Work Text:
Lan Xichen took a deep breath as he stood in front of the Jingshi’s door.
It had been a whole year and a half since he’d hidden himself in seclusion, ashamed and hurt, unable to face his loved ones.
He couldn’t believe himself. Everything he’d done. He’d been such a fool.
How would he face Nie Huaisang, his sworn brother’s most dearest brother. The one he’d promised to protect. Instead, he’d failed him completely.
His brother, Wangji, who’d devoted his life to Wei Wuxian, the man who’d come back from the dead to be with him, Wangji, who he had tried to dissuade from his love and who he hadn’t believed when he needed it the most.
And Jiang Cheng. His Jiang Cheng. His most beloved. Oh, how he’d failed him all these years. He’d always found it slightly ridiculous how jealous Jiang Cheng could get over his friendship with Jin Guangyao, but he could see why now, after so much thinking. He’d taken Jin Guangyao’s side again and again when they butted heads, always thinking Jin Guangyao’s ideas to be better for everyone.
His heart ached when he thought back to Jiang Cheng’s devastated face in the temple.
He’d listened to him, the first time he’d come, but being reminded of the state of the world, of everything he’d naively allowed to happen, wounded him so. Cowardly, he’d fled whenever he heard Jiang Cheng’s footfall at his door afterward, hiding in the back garden until Jiang Cheng’s shadow was gone from his door.
He knew he shouldn’t, but he knew if he heard Jiang Cheng’s voice he would eventually cave and leave seclusion.
But Lan Xichen wanted to hide away from the world. He needed more time. He didn’t want to rush his mourning of the man he’d lost, his dear friend. He would never know which action was genuine and which was an act. Not anymore.
So he’d hidden from his own husband in shame.
Still, he knew Jiang Cheng would understand. His husband was one of the most understanding and forgiving people he knew. He was certain Jiang Cheng would wait for him.
Even though his visits had grown apart during the last year, stopping a few months ago, Lan Xichen knew his husband was only respecting his wish to be left alone in seclusion. Cutting all contact from the outside world.
His heart clenched thinking of how hard it must have been for his husband to stop coming.
He’d make it all up to him now. He’d spend all his spare time with him and spoil him to no end. He would make sure Jiang Cheng knows he loves him. Has always loved him. Will always love him.
He steeled himself, slowly letting out the breath he’d taken and opened the door, taking a step out.
Something cracked under his foot.
Lan Xichen looked down, finding an old hair pin, damaged by the weather. He wondered how long it’d stayed here. He picked up the brittle pin in his hand, bringing it closer to his face as he inspected it.
His heart stopped as he recognised it.
This is Jiang Cheng’s hair pin. The one he’d given him to celebrate their relationship. The one Jiang Cheng had worn everyday ever since.
Why would it be here? Abandoned and damaged from disuse? Did something happen to Jiang Cheng? Why didn’t anyone tell him?
He cradled the pin in his chest and hurried to his uncle’s office, ignoring the surprised disciples greeting him in his haste.
He knocked before letting himself in, coming face to face with his uncle and Wangji mid-conversation.
Both of them turned to him, clearly surprised by his presence.
“Xichen.” His uncle greeted, “Are you coming out of seclusion?”
“Uncle, that’s not important right now.” He dismissed, “Did something happen to Jiang Cheng? Where is he?”
His uncle looked at him strangely and even Wangji looked at him disapprovingly. He took a breath to center himself.
“Yes, I’m coming out of seclusion. It’s already been a year and a half.” he said. “I…” he hesitated, lowering his hands from his chest to look at the pin again. “I found this when I came out.” He showed them the fragile and cracked pieces he held.
Wangji’s mouth tightened as he looked at it. His uncle only looked sad.
“Jiang Wanyin is alright.” he said, “Perhaps sending a letter to Lotus Pier would be a good idea.”
“I’ll go see him.” he said, “I’ll leave the sect in your good hands, uncle.” he said as he fled from his uncle’s disapproving gaze.
Wangji followed him out, walking next to him for a few moments before stopping. “Brother.” He said, “You were gone for a long time.” He said and Lan Xichen looked at him, not fully understanding what he was trying to say.
His brows furrowed slightly, “Yes. I…” he trailed off, “I needed time, Wangji.” he said, lowering his head in defeat. “I failed so many people, from Nie Mingjue to Meng Yao himself. I needed time to reflect.” He looked to the side, unable to look into his brother’s hard gaze.
“You cannot blame the world for turning nor time for flowing.” Lan Wangji stated before simply turning around and heading back to their uncle’s office.
Lan Xichen thought he understood what Lan Wangji meant. Some things had changed and Lan Xicheng would have to accept them.
Still, how much of the world could change in one and a half years? It couldn’t possibly be so extreme?
Lan Xichen shook his head to clear his thoughts and walked all the way outside the gates of Cloud’s Recess before stepping on his sword and taking off in the direction of Lotus Pier.
He couldn’t wait to see his husband and to love him as he should have this entire time.
When he landed in Lotus Pier, he was surprised to see the amount of activity in the courtyard. servants and disciples running one way or another, all ignoring him.
He must have imagined it, but he thought he’d seen a few look away in disdain after seeing him!
Unsettled, he walked the familiar path to the sect leader’s office.
He knocked, waiting for his husband to answer or open the door.
When the door opened, however, he was face to face with Wen Ning instead.
Wen Ning’s eyes went ever so slightly wider. “Zewu-Jun!” He said, a bit too loudly, without bowing, “You’re out of seclusion.” He observed and Lan Xichen nodded back politely.
“Yes, is Jiang Cheng in his office?” he asked and Wen Ning turned around, looking into the room for a few moments before nodding at him and hesitantly stepping to the side.
Lan Xichen entered and finally saw him.
Jiang Cheng was seated behind his desk, piles of papers sitting neatly in front of him. He was staring straight at him, yet not reacting, his face neutral in a way Lan Xichen knew hides anger and hurt.
“Jiang Cheng,” He said, smiling hesitantly, “I missed you.”
“Did you?” Jiang Cheng replied coldly, looking back down at his documents dismissively.
Lan Xichen was taken aback and protested immediately. “Of course I missed you!” He walked closer to the desk, eyes fixed on his husband. “What are you talking about, A-Cheng? You're my husband, of course I missed you.” he repeated softly.
Jiang Cheng scoffed, “If you missed me so much, then why did you ignore me for a full year?”
“I was in seclusion!” Lan Xichen didn't understand what was happening. Why would Jiang Cheng say that? “I thought you understood! You of all people should!”
Jiang Cheng stood and slammed a hand down on his desk. “Me of all people” he laughed bitterly, “I guess I do understand. I understand why you went into seclusion and I understand why you didn't answer all those months. What I don't understand is why you're in front of me right now.” His voice rose gradually as he spoke, anger surfacing as it so often did.
“I love you, Jiang Cheng, why wouldn't I come see you?” Lan Xichen felt lost. This isn't how he thought their reunion would go at all. Wasn't Jiang Cheng happy to see him?
“You have a funny way of showing it.” Jiang Cheng spat as he went around his desk and promptly escaped the room.
Lan Xichen made to follow, but Wen Ning blocked his path.
“Zewu-Jun shouldn't bother sect leader Jiang any more than he already has.” Wen Ning said and Lan Xichen felt lost.
He didn't know Jiang Cheng and Wen Ning were friends. When did that change?
“Wen Ning,” he pleaded slightly, “What happened to Jiang Cheng? Why is he so angry with me?”
“That's something Zewu-Jun should think about by himself.” Wen Ning said before turning and chasing after Jiang Cheng.
Lan Xichen made to follow again, but a disciple blocked his path, bowing.
“Let me show you to your quarters, Zewu-Jun.” They said and Lan Xichen stopped in shock. He knew Jiang Cheng was angry, but through all their fights before, never had Jiang Cheng sent him to another room.
He felt his heart grow heavy as he acquiesced quietly.
He was left alone in his room. He looked around himself, wondering how this had all happened.
He decided to go out looking for Jiang Cheng again. They needed to have a serious talk and clear up any misunderstanding Jiang Cheng could have.
Knowing Jiang Cheng, he'd either escaped to the pier or to visit his family's memorials.
He headed to the pier first.
Jiang Cheng wasn't anywhere to be seen. Instead, he found Wei Wuxian talking animatedly with a few juniors. He recognized Jin Ling, Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi among them.
He smiled as he watched them and approached, happy to see the younger generation again, although he was surprised to see Wei Wuxian as well.
Wei Wuxian fell silent when he noticed him approaching. His usually grinning face falling into a slight frown. The juniors all turned to see what had disturbed their senior and followed his example when they saw him as well.
Jin Ling looked especially unhappy seeing him.
Lan Xichen was uncertain why. He was in seclusion for over a year, he couldn’t have done anything to offend them!
“Zewu-Jun.” Lan Sizhui bowed politely, not smiling, the others following soon after, some more reluctantly.
Jin Ling and Wei Wuxian stayed standing, not even greeting him.
Lan Xichen greeted the juniors back before he turned to the two of them.
“Jin Ling, Wei Wuxian, it’s good to see you.” He smiled at them.
Jin Ling scoffed as he crossed his arms, rolling his eyes. It was so like his uncle Lan Xichen couldn’t contain the slight laugh that escaped him.
“What’s so funny?” Jin Ling asked, snapping at him.
“I didn’t mean any offense.” Lan Xichen shook his head, “Your mannerism is the same as Jiang Cheng.” He smiled affectionately thinking of his angry husband.
Jin Ling narrowed his eyes, “What would you know?” he sneered, “I bet you don’t even know what day it is tomorrow.”
Lan Xichen’s eyes widened in surprise at the amount of hostility in Jin Ling’s tone. Tomorrow was a day like any other, was it not? His brows creased as he tried to think what event could be happening, but he couldn’t think of anything special happening.
Seeing he wasn’t answering, Jin Ling huffed and sneered at him. “You should go back in seclusion. Maybe then you’d think of it.” He turned his back to him, preferring to look at the lotus swaying softly on the water’s surface.
Lan Xichen looked at Wei Wuxian, hoping for an answer, but the other man shook his head at him. “He’s right, Zewu-Jun.” Wei Wuxian said, “Maybe it’d be better for you to be in Gusu if you can’t remember what’s happening tomorrow.”
Lan Xichen was taken aback. Never in his life had he ever been so rudely dismissed. And Wei Wuxian had done so with such a disappointed tone, Lan Xichen was starting to think he’d really forgotten something important.
His smile was strained as he tried to get answers, “You’ll have to forgive this one, I just came out of seclusion today, some leniency over what events are planned would be appreciated.” he pleaded.
Wei Wuxian somehow looked even more disappointed at his answer. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Look, Zewu-Jun, tomorrow…” “He doesn’t deserve to know!” Jin Ling cut him harshly, stomping his foot on the pier as he turned to face him again, his face red with anger.
Wei Wuxian raised his hands in a peace gesture.
“Aiya, Jin Ling, I wasn't about to tell him!” He defended himself and Jin Ling nodded sharply.
“Good.”
The more time Lan Xichen spent with them the worse he felt, so he decided a strategic retreat was in order. He smiled at them both, bidding them goodbye and quickly rushed away from the piers.
Breathing a sigh of relief once he couldn't see them anymore, Lan Xichen pondered what could be so important an event that it would upset them both so greatly he forgot it.
Yet, the more he thought about it, the less he understood.
He really couldn't think of anything.
He was nearing the courtyard when he saw the ever familiar shade of white he'd surrounded himself with his whole life.
His brother and uncle were here!
They hadn't told him they would be coming at all! Well, he couldn't say he was too surprised Wangji came, seeing as Wei Wuxian was here, but why would his uncle come?
“Xichen.” His uncle greeted him when they crossed paths.
“Uncle, what brings you here?” He asked and Lan Qiren seemed slightly embarrassed as he answered.
“I will admit to getting slightly worried at your presence here.” He said, “I figured coming early couldn't hurt.”
“Early?” Lan Xichen asked,
“Yes,” Lan Qiren nodded as he ran a hand down his beard, “For tomorrow's celebration.”
“Ah… Will you tell me what event is happening?” He asked, unknowingly shocking his uncle and brother, “Jin Ling and Wei Wuxian refused to tell me.” He explained.
His brother and uncle shared a look.
“Brother should think about it. Tomorrow is important.” Lan Wangji told him and Lan Xichen knew him well enough to see he'd expected better from him as well.
“Wangji,” he tried, “I’ve been in seclusion for over a year, isn’t it natural to forget some events? Won’t you tell your brother?”
Lan Wangji didn’t say anything more, jaw tightening slightly in annoyance.
Lan Qiren answered instead, “Xichen…” He sighed, “This isn’t something you should have forgotten. Especially if you care for your husband.”
Lan Xichen was taken aback. Even his uncle was unhappy with him!
“Uncle…” he said helplessly, “You know I just came out today. Can't you tell me?”
His uncle shook his head and turned to his brother. “Wangji, let's go greet Jiang Wanyin.” He said and Wangji nodded.
Lan Xichen watched, his heart clenching with hurt, as his own family walked away.
The rest of the day was spent in a similar way, Lan Xichen wandered around Lotus Pier listlessly, disciples either avoiding him or telling him to think for himself whenever he asked someone new for information.
He eventually retreated to his room, dinner being brought to him by a disciple.
Sad and hurt, feeling rejected by those he considered his loved ones, Lan Xichen fell asleep wondering if he should have stayed in seclusion.
The next morning, Lan Xichen woke at the usual hour, spending some time stretching before forcing himself to take a deep breath and open the door to the outside world again.
He was much more anxious than he'd been the previous day.
People were hurrying from one task to another as he looked around the sect, searching for his husband again.
He found him having breakfast with Wangji and Wei Wuxian.
He was surprised all of them were up so early and eating breakfast together peacefully at that! Didn't Wangji and A-Cheng hate each other? When had they set their differences aside? They hadn't done so even during Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng's wedding!
Wei Wuxian's loud laughter snapped him out of his thoughts and he approached the table carefully.
“A-Cheng, Wangji, Wei Wuxian.” He greeted all three, the easy atmosphere turning tense as they greeted him back.
They all stared at him, waiting for him to say or do something. Whatever they wanted from him? Lan Xichen had no idea.
“A-Cheng,” he said softly, earning such a beautifully hopeful look his inside twisted knowing he would disappoint his husband in a moment. Still, maybe he could delay the inevitable. “You look beautiful today.” He said with a smile. It was true, as well, Jiang Cheng looked particularly glowing. Lan Xichen could see he’d put effort in choosing what he’d wear and in doing his hair.
Selfishly, he hoped Jiang Cheng had made that effort for him.
“Thank you, Xichen.” He said with a small smile, still waiting for something more.
“Ah…” Lan Xichen trailed off, “Did you dress up for today’s event?” He tried, and Jiang Cheg deflated slightly, looking down at the table with a self deprecating smile that Lan Xichen had worked for years to remove from his face.
“I did.” he said humourlessly.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji exchanged a glance.
“Brother,” He said, promptly standing up and dragging him away.
Lan Xichen let Wangji drag him as he looked back helplessly, watching from afar as Wei Wuxian talked softly to Jiang Cheng, trying to cheer him up.
“Wangji?” He questioned and his brother shook his head as he dragged him out of view.
“Brother.” Wangji looked at him with such disappointment that Lan Xichen didn’t know what to do with himself.
“Did I say something wrong?” He asked and Wangji simply said, “Mn.”
“Wangji,” He pleaded to his brother again, “Please, I don’t want to hurt Jiang Cheng! Please just tell me what today is.”
“Brother must remember it himself.”
“Why Wangji? I don’t understand, I really don’t know what’s going on today.”
“Brother must. For Jiang Cheng.” He said again with conviction. Lan Xichen was confused. When had Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji’s relationship evolved to the point where they were not only tolerating and laughing with each other but Wangji was actively defending Jiang Cheng?
He was happy at the change! He really was! But he’d like it if someone could tell him how that happened in the first place.
Lan Xichen sighed. “Fine, Wangji.” He said, “I’ll just go for a walk, maybe I’ll remember something.” His smile was strained as he walked away, Lan Wangji turning back, likely heading towards the table he’d vacated previously.
The more people told him he should know what event was going on, the more frustrated Lan Xichen felt.
Was it really too much to ask that they simply tell him? He’d been gone for so long! Were none of them happy to see him? Of course he’d forget some minor events in a year and a half! Especially with everything that happened beforehand. Why would they expect him to remember some insignificant event held in Lotus Pier even if it was a recurring event?
Usually, Jiang Cheng would inform him of incoming events anyway! He didn’t need to remember them all! He still remembered most of them, like the memorials for his parents and his sister or the days where they had to stay onsite in case of flooding.
Still, he took a deep breath and walked on forward. Maybe, somehow, he’d find out what it is by himself and then he’d tell Jiang Cheng and everything would go back to how it had been before.
He heard a commotion at Lotus Pier’s gate and made his way towards it.
Horses were kicking in fright, gearing up to run and Lan Xichen rushed forward to sooth them before they could damage anything.
He was petting the horses lovingly when he heard it. “Zewu-Jun, thank you for helping with our horses.”
Nie Huaisang.
What was Huaisang doing here?
He wasn’t ready to see him yet! Was he here to celebrate as well? Who else was all coming?
“Ah, yes, no worries.” He tried to smile but knew it came out more as a grimace.
Nie Huaisang smiled sadly, “Zewu-Jun doesn’t have to force himself. I know you resent me.” He said.
Lan Xichen wanted to tell him that he’s wrong and that he could understand why he’d done what he did, but it would be a lie. Lan Xichen, even after all that time thinking, still thought what Nie Huaisang did was cruel and unnecessary.
Nie Huaisang nodded like he’d been proved right.
“When did you come out of seclusion?” He asked carefully.
“Yesterday.”
Nie Huaisang’s face softened somewhat. “I see,” He said a bit sadly, but genuine nonetheless.
“We all thought you’d forgotten about it, but I’m glad we were wrong.” He sighed, “Jiang Cheng must have been angry to see you, but I’m sure he’s touched you cared about him enough to come out of seclusion.” Nie Huaisang concluded.
Lan Xichen felt his chance coming, “You’re talking about today’s event?” He asked, and Nie Huaisang looked at him a bit strangely.
“Don’t tell me you really forgot?” He said, then opened a fan in front of his face with a sly smile, “This might actually be the last drop,” he said to himself before raising his voice again, “I’m glad Zewu-Jun is making it easy for me to steal Jiang Cheng away.” Eyes like a fox over his fan, Lan Xichen was taken aback.
Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang? An item? That was ridiculous! Jiang Cheng loved him! Why would he ever leave him?
“How scary, Zewu-Jun, people will think you wish me harm if you continue glaring at me like that.” He said, shaking him out of his thoughts, before going around him, stopping as their sides collided to whisper,
“Zewu-Jun really should’ve been more careful in treasuring what he loved.” before leaving him behind as he instructed his disciples to empty the carriage.
Lan Xichen’s heart was frozen in his chest as he stared, his eyes finding his husband further away, seemingly waiting for Nie Huaisang. He didn’t look at him a single second.
Crushed, Lan Xichen fled the scene.
He found an empty pier and sat, thinking for hours about what he’d seen in the last few days.
Steps came from behind and his husband settled next to him, looking down at the water lapping at their feet.
“I always knew he was more important to you.” Jiang Cheng said and Lan Xichen’s chest tightened. They both knew who he was talking about.
Jiang Cheng didn’t give him a chance to say anything, “When you left, my world was falling apart.” he said, hands clenching in front of him, “You’re not the only one who lost things in that temple.”
“My friend, my brother, my co-parent and my husband.”
“My achievements, my strength, everything I’d built. All of it was like dust slipping through my fingers. Yet, I couldn’t stop. Even if nothing I will ever do would truly belong to me, even if I had to do everything alone, no matter the cost, I couldn’t stop. Jin Ling needed me, my sect needed me.” He laughed bitterly, “I wish I could have hidden away as well, you know? I didn’t want to stay out in the open, humiliated by Wen Ning of all people. But I didn’t have a choice.”
“And still, I didn’t resent you for needing space. I tried to give you time, I really did, but I needed my husband. I needed someone at my side who would care about me and help me shoulder the burdens I’d been handed.”
“But you weren’t there.”
“I tried. I really did.” Jiang Cheng pleaded, turning to look at him with tears shining in his eyes, “I fooled myself into thinking you still loved and cared for me. You just needed a few months to mourn and then you’d remember I need you and come out. Maybe even remember you need me!”
Lan Xichen was frozen in shock as he listened to Jiang Cheng weep for them, for their relationship, for every hardship they should’ve faced together.
“But you didn’t! You never did! It didn’t matter when I cried at your door and begged you to talk to me, to say anything, to give me a sign! It didn’t matter when I didn’t visit afterwards. It didn’t matter to you at all. I understand. You’ve always loved him. I could see it. He loved you as well, I never understood why you chose to marry me when you felt so strongly for each other.”
“Did you pity me? Is that all it was?” Jiang Cheng stopped crying, eyes emptying as he looked back towards the horizon, tear tracks drying on his cheeks. “You know I nearly died last year.” He said, “I was wounded so severely it left me in bed for two weeks. I couldn’t visit you at that time, although I’m not surprised you didn’t care.”
“It brought people back to me, ironically. I was realizing I’d fully lost you, thinking maybe it didn’t matter if I left this world for good. Everyone would be better off without someone like me in their lives, right?”
Lan Xichen felt horror. Pure horror, at the idea of Jiang Cheng leaving this world thinking he was unloved, thinking Lan Xichen wouldn’t care. Of course he’d care! He loved him! He didn’t hear anything he said, he couldn’t have known!
Jiang Cheng, unaware of his circling thoughts, kept going “Nie Huaisang was the first to visit. A political visit to negotiate trading agreements was scheduled, of all things, and he refused to leave once he saw the state I was in. Staying instead to tend to my wounds and help watch over the sect.”
He scoffed, “He won’t admit it, but I know he was the one to send a letter to Wei Wuxian and tell him of my injuries. He showed up three days later, Lan Wangji and Wen Ning in tow, saying he would hunt whatever had dared harm his didi so badly and eradicate it from the world.” His voice shook as he spoke.
“They were there, from then on.” He said, “Even Lan Wangji turned out not too bad.” He laughed.
“But you weren’t there.”
Lan Xichen opened his mouth to answer, trying to force his throat to make sounds but none came out. He looked at Jiang Cheng helplessly, not knowing what to say to reassure his husband, to prove to him he still cared.
“When I saw you yesterday, I selfishly thought you’d come out for me.” He laughed bitterly again, “I really believed that, but you have no idea what’s going on, do you? Of course you wouldn’t care enough to remember.”
Jiang Cheng stood, “I’ve given up on us, Zewu-Jun, you should head back to Gusu. The official documents for our divorce will be on your desk soon enough.” He started to walk away and Lan Xichen scrambled up after him in a rush.
Divorce! This couldn’t be. This was a nightmare and Lan Xichen would wake up in the Hanshi again, still in seclusion, and he’d come out and love Jiang Cheng as he always had and spoil him enough for three lifetimes. They couldn’t divorce!
He grabbed Jiang Cheng’s arm and stopped him. “A-Cheng!” He pleaded, “I do love you! I’ve always loved you and only you! A-Yao was never in my heart like you are, please A-Cheng, please let me make it up to you. I’ll make you feel loved I promise, you’ll never have to feel alone again. Please Jiang Cheng.”
Their hands shook as Jiang Cheng pulled his arm away. “What day is it today, Zewu-Jun? If you can answer that, I’ll believe you.” He said, eyes betraying none of his emotions.
He couldn’t say anything. He still didn’t know! Why didn’t he know! Why didn’t anyone tell him!
“I…” He trailed off, eyes wide and helpless.
Jiang Cheng looked empty and disappointed, yet like he expected that answer. Sadly resigned, he finally told Lan Xichen, “It’s my birthday today, Lan Xichen.”
Oh.
Oh no.
No, no, no.
How could he forget it? How could he?
He fell to his knees in front of his husband, clinging to his robes, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Jiang Cheng! I’ll never forget it again I swear! Please, please give me one more chance! I’ll make it up to you, you won’t regret it! Please!” He swore.
He could see Jiang Cheng waver slightly and clung tighter. Maybe, maybe he hadn’t lost Jiang Cheng yet!
“I’ll spoil you and prove to you how much I love you every day! You’re the center of my world, A-Cheng, I thought of you everyday in seclusion! I missed you, I missed you so much it hurt! That’s why I couldn’t bear to hear you when you visited! I wanted to come out, I did, but I couldn’t! Please believe me, Jiang Cheng.” Jiang Cheng was still hesitating when the sound of a fan opening rang through their ears.
“Jiang Cheng, what are you doing? We can’t start lunch without the birthday boy!” He yelled from the other end of the pier. Jiang Cheng looked back slightly before turning to Lan Xichen again. Gaze sad as he pried Lan Xichen’s hands from his robes.
“I don’t believe you anymore.”
He turned and left the pier, leaving Lan Xichen to cry on the hard and unforgiving wood, regretting every choice that led him here.
Later, no one was surprised to hear Lan Xichen had gone back into seclusion. Following in his father’s footsteps and never coming out until death.