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A few days later, after Jiang Cheng sent his letter.
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Today dawned like any other, yet something felt different. Nie Huaisang awoke and went through his usual routine, a dance of familiarity and comfort. That was until a servant interrupted his “practice” with his saber, stumbling into his space holding a letter from Jiang Cheng! Shock washed over Nie Huaisang as he stood frozen, staring down at the unexpected envelope. His heart pounded loudly in his chest, a drum heralding the arrival of thrilling possibilities. What could Jiang Cheng possibly have written? They weren’t great friends, much less the type to exchange letters!
Shaking off his surprise, Nie Huaisang made his way to his room, a bubbling excitement stirring within him. He flopped onto his bed like a fish out of water, eagerly tearing open the letter. To his astonishment, it wasn’t in Jiang Cheng’s handwriting but in the flowing script of his sister, Jiang Yanli. As he read the letter, a chuckle escaped his lips. Jiang Cheng wanted to have tea with him? Yes, he absolutely had to accept that invitation. Thursday would fit perfectly into his plans. Although, he needs the approval of his Da-ge. Anticipation raced like lightning in his heart.
Deciding to seek his brother’s approval before diving headfirst into this potentially troublesome adventure, Nie Huaisang ventured out in search of his beloved brother. mere minutes felt like hours as he roamed, until he finally spotted Nie Mingjue and.. was that the First Jade of Lan? When did he arrive? Shoving that thought aside, Nie Huaisang approached the men.
Nie Mingjue caught sight of his younger brother’s approach, raising a hand to signal Lan Xichen to cease speaking and bracing himself for his brother’s usual antics.
Finally reaching them, Nie Huaisang bowed respectfully, then stumbled through his thoughts. “HellodagedoyouthinkitdbeokayformetogotolotusopierforteawithJiangCheng.” The words spilled out in a rush, and he winced, knowing he’d said it far too quickly.
His brother stared at him, bewildered, as if trying to decipher an ancient script. “What?” Nie Mingjue replied, his voice laced with confusion.
“Uh, Well... I was really just wondering if... I could go to Lotus Pier for tea with Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian for a days, I’d have to leave today or tomorrow, though,” Nie Huaisang said, his cheeks pinking from embarrassment, the truth lingering just out of reach.
“Oh. Sure, I guess. For how many days will you be staying with them? Nie Mingjue asks. “Oh! Like 4 or 5 days, more or less,” Huaisang shrugs. Nie Mingjue nods approvingly. “Now go; I have an important conversation to resume,” His brother replied, shooing Huaisang away with an annoyed wave.
Lan Xichen waved goodbye as well, giggling a bit as Huaisang walked away.
After muttering his goodbyes, Nie Huaisang returned to his quarters, exhilaration bubbling just beneath his skin. “Now that Da-ge said yes, I can plan for my meeting with Jiang Cheng. Thursday is perfect! But... what should I write back?” he pondered, excitement mingling with uncertainty.
Now, all Nie Huaisang has to do is prepare for departure.
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Thursday finally arrived, the day Nie Huaisang had been eagerly awaiting. He rose from bed, buzzing with nerves and anticipation! He was going to have tea with the boy he liked!
Rushing through his morning routine, with some restrictions, as he was currently residing in an inn. He experienced a rush of conflicting emotions. It was good because it allowed him to focus on the upcoming “date,” yet it was bad as anxiety crept in, leaving him tangled in self-doubt, wondering if Jiang Cheng might like him enough to ask him out for real. He sat on his bed, trying to calm the storm of nervous excitement as he waited to depart for Yunmeng.
After what felt like an eternity, a servant entered, announcing it was time for him to leave. With a determined nod, Nie Huaisang stood, ready to embrace the day ahead.
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Meanwhile, at Yunmeng Jiang, Jiang Cheng was a bundle of nerves.
His crush, Nie Huaisang, was on his way to Lotus Pier! To meet him for tea! Each glance at the mirror revealed a figure anxiously checking for flaws. The mirror was beginning to pity him. Wei Wuxian observed from the sidelines, amusement sparkling in his eyes.
“Seriously, Jiang Cheng, again?” Wei Wuxian teased, a grin breaking across his face. “It takes ages to travel from Qinghe to Yunmeng! You really shouldn’t fret about your looks right now!”
With an exasperated scowl, Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “Shut the fuck up, Wei Wuxian! If you say one more thing about the mirror, I swear I’ll get you!”
“And what are you going to do? Slap me?” Wei Wuxian burst into laughter and collapsed on the floor in fits of giggles.
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As Nie Huaisang approached Lotus Pier, a wave of nerves washed over Jiang Cheng. Would Nie Huaisang enjoy his visit? He had arranged the guest quarters with care, hoping they would meet Nie Huaisang’s taste even if the exterior of Lotus Pier didn’t. But what if he felt out of place? Jiang Cheng’s heart raced at the thought. “Should I ask him about his favorite teas?” he muttered anxiously, smoothing an imaginary crease on the sofa cushion.
“Maybe I could share a funny story from my training...” But every scenario he conjured felt hollow, the weight of anticipation heavy in the air as they both prepared for what came next. A simple yet significant afternoon of tea that could change everything. It’s a tender kind of anxiety. Then there it is, a familiar shape in the distance. Jiang Cheng squints, unable to help the way his heart leaps.
With every step, Nie Huaisang looks more and more like a dream. A vision he can hardly believe is approaching him right now. “Okay, calm down,” Jiang Cheng whispers to himself, smoothing back his hair one last time. He rehearses a smile, making sure it doesn’t look too forced, yet not too casual either. Can there be such a balance?
Meanwhile, Nie Huaisang stands just outside the entrance, taking a deep breath. He glances down at his slightly rumpled attire. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all...but no, he had to be brave and face Jiang Cheng! With determination, he steps forward; a Lotus-Pier guard pushes the gate open for Nie Huaisang. As Jiang Cheng’s eyes lock onto him, a rush of warmth fills both of their cheeks, chasing away all doubts. The air shifts, and for that moment, nothing else exists but them.
The future hangs in the balance, and for the first time, then, it feels like this tea might just be the best thing that ever happened to either of them.