Work Text:
This is a bad idea. A really bad idea. She should not be doing this. She should stop this. She should struggle and then withdraw from the hand holding hers so tightly as they run up the hills. But she finds out that she can’t. She can’t. She doesn’t want to. She doesn’t want to let go of the hand holding her because somehow, she felt safe. She felt…loved. Probably.
“ Come on, Lan Zhan! We’re so close to the top. “ says the person enthusiastically.
Instead of saying anything, she tightened her hold on that hand that’s seemingly slipping from her grasp due to the sweat coming from their joined hands.
The woman really have no idea how she got here. How this man got here. How is it that he’s taking her somewhere?
You see earlier, she had a bit of a quarrel with her uncle. It’s not a loud quarrel like what people usually does. It’s just that, she had a piled up frustrations towards her uncle. It came from the fact that her uncle doesn’t seem to appreciate her achievements no matter how high she already got. Poor Lan Zhan can’t help it anymore and she just decided to explode.
Again, it’s not a loud explosion. It’s a Lan Zhan’s way of explosion. Explosion being asking her uncle a question in a calm monotoned way, “ Have I not done enough? “ after Lan Qiren told her that she did well today but Lan Zhan still needs to do more.
Her Uncle didn’t seem angry though. He’s more surprised at the question. When he recovered, he told Lan Zhan that that’s not it at all. That Lan Zhan has done enough. It’s just that, she needs to become more excellent than how she is now.
But Lan Zhan wasn’t having it. She was tired to the core. She has been. For years. All her life she dedicated it only to please her Uncle. But now, she’s just really tired. Tired of the same line of, you need to be more excellent. You need achieve higher. And more of the sorts.
Lan Zhan then run away from their Mansion forgetting all manners as she bolt out barefooted. She run and run and run until she can’t hear her uncle calling her name anymore.
In all her life, she never did such a thing. She never complained even as a child. She merely do the things she was asked to do. Yet today, the dignified Lan Zhan kinda rebelled, running away with no slippers or shoes on her feet.
When she got tired of running away, she started to walk aimlessly. Good thing, there’s less people on the road. So only a few would see the directress of Cloud Recess Modelling Agency running with such get up.
The woman didn’t even realize that it is already night time as she stopped in a wide green field kneeling down clumsily. Afterwards, she raised her head to look up at the moon shining brightly in the sky.
She didn’t tear up per se. Not even when she was running away. She was taught not to cry because according to her uncle, excessive emotion is forbidden in the house. Therefore, Lan Zhan trained herself not to cry. And so over the years, it seems like she already mastered the aspect of not crying no matter how badly she wanted to.
A few moments have passed when she suddenly heard someone call her name. Turns out, it was Wei Ying. Wei Ying with his motorbike with him. His face painted something like relief as a wide smile crept up his face when Lan Zhan looked at him.
Reaching the top, the two pant harshly as their hands lean on their knees for support.
It didn’t take long before Lan Zhan can recover as she straighten up her body asking. “ Why are we here? “
Taking a deep breath, Wei Ying smiled as he replied, “ Well, you seem like you wanted to shout from the top of your lungs. So here we are."
“ Ridiculous. “ she said and was starting to go back the way they went but then Wei Ying stopped her. Her heart skipping a beat as she felt Wei Ying hold her once more. Though it was her arm this time.
“ Lan Zhan! Just give it a try will you? We already run this far. Do you really want that lost energy from running to go to waste? “
“Wei Ying, I am not capable of doing such a thing. “ and was once again trying to move away but Wei Ying tightened his hold.
“How do you know that you’re not capable of doing such a thing? Have you tried it before? I don’t think so! Why don’t you try it now? Surely there is a first time for everything, no? Come on! Give it a try. Please Lan zhan! For me?“ he says giving her that puppy eyes that never fails to make people agree to whatever he wants.
Seeing that, Lan Zhan decides to relent. Sigh. “ Alright. “
And then Wei Ying grinned in victory as he pulled Lan Zhan towards seemingly the edge of the hill. The world ahead of them seemingly small and beautiful as they witnessed the city lights.
“Yey! I’ll go ahead first. Watch me Lan Zhan okay? You have to watch me or else you will never be able to know how to do it. “ he says.
“ Mn. “ she replies though she finds this silly.
“Here I go! “ Taking a deep breath, Wei Ying cupped his mouth with both hands on the sides of his face shouting “ You all! How dare you make Lan Zhan sad! Just you wait! I’ll come taunt you during your sleep at night!!! “
Lan Zhan’s eyes widen at what she heard. “ Wei Ying.. “
“Haha don’t worry Lan Zhan. That’s just a sample. I really won’t haunt anybody. I promise. Anyways, it’s your turn now Lan Zhan."
Blinking, Lan Zhan recovered from being surprised. “ Mn. But, I would like it if Wei Ying would not look. “ she says and both of them went surprised at her words. After all, Lan Zhan has always been confident in everything she does and has no trace of shyness in her.
When it comes to Wei Ying though, there is always a feeling of nervousness inside of her whenever he do so much as look at her.
And Oh no. Wei Ying has that look of teasing in his face now.
Lan Zhan waited for the man to actually tease her. After all, after meeting Lan Zhan, he seemingly made her the target of all his teasing.
The woman was surprised though when his face changed showing her a soft smile. He then uttered an “ Your wish, is my command Lan Zhan! “ he then laughs when Lan Zhan uttered an “ Utterly ridiculous. “
It is utterly ridiculous because Lan Zhan is not that special to be treated with such reverence.
Walking a few steps away from Lan Zhan, Wei Ying then yelled a “ You can start now Lan Zhan! I’m no longer looking!"
The man didn’t hear any response from her but he heard some noises of shuffling coming behind him. She must have been finding the right position or angle before she shouts. Typical of Lan Zhan.
Wei Ying waited quite excited to hear how a Lan Zhan would shout. He never heard her shout ever since they met. Though, there was one time she got so close to shouting at Wei Ying. The man can’t help but smile at the memory.
He put his full attention, anticipating to hear from Lan Zhan. But then a few moments have passed and he still haven’t heard anything.
‘ Ah, she must’ve been taking her time. ‘ he thought and he waited some more.
But then, a long silence was what followed next making Wei Ying panic because what if Lan Zhan jumped down so quietly and that that is the actual reason of why she suggested he should not look.
Thankfully, before he can call Lan Zhan’s name, he suddenly heard her ask, “ Is it necessary to shout? “
Aiya, this silly adorable woman.
It would be disappointing not to hear her shout. But that is the least of Wei Ying’s concern as of now. Right now, Lan Zhan needs to release her feelings and not bottle it all up like what she usually does. And how does he know that? It’s quite simple! Wei Ying has been looking after all. He’s been looking at her so closely ever since the moment she captivated him with her very existence.
“ Silly Lan Zhan, of course it is necessary to shout! “ he says just because he loves to tease her. And then he laughs internally when he thought he heard Lan Zhan sigh again. But since Lan Zhan isn’t the normal happy though blank faced Lan Zhan , he decided to cease fire with his teasing. “But don’t force yourself Lan Zhan. This is your first time after all. Try doing it at your own pace! “
He then heard a small “Mn. “
There was another pause before he heard the woman speak again. Though this time, the first line made Wei Ying’s heart hurt he wants to cry. “ Have I not done enough?
Are the things I have accomplished goes continually inadequate before your eyes? “
Wei Ying felt that this is too personal for him to have a free reign in listening. Lan Zhan, he noticed is also seemingly trying to speak in a whisper, as if she is ashamed to speak such words out loud. He wants to reach out for his earphones and phone just to prevent himself from hearing the woman’s words.
But as she continues to speak, he realizes that he doesn’t want her to be alone. That he wants to have a share in the burdens of her heart. This, he thinks is the least he can do to help her lighten the weight in her heart.
“ Uncle, I.. I am weary. I am aware that you mean well. Yet, as of today, I am afraid I.. sigh.
Forgive me, Uncle. I have come to realize that I can not be the perfect child you want me to be. “ and then Wei Ying heard a soft sniff. Oh oh..
“ I am no perfect Lan Zhan, Uncle. Only someone who tries the hardest. Nevertheless if this goes on, I am afraid I would no longer be able to meet your expectations. What of it then? What would I be after I failed to make you proud? “
A gasp came out of Lan Zhan as she felt someone tug her arm, and then pulls her in an embrace. Turns out, it was Wei Ying who can no longer stand aside while Lan Zhan is hurting.
"Wei Ying?"
“The heck is that! Of course you can’t be perfect all the time, Lan Zhan! *Sniffs* you’re only human after all! He may be the one to raise you but remember that that’s just because he chose to take care of you! You’re not obligated to meet his expectations of you. You’re already excellent as you are. You’ve managed and achieved so many things and you’re just in your mid twenties! “ The man said as he hugs her more tightly.
“ Wei Ying..”
“ Only a few people your age would be able to achieve what you’ve achieved right now. So please Lan Zhan, don’t punish yourself just because of this. I understand that he’s your uncle and you want to please him. But don’t forget this Lan Zhan. You’re a human not a robot. “
The woman felt touched at what the man just said, making her let out rivers of tears. She pushes her head to the crook of the man’s neck as she cried, though she held in the sob that has been wanting to let out.
Wei Ying must have noticed it because he said. “ You don’t have to hold back, Lan Zhan. It’s just me not Lan Qiren. You can cry out loud as much as you want. “
And then and there at exactly nine pm, Lan Zhan finally cried aloud for the first time in her life.
..
When Lan Zhan calm down, they sat close to each other still hugging. Then suddenly, she realize how she made a mess of the man’s shirt with her tears. It made her abruptly withdraw from the hug. Said man looked at her confused. “ Lan Zhan? “
Feeling embarrassed, she utter as she looks away saying. “ Apologies Wei Ying. “
“ What are you apologizing for? “
“ Your shirt..” she said as she looked down to the wet part of his red sweatshirt. Over his shoulder on the right. The man also looked down to where she was looking and said. “ Oh, it’s wet now! Aiyo.. what am I gonna do now Lan Zhan? Poor me. I guess I should just go home with a wet shirt then. “
Lan Zhan looks guilty at that and she doesn’t know what to do. Wei Ying laughs at her reaction and said. “ Don’t look so guilty, Lan Zhan! People might see and think that I’m bullying you. haha It’s fine, it’s fine! You did nothing wrong. Don’t worry about it. It’ll dry in no time.“ then he winked at her making her ears blush.
She chose to ignore it though because she needs to ask the question she’s been wanting to ask ever since Wei Ying found her. “ Wei Ying, how come you are here? Visiting someone? “
“Huh? What do you mean I was visiting someone? “
Confused, Lan Zhan tilt her head. Why was he here then? It can’t be that he was searching for her right?
But then it was as if the man can hear her thoughts because he continued saying. “ Silly Lan Zhan! Of course I came here to find you! You see, Xichen ge called me hours ago inquiring if you’ve been to my place. He said you had a small fight with your uncle and you run away. Of course I would help in searching for you. “
Hearing that, Lan Zhan’s eyes widened. “ You.. you searched for me? “
“ Aiya, what do you expect me to do then? Stay at home knowing you might be in danger somewhere? “
That made Lan Zhan put on a tiny smile on her lips. “ Many thanks, Wei Ying. “
The man blushed at that. Arghh. No matter what, he just don’t think he’ll get used to Lan Zhan’s smiles. Regardless of how small it can be.
Waving a hand to hide his blush, he said. “ No need to thank me. Besides, I have an ulterior motive anyways haha. Since you know, I’m your suitor.''
Lan Zhan’s ear blush hearing that. Oh, speaking of. She almost forgot that this man is actually courting her.
After Lan Zhan found Wei Ying at the bar, she never thought she would meet the man again. But things happened and their paths crossed once more.
The man was a famous model himself while she is a directress of a Modelling Agency. So it is possible that they would eventually meet one way or another.
What she doesn’t expect to happen in reality (because she might have or might have not dreamed of it happening ) was Wei Ying asking Lan Zhan if he can court her. She haven’t even said anything but the man took her silence as a yes. This time seems to be the right time to clear things out.
“Wei Ying.“
“ What is it? “ he says with his usual bright smile making Lan Zhan feel guilty of the words she will say next.
“ I would like to clear things out. “
“ Oh? That sounds serious! Okay, what is it? “ he inquires.
“ I would like to apologize for.. misleading you. “
“ Misleading me? How? “
“ Your courting… I have not agreed to it. “ Lan Zhan said with difficulty.
Blinking, Wei Ying can only utter an “ Oh.. oh.. “ biting his lower lip “ then, is this your way of rejecting me, Lan Zhan? “ he said looking away from her with a sad countenance.
“ No! I.. Wei Ying, that is not it.”
“ It’s fine, Lan Zhan. Who am I anyways, right? I’m just Wei Ying. Stupid of me to actually think I’d have a chance to be with you. I’m just me. A chaotic, troublesome man and you’re Lan Zhan. A perfect, dignified, untouchable woman. I should just be content to have been able to see you face to face and be able to speak with you and be friends with you. I must be delusional. Delusional because I actually believed you would look at me that way..”
“ Wei Ying! “ shouts Lan Zhan making the man startle and look at her. Finally, he heard her shout.
Sigh "It is not that. Wei Ying you.. I am.. I am the one who does not deserve you. “
The man scoffs and was going to speak when Lan Zhan raised a hand.
“ Wei Ying, I ask that you hear me out first. Please. “
“Fine. Go ahead. “
“ Words are not enough to describe the joy I felt when you offered to court me. That is why it took me longer to answer. “
“You were happy? But why are you rejecting me?“
“With the happiness comes the fear that maybe.. you are merely playing with me. “
Hearing that, Wei Ying looked scandalized as he uttered, “What? Lan Zhan, I would never! I truly love you with all my heart! “
Closing her eyes, Lan Zhan took a deep breath and then spoke again opening her eyes. “ I know. I deeply apologize for thinking so. There is one more thing. “
“And that is? “
It took a moment before Lan Zhan gave him an answer saying, “ I vowed to myself that I will not have a relationship with any celebrity. Regardless of their profession. “
Hearing that, it is Wei Ying’s time to close his eyes.
“I am someone you do not want to be with Wei Ying. I do not want to share you with a lot of people. A few is fine. But not half of the population in our country. “
Releasing a shaky breath, Wei Ying can only say, “ Lan Zhan…”
Feeling her eyes water, she decided to stand up as Wei Ying raised his head to look up at her, not hiding away the tear that flowed down his cheeks. Lan Zhan did not look at him though and was going to take off the shoes that Wei Ying lent her earlier. When she heard Wei Ying ask her. “ Lan Zhan, did you at least felt something for me? “
“ It is of no importance, Wei Ying. “
“ The hell it doesn’t! “ Wei Ying shouts as he stand up and grab her arm. When he look at her he is surprised to see a tear flow down her cheek. “ Oh.. oh... “ Is the only thing he can utter.
She withdraw from him without struggle since the man’s hold on her loosen after seeing her cry. She then said “ We should go. “ And started walking back towards the down hill.