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It was late at night, and all of Cloud Recesses was in complete silence. All, but a young man, sneaking out from the dormitory. He tiptoed through the place, then exited, heading towards the nearby bamboo forest. When he was far in enough, he took a breath, and sat down, leaning against one of the trees. The moon was shining brightly, and Meng Yao tilted his head back, looking up at it.
It was still hard to believe that he could be here, studying as one of the guest disciplines at Cloud Recesses. He knew that Sect Leader Nie had to pull every string to convince Lan Qiren that yes, Meng Yao deserved to be there too. However, even being at Cloud Recesses had its flaws. In spite of gossiping was forbidden, he could still hear voices whispering behind his back, and no matter how much he wanted to speak up, he knew he couldn’t – he couldn’t cause any trouble for Sect Leader Nie.
Despite all the gossiping disciples, however, there were good people too. The friends Nie-gongzi made – Wei-gongzi and Jiang-gongzi – were great people. Meng Yao couldn’t be happier for his gongzi. He really needed some good and understanding friends. He let out a sigh, feeling as a smile tugged on his lips as he thought back how they tried to catch some fish that afternoon.
He was so deep in thoughts he couldn’t hear the steps, till it was too late.
”Good evening!” A light and friendly voice said, startling Meng Yao. He yelped loudly, swirling his head towards the voice – just to be frozen in place. Above him stood the older Lan brother with a gentle smile on his face.
”Zewu-Jun!” Meng Yao gasped, getting up on his feet. He bowed deeply, feeling cold sweat running down on his neck. ”This disciple is deeply sorry and would gladly take-”
”Hey, hey, calm down!” Lan Xichen said, touching his arms, so he could push him back up into a standing position. ”You won’t be punished.”
”I… won’t?” Meng Yao asked, astonished as he straightened himself. ”But I went out after curfew-”
”A short night walk never hurt anybody,” the older said with a smile, then winked at him. ”I am also out, so-”
”Yeah, that is true,” Meng Yao agreed, feeling his lips twitch.
”Would you like to accompany me on my walk?” Lan Xichen asked, and Meng Yao felt his jaw drop.
He blinked once, twice, but after the words registered, he started nodding vigorously. Lan Xichen chuckled at that, then started walking with Meng Yao quickly following him. As they walked through the bamboo forest, Lan Xichen spoke up.
”And how do you like here?” He asked, and Meng Yao said the words Sect Leader Nie swore him to say.
”It is a great honor that I can be here. Everything is beautiful and the people are all kind.” Hearing that, Xichen couldn’t hold back his chuckle.
”Now, I am interested in your real opinion, Meng-gongzi,” he said, and Meng Yao felt himself blushing hard. He averted his eyes as he spoke up.
”The rules can be pains in the ass sometimes, and there are ill-willed disciples as well,” he said, and Xichen nodded.
”I would like to apologize for all the atrocities you had to face till now. As a sect leader, I must do something about it,” he said, but Meng Yao shook his head.
”I’ve gotten used to it,” he said, then a small smile appeared on his lips, ”and I am happy for my gongzi.” Lan Xichen tilted his head, and Meng Yao continued. ”My gongzi has never had many friends at home, but he immediately got close to Wei and Jiang-gongzi.”
”You really care for A-Sang, do you?” Lan Xichen asked with a slight smile on his lips, and Meng Yao nodded.
”One of my tasks is to help him with anything I can ever since Sect Leader Nie has found me worthy enough to be beside them and serve them. The gongzi and I have gotten close pretty fast,” he said with a small chuckle, then something occurred to him. ”But please, don’t call me Meng-gongzi. I don’t deserve it,” he begged, and Lan Xichen’s eyes narrowed a bit.
”What should I call you then?” He inquired calmly despite his uncomfortablness.
”Meng Yao is perfect, Zewu-Jun,” Meng Yao said, and Lan Xichen hummed. He touched his chin in wonder, then smiled at Meng Yao warmly.
”I think A-Yao would fit better,” he said eventually, and Meng Yao felt his ears burning.
The man beside him was all warm smiles and kind words, and Meng Yao felt himself slowly, but surely falling in love. Given their social classes, he knew that them becoming a couple could only be an unfulfilled dream… but there was nothing wrong in daydreaming, right?