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After successfully solving a case in a small village, the junior quartet finds the opportunity to spend time together among their growing responsibilities. They enjoy a pleasant dinner at the local tavern after giving the details to the local authorities: it was a simple task of extracting a venomous sprout from a vast extension of the land.
After parting ways with Jin Ling and Ouyang Zizhen, Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi return to Cloud Recesses.
Lan Sizhui realizes he saved one of Jin Ling’s handkerchiefs inside his sleeve intending to return it, but he forgot to do it. He feels terribly guilty and confesses his predicament to his best friend. Lan Jingyi convinces his worried friend to just return it the next time they see the young mistress, and please Sizhui do not copy the rules over something like that, isn’t there a rule about not making penitence over a small problem.
Lan Sizhui concedes but still decides to send a letter to sect leader Jin explaining the situation. Lan Jingyi notices how his friend is truly distracted even after sending the message. Lan Sizhui usually takes one movement to block and fend the juniors at their daily practice, now he takes two, even three! He takes four additional minutes in his meditation session close to the secluded waterfall. He uses five extra minutes at kitchen duty!
Yes, those are little details Lan Jingyi quickly picks up only because they are close friends, but still, Jin Ling, you better send a response soon! Lan Sizhui looks conflicted for such a little confusion.
The day Jin Ling’s letter arrives, Lan Sizhui tries to contain his excitement and finishes his tasks half an hour earlier than usual. It’s a short letter but it makes him happy, and a bit nervous, to have a response from his friend.
“Dear Lan Sizhui:
I hope this message finds you well, thank you for your last letter and rest assured about the handkerchief, you can keep it as a promise to Night Hunt together on another occasion.
Could I ask in return for one of your talismans to light the fireplace of a room? I would like to replicate it for the colder months, I think your array is simple and effective.
Kind regards,
Jin Ling”
Lan Sizhui’s response includes five replicas of the talisman and receives a new letter in return, this time with a small gift: a dried pressed flower from the private collection from the Jin greenhouse.
More letters follow, containing small gifts and tokens. Jin Ling sends a sample of nectar processed with grids similar to the ones bees use, but with a craft method involving basic talismans and hours of meticulous work. Lan Sizhui makes his best effort so the confection that he prepares using some of the nectar is enjoyable. He's heard that their cuisine could be considered bland, so he uses an edulcorant and Wei-qianbei’s help to sample his first, second, and third batch of sweets. When he deems it syrupy and flavorsome, he sends it to Jin Ling. It’s all worth it when Jin Ling compliments his skills and asks for the recipe.
Letters go back and forth. Lan Jingyi makes a bit of fun in between, sends the equivalent in Lan Diplomacy of “if you hurt him I hunt you” to Jin Ling, but also just asks him to drop some letters for him too.
After some mandatory diplomatic messages between the sects, the Lan and Jin sects decide they will organize a joint Night Hunt in Jinlin Tai.
Three weeks before their joint Night Hunt, a golden butterfly arrives at Cloud Recesses. It passes in front of the Hanshi. Wei Wuxian tries to catch it, but it is as if the token speeds as soon as it notices his presence, making him pout.
It arrives at the Lan seniors section, and Lan Jingyi catches sight of the flying token with curious eyes. The little butterfly speeds and hits Lan Jingyi right on the forehead, before falling into Lan Sizhui’s hands, who was sitting by his side.
“Eh-! What was that for?” laments Lan Jingyi, even if it didn’t actually hurt him because the texture of the golden butterfly turned gooey and elastic to drop precisely into Lan Sizhui’s hands.
“Are you ok?” asks Lan Sizhui, bringing a caring hand to Lan Jingyi’s forehead, while holding the fluttering butterfly in his other hand palm. Lan Jingyi recognizes the trinket and is about to say something, when he sees the blush and worried expression on his friend's face, and just shakes his head fondly
“It’s ok, I guess I’ll leave you with the message,” says Lan Jingyi with a wink. He exits the room, deciding to leave Lan Sizhui to read his love message alone.
Lan Sizhui still feels a little shaken by the scene but recovers quickly to listen to the missive. He recognizes Jin Ling’s voice
"Dear Lan Sizhui:
I hope this letter finds you well. Recently, I found an old edition of a poetry book Lan Jingyi mentioned you have been searching for some time now. I could not send it with my recent missive, so I'm entrusting it to a merchant from Caiyi Town, who is in charge of delivering herbs to the Lan Sect's apothecary tomorrow.
Yours faithfully,
Jin Ling"
The next evening, Jin Ling waits for a response as he writes and corrects a long, repetitive report; the monotonous motions help to calm his nerves.
After a few hours, the butterfly returns, carrying Lan Sizhui’s response
“Dear Jin Ling:
It’s a great honor to receive such a valuable book from you, I can’t begin to express my gratitude. I will treasure it and I promise to comment on my favorite poems when we have the chance to meet again.
Yours faithfully,
Lan Sizhui”
Jin Ling feels heat on his cheeks and a feeling of floating in the air and has to lay down for some minutes in the divan next to his desk to recover from the words of his crush. There is no use to deny the growing feeling of fondness and affection he feels for Lan Sizhui. He just hopes it can be reciprocated.
Jin Ling is determined to make his best impression in their planned joint Night Hunt, and to arrange the assigned sections in a way that will allow him to have a moment alone with Lan Sizhui. With that idea in mind, he continues the preparations with renewed efforts.
After weeks of waiting and frequent gifts and letters, their joint Night Hunt arrives. Jin Ling shows his best diplomatic facade at the final arrangements. He's glad the weeks of preparation and the capable committee will allow him to participate. Jin Ling is assigned to the East section and, according to plan, bumps into the Lan and Jin juniors, who are receiving indications from Lan Sizhui.
The young man looks stunning under the moonlight, his pristine clothing compliments his elegant form and his long hair flows like dark mesmerizing curtains. This handsome picture, in addition to his gentle disposition and security, makes him a magnet for the juniors. Lan Jingyi is there too and has the nerve to stick his tongue at Jin Ling while Lan Sizhui is distracted. Jin Ling just rolls his eyes, but true to his word and previous arrangements, Lan Jingyi takes over directing a group of juniors, and one of the Jin cultivators takes care of the rest. Ji Mingmei, a bright senior cultivator, has enough energy to deal with Lan Jingyi’s antics and the questions of the juniors. It may be because she’s young herself, Jin Ling reflects.
After bidding farewell, Jin Ling and Lan Sizhui look at each other and try to break the silence at the same time. Lan Sizhui smiles at him and makes a reverence, which is stopped halfway by Jin Ling’s hastened hands.
“Ah, Lan Sizhui it’s ok, the Lan first disciple shouldn’t be so formal” mentions Jin Ling, making him stand upright again with a gentle hold.
“I- I’m sorry Sect Leader- Jin Ling!” says Lan Sizhui, blushing at his own faltering, but still smiling at the other boy.
“Jin Ling is ok, I mean- calling me that way is fine,” says Jin Ling “we are friends after all.”
The blinding smile Jin Ling receives in return makes his heart skip a beat. Determined to not make the situation more awkward, Jin Ling takes a deep breath and asks Lan Sizhui about how he has been, about his new bunnies, the classes he supervises, and his routine in Cloud Recesses. Lan Sizhui responds, adds a comment about the poem book, and asks in return about Fairy, about his last reunion with the Ouyang sect (Ouyang Zizhen is doing well), and about recent events and his general challenges as sect leader. Jin Ling asks if it’s ok for them to guard the limits of the Night Hunt so they can catch prey and watch over the most adventurous juniors.
They walk together to the limits, catch the prey they find in their way, and work in sync, matching their talents in the best way they can. Both can tell they balance and complement each other: Jin Ling shows his excelling performance in archery and Lan Sizhui’s ability to excel in different battle styles is remarkable.
“This one is humbled by sect leader Jin’s words” mentions Lan Sizhui with a soft voice and a bit of mischief, after receiving a compliment from Jin Ling.
“Lan Sizhui! Is Lan Jingyi such an influence?” teases Jin Ling back, feeling more relaxed around his friend.
Lan Sizhui giggles at the mock claim and Jin Ling lets himself fall a bit more for the first disciple of the Lan sect.
Their shared contentment gets interrupted when they hear a frail call for help. They rush to the place immediately.
“Liu Zheng!” exclaims Jin Ling, recognizing one of his younger disciples, whose leg is trapped under a big tree.
“Sect leader! Master Lan!” calls Liu Zheng, an expression of distress and fear evident on his face “Please help me!”
“I got you,” says Lan Sizhui, handling his arms carefully.
“I followed a prey and this dark matter appeared,” explains Liu Zheng, panting at the effort of moving away from the terrible trap. It looks like thick oil, crawling over the disciple’s legs.
“Stay still and take a deep breath,” says Jin Ling, taking a quick look at the dark marks that start spreading through his disciple’s now bare leg.
Lan Sizhui directs his gaze at Jin Ling and nods, coordinating an attack to the thick mass, careful not to hurt Liu Zheng. He makes his guqin appear with a swift movement. A direct hit from Jin Ling expels the dark matter, which is successfully hit by the flash of light Lan Sizhui sends from his guqin. It destroys it in an explosion of pieces while Jin Ling covers the junior.
The younger disciple gets bandages from a worried Jin Ling while he thanks them profusely. When Jin Ling considers the makeshift gauze is firm enough, they march back to the healers.
Neither notice the expression of pain that briefly passes Lan Sizhui’s face.
After they return to the camp, they make sure Liu Zheng gets an additional check from their camp healers. The disciple thanks them profusely before they part ways. Jin Ling tells him to rest and take note of the healer’s indications.
The banquet after the Night Hunt takes place with only minor incidents. The rapid tasks were handled readily by the older disciples and the organizers. Jin Ling has a hard time admitting it out loud, but Lan Jingyi did a notable job helping the juniors, as Ji Mingmei tells him. She apologizes profusely for letting the young disciple wander alone. Jin Ling gives her useful directions to improve and assures her that the dark energy was something unexpected and that they took care of it.
After clearing the important matters, he immediately focuses his attention on Lan Sizhui. He seems animated as he talks with Lan Jingyi and the junior disciples. He notices Jin Ling’s attention and gives him a short salute, making the young sect leader blush.
The banquet proceeds normally, and Jin Ling can’t wait to talk with his friend. He dismisses the guests as early as possible, under the excuse of giving them first-class wine and refreshments that they can share in their spacious rooms. He discreetly asks Lan Jingyi for the last favor of that night and gets him to handle the accommodations for the Lan Sect. Lan Jingyi asks Lan Sizhui to find an item in their room, and Jin Ling takes his chance, knowing that Lan Jingyi will stay with the juniors.
Jin Ling feels bad about following Lan Sizhui in secret, but he wants to surprise his friend. He notices a sudden crestfallen expression on Lan Sizhui’s face, and worries deeply. Is it something about the food? Is he feeling dizzy? Is he hurt? Jin Ling’s mind buzzes, but he tries not to get too worked up until he can actually talk with his friend.
When he watches him drop to his knees close to his assigned rooms, he runs immediately to help him.
“Jin Ling?” asks Lan Sizhui, blinking slowly as his friend supports his weight.
“Lan Sizhui, you need the healers! come with me,” says Jin Ling, as he makes him stand.
“I’m sorry, Jin Ling,” says Lan Sizhui. The pain blinds him momentarily, as he stumbles back and pants “I can feel there is a piece of that dark matter attached to me, I promise I will solve this-”
“Lan Sizhui! What are you-” starts Jin Ling, yet he grounds himself and realizes his friend needs his help, not a reproach, “at least let's get you in the room” retorts Jin Ling, helping Lan Sizhui reach the room and enter.
The spacious room has a big window with a view of the private gardens and a beautiful pond. He wanted it to be a surprise. He wanted to talk with Lan Sizhui until late, to give him more gifts, to be bold, and hug him. Now he’s just anxious about his friend’s health.
“Jin Ling,” says Lan Sizhui, looking at him with a weary expression, “I will rest and return to Gusu tomorrow.”
The sect leader directs Lan Sizhui to the bed so both can sit, “as if I will let you ride your sword in this condition,” says Jin Ling.
“I recognize the root of it,” says Lan Sizhui with difficulty “it’s ancient magic explained in old runes” he takes a deep breath, “I think I know how to deal with this curse...”
“Please tell me,” says Jin Ling.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a complex brew that needs the time of experts to prepare, a flower that grows in a remote land, an ancient creature’s feathers. I will find it for you.
Jin Ling cuts short his thoughts when he notices continuous bleeding from his friend's shoulder has stained his robes. Lan Sizhui’s words make him realize he should transfer energy to him, so he starts doing exactly that. Jin Ling’s distressed expression stirs something in Lan Sizhui, who doesn’t stop him.
“These old powers, once in your system they-” says Lan Sizhui, bringing one hand to his own chest and talking as if he’s reflecting on something, “they ask for a bond of the soul, it’s a spell that dissipates with the energy from a strong bond.”
“A bond? A familiar bond?” says Jin Ling.
Hanguang Jun is nearby, I know because Wei Wuxian told me in his last letter, should I call him? Or will it recognize my feelings? At least I can help him that way.
“Jin Ling, I’m sorry,” says Lan Sizhui with a conflicted expression.
Jin Ling listens in confusion to his friend’s apologies.
“I think- it notices my feelings for you” admits Lan Sizhui.
“Your feelings?” asks Jin Ling, as in reflex.
“Sect leader Jin, Jin Rulan, Jin Ling,” says Lan Sizhui “I enjoy talking with you, staying at Carp Tower and drinking tea in the evening, playing with Fairy and watching you smile at us.” He moves his hands closer as if reaching for Jin Ling. “Stargazing in the main garden a few minutes before the curfew, even if you insist that there is an exception here. That I can do it for you." Lan Sizhui adds, in a hopeful tone. "I value your company and treasure each moment in my heart. Jin Ling, I like you.”
Jin Ling feels excitement flows over his body and a rosy color paints his cheeks, following the feeling of Lan Sizhui’s fingertips touching his face.
“Please do not feel under the obligation to respond to my affections,” says Lan Sizhui, noticing he just moved by reflex, and pressing his hands together. He looks away with downcast eyes.
Jin Ling moves forward, throws his arms around Lan Sizhui, and holds him. He keeps giving him energy, now closer, brighter. Lan Sizhui gasps at the contact.
“Lan Sizhui, I swear if that curse still has some type of power over you even now, I will vanish it” grumbles Jin Ling “I like you too! I like you so much,” he says earnestly.
Jin Ling finds his hands, interlacing their fingers. They giggle in an outburst, nervous but finally realizing the implications of their confessions. Both stay close and suddenly, a harsh-sounding murmur fills the air between them. The sound vanishes in the blink of an eye.
Jin Ling looks at Lan Sizhui with worry, but the other man sets his mind at rest.
“It’s gone! Jin Ling, it’s gone!” says Lan Sizhui while cupping his cheeks and giving him a soft kiss on his forehead “Thank you.”
They keep warm in each other’s embrace, as if not wanting to let go. Jin Ling thinks like he’s the one feeling dizzy now. He’s still processing that his crush likes him too! And that he gave him the long-awaited hug he wanted!
After some minutes, Jin Ling watches in surprise as Lan Sizhui drops to his side of the bed, closes his eyes, and starts snoozing.
He told me about being surrounded by bunnies while growing up, but why does he sleep just like one? He just flops to the side and sleeps!
Lan Jingyi is familiar with Koi Tower’s halls by now, yet he advances slowly through them. He doesn’t want to interrupt his friend’s date, but Hanguang Jun wasn’t easily fooled and asked for Lan Sizhui’s presence when he arrived at their assigned section. Wei-qianbei tried to dissuade him, but they compromised on the young man giving them a report at the least.
“Lan Zhan, we can check on him tomorrow!”
“He should be here, taking care of his assigned tasks with the junior disciples.”
“Aiya! Jingyi, we will take over now, please find Sizhui so he can give us a short report”
“Mm.”
He takes a glimpse of the room and finds his friends sleeping peacefully. They are hugging each other in the big fancy bed.
“Finally!” thinks Lan Jingyi, looking at the blush on the cheeks and intertwined fingers of both men.
“But what should I say to Hanguang Jun now?” laments Lan Jingyi.