intricate dishes that he would ask.

7 am has passed by and there’s still no sign of Jiang Wanyin going out of his room to get his morning jog. Lan Jingyi just shrugged his shoulders as he continued to mop the floors. He was done cleaning the first floor and it was already past 9 am when Jiang Wanyin finally decided to come out of his room.

However, Jingyi had to raise his brow on him.

He was already dressed casually and as he was about to approach him, Jiang Wanyin stopped him with his hand.

“We’ll talk later. I need to go to the office,” he brushed him off as he went on his merry way. As the door slammed shut, Lan Jingyi just had to snort at the rude attitude.

Really?

Jiang Wanyin was the one who dragged him into his mess and he wasn’t willing to talk to him?

What the fuck really?

Letting the situation off the hook for now, Lan Jingyi removed the apron and the bandanna he was wearing over his head and just decided to eat Jiang Wanyin’s breakfast.

Knowing him, he wouldn’t eat it anymore as it was already sitting for hours.

And Lan Jingyi wasn’t the one who would waste food.

*

As Jiang Cheng was driving his car on the way to his company, his phone was blasting with messages. 

Angry messages from Wen Qing; various inquiries about his fiance from reporters, producers and directors he personally knew; shocked and overly dramatic messages from his brother; screaming voice messages from his mother and a worried message from his sister and the peacock.

But a message from a certain person he was clearly waiting for had yet to come. From Lan Xichen. He didn’t know what he was expecting.

Was he expecting him to stop him from being engaged? He didn’t think so. Wasn’t it because of Nie Mingjue’s big mouth that he was in this position? As much as he would love to tell Lan Xichen of his feelings towards him, he certainly didn’t want to be confronted in such a public place with eyes all over them.

There’s always a right place and time.

And Lan Jingyi just happened to be there.

Jiang Cheng used him as a quick escape but the consequences it brought was greater than he had expected.

It was chaotic and utterly ridiculous.

Once he reached Wen Qing’s office, an angry yell welcomed him as he took a step into the room.

“What the fuck are you thinking, Jiang Wanyin?!”

Jiang Cheng, for the most part, could refute the oldest Wen but certainly not right now when she was this angry. So instead, Jiang Cheng just remained quiet until he was seated and just accepted Wen Qing’s tirade.

“...you know that your career is a bit rocky these days because of one scandal after another and you just made a massive one! And who is this fiance of yours?! Why didn’t I know that one even existed!?”

Jiang Cheng stayed mum even after Wen Qing was done lashing out at him. He knew that the older Wen wouldn’t accept his reasoning that Lan Jingyi just happened to be there and that they weren't even in a relationship. 

The only relationship they had was an employer and maid. 

That’s that. He was thinking that he should at least go out in public with Jingyi on his hand to put on a show. He’d just pay the walking hazard to do his job but as far as his career and the company were concerned, Wen Qing had a different mindset. 

“...since you already announced your engagement, better proceed with the wedding ASAP! That way, your name will be cleared of all the scandals with the various men that you’re linked with.”

Suddenly, Jiang Cheng's eyes widened and was utterly speechless with what Wen Qing was suggesting. Him? Get married?

What the fuck?

He wasn’t even ready! He had expected an easy way out with this since he had no real connection with the chicken brain but this was more than what he anticipated. 

It was fucking chaotic; delusional even. 

“No,” he said with finality. Wen Qing just raised her brow haughtily and rebutted,

“Fine. Do your thing. Don’t blame me if your career that you have worked so hard on will crumble because of more negative write-ups about you.”

Jiang Cheng had to stop at that and paled slightly. His career was the only one he had left after giving up so much just to reach where he was now. He couldn’t take such a huge blow but if he’s willing to go far and beyond, he had to sacrifice his single status for that. 

“Is there no other way?” Jiang Cheng asked tiredly. He was willing to sacrifice this much if that meant he could still do what he truly loved - acting and being on stage. He didn’t know if Lan Jingyi would even accept this charade but he’s gonna take a chance. After all, he was planning to pay him a large amount just to play along with him. 

“Unfortunately, no. Take your choice, Wanyin,” she said in exasperation as she gathered her folders. “I need to go and go to a meeting but before I leave, I beg you not to do anything reckless and stay in your house for a few days and talk to your fiance until this whole fiasco settles down. A-Ning will deliver all the photos that you need to put your autograph on.”

And with that, she exited her office and Jiang Cheng was left alone with his thoughts. He stayed there for a few more minutes, just thinking of the next steps he had to take.

While he knew he made this mess himself and even dragged the unsuspecting walking hazard with him, Jiang Cheng had to make his choice in order to salvage what’s left of his career. Making up his mind, he stood up and exited the room. This was a bit easier than what it seemed to be. He just had to be careful so that no one could know the truth.

But first, he had to talk to Lan Jingyi and to make sure he’d keep his mouth shut.

*

Lan Jingyi tried to concentrate with his writing but somehow, his mind kept on replaying the circumstances from yesterday. He was a bit glad that he finished his household chores earlier and finally continued the laundry without any interruption.

He thought he’s going to have some time to spare for his project but it seemed so difficult when his mind was occupied.

“Damn, I need coffee,” he muttered to himself as he went to the kitchen and brewed himself some coffee. The good thing about Jiang Wanyin was that he didn’t care if he would eat the same food as him. He actually did say before that he could eat or drink whatever is in the fridge or pantry but just make sure not to run out. And Lan Jingyi appreciated that. He might not be choosy with food, but sometimes, he would feel hesitant to eat because he knew how expensive Jiang Wanyin’s taste was.

After all, he was the one doing the groceries as well.

Another thing was that he was letting him use his desktop to write. And Jiang Wanyin got another set of points. He might be a big meanie but Lan Jingyi could feel that the actor was just lonely.

From 100 points, Jiang Wanyin already got 10 points in his books - 5 for letting him eat his food and 5 for letting him use his desktop.

But now, he was at -40 points.

He stole his first kiss so that’s less than 50 points on his book.

With the aroma of the brewed coffee filling the house, Lan Jingyi absently waited for it to finish as he stared out of nowhere. This unsettling feeling wouldn’t ease out until he would have a talk with the older guy. He usually would know what time he would come back home because his master would always want his dinner to be ready. 

But when he left earlier, he didn’t mention anything and thus, Jingyi was becoming more restless as time ticked by.

The moment the coffee machine beeped signaling that it was brewing; it was about the same time when the door creaked open. Lan Jingyi’s heart then started to thump erratically, clearly lost on how to approach the older man. Jiang Wanyin found him in the kitchen and gave him a small nod as he went straight to the fridge to grab a glass of water. Jingyi just watched him from the corner of his eyes as he poured coffee on his cup. He was a bit surprised when Jiang Wanyin opted to stay in the dining room to sit when he would just usually go to his room. Sensing that Jiang Wanyin was actually waiting for him as he could feel his eyes boring holes on his back, Lan Jingyi let out a sigh but nonetheless, sat opposite the older man.

There was a pregnant silence hovering above them, neither were talking or just even tried to start a conversation. A moment later, when Lan Jingyi finally decided to open his mouth, it was Jiang Wanyin who broke the silence.

“So about last night. I talked to my manager and…,” his voice faded and Jingyi could actually see the hesitance in his voice and he just had to frown on that. In his weeks of serving this grumpy celebrity, Jiang Wanyin always acted high and mighty, haughty even.

It was just a massive shock for him seeing him hesitant.

Lan Jingyi took a sip of his coffee as he waited for him to continue.

“...I guess, we have to get married.”

Lan Jingyi suddenly choked on his coffee as he heard what Jiang Wanyin had to say. Clumsily putting down the cup, Lan Jingyi entered a coughing fit as he looked at Jiang Wanyin with a mortified expression.

Once his shock dissipated, Lan Jingyi looked at Jiang Wanyin incredulously and with a broken voice, he said,

“Can you repeat that again?”

“I said, we need to get married since we already announced the engagement,” Jiang Wanyin replied blankly with an annoyed expression. He wanted to refute him for making him look dumb but he clearly heard what he said and Lan Jingyi still couldn’t quite process what’s happening.

“I heard what you said but hello, ” he rolled his eyes and continued, “it was you who did that and I was just an innocent bystander!”

“Doesn’t matter, do you want it or not? I’ll pay you in big amounts if you agree to play along. Just for appearances that comes with publicity,” Jiang Wanyin answered as if marriage wasn’t a serious thing.

Lan Jingyi would want to get married, of course. But it was still in the far future. And definitely not like this. He only wanted to be married once and Jiang Wanyin wasn’t in his books.

With his patience running thin, Lan Jingyi asked exasperatedly, “Why are you taking this as if this is a joke?” 

Jiang Wanyin looked at him sharply and Lan Jingyi almost flinched at the intensity of his stare.

Almost.

But Lan Jingyi was untethered. Instead, he met Jiang Wanyin’s gaze with a determined expression as he waited for his answer. He saw him tapping his fingers on the table. Taking a deep breath, Jiang Wanyin finally spoke.

“I’ll give you back the house if you agree to be married to me for a year. After we get divorce, this house will be yours and you can even keep the furniture.”

Once again, Lan Jingyi was rendered speechless by Jiang Wanyin’s proposition. It was a very tempting one if he was to be honest. 

Now, Jingyi tried to mull over his choices. The advantage of Jiang Wanyin’s offer was he didn’t have to be a slave for the rest of his life while trying to get back his house.

The disadvantage was that...he had to get married to a guy he barely knew. Not only he had to give up his freedom, he would also be trapped in a loveless marriage...into a charade. He had always wanted a marriage like his parents and then all of a sudden, Jiang Wanyin happened and his life turned upside down. He didn’t want to lie to people but the situation was leaving him with no choice.

However, Lan Jingyi wouldn’t just let Jiang Wanyin have his way. He had a few conditions of his own and if Jiang Wanyin wouldn’t accept them, then he had no choice but to look for another job to get back Yunhai.

Taking a deep breath to compose himself because seriously, he just wanted to hit the older man for being so unreasonable, Lan Jingyi looked intensely at Jiang Wanyin with a frown on his face.

“If you agree with my conditions, I will accept your offer,” he stated flatly while he observed the latter’s face. With a raised brow, he sneered.

“You’re too young to make a bargain with me.”

“What the fuck? Excuse me, gege . I’m not young! I’m 21 and an adult and you’re just old . If you don’t accept, then marry anyone and good luck to your career,” he jested back and Lan Jingyi let out an impish grin as he saw Jiang Wanyin paled slightly. He might be a brat in his eyes but he just wouldn’t just let him hook off that easily.

A few more moments of silence that seemed like they would go on for eternity, Lan Jingyi noticed that Jiang Wanyin was taking deep breaths as if he was insulted by his proposition. It was just a harmless one compared to what he was asking from him. Finally, Jiang Wanyin shot a glare on him and with a constipated face, he finally agreed. Lan Jingyi couldn’t help but let out a triumphant smile.

“Right. So first and foremost,” he started as he was already mentally listing all the things that he was going to ask from Jiang Wanyin. However, he stopped as he was about to open his mouth because an idea had popped into his mind. 

For now, he doesn't trust Jiang Wanyin’s word so it would be better if they have a written contract.

“Wait! Let me type this out and then we can put our signature together!” he exclaimed as he stormed off towards the desktop and started typing away.

Thirty minutes later with a contract printed out, Lan Jingyi passed one copy to Jiang Wanyin. 

“Here’s the contract. Might as well type it down because you might forget what you have agreed.”

With a grunt, Jiang Wanyin read the one-page contract and as he did so, his scowl deepened as his eyes scanned what’s written on the contract.

Lan Jingyi was anticipating his answer. His conditions were mild compared to what he was asking for him.

Simple and easy.

Clearing his throat to get the older man’s attention, Lan Jingyi voiced out what's in the contract again.

“Okay, so first and foremost, stop calling me chicken brain or walking hazard. I have a name! It’s Jingyi so might as well use it. Secondly, you will have to help me around the house when you don’t have any work. Since I’m going to become your husband or wife or whatever you wanna call it, we need to do half the job! Third, you’ll let me write whenever an idea pops out in my brain but I will make sure to finish whatever task I started or even let me go out whenever I want without asking any questions. I still need my freedom. Fourth, make sure that this house will be back in my possession once this charade is over. Fifth, no more surprise kisses! Sixth, no sex. Seventh, tell me if you need to hold hands. I will allow that but more than that, no freaking way. Eighth, kindly tell me your plan right ahead and don’t just do it on the spot. And lastly,” he paused momentarily and softly sighed out before he continued, “can you tell me where A-Ling and Sizhui are? I just really need to talk to them.”

His voice panned out as he said his last condition. He just really needed to see his best friends again and confront them why they did... this .

He just wanted them to explain why and for him to know that they didn’t mean to do it. After all, they were the only ones he could truly keep and his only family - at least on Shizui’s part.

Jiang Wanyin continued his silence as he looked at him over the paper he was holding as Jingyi’s eyes never left his. Based on the older man’s frown, maybe, he was thinking that reaching out to those two wasn’t the best idea.

“Why would you want to find people who have betrayed you?” the actor asked momentarily and Jingyi smiled bitterly in return.

“I wouldn’t say they betrayed me,” he let out a hollow chuckle, “I just need to hear their explanation as to why. I am sure they have a good reason for it,” he explained calmly.

“But uh...are you good with the contract?” 

Lan Jingyi saw Jiang Wanyin set down the document on the dining table and grabbed the pen that he brought along earlier. With a shrug, Jingyi watched as he signed the paper and Lan Jingyi passed his own copy to him. He did the same on Jiang Wanyin’s copy and by the time they were done signing, Lan Jingyi stretched his arm out to Jiang Wanyin for a handshake.

“I look forward to working with you, Wanyin, ” he said playfully with a grin. They were about to be married so might as well practise saying his name.

The older man just looked at his outstretched hand as he stood up from his chair before he clasped his hand.

“Jiang Cheng,” he stated as he shook his hand, “Jiang Cheng is my real name. Wanyin is just a screen name. And I’ll send you A-Ling’s address later.”

The younger Lan couldn’t help but let out a massive grin. He was actually relieved that he would be soon meeting the young couple and the fact that Jiang Wan- Cheng accepted his conditions.

I can do this! It’s only for a year. He kept on telling himself silently and he just hoped it would be done smoothly. After all, he didn’t know what he would do if the cat’s out of the bag. He also didn’t know if he could rely on Jiang Cheng once the worse would come.

“Okay, A-Cheng! Thank you for accepting. I will go right ahead and keep the contract safe just in case you need a reminder again,” he winked before leaving the man in the dining area. As Lan Jingyi ascended the stairs, his phone suddenly pinged, signalling a message. Once he reached his room, he opened the message and his heart suddenly thumped in anticipation.

It was Jin Ling and Sizhui’s address.

“Guess, I will have to pay them a visit tomorrow,” he bemoaned.

*

His visit to his best friends turned into a chasing episode with some drama and yelling arguments between him and Jin Ling with Sizhui as their mediator. As it turned out, they moved into a slightly better neighborhood from the money they got from selling the house.

But this time, they had their own home. It was a 3-bedroom house just on the outskirts of the city. Jingyi would say it was a very homely house compared to what Jin Ling was used to. He would have said it was a beautiful house if not for the fact that he was too preoccupied arguing with both of them. In the end, it was Sizhui who explained everything.

Turns out, it was Jin Ling who planned it all over because he wanted to have his grumpy uncle someone beside him. By someone, you meant as his personal maid or slave in Jingyi’s case. The fact still remained that they needed money to pay off the loan that they got from buying their new house.

And he just knew that Jin Ling wanted him to get close to his uncle. He could feel that Jin Ling cared so much for his jiujiu but what he didn’t get was the fact that it had to be him. They could have just met in normal circumstances and not like this - his maid turned fiance turned future wife.

As much as Jingyi was confused, lost and frustrated by what happened, what had been done could not erase everything and thus, Jingyi gave them the ultimatum. 

They had to pay him back once everything was settled and that he would take the time to forgive them because he still couldn’t accept that they could do this to him. While he knew he could easily forgive them, Lan Jingyi thought that this would be a lesson for Jin Ling to not make decisions. If they’re having a hard time, Jingyi could even ask them to come live with him at Yunhai.

But he guessed, they didn’t think alike.

And Sizhui...he was shocked that he was in this too. While he was pouring his heart out to them, his cousin just stayed quiet with his head bowed down. He couldn’t meet his gaze and Lan Jingyi felt truly lost. He could see that he was feeling guilty but he had to set boundaries for now.

Once they were down and the three of them calmed down, Lan Jingyi then dropped the bomb on them about his engagement with Jin Ling’s uncle. At first, they couldn’t believe it because it was just two weeks since they met. Lan Jingyi didn’t disclose that it was all just for a show. He was still feeling awkward around them and he didn’t trust them enough to give out such sensitive details.

Once he left their house with a promise from the couple that they're gonna visit him soon, Lan Jingyi felt lighter. The thing was, he couldn’t ever truly hate Sizhui and Jin Ling especially now that they explained their side. WHile he knew he didn’t have any money to offer them help, he was always ready to support them and he could have just asked him.

Not like this.

For now, Jingyi would just let time heal his wounds.

It had been two weeks since their contract agreement and Jingyi was back again at being his master’s slave. In a few days, he will be married.

In a few fucking days, his freedom would be gone.

These past weeks, they mostly stayed in the house in fear of paparazzi chasing them. Especially him according to Wen Qing-jiejie who paid them a visit in the house. He wanted to laugh as she saw him scold Jiang Wanyin like there’s no tomorrow and he never thought that his grumpy master was capable of shutting his mouth but his face said otherwise. He had this bored look on his face as if he wasn’t listening at all which earned him a slap on the arm from Wen Qing-jiejie.

Although Jiang Wanyin stayed in the house for that duration, his fiance still didn’t bother to help him around the house saying that they weren’t married yet.

Lan Jingyi wanted to slap him so hard that he’d be thrown away to another city.

Although today, Jiang Wanyin went out after receiving a call from his manager and ran out of the house. Hence, Lan Jingyi was alone doing his own thing. All the chores were all done and as he was about to sit on the computer chair to start writing, the doorbell suddenly rang and Jingyi couldn’t help but curse out loud.

He was wondering who the visitor was because if it’s Wen Ning-gege, he could just come in because he had the key to the house. Aside from that, there weren't really any visitors either from him or Jiang Wanyin.

The moment he opened the door, Lan Jingyi saw two identical women by the door with such serious faces. Maybe they were here for Jiang Wanyin? Jingyi didn’t know and he was sure as hell he didn’t know either of them.

“Can I help you?” he asked politely but what he received was a sharp glare so much like Jiang Wanyin. He was, by now, used to it but he still raised his brow for the obvious surveying of him.

With both of the women nodding together, one of them finally spoke, “I am Yinzhu, and I serve Madam Yu. She wants you to come with us to Lotus Pier because they want to meet Young Master’s fiance.”

“And I am Jinzhu; I serve Madam Yu as well.”

Oh. That was all about it.

As far as Jiang Wanyin’s family was concerned, Lan Jingyi could say he didn’t have a single damn clue. Even Jin Ling usually evaded talking about his maternal side of his family but to say that he was slightly surprised was sufficient.

But of course, his fiance’s family would want to meet him but he was certainly unprepared by the sudden visit.

Why does Jiang Wanyin just love to put me in such a sticky position?!

But since they had already made all the way down here, Jingyi just had to accept the invitation. If he wanted to have this show run as smoothly as possible, then he would have to play long.

“Alright,” he agreed as he signalled them to come in the house while he would prepare himself. He was just thankful that the house was sparkling clean like his grumpy master would like to see. He served them some refreshments first before he went straight to the attic - his room to take a quick shower. Once again, he didn’t have any fancy clothes to meet his future in-laws so Jingyi just settled on his usual get-up - jeans and a light blue v-neck shirt. He just didn’t care about appearances and he was hoping that Jiang Cheng’s family wasn’t the type to look down on him because he was an orphan and was actually poor.

Within twenty minutes, Lan Jingyi was ready to go and before he knew it, he was already sitting inside a limousine, in between Jinzhu and Yinzhu. This was the first time he had ever ridden a limo that Jingyi couldn’t help but look in awe. So far, he didn’t feel any nervousness or whatsoever. He just was just hoping that the meeting would go well or else, he had a feeling that he’d have another butting heads episode with his grumpy master.

All of a sudden, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and Jingyi gave the twins a glance excusing himself to take the call. His eyes widened as the name 怒火大王 (king of fury) was flashing on his screen and with a grunt, Jingyi answered the call.

“ Where the hell are you?”

Lan Jingyi just rolled his eyes and grinned towards Jinzhu or Yinzhu (whatever, he couldn’t tell them apart) and acted like Jiang Wanyin was being sweet on him.

“ Gege,” he emphasized with a sweet, sugary tone and continued, “I am with your Ma’s personal assistants, Jinzhu and Yinzhu. I’m on my way to Lotus Pier,” he informed him and as he finished speaking, Jiang Wanyin let out a series of curses that he couldn’t even fathom.

“ Fuck. Wait for me there. I’ll drag-- take you home---”

Beep.

Damn. Jiang Wanyin just hung up on him and Jingyi, not wanting his first act to go to waste, pretended to be speaking with the grumpy cat still. He could sense that their ears were all open for any miniscule suspicious moves.

“Sure, gege. I’ll wait for you. Bye!”

The trip went a little longer than an hour and here he was now, standing in front of a Westernized double wooden door. When the door opened, it was Jin Ling’s mother who welcomed him with a soft smile on her face.

“Jingyi?” she asked with such a shocked expression. 

“Hi, Yanli-da shen! How are you doing?” he greeted with a grin. Lan Jingyi had always liked Jin Ling’s mother because she was so kind compared to his brother.

“I knew the face was so familiar when I saw the tabloids! I didn’t know you are close with A-Cheng. Come in, we’re waiting for you,” she invited him in and Jingyi stopped momentarily. He hunched his back in lieu of removing his shoes but Jin Yanli stopped him.

“No need, Jingyi. Follow me,” she sweetly said and Jingyi muttered a small thanks as he trailed behind Jin Yanli. As they were walking, Lan Jingyi’s eyes didn’t know where to look. The house was...exquisite for a lack of better word. The decorations were mostly in different shades of purple and lavenders with a touch of white to balance out everything. He knew Jin Ling’s family from his father's side was filthy rich but he didn’t expect that his mother’s side of the family was on the same level as well. He had been in Jin Ling’s house when he was still living with the Jins and compared to the nobility and exquisite decorations of the Jiang home; the Jins home was absolutely flashy and gaudy - as if everything was screaming wealth on your face.

Once they reached the outside of the house, his eyes almost popped out of its sockets. There, it felt like he entered Ancient China. The backyard of the house was surrounded with bodies of water interconnected with wooden planks and pavilions.

There in the middle of the biggest pavilion where it was covered with white curtains and the hanging lanterns were dancing swiftly with the wind sat three people. There was a round table with lazy susan filled with different platters of food and Jingyi’s mouth would have started to water if not for the fact that the eyes were all on him.

He stopped on his tracks by the entrance of the pavilion as he felt someone gazing at him from head to foot. He looked up and saw an elegant and beautiful woman sitting in the middle of the table in between two men. One, he could recognize Jin Ling’s father, Jin Zixuan and the other had a soft face like Yanli-da shen but the seriousness of his face made him uneasy as he stared at him.

The woman was looking at him with an obvious disdain. Her eyes were sharply looking at his direction as if she could swallow him alive at any moment. It was so discerning and so judgemental. Now that he thought of  it, this woman’s gaze was the same as the king of fury but this one was more intense and it’s making him feel so small.

He snapped out of his trance when Yanli-da shen patted his back and guided him towards his seat. But before he did, Lan Jingyi did the common courtesy first.

“H-Hi,” he muttered almost instantly and bowed politely.

It was such a bad position because now, he was sitting across the...woman.

It was unnerving.

“Ma, Pa,” Yanli-da shen started as she took her seat beside him, “this is Lan Jingyi. He’s A-Ling’s best friend. That's why I knew the guy was so familiar when I saw the tabloid. Jingyi, this is our a-niang, Yu Ziyuan and our a-die, Jiang Fengmian,”

The woman - Lan Jingyi’s eyes widened as he now knew that the woman in question was Jiang Wanyin’s mother. No wonder, they both had the same sharp features and haughty facade.

“A-Ling’s best friend?” the Jiang martriach asked with a frown and turned to him, “You.”

“Yes?” he replied almost instantly. Seriously, he was feeling like he’s gonna get skinned alive.

“How long have you known A-Cheng?” she asked frankly and her voice contained some venom.

Now to answer that question, Jingyi had to pause. See, it would be unreasonable to say that he only met his son for less than a month and then all of a sudden, they’re engaged. At this moment, Jingyi knew he had to fabricate some believable story if he wanted this show to start.

Taking a deep breath, Lan Jingyi met the gaze of Jiang Wanyin’s mother and smiled softly as he retell their first meeting.

“Uhm, Wan-- A-Cheng and I met first when I went to their company to pass a manuscript that I did last year. I’m a writer by the way,” he started. To be perfectly honest, every word he would say left a bitter taste in his mouth but he had to continue.

This is for the house.

“...so anyway, that was our first meeting and it repeated for a few more times until we got together,” Jingyi had to halt his story and cringed inside because who would want a relationship with the king of fury?

Moving on, Jingyi stilled in his seat. He could already feel his hands getting cold because he was lying to such prominent people and he felt kind of guilty by now, “When I went to Thailand about a month ago, A-Cheng was there too for a movie shoot and it was by then that he proposed to me and I accepted. I just didn’t think he’d choose to announce it during the gala party. I am sorry we haven’t had the time to greet you properly nor introduce myself. I am Lan Jingyi, ma’am,” he ended his story with a slight smile. 

At least, he didn’t have to change his name nor change his personality. He didn’t know Jiang Wanyin’s plan about his family and he never did mention them at all except for A-Ling so he guessed he did a good job on this.

“Lan?” the soft spoken man inquired with a frown, “how are you related with the Gusu Lans?”

In all seriousness, Lan Jingyi would always evade talking about his paternal side of the family because one, he didn’t know them and two, they didn’t know he existed. Maybe, except perhaps with Wangji-gege. But the name Lan would always be associated with him and Lan Jingyi had no choice but to answer.

“I guess, as far as the surname is concerned, I am related to them. It seemed like my dad got disowned by the family when he got together with my Ma. I really didn’t know the whole story because I was pretty young when he died but the Lans...didn’t know me,” he sighed painfully. Talking about his dad’s side of the family was always painful. While he had had a good childhood, his dad still wanted for him to get acknowledged as a member of his clan.

Well, that was according to his Ma.

The Jiang patriarch nodded to his answer before he took a sip of his tea. When he thought that this would be over soon, Madam Yu had to ask another question that left him rendered speechless.

“What’s your intent to our son?”

“W-What?” 

“Are you just going to marry him because he is drowning with money? Do you just want to be acknowledged in our society? To climb up from the mud you’re from?”

“A-Niang, please stop.”

Jingyi was, suffice to say, felt insulted and belittled. That’s why he hated associating with anyone who was somehow connected to his paternal side of the family. He could feel his face heating up out of fury but he was thankful for Auntie Yanli’s interruption.

“Third Lady, that’s too much. Let the poor boy breathe,” Jiang Fengmian stated and looked at him with a small smile.

“Pardon my wife, Jingyi. She’s just thinking of our son.”

Lan Jingyi nodded. He suddenly felt so insignificant and small as if he didn’t have the right to sit with these people. He clenched his fist resting on his lap with his head bowed down and he could feel his eyes prick with tears. This wasn’t a real engagement but why did he have to take this kind of demean from Jiang Wanyin’s family? He didn’t deserve this.

Suddenly, he just wanted to go home and rest. He just felt so exhausted and he didn’t have the energy to face all of them. His whole body had gone numb. He tried to compose himself and swallowed the foul words that wanted to get out of his mouth and made his tears dry without them noticing it was even there in the first place.

As he was about to be ready to speak again and maybe bid his goodbye, he felt a hand on his shoulder making him snapped up his head followed by a low, baritone voice of Jiang Wanyin.

“Who told you you can kidnap my fiance and grill him alive?” Jiang Wanyin snapped venomously as he looked at his father with such intensity.

“A-Cheng!” Jin Yanli exclaimed and stood up from her seat. Jingyi watched as she talked to Jiang Wanyin but it was such a hushed voice that he couldn’t contemplate what they’re talking about. Moments after, he saw the celebrity nod his head and lifted him up from his seat by his arms and Jingyi just let him.

“I’m taking my fiance home. You didn’t care about me so why care who I marry now?” Jiang Wanyin said bitterly and Jingyi was a bit surprised. It seemed to him like the actor and his family except for his sister didn’t really get along well. He realized he really didn’t know his husband to be and he suddenly felt uneasy.

When he thought it was Madam Yu who was going to berate Jiang Cheng, it turned out, it was his father who spoke this time.

“A-Cheng, that’s enough,” Jiang Fengmian said in such a detached voice. Looking back at Jiang Wanyin, he could definitely distinguish hurt, fury and sorrow. He didn’t know what happened between them but he knew based on his fiance’s expression that it ran deep.

With a bitter face, Jiang Wanyin pushed him behind to hide him from the rest of his family and said, “Yeah, I’ll stop. I know I’m not welcome in this house so Jingyi and I will take our leave.”

And with that, Jiang Cheng dragged him away and as he did so, although Jingyi was slandered and demeaned by Madam Yu, he didn’t forget to look back at them bowing his head followed by, “Thank you for having me!”

As they were journeying out the house, Lan Jingyi could feel Jiang Wanyin’s hold on his wrist tightened and as much as he was itching to ask what just happened, Jingyi chose to shut his mouth until they’re both seated inside the car with Jiang Wanyin driving.

Suffice to say, the actor was still awfully quiet with his jaw clenched tight, his shoulders tensed. He could still feel his rage oozing out of his system. He had learned to keep his mouth shut when his master was in a really foul mood because the end result would be so messy.

Halfway through their trip, Jingyi was becoming fidgety in his seat. He wasn’t the type to stay quiet unless he was typing away on his desktop. As long as there was a person with him, he would always want to talk. He let out a sigh before he turned to Jiang Wanyin to strike up a conversation.

“Wanyin,” he called first and he only received a cold shoulder.

“You should have stayed and talked to your parents and Auntie Yanli. Especially your dad. He looks kind and reaso---, ”

Swoosh!

Lan Jingyi held on tight on the strap of his seatbelt when Jiang Wanyin suddenly maneuvered the car on the side of the road and stopped. He still hadn’t said a damn word but when he looked at him, his eyes were on fire with rage. 

What did I do wrong again? He asked himself and as he was about to inquire, Jiang Wanyin unlocked the door from his side and growled, “Get out!”

“What the? What did I do? I just asked you a ques--,”

“Get the fuck out now. You are so bloody annoying! ”

“ What is wrong with you?!” he yelled back, confused. Contemplating his words, he only mentioned his family and his father. He didn’t think it would make him this angry and Jingyi knew he meant no harm with his words.

“Is it because of your dad? I didn’t mean any---, ”

“Get out,” Jiang Wanyin now said these words in a dangerously low voice making Jing flinch. Why did he always have to be Jiang Cheng’s anger absorber? He didn’t do anything wrong and if he did so, he could just tell him in a civilized manner.

Not like this. Jiang Wanyin was such a fucking asshole.

Jingyi had enough.

“Fine! Watch me not marry you in three days!” he yelled angrily and exited his car with a loud bang. Jiang Wanyin didn’t take a moment for as soon as he was out of the car, he stormed away as if he just didn’t leave him there alone. As he looked around, it turned out that he was in the middle of a highway and Lan Jingyi was utterly pissed. He couldn’t help but shed a tear out of frustration as he started walking back. He would have to walk for at least 5 miles until he could reach the bus station.

His life had become a mess ever since he met Jiang Wanyin. He missed his old life where even though he was struggling with money, at least, he could do anything he wanted. Not like this, it felt like his life was in constant time bomb; at any given moment, no matter what he would do, he would always manage to piss off Jiang Wanyin.

He didn’t want this kind of life. This wasn’t the kind of life his Ma had hoped for him to live.

Three hours later, he was finally back at Yunhai and out of breath. His legs had gone numb from walking more than five fucking miles. He gave Jiang Wanyin a sullen look who was on the couch drinking a beer and headed straight to his room. He had made his decision while he was doing his march of pain (as he called it while cursing Jiang Wanyin with every step he would take) and he would rather walk away now than be treated like shit all the time . He started packing his things which was an easy task since he didn’t have much possession with him. Once done, he dragged his luggage downstairs and didn’t even take a single glance at Jiang Wanyin before he stormed out of the house. The actor didn’t even care for him so he wouldn’t expect him to stop him from leaving. After all, he was just a nobody in Jiang Wanyin’s life. He was just his maid.

In the end, Jingyi found himself in Sizhui and Jin Ling’s house as he nursed a bottle of beer. He was so angry and his face was blotched with different shades of reds while he was retelling the whole thing that had happened while the two remained quiet and just let him rant his heart out. He didn’t even care if Jiang Wanyin was Jin Ling’s uncle because he couldn’t even utter his name and mostly referred to him as the bastard, asshole, a dick and a selfish man he had ever met in his whole 21 years of living on earth.

He was just frustrated and upset. He was even more offended by his actions compared to his Madam Yu belittling him.

Dealing with Jiang Wanyin was absolutely exhausting.

Eventually, he stopped when he actually felt drunk from half a bottle of beer and passed out on the couch. He needed to rest his body and mind for today. He was just glad that he didn’t have to see Jiang Wanyin the next day.

*

Lan Sizhui sighed as he cleared out the coffee table filled with wrappers of snacks and some empty bottles of beer drank by Jingyi. He just shook his head when he saw that Jingyi was already passed out on the couch. He might not be an exclusive member of the Lans but Jingyi still had the Lan genes. Hence, the extremely low alcohol tolerance. Not wanting to let the other half into a waste, Lan Sizhui just drank it for himself before disposing of the rest of the bottles.

Once he was done clearing the table, he noticed his lover was on the floor leaning his back on the couch and was in a deep thought. Sitting beside A-Ling, Lan Sizhui wrapped his arm around his shoulders and rested his head on his chest.

“Is something bugging you, A-Ling?”

Sighing, Jin Ling pressed a kiss on his forehead first before he stated, “I don’t get why jiujiu is such an ass to Jingyi. He’s being unreasonable! He wasn't like that before. I wonder what happened to him? And I thought he’d be better once Jingyi would enter his life but I guess not.”

“Hm…,” Lan Sizhui thought for a bit. Although he was still against Jin Ling’s plan of baiting his poor cousin Jingyi with Jin Ling’s jiujiu, Lan Sizhui was kind of upset with how shushu was treating Jingyi. It was never his intention to make his life miserable like this along with A-Ling. He was feeling guilty more than ever seeing how Jingyi looked so lost and upset.

“While I know that what we did to Jingyi was wrong in the first place and I am just so glad he forgave us; I’m actually thinking that this isn’t going to be a smooth ride for him if you want him to be together with shushu.”

“I know,” he replied and then bit his lower lip out of frustration. 

“You know A-Zhui I just want Jingyi to have someone in his life since we can’t always be with him all the time? Remember that time that he got sick and didn’t even bother to call us!” he huffed out and Sizhui had to agree.

“So what should we do---,”

Ring ring!

Groaning in annoyance, Jin Ling unraveled himself from his lover to grab his phone by the dining table. With just a few steps, he was already there and his eyes squinted as he saw the caller.

With an eye roll, Jin Ling answered the call, “Jiujiu! What did you do to Jingyi?!?” he yelled on his phone. He didn’t even let his grumpy jiujiu speak as he continued with his tirade.

“...if you could just see him now! He passed out on our couch while crying!!! Don't you have a heart, jiujiu?!”

Lan Sizhui shook his head at Jin Ling’s words. He was clearly exaggerating everything and he knew Jingyi wouldn’t appreciate it if he knew. He got on his feet and stayed beside his lover to listen at the call. He wanted to stop Jin Ling from saying something risky. After all, they’re still on thin ice with Jingyi after what they did to him.

“Huh? Why would I bring Jingyi to the hotel in two days?! What the fuck? Really? Well, I guess we will. Yeah, yeah but make sure not to be a big meanie to Jingyi or else I will tell Ma! Okay, bye!”

Lan Sizhui’s eyes widened and then turned to look at his lover whose eyes were also trained on him filled with mirth as he hung up. He could only shake his head in exasperation from what he had heard.

Were they serious?

Shouldn’t they ask for Jingyi’s consent in this matter? He didn’t want to do another thing that would totally break their friendship but Jin Ling was just so adamant in making Jingyi a permanent presence in his jiujiu’s life.

“Don’t say anything,” Jin Ling said with finality and then turned to head to their bedroom.

And once again, Lan Sizhui could only sigh in resignation.

*

Lan Jingyi woke up once again at freaking 5 am without even having an alarm. He guessed, his body was just so used to it but decided to go back to sleep. He had been living at Sizhui’s couch for 2 days now and this was the third day of him being a leech on his best friends’ house.  He had no freaking plan to go back to Jiang Wanyin.

No freaking way, sir.

Hence, he went back to sleep peacefully knowing today was gonna be a good day.

A few hours later, he could feel someone shaking him and Jingyi thought he was being whirled away inside a tsunami that he let out a yelp and then—-

Bam!

He fell flat on his ass and that instantly woke him up. He was looking down while nursing his poir ass when he saw a pair of feet in front of him followed by a snicker. Glancing up, he saw Jin Ling laughing at him in his sorry state and Jingyi just rolled his eyes on the Young Mistress. Jin Ling and the king of fury were so alike in many ways. He was just lucky that he got Auntie Yanli’s soft facial structure not like his uncle - everything was sharp, even his mouth. 

“Are you awake now?” He heard Jin Ling asked and Jingyi just let out a grunt. 

“Obviously.”

“Hurry and have a quick breakfast then. Sizhui is already cooking. We’re going out today!” he excitedly said and Jingyi had to raise his brow. If they’re going on a date, why drag him along? He wanted to continue writing and it would be the perfect time for some peace. He wouldn’t have Jin Ling breathing on his neck every freaking second. Jin Ling and him might argue a lot but that’s just it. It’s a normal occurrence but he knew they cared for each other. 

At least, on his part. 

Following the Young Mistress at the kitchen, he saw his cousin frying some bacon for them. He didn’t wait for any signal as he instantly went ahead to set the table for the three of them as Jin Ling poured coffee. 

While he knew Sizhui would never miss breakfast, he was a bit baffled why the Young Mistress was wide and awake this early. Knowing Jin Ling, he was supposed to be still snoring away by this time.

Moreso, since Jin Ling had a habit of sleeping in, they would usually go out in the afternoon.  And Jingyi had to raise his brow on that.

“Why are you awake so early? And what’s with this going out?”

“ We are going out after breakfast!” Jin Ling sneered as he set the coffee cups on the table. By then, Lan Sizhui was also done cooking their breakfast and Jingyi just waited for them while he sat on it. With Jin Ling’s demeanour, he still had this gut feeling that something was cooking up. He felt like there’s something he’s forgetting but his mind couldn’t remember nor want to remember.

When Sizhui finally sat with them, they had a pretty silent breakfast with Jin Ling complaining how he missed eggs benedict and Jingyi gave out a sour face. He could still remember how Jiang Wanyin insulted him just because his output wasn’t to the master’s liking. He really didn't want to talk about that big meanie because he would want to forget him and get on with his life. He would have to deal with him once he had the money to take back Yunhai.

“You guys go and prepare. I’ll do the dishes,” Sizhui said after they’re done with breakfast. Now he was really getting suspicious especially by the grin that Jin Ling let out.

“Great, A-Zhui. You,” the Young Mistress pointed at him and Jingyi arched his brow.

“You go ahead and shower. Make sure you clean well!” 

“What the fuck?!”

Instead of refuting, Jin Ling just gave him a meaningful glance followed by a smirk before he ran towards his bedroom shared with Sizhui. Jingyi was gritting his teeth in annoyance because he knew once he would start having a go with Jin Ling, he would definitely say something or castigate him in any way. He then turned to Sizhui who was mostly quiet as he cleared the plates on the table.

“Let me help you first,” he said, but as he was about to grab his plate, Sizhui stopped him. With Sizhui, Jingyi wasn’t suspicious in his actions because his cousin was just a saint unlike Jin Ling. Finally giving up, he just let him be and let go of the plate.

“Really, what’s up with your wifey? He’s being so moody!” he exclaimed in frustration but nonetheless, he went to the living room to take out clothes from his luggage.

Giving him a smile, Shizui answered, “Don’t mind him. We just want to go out today with you. It’s been a while since we hung out together.”

Jingyi hummed in agreement and then nodded to Sizhui, “If you’ve told me that the first time, I wouldn’t be suspicious of Young Mistress,” he laughed and then grabbed his towel.

“Well, then, I’ll go take a shower!”

*

They were now sitting in a bus on the way to whatever place they’re planning to hang out. Sizhui and Jin Ling were arguing with something but he wasn’t paying attention. He was fiddling on his phone, trying to add bit by bit to his novel while he’s idle like this. These past few days that he was staying at his best friends’ house, Lan Jingyi made some progress.

And he’s quite happy about it. Although Nie-xiansheng had promised him that he’d look over his projects, he really didn’t want to pass his first few writings because he knew they weren’t great. He wanted to make something that would impress him since he was already doing him a big favor. A smile creeped on his face when he was relieved that day at the party. Nie-xiansheng might look intimidating but he’s a really nice guy. And he seriously didn’t expect that.

He’s not like Jiang Wanyin nor Jin Ling (might be hard to admit but before they even became close, he really didn’t like the Young Mistress’ snobbish attitude but he learned to accept it) who would appear snobbish to strangers.

Well, Jiang Wanyin was an ass and it would never change. He was certainly looking forward to the day he would meet Nie-xiansheng again and he was excited to show him his writing.

For a moment, Lan Jingyi was imagining what would happen to him once he would get known for his writing and his novel would be turned into a movie. He was daydreaming about giving out an interview until he felt the bus stop and with Jin Ling elbowing him.

“We’re here!” Jin Ling exclaimed excitedly and stood up. Jingyi looked around and his eyes popped out when he saw the place. They were in the richest part of the city and while he knew this was screaming Jin Ling’s taste, he was sure as hell he didn’t have money for that and he didn’t want to pay a fortune just to hang out with them. He looked at Sizhui with a questioning glance but the poor boy just gave him a strained smile. They both followed Jingyi as they walked towards the center of the city and were heading towards….

The Peninsula Shanghai.

Lan Jingyi tried to process the place, the time and the fucking date until it clicked him.

Today was supposed to be his wedding day!

He knew Jin Ling was planning something the moment he saw his face wearing a fucking shit eating grin.

Lan Jingyi grabbed Jin Ling by his arm to stop him from entering another prestigious hotel and literally yelled at him.

“What the fuck, Jin Ling? Why are we here?! I’m going hom---EEEEEP!”

Before he could say anything, Jingyi was suddenly grabbed by Wen Ning and some other familiar faces who he recognized as Jiang Wanyin’s personal assistants. He was trying to flail his arms but they’re crowding and holding him tight in both of his arms. He threw a dirty look in Jin Ling’s direction who was waving enthusiastically at him while Sizhui had this apologetic face thrown at him.

“What the fuck guys??? WHAT THE FUCK?!” he yelled at the top of his lungs but before he could yell at them madly, he was dragged inside the hotel and was thrown into the elevator.

Everything was starting to get so jumbled, his head was clouded with anger and frustration as he was getting fixed inside a room. Everyone was fussing and strutting about around him and the clamoring was going in and out of his hearing.

Just fucking... why him ?

Why couldn’t he get away with Jiang Wanyin? His whole body was trembling the whole time Wen Ning was fixing his wedding tuxedo to him; his hands and his feet were feeling all cold and numb. He wanted to run away but it seemed like he was being rooted in his place.

He wanted to cry but no tears were coming out from his eyes.

He had been through a lot in life but this had been the hardest yet. He felt so lost and trapped that he didn’t know what to do anymore.

Those he trusted, he couldn’t anymore.

He felt so alone.

“You’re ready,” he snapped out of his thoughts when Wen Ning-gege suddenly spoke. Lan Jingyi looked at him as if he’s crying for help. He didn’t want this.

He didn’t want to be married, especially with a prick like Jiang Wanyin.

“Ning- ge…,” he whispered helplessly.

Wen Ning just let out a soft chuckle and squeezed his shoulder after he put the flower brooch on his white, pristine tuxedo.

“Wedding jitters?” he asked softly. Lan Jingyi just shook his head and looked at himself in the mirror.

He looked... different.

While he saw his face staring back at him, he was currently seeing someone totally different. Someone who kept losing himself while trying to get back what’s important to him. It didn’t sit well with him because he knew he was strong but by this time, he felt  so alone as if the world was against him.

“You know,” he looked back at Ning-ge, who was currently cleaning up the room and putting away the stuff that they used on him, “when I picked up Boss this morning, I was looking for you. He said you ran away but he’s confident you’re coming. He wasn’t even worried one bit so trust in him. He might be a dick - don’t tell him I said that, but he’s a really nice guy. He just needs some love and softness in his life.”

“But…”

He didn’t know what else he should say after listening to Ning- ge ’s statement. Could he really trust Jiang Wanyin? He really wasn’t sure. He was nothing but an ass to him and just thinking of living with him for a year made him think of the worst possible outcome. 

However, he knew he couldn’t go back with his words now since he had  already signed their contract. Jiang Wanyin could use it against him maybe not now but in the future.

A future that seemed like a blur for him.

“I guess…,” in the end, he could only say this as he took a seat on the couch. Wen Ning just gave him a brotherly smile until the door creaked open and Jiang Fengmian came to their view. He was wearing a black coat and tie with his sleek ebony locks in a half-bun with braids on each side.

“Lan Jingyi…,” he muttered softly and Jingyi instantly stood up and bowed his head as Wen Ning quietly left them in the room.

“S-Sir…,” he greeted tensely. He didn’t expect to see him based on the events that had happened at the Lotus Pier.

“Lift your head up and call me A-die,” he said in a fatherly manner and Jingyi’s heart swelled a bit. He lifted his head and gave him a small smile of his own.

“I’m here because...I heard from A-Ling that you don’t have your parents with you so I thought...can I walk you to the altar?”

Lan Jingyi bit his lip to stop the tears that were threatening to fall. How could he say no when he was asking so nicely? Too bad, Jiang Wanyin didn’t get his calm and kind demeanor.

He was almost going to say yes but he thought about Jiang Wanyin. “What about Wanyi-- A-Cheng?” he quickly corrected himself. His real name still felt foreign to his tongue.

“His mother will walk him,” he replied coolly and then crossed their distance to pat him on the head and he felt like a little kid once again. He missed this kind of affection and he was kind of hoping that this marriage wouldn’t be so bad if he would get treated like this. Madam Yu, on the other hand, still terrified him with her sharp stares but he’d live.

He then nodded and said, “Thank you... a-die .”

“Then, I will wait for you outside. It’s almost time.”

Once again, he nodded speechlessly and waited until Jiang Fengmian left the room. He tried to compose himself by doing some deep breathing until he finally calmed down. A knock on his door made him open it and there, he saw Wangji-ge and Sizhui with...probably, the husband of Wangji- ge .

“Jingyi,” Lan Wangji sternly said but the other guy didn’t wait for him to invite them in as he had already invited himself.

“Wangji- gege!” he exclaimed and clung to his arm, “save me please!!!!”

Lan Wangji just let out a small grunt as the other man let out a loud laugh.

“AHAHAHAHAHA what? Little A-Cheng terrifies even his little bride? By the way, I’m Wei Wuxian! Lan-er-gege’s husband and the older brother of Cheng Cheng!”

“Excuse me, WHAT?” Lan Jingyi couldn’t believe it! How could someone like Jiang Wanyin have such kind and cheerful siblings when he himself looked like he was eating a tamarind every freaking minute?

“Haha, yes. But I’m adopted though, Why I don’t use the Jiang name,” he explained and Jingyi accepted but he was still confused as fuck.

“Why didn’t you tell us that you’re getting married?” Lan Wangji asked him sternly and Jingyi was utterly lost for words. He knew he couldn’t say the whole reason because he was going to break their contract so he had to think fast.

“Well...it just happened so fast? I’m sorry, Wangji- gege ,” he apologized but Lan Wangji just patted his head.

“All good. But next time, tell me. The Lans might not know you but I’ve talked to Uncle. He wants you to be acknowledged as a part of the clan. And I’ll introduce you to my older brother as well.”

“Okay.”

“Well,” Wei Wuxian interfered and patted his back, “it’s really nice meeting you but I guess my little bro is already waiting for you by the altar! But no worries! Lan Zhan and I will visit your house soon! I wanna see where Cheng Cheng moves. He’s so mean you know? Didn’t even inform this poor gege of his that he already moved!”

Jingyi couldn’t help but stifle a laugh while Sizhui was just smiling from the sideline. Sizhui went to him and said, “Jingyi, I wish you all the best and on behalf of A-Ling, we’re sorry for bringing you here.”

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Jingyi just waved his hand and replied, “What can we do? I really couldn’t get back on my words.”

“Our house is always open for you, okay? Also, Xichen- shushu is here as well. It’s about time you guys meet.”

Xichen… The name sounded so awfully familiar but Jingyi put it at the back of his mind because the time for him to get married was getting near. His brain was too preoccupied for that to even think of other stuff.

“Right.”

“We’ll go now, see you later!” Wei Wuxian bid him goodbye and dragged his family out of the room. Wen Ning came right after and told him that it’s time.

And Jingyi’s heart started beating so fast that it was the only sound that he could hear. He followed Ning- ge outside and at the end of the hallway, Jiang Fengmian was waiting for him. The older man gave him a reassuring smile as he took his hand and hooked it on his arm which Jingyi accepted wholeheartedly.

As they reached the ballroom, Lan Jingyi wanted to chicken out again and run away.

As the wedding march started to play, Lan Jingyi’s body suddenly felt numb. As he walked down the aisle, he tried to avoid everyone’s gaze and chose to give a smile to cover his forlorn expression. The lost feeling inside was greater and he just felt helpless. He wanted to call out to his Man to save him but he was all alone. 

As he was nearing the altar, he could see the Jiangs sitting in one place and then his eyes finally found his groom. He was standing by the end of the aisle looking so fucking hot and handsome but Lan Jingyi didn’t want to admit defeat. Instead, he gave him a meaningful smile but his eyes said otherwise.

When they reached him, Jiang Wanyin took his hand without any words thrown and guided him in front of the priest. He remained quiet unless he was asked to answer. As they exchanged rings, Jingyi, from here on, knew he was tied to Jing Wanyin.

He didn’t even care when the priest said you may kiss each other. It wasn’t until Jiang Wanyin pulled him closer and…kissed him with his thumb in between their lips so the older man’s lips wouldn’t touch his. He didn’t let go of him until he said with an annoying smirk.

“I knew you would come, husband.”

“Fuck you,” he whispered quietly as the older man finally let him go and as they faced the crowd as a newly wedded couple, Jingyi just wanted the earth to swallow him alive. He felt sick to his stomach and wanted to throw up but he had to compose himself.

From here on out, he just entered a difficult phase in his life.

He was just hoping he could survive it without getting hurt.

Chapter Text

In the end, Lan Jingyi still couldn’t accept the fact that he got married. But whenever he would take a glance at the sleeping man beside him, Jingyi couldn’t help but let out a bitter face.

They were on the way to their honeymoon with Ning- ge driving them. He didn’t remember much of the wedding festivities after he said fuck you to Jiang Wanyin. He did remember meeting his long lost cousin who happened to be the man who prompted Jiang Wanyin to grab him and announced that he was his fiance. He could remember the shocked look on his face when he knew that they’re related and that his Pa was actually their Uncle. He remembered the sour expression that Jiang Wanyin was sporting while he was serving tea to his family - meaning Wangji- gege, Sizhui and Xichen- gege . He was probably shocked but he didn’t know where he was coming from. He wasn’t really attentive to their conversation but he had a hunch that his grumpy husband actually liked Xichen- gege .

When it was his time to serve tea to Jiang Wanyin’s family, Madam Yu was looking at him sharply and on top of that, he could feel his hands trembling.

He was just glad it ended well but now, looking once at the man beside him again, Jingyi just let out a sigh of frustration.

It was already night time and they were driving for about three hours. He really didn’t know where Wen Ning-ge was taking them but at least, he still felt a little bit at ease knowing that Ning- ge was with them or else, he would be restless for the whole duration of the ride. They drove for another 20 minutes until the car stopped in front of a two-storey rest house. 

“Boss, we’re here,” Wen Ning informed Jiang Wanyin who was already waking up by then. Jingyi, on the other hand, tried to avoid looking at his husband as he tried to make himself busy by looking at the house. He didn’t wait for the older man as he already exited the car after Wen Ning did.

“This is a beautiful house,” he commented with awe as his eyes surveyed the house. The house was Western-styled painted in white. By the entrance, there were two pillars on each end of the stairs going up to the entrance. The surroundings were filled with different flora and fauna and now that he was looking, the pathway from the gate up to the entrance of the house was quite long. But of course, his eyes caught a flag with the emblem of the Jiang clan so he’s not gonna ask who owned this.

“There’s also a pool in the backyard,” Wen Ning-ge added, seeing that he was busy surveying the area as he was unloading their luggage from the trunk. Jingyi just nodded his head, not really interested in the pool. He might be living by the beach all his life but if there’s one thing about him, it was the fact that even at this age, he really didn’t know how to swim.

“Hm,” he just hummed and thought that the place was quiet. It was definitely far away from the main street and only the chirping and hustling of the nightlife could be heard.

“What are you waiting for, chicken brain? Come on in! And help Wen Ning with the luggage,” Jiang Wanyin finally said as he fiddled with the keys in his hand. Jingyi wanted to kick him in the ass so bad but stopped himself. He didn’t want Wen Ning-ge to see him like this so instead, he refuted it quite nonchalantly.

“Instead of running your mouth off, why don’t you just help us?”

Jiang Wanyin just looked at him with distaste as he finally opened the door. Jingyi helped Wen Ning with their luggage nonetheless but he was gritting his teeth in annoyance. Once they entered the house, Jingyi still looked in awe because everything was screaming wealth. Jiang Wanyin disappeared from their sight until Wen Ning-ge and he brought all of their stuff in; that’s when he reappeared again.

“Thank you for driving us, Wen Ning,” his grumpy master turned husband said and Wen Ning just gave him a thumbs up.

“I’ll come back in a week then,” he said and Jingyi suddenly became restless and stopped Wen Ning before he could even turn his back.

“You’re leaving?! That fast?!”

“Well, yeah. I’ll come back in a week. After all, I don’t wanna be in the way of your honeymoon,” Wen Ning teased subjectively with a wriggle of his brows. Jingyi felt all the hairs on his body go up by just the mere mention of honeymoon but he wasn’t worried. He trusted Jiang Wanyin to respect their contract and he explicitly stated there was no sex policy.

“But…,” he tried to reason out but Jing Wanyin interfered.

“Yes, baby. I don’t want anyone to hear you scream while I do you,” Jiang Wanyin mocked him with a smirk as Jingyi just gave him a bitter smile.

“You wouldn’t even know if I top!” he rebutted and he instantly saw Jiang Wanyin pale.

Gotcha!

Don’t you dare fucking assume just because I’m smaller than you, you would instantly top! Ha! No sir! But why the fuck I am thinking about this? IT WON’T HAPPEN! Shut up, Jingyi!

“Alright, you can continue your lover’s quarrel. I need to go. Bye, Boss!”

As Wen Ning bailed out on them, Jingyi just watched his retreating back until he disappeared from their sight. An air of awkwardness suddenly hovered above them. He just remained quiet and neither of them were even starting up a conversation. He glanced at the antique wooden clock and saw that it was already 7 pm and although he could feel his stomach rumbling, Jingyi was dying to rest and close his eyes. 

He was just so tired today. He could already imagine how exhausted he would be the next coming days.

“I’m going to sleep,” he said after a moment and Jiang Wanyin let out another shit-eating grin.

“Seems like they didn’t clean the rest of the rooms. You have no choice but to sleep in the same room as I do.”

Jing instantly snapped his head to look at the direction of Jiang Wanyin who was getting so chummy with the couch by now. His hearing might be malfunctioning so he had to ask again, “What did you say?! WHY?!”

With a mock, Jiang Wanyin repeated his words once again, “I said, you have to sleep in the same room as me. Don’t worry,” he stopped speaking as he looked at him from head to toe and let out a sour face, “you’re not my type. Also, rule number six. You sleep on the floor. First room on the right.”

Jingyi clicked his tongue in annoyance and he threw a dirty look at Jiang Wanyin. See, even if this guy was extremely handsome and while he would readily admit that once upon a time, he was a fan until he saw his true colors, Jingyi was so sure he wouldn’t fall for this type of guy even if they’re married.

Over his dead body. No freaking hell.

Not with a prick like Jiang Wanyin.

“Fine. I’m used to it. Remember, I sleep on the floor in the attic too,” he sneered and then grabbed his luggage. As he was about to ascend the stairs, the devil incarnate suddenly said,

“Goodnight, wifey, ” he said with a taunting smile and Jingyi just raised a dirty finger at him and replied.

“Goodnight to you too, king of fury!”

*

The next day, Jingyi woke up at exactly 5 am again and it was seriously pissing him off now. He just wanted to sleep in until the sun was up. Looking up at the bed, the king of fury was still snoring away with his arms and limbs spread out, occupying the whole bed.

“I hope you’re having a nightmare!” he said through gritted teeth. He knew he couldn’t go back to sleep now seeing that the first person he laid his eyes on was his husband. Hence, he decided to just get up and start his day. He quickly changed from his sleeping garbs (oversized shirt and boxers) into his day clothes. He didn’t know what Jiang Wanyin was planning for today nor did he ever care.

When he reached the kitchen, he opened the balcony first and Jingyi was awed by the view. From his place, he could see the pool starting from the ends of the balcony spreading through the whole area - in short, the whole backyard was a pool area. There was a coffee table and pool chairs and in the middle of the pool area, there was an open hut with a bed in the middle, hanging like a hammock. He might want to go there but seeing the pool, he could already feel that it was quite deep.

What he didn’t see from last night was that on the other side of the house, was already the beach side. Now he could see why Jiang Wanyin wanted his house so much. He was a water freak!

He decided to brew some coffee first for the two of them because he knew that the older man would want his dose of caffeine once he would wake up. Besides, he didn’t want to deal with him when he’s even more grumpy and moody.

As the aroma of the coffee filled the room, Jingyi checked out the fridge to see that it was stocked with food. He had a feeling that the cooking would be relied on again but he didn’t want to complain. At least, they have food here. It was better than nothing.

Once the coffee was done brewing, Lan Jingyi decided to lounge at the balcony after getting his cup. It was so peaceful and beautiful here that Jingyi was glad that he brought his laptop with him. He did want to check if he had received an email because when he was at Sizhui’s house, he passed some of his works to various publishing companies for them to look at. He was a bit nervous and excited while he waited for a reply from any of them.

He didn’t know how long he was staying there but he was already on his second cup of coffee when Jiang Wanyin finally woke up. 

“Morning, grump,” he greeted flatly but he just received a grunt as he went on to grab his coffee. Jiang Wanyin, when he just woke up, would always wear a frown, his shoulder length hair in tangles and his usual shirt and sweatpants were always crinkled compared to the Jiang Wanyin he would always see on television - prim, proper and always looked so good.

When he thought he would take a place out of his sight, he instead sat in front of him. Lan Jingyi instantly raised his brow the moment he sat down and asked.

“Not going to jog?”

“Mind your own business,” the celebrity sneered and then took a sip of his coffee. Jingyi had to shake his head on that. He was really a prick.

“Just asking! Because you are such a work-out prick,” he said under his breath but what he didn’t know was that Jiang Wanyin got up and went in his direction. By reflex, Jingyi jumped out of his seat and crossed his arms over his chest as if whisking away Jiang Wanyin through intervention.

“What are you doing?!” he said with an annoyed face as he kept on stepping back the more the older man kept on inching closer to him. His dark eyes were trained on him and he was looking at him like he wanted to swallow him alive. 

“What do you think I’m doing?” he replied back as he took big steps towards him. Jingyi wasn’t aware of his surroundings and then---

SPLASH!

Suddenly, Jingyi felt his whole body had gone numb. It was still early morning and the water against his skin felt cold but that wasn’t the point! The place where he fell was a deep part - he knew because he couldn’t step on the floor to save his life. Thus, he was flailing his arms to keep his head above water and struggling to save his life.

But it was futile. He didn’t know how to balance himself.

Fuck! I’m going to die! Why didn't I learn how to swim?!

“Help!!!!” he shouted through the top of his lungs. In his peripheral vision, he could see Jiang Wanyin with a shit eating grin much like his nephew.

“Help? I thought you didn't need my help?” 

“I DON’T FUCKING KNOW HOW TO SWIM!”

That was the last thing he had said before Jingyi finally went under water. He was thinking about all his life and what he did to deserve this. He didn’t want to die with Jiang Wanyin laughing at him. His whole life was flashing before him as he felt his lungs burn from the lack of oxygen. He wanted to keep fighting and keep his eyes open so that he could still haunt Jiang Wanyin with his ugly face once he was pulled out of the water but it was futile. He could feel his body sinking deeper and deeper until he felt a shadow inching closer to him. He tried to pry his eyes open and saw Jiang Wanyin’s face.

And that was the last time he remembered until everything went black.

Ma, Pa. I’m joining you soon.

*

Jiang Cheng was about to turn his back after laughing at the walking hazard. He just wanted to tease him because his attitude was getting on his nerves and the fact that he just woke up. While he knew he was being mean, Jiang Cheng just couldn’t help but do so because he just found out recently since he started living with chicken brain that his day wouldn’t be complete without having a go at him. 

Not to mention the fact that he just found out that he’s related to Lan Xichen during their wedding ceremony. And he had to serve tea to the person he was aching to be with. Imagine how he couldn’t look him in the eye while he was serving him with his wifey. He was truly gobsmacked how fate really wanted to play with him. He didn’t get the older cousin and hence, he got married with the younger one. It’s funny how his destiny seemed to mock him in the most unexpected ways. 

Not to mention, Lan Xichen and Lan Jingyi had the same eyes and their facial features were almost the same. 

Almost. 

Lan Jingyi was loud as fuck and a clumsy idiot while his cousin was always so serene, prim and soft-spoken. 

He just watched him struggle for a few more seconds thinking that he’s just playing with him but when watching him slowly but completely submerging underwater made Jiang Cheng stop until he heard him yell in a struggle. 

“I DON’T FUCKING KNOW HOW TO SWIM!”

Jiang Cheng by then had realized that his teasing had gone too far. He might be a complete asshole to Jingyi but he wouldn’t hurt him, much more accidentally kill him! In a haste, Jiang Cheng didn’t think twice as he jumped in the pool and swam in his direction. In normal circumstances, he wouldn’t even jump in the pool without testing the water’s temperature first. Hence, the coldness of the early morning seeped into his skin as if it was being pricked by small needles. Lan Jingyi was already unmoving but his body was still sinking deeper. His eyes were already closed and Jiang Cheng swam faster until he reached him. He hooked his hand on Jingyi’s armpit and pulled him up. Once they were on the surface, Jiang Cheng surveyed his face and saw that he was already pale and a bit blue. His heart pounded erratically until he finally reached the end of the pool and lifted Jingyi up by the poolside. He quickly got out of the water and kneeled beside Jingyi to start doing CPR on the younger Lan. He started giving him compressions and then went on to give rescue breaths. He alternated in between and tried whatever he could remember from his previous first aid lessons. Jiang Cheng was starting to feel nervous because he’s been at it for minutes and there’s still no response from Jingyi. 

“Come on, Jingyi. Don’t give up on me!” he said worriedly as he gave him another mouth to mouth resuscitation. He gave him another two chest compression and that’s when Jingyi finally coughed out the water he had swallowed and Jing Cheng had never felt so relieved. He actually fell flat on his ass and let out a sigh of relief but his heart was still beating loudly. As he watched him cough out more water, he tried to help Jingyi sit up but instead, Jingyi slapped his hand and jerked away from him with fear in his eyes. He crossed his arms on his knees as if to protect himself from him. 

“Don’t hurt me…,” he said with a trembling voice and Jiang Cheng had never felt so guilty in his life. Lan Jingyi looked so vulnerable and small before him and Jiang Cheng knew that he was in the wrong this time. 

“I’m sorry,” he said with his head bowed down. He really didn’t know what else to say because the fact still remained that he almost drowned Jingyi. They remained like that with neither of them talking and Jiang Cheng wanted to go inside to get a towel for both of them because Jingyi was already shivering. 

“I hate you,” Jingyi said after a while as he slowly stood up and staggered inside the house. 

And Jiang Cheng could do nothing but watch his retreating back. 

For the rest of the day, both of them avoided each other like plague. Jingyi mostly stayed inside the room while the actor stayed in the living room. He didn’t even eat the porridge that Jiang Wanyin brought for him during lunch. Jingyi didn’t want to cry but the current situation forced him to do so. He had never felt so alone and helpless. He had been under the sheets since he changed his clothes and cried to himself. After all, he only had himself to rely on. 

It was wrong for me to trust him!

While he wasn’t expecting a sugary honeymoon, he wanted to at least get to know his husband and he almost thought that he would be a bit kinder to him seeing that they’re already married. But he was proven wrong. 

So wrong. 

But seeing his face earlier when he opened his eyes, the worry and the fear was making him think:

Was he just worried about being in another scandal of accidentally killing me? Or was he really worried about me?

Those questions were swirling around his mind and he would have never thought that Jiang Wanyin could ever apologize to him. It was such a bizarre thing to hear from the high and mighty celebrity. 

It was already past 9 pm and Jingyi was already hungry. He was so exhausted and hungry but he was afraid to face Jiang Wanyin. He had already decided that if he would come into the room to sleep, Jingyi would take the couch in the living room. Just the image of them being in the same room and breathing the same air was already too stifling for him. 

Without having much choice, Jingyi went downstairs to grab something to eat. However, his heart almost jumped out of his chest when he saw the devil incarnate sitting by the kitchen bar and nursing a bottle of beer. The moment Jiang Wanyin saw him, he instantly asked,

“Are you...feeling better?” he said in a soft, low voice without the usual sharpness and haughtiness. It took him by surprise but remembering the earlier events made him sneer. If he was just acting, then he was doing a well damn job. 

“Why do you care?”

“Jingyi,” Jiang Cheng said with a warning but his voice still had that guilt from what he did earlier, “I’m trying to apologize here.”

“But you almost killed me?!”

How dare this person easily demand forgiveness from him when what he did was far greater than his normal teasing and insults from before?

“I know,” he said with his eyes looking directly at the bottle of beer he was drinking, “and I want to make it up to you.”

Pouting, Jingyi decided to sit across from the celebrity and muttered under his breath, “That seems suspicious. Why are you being so kind to me?”

Instead of answering, Jiang Wanyin just let out a deep sigh and got off his seat. He then grabbed something from the stove and Jingyi just waited for him wordlessly until a plate of golden brown and all looking crispy chicken wings was placed in front of him. Almost instantly, Jingyi’s mouth started to water and his stomach started rumbling especially when he smelled the delightful smell of the fried chicken wings. He gulped loudly making the actor let out a small chuckle.

“I know you’re hungry,” Jiang Wanyin started as he went back to his former position, “you didn’t even eat the porridge that I gave you.”

However, no matter how delicious it looked, Jingyi was still a bit suspicious. Jiang Wanyin might even put poison on the food he was bribing with him.

“Is this laced with poison?” he asked with a raised brow.

Jiang Wanyin just looked at him sharply and sneered, “If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it the first time.”

With squinted eyes, Jingyi looked from the chicken to Jiang Wanyin and vice versa. He might be so hungry but not hungry enough that he would cave in to Jiang Wanyin’s bribe.

“If my mouth starts to bubble, it’s going to be your fault!”

Clicking his tongue, Jiang Wanyin grabbed one chicken wing and took a bite. Jingyi just watched him with squinted eyes and noticing that he wasn’t combusting with poison, Jingyi finally accepted the said food.

“Then, I’ll eat it,” he said with a shrug and took one. As he was about to take a bite, he heard the older man talk softly.

“I’m sorry again. I thought you knew how to swim seeing that you actually live by the beachside.”

“Hey! Not because I live by the beachside doesn’t necessarily mean I will have to know how to swim!” he refuted annoyingly. Was he really apologizing or insulting him? Whatever, he finally took a bite of the chicken and Jingyi closed his eyes to savor the food. It was so crunchy and the flavor was so tasty!

“Yeah, now I know,” he hummed and then took a sip of his beer, “...would you like to go on a drive tomorrow?”

“Drive?”

“Yeah, so we can at least enjoy the place,” he replied with a shrug and Jingyi thought for a bit. He did want to explore the place but he didn’t feel much at ease doing it with Jiang Wanyin. He’d rather explore alone. 

<Bites.>

He was about to decline his invitation but Jingyi suddenly got speechless when he saw the hopeful look on Jiang Wanyin’s face. Maybe, he really did want to make it up to him.

<Bites.>

But the real question was, should he trust him?

<Grabs another chicken and bites.>

The older man never showed him any kindness the whole time they were together and today, he almost drowned. Looking back, the fear and worry on the older man’s face the moment he opened his eyes earlier after getting drowned kept on coming back to his mind. Maybe, he really did feel guilty. He could have just let him die instead of saving him too.

< Bites.>

Jingyi might be someone who could hold a grudge but his Ma had thought him to be always forgiving especially if the other party who had wronged him had apologized to him.

<Bites.>

Making up his mind, Jingyi took another bite of the chicken before he answered with his mouth full.

“Shokay..shust twell...meee whash time…”

Jiang Wanyin gave him a disgusting look but then nodded nonchalantly. He was confident that he had understood his words and before he knew it, Jingyi had already finished the chicken. He let out a loud burp as he was petting his stomach, fully aware of Jiang Wanyin’s disdain for him with his actions. Instead, he just gave him a satisfied grin and said.

“Thanks for the food, gege.”

“Yeah, and you acted difficult at first but then wolfed down the chicken in less than 10 minutes,” he shook his head but the amusement on the older man’s eyes as well as the tugging of his lips upwards didn’t escape Jingyi’s sight, the amusement on the older man’s eyes as well as the tugging of his lips upwards.

Finishing up his beer, Jiang Wanyin finally stood up and discarded the empty bottle on the bin, “We’ll leave by 9 am. Good night.”

And with that, Jingyi was left alone in the dining room as the footsteps faded from his hearing. Jingyi couldn’t help but let out a smile. 

At least, he could see his effort of trying to make it up to him. He was just hoping he’d continue his actions until it’s time for them to part ways.

*

The rest of their honeymoon. Jiang Wanyin was still suspiciously kind to him. Although his high and mighty attitude were still there, he actually warmed up to him. He still kept on teasing him by calling him wifey which was in his opinion, better than being called a chicken brain or walking hazard.

They mostly drove around the neighborhood and Jiang Wanyin took him to some interesting places around. They even went to a night market and pigged out. It took him by surprise that Jiang Wanyin would sit outside a sidewalk restaurant and eat his food there. He just looked a bit stupid because he was wearing sunglasses at night time but I guess, it came with the fact that he was still a celebrity.

They even went to the floating restaurant but Jingyi was clinging to Jiang Wanyin like a koala because being near any bodies of water had seriously traumatised him. And since it was the king of fury’s fault, he just let him be but he was wearing a sour expression the whole time!

Jingyi must admit, he did have a blast and before he knew it, their vacation (he really didn’t want to think of this as their honeymoon) was cut short when Wen Ning-ge appeared once again to drive them back to reality.

And thus, when they got home, it was about the same time that he felt his cellphone vibrate.

Excusing himself from the two men, Jingyi answered his phone, “Hello? Oh, we just got back. Yeah? The fuck A-Ling? Why would I treat you?! Oh...OOOOOH. Damn, I actually forgot. Yes. At the amusement park? Next weekend? IS IT NEXT WEEKEND?! Haha, okay fine. See you there with Sizhui then! Bye!”

Jingyi couldn’t believe it! He actually forgot his own birthday! There was a lot happening in his life right now to even think of celebrating. But he was glad that those two remembered and he’s already excited for the next weekend! They’re going to the amusement park and it’s been a while since they did. Usually, after his Ma died, Jingyi would get treated by Wangji- gege and Sizhui to a fancy restaurant for his birthdays.

Going back to the two men, Jingyi was wearing such a happy face that made them give him a questioning look.

“Why are you so happy?”

“Oh, it’s nothing! By the way, I’m going out next weekend!” he informed his husband who gave him a frown instead.

“Do what you want,” he bemoaned before turning to Wen Ning, “thanks for driving us.”

“No worries, boss. Jie is asking you to report tomorrow at 10 AM in her office. She has an early meeting and can’t meet you earlier than that.”

With an eye roll, Jiang Wanyin just let out a grunt and then Wen Ning finally bid his goodbye.

“Bye, Ning- ge! Thank you!” Jingyi yelled from the kitchen as he opened the fridge. Once he heard the door closed, Jiang Wanyin appeared beside him and said, “Do groceries tomorrow. I’m going to sleep.”

With a small pout, Jingyi just sneered and said, “Yes, yes, Master. So grumpy.”

He then took out the pitcher and poured water on the glass he was holding. He was just doing his own thing but Jiang Wanyin was still standing by the fridge as if he was waiting for him.

What does the master want now?

From behind his glass, Jingyi took a glance at the older man who had his arms crossed and was leaning against the fridge.

Setting down the glass on the counter, Jingyi asked, “Do you need anything else?”

With a grunt, Jiang Wanyin just turned his back on him and went to ascend the stairs. Jingyi was baffled once again because he knew he didn’t do anything to make this man all moody and grumpy once again. Jiang Wanyin was just hard to understand sometimes and Jingyi just shrugged his shoulders and then proceeded to wash the glass that he used.

However, his question was answered the moment he entered his room in the attic.

It was now furnished with a bed, a study table and chair, a dresser and a cabinet. The wooden plank floors were now covered with a carpet and instead of a fan, it now had an inverted aircon installed. Jingyi couldn’t help but glance in the direction of Jiang Wanyin’s room and let out a wide smile as he felt his heart start to thump erratically and he had no idea why.

Maybe, Jiang Wanyin wasn’t so bad.

Or was he just doing this because he almost drowned him?

Or maybe because they’re married and he didn’t want to lose face for treating him like his maid?

But whatever, Jingyi would always choose to see the good in others. Jiang Wanyin might be a prick but deep inside him, there’s still some good in him.

He mostly used actions rather than words.

And Jingyi was fine with that.

Moreso, maybe the fast beating of his heart was the fact that he was excited to sleep on his new bed and fully furnished room.

And it had nothing to do with Jiang Wanyin’s actions.

*

As expected, they were back to their previous routine with Jingyi doing everything in the house. Work had piled up for Jiang Wanyin after taking a week-long vacation. He was just glad that he could still have some time to write. The next day after he saw his refurbished room, Jingyi thanked Jiang Wanyin but the answer he got instead of a plain “you’re welcome” was,

“I just don’t want the chicken to roast in the attic. Your chicken brain might melt.”

And Jingyi wanted to slap him so badly that his head would detach from his body. He was back to being a prick but he was so much better now compared to his first few weeks living with him.

But he still wouldn’t help him around the house and Jingyi was close in biting his head off.

Before he knew it, two weeks had already passed by and his birthday weekend had already come. And here he was, already preparing to go out. Jiang Wanyin bailed out after having his breakfast and Jingyi didn’t know where he went.

Not that he actually cared about his whereabouts. He made sure to check if all the doors were locked before he finally left through the front door.

.

.

.

Jiang Cheng was on his way to the parking lot when he felt his phone vibrate. Stopping on his tracks, he fished out his phone from his pocket. He saw the name of his nephew flashing and Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes first before he tapped the answer button.

“ Jiujiu! Do you know what day today is? ”

“Yes, Saturday,” what kind of a stupid phone call was this? Didn’t they have any calendar? Jin Ling could even check the date on his phone.

“ The fuck jiujiu? ”

“Mind your language, Jin Ling!” he yelled on his phone but his nephew just clicked his tongue in annoyance. He would really blame the peacock for having Jin Ling like this. Why didn’t he inherit his a-jie’s attitude?

Jiang Cheng just continued to walk towards his car while he was talking to Jin Ling.

“ What kind of husband are you? You didn’t even know your wife’s birthday! ”

In a sudden, Jiang Cheng stopped on his tracks and listened intently to Jin Ling.

“ Listen, jiujiu. Jingyi is going to the amusement park alone because he wanted to celebrate his birthday. He’s all lonely because he doesn't have anyone to celebrate his birthday with him. He used to go to the amusement park with his mom when she was still alive. Sizhui and I can’t come because he has some work to do and I have a massive headache. Hence, you, as his husband, should do your duty and make your little bride happy! ”

The thing is, it’s not even real, he thought silently as he mulled over his nephew’s words. While he knew Jingyi was an orphan, he just recently knew that he still had his family although they didn’t know he existed. From what he had heard, his father was disinherited from the Lan clan because he chose to marry Jingyi’s mother - who was a nobody.

Maybe, he was feeling a little bit guilty from almost getting him drowned before. Jiang Cheng wasn’t as cold-hearted as everyone thought him to be. Jingyi might be a stranger to him but he was already doing him a big favor. Making up his mind, Jiang Cheng had finally reached his car and went into the driver’s seat.

Letting out a sigh, he asked Jin Ling flatly, “What time?”

Instead of getting an answer he needed, Jin Ling just let out some incoherent words as he giggled like a fucking school girl. Sometimes, Jiang Cheng really had to ask himself if Jin Ling was really his nephew.

“ Hihi, you’re awesome, jiujiu, you know that right? Anyway, Jingyi is gonna be there at 11 am by the entrance!! So you can have lunch first. You should know that his favorite is fried chicken wings right? Also, right after eating, you should head first to the horror house! Jingyi definitely likes that stuff <giggles>.”

Glancing at his wristwatch, Jiang Cheng certainly had the time to go to the amusement park. It was just a 15-minute drive from their agency and it was just 15 past 10 am. He had an early meeting with Wen Qing for his next magazine shoot and interview he was doing as well as some other small gigs like ribbon cutting and small photoshoots for no-name brands.

“Fine,” he replied and then ignited his car, “I’m going to drive. I’m hanging up.”

“Okay, jiujiu! Have fun with your little wifey! <giggles>”

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue as he ended the call. Has his nephew gone crazy? Why was he pushing the walking hazard to him? This was just an agreement between them and he doubted anything could happen between them. Not that Jin Ling knew the whole story about them. They just accepted his explanation that they were actually seeing each other secretly before.

Just that . 

Moreso, his nephew knew that he didn’t like answering questions so he could just pester Jingyi to concoct some kind of a story about how they met since he’s a writer. Meaning, he had a better projection and imagination than him.

Besides, Lan Jingyi wasn’t his type. He didn’t like brats. He wanted someone who’s quiet, kind, demure and proper.

Someone like Lan Xichen, one side of his mind erred his thoughts.

And Lan Jingyi was far from them.

He was loud with no proper etiquette; rough and childish. Maybe he was kind because if not, he wouldn’t have agreed to this show. 

*

Lan Jingyi was by the entrance of the amusement park 10 minutes before their agreed meeting time. He was quite excited because last year, they didn’t get to celebrate his birthday because that was about the time when Jin Ling was in house arrest by his family and Sizhui was lost on what to do with their predicament. Hence, Jingyi chose to console his best friend.

It was already 2 minutes to 11 am and Jingyi’s eyes were looking all over to catch his best friends. However, there’s this one person who's very well familiar to him wearing shades and a black baseball cap going in his direction. Lan Jingyi couldn’t help but widen his eyes in pure shock seeing that Jiang Wanyin was carrying a single blue balloon. Once the older man was in front of him, he handed him the balloon and Jingyi stared dumbfounded.

“You…,” he whispered in shock but Jiang Wanyin was just looking at him from head to toe.

“Why the hell did you pick something like an amusement park to meet?” he complained as he wiped his sweaty forehead with the back of his hand. Jingyi, while still dumbfounded, accepted the balloon but his gaze was still trained on Jiang Wanyin. He could already see some people stopping, clearly recognizing the actor  and taking photos of him.

For now, he just decided to drag him away from the crowd by gripping his wrist and taking him to the nearest restaurant he could find. 

Once they were both seated at the far back of the restaurant, Lan Jingyi tied the balloon to the empty chair and faced Jiang Wanyin.

“I’m confused. What are you doing here?” he asked as he looked through the menu. Of course, he saw the fried chicken wings and he mentally added that to his list.

Jiang Wanyin, by this time had removed his cap and pulled his shoulder-length hair into a messy bun, “Jin Ling said it’s your birthday and that you’re celebrating alone. He and his Lan boyfriend couldn’t come because of reasons and asked me to come in their stead,” he explained flatly as he called for a server and asked for lemon water. He left his sunglasses on and Jingyi thought he looked so stupid wearing it indoors.

Jingyi, on the other hand, just gritted his teeth in annoyance because once again, he was set up by his so-called best friends. Why were they so adamant in pushing him to Jiang Wanyin? What good would it take?

More like, how chaotic would it be?

He would have to deal with them later when he’s home but now that they’re already here, Jiang Wanyin would have to do as his company. Maybe, after today, he might be a little kinder to him.

“The fuck are they on to? They told me earlier they were on the way!” he exclaimed angrily and slapped the table with his hand. It was probably Jin Ling’s doing and Jingyi wanted to shake the youngest Jin so badly that his soul would leave his body.

“But why would you agree to this?” he continued as he also called on the server and ordered his own food. Jiang Wanyin did the same but as expected, the actor got the most expensive food on the menu.

“Well, who knows what you would do alone? Besides, celebrating a birthday alone isn’t fun at all,” Jiang Wanyin explained and then took a sip of his lemon water. As baffling as his action was, Jingyi had to agree with him. It was actually lonely to celebrate his birthdays alone - it was especially hard after his Ma died.

“I know,” he sighed out and took a glance at the man in front of him, “would you be okay though? I mean the amusement park is a public place and you’re...famous,” he stated hesitantly. He knew Jiang Wanyin hated crowds and Jingyi wanted to ride all the extreme rides and just thinking about how he would have to stand on the queue with a complaining Jiang Wanyin was already making his headache out of stress.

“Doesn’t matter. I’m already here anyway. Besides,” he leaned over until their faces were just a few inches away. Jingyi, once again, was shocked by the sudden action and the fact that he froze on his seat. He could smell his musky lotus and sage scent laced with his sweat.

Damn.

Was this what they call...even though the male character in the book was sweating so much, the smell was still... heavenly.

Jiang Wanyin might be an asshole but Jingyi couldn’t deny the fact that he’s extremely handsome. The sudden closeness made him flushed a bit because he knew for a fact that Jiang Wanyin was just messing with him. But he could feel his breath on his face and it smelled of mint. He tried to avoid looking at him by turning his eyes to his right side but he was afraid that if he moved his head, he might accidentally kiss the actor.

“Can you move your face out of mine,” he inhaled sharply but the devil in disguise just smirked at him and leaned further to his face and stopped when his lips were near his ear.

“I wouldn’t let my wifey celebrate his birthday alone, yes?”

In an instant, Jiang Cheng went back to his seat as if he just didn’t do it!

Truly, he was a fucking actor because he was the best at acting. It left Jingyi gay panicking inside and by reflex he kicked Jiang Wanyin on the legs under the table. In return, the older man kicked him back and Jingyi hissed in pain.

“Why did you do it?!” he yelled as he rubbed the offended part of his legs. Jiang Wanyin just looked at him sharply and haughtily said.

“Excuse me, chicken brain, you started it!”

“No!” he refuted and bit back, “you did! You were teasing me!”

“Not my fault you find me handsome,” Jiang Wanyin said with finality and at the same time, their order came as well and Jingyi was rendered speechless. He was awed by his audacity and how high he was on his horse. He may have found him handsome but Jingyi wasn’t gonna let him get this one. When the giggly server left, Jingyi decided to speak.

“I see someone is sitting high on their horseshit. If you think you’re handsome, then it’s probably all those monthly facials you’re getting!”

However, instead of getting annoyed like what he was planning to, Jiang Wanyin just shrugged his shoulders and proceeded to eat his angus steak, “You’re only one person to think of that when the whole of China finds me handsome.”

With a sneer, Jingyi just rolled his eyes and decided to dig on his food as well.

“Whatever,” he murmured with a pout as he took a bite of his chicken wing.

What he didn’t notice was the smile that his company was wearing as he stared at him behind his sunglasses.
.

.

.

Half an hour later, they were already at the entrance of the amusement park. They actually got into another argument again of who’s paying who with Jingyi insisting he should pay since it was his birthday.

Jiang Wanyin, on the other hand, underhandedly told him to just save his money to pay back the house because he didn’t want him to be broke on his birthday.

In the end, Jingyi just let him pay for their meal since they were already gaining attention and Jiang Wanyin was already looking at him like he wanted to eat him alive. But now, he wanted to at least pay for the tickets which Jiang Wanyin just let him do. 

He really didn’t want to owe the older man anything at all. 

Once they were finally inside, Jingyi was heading to the direction of the rollercoaster ride when Jiang Wanyin grabbed his wrist to stop him from taking another step.

“We just ate. I don’t want to get puked all over by you again,” he shrugged nonchalantly as he pulled him towards... the horror house.

Almost instantly, Jingyi took a step back and stopped Jiang Wanyin from going further.

“W-Wait! Are we going...to the horror house ?”

Please say fucking no I swear to got if I die of heart attack, I will fucking haunt you!

“Yes?” he said with an arched brow, “Jin Ling said you like this kind of stuff.”

What the fuck? He clearly knows I hate it!

He laughed nervously as he could feel himself sweating, “Hehe...maybe we should just ride the carousel,” he tried to convince him and Jiang Wanyin looked at the map only to see that the carousel ride was on the other side of the park.

Snorting, he answered him. “No. Besides, it’s too far and we’re already here. Don’t tell me…,” he looked at him again with a smug look on his face and continued, “you’re afraid of the horror house?!”

Stomping his feet, Jingyi let out an annoyed huff and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Fuck no! I just….,” he said defensively but then got utterly lost for words to refute the older man’s statement. He wouldn’t want to let him have the satisfaction of teasing him over this matter. He could see his smug smile getting wider and he was absolutely sure he was mocking him. Hence, Lan Jingyi tried to muster up a brave front.

“Fucking fine. Let’s get on with it! And...I’m not afraid! I’ll show you!”

“Be my guest,” he said as he flicked his wrist signaling for him to come forward first. He could feel his feet dragging on his steps and it was difficult for him to come forward as if he was dragging a 10-pound stone along. Jiang Wanyin was trailing behind him and they didn’t have to wait long until it was their turn to enter.

He could feel his palms sweating profusely and the moment they did, a loud howl welcomed them in this dark place and Jingyi grabbed on to the nearest person to him - Jiang Wanyin. He couldn’t see his face clearly because it was dark as fuck but he could feel him laughing at him already.

“Afraid?” Jiang Wanyin asked with a chuckle and with a shaky voice, Jingyi let out a forced “no” as they continued on their way. He was gripping the older man’s arms tightly as he clung on him like a koala.

As they walked further, Lan Jingyi’s eyes were half-closed and he could feel his heart beating erratically that it was the only sound he could hear and the footsteps with every step that they would make. Once they reach the end of the dark hallway, he heard Jiang Wanyin spoke,

“It says go right,” he stated as he started to turn to the direction and Jingyi just followed him but not before gripping his arms tighter. He could feel himself almost close to shitting when in a sudden---

ROOOOOOAAAAR! Swissssshhhh!

“EEEEEEEEEEEEK!” 

The sudden roars and howls of artificial wind followed by some mummy appearing in front of them made Jingyi jump on Jiang Wanyin with his eyes closed.

“Get it away! Get it away!!!! Please!” he yelled as he begged Jiang Wanyin who was now openly laughing at him. Instead, he just set him down to let him get away from him but Jingyi still had a tight grip on his shirt. He could feel his body being awfully numb and he could literally feel himself shaking in fear.

He was scared, yes.

He was fucking scared.

He just hoped Jiang Wanyin should fucking read the atmosphere and just go straight to the exit.

But no, the devil in disguise was actually taking his sweet ass time walking as Jingyi’s throat got so dry from screaming every time some entity would appear. While he knew it was just the prosthetics, Jingyi was still scared.

Their stay here was dragging on for what seemed like an eternity and Jingyi was almost out of his wits. And then when they made another right turn, Jingyi almost felt good seeing the exit sign. He suddenly felt brave and slowly let go of Jiang Wanyin’s shirt and went ahead in a hurry and then---

“ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!” he yelled to the top of his lungs when a fucking zombie appeared in front of him just 2 steps before he could finally reach the exit door. His frantic yell was a booming laugh behind him coming from Jiang Wanyin. He just ignored him because as much as he wanted to run back to where Jiang Wanyin was, his knees were already shaking and he was so close to shitting himself. His heart felt like it jumped out of his chest and his whole body had gone numb - he could even feel his feet and hands freezing ice cold.

The zombie was so near his face that his eyes started to water out of fear. He squeezed his eyes shut and waited until the cursed thing disappeared. Out of fear, he started counting.

1…

Fuck help me, Ma.

2…

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

3…

They’re going to eat me!

4…

Deep breaths, Lan Jingyi!

5…

As he was about to open his eyes, Jingyi then felt his body being lifted and was slumped down like a sack of potatoes. The sudden movement made him lightheaded because he was upside down. He thought that it was the zombie that kidnapped him but as the person walked, he caught a whiff of Jiang Wanyin’s scent and almost instantly, Jingyi felt relieved.

So damn relieved that he could almost kiss the actor.

His eyes were still squeezed shut until he was finally set down on his feet. He was still feeling unbalanced and thus, he wobbled a bit. While he knew he was gonna fall down, Jingyi still kept his eyes shut, afraid of what he might see.

He was bracing himself for a painful fall but instead, he fell on a muscular chest while his one arm was supporting his back. Jingyi finally opened his eyes to see Jiang Wanyin staring down at him with discerning eyes.

For the second time today, their faces were awfully so c lose that Jingyi forgot to breathe. Now that he was really looking, Jiang Wanyin had some freckles on his cheeks that seemed to pop out more if it’s directly hit with the sun and Jingyi’s mouth went “o”.

I just hope that his handsome face is balanced with his grumpy attitude.

“You’re not a baby, chicken brain. Don’t expect me to carry you around. You’re fat and heavy,” Jiang Wanyin complained and Jingyi, not just being called a chicken brain - he also called him fat made his ear perked up in annoyance as he hurriedly pushed him away and rolled his eyes.

“I’m not fat! And don’t call me chicken brain!”

Jiang Wanyin just haughtily replied, “Yeah, right. At least, I’m not shitting myself inside. If you’re afraid, you could have just told me. You don’t need to act tough in front of me, wifey,” he teased more and Jingyi gritted his teeth in irritation. He really didn’t have much face to deny that he was scared shitless because it actually showed.

“Fine! I’m scared and I hate horror stuff. Happy now?” he admitted with a sneer as he let out an annoyed huff. 

“Well,” Jiang Wanyin said as he fixed his hair and wore his baseball cap again like he was doing a freaking commercial in the middle of the amusement park and it irritated Jingyi more, “I thought you liked it because A-Ling said it’s your favourite.”

“Jin Ling clearly knows I hate those kinds of stuff and he’s clearly tricked with you,” he rebutted.

And then a realization came to him. Usually, when he’s scared shitless, he would cry alone until he calmed down but now….

Even if he was arguing with Jiang Wanyin, Jingyi could say that his emotions were all eased up. He might be aggravated towards the celebrity but his previous emotions were long forgotten.

Was he trying to make me feel better? Or he just wants to mess with me? Maybe birthdays are just really important to him, that's why he is actually trying to be kind to me.

Those thoughts were playing on his mind when Lan Jingyi heard Jiang Wanyin called for his attention.

“Well, since I got tricked by Jin Ling with the horror house, you can choose which one you like to go next. But mind you, I haven’t had this much entertainment by watching someone who would jump like a scaredy-cat at every sound and ghost that would appear.”

He squinted his eyes on him in suspicion and asked “Yeah, yeah. You were laughing like a lunatic earlier. But really? You’ll let me choose?”

“Well yeah. It’s your birthday anyway. Choose fast! It’s hot,” he ordered and Jingyi turned his head back so Jiang Wanyin wouldn’t see the smile forming on his face.

He might be an asshole but maybe...Jiang Wanyin was a kind-hearted person deep within.

Also, this was once in a blue moon where he was actually nice to him so Jingyi, of course, would take advantage of the moment before he would switch to his king of fury alter.

“Then, I wanna ride the rollercoaster!” he said excitedly as he pointed at the said ride.

“Suit yourself.”

“Let’s go!”