Chapter Text
They say once you meet someone who loves you mutually, you would be able to hear their heartbeat. The soft thumping signifying the living existence of a person who cares for you. A tether that beats together with your own steady rhythm, threading through your soul like a humming bird’s chirping dancing along and tugging on your heartstrings. A sign that you are wanted in this world.
Unfortunately for Wei Ying, he has never heard another heartbeat since his parent’s death. He barely remembers how his mother’s heart sounded like. All he can recall from his terrible memory is the warm sensation he felt whenever he held his hand to his chest, hearing two fond beats intertwining with his.
‘A-ying, one day you will meet someone who will share the beat of your heart through thick and thin.’
‘Just like mama and baba?’
‘Just like mama and baba.’
Wei Ying knew his mama would never lie to him. But he can’t help but doubt. For in his 20 years of existence, he is still a stranger to the concept. Lurking within the shadow of a boy who was told he is loved but never felt it.
Even when he got adopted by the Jiangs, his adoptive siblings never failing to show that they do feel for him, he has only heard his own. Wei Ying is certain he loves them too, not just from gratitude that he was taken under their wing. He loves his jiejie, loved her ever since she drove the dogs chasing him away when he was six years old. He’s sure his jiejie loves him too given how much she dotes on him. Jiang Cheng, his dear didi, may be a bitch yet he knows that scowling face hides affection deep within. So why. Why has he never heard their heartbeats?
Perhaps, the beats can only be heard by people who see you as family? A hollow laugh escapes him. How pitiful must that be? Wei Ying may have grown up with the Jiangs, has done familial duties with them, but his last name says otherwise. At best, he is just someone they live with. Someone Uncle Jiang sees as a favor to his past bestfriend and a mistake, a disgrace to Madame Yu. But not their family. Never their family.
He so desperately wanted to be proven wrong but never did get the chance when Madame Yu chased him out of the Jiang residence the moment he entered university. Perhaps, Wei Ying will never hear another person’s heartbeat throughout his life. For he cannot imagine someone ever seeing him as their family.
But, would it still be okay for him to be hopeful? That someone in this world wants him. Their mere presence leading him comfort, ushering his frenzied nerves into two pillows encased by the person who shares his rhythm. It would definitely not be wishful thinking, right?
He breaks his momentary trance when a cough followed by a flat gluttural voice brings him back to reality.
“Mr. Wei, is the apartment to your liking?”, Oh right he was here. Madame Yu barely gave him any time to prepare before living on his own. Wei Ying was not naive. He knew one day he would be sent away to fend for his own. He just really wished he was given prior notice.
Leaving the Jiang residence was not the hardest part of this week. It was hunting for a place to live that would not make his broke college student wallet cry. For the most part, he has been staying with Huaisang and his brother while he was homeless. But Wei Ying recognizes he can’t stay there forever. He would just burden them. So he went apartment hunting with Huaisang almost every day and finding him part time jobs he can do to help with the expenses.
Now, looking around the place this landlord dragged him in, it was not that bad. An average studio apartment with enough space for one man. He did not need much anyway. Nie Huaisang was a bit apprehensive with letting him choose this apartment at first since it was situated in the notorious neighborhood of Yiling, the Burial Mounds. ‘It’s a safety concern Wei-xiong! What if you get stabbed?’ Wei Ying simply passed it off with a soft punch and lighthearted banter convincing Huaisang (maybe himself) that it’ll be a clever way to deter visitors.
Turning his attention back to the landlord whose eyes can start boring holes into his frame, he breaks the silence flooding the studio, “This is fine. I’ll take it.”. Not like I can afford anything else. Plus it’s already furnished (with probably the cheapest decor) but a bed is a bed.
“Great. Then, I'll be collecting your first month deposit and rent every month. You know the rules, no pets, no wild parties, and no ruining the walls. Trust me, I have dealt with far too many people ruining the walls in this building.” the landlord blankly states. Good god, is it really hard to loosen up a bit? “You can move in as soon as you want to. I just need you to sign here.”
After what felt like a century, Wei Ying was finally left alone in the eerie silence of his new place. It’s far too empty and quiet. Barren of the ever familiar bickering with his didi and the soft laughter of his jiejie. He swears he can almost hear the wind blowing if not for the occasional yells from his neighbors. He sighs. He really wanted some peace after barely catching a break this week.
But he has no time to mope around, he still has to unpack the things he managed to hastily jam into his bags and prepare for his first day at University. Following the footsteps of his father, he enrolled as an art student. He still has to make room for his art materials in this measly apartment, hoping the space was adequate enough. Wei Ying was in the middle of opening his second bag of trinkets when his phone began ringing.
“WEI-XIONG!” Wei Ying’s lips curve slightly. He could recognize that voice blindfolded.
“Nie-xiong, how can this one be of service?” saying in the most deadpan voice he can manage while grinning. The other line stays silent for quite some time. Did he hang up? As Wei Ying starts to fumble through his phone, he hears a short gasp coming from a man who seems to be holding his breath.
“Nie-xiong…?”
Finally, the man on the other end starts speaking in hushed tones. “… Wei-xiong, whatever that stoic persona was, please don’t ever do it again. It’s giving major uncle vibe.” Wei Ying swears he can hear the rattled tones in his best friend’s chiding. He could barely keep his amusement in, earning a disbeliefed sigh from the younger Nie. Huaisang was far too fun to tease.
“Well, who knows? Maybe it’s the side effect of entering the Burial Mounds.”
“Eh? You really choose that place? Wei-xiong, you know I could’ve helped you look for a better one or better yet you can stay with me and dage!” Oh Nie-xiong, you really are too good to me.
“Aiyoh Nie-xiong, the apartment is not that bad. A roof is a roof. A bed is a bed. I’m not as weak as to pass up a great deal just for better conditions. Besides…” He pauses, pacing nervously. Contemplating his next words. He can basically hear the lecture brewing for him, “… I wouldn’t want to burden you and Mingjue-ge.”
As expected, it earns him a small lecture from Huaisang. “Aiyah! You're never a burden. Wei-xiong, dage would love for you to be around too. Plus you can help me paint my fans!” Before Wei Ying could justify himself, Huaisang has already managed to change the topic. How quick does this man even think? “Oh! That reminds me. Has Jiang Cheng or Yanli-jie contacted you? Yanli-jie called me earlier asking me where you were so I was wondering… if you were planning on telling them?”
Wei Ying’s smile falters. Silver orbs slowly glazing over at the thought of home that he is not part of. Of course, jiejie and his didi would ask about where he is. He didn’t even get to say goodbye when he left.
‘Wei Ying, did you really convince yourself you belong here?’
Madame Yu’s words still ring in Wei Ying’s mind. Deafening him as he sits in an unfamiliar house with new bruises and cuts formed over those that were about to heal. His body still aches badly, made worse by the streneous walk going around town to find a substandard place to live. But no amount of physical pain can desensitize him from the wide array of emotions threatening to spill the moment he succumbs to vulnerability. The pain is choking, but it’s also the only thing that’s making him feel alive. He he has to tell jiejie where he is sooner or later. Knowing her, it’s either he tells her himself or she makes Jiang Cheng search around town to find him. She is far too good to him. They both are.
Wei Ying doesn’t even realize how silent he has become not until he hears the insistent calls to his name. He clears his throat before he starts to speak again.
“Ah… I haven’t told them where I am right now. I’ll give them a call a little later.” That earns him a huff of approval from the other, followed by a seemingly offended scoff.
“I still can’t believe Madame Yu did this so suddenly. The propensity of this woman to be so disdainful towards you solely because you are your parent’s son. I mean, you are so sweet Wei-xiong and so hardworking and so—”
“Nie-xiong… that’s enough.” He appreciates Huaisang. He really does. He is one of the only people in this world that Wei Ying knows will be there for him no matter what happens. However, it was never of Wei Ying’s interest to be the topic of conversation especially when Madame Yu is involved. With Huaisang, he is sure this quick chat would evolve into a rant lasting for hours and right now, Wei Ying just wishes to curl up in his uncomfortable bed and wake up with the stiffest neck in the market. “I’m already lucky enough that I got a few things before I left. That’s the important part.”
“If you say so Wei-xiong… but remember okay! If you need anything, and I mean ANYTHING, you can just call me? Jiang Cheng and Yanli-jie too! A-cheng may not say it but he’s really worried. Don’t forget to give them a call.” He chuckles lightly into his sleeve. The thought of A-cheng, his bitchy faced didi caring? It was a sight to imagine. “I will, Nie-xiong. Thank you so much for talking to jiejie.”
Once the call ends, Wei Ying can feel his social battery drop to zero and there is no way to bring it back up than a nap. But before he succumbs to his desires, he paces again in his apartment, trying to find the courage to dial his jiejie's number. After some time, he picks up his phone and starts dialing. Ringing, he hopes they don’t pick up. It’s already 10 PM please don’t pick up. His body tensing in unease. Don’t pick up. How will he explain? Don’t pick up. Jiejie, please. Don’t pick up. Don’t pick up. Don’t—
“A-ying?”
And there it was. The voice that always manages to catch him off guard. The voice of sunshine reminding him of the times he and his didi would fight over the biggest portion of soup. The voice of the person he sees as his home, unfortunately it’s not mutual.
“Jiejie! Did you miss me?” he exclaims in the most animated voice he can manage. Masking the looming agitation making its way to his now shaky hands.
“Oh my A-ying, have you eaten yet?” as he was about to answer, he hears a familiar sound drawing nearer through his jiejie’s phone. "Is that him?” The voice soft but shaky. A-cheng. “Would you like to talk to him?” The line goes silent for a quick while.
Wei Ying can see the emotions on A-cheng’s resting bitch face shift considering the offer but he knows his brother. “I’m… good. So long as he’s okay. Ask him where he is. I’ll pick him up tomorrow for uni.” Wei Ying feels warm. He really has the best siblings.
As the conversation between him and his jiejie continues, he looks around the room once again. Opened and unopened bags sprawled across the floor, his clothes for tomorrow ready to go, the art materials that have yet to be unpacked. He looks out the window overlooking his new neighborhood.The remoteness of his new life.
It was going to be a long night.