Chapter Text
As the youngest of the twin Jade, Lan Wangji’s upbringing was as expected for someone born in a clan well known for their 3000 rules. Even as a child, he felt exceptionally proud for carrying the Lan’s name, but he is still just a man ... made of flesh, bones, and skins ... full of flaws and imperfections ... undesirable feelings and emotions.
Lan Wangji's biggest flaws will forever be his misplaced judgement towards the youngest Jiang.
Blind, yes, he was… during the heights of his hatred, Lan Wangji was only capable of taking Jiang Wanyin’s rudeness, anger, jealousy, toxicity, overbearingness, and over competitiveness in face value.
Lan Wangji believed that the youngest Jiang simply cannot accept that his Wei Ying is better than him in all aspects, which is why he reduced himself to being intolerable.
Lan Wangji believed that many only tolerated Jiang Wanyin because of his inheritance, status, and usefulness.
Lan Wangji believed A-Ling was just too young to realize that his beloved "Jiu-Jiu" was a horrible man parading to be a doting uncle.
Lan Wangji believed that Lan Xichen only embarked on a romantic relationship to form a strong business connection. Worst-case scenario was that his kindhearted gege pity dated Jiang Wanyin.
It was not far-fetched because gege always tried to see the good in people, even when they don’t deserve it.
Lan Wangji still remembers the indescribable expression on his gege and uncle’s face when he congratulates his gege when he announced his romantic involvement with Jiang Wanyin during their weekly Sunday dinner.
Blind as he was, Lan Wangji still saw how Jiang Wanyin can be useful to maintain Gusu Inc’s place in the industry.
"What do you mean by business connection didi?" Lan Xichen asked with his gentle smile not reaching his eyes.
Their uncle was sporting a deep frown as well, staring at Lan Wangji with clear displeasure waiting for his respond. "I too would like for you to clarify Wangji."
With ‘lying is forbidden’ in mind, Lan Wangji answered "Jiang Cheng is the current CEO of Lotus Corp., thus having a romantic relationship with him will greatly benefit Gusu Inc."
After his statement the tension at their dinner table intensify.
Lan Xichen wore his stoic expression; it was typically reserved when dealing with difficult situation. "My dear didi, I hope you understand. I pursued A-Cheng not for Gusu Inc. but solely because I love him." His brother confessed, "I have love him for a very long time and he … by the blessing of the God’s love me back."
Then and there, Lan Wangji knew that his intervention was needed to help his brother see the truth about the man he claimed to love. He vowed to help his brother no matter what.
Fast forward … Lan Wangji laughed at how ironic the events come to be.