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Wei Ying knows things change. Life changes, your body changes, people and relationships change. It’s all a normal thing, he can’t always expect something to stay the same no matter how much he wishes for it. This is why he often wanders if anyone truly saw a change in him, that this approach of his has never been anything new but simply a side he always possessed. That deep down, this is something that he had been holding back in order to keep the peace.
With the many times he’s had to teach that peacock a lesson, showing the side of protectiveness that came surging from within him the moment a distasteful word or snooty behavior comes from Jin Zixuan. Not once hesitating to come to the defense of his Shijie, the woman who he adored and would do anything for. The one who cared so deeply for him even through every mistake, endured three months of his absence and rejoiced at his reappearance.
Even Jiang Cheng, who usually grumbles and fusses over small things, practically yelling his ear off about how reckless he could be is happy to see him.
The chill of the burial mounds had crept into his bones, rattling his whole body in shivers and trembles. Wishing and longing to return to the arms of his loved ones, to feel the warmth of an embrace and the beating of their heart in his ear. To have it now is all he could ask or want, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Not even if someone had to pry it from his cold dead hands.
There is no time for a proper family reunion, not when there is a war still at large now that Wen Chao and his dog are dead. With the two sons of Wen Ruohan no longer at his disposal, this gave the four main sects the advantage to proceed and put an end to this reign of blood and war.
Wei Ying stifles a yawn as he barely listens to the strategic meeting of the main four sect heirs and leaders in the Unclean Realm. He stands ideally by, twirling Chenqing between his fingers, eyes studying the room closely. Nie Mingjue’s deep voice echoes within the small room, along with several other voices but whatever they were speaking about matters little to him. Jiang Cheng is busy actually listening when in their youth the Jiang sect heir could care less about listening in on such boring meetings.
Now here he is doing the thing that he hated but even Wei Ying can’t help but be proud of the growth and maturity level of his didi. How Jiang Cheng is morphing into the Sect Leader he is meant to be, what he had strived to be.
This showed just how fast times have changed, how people change with time and circumstances.
A circumstance that makes Wei Ying’s heartache as Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng have to maneuver within this new world all on their own, no one to further guide them the way they needed. Left with only each other and Wei Wuxian.
From across the room, he locks eyes with Lan Wangji who returns his state with his stone-cold eyes. If looks could kill, and they definitely could, he would be on the floor right now.
Meeting Lan Wangji again is almost awkward. While it is true that their relationship is, as Wei Ying describes, a blurry line between friendship and hate. That second young master is surely unpredictable but even Wei Ying finds it fun to figure out what is going on within that head of his. Try to read him the way that Lan Xichen does, to understand how the esteemed Hanguang-Jun worked as if he is some puzzle to be solved. It is a long yet worthy task that Wei Ying has taken upon himself.
The meeting ends sooner than he expects, being the first to leave with Jiang Cheng trailing behind him. They converse on simple matters more about Wei Ying than the meeting. With his newly acquired cultivation, it isn’t a surprise that questions and even suggestions would find their way creeping up within the mouths of cultivators.
Finding Lan Wangji speaking with Jiang Yanli is strange. It isn’t that he never speaks with other people, hardly but words come out if necessary. To see him speaking with a woman, his shijie sent thoughts running through his head. Even with the unreadable expression on Lan Wangji’s face, he could still recognize a shift, from that cold exterior to something softer.
When has Hanguang-Jun been soft to anyone like this? Certainly no one besides those close to him like Zewu-Jun.
“Lan Zhan, what were you telling shijie?” Wei Ying asked, stepping from around the corner.
He hadn’t known much of the conversation but seeing the pair together like this is enough for him to become curious. Lan Wangji is the first to look up, locking eyes with the other male in front of him.
“Wei Ying—“
“A-Xian, Lan Er-Gongzi was just responding to my request,” Jiang Yanli says, giving Lan Wangji a soft smile.
Lan Wangji nods in response, tension leaving his form. “Xiaojie can always count on me.”
Even with that cold icy stare, Wei Ying swore there is a hint of something soft beneath those eyes.
Wei Ying clears his throat, pulling Lan Wangji’s gaze from her. “Thank you for helping my shijie Lan Zhan, I appreciate it.”
“I will be on my way now. I would hate to hold you up any longer. Thank you again Lan Er-Gongzi.” Jiang Yanli gives a curt bow, taking a quick glance at Wei Wuxian before departing.
Both men watch as she leaves, sees the gentle smile that is directed towards the two of them. Jiang Yanli is always a friendly woman, a kind and gentle soul. Thoughts couldn’t stop themselves from creeping into his head. Why was Lan Zhan looking at her like that? What request did Shijie have that needed Lan Wangji’s assistance?
“I really do mean it, Lan Zhan. Whatever you’re helping shijie with, thank you. After everything that’s happened, she deserves the best.”
It had been three months since Lotus Pier and while time heals wounds, it did nothing to soothe the ache in Jiang Yanli’s heart. Deep down he blames himself for making her worry more with his disappearance. Who knows how many sleepless nights she’s had or how often he weighed heavy on her mind, wondering whether he was alive or dead.
She didn’t deserve the stress and anxiety. Not when there are so many other things she had to worry about. He should not have been one of those things.
“From what Wei Ying has mentioned, I see why you think so highly of her.”
Wei Ying smiles fondly, pleased by Lan Wangji’s words. “I wouldn’t know what I would do without her. She deserves the world.”
“I wish to one day become better acquainted with her.” Lan Wangji said.
The statement has Wei Ying’s eyebrows raising, eyeing the other male. What exactly did he mean by becoming better acquainted?
Ever since that day, Wei Ying has noticed things have changed. Mostly Lan Wangji spending so much more time with Jiang Yanli than before. He has no problem with this of course, but it is an odd thing to witness. Usually, Lan Wangji avoided interacting with others unless he had to, not much of a socializer or talker but this seemed voluntary.
“Jiang Cheng, have you noticed Lan Zhan hanging around Shijie a lot more?” Wei Ying asked him, stopping in his tracks to watch the pair closely.
Lan Wangji and Jiang Yanli stood beneath one of the pavilions conversing about who knows what, the soft laughter from Jiang Yanli rings through the pavilion. Wei Ying watches the smile that finds its way to Lan Wangji’s lips.
Jiang Cheng follows the other’s line of sight seeing the two, “Yes I’ve noticed it myself but what about it? They are just talking. Don’t think so much about it.”
“How can I not think about it? It’s so weird seeing Lan Wangji like this. For as long as I’ve known him I’ve never seen him actually talk to people.” Wei Ying says.
Jiang Cheng resists the urge to say something sarcastic but rolls his eyes instead. He is reading into it far too much as always, but deep down he himself couldn’t stop the spark of curiosity.
“Jiang Cheng, I want you to be honest. How would you feel if Lan Zhan wanted to be with Shijie?”
The question catches him off guard, taking a moment to think over it. Admittingly, Jiang Cheng dislikes the thought of any other man having an interest in Jiang Yanli. It isn’t as if he necessarily opposes marriage, the opposite really, but ever since the engagement between her and Jin Zixuan had been dissolved, having her getting into another relationship has him weary. He only wants the best for her, it’s the least she deserved.
“I wouldn’t be opposed. Lan Wangji is a good man, I don’t doubt he would take care of her and treat her the way she deserves to be treated.” Jiang Cheng sighs softly, “I don’t think she needs to be in one right now. With the war going on and her last engagement, things need to be taken slowly and Lan Wangji has to prove himself for her.”
“At least he’s better than that peacock. Lan Zhan is the last person I’d want to punch just seeing his face.” Wei Ying chuckles, “I’m sure Lan Zhan will prove himself if he really does have an interest in Shijie.”
“That I can agree with,” Jiang Cheng said with his own laugh.
While he doesn’t know exactly why Lan Wangji is doing this, Wei Ying could give whatever this is a chance. If that meant Jiang Yanli finds happiness through him then that’s all he could ask for.
Wei Ying doesn’t expect to keep running into these little meetings between Lan Wangji and Jiang Yanli. It seemed entirely coincidental that wherever they were, he so happened to be there too.
There is nothing more awkward than walking in on two love birds conversing with one another about a topic that one he has no clue about and two has nothing to do with him. Having to apologize and explain himself is already awkward as it is but at least Jiang Yanli is understanding.
Other times he catches them both individually, searching around the Unclean Realm for one another. It just seemed once again convenient that he’s the one that runs into them first.
“Shijie? What are you doing?”
The soft breath left Jiang Yanli's body as she turned around, body going tense.
“Oh A-Xian, you startled me.” She says with a nervous chuckle. Wei Ying raises a questioning brow but it is quickly replaced with an apologetic look.
“I’m sorry for startling you Shijie. I saw you and I was just wondering what you were doing.”
“I was taking a little stroll that’s all.”
“In the direction of Lan Wangji’s room?”
Jiang Yanli bites at her lip, casting her eyes down at the ground. How would she be able to explain this to Wei Ying properly? This is all too suspicious, even her reaction and a sinking feeling finds its way to his stomach.
“Shijie..”
“I was going to make some soup for Lan Er-Gongzi. He looked tired today and I thought some soup would help him.” She explained.
She isn’t talking about making lotus rib soup right. The one that she personally makes for both Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng. She has never made it for anyone besides the three of them and hearing her say this sends his mind into a frenzy.
Did she really have an interest in Lan Wangji? Usually, Jiang Yanli did things out of the kindness of her heart because she is a sweet person. There is nothing but generosity behind her actions and she certainly didn’t want anything in return either.
So what did she hope to gain from making Lan Wangji soup?
“That’s very kind of you Shijie. I’m sure Lan Zhan will like your soup very much.” Wei Ying gives her a smile, even though there are words sitting on the tip of his tongue.
“Both you and A-Cheng like it so much. I know he might enjoy it too.” Jiang Yanli smiles fondly at her own words. “Is everything ok A-Xian? Did you need something?”
His first thought is to question her further but decides against it. He doesn’t know exactly what’s going on but he can only go off of his own intuition. Nothing is set in stone and maybe he is thinking too deep into this as Jiang Cheng said.
Wei Ying shakes his head, “No I’m alright. I don’t want to hold you up but it’s been a while since I’ve had your soup. You haven’t forgotten about me, have you Shijie?” He playfully pouts at her, placing a hand over his stomach. “I’ll die if I don’t get soup.”
Feeling the lightened atmosphere, she feels even less reserved. Taking one step closer to him and placing a gentle hand on his cheek.
“How could I ever forget about you A-Xian. I’ll make enough for the three of you. I’m sure A-Cheng would want some too.” She reluctantly removes her hand. Silence hung in the air, an odd thing between the two of them. “I should go make the soup.”
“I don’t want to hold you up.” He smiled, the sinking feeling returned to his stomach, but once again stuffed it down.
Jiang Yanli turns on her heel and walks away. Wei Ying holds himself together until she is out of sight, a heavy breath finding its release. How would he even begin to explain to himself that this is all strictly platonic and nothing more. The way she smiled thinking about Lan Wangji enjoying her soup and how adamant she is in doing it for him.
Wei Ying didn’t know what to think anymore but he has to push down the emotions that threaten to fester at the thought.
This is all about Jiang Yanli’s happiness, not his own. That’s what matters and it is all that matters.
It is not very often Wei Ying feels anything relatively negative. He is the type of individual who dwells on positivity even within dire and even hopeless situations. Anger, frustration, or the usual self-deprecating thoughts that found its way into his head, creeping in when he least expects. Besides these, other things fade as soon as they come. Feeling whatever it is he’s feeling at the moment for only a second before it’s replaced by his usual cheerful attitude. Jealousy isn’t one of those things.
It could be that in the back of his mind he can’t shake this nagging. Something telling him things that are obvious or further pushing the idea of where his feelings lie with a certain Lan. Wei Ying adores Jiang Yanli. She is one of the most important people in his life but jealousy had a funny way of twisting things.
“Wei Ying,”
The familiar-sounding voice pulls Wei Ying from his thoughts. Lan Wangji stood before him with one arm tucked behind his back, wearing his usual stoic face. He would never grow tired of that, finding it to be amusing.
“Did you need something, Lan Zhan? It’s been a while since you’ve come to me for things. I honestly thought you forgot about me.”
The laugh he gives is lower, less enthusiastic as it usually but it is too subtle to be noticeable.
“Why would Wei Ying say that?”
“It’s nothing don’t worry about it, Lan Zhan. What did you need?”
There is silence and a look thrown his way. Not very surprising. Knowing Lan Wangji, he doesn’t believe him.
“I came to ask an important question. There is someone who I wish to give a gift to but I am not sure what to give them.”
It is weird to hear these words come from him. Lan Wangji doesn’t get gifts for people often and if he did they were tailored to the recipient’s interest. Being observant helped in more ways than most would realize. Even though he is silent, there came great benefits.
But why would he be asking Wei Ying? Surely the great Hanguang-Jun could figure it out on his own so why ask?
“Depends on the person really. Knowing the person would help make giving gifts easier. So tell me..” Wei Wuxian shifts forward, “Who is the gift for?”
Silence. If it isn’t already obvious already. Wei Ying isn’t stupid. However, what he doesn’t expect is the faint red at the tip of his ears. Wei Ying’s eyebrows scrunch, eyes narrowing the slightest bit.
“I shouldn’t say..”
“I won’t know how to help you if you don’t tell me. That’s why you came to me, isn’t it? To help you with finding a gift?”
Lan Wangji nods his head the slightest bit, although he would rather keep the recipient a secret. Even though it isn’t much of a secret because he had turned to Wei Ying for help.
“It is for Xiaojie,”
“Shijie? You want to get Shijie a gift?”
Lan Wangji nods his head.
“Yes, but I am not sure what to give her.”
Silence sweeps over them once more. Wei Ying clenching his jaw hard enough to hurt, teeth grinding together uncomfortably.
“Do you have any ideas on what she could be interested in? I am not sure what she may like as a gift.”
“Shijie isn’t a complicated woman. Simple things will do fine.”
“So things like little trinkets would be fine then? Maybe even perfume or jewelry?” Lan Wangji says aloud, mostly to himself.
“It’s funny how you’re thinking so much into this.” Wei Ying grumbled under his breath. The briefest shift in his expression is visible.
Lan Wangji looks up and with a single glance picks up on the change in body language, “Is something wrong Wei Ying?”
“No nothing’s wrong.”
“I can tell something’s bothering you. What is it?”
“I said I’m fine, don’t worry about it, Lan Zhan.” Wei Ying holds back the surge of frustration and anger, having to grit his teeth.
“Wei Ying—“
“I said I’m fine. Now leave it alone Lan Wangji. Don’t you need to get your gift for my shijie? Why are you wasting time here.” Wei Ying snaps, gripping chenqing tight until his knuckle turned white. Before another word could be spoken, Wei Ying is already gone. Too afraid to hear the rejection and have his heart crushed into a million unmendable pieces. To save himself the heartbreak of a man that would never see him the way he wished to be seen.
It had been a week since Wei Ying had his little outburst with Lan Wangji. Thinking about it now the guilt of getting angry about a gift is childish. He is a grown man but he allowed himself to get his emotions all wrapped over that. It isn’t right to be upset at Lan Wangji for something he doesn’t even know about. To hold his jealousy against both him and Jiang Yanli but he can’t help it.
Knowing that he stood no chance is like a knife getting stabbed through his heart. The pain and heartache too much for him to bear. It is why he distances himself from Lan Wangji and puts on a mask for Jiang Yanli.
This little charade of his goes on for as long as it could. Wei Ying avoids places Lan Wangji is and any accidental run-ins are left with silence and Wei Ying makes a quick escape. He doesn’t even wonder how Lan Wangji feels about it but the face he pulls is enough for him to realize how unfair it must be. This isn’t an accident but merely Wei Ying avoiding his feelings and getting them crushed in the process.
It is not much of a surprise when Lan Wangli eventually gets fed up. Catching Wei Ying when he least expects it, tugging him into one of the rooms of the Unclean Realm.
“What do you need Lan Wangji?” Wei Ying asked, staring at him with an almost serious expression, currently crowded into a corner. Trapped between a wall and the body of Lan Wangji. What an unexpected position he is put in.
“Why have you been avoiding me?”
“I just am, why does it matter?”
“What do you mean why does it matter? This is the first time you’ve talked to me or looked at me.”
This wouldn’t be by his own free will. He is practically forced to confront a situation that he isn’t ready to deal with yet.
“Are we done here? If you don’t need anything then I will be leaving now.” Wei Ying moves to step away, to run and hide like he has been before but Lan Wangji isn’t having it. Shoving him back against the wall even if the other glares at him in response.
“Hey why are you—“
“Do you hate me that much? Are you fed up with me?”
That question stalls his next protest. His jaw snapping close with an audible click, enough to make himself inwardly cringe. It makes him stop and think about it. Does he really hate Lan Wangji? Of course, he doesn’t but there is a reason for all of this. Why Wei Ying is actively hiding from him, doesn’t dare speak or make eye contact. There is a reason.
“Did I do something wrong to upset you? Did I say something you didn’t like? Tell me so I can understand.” Lan Wangji says the tone is borderline pleading even if his eyes contradict it. But it’s enough to have Wei Ying questioning himself the tiniest bit.
“It’s not...It’s complicated.”
Complicated is surely an understatement. The answer is simple, quite obvious in fact but he couldn’t bring himself to tell him the truth. If he did, would Lan Wangji ever look at him the same way again?
“I want to understand Wei Ying.”
“I...”
Wei Ying has to turn his head to pull away from those eyes. The way he stared at him is unsettling, inching backward as the Lan stepped forward.
“Wei Ying,”
Lan Wangji’s voice goes soft. Almost too soft for Wei Ying’s liking but it has butterflies forming in his stomach. Stop that, he doesn’t like you that way, he thinks to himself.
“Why does it matter if I’m upset? Don’t you have other more important things to worry about?”
“What do you mean by other things?”
“Wouldn’t my Shijie be looking for you right about now? You two spend a lot of time together as it is and it’s obvious you care about her more than you do m—“
Shit, he isn’t supposed to say that.
“What? You really think I care more about her than you?” Lan Wangji asked a little more seriously, both confused and the slightest bit offended by his assumption.
“It’s obvious Lan Wangji. You two spend every moment together. You two are practically attached to the hip.”
“The only reason I have been with her is because I wanted to ask her advice on how I could get to know you better.”
“Get to know me better? Why would you want to do that?” Wei Ying asked eyebrows scrunched together.
“Because..because I wish to be closer to you than we already are.”
“I thought you hated me Lan Zhan.”
“At one point I did but now I’ve come to realize that I have feelings for you.”
“You—“ He began, finding himself forcing a laugh, “You must be joking right? Lan Wangji is actually joking for once”
“I’m not joking Wei Ying. I never joke.”
That is in fact very true so that means that Lan Wangji really must...
“That means you..”
“It means that I love you, Wei Ying.”
He doesn’t know what to say, having to swallow the lump in his throat. Did he really mean those words? Did Lan Wangji say it only to make him feel better? To let him hear what he wanted to hear?
Too deep in his head, Wei Ying missed Lan Wangji speak only watching his lips mouth unidentifiable words. Yet catches the shift in his expression, how those eyes stared him down and his eyebrows furrowed together, lips tightening into a firm line.
“Wei Ying? Did I say something wrong again?”
“Do you mean that?” Wei Ying whispers, casting his eyes down to the floor, couldn’t bear looking into his eyes.
“I do,”
“But how can you love someone like me?”
“Wei Ying. I can tell you many things I love about you. But what answer could I give that Wei Ying would not fight?” Lan Wangji cups Wei Ying’s face in a tender touch, “I do not need a reason to love you. Only a chance to prove how much I do.”
Wei Ying couldn’t believe his ears. This couldn’t be real. Having the man that he had grown to love, a man who had not lost hope even after his disappearance those three months in the Burial Mounds. What had he done to make him so lucky to have that very sane man here, hands cupping his face and spewing words of love. Everything felt so surreal yet his heart leaps with joy.
He couldn’t begin to gather his words with Lan Wangji leaning in and pressing their lips together in a gentle kiss. The sudden warmth of his lips caught him off guard, standing frozen while his brain tried to process everything.
It all happened so fast but it had been what Wei Ying had been waiting for as he returned the kiss. This kiss is everything he ever hoped for. The soft press of their lips, the way Lan Wangji held him close sliding his hands down to wrap Wei Ying in a gentle embrace. Time seems to stand still, stuck within this moment just the two of them. If he could stay like this forever then he would want to kiss Lan Wangji forever. The kiss ended as soon as it started, pulling back to stare into Lan Wangji’s eyes filled with love and adoration.
“Lan Zhan,”
“Yes, Wei Ying?”
“I’m sorry for getting mad at you. Now that I know why you were getting a gift for Shijie.”
“It’s ok, it was a misunderstanding Wei Ying.”
“I know but I still feel bad about it. I should apologize to Shijie.”
“If that is what Wei Ying needs to do then I will support you,” Lan Wangji rubs his back in small soothing circles, “but she will be glad to know everything worked out.”
“Yes, you’re right,”
“Shijie I’m sorry,”
Jiang Yanli stares in confusion as Wei Ying stood before her, leaning down in a low bow. She doesn’t know why he’s bowing to her like this as he rarely does around her. They had grown close and while Wei Ying was her Didi, she hardly ever treated him like one, almost akin to family.
“A-Xian, why are you apologizing?”
“I messed and got jealous of you because you were close with Lan Zhan. I thought you two were going to get close and by then I realized how I felt about him. I was scared that I would lose him and I’m sorry for my behavior towards you.” Wei Ying says with every ounce of sincerity.
Her face softens, gently cupping his face with her hands, tilting his head up to look at her. She had the warmest smile on her lips, making his heart lighter. His Shijie is the sweetest woman he has ever met, what did he do to deserve her.
“A-Xian,” She began, voice soft like her smile, “It’s ok. I didn’t mean for things to turn out this way. All I wanted to do is help you and Lan Er-Gongzi.” Jiang Yanli peeks over at the white-robed man behind Wei Ying, her smile brightening, “It seems that it came together in the end. Don’t beat yourself up over it ok?”
Wei Ying places his hand upon hers, leaning into her touch. All of his worries and fears melting away, replaced by love and contentment.
“You always know what to say don’t you Shijie?”
“I just know how you are A-Xian but I’m happy for you. You finally found your happiness and that’s all I could hope for.” Jiang Yanli said, casting a smile at Lan Wangji, taking Wei Ying’s hands in her own, “Now I hope he takes care of you because I will talk to him if he hurts you. No one hurts my didi and gets away with it.”
“I know Shijie won’t allow it but Lan Zhan will take good care of me. Right, Lan Zhan?” Wei Ying turns to Lan Wangji with a smile.
With a small smile, Lan Wangji nods. He would do anything for Wei Ying, even going above and beyond to do so. If he is happy then Lan Wangji is happy too and that’s all that matters.
“Glad that’s over with. I was getting tired of Wei Wuxian sulking over his crush.” Came Jiang Cheng’s voice, a look of distaste on his face. It doesn’t bother Wei Ying, all too familiar with that look to complain.
“Don’t be jealous Jiang Cheng.”
“Why would I be jealous of you?”
“I have someone like Lan Zhan and you don’t.” Wei Ying teased, holding onto Lan Wangji’s arm gluing himself to his side.
“Who would want someone like Hanguang-Jun. You can keep him, I’m fine by myself.” Jiang Cheng grumbled.
“Now A-Cheng, we should happy that A-Xian is happy now. It’s not every day someone finds that.” Jiang Yanli says with a soft chuckle, hearing the bickering between the two is like a breath of fresh air after everything that has happened.
“Don’t you want me to be happy Jiang Cheng? Shall I die alone like you?”
“I’m not going to die alone idiot.”
“Don’t worry A-Cheng. Your turn is coming soon. You are in good hands.” Jiang Yanli said with a wink, turning and walking away leaving Jiang Cheng confused.
Wei Ying held back his own laughter, knowing exactly what Jiang Yanli is implying. It is quite obvious that even if Jiang Cheng were to deny it, he too had his eyes on someone but it isn’t his place to tell.
“What is that supposed to mean? Wait a minute,”
“Isn’t it obvious Jiang Cheng? Now look who’s the dense one.” Wei Ying teased with a grin, “The truth is the truth. No need to get upset about it.” He practically cackled, narrowly dodging the smack thrown his way by Jiang Cheng.
“Wei Wuxian!”