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Lan Wangji was not always the one who comforts others. When he first met A-Yuan, the little boy would tug on his clothes crying as he stood there, overwhelmed and humiliated. But after Wei Wuxian’s death, he realized that he must take the responsibility to take care of A-Yuan himself. However, karma had another plan for the both of them.
When the Gusu Lan clan discovered that Lan Zhan had hidden little A-Yuan, they were all furious, especially his uncle—Lan Quiren. Because of this, Lan Zhan was scourged with the discipline whip. Despite it not being the first time he was tortured, this feeling ached more than usual. After his penalty, he stumbled his way to his room where he overheard A-Yuan crying.
“Wen-Yuan…” He muttered, it was who he cared about during the entire incident. He was the only part that was left of his partner. He crept the door open, inside there was Lan Xichen cradling Wen-Yuan, but his tears wouldn’t stop pouring down.
“He’s been crying since they took you away,” Lan Xichen sighed, “he’s been screaming out your name the entire time.” Lan Wangji looked down at his son, who was now looking at him.
“Papa..Papa!” A-Yuan exclaimed, his arms stretching out to the wounded male. Lan Zhan replied with a soft smile, as he tried to walk towards the toddler, he felt a sharp pain inflicted on his body, collapsing on the matted floor. Lan Xichen guided him to bed, placing Lan Zhan to his stomach as he still faced his son.
Lan Wangji gently kneaded on A-Yuan’s hair, soothing the distressed child. “Brother, what did they say about Wen-Yuan?” He asked. “Well, Uncle Quiren and the other Cloud Recess members were planning on exiting him to a faraway island, or killing him without hesitation.” Lan Xichen replied. “They thought he was a danger to our clan.”
Lan Zhan’s eyes furrowed with anger. They were willing to kill a child? For their safety? “I can’t believe they would go this low for a child who hadn’t done anything to them.” He scoffed. “I agree, but if you don’t mind me asking my little brother, why do you care for this child so much?” Lan Zhan opened his mouth to reply, but stopped. Why did he care for this child so much?
“Well, at a young age, the boy lost his parents—and ended up living with his relatives. He.. somewhat reminded him of me when our parents died Xichen..” He let his fingers part with Wen-Yuan’s hair, revealing the sleeping boy’s face. “This child..” he whispered, “He reminds me of myself. And I want to raise him to have a good life, that I never had growing up.”
Growing up, Lan Wangji was always pressured to be a well behaved student like the other members in the Cloud Recess. He was never allowed to roam around freely without getting punished and was always bullied. After the Qishan Wen downfall, Wei Wuxian vowed that he would take care of A-Yuan, but he never could. Seeing A-Yuan in a terrible state, Lan Zhan wanted to adopt the little boy, regardless of any penalties he would face in the future.
“Lan Zhan, you really do have a big heart don’t you?” Lan Xichen smiled.
“It may seem like it, but I only want the best for my son.” Lan Wangji replied.