Chapter Text
There was nothing more surreal than staring at the painting he made being hung in the gallery. This is nothing new to Lan Xichen ahd displayed some of his artworks on his gallery or donated them to some establishment, auctioned for charity even however this one particular painting is his master piece, it’s something very personal for him. The painting depicts a large stage inside a theatre and in the middle of the stage is a dancer, his white and lilac robes are flowing along with his movements, the dancer’s face is concealed only the side portion of his face can be seen adding more mystery into him. The dancer’s hand is outstretched reaching for something only he could see. Lan Xichen came up with this idea ever since he got interested in painting this image that kept appearing in his dreams, he could vividly hear the sound of applause, the music and the graceful movement of the dancer, the face that he couldn’t make out or forgotten everytime he wakes up. When he was learning how to paint he had recreated this over and over again to achieve it’s perfection.
This painting is once shown on his anniversary exhibition, it was rare for this piece to be displayed everyone knew that. Lan Xichen kept it to himself despite the offers he received from some people. That’s why he can’t blame the current manager of Hanshi Lou Qingyan for being surprised when she saw the piece because even though the Lans owned this gallery this piece had been ever shown here only once and now Lan Xichen is willingly offering to have it displayed.
“Are you sure about this?” Lou Qingyan asked as she finalised the instructions of mounting the painting into the wall. “I know this is a personal piece, I am quite surprised you wanted to display it here” she waved her hand gesturing for the workers to properly align the frame.
Lan Xichen hummed, hands buried inside the pockets of his trench coat and nodded “Yes, I.. I think people deserves to see it, it’s probably the last piece they will see from me too” he turned to look at her “I would appreciate it if you look after it”
“Mr. Lan.. “ She frowned a little and Lan Xichen shook his head looking back at the painting, one of the workers placed the title of the piece on top of the canvass.
First Audience
“By the way congratulations Ms. Lou, I heard about it” Lan Xichen glanced at Lou Qingyan’s wrist.
“Oh.. “ She raised her hand and chuckled “thanks, it was still unbelievable that I met him” she slowly rubbed the inked words around her wrist with her thumb affectionately. “I didn’t believe about soulmates until it happened to me, I used to think it was such nonsense”
“I can’t blame you on that, Not everyone gets to meet their fated one, probably thirty percent or even less were actually successful on ending up together too.”
Lou Qingyan nodded “Guess I’m part of the thirty percent then? Its just hard to imagine that the first words of your fated person get inked into your skin and what if you said something stupid?” she chuckled before she showed him her wrist “See.. His first words were ‘Do you know where I can find this?’ he showed me a photo of a store and my first words to him were an address... An address Mr. Lan”
Lan Xichen smiled at that “Well it’s gonna serve as a good memory to look back at.”
“True though” She smiled and crossed her arms.
They were silent for a moment just looking at the painting but when Lan Xichen heard Lou Qingyan took a sharp breath he followed the direction of her gaze.
His wrist.
“Are you part of the thirty percent?”
Lan Xichen shook his head lifting his wrist up “No I.. I already had this since I was born”
“Really?! I haven’t heard of anything like that before.”
“We couldn’t figure out what it said until I got older, very strange case but I’m pretty certain I haven’t met my soulmate” Lan Xichen replied and smiled a little before turning to face her.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what did it say?”
Lan Xichen nodded extending his hand to show her the inked words around his wrist.
“You are my very first audience” Lou Qingyan murmured before her eyes widened and turned to look at the title of the painting then to Lan Xichen. “Taken from that inspiration I guess?”
“You could say that”
“Are you.. You don’t really have a plan of coming back? Its been four years”
Shaking his head he glanced at the painting one more time “I don’t think so, I haven’t improved myself all these time being in secluded, I think I need a proper break”he gestured at the painting “I just need to find a new home for it now, thank you so much Ms. Lou” Lan Xichen nodded.
“It’s not a problem”
“I’m going now” Lan Xichen made a small bow before he could change his mind about the painting and he made one last glance on it before he started walking away. Taking a deep breath and shaking his head slightly he left the gallery, it would probably be a while for him to visit again. Once he finally made it to the main entrance he nodded at the guard working in there and he walked down the set of stairs towards the street, there should be a bus stop a few blocks away since unfortunately he weren’t able to use his car, the thing is not starting probably from the lack of care and un use for the last four years. He took a cab this morning but as he walked he was contemplating if the bus would be a good idea or if he should just find a taxi. However his musings were interrupted when something caught Lan Xichen’s attention.
In the middle of the street there were a crowd of people gathering, paramedics and police cars were also in the vicinity.
Did someone got into an accident?
Poor soul.
His gaze shifted into the pavement, frowning a little at the commotion but when his eyes lowered down and saw a glimpse of blood on the pavement his hands trembled, taking a step back as onslaught of memories came rushing back on his mind, taking a deep breath he looked up and saw a man that was across the street, but he wasn’t staring at the commotion. Instead he was starting directly at Lan Xichen, his gaze were intense like he was being pinned down by it. The man is also handsome wearing a black button up shirt and a light purple coat is draped on his shoulder, holding up a black umbrella, they stared at each other for a while until the ambulance passed by and once the vehicle left the man is also gone.
Lan Xichen felt a shudder on ran on his back, blinking as he looked around searching for him but he weren’t there anymore. Confused and frowning a little he proceeded on his way and decided to just ride a taxi back home.
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After arriving to his apartment Lan Xichen sat down the couch and took a deep breath, it’s been so long since the last time that he left his house, managing everything through the comfort of his home, his work which only lessened the longer he was away specially when his brother took over being the headmaster of the Cloud Recesses art school. After the whole incident with Jin Guangyao and Nie Mingjue he had been secluding himself and refused to paint again or even attend the school he loves so much, his name and reputation was dragged down, he wouldn’t be a good example to the student and he couldn’t look at their faces knowing what he did. He lost motivation to paint and each time he looked at the blank canvass he would see Nie Mingjue’s face on it, the paint would turn into red just like Jin Guangyao’s blood on his carpet, It’s been four years but every time he held a brush his hands wouldn’t stop trembling, it’s not the hands of an artist anymore. There are moments where he feels suffocated in his own home, it had dark memories and it’s too painful to bear but he couldn’t go anywhere even if sometimes he just wanted to escape to be--
Thud.
Lan Xichen blinked and looked down at the table, his messenger bag fell on the floor spilling the contents of it. Seeing his phone he crouched, picking it up but before he could unlock the screen he saw an unfamiliar item on the floor.
It was an envelope.
He didn’t recall having it, or receiving one either. setting his phone down the table he picked up the envelope and started inspecting it. There was nothing written on the outside and it was sealed with a purple wax with what seems to look like a lotus insignia. Curious he sat down and opened the envelop taking out a card he read the contents.
Greetings Mr. Lan
If you are seeking for a fresh start and be at peace come and visit Lotus Pier. You might find what you have been looking for, and be reborn again.
-Jiang Wanyin.
Confused Lan Xichen picked up another smaller card where the address and contact information is listed. He haven’t heard of this place before, did it recently open while he was secluded? he frowned a little. Perhaps this is a scam? Where could this letter come from? It was specifically addressed to him and he didn’t remember booking anything since he had been staying on this house even though – wait, he was just thinking about leaving earlier and the timing of the letter is... strange.
Looking at the contact number Lan Xichen dialled it and waited for a while, it was picked up by what sounds like a young girl.
[Hello?]
“Uh.. Hi, This is Lan Xichen. Um I saw an invitation with my name on it I just wanted to say that I didn’t—”
[Ah, Mr. Lan! Yes you are already booked!]
“No, that’s why I called because I didn’t book for anything. There seems to be a mistake?”
[There is no mistake in your record sir, your booked at exactly 1:27 pm that was an hour ago]
Confused Lan Xichen stood up and looked around his place trying to piece things together. “Who booked me?” There was a few seconds of silence in the air before she spoke.
[Mr. Lan]
Lan? Lan Wangji? Is that why he was trying to call earlier? Picking up the card he looked at it again thinking for a while “I see.. Thank you then” he hangs up and placed the phone down, thinking for a while as leaned back on his couch. He brought up the card and read the contents once again.
You might find what you are looking for.
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The next day Lan Xichen found himself packing his things, he thought about it the whole night and finally made up his mind about it. It could probably be the message on the card that spurred him to go or just the will to escape this place. Lan Xichen didn’t know and he would have to find it out.
Taking his things with him he used his car thankfully it decided to start and work with him as he drove to the address that was written in the card. It was a four hours drive and the longer he rides the scenery changed further into more trees and grassland. It seems that the place is tucked far from the main city and for a moment he thought he had gotten lost but once he saw a wooden sign on the tree, the name ‘Lotus Pier’ is carved out and an arrow pointed ahead of him he was relived and continued driving until he finally saw the gate.
It was a two large wooden gate and the name Lotus Pier is displayed in the archway, when Lan Xichen’s car approached it the gates automatically opened and he drove inside, wondering why there was no other cars outside. Perhaps they didn’t have much of a guest? parking his car he turned the engine off and walked out to pick his bag before looking around. He was expecting to see a huge establishment, he wasn’t sure what Lotus Pier was at first but he thought it could be a guest house? Resort? But it definitely wasn’t the case seeing that he only spotted one small cottage surrounded by a man made pond, this is too small if this is the place, did someone made a prank on him? Sighing he decided standing wouldn’t answer these questions and he decided to cross the bridge and walked inside the cottage, he realized that it was more of a lounging area.
There was a couch, table and counter however no one was around. Seeing the bell he reached out and pressed it, the chime echoed in the entire room. Suddenly a head popped behind the counter giving Lan Xichen a small fright as he took a step back.
“Goodness!”
The girl finally stood up, from what he could see she was young and probably the one he spoke with to the phone, the counter is too big for her that Lan Xichen could only see her from the chest up while she was standing.
“You must be the painter right?” she propped her self on a chair and now Lan Xichen saw the green dress she was wearing, and she had a green outer robes too, it seems like a mix and match of modern styled clothes and hanfu. he took a closer step when she pushed the log book towards his direction. “please put your name, time of arrival and date” she handed him a pen and also a small basket and Lan XiChen raised a brow at this.
“Put your car keys here, phone, tablet, watch.. Whatever devices you brought with you” she added.
“My phone?”
“You heard me once, you aren’t deaf right? ” She raised a brow and huffed.
Lan Xichen was speechless at the rude behaviour, and could not help but think what kind of service is this? But he hesitantly followed her instructions anyways and started signing the log book.
"A-Qing, stop offending our guest"
Lan Xichen glanced at the side and saw another boy, wearing a blue shirt and black pants. He also had a blue outer robe, it seems to be a theme in the employees.
“Desk job is not really my thing” she muttered.
The boy gave A-Qing a disapproving stare before turning to Lan Xichen "I apologise for that, My name is Jingyi" he walked towards him and gave him a small bow.
“It’s alright” Lan Xichen nodded.
“Well as she said you don’t have to worry about your personal belongings it will be safely stored. If you need to contact someone you can do it now, we just don’t allow photos or any videos” Jingyi explained “This is for your own sake as well, if you got the invitation card this place mostly is for people who wanted to relax and escape from the world outside.”
Lan Xichen looked at them for a while before taking out his phone he sent a quick message to his brother detailing his location and his situation. After it was done he went and completed to sign the log book and deposited his things on the basket.
“Thank you, please follow me and let me take care of that” Jingyi grabbed his luggage and carried it, surprised at how easily he handled it as he walked leading him further into the room and Lan Xichen followed after him. Once they crossed the door they passed a dark hallway and Jingyi opened another door at the end of it and once they were out Lan Xichen’s eyes widened at the sight. There was a large lake surrounded by Lotus flowers, a small wooden pier, where a boat is also located.
“Wait.. How.. “ Lan Xichen looked back, confused as he followed Jingyi. He never saw a lake when he arrived after all. It would be impossible to miss with how big this is.
“Beautiful right?” Jingyi said as he led him towards the boat, he placed his luggage into it and Lan Xichen joined him, making himself comfortable as Jingyi started to paddle where Lan Xichen could now see in the distance that there was another compound, much bigger that was located across the lake, The name 'Lotus Pier' is proudly displayed in the archway as well the same one on the gate. Lan Xichen was amazed to see it as they neared place. Once they arrived Jingyi led him inside urging him to follow as he carried his luggage showing him around, though Lan Xichen noticed that there weren’t much people and he only spotted a few guest in the courtyard.
“There aren’t much people.. “ He murmured to himself however Jingyi heard him.
“They are mostly asleep during this time of the day” he glanced at him before he started speaking again. "This is the main compound, your room is located on the west wing" he pointed while carrying his things.
“Thank you for showing me around you are such a dedicated worker, I’ll surely give good words to your manager” Lan Xichen smiled at him as they made their way towards his room.
He heard the young man chuckle “Oh, I’m the general manager” Jingyi smiled at him.
“... What?” Lan Xichen blinked and stared at the boy, surprised from hearing that specially since Jingyi looked too young “Uh.. Im not sure if I heard right”
Jingyi chuckled “Im the general manager, okay I know you are shocked but I’m older than I look” he shrugged and continued walking along the corridor.
“I thought its Jiang Wanyin?” Lan Xichen asked looking around.
“Ah he is the owner” Jingyi stopped in front of a door and set his luggage down before he pulled out a key, he opened the door and went inside setting the bags down the bed. Lan Xichen followed and looked at the room that was given to him it was huge and very comfortable, there was a large window where he can view the rest of the lake and the colors were mixed of warm tones that he appreciated. He paused when he saw an open space on the left corner of the room which is filled with unused canvass and an easel. This made him pause, surprised as to how they prepared even this for him. Though he wasn’t sure if he would use it anyways.
“He decorated this room by himself, the owner I meant” Jingyi said noticing Lan Xichen’s gaze towards the canvass.
“He shouldn’t have to.. “ Lan Xichen murmured.
Jingyi handed him the key to his room “Well we like to cater the needs of our guest and make them comfortable as much as we could, we want their stay to be memorable here”
“I see.. “
“oh by the way when you are done unpacking the owner wanted to meet you, lunch is served and you must be starving from the long ride” Jingyi said as he made his way towards the door “I’ll get back to fetch you later” he smiled and with that said he left the room.
Lan Xichen started to unpack and settled all his clothes into the dresser. Once he was done, he sat down on the bed and looked around taking a deep breath. The place is really relaxing, something in the air is different probably because it’s far from the city and it was a comfortable bed too, very unlike of what he had at home. He decided to look around and finally opened the window letting some fresh air while gazing outside seeing the lake.. Just a huge vast of water with beautiful Lotus Flowers. This would be nice to paint—
Oh.. Did he really just thought of that?
Hearing a knock on the door his musings stopped and he walked towards it opening it he met Jingyi waved at him and led him outside, they walked towards hallways and crossed the courtyard, they rounded a corner and Lan Xichen saw a pavilion in the middle of the lotus lake.
“Just cross that bridge and you will meet him there” Jingyi pointed at the direction of the pavilion and gave him a small bow before leaving.
Lan Xichen nodded and murmured a small thanks. He walked towards the bridge and the closer he gets to the pavilion the more he could see the man standing with his back facing him. He was wearing a light purple robes his hair is slightly long, reaching down his shoulders and there were twin braids on his temple. Once he stepped foot into the pavilion he was surprised when the man turned to face him.
“You.. “
Lan Xichen blinked staring at him, he was definitely the man Lan Xichen saw outside the gallery yesterday!
“Good Afternoon, I’m Jiang Wanyin the owner of Lotus Pier” Jiang Wanyin walked towards him and Lan Xichen noticed he was holding a long smoking pipe a purple tassel with a small bell is dangling on it. For a while he was rendered speechless, he had seen him in the distance yesterday and he was aware of his good looks but seeing him this close made him suddenly unable to reply.
Jiang Wanyin is a handsome man, almond eyes, sharp jaw and fair skin. While he was reciting more praises in his head he did not notice the hand that was extended on his direction to formally greet him.
Once he finally came to his senses he immediately reached out to shake his hand, surprised by how it fits perfectly on his own. "Yeah me too--i mean! Good afternoon.. Sorry that's" he kept shaking his hand "Im Lan Xichen, I didn’t mean to stare like that”
"I know, you can stop shaking my hand now" Jiang Wanyin frowned at him.
“Of course! I apologise” Lan Xichen let go of his hand and smiled, Jiang Wanyin gestured for him to sit.
“I guess you haven’t eaten yet, enjoy the meal” he set his pipe down and joined him, taking a seat across him.
Lan Xichen looked at the dishes, he was a little surprised seeing that it was his usual meal, light and meat free. he lifted his head to glance at the man across him who started eating as well and Lan XiChen decided to focus on his own meal instead of staring. Yes he tried because every now and then he would glance up at Jiang Wanyin observing him as he took a bite from his dish.
“This place is really beautiful I’m quite surprised that this is the first time I heard about it” Lan Xichen started the conversation, it’s not that the silence is uncomfortable but it seems like the man didn’t want to say anything.
“Hn.. It’s not really a place where everyone can come and go as they pleased” Jiang Wanyin said picking up a piece of meat and taking a bite from it.
“Oh.. Then It’s quite surprising that Wangji was able to booked me a room in here”
“He didn’t book you a room”
Lan Xichen blinked and paused as he stared at Jiang Wanyin, confused. “If Wangji didn’t.. Then who could possibly do so?”
“I did” Jiang Wanyin said leaning against his chair. “I saw you, outside the gallery yesterday.. You look.. Lost“
“So it was really you?” he murmured finally getting the confirmation he looked up to meet his gaze. “How did you know my information and such?” now that he realized it, this is very sketchy.
“Lan Xichen, there is a reason why I brought you here and right now you might not understand why but I assure you, this is the right place for you now” Jiang Wanyin set his fork and knife before leaning against his chair.
“Wait, wait let me get this straight.. You are the one who invited me here?”
“You could say that” Jiang Wanyin said and stood up picking his pipe as he walked around the table and stood beside Lan Xichen’s seat.
Now regardless of Jiang Wanyin’s beauty this is clearly something Lan Xichen should think thoroughly, this is not a normal day occurrence! What if he had been kidnapped?! It was indeed a stupid decision to go here! He started to panic a little although he was trying not to make it too obvious he shifted on his seat to look at Jiang Wanyin. “Why? You didn’t even answer my question of how you knew about me”
“Lan Xichen, a very well known painter in your family Nephew of Lan Qiren owner of the most prestigious art school, Cloud Recesses. You were the previous headmaster and retired four years ago and your brother took over, you haven’t returned to the art scene yet, really you should google yourself” Jiang Wanyin frowned waving his pipe as he talked.
“Still! That’s not right for you to trick me Into coming here, when I talked to your attendant on the phone she said my brother booked me a room here”
“We didn’t say that”
“She said Mr. Lan did so” Lan Xichen frowned.
“We didn’t say Wangji” Jiang Wanyin shrugged.
Groaning Lan Xichen slowly stood up rubbing his forehead “I just.. You said you booked me a room here but on the phone she clearly said Mr. Lan, so please enlighten me of the situation Mr. Jiang”
Rolling his eyes Jiang Wanyin looked at him “When I saw you yesterday, you looked so lost. You looked like you need a place to stay for a while and I decided to booked you a room so technically you kind of made me do it”
“Wha.. “ Lan Xichen looked at the owner in disbelief, seeing him casually dragging a smoke from his pipe “This is not an acceptable explanation Mr. Jiang I could sue y—” Lan Xichen trailed off after seeing a purple smoke surrounding him, it seems like Jiang Wanyin blew the smoke into his face causing him to cough a bit before feeling his eyes getting heavier.
Jiang Cheng stared at his guest who was slowly losing his consciousness and before he could fall back into the hard ground Jingyi appeared and caught the unmoving body of Lan Xichen.
“You should really stop doing that to our guests!” Jingyi scolded.
“He was asking too many questions and I am not in a mood to answer it all” he said and tilted his head to the side.
“What should we do now? He seems... To be still unaware” Jingyi said.
Jiang Wanyin sighed and walked towards their direction tapping his pipe into Lan Xichen’s shoulder the body of the unconscious man stared to float in the air and Jiang Wanyin studied his features.
“He would come to his senses soon, the shock is probably too strong that he forgot what happened” Jiang Wanyin grabbed the back of Lan Xichen’s shirt collar as he started walking dragging the floating body behind him. “I’ll take him to his room, clean the dishes” he waved his hand as he continued walking towards the pier and back to Lan Xichen’s room, On his way to the corridor he saw A-Qing.
“Did he freaked out?” She said walking beside Jiang Wanyin.
“No, Just talks too much. He doesn’t remember anything yet so don’t go on doing something stupid, we both know this is a crucial stage that could endanger him” he glanced at her and the only reply she made is a small pout before huffing.
“Fine”
“The sun is almost down, our guests will be up soon, light the candles.” Jiang Wanyin said waving her off as she started sprinting off.
Jiang Wanyin scoffed and slid the door open to Lan Xichen’s room, he set him down carefully on the bed. Tucking him he held his wrist to slip his hand under the blanket but his eyes lingered on the mark around his wrist. He didn’t know Lan Xichen had a soulmark, he didn’t see any indication of him having a soulmate base on his records. Did A-Qing missed something? It would be troublesome to deal with this when there is a soulmate involved. Shaking his head he set his hand down and didn’t bother to read what was imprinted around his wrist.
That’s not his business anymore.
Turning away he was about to leave when he felt a strong grip on his wrist and for a moment Jiang Wanyin panicked, casting a defensive glance the man is still asleep. He sighed and pried away his hand before glancing at his own wrist, frowning when he saw a the ends of a white ribbon peeking through the cuff of his shirt, clicking his tongue he slipped it back inside before leaving the room closing the door behind him.
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Lan Xichen stared at the door in front of him, he could hear the faint music coming from inside the building. He opened the door and the music became louder, the theatre is full of people, there are no vacant seat and everyone is paying attention to the dancer on the stage.
At this distance he can barely see the dancer’s face, but his movements were graceful accompanied by the music. Lan Xichen felt drawn towards him as he slowly walked the aisle getting closer to the stage. He also noticed that he was carrying a bouquet of white roses with blue gentian flowers. He was momentarily distracted when they music started to increase its crescendo, getting more and more intense as the dancer matched its pace, movements becoming erratic as if he was in pain yet still graceful on his feet, he was able to convey the music through his dance until the last note hit its mark and the dancer stood in the stage with his hands outstretched towards the spotlight for his final pose and suddenly.
BANG!
A gunshot echoed in the room and Lan Xichen’s eyes widened seeing the lilac robes soaked with red the dancer staggered back and everyone in the audience is screaming. Lan Xichen looked down at his shaking hand the bouquet is now gone, it’s been replaced with a gun and when he looked up the one that’s standing in front of him is Jin Guangyao, he looked exactly like the night he last saw him four years ago.
“... You did this” Jin Guangyao said, blood trailing down the corner of his lips as he approached Lan Xichen.
Taking a few steps back Lan Xichen shook his head dropping the gun, looking around he saw that the theatre is now consumed in flames everyone is running and screaming. Lan Xichen turned around to leave but before he could step forward another gunshot echoed and this time Lan Xichen felt the pain embedded on his back and as he looked up he saw a blinding light heading towards his direction, a loud horn was heard before everything went black—
“Haa!” Lan Xichen sat up from the bed, sweating and breathing heavily. It was the same dream over and over again the only difference is this time Jin Guangyao made his appearance. Usually his dream would end when the dancer was shot, hence where he got the inspiration for some of his personal paintings.
Feeling lightheaded he slowly looked around and noticed the same interior of the room he was currently staying.
So that part wasn’t a dram after all, he was indeed in Lotus Pier.
Lan Xichen stood up and grabbed his luggage only to find it empty. Raising a brow he walked towards the dresser and found his clothes nearly hung and folded. He went to the process of his usual routine, taking a bath, brushing his teeth and slicking his hair back he left the room wearing a light blue sweat shirt and a pair of comfortable jeans, deciding to wear his sandals instead of his shoes is more comfortable. He left his room and was walking in the hallways when suddenly he heard a voice.
“Good Morning, did you have a good rest?” Jingyi suddenly appeared surprising him as he gave a small smile.
“I.. Yes? Though I don’t remember returning back into my room last night”
Jingyi made a small nervous laugh before waving his hand “You fell asleep, you seemed very tired when you arrived”
Lies.
Lan Xichen thought to himself but he didn’t voice it out further and decided to just follow the younger male. There is a mystery in this place and it was more obvious now, he could not remember what happened last night, he only called talking to Jiang Wanyin and then its black. He was led back on the same pavilion where Jiang Wanyin was and this time he saw a man talking with the owner in the distance. Jiang Wanyin gave the man a small pat on the shoulder before they left.
“Alright I’ll leave you now” Jingyi gave him a small bow before leaving, and Lan Xichen glanced at Jiang Wanyin before walking towards the pier he met the man along the way and they smiled at each other in greeting. He arrived at the pavilion where Jiang Wanyin is having breakfast and slowly approached him.
“Morning” he greeted when Lan Xichen arrived. “Hope you don’t mind.. I already started”
“Good morning.. “ Lan Xichen sat in front of him reluctantly and looked at the plate, of course he could still remember their conversation last night which still bothered him.
“Your thoughts won’t fill your stomach so you better start eating”
After hearing this he muttered a small apology before he started eating. It was silent between the two of them, not exactly awkward but the air is a little tense. Jiang Wanyin is casually sipping his tea as he looked out on the lake before he spoke once again.
“I know you have questions and I will answer them when the time is right, for now just enjoy your stay”
“I’m not really sure I could If I didn’t know what I am here for and when is the right time?”
“Trust me you’ll know when is the right time and when that happens I am certain that you will seek me out” Jiang Wanyin said placing his cup on the table. “How was your stay though? Your room? Comfortable?”
“Yes.. Yes it is comfortable” Lan Xichen nodded and smiled at him, well since he is here might as well enjoy his time here then. He saw the owner just nod his head and Lan Xichen ate silently observing the other man across him, he looked more relaxed than he looked yesterday, Lan Xichen did notice the pipe carefully placed on the side of the table.
After their breakfast Jiang Wanyin bid goodbye to him as he left the pavilion and Lan Xichen went about his way exploring the guest house on his own, he saw the other guests going about their own way, but Lan Xichen wondered a little why most of them were all by themselves and there are very few of them too but he wasn’t the type to pry too much so he decided to settle in the garden reading a book he brought with him.
This is how Lan Xichen spent his days, his schedule consisted of always having to eat with Jiang Wanyin and at first he thought perhaps he was getting a special treatment? But he did noticed that the owner seems to also do that with some of his guests. Even though Jiang Wanyin doesn’t really give off the friendly vibes he seemed to care so much about his guests. Speaking of guest he met someone, a young man named Mo Xuanyu and said he had been staying in Lotus Pier for a couple of weeks now. Lan Xichen found out that like him the young man had a complicated past that they didn’t really discussed much but at least he found someone to talk too during his stay. He also got an invitation from Jiang Wanyin too just like him, which even posed more questions and mystery towards the owner.
It was his fourth day when Lan Xichen started noticing something strange, his dreams did not ceased and it was the same scenario over and over again, at one point he was sure he heard his brother call his name in his mind while he was deep in thought staring at the empty canvass on the corner of his room. He had been thinking about it, returning back to painting. Jiang Wanyin had been suggesting it to him during their talks, the man remained mysterious yet alluring in some ways Lan Xichen could not explain. There is just something captivating about Jiang Wanyin despite his indifference, the way he held his pipe and casually blows his smoke. His purple robe draped over his lilac button down shirt and long hair, it makes Lan Xichen focus to him, to whatever he was saying. With these thoughts in mind he realized that he had started painting the canvas, his brush doing a familiar stroke as he pictured out the man in his mind.
It’s been a while and he does missed it.
Getting lost on his day dream, he didn’t notice the time and he eyed the canvas. He already made progress and can see the output coming close to what he wanted, it wasn’t until he raised his hand to add more color on Jiang Wanyin’s lips when he saw it.
The hand that was holding the paintbrush became translucent.
With wide eyes and a surprised yelp Lan Xichen dropped his brush and staggered back raising his other hand to see the same thing. It would materialise and becomes translucent once again as if he was...
Disappearing.
Panicked he turned around and walked towards the mirror, seeing himself on the same state as his hands.
“What.. What’s going on” Lan Xichen blinked and took a step back before leaving his room.
He knew it was already late but he needs to find Jiang Wanyin! He suddenly remembered what the man said a few days back.
Trust me you’ll know when is the right time and when that happens I am certain that you will seek me out
The only place Lan Xichen knew where he could find him is the pavilion, so he immediately went there. There are so many thoughts at the back of his head, voices filling his surroundings. Some people screaming and a loud horns blaring just behind him.
Groaning and clutching his ears he arrived at the pavilion. No one is there, it was dark and Lan Xichen felt alone and scared, he didn’t know what to do.
“It’s already quite late, way pass your bedtime”
Lan Xichen turned around to find the direction of where the voice came from. Why is it so dark? There was a moonlight casting in the clouds but the pavilion remained so dark.. No now that he noticed it the entire compound is dark, it was as if covered by a thick blanket that even the moonlight is unable to cast any light on it.
Suddenly the lantern in the middle of the pavilion lit up and Lan Xichen saw Jiang Wanyin standing on the entry way, leaning against the post as he casually smoke, the small bell hanging on his pipe made a light chime in the silence.
“I.. What’s happening to me?” Lan Xichen asked.
“What’s happening to ‘you’?” Jiang Wanyin pointed out.
Lan Xichen looked down at his hand and it was there, solid and clear, like what happened earlier is nothing but a dream. He even gripped his wrist to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Was that even real? Did he lose his mind?
“I was disappearing! I.. Don’t know, my hands.. I was seeing right through them! I don’t know what’s happening.. “ He murmured.
After hearing this Jiang Wanyin’s eyes widened slightly before he responded “Ah”
“What do you mean by ‘ah’? Jiang Wanyin do you know what’s going on?”
“Lan Xichen... I told you last time, there is a reason why you are right? And I’ll tell you when the time is right.”
“... Yes?”
“Well today is the right time, see you seek out for me” Jiang Wanyin started to approached him and he walked around, eyeing Lan Xichen like a prey before he finally stood behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder navigating Lan Xichen to face the entry way of the pavilion.
“I just remembered that I haven’t properly welcomed you” Jiang Wanyin whispered and it made Lan Xichen shudder, his breath is cold against his skin, but at the same time his words confused him because the owner definitely welcomed him on his first day here.
“Well then Lan Xichen here is your answer.... ”
Jiang Wanyin took a deep drag from his pipe and blew a purple smoke, it travelled through the entryway and towards the bridge lighting the lanterns on the side two at a time whenever the smoke passes on it. The dark place soon lit up, floating lanterns in the lake and in the compound illuminated and the entire place looked mystical than it ever was. Lan Xichen realized that ha hadn’t been outside his room during nights, Jingyi told him not leave during the evening and it was when Lan Xichen realized why, and the reason why there are only few guests during the morning because right now he saw the rest of the ‘guests’ who preferred to stay in the darkness of the night, piecing these things together Lan Xichen reached to the side of his head and frowned when he felt something wet and sticky against his palm he brought his hand down and stared at the blood on his hand.
“I’m.... Am I dead?”
He looked at the entry way and saw Jingyi looking as pale as ever and A-Qing with her eyes closed and blood is trailing down her cheeks as if she was crying, both were standing looking at him.
Taking a few steps back Jiang Wanyin suddenly appeared in front of him and this time he looks more eerie though there weren’t any changes on his features, Lan Xichen noticed the slight glowing on his eyes and he definitely knew that Jiang Wanyin’s feet is not touching the ground as he spoke.
“Welcome to Lotus Pier, guest house of the lost souls"