#Xicheng #modernAU
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Funny how a change a scenery shifts his mood. In the view of wide expanse of green lush hills and the swarm of pink and white lotuses cradling the charming little cottage that he was staying for the weekend, Lan Xichen feels the tension slip away.
---
Funny how a change a scenery shifts his mood. In the view of wide expanse of green lush hills and the swarm of pink and white lotuses cradling the charming little cottage that he was staying for the weekend, Lan Xichen feels the tension slip away.
Ever since he was told about the elders plan for his future, there hasn't been a day that passes by that he doesn't feel as if the space is tightening around him, making him feel suffocated. A part of him wants to rebel; want to run away from it all but another part of him that
has been moulded for years by his family's 4000 rules balk at the thought of disobeying his family.
Weeks had gone by and the chance for him to refuse the elders has come and gone. This weekend is his last week of respite before he is betrothed to a stranger of his family
Weeks had gone by and the chance for him to refuse the elders has come and gone. This weekend is his last week of respite before he is betrothed to a stranger of his family
elders' choice.
He hates his indecisiveness. He hates his compliancy even more. Perhaps he's never allowed by the fate to find his destined one. He wishes he could say that he doesn't care about that but deep down, he knows he does.
He wonders how it feels to be in love.
He hates his indecisiveness. He hates his compliancy even more. Perhaps he's never allowed by the fate to find his destined one. He wishes he could say that he doesn't care about that but deep down, he knows he does.
He wonders how it feels to be in love.
Lan Xichen shook his head in resignation at his melancholic monologue. Didn't he come here to forget everything? For the next three days, he is not Lan Xichen, the heir of the oldest and richest family in Gusu; he is just Lan Huan, a simple tourist in this quaint town.
---
---
He has got to be the most striking man he has ever met; Lan Xichen muses quietly as he stares at the young, slightly tanned man, who is wading through the shallow water to harvest the lotus seed pods.
Lan Xichen is just walking around the wooden bridges that span the lakes
Lan Xichen is just walking around the wooden bridges that span the lakes
when his eyes catch the sight of the man amidst the blooming lotuses. At first the man appears to be fairly ordinary in his cutoff pants, oversized damp t-shirt and a wide brimmed strawhat. But when he raises his head to look at the sun, perhaps to gauge the time, Lan Xichen has
to swallow his gasp at the sight of the unusual lavender eyes; wide and sharp. The long-hair is tied up in careless buns and strands of dark hair plastered on his sweaty forehead and long, slender neck. The sun is merciful to the man as the freckles scattered along the aristocrat
nose and pink cheekbones.
Even dressed in the most shabby clothes, the man's lovely face outshines everything.
"Can I help you?" The man suddenly speaks up. The dark brows draw close. "You have been staring at me for the past 5 minutes. Are you lost?"
Lan Xichen blinks at the
Even dressed in the most shabby clothes, the man's lovely face outshines everything.
"Can I help you?" The man suddenly speaks up. The dark brows draw close. "You have been staring at me for the past 5 minutes. Are you lost?"
Lan Xichen blinks at the
sound of deep tone. Suddenly realising he has been caught staring, Lan Xichen smiles unabashedly. "I am curious about lotus harvesting." He says instead, not wanting to admit he is more interested in the man than in the lotuses.
The frown dissipated. "Ah, you're a tourist?"
The frown dissipated. "Ah, you're a tourist?"
"What give me away?"
"Everybody in this area knows everything lotuses." The man says curtly. He quickly slipped the knife into the sheath and shoved down the lotus pods that he has collected into the basket carried behind him. Then he wades back to the nearest wooden step to
"Everybody in this area knows everything lotuses." The man says curtly. He quickly slipped the knife into the sheath and shoved down the lotus pods that he has collected into the basket carried behind him. Then he wades back to the nearest wooden step to
climb back on the bridge.
The basket must have been heavy because the man is wobbling slightly in his ascent that Lan Xichen graciously leans forward to pick up the basket.
The lavender eyes widen at Lan Xichen's action. "That basket is heavy. How are you picking it using one
The basket must have been heavy because the man is wobbling slightly in his ascent that Lan Xichen graciously leans forward to pick up the basket.
The lavender eyes widen at Lan Xichen's action. "That basket is heavy. How are you picking it using one
hand only?" He exclaims.
Lan Xichen laughs. "I am genetically blessed."
"With strong arms?" The man asks skeptically.
"Among other things." Lan Xichen replies as he looks at the man thoroughly, now they're standing facing each other. Slender and tightly corded arms and calves.
Lan Xichen laughs. "I am genetically blessed."
"With strong arms?" The man asks skeptically.
"Among other things." Lan Xichen replies as he looks at the man thoroughly, now they're standing facing each other. Slender and tightly corded arms and calves.
Unfairly tiny waist. Long limbed and dusky pink skin. "I am Lan Huan." He offers, marvelling at the way his heart thunders.
The young man seems hesitant, but eventually he says, "Jiang Cheng. That's my name."
"Hello, Jiang Cheng."
The smile on Lan Xichen's face is wide.
--
The young man seems hesitant, but eventually he says, "Jiang Cheng. That's my name."
"Hello, Jiang Cheng."
The smile on Lan Xichen's face is wide.
--
"Have dinner with me," Lan Xichen asks impulsively as he is walking side by side with Jiang Cheng, still carrying the basket in his hand. Jiang Cheng doesn't bother wearing the slippers as his feet are still crusted with mud. Instead he dangles the slippers by his fingers.
Lan Xichen finds the inner childishness that Jiang Cheng tries to cover with his grumpy words and frowns is very charming.
Jiang Cheng is startled by the request. He halts his steps and looks at the taller man. "Dinner? I thought you're here for vacation?"
"I am."
Jiang Cheng is startled by the request. He halts his steps and looks at the taller man. "Dinner? I thought you're here for vacation?"
"I am."
"Then, go have dinner with your friends or spouse or whoever you have with you."
Lan Xichen's smile turns wistful. "I am here alone. I don't have friends back in my rented cottage."
Jiang Cheng opens his mouth to probably retort something else, but Lan Xichen expression must've
Lan Xichen's smile turns wistful. "I am here alone. I don't have friends back in my rented cottage."
Jiang Cheng opens his mouth to probably retort something else, but Lan Xichen expression must've
shown something because the smaller man presses his mouth close. Exasperation flitters on his face. "Surely you have something more exciting to do than have dinner with me. I mean, you don't even know me!"
"I came here on a whim. I need some where to escape even for the weekend.
"I came here on a whim. I need some where to escape even for the weekend.
And I found myself here, in Lotus Pier." Lan Xichen says softly. "Won't you show me the Lotus Pier hospitality?"
Jiang Cheng scoffs. "I don't do dinners with stranger," he says haughtily as he steps quicker ahead of Lan Xichen.
Lan Xichen hefts the basket over his shoulder as
Jiang Cheng scoffs. "I don't do dinners with stranger," he says haughtily as he steps quicker ahead of Lan Xichen.
Lan Xichen hefts the basket over his shoulder as
chases after the man. "An afternoon tea, then! We can get to know each other so when dinner comes, I am no longer a stranger to you!"
"How are you this shameless!" Jiang Cheng barks as he walks even faster.
"Jiang Cheng! I still have your lotus seed pods!" Lan Xichen laughs.
"How are you this shameless!" Jiang Cheng barks as he walks even faster.
"Jiang Cheng! I still have your lotus seed pods!" Lan Xichen laughs.
That gets Jiang Cheng to stop in his steps before he turns to glare at the taller man. But the ferocity of the expression doesn't phase Lan Xichen at all. He is now invested, too charmed by this man in front of him. "Please?" He asks again.
Jiang Cheng sighs. "At least let me go
Jiang Cheng sighs. "At least let me go
home and clean up. Unless you want to put with me smelling like dirt while you have your afternoon tea?"
"I'll walk you home!"
"Absolutely not!" Jiang Cheng is horrified. "Go- go wait for me in Yunmeng Cafe in an hour!"
Lan Xichen hesitated. He knows he can simply googled the
"I'll walk you home!"
"Absolutely not!" Jiang Cheng is horrified. "Go- go wait for me in Yunmeng Cafe in an hour!"
Lan Xichen hesitated. He knows he can simply googled the
cafe and waits there, but he fears that this will be last time he would see Jiang Cheng because what if the man doesn't come?
Jiang Cheng has deduced his hesitation because he walks closer to Lan Xichen and pokes at his chest. "Lan Huan," he says softly and Lan Xichen shudders
Jiang Cheng has deduced his hesitation because he walks closer to Lan Xichen and pokes at his chest. "Lan Huan," he says softly and Lan Xichen shudders
at the sound of his childhood name in Jiang Cheng's gruff voice. He looks down at Jiang Cheng's face and sees the first ghost of a smile on it.
"The first thing you're going to learn about me is that I don't say things that I don't mean," Jiang Cheng reaches out for the basket.
"The first thing you're going to learn about me is that I don't say things that I don't mean," Jiang Cheng reaches out for the basket.
"I promise to meet you at the cafe in an hour, right? I'll be there." A dimple appears slightly.
Lan Xichen feels something shift in his heart; as if something long-awaited, long-dreamt and previously thought as unattainable slots into his vacant soul.
He nods breathlessly.
--
Lan Xichen feels something shift in his heart; as if something long-awaited, long-dreamt and previously thought as unattainable slots into his vacant soul.
He nods breathlessly.
--
Lan Xichen is sure this man is an impossibility. How can everything he sees in Jiang Cheng charms him? Lan Xichen always dislikes brusqueness but there is something soft in Jiang Cheng's harshness. The paradox is driving Lan Xichen to distraction.
There is vulnerability in
There is vulnerability in
Jiang Cheng's certainty; stillness in his apparent urgency to always to be running somewhere else; kindness in his grumpiness.
The afternoon tea gave Lan Xichen the glimpse of those contradictories. It left Lan Xichen wanting for more. He doesn't want to let Jiang Cheng go yet.
The afternoon tea gave Lan Xichen the glimpse of those contradictories. It left Lan Xichen wanting for more. He doesn't want to let Jiang Cheng go yet.
"Where is the most beautiful place one could be in Lotus Pier?" Lan Xichen asks as they walk out the cafe. Late afternoon sun washes over them. Gone was the messy bun, Jiang Cheng is wearing his hair in braids now and it trails down almost to his waist. Lan Xichen has to press
the lump in his chest when he first Jiang Cheng walked into the cafe, all cleaned up and pretty.
"Still isn't bored with me yet?" Jiang Cheng asks, almost teasingly. "I thought after knowing I'm a simple lotus farmer who spends two-third of his time in the muddy area would have
"Still isn't bored with me yet?" Jiang Cheng asks, almost teasingly. "I thought after knowing I'm a simple lotus farmer who spends two-third of his time in the muddy area would have
turned me away."
"I thought you are wonderful," Lan Xichen says hastily, before laughing gently at how quick the pink blooms on Jiang Cheng's cheeks.
"Yeah, right," Jiang Cheng mutters. "As if what I do can ever compete with your Gusu city lifestyles. I thought having a job as
"I thought you are wonderful," Lan Xichen says hastily, before laughing gently at how quick the pink blooms on Jiang Cheng's cheeks.
"Yeah, right," Jiang Cheng mutters. "As if what I do can ever compete with your Gusu city lifestyles. I thought having a job as
a business is a cliche from tvshows. I was almost convinced you were joking."
Lan Xichen wants to hold that callous hands; evident of years of hardworks, but he wonders if it is too soon. "Businessmen make the world go around, Jiang Cheng. We're not fabled creatures."
Lan Xichen wants to hold that callous hands; evident of years of hardworks, but he wonders if it is too soon. "Businessmen make the world go around, Jiang Cheng. We're not fabled creatures."
Jiang Cheng scoffs. "And farmers feed you ungrateful lot!"
Lan Xichen raises his hands in surrender; Jiang Cheng mutters 'idiot' under his breath. "Now we have settled the issue that I haven't found you boring, will you take me to your favorite spot in Lotus Pier?"
Lan Xichen raises his hands in surrender; Jiang Cheng mutters 'idiot' under his breath. "Now we have settled the issue that I haven't found you boring, will you take me to your favorite spot in Lotus Pier?"
A few more grumblings and in a half of hour, Lan Xichen finds himself standing at the ledge of a cliff overlooking the wide expanse of countless pink and white lotuses with clear blue sky as a curved dome over it. Wind hails from faraway mountains swept the flowers in silent 
songs, unchanged for years that pass by. There is an absence of city sounds that Lan Xichen is accustomed to in his youth. Instead, there is only quietness of the nature.
"Why this place, Jiang Cheng?" Lan Xichen whispered in awe, almost afraid to shatter the tranquility.
"Why this place, Jiang Cheng?" Lan Xichen whispered in awe, almost afraid to shatter the tranquility.
Jiang Cheng sits on the grass and pulls his knees close to his chest - a picture of ease. Lan Xichen can fairly guess the hours the younger man has spent in this spot. "I--" Jiang Cheng stumbles his words.
"It reminds of my home that I've never seen for years and years."
"It reminds of my home that I've never seen for years and years."
Lan Xichen turns his head in surprise. "I thought Lotus Pier is your home."
Jiang Cheng's lips curled in self-deprecation. "It used to be mine. Then it wasn't. But I can never stay away from it for too long. So I came back but I have to be content just looking at it for afar."
Jiang Cheng's lips curled in self-deprecation. "It used to be mine. Then it wasn't. But I can never stay away from it for too long. So I came back but I have to be content just looking at it for afar."
"I don't understand-"
"I wasn't always a farmer, Lan Huan. There was a time I was a world away from mud and sun and dirt in my fingernails." Jiang Cheng says quietly.
Lan Xichen sits down beside Jiang Cheng. He wants to ask more but the granite in Jiang Cheng's posture tells
"I wasn't always a farmer, Lan Huan. There was a time I was a world away from mud and sun and dirt in my fingernails." Jiang Cheng says quietly.
Lan Xichen sits down beside Jiang Cheng. He wants to ask more but the granite in Jiang Cheng's posture tells
him that this is something that isn't easily being told. So, he says gently, "Your home is with lotuses and you came back to work with them?"
Jiang Cheng looks up, lavender eyes soften. "Do you have something in your life that would always remind you of the happy moments?"
Jiang Cheng looks up, lavender eyes soften. "Do you have something in your life that would always remind you of the happy moments?"
"A sound of xiao in the hallway." Lan Xichen answers promptly.
"Xiao!" Jiang Cheng scoffs. "So pompous! Is that what a businessman must master to be accepted in the circle?"
"I'll have you know I'm very good in xiao," Lan Xichen smiles; happy the melancholy moment dissipates.
"Xiao!" Jiang Cheng scoffs. "So pompous! Is that what a businessman must master to be accepted in the circle?"
"I'll have you know I'm very good in xiao," Lan Xichen smiles; happy the melancholy moment dissipates.
"If I am not doing what I am doing now, I probably be a professional musician."
Jiang Cheng goes quiet as he looks at Lan Xichen. His face slowly softens in affection. "I'm sure you are excellent in everything you do, Lan Huan. I have a strong feeling about that."
Jiang Cheng goes quiet as he looks at Lan Xichen. His face slowly softens in affection. "I'm sure you are excellent in everything you do, Lan Huan. I have a strong feeling about that."
The shifts in his heart intensify. The bright sun lights up Jiang Cheng's face, highlighting the unforgettable amethyst eyes. The usual harsh mouth softens into a rare smile.
"The happy moments in my life always have lotuses in them. Swimming in the lake and eating lotus seeds
"The happy moments in my life always have lotuses in them. Swimming in the lake and eating lotus seeds
in the summers. Fragrant pork ribs and lotus root in the evenings. Sweet lotus scents during late-night conversations." Jiang Cheng stares out, wistful in his voice. "When I was away, I was unhappy. So I came here just to have the smallest remembrance of that happiness."
"Why can't you go home, Jiang Cheng?" Lan Xichen asks gently.
"Why do you have your vacation in the most remote place on earth, when you have your fill of the world?" Jiang Cheng asks in return.
"What?"
"Do you think an exile like me won't recognise a person who is running?"
"Why do you have your vacation in the most remote place on earth, when you have your fill of the world?" Jiang Cheng asks in return.
"What?"
"Do you think an exile like me won't recognise a person who is running?"
Lan Xichen's amber eyes widen at Jiang Cheng's words. Panic seeps into him. He wanted to leave 'Lan Xichen' behind. He only wants Jiang Cheng to know him as 'Lan Huan'.
Jiang Cheng says quietly. "Who are you running from, Lan Huan?"
"No one!" Lan Xichen denies as he scrambles
Jiang Cheng says quietly. "Who are you running from, Lan Huan?"
"No one!" Lan Xichen denies as he scrambles
on his feet. He doesn't want to talk about his life that he has no control over.
Jiang Cheng reaches out to grab Lan Xichen's hands and pulls the taller man toward him. Lan Xichen stumbles and drops back down.
"Jiang Cheng!"
Jiang Cheng ignores the call of affront. Instead,
Jiang Cheng reaches out to grab Lan Xichen's hands and pulls the taller man toward him. Lan Xichen stumbles and drops back down.
"Jiang Cheng!"
Jiang Cheng ignores the call of affront. Instead,
he climbs over Lan Xichen's lap to stop him from running away again. Lan Xichen gasps at their proximity, from the heat shared between them. Jiang Cheng holds Lan Xichen's face in his palms, making him unable to escape the piercing eyes.
"Why here of all places, Lan Huan?"
"Why here of all places, Lan Huan?"
"I am only here for the weekend," Lan Xichen insisted desperately. He doesn't want to talk about his life.
"Then whatever you tell will be inconsequential when the weekend ends." Jiang Cheng counters.
"I don't want talk about it."
"Then what do you want talk?!" Jiang Cheng
"Then whatever you tell will be inconsequential when the weekend ends." Jiang Cheng counters.
"I don't want talk about it."
"Then what do you want talk?!" Jiang Cheng
snaps. "You approached me, hounding for my time. We had spent the entire afternoon together and yet, you barely spoke about yourself. I still don't know you want from me!"
The man in his lap is glorious in his righteous fury. Lan Xichen barely knows Jiang Cheng either, but how
The man in his lap is glorious in his righteous fury. Lan Xichen barely knows Jiang Cheng either, but how
he wants to. He wants to know how the satiny tanned skin feel under his fingers; how that lithe body would fit against him, filling the hollowed crevices in his heart. From the moment Jiang Cheng raised his head to meet Lan Xichen's eyes at morning, Lan Xichen wants this man.
Deep growl emits from the back of Lan Xichen's throat. "This, I want *this* from you." He lunged forwards and kiss this stranger he met today but still has so easily burrowed underneath his skin and heart.
If before it was Jiang Cheng who attempts to pin Lan Xichen from running
If before it was Jiang Cheng who attempts to pin Lan Xichen from running
away, this time, it is Lan Xichen who holds Jiang Cheng to him, so he can deepen the kiss.
Lan Xichen can feel the shudder of surprise in the smaller man, so, he softens the desperation. He cradles the back of Jiang Cheng's head, turns it gently so he can slot in better, closer.
Lan Xichen can feel the shudder of surprise in the smaller man, so, he softens the desperation. He cradles the back of Jiang Cheng's head, turns it gently so he can slot in better, closer.
He drops soft nips along the generous lips that were scowling at him all morning; his fingers run through the midnight hair to loosen up the braids; his other hand pulls Jiang Cheng flush against his body.
Before long, Jiang Cheng slowly returns his kiss to his great relief.
Before long, Jiang Cheng slowly returns his kiss to his great relief.
There is a tentative move from Jiang Cheng's mouth as he tries to match Lan Xichen's and there are twin tight curl of fists on Lan Xichen's shoulders. The recipocral encourage Lan Xichen to deepen the kiss.
This- this is what he wanted. A distraction from his spiralling life
This- this is what he wanted. A distraction from his spiralling life
that he can no longer control. A distraction whose kisses taste sweet, whose touches are uncertain but still so willing and whose quiet moans fill his head until he feels lightheaded from wants.
He doesn't want to talk.
He wants Jiang Cheng.
Even for only a weekend.
--
He doesn't want to talk.
He wants Jiang Cheng.
Even for only a weekend.
--
#nsfw
Jiang Wanyin has never done this. Meeting a stranger in the morning, feeling so infatuated about him in the single afternoon spent together and falling into the said stranger's bed in the evening. Not to mention the stranger is a man, whom he had never thought he would
Jiang Wanyin has never done this. Meeting a stranger in the morning, feeling so infatuated about him in the single afternoon spent together and falling into the said stranger's bed in the evening. Not to mention the stranger is a man, whom he had never thought he would
ever feel thing way about.
But Lan Huan feels heavy, warm and secured on top of him as the larger man is trying to kiss as many places on his body as he can and Jiang Wanyin has been left unmoored for so long. For the first time in years, Jiang Wanyin feels tethered even for
But Lan Huan feels heavy, warm and secured on top of him as the larger man is trying to kiss as many places on his body as he can and Jiang Wanyin has been left unmoored for so long. For the first time in years, Jiang Wanyin feels tethered even for
one night.
He thought he would recoil from a man's touch but Lan Xichen appears to be an exception in almost everything in his life.
"Jiang Cheng, may I?" Lan Huan's voice is so deep in desire that it bring delicious shiver in him, so, he nods his head in assent; whatever it
He thought he would recoil from a man's touch but Lan Xichen appears to be an exception in almost everything in his life.
"Jiang Cheng, may I?" Lan Huan's voice is so deep in desire that it bring delicious shiver in him, so, he nods his head in assent; whatever it
is that Lan Xichen asking from him.
It turns out Lan Xichen raises his hip so easily with his strong arms, so he can slip in one of the many pillows the rented cottage provides him under Jiang Wanyin's hips. Then, he pushes Jiang Wanyin's legs upwards until they touch his
It turns out Lan Xichen raises his hip so easily with his strong arms, so he can slip in one of the many pillows the rented cottage provides him under Jiang Wanyin's hips. Then, he pushes Jiang Wanyin's legs upwards until they touch his
chest, leaving him feel horribly exposed.
Jiang Cheng hesitates, "Lan Huan, I don't think-"
Lan Xichen instantly raises his head. "Do you want to stop?" His cock feels heavy with desire, but Lan Xichen will stop if Jiang Cheng asks him to.
The younger man shakes his head.
Jiang Cheng hesitates, "Lan Huan, I don't think-"
Lan Xichen instantly raises his head. "Do you want to stop?" His cock feels heavy with desire, but Lan Xichen will stop if Jiang Cheng asks him to.
The younger man shakes his head.
He wants Lan Huan so much. "No, I just- I just don't know what you're now. Tell me."
Lan Xichen smiles. "I've been wanting to put my mouth on your ass since this morning when I saw you bent down in the lotus field."
Jiang Wanyin's eyes widen. "You- you want to- there?"
Lan Xichen smiles. "I've been wanting to put my mouth on your ass since this morning when I saw you bent down in the lotus field."
Jiang Wanyin's eyes widen. "You- you want to- there?"
"Mm..." Lan Xichen drawls breathily. "Can I? I promise to make it feel so good for you." The grin on his face is positively wicked.
Jiang Wanyin doubts that but he nods his head anyway. For the next ten minutes, he is proven wrong. The feel of Lan Huan's mouth on him feel
Jiang Wanyin doubts that but he nods his head anyway. For the next ten minutes, he is proven wrong. The feel of Lan Huan's mouth on him feel
decadent. Whatever depth that Lan Huan's tongue cannot reach, he makes it up with his long, nimble fingers - the 'xiao fingers' Jiang Wanyin thinks hazily, and they play on his sensitive spot so expertly. Each time Lan Huan presses on it, Jiang Wanyin feels sparks of pleasure
shock him, drug him so deeply that he can no longer discern his surrounding. "Lan Huan..." he begs because he needs to be touch, down there. The pleasure is overstimulating - too much, too much.
Lan Xichen feels his cock jerk at the sound of Jiang Cheng calling his name, wrecked
Lan Xichen feels his cock jerk at the sound of Jiang Cheng calling his name, wrecked
and desperate. The pink flushed cock bounces so prettily in front of his eyes and he is torn between wanting to put his mouth on the cock or the hole that he has been eating for the past ten minutes.
And Jiang Cheng has been beautifully responsive. Lan Xichen could have easily
And Jiang Cheng has been beautifully responsive. Lan Xichen could have easily
come simply by doing this for hours and hours. He pressed two fingers onto the spot, listening to Jiang Cheng's choked moan of surprise with pride, before drumming them insistently that make the younger man beneath writhe wildly as he comes untouched.
Oh... Lan Xichen thinks...
Oh... Lan Xichen thinks...
he could easily become addicted to Jiang Cheng and his wanton body.
He waits until Jiang Cheng stop shuddering before he slides up to slot in his hardness into Jiang Cheng's well-prepared hole in slowly, not wanting to cause his young lover pain from his girth.
Jiang Wanyin
He waits until Jiang Cheng stop shuddering before he slides up to slot in his hardness into Jiang Cheng's well-prepared hole in slowly, not wanting to cause his young lover pain from his girth.
Jiang Wanyin
can barely breathe from the first orgasm Lan Huan wrings out from him before he chokes a back a scream as some considerably larger than fingers enter him. The pleasure hasn't completely ended from the previous crest and Lan Huan's girth is now pressing continuously against his
spot. Waves and waves sensation wash through Jiang Wanyin that when Lan Huan *moves*, his mouth drops open with his eyes clenched close.
Jiang Wanyin never knew that sex with man would feel this intense. He has never managed to come more than once, but Lan Huan is determine to
Jiang Wanyin never knew that sex with man would feel this intense. He has never managed to come more than once, but Lan Huan is determine to
prove him wrong. His hips snap in and out in eerie accuracy and Jiang Wanyin inhaled sharply when he feels himself harden once again.
His eyes flies open in surprise. He looks up and feels his own heart clenched at the sight of Lan Huan's face in own pleasure. Pale cheeks are
His eyes flies open in surprise. He looks up and feels his own heart clenched at the sight of Lan Huan's face in own pleasure. Pale cheeks are
flushed with exertion and those usually light amber eyes darken in wild passion as Lan Huan keeps his sight onto Jiang Wanyin.
Lan Huan is so beautiful, Jiang Wanyin thinks wistfully. When he first saw Lan Huan this morning, clad awkwardly in his shirt and slack pants with his
Lan Huan is so beautiful, Jiang Wanyin thinks wistfully. When he first saw Lan Huan this morning, clad awkwardly in his shirt and slack pants with his
jet-black hair trimmed neat at his nape and slicked back tastefully over his forehead, Jiang Wanyin knows he isn't from here.
A tourist for the weekend.
But the afternoon tea they shared show the exhaustion hidden behind gentle smiles and teasing. Jiang Wanyin wants to soothe
A tourist for the weekend.
But the afternoon tea they shared show the exhaustion hidden behind gentle smiles and teasing. Jiang Wanyin wants to soothe
exhaustion, the frustration he can see building behind his facade. He wants to know the reason for Lan Huan choosing this place for a vacation when it is clear that Lan Huan is running away from something.
A mystery. That is what Lan Huan is. It is something that Jiang
A mystery. That is what Lan Huan is. It is something that Jiang
Wanyin knows he would never unravelled because just as he is reluctant to let Lan Huan knows of his past, the taller man also refuses to tell him of his.
If he's allowed, Jiang Wanyin wants to keep him more than for a weekend. But he can't, so he allows Lan Huan to bring him
If he's allowed, Jiang Wanyin wants to keep him more than for a weekend. But he can't, so he allows Lan Huan to bring him
home and lay him on the bed. He allows Lan Huan to touch him anywhere he wants because if he cannot give Lan Huan his past or his life, at least, for this weekend, he can give both of them this.
Something to remember by.
The thrusts pull Jiang Wanyin away from his musing.
Something to remember by.
The thrusts pull Jiang Wanyin away from his musing.
It is hard to think when Lan Huan is so very good in this. Each plunder takes Jiang Wanyin's breath away, making his body shudder in ecstacy. He wants to touch himself, to come, but Lan Huan is holding his wrists to the bed possessively as the taller man folds Jiang Wanyin into
half and fucks into him harder.
Jiang Wanyin whines. The sensation is too much.
"You can come untouched again," Lan Huan murmurs hotly against his ear. "God, baby, you feel so good around me."
Lan Huan's voice should be illegal. The praise goes straight to his gut and pushes
Jiang Wanyin whines. The sensation is too much.
"You can come untouched again," Lan Huan murmurs hotly against his ear. "God, baby, you feel so good around me."
Lan Huan's voice should be illegal. The praise goes straight to his gut and pushes
Jiang Wanyin closer to the precipice. He feels full, consumed and possessed. Lan Huan is all over him, in and out of his minds and body. He cannot believe he is coming again so soon.
"Lan Huan..." He begs.
"Jiang Cheng..." Lan Huan says reverently.
Together they explode.
--
"Lan Huan..." He begs.
"Jiang Cheng..." Lan Huan says reverently.
Together they explode.
--
The morning comes with the feel of warmth wraps around him and the soft exhales of breath teasing at the back of his neck. Jiang Wanyin blinks slowly as slivers of sunlight slither through the careless closed blinds.
It doesn't take long before memories of last night flood in.
It doesn't take long before memories of last night flood in.
He was so uncharacteristically wanton under Lan Xichen's touches. Embarrasment warms his cheeks as the awkwardness of the morning after appears. He wonders if Lan Huan wants him gone, now that the older man has already got what he wanted. A part of him wants to go, to disappear
from Lan Huan's life. But a bigger part of him - the one that has missed human touches and affection; and the one that has unwillingly carved a space in his heart for this man - begs him to stay in the safety cocoon of Lan Huan's arms.
He has taken too long to decide. Lan Huan
He has taken too long to decide. Lan Huan
stirs awake behind him and instantly detects the uneasiness in the atmosphere. The arms tighten their hold and Lan Huan slides closer to Jiang Wanyin. "Stay with me..." he murmurs and Jiang Wanyin's heart squeezes painfully.
"I can order in breakfast. We can be lazy in this
"I can order in breakfast. We can be lazy in this
bed all day long, or if you want we can go out and do some sightseeing. Anywhere you want to go, Jiang Cheng, anything you want, let me give it you," his new lover persuades.
Lan Xichen breathes in the scent of stale sex and muted lotuses from Jiang Cheng's neck and decides
Lan Xichen breathes in the scent of stale sex and muted lotuses from Jiang Cheng's neck and decides
he has never smelled anything more addictive than this. He has never wanted anyone like he craves for Jiang Cheng
"Do you usually assume people can spare their time on your whims?" Jiang Cheng asks scowls. "I could have my own plan."
Lan Xichen drops kisses along the slender
"Do you usually assume people can spare their time on your whims?" Jiang Cheng asks scowls. "I could have my own plan."
Lan Xichen drops kisses along the slender
neck, down to the narrow shoulder, nibbling the faint tan lineabove shoulder's blade. He lets his palm slide to the curve of Jiang Cheng's hips. "Do you? Do you really have a plan for the day?"
Jiang Cheng shudders at the touches. "I- I could have," he insists.
Jiang Cheng shudders at the touches. "I- I could have," he insists.
"Can it wait after breakfast?" Lan Xichen curves smiles against Jiang Cheng's skin, feeling victory within his grasp. He has one more night to spend in this cottage and he aims to spend it all with this man. One more night of pretence before reality slaps him in the face.
Jiang Cheng apparently thinks so too because he quickly turns around and pulls Lan Huan closer. "Only after breakfast," he agrees and resumes to kiss him.
The morning sun sees Jiang Wanyin ride Lan Xichen to his own pleasure while Lan Xichen stares him with such adoration.
The morning sun sees Jiang Wanyin ride Lan Xichen to his own pleasure while Lan Xichen stares him with such adoration.
After breakfast, the kisses they share turn to another round of lovemaking in the spacious bathtubs in which has Lan Huan's fingers deep into Jiang Wanyin as he tries to pull more and more orgasms.
"Come on, Lan Huan, stop it!" Jiang Wanyin laughs breathlessly. The taller man's
"Come on, Lan Huan, stop it!" Jiang Wanyin laughs breathlessly. The taller man's
mouth splits wide in hilary as he tries to pull Jiang Wanyin close back to him. In retaliation, Jiang Wanyin splashes water to his face, once again breaks into laughter when he sees suds cover Lan Huan's face.
"Unfair A-Cheng! It got into my eyes!"
"Karma's a bitch," Jiang
"Unfair A-Cheng! It got into my eyes!"
"Karma's a bitch," Jiang
Wanyin says and he takes that opportunity to get out from the bathtub. His legs feel like jelly and his ass feels sore, but it is a good sore, like he has been wholly devoured by the man who can't seem to get enough of him.
It makes Jiang Wanyin feel good about himself; that
It makes Jiang Wanyin feel good about himself; that
perhaps he isn't as unwanted as he is made to be all his life. Perhaps there is a part of him that still lovable, still worthy to be touched with affection.
Jiang Wanyin insists to go out. "You're on vacation, Huan-ge. How is being cooped up in your little cottage a vacation?"
Jiang Wanyin insists to go out. "You're on vacation, Huan-ge. How is being cooped up in your little cottage a vacation?"
Lan Xichen smiles indulgently at his new, young lover. So, he reaches out for his wallet and handphone, and also for Jiang Cheng's hand. He feels gratify to see blush stains the younger man's cheeks but still, Jiang Cheng reaches back to slip his hand into Lan Xichen's.
They go to the small, picturistic town that seems to be preserved, frozen in time capsule. There is a pretty river flows in between the building with bridges arch over it. Just like the lakes of lotus or the hill overlooking the flowers, this town is also free from the bustling
sound of people and vehicles. A few bicycles pass them with nods and smiles.
Lan Xichen feels like he is living in an entirely different world than his own life. There's no insistent ringing of phones or chiming of messages. There's no sense of urgency; the rush that pushes him
Lan Xichen feels like he is living in an entirely different world than his own life. There's no insistent ringing of phones or chiming of messages. There's no sense of urgency; the rush that pushes him
non-stop from the moment he wakes up until the night he lies down on his bed. There's only the sounds of birds, the gently clanging of villagers' simple tools and whispers of wind that caress his face.
"This is pretty," he says.
"And dull too, I supposed, compare to your city?"
"This is pretty," he says.
"And dull too, I supposed, compare to your city?"
"The city can overwhelm people so easily. If you're not careful, it will swallow you whole and spit you out jaded and exhausted." Lan Xichen replies wistfully. "Have you ever been to the city, A-Cheng?"
Jiang Wanyin wonders when have they started calling each other's nicknames?
Jiang Wanyin wonders when have they started calling each other's nicknames?
Has he ever felt this comfortable so quickly with another person before? He can't remember; he has been alone for so long.
"Once, long ago," Jiang Wanyin answers. "Sometimes, when it gets too quiet-" In his life, in his head. "-I contemplate of leaving this town. But I can't."
"Once, long ago," Jiang Wanyin answers. "Sometimes, when it gets too quiet-" In his life, in his head. "-I contemplate of leaving this town. But I can't."
"Can't bear leaving the lotuses?" Lan Huan asks.
The flowers are the closest thing Jiang Wanyin could ever get to the life he has been casted away. Instead of saying that out aloud, Jiang Wanyin just shrugs, marvel how easily Lan Huan can hear the words he cannot speak.
The flowers are the closest thing Jiang Wanyin could ever get to the life he has been casted away. Instead of saying that out aloud, Jiang Wanyin just shrugs, marvel how easily Lan Huan can hear the words he cannot speak.
"Has the city overwhelmed you? Is that why you're here?" Jiang Wanyin looks up.
Lan Xichen never intends to say anything, but Jiang Cheng has burrowed underneath his skin and perhaps has already left indelible mark on his heart too. So, he finds himself opening his mouth and
Lan Xichen never intends to say anything, but Jiang Cheng has burrowed underneath his skin and perhaps has already left indelible mark on his heart too. So, he finds himself opening his mouth and
says, "Responsibility and obligation are the chains that I cannot break. What I want or desire always take the backseat when it comes to fulfilling my roles."
Jiang Wanyin pauses. He doesn't expect Lan Huan to say anything. "So it's not the city that drove you here, but
Jiang Wanyin pauses. He doesn't expect Lan Huan to say anything. "So it's not the city that drove you here, but
obligations?"
"My family is archaic," Lan Xichen says ruefully. "I love them, but I suffocate under their expectation. I have served the family for 30 years of my life and yet, they want the rest of my life too."
Jiang Wanyin inhales shakily because that hits too close to him.
"My family is archaic," Lan Xichen says ruefully. "I love them, but I suffocate under their expectation. I have served the family for 30 years of my life and yet, they want the rest of my life too."
Jiang Wanyin inhales shakily because that hits too close to him.
"This unplanned vacation is perhaps my weakest attempt to rebel. But deep down I know, I'll be back home comes Monday morning, ready to do whatever they ask of me," Lan Xichen smiles mirthlessly.
"What is it that they're asking of you?" Jiang Wanyin asks.
"What is it that they're asking of you?" Jiang Wanyin asks.
"A marriage of mutual benefits for both families." Lan Xichen answers tiredly. He doesn't know why is he telling all this. Perhaps because he's tasted the brief happiness. It makes him wonder if this life will be less exhaustive if he come back to Jiang Cheng's arms every night.
Jiang Wanyin looks away, feeling his own heart crack. He cannot believe he has slept with someone who is promised to another. His feet move before he even realises it.
"A-Cheng!" Lan Xichen reaches out to grab Jiang Wanyin's hand. "Where are you going?"
"You're engaged?!"
"A-Cheng!" Lan Xichen reaches out to grab Jiang Wanyin's hand. "Where are you going?"
"You're engaged?!"
"I-" Lan Xichen staggers a step back, belatedly realising the situation.
"I accept that what we have may not go beyond this weekend. I also accept that come Monday, you will go back to your own life and I to mine!" Jiang Wanyin rages. "But I'll be damned if I become the third
"I accept that what we have may not go beyond this weekend. I also accept that come Monday, you will go back to your own life and I to mine!" Jiang Wanyin rages. "But I'll be damned if I become the third
wheel; the one you use to hurt another! I am not a tool of your *spoiled* rebellious act!"
It's never occurred to Lan Xichen how this would look like to Jiang Cheng. "Jiang Cheng!" He hastens his steps to stand in front of angry man and clutches on the shoulders. "Listen to me!"
It's never occurred to Lan Xichen how this would look like to Jiang Cheng. "Jiang Cheng!" He hastens his steps to stand in front of angry man and clutches on the shoulders. "Listen to me!"
"I don't know her!" Lan Xichen says desperately. "I was given a *portfolio* of hers from my elders and they expect me to simply nod my head like any other orders they've given me. If anything, I *am* the tool."
Jiang Cheng looks up to Lan Xichen; eyes wide in surprise.
Jiang Cheng looks up to Lan Xichen; eyes wide in surprise.
Now it was out in open, Lan Xichen can't stop the anguish he has kept bottling for weeks now. "I came here for my last... attempt of having something in life that is of my choice. I didn't expect anything when I came here, A-Cheng... I didn't plan this- this gateaway trip, but
I still found you." He raises his hand to caress the sharp cheekbones, feeling his heart shatter in anguish. "I found you amidst the lotuses that you love so much, and for the first time, I *wanted* something. For the first time in my life, I *chose* and I chose to know you."
Jiang Wanyin feels tears burn his eyes. How can he dare to believe those words? His whole life he has been discarded for a much better replacement that he can never measured up to. When Lan Huan told him that he is promised to be married to another, for one ugliest moment, Jiang
Wanyin thought even in the eyes of a stranger, he is still an afterthought; someone to discard for a weekend distraction before he goes home to the better option.
The hurt is visceral. Eight years have come and gone and Jiang Wanyin is still trapped in the limbo of his father's
The hurt is visceral. Eight years have come and gone and Jiang Wanyin is still trapped in the limbo of his father's
cruel indifferent. Even now, he still can't get away from him; still living so near just so he can get the occasional glimpse of his home from afar.
"A portfolio?" Jiang Wanyin asks hoarsely, a few moments later. His damage is his own, but perhaps Lan Huan's hurt can be shared.
"A portfolio?" Jiang Wanyin asks hoarsely, a few moments later. His damage is his own, but perhaps Lan Huan's hurt can be shared.
"A portfolio," Lan Xichen lets out a relieved, shaky laugh. "I told you, my family is archaic."
Jiang Wanyin turns his away, blinking back the tears.
"A-Cheng..." Lan Xichen softly begs.
"It still doesn't change you're promised to another." Jiang Wanyin murmurs.
Jiang Wanyin turns his away, blinking back the tears.
"A-Cheng..." Lan Xichen softly begs.
"It still doesn't change you're promised to another." Jiang Wanyin murmurs.
Lan Xichen's heart ached so much. If the circumstances were different, he would pull Jiang Cheng to very near to him and never let him go. He would woo him, sweeping his off his feet until Jiang Cheng feels the same depth and gravity of his emotions; the confusion, the chaos, the
gravitation, the hope and despair of finding someone so perfect in the wrongest moment of his life.
"No, it doesn't," Lan Xichen whispers. Those words feel heavy and bitter on his tongue.
"And you'll be gone tomorrow."
"But I still hope for your companion until then."
"No, it doesn't," Lan Xichen whispers. Those words feel heavy and bitter on his tongue.
"And you'll be gone tomorrow."
"But I still hope for your companion until then."
There is a bittersweet hope so stark in Lan Huan's voice that Jiang Wanyin can practically feel it too his own heart because why look too afar into the future when they are only promised for tomorrow.
Jiang Wanyin knows if he turn around and leave right now, he will be left with
Jiang Wanyin knows if he turn around and leave right now, he will be left with
regret for the rest of his life. He has already a mountain of ghosts on his shoulders. He doesn't want Lan Huan to be one of them.
He wants to lie one more night in Lan Huan's embrace, savoring the security and affection.
So, Jiang Wanyin raises his eyes once again.
"Yes."
--
He wants to lie one more night in Lan Huan's embrace, savoring the security and affection.
So, Jiang Wanyin raises his eyes once again.
"Yes."
--
That night Lan Xichen takes his time to map the glorious smooth tan skin using his mouth and hands. Each scar tells stories that Lan Xichen may never know and each sigh for every sensitive spot he kisses reminds him that he would never again touch them after tonight.
He leans up to kiss Jiang Cheng's lips - sweet from the wine they had indulged in dinner and bitter from the grief from his own heartache. Jiang Cheng arches his back to draw them closer as he curls his arms around Lan Xichen's neck. He generously opens his mouth to welcome
Lan Xichen's greedy demands; tongues and lips clash in desperate passion.
The clock is ticking down to the inevitable dawn. Each second that passes only feed more fire to Lan Xichen's attempts to taste and touch and feel everything Jiang Cheng has to offer.
Kisses deepen as
The clock is ticking down to the inevitable dawn. Each second that passes only feed more fire to Lan Xichen's attempts to taste and touch and feel everything Jiang Cheng has to offer.
Kisses deepen as
Lan Xichen pulls Jiang Cheng's hips upwards. He slides into the hot depth, growling possesively when he feels Jiang Cheng's jerk from the unexpected intrusion. "You're still so soft from this morning, A-Cheng, but so tight and so good," he whispers.
"Huan-ge..."
"Hold on baby."
"Huan-ge..."
"Hold on baby."
Lan Xichen pistons his thrusts harder and deeper, hitting the sensitive spot every single time. He feels the shudders from the pliant body underneath him. Jiang Cheng's moans fill the room, overlapping with the loud ticking sound of the accursed clock. Lan Xichen will gladly give
more pleasure to the younger man just so he can forget the time that slips so quickly from his fingertips.
Slender, corded thighs are raised to wrap themselves around Lan Xichen's tapered waist and he was slotted even deeper. "More- give me more," Jiang Cheng chokes out, heat
Slender, corded thighs are raised to wrap themselves around Lan Xichen's tapered waist and he was slotted even deeper. "More- give me more," Jiang Cheng chokes out, heat
coils deep in his gut; he is so sensitive.
And Lan Xichen gives him what he demands. Throughout the night Lan Xichen rocks them both to many completions, until Jiang Wanyin can no longer discern one orgasm to another. The older man gives him no respite - urgently wants to have
And Lan Xichen gives him what he demands. Throughout the night Lan Xichen rocks them both to many completions, until Jiang Wanyin can no longer discern one orgasm to another. The older man gives him no respite - urgently wants to have
it all with the very limited time given to them.
Jiang Cheng passes out an hour before dawn. Lan Xichen spends the next hour committing the sight of his lover of two days, so gloriously naked, bearing the marks of his own doings. His thick, long hair is spread out; a stark
Jiang Cheng passes out an hour before dawn. Lan Xichen spends the next hour committing the sight of his lover of two days, so gloriously naked, bearing the marks of his own doings. His thick, long hair is spread out; a stark
contrast to the pillow underneath it. Deep in exhausted slumber, Jiang Cheng is a sight of utter temptation in his vulnerability.
He swings his legs to the side of the bed, turning away from Jiang Cheng and he buried his face in this hands. This is an agony that Lan Xichen has
He swings his legs to the side of the bed, turning away from Jiang Cheng and he buried his face in this hands. This is an agony that Lan Xichen has
never known before. Never has he hated himself as much as he does right now. He neither has the strength to leave Jiang Cheng after spending two days tasting the man's sweetness nor has he the courage to defy his family. Even if he decided to bring Jiang Cheng home with him,
he knows the elders will never accept Jiang Cheng for the man brings no financial or influential benefits to the Lan family. How could Lan Xichen ever bring Jiang Cheng to a place that would only bring him misery?
He twists back to drop a long, lingering kiss on Jiang Cheng's
He twists back to drop a long, lingering kiss on Jiang Cheng's
forehead, keeping the memory of the last kiss so deep in his soul before forcing himself to stand up and move. He takes the shower quietly and packs up his things into the single carryon bag before hesitating.
After a few of moments of contemplation, Lan Xichen grabs a pen.
After a few of moments of contemplation, Lan Xichen grabs a pen.
As he slips out the cottage, a single note is seen tucked near the sleeping man left alone on the bed.
~You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Thank you for allowing you to be mine, even only for the weekend~
-Lan Huan-
--
~You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Thank you for allowing you to be mine, even only for the weekend~
-Lan Huan-
--
It turns out that once you've tasted the most scrumptious meal, everything that comes after that is tasteless and bland. Lan Xichen came back from the vacation feeling restless and hollow. How could Jiang Cheng carved a space so deeply in Lan Xichen's heart in merely two days?
The week following the weekend finds Lan Xichen staring out from his massive office windows, pen frozen in his hand and documents remain unread. He sees the clouds rolling by his high-raised office and he is reminded of the clear blue sky that matches with the pink lotuses below.
He hears the sound of water tickling from his office's water bamboo fountain and he recalls Jiang Cheng in the middle of lotuses stalks. He smells the sweet scent of lotus teas and his gut burns in remembrance of Jiang Cheng's flushed skin underneath his fingers and lips.
This is a deep gaping void. This is a true agony. This is his punishment for not being braved enough to pursue Jiang Cheng for more than just the weekend.
Lan Xichen is trapped in an inescapable limbo.
A week passes by and Lan Xichen still finds himself haunted by the ghosts
Lan Xichen is trapped in an inescapable limbo.
A week passes by and Lan Xichen still finds himself haunted by the ghosts
of Jiang Cheng's scowls, laughters and honesty. Then, the Lan elders summoned him to the main house and Lan Xichen knows his time is up.
"Lan Xichen," one of the elders speaks up. "Have you looked into the file yet?"
Lan Xichen has only glanced at the cover and sees a name, but
"Lan Xichen," one of the elders speaks up. "Have you looked into the file yet?"
Lan Xichen has only glanced at the cover and sees a name, but
he hasn't yet had the strength to let go of Jiang Cheng and looked into his supposed future. So, he says softly. "I beg your pardon, daye, but I've been swarmed lately and I haven't had the time to look into it."
The elder looks at Lan Xichen's uncle, the one who has raised him
The elder looks at Lan Xichen's uncle, the one who has raised him
and Lan Wangji. Lan Qiren sighs. "Xichen, here-" he pushes the folder towards Lan Xichen. "-have a look now."
Lan Xichen eyes the folder, trying hard to suppress his distaste by the whole process. He tentatively reaches out, reads the cover of the folder and sees that the name
Lan Xichen eyes the folder, trying hard to suppress his distaste by the whole process. He tentatively reaches out, reads the cover of the folder and sees that the name
is still written as 'Wei Wuxian'. That was the name that he has read weeks ago before he threw it away in rage.
"Open it, Xichen," Lan Qiren says gently.
Lan Xichen presses his lips together and begins to flip the folder. At the first page is the picture of his supposed
"Open it, Xichen," Lan Qiren says gently.
Lan Xichen presses his lips together and begins to flip the folder. At the first page is the picture of his supposed
betrothed and his eyes go wide when he saw the picture of a *man*, attractive with his clear grey eyes and fashionably messy short, jetblack hair. Lan Xichen doesn't expect this at all. He has thought 'Wei Wuxian' was a woman.
"Shufu?" Lan Xichen's voice is hoarse as he looks up
"Shufu?" Lan Xichen's voice is hoarse as he looks up
to the older man.
Lan Qiren smiles. "I raise you, Xichen. Do you think I wouldn't know you? I persuaded the elders to give you someone whom you could have a chance of happiness. Heirs are plenty in the Lan family, but happiness is scarce. And I want you to be happy."
Lan Qiren smiles. "I raise you, Xichen. Do you think I wouldn't know you? I persuaded the elders to give you someone whom you could have a chance of happiness. Heirs are plenty in the Lan family, but happiness is scarce. And I want you to be happy."
Tears burn at his eyes and at his throat. He thought he has hidden himself well. But not to shufu. And shufu didn't hate him for it. The kindness shufu shows makes Lan Xichen's heart ache.
"Wei Wuxian can be unruly, but he is the heir of the Jiang Conglomerate," Lan Qiren
"Wei Wuxian can be unruly, but he is the heir of the Jiang Conglomerate," Lan Qiren
continues. "The union between the Jiang and the Lan will expand the Lan influence beyond Gusu and the Jiang empire covers the whole of Yunmeng. The financial and influencial benefits will be immense. So, it satisfies the elders despite the no-heir issue."
The words drone on
The words drone on
but Lan Xichen is still stuck at the revelation that shufu *knew* about his preference and wasn't horrified. For one foolish moment in his life, hope flares. But it is quickly snuffed out when he hears shufu talks business and empire and money.
Jiang Cheng is just a farmer.
Jiang Cheng is just a farmer.
The elders would never agree and this time shufu has no leverage to persuade them.
"So, I have made a dinner reservation for you to meet Wei Wuxian," Lan Qiren says. "Please make sure it goes well, Lan Xichen. The Jiang is powerful. This is an opportunity too good to let go.
"So, I have made a dinner reservation for you to meet Wei Wuxian," Lan Qiren says. "Please make sure it goes well, Lan Xichen. The Jiang is powerful. This is an opportunity too good to let go.
Jiang Fengmian is awfully protective of his heir and this union must succeed."
That's all that matters to this family. Reputation and money. The fact shufu allows him to have a husband is a merciful concession. So, what else can Lan Xichen do except to nod his head?
--
That's all that matters to this family. Reputation and money. The fact shufu allows him to have a husband is a merciful concession. So, what else can Lan Xichen do except to nod his head?
--
Wei Wuxian turns out to be a boisterous man. He talks with his hands and body. There is mischievous twinkle in his grey eyes and his lips curve, generous in smile and laughter. He is tall, almost as all as him, with slightly broad shoulders and a presence as bright as the sun.
He is intelligent and shrewd. Impulsive and strong-willed. And he is even more handsome than he looks in the picture.
In another life, Lan Xichen knows he can easily make himself content having this man as his husband. But in this life, he has tasted the wild beauty of a
In another life, Lan Xichen knows he can easily make himself content having this man as his husband. But in this life, he has tasted the wild beauty of a
paradoxical man who is both harsh and soft, unyielding and generous, honest and secretive. The sweetness of lotus in his scent and taste and the burn of his unfathomable passion. In this life, Lan Xichen spends his nights dreaming of Jiang Cheng and waking up to acute emptiness.
"Tell me, Wei-qianbei, about yourself," Lan Xichen asks, desperately trying to cast the memory of Jiang Cheng out of his head. "Are you adopted by the Jiang?"
"Are you asking why my name is Wei but I'm the heir?" Wei Wuxian smiles as if he has heard the questions too many times.
"Are you asking why my name is Wei but I'm the heir?" Wei Wuxian smiles as if he has heard the questions too many times.
"If it is a sensitive question, you don't have to answer me," Lan Xichen hastens.
"You're too nice, Xichen-ge," Wei Wuxian laughs. Lan Xichen's lips twists in amusement at how easily Wei Wuxian connects to people that he doesn't hesitate to call Lan Xichen with ~ge. "Most people
"You're too nice, Xichen-ge," Wei Wuxian laughs. Lan Xichen's lips twists in amusement at how easily Wei Wuxian connects to people that he doesn't hesitate to call Lan Xichen with ~ge. "Most people
look at me sideways, thinking I don't deserve the heir position. But you ask as if it truly intrigues you. Surely the history of the Jiang family is known to you. We rarely leave the news sections."
"The Lan do not indulge in gossip nor hearsay, specially when it comes to
"The Lan do not indulge in gossip nor hearsay, specially when it comes to
private matter," Lan Xichen says. "Furthermore, Gusu in itself is huge. I am buried in paperworks and events that I scarcely find time to look beyond the border."
The delight on Wei Wuxian's face is apparent. "Oh? Are you saying you know nothing about me? That this is truly a
The delight on Wei Wuxian's face is apparent. "Oh? Are you saying you know nothing about me? That this is truly a
normal first date where we can get to know each other?"
Lan Xichen can't help from feeling amused. "So, tell me about yourself, Wei-qianbei."
"Pshhh, call me Wei Wuxian."
And then their food comes and after a few bites that taste like ashes on Lan Xichen's tongue, the waiter
Lan Xichen can't help from feeling amused. "So, tell me about yourself, Wei-qianbei."
"Pshhh, call me Wei Wuxian."
And then their food comes and after a few bites that taste like ashes on Lan Xichen's tongue, the waiter
comes to clear their table and places desert that Lan Xichen can't remember ordering.
"It was me," Wei Wuxian admits sheepishly. "I can't resist something decadent after each meal."
After a few moments of watching Wei Wuxian eat the cake, he's startled when Wei Wuxian suddenly
"It was me," Wei Wuxian admits sheepishly. "I can't resist something decadent after each meal."
After a few moments of watching Wei Wuxian eat the cake, he's startled when Wei Wuxian suddenly
speaks up. "I was adopted by Uncle Jiang when I was ten. My parents were good friends to Uncle Jiang and he took me in after they died in car accident."
"Jiang Fengmian isn't married? Is that why he named you as his heir?" Lan Xichen asks.
Wei Wuxian laughs. "You really don't
"Jiang Fengmian isn't married? Is that why he named you as his heir?" Lan Xichen asks.
Wei Wuxian laughs. "You really don't
know about us, do you?! Uncle Jiang is married to Madam Yu and they had two children. When I entered into Jiang household, I became sort of a middle child. Jiang Yanli is older to me by 4 years and-" Then there is a slight hitch in Wei Wuxian's voice as his smile turns tremulous.
"-and Jiang Wanyin who was the baby of the family. He and me had two-year gap but he had a soul of a 40 year-old man. He often scolded me and yet still followed me."
Lan Xichen frowned. "Was?"
"Xichen-ge, the reason I'm the heir is because Jiang Wanyin is dead 5 years ago."
--
Lan Xichen frowned. "Was?"
"Xichen-ge, the reason I'm the heir is because Jiang Wanyin is dead 5 years ago."
--
"Oh, I'm sorry," Lan Xichen says hastily. He doesn't expect such tragedy happened to the vivacious man.
Wei Wuxian laughs shakily. "No, it's okay. The truth is, we don't mention Jiang Wanyin much since the incident. Madam Yu is practically living in seclusion and shijie is
Wei Wuxian laughs shakily. "No, it's okay. The truth is, we don't mention Jiang Wanyin much since the incident. Madam Yu is practically living in seclusion and shijie is
already married to the peacock Jin Zixuan. Uncle Jiang barely even says anything about Jiang Wanyin. Sometimes, I feel like everything is like a dream, and anytime now, he's gonna burst through my door and yell at me for not looking for him." There are tears glistened in those
grey eyes and Lan Xichen's empathetic heart feels for him. He couldn't imagine a live without Lan Wangji.
"It sounds like you were very close," Lan Xichen says gently.
"I--" Wei Wuxian chokes back his tears. "I know it's been five years. But our family doesn't talk about him
"It sounds like you were very close," Lan Xichen says gently.
"I--" Wei Wuxian chokes back his tears. "I know it's been five years. But our family doesn't talk about him
at all. After the funeral, Madam Yu locks herself in the mansion and shijie has to go back to her family. I didn't have anyone to talk to me about him; about how I miss him and how my life is never going to be the same without him."
"He always kept me rein in, you know. I was
"He always kept me rein in, you know. I was
unruly when I was young and he always pulled me back just when I was about to go overboard. He's my moral compass. When he was gone, I was left so aimless that for months I kept looking over my shoulder, waiting for his grumpy voice."
Lan Xichen reaches out his hand to place on
Lan Xichen reaches out his hand to place on
top of Wei Wuxian's. He doesn't mean for this dinner to go down this path. But this side of Wei Wuxian is raw and engaging; Lan Xichen wants to comfort him. "I have a younger brother. I couldn't imagine the pain you're going through."
Wei Wuxian wipes the tears at the corner of
Wei Wuxian wipes the tears at the corner of
his eyes and turns back his thousand-volt smile. "It's okay, Xichen-ge. It's a long time ago. I have grown up since the day Uncle Jiang approached me to take over the business. It should have been Jiang Wanyin's but I figured that this was the only way I can honour his memory.
He was especially hard on himself; the burden of being an heir was immense on him. Now I've taken over the mantle, I want to do this right. I want to make him proud of me."
"Even by marrying me?" Lan Xichen frowns.
Wei Wuxian grins. "It's not a hardship, Xichen-ge. When I first
"Even by marrying me?" Lan Xichen frowns.
Wei Wuxian grins. "It's not a hardship, Xichen-ge. When I first
saw your picture in the file, I knew I couldn't have settled anything better than you. You're so gorgeous and rich and now that I have met you? You're kind too. We're going to get along well."
Lan Xichen stares at the man in front of him. Wei Wuxian's mood shifts so quickly that
Lan Xichen stares at the man in front of him. Wei Wuxian's mood shifts so quickly that
Lan Xichen can barely keep up. Wasn't a minute ago he looked so sad? And if Lan Xichen hadn't met Jiang Cheng, he would probably agree with Wei Wuxian about making this farce of a marriage work. But how can he now, when his own heart aches at the thought of touching hands
that don't have callous from hardwork, or kissing lips that don't utter biting words and sardonic jokes, or lying down next to a body that don't carry the permeating scent of lotus?
But on the other hand, Lan Xichen is too heartsick to be meeting anybody else that he knows the
But on the other hand, Lan Xichen is too heartsick to be meeting anybody else that he knows the
Lan elders would persist on him. At least with Wei Wuxian, both of them know that this is not marriage of love. Perhaps this ache in his heart will eventually fade with the weeks of courtship to come.
Perhaps in time, Lan Xichen can stop seeing Jiang Cheng's pretty lavender eyes
Perhaps in time, Lan Xichen can stop seeing Jiang Cheng's pretty lavender eyes
every time he goes to sleep.
So, with a smile that is so hollow, Lan Xichen says softly. "Yes, I suppose we will."
They shake hands like this is a business deal and Wei Wuxian cuts a piece of his desert and holds it out to Lan Xichen with faux flirtation.
"Cake?"
---
So, with a smile that is so hollow, Lan Xichen says softly. "Yes, I suppose we will."
They shake hands like this is a business deal and Wei Wuxian cuts a piece of his desert and holds it out to Lan Xichen with faux flirtation.
"Cake?"
---
That first dinner is followed quickly by second one. And then the third comes in the following week. Within a few months, Lan Xichen is often seen on his phone talking to Wei Wuxian or bouquets of flowers are seen being sent to his office, signed cheekily by the younger man.
Lan Xichen can see shufu's approval face whenever he sees the flowers and he forces a smile on his own face. No doubt shufu thinks whatever it is between him and Wei Wuxian is working. The thing is, Wei Wuxian can be quite impertinent in his conduct that a big part of Lan Xichen
suspects that the flowers are meant for inside jokes that he doesn't get.
Tonight they plan to go out to another outing. A sleek, shiny black jaguar stops in front of Lan Incorporation driveway with a back, tinted window cracks open to reveal Wei Wuxian's lopsided grin as he
Tonight they plan to go out to another outing. A sleek, shiny black jaguar stops in front of Lan Incorporation driveway with a back, tinted window cracks open to reveal Wei Wuxian's lopsided grin as he
sees Lan Xichen walk towards him.
"You like this car?" Wei Wuxian raises his eyebrows expectantly.
"I am more partial to Benz. Solid and dependable."
"Are you saying Jaguars aren't?" Wei Wuxian exclaims.
"Jaguars suit you - reckless, flashy and more than what normal people
"You like this car?" Wei Wuxian raises his eyebrows expectantly.
"I am more partial to Benz. Solid and dependable."
"Are you saying Jaguars aren't?" Wei Wuxian exclaims.
"Jaguars suit you - reckless, flashy and more than what normal people
can afford," Lan Xichen says serenely.
"Is that.. a joke?" Wei Wuxian sounds excited. "A month of us dating finally you're loosening up enough to crack a joke!"
Lan Xichen merely curls his lips and looks away in the window, hiding his amusement. "So which *flashy* restaurant
"Is that.. a joke?" Wei Wuxian sounds excited. "A month of us dating finally you're loosening up enough to crack a joke!"
Lan Xichen merely curls his lips and looks away in the window, hiding his amusement. "So which *flashy* restaurant
are you taking me?"
"I'm tired of hiding from stupid paparazzis," Wei Wuxian moans. "How come you never have to deal with that?"
"The Lan is not very exciting. We have 4000 rules to govern our lives, so, there isn't much opportunities to go astray."
"4000?!!" Wei Wuxian's eyes
"I'm tired of hiding from stupid paparazzis," Wei Wuxian moans. "How come you never have to deal with that?"
"The Lan is not very exciting. We have 4000 rules to govern our lives, so, there isn't much opportunities to go astray."
"4000?!!" Wei Wuxian's eyes
go wide. "When we get married, you're not expecting me to follow them, do you?!" He glares.
That sobers Lan Xichen up quickly. It is little moments like that, that remind Lan Xichen that what he has with Wei Wuxian isn't ordinary friendship. They are supposed to be heading
That sobers Lan Xichen up quickly. It is little moments like that, that remind Lan Xichen that what he has with Wei Wuxian isn't ordinary friendship. They are supposed to be heading
towards amicable union when the time comes. Months have gone by and Lan Xichen still dreams of the village frozen in time and a long-haired man that still owns his heart irrecoverably.
Isn't time supposed to make him forget Jiang Cheng?
How is the void grows even larger?
Isn't time supposed to make him forget Jiang Cheng?
How is the void grows even larger?
Wei Wuxian studies the man in front of him. Sometimes, Lan Xichen was gently teasing him and then Wei Wuxian would say something he thought to be innocous, Lan Xichen's face would change so subtly; twisting the lips into painful smile.
He wonders why.
He thinks of their first
He wonders why.
He thinks of their first
dinner and how they had shaken their hands, promising to do the best with the circumstances given to them. Wei Wuxian isn't expecting eternal love from Lan Xichen, but he would be damn if this marriage of their is as cold as Uncle Jiang and Madam Yu is.
He attempts the woo, the
He attempts the woo, the
dinners, the outings - just so Lan Xichen would feel *something* for him. Camaraderie, mutual fondness or even friendship; he would take it all.
But Wei Wuxian doesn't want this- this unknown pain that sometimes passes by Lan Xichen's face.
"Let's go my house," Wei Wuxian says.
But Wei Wuxian doesn't want this- this unknown pain that sometimes passes by Lan Xichen's face.
"Let's go my house," Wei Wuxian says.
"Your house?"
"Yes. I'm tired of paparazzi hounding me. And you're tired of another flashy restaurant of mine. I have a household of people that cook us up a dinner. So, I'm offering my house for our peace of mine."
Lan Xichen shrugs his broad shoulders and nods.
"Yes. I'm tired of paparazzi hounding me. And you're tired of another flashy restaurant of mine. I have a household of people that cook us up a dinner. So, I'm offering my house for our peace of mine."
Lan Xichen shrugs his broad shoulders and nods.
Wei Wuxian's house is not exactly a house. It is more of a huge mansion. When they walk inside, the polished marble floor feel cool against their barefeets. It is brightly lit and the servants bustle around with smiles on their faces.
"Let's go to the living room while we wait
"Let's go to the living room while we wait
for the food. I've got wines with good years that I've been meaning to crack open." Wei Wuxian says as he pulls Lan Xichen's hand.
"I don't drink," Lan Xichen reminds Wei Wuxian and laughs when he sees the horrified face. "4000 rules, remember?"
"I will *die*!" The younger man
"I don't drink," Lan Xichen reminds Wei Wuxian and laughs when he sees the horrified face. "4000 rules, remember?"
"I will *die*!" The younger man
says dramatically. "I mean it!"
As soon as Lan Xichen steps into the living room, he looks at the modern design with black and red dominate the color schemes. He walks towards the polished white marble fireplace to look at the scattered of pictures on it.
"That is shijie," Wei
As soon as Lan Xichen steps into the living room, he looks at the modern design with black and red dominate the color schemes. He walks towards the polished white marble fireplace to look at the scattered of pictures on it.
"That is shijie," Wei
Wuxian says, a glass of wine in his hand and loosened tie at his neck. "Shijie is one of the lucky ones. Her marriage is arranged but somehow, the peacock - er, that's her husband by the way - is head over heels for her. Which is exactly what shijie deserves because Jin Zixuan
should feel lucky to be married to her!"
"Oh, they have a boy," Lan Xichen says.
"Jin Rulan. He is eight this year. That boy is too headstrong for his age." Fond exasperated smile appears on Wei Wuxian's face.
Lan Xichen returns the smile and he continues cruising along the
"Oh, they have a boy," Lan Xichen says.
"Jin Rulan. He is eight this year. That boy is too headstrong for his age." Fond exasperated smile appears on Wei Wuxian's face.
Lan Xichen returns the smile and he continues cruising along the
marble mantel, looking at the snippets of life in the form of rectangular wooden frames. Jiang Fengmian's smiling face, his eyes close in almost crescent moon-shape in his happiness. There's also a stern-looking woman that looks strangely familiar.
"And this-" Wei Wuxian sidles
"And this-" Wei Wuxian sidles
up next to Lan Xichen, holding up another framed picture so the taller man can see it. "-this is the only picture I have of me, shijie and Jiang Wanyin together. We took it a year before the incident and when I miss him, I would look at this picture."
Lan Xichen hmms and gently
Lan Xichen hmms and gently
takes the picture so he can see the mysterious younger brother that no one ever talks about.
What stares back at him is a pair of acutely missed lavender eyes, the same high cheekbones and aristocratic nose and generous lips. Only in the picture, he is years youngder, hair
What stares back at him is a pair of acutely missed lavender eyes, the same high cheekbones and aristocratic nose and generous lips. Only in the picture, he is years youngder, hair
trimmed neatly at his nape and skin a shade too pale, but still unmistakable.
His breaths was stuck at the back of his throat as his eyes widen in utter disbelief. The glass on the picture frame cracks under the force of his grip.
It can't be.
"Jiang Cheng?" he whispers.
--
His breaths was stuck at the back of his throat as his eyes widen in utter disbelief. The glass on the picture frame cracks under the force of his grip.
It can't be.
"Jiang Cheng?" he whispers.
--
He's been alone for years. When he first realised that he had been truly cast aside, alone for the first time in his life; adrift, untethered and aimless, there is a cold void in his heart and it ached terribly. But each rising of the new sun, the ache hurt is made bearable by
time and Jiang Wanyin is used to it. He welcomed it too because he knew nothing could ever hurt as much as being told just how unwanted he was.
Oh, he is wrong. So wrong.
Lan Huan left a hollow deeper, colder and much more painful than his family ever did. And the note left
Oh, he is wrong. So wrong.
Lan Huan left a hollow deeper, colder and much more painful than his family ever did. And the note left
at side only adds insult to the injury. Did Lan Huan think Jiang Wanyin would make scene that he had to resort to sneaking out of their bed? The emptiness on his bed enraged him so much that Jiang Wanyin curses his naivety for thinking that Lan Huan respected him at least.
He felt used and bruised.
Days pass by. Rage fades into the hurt that he tries so hard to not feel. The ghost of Lan Huan chains him with barrage of memories that Jiang Wanyin cannot find himself to escape. The feel of his kisses burn on his body; they're permanent indentation.
Days pass by. Rage fades into the hurt that he tries so hard to not feel. The ghost of Lan Huan chains him with barrage of memories that Jiang Wanyin cannot find himself to escape. The feel of his kisses burn on his body; they're permanent indentation.
Lan Huan may have been in his life for only two days, but his presence weighs so heavily in his mind. Jiang Wanyin would think of Lan Xichen's indulging smiles; his wide hands that caressed Jiang Wanyin's body like he was a piece of art to be admired; his deep baritone that
resonated to the beating of Jiang Wanyin's heart and his scents of wood and musk that haunted his daydreams and nightmares.
The man had left indelible mark on him and Jiang Wanyin has stupidly let him.
For weeks he attempts to return to his routines. He goes to the lake and
The man had left indelible mark on him and Jiang Wanyin has stupidly let him.
For weeks he attempts to return to his routines. He goes to the lake and
harvest the lotus seed pods and roots. He picks up the books in the evening. He brings his goods to be sold in the market, pocketing the day's earn in his pocket. He climbs the hill to sit at the cliff overlooking the field of lotuses. From there, he stares at the small
silhouette of a mansion situated at the other side of the vast lake. But it only makes him feels even more alone. He knows he needs to move on from that brief weekend fling; Lan Huan probably has. But he is stuck in his limbo in the making.
Then, a few months later, he is halted
Then, a few months later, he is halted
by the cover page of the local newspaper - of the news Jiang Conglomerate heir is seen having dinner together with his new love interest. The picture of the said man has Jiang Wanyin gasped in disbelief.
That night, Jiang Wanyin stands at the cliff. Tears stream down his
That night, Jiang Wanyin stands at the cliff. Tears stream down his
cheeks and his heart is breaking and bleeding.
He is a fool. He is a goddamn idiot!
Only a businessman?! Why introduced himself as Lan Huan and not Lan Xichen, the heir of Lan Incorporation which business empire evenly matched its counterpart in Yunmeng? Does Lan Huan know
He is a fool. He is a goddamn idiot!
Only a businessman?! Why introduced himself as Lan Huan and not Lan Xichen, the heir of Lan Incorporation which business empire evenly matched its counterpart in Yunmeng? Does Lan Huan know
who Jiang Wanyin was all along?
The newspaper shows the picture of Lan Huan smiling at Wei Wuxian who is laughing. And it rubs salts on to the already open, festering wound in him. Years had Jiang Wanyin sat on the cliff, looking at his home from afar and hoping to get a glimpse
The newspaper shows the picture of Lan Huan smiling at Wei Wuxian who is laughing. And it rubs salts on to the already open, festering wound in him. Years had Jiang Wanyin sat on the cliff, looking at his home from afar and hoping to get a glimpse
of his siblings and mother that he misses so much, only to realise Wei Wuxian no longer lives in Lotus Pier.
He is living his life in the fullest in the city. He has moved on while Jiang Wanyin is still clinging to his yesteryears' life.
Wei Wuxian being Lan Huan's betrothed is
He is living his life in the fullest in the city. He has moved on while Jiang Wanyin is still clinging to his yesteryears' life.
Wei Wuxian being Lan Huan's betrothed is
an irony that too hard to swallow. Fate is playing him around like fiddle and Jiang Wanyin can only scream into the void in the middle of the night like a ghost that he has always been.
An hour later, Jiang Wanyin slumps on the ground. Oh heaven... he is tired. He is tired of
An hour later, Jiang Wanyin slumps on the ground. Oh heaven... he is tired. He is tired of
plowing through this life. How is he ever to find strength to stand up again? If his own father couldn't find a way to love him, how would Wei Wuxian? Shijie? His own mother?
How would Lan Huan?
"This is Wei Wuxian, A-Cheng. He'll be your older brother from now on."
How would Lan Huan?
"This is Wei Wuxian, A-Cheng. He'll be your older brother from now on."
"Why did you let that boy score higher than you?! Haven't the tutors I hire adequate? I won't have my own son overshadowed by him!"
"Look, A-Cheng, that's how you do it! Wei Wuxian is so naturally good in everything. A-Ying! I'm so proud of you!"
"Come on, A-Cheng. You're not
"Look, A-Cheng, that's how you do it! Wei Wuxian is so naturally good in everything. A-Ying! I'm so proud of you!"
"Come on, A-Cheng. You're not
making any sense! Uncle Jiang doesn't love me more. And Madam Yu is just expecting too much. And- and shijie loves you. She made you the pork and lotus root soup the other day right?"
It was hard to feel loved when nothing he ever did was enough. When he had been compared,
It was hard to feel loved when nothing he ever did was enough. When he had been compared,
deemed inadequate and inferior to the a sibling who was so good in everything he did all his life. But he still tried - oh god, did he try... He wanted to see A-niang be happy with the son she bore; he wanted to see A-die to be proud of him; he only wanted them to love him.
"Jiang Wanyin, I just don't know if you can take over this company," A-die told him, brows drew close in reprove. He tossed the recent newspaper across the table. "The public clearly favors A-Ying whilst scorning your surly attitude. And yesterday's meeting? A-Ying is a risk
taker; the one who for sure will carry Jiang Conglomerate further. But you preferred to wait and see? You never understand the company's motto of 'Attempt the Impossible' do you?!"
"But I-"
"If it was up to me, I would have you taken off the from the succession list," A-die
"But I-"
"If it was up to me, I would have you taken off the from the succession list," A-die
said in calm and detached manner.
"But you mother somehow thinks you're more useful than you are. Since she holds significant portion of the shares, her voice is hard to ignore." There was a subtle scoff in that voice but to Jiang Wanyin, it was deafening.
"But you mother somehow thinks you're more useful than you are. Since she holds significant portion of the shares, her voice is hard to ignore." There was a subtle scoff in that voice but to Jiang Wanyin, it was deafening.
The ease in which his own father said it burned painfully in his heart. Jiang Wanyin clenched his hands into fists. All his life he was under the assumption that even though he would never be as good as his father wanted him to be, at least hewas still the heir. He and Wei Wuxian
could be the Twin CEOs of Jiang Conglomerate and both of them could bring it to higher height. It turned out A-die had never wanted him at all.
"Won't you give me a chance?" Jiang Wanyin said hoarsely because despite it all, he *loved* his father. He was wired that way.
"Won't you give me a chance?" Jiang Wanyin said hoarsely because despite it all, he *loved* his father. He was wired that way.
"A chance?! Jiang Wanyin, you are now 19 years old. While you business degree is good, it is nowhere near A-Ying's. You drive potential investors with your attitude. You are reluctant to take risks. Your reputation is infamous!"
Jiang Wanyin had walked out from A-die's office,
Jiang Wanyin had walked out from A-die's office,
his cheeks were flushed with supressed anger and grief. His hand was trembling badly as he grabbed on the steering wheel, driving away in reckless abandon. Jiang Wanyin could take the anger from his father, but the cold detachment in those eyes was the one that hurt him the most.
He was never in a-die's radar. Not since that day he brought home Wei Wuxian eleven years ago. All those times he tried his hardest to make a-die proud, when all along a-die didn't even regard his existence.
Deeply distraught, he was unaware of a car coming from the front and
Deeply distraught, he was unaware of a car coming from the front and
they collided hard, causing him to lose control over his car. He skidded sideway, unable to shout as his car tumbled over into the ditch and he knew no more.
When he woke up next, he was surrounded by a beeping machines and sitting beside him was a-die. Jiang Fengmian was
When he woke up next, he was surrounded by a beeping machines and sitting beside him was a-die. Jiang Fengmian was
looking down his phone when he raspily croaked, "A-die..."
A brief flame of hope ignited within him. If a-die was here, perhaps his father did care for him. Jiang Wanyin could care less about the whole inheritance issue - he just want to have his father's love.
"Jiang Wanyin,"
A brief flame of hope ignited within him. If a-die was here, perhaps his father did care for him. Jiang Wanyin could care less about the whole inheritance issue - he just want to have his father's love.
"Jiang Wanyin,"
Jiang Fengmian says in his usual detached tone and the flame of hope extinguished as quick as it was ignited.
"What happened?" Jiang Wanyin asked.
"You were careless and got into an accident."
Jiang Wanyin closed his eyes at the accusation. "Where- where's Wei Wuxian and
"What happened?" Jiang Wanyin asked.
"You were careless and got into an accident."
Jiang Wanyin closed his eyes at the accusation. "Where- where's Wei Wuxian and
shijie? Where's a-niang?" Anyone but his father, please.
"They don't know you're in accident," Jiang Fengmian states.
"What- why?"
Jiang Fengmian met Jiang Wanyin's wide suprise eyes head on before he put away his handphone. There was a calculated look on his father's face.
"They don't know you're in accident," Jiang Fengmian states.
"What- why?"
Jiang Fengmian met Jiang Wanyin's wide suprise eyes head on before he put away his handphone. There was a calculated look on his father's face.
"I've been thinking while I was waiting. I'm making you a deal, Jiang Wanyin. The only way your mother would ever agree to Wei Wuxian becoming an heir is if you're gone. This accident is an opportunity."
"Gone?" Jiang Wanyin felt faint from the pain in his body and heart.
"Gone?" Jiang Wanyin felt faint from the pain in his body and heart.
"Dead." Jiang Fengmian said succintly. "You go away and never come back. Your mother will probably spend months grieving, so will Wei Wuxian and Yanli. But once it is over, I will propose to instate Wei Wuxian as an heir."
Blood instantly roared in his head and ear. His sight
Blood instantly roared in his head and ear. His sight
blurred in rage. He felt an imposter in his own skin that he barely refrained himself from pulling the ivs off his hand and punched his own father. "And why-" Jiang Wanyin's whisper sounded like a scream in his own heart. "-would I ever agree to that?!"
"Monthly generous
"Monthly generous
stipends for your self-exile."
"I don't want your fucking money!" Jiang Wanyin roared.
"So what do you want, Jiang Wanyin?" Jiang Fengmian cut in as he raised his eyebrows.
Jiang Wanyin could feel tears trickled down his cheeks as he stared at the man in front of him. The
"I don't want your fucking money!" Jiang Wanyin roared.
"So what do you want, Jiang Wanyin?" Jiang Fengmian cut in as he raised his eyebrows.
Jiang Wanyin could feel tears trickled down his cheeks as he stared at the man in front of him. The
way Jiang Fengmian looked at him was the same the way he looked at his clients; finding a solution for current predicament.
To Jiang Fengmian, his own son was problem that needed to be solved quickly.
"A-die..." Jiang Wanyin said softly; his voice was wet grief and hurt. "What
To Jiang Fengmian, his own son was problem that needed to be solved quickly.
"A-die..." Jiang Wanyin said softly; his voice was wet grief and hurt. "What
else does a son want from his father? I just want your love... That's all I ever wanted..."
Jiang Fengmian sighed. "Ask for something that I can give to you."
Oh... Jiang Wanyin breathed in, too shell-shocked to be saying anything in return.
"And I assure you that whatever
Jiang Fengmian sighed. "Ask for something that I can give to you."
Oh... Jiang Wanyin breathed in, too shell-shocked to be saying anything in return.
"And I assure you that whatever
*bond* you think you have with Wei Wuxian, it pales in comparison to when he finds out that he will inherit the company. He works harder than anybody for Jiang Conglomerate. He earns it."
"Wei Wuxian loves me," Jiang Wanyin croaked, but doubt already infected his heart. The ease
"Wei Wuxian loves me," Jiang Wanyin croaked, but doubt already infected his heart. The ease
of which his own father declaring he was incapable of loving his own son shook down to Jiang Wanyin's core.
"Does he? Does Yanli?" Jiang Fengmian challenged in his usual soft tone.
Did they? Demons in Jiang Wanyin's head cackled. Wei Wuxian always brushes away your concerns
"Does he? Does Yanli?" Jiang Fengmian challenged in his usual soft tone.
Did they? Demons in Jiang Wanyin's head cackled. Wei Wuxian always brushes away your concerns
whenever you came to him. Shijie always placates you without even trying to understand. They are humoring you, the demons hissed in his ears, they don't care about you enough.
"I know for a fact that it will only take Wei Wuxian a month or two to move on. Once his position is
"I know for a fact that it will only take Wei Wuxian a month or two to move on. Once his position is
secured, he'll be too busy to remember you."
No... not Wei Wuxian. Never him. Jiang Wanyin clenched his eyes as he grabbed his head. His brother loved him. They grew up together. There was nothing hidden between them. They would stake their lives for each other. A-die didn't
No... not Wei Wuxian. Never him. Jiang Wanyin clenched his eyes as he grabbed his head. His brother loved him. They grew up together. There was nothing hidden between them. They would stake their lives for each other. A-die didn't
know the strength of their bond.
"Would you like to take that bet?" Jiang Fengmian gently asked.
It was the weakest moment of Jiang Wanyin's life. He was in pain from the accident, his heart was bleeding from the realisation his father couldn't love him and the deal Jiang
"Would you like to take that bet?" Jiang Fengmian gently asked.
It was the weakest moment of Jiang Wanyin's life. He was in pain from the accident, his heart was bleeding from the realisation his father couldn't love him and the deal Jiang
Fengmian offered to him. He thought if he worked hard enough, studied hard enough, listened hard enough and love hard enough, his father would look at him like he looked at Wei Wuxian all his life. But he was so, so wrong.
He was unlovable.
Perhaps he was unlovable to the
He was unlovable.
Perhaps he was unlovable to the
one person whom he thought loved him too. Perhaps Wei Wuxian secretly didn't care about him.
The world was a dark place when Jiang Wanyin took the bet.
And 2 months later, he slid down to his knees, hands gripping tight onto the newspaper, his lips dropped open in silent sob.
The world was a dark place when Jiang Wanyin took the bet.
And 2 months later, he slid down to his knees, hands gripping tight onto the newspaper, his lips dropped open in silent sob.
He should've known it. He should've known his father was right.
In the newspaper was Wei Wuxian smiling widely with Jiang Yanli beside him sharing the smile as the headline read 'Jiang Conglomerate announces new heir after the tragic death of Jiang Wanyin."
So, he ran.
--
In the newspaper was Wei Wuxian smiling widely with Jiang Yanli beside him sharing the smile as the headline read 'Jiang Conglomerate announces new heir after the tragic death of Jiang Wanyin."
So, he ran.
--
The tiny house is completely silent except for the sound of an old clock ticking wearily. It matches the hollowness in the occupant's heart who is now lying on the bed motionless. The night passes into the dawn and when the gently morning sunlilght slithers in between the wooden
blinds and caresses his cheeks, Jiang Wanyin lets out a heavy, shaky exhale.
What is he doing? He wonders to himself. Why is he letting himself be drowned once again? Didn't he swear to himself that he wouldn't himself to fall into the same deep pit he was in when he first found
What is he doing? He wonders to himself. Why is he letting himself be drowned once again? Didn't he swear to himself that he wouldn't himself to fall into the same deep pit he was in when he first found
himself in exile?
The first year was vicious. He was nineteen years old, had no money on his name, flitting in and out of odd jobs here and there and drinking. He had never known how deafening an empty space could be.
Then, one day he woke up from the damp street with an
The first year was vicious. He was nineteen years old, had no money on his name, flitting in and out of odd jobs here and there and drinking. He had never known how deafening an empty space could be.
Then, one day he woke up from the damp street with an
half-empty bottle in his hand. He had no memory of what had happened yesterday. It dawned to him finally how low he had fallen. Nine months ago he was Jiang Wanyin, the heir of Jiang Conglomerate; today, he was a drunkard on the street.
That scared him.
For the first time, he
That scared him.
For the first time, he
forced himself to grow up; to push his grief and hurt deep inside his heart and lock them away; to allow anger to act his protection because there was no one left; and to clean himself up from alcohol.
The second year, he worked his ass off in menial jobs - janitor at the night,
The second year, he worked his ass off in menial jobs - janitor at the night,
cashier during the day and dogsitting for the weekends. He hoarded the small money he earned, spending painstakingly careful on the absolute necessity until he had enough money to complete his bachelor degree.
The third year, he enrolled into a business school and finished off
The third year, he enrolled into a business school and finished off
his study that he had left so abruptly in his previous life as Jiang Wanyin - so thoroughly and quickly that within two years, he had taken all the needed courses. He barely slept during those years, always working and haunching over books and assignments. It gave him the
distraction he needed to never fall back onto the despair and drinks. It gave him purpose.
After his graduation, Jiang Wanyin found himself missing his siblings and mother so acutely. He longed for the serenity of the lotuses surrounding his childhood home. His life was quiet
After his graduation, Jiang Wanyin found himself missing his siblings and mother so acutely. He longed for the serenity of the lotuses surrounding his childhood home. His life was quiet
and lonely nowaday and he wondered did his mother change after his *death*?
Truth to be told, Jiang Wanyin could barely remember the time a-niang had even been affectionate to him. All he remembered was disappointed stares for his inadequacy, harsh words and stern treatments.
Truth to be told, Jiang Wanyin could barely remember the time a-niang had even been affectionate to him. All he remembered was disappointed stares for his inadequacy, harsh words and stern treatments.
But still Jiang Wanyin missed her. A-niang loved him in her own way. He wasn't invisible in a-niang's eyes like he did with a-die. It really wasn't her fault for being disappointed when Jiang Wanyin knew he could be disappointing all the time.
He missed Yanli-jiejie and her
He missed Yanli-jiejie and her
words and touches. When he was young, he was so consumed with desperation to make his father *see* him that Yanli-jiejie's words felt empty to him. But he had grown up now. He had been on the other of the green pasture and saw the world as it is. Whether Yanli-jiejie meant her
words or not, Jiang Wanyin found himself to no longer care. He'd be happy just to hear her voice.
As for Wei Wuxian, whatever wounds that were opened that night he read about Wei Wuxian's being an heir were already buried away and ignored. Five years were too long to hold grudge
As for Wei Wuxian, whatever wounds that were opened that night he read about Wei Wuxian's being an heir were already buried away and ignored. Five years were too long to hold grudge
- Jiang Wanyin repeatedly reminded himself - and Wei Wuxian could do what he couldn't.
So, at 24 years old, Jiang Wanyin found himself locking the small apartment he rented for the past four years for the last time. His whole life was fitted in a duffel back (how sad was it?)
So, at 24 years old, Jiang Wanyin found himself locking the small apartment he rented for the past four years for the last time. His whole life was fitted in a duffel back (how sad was it?)
and he moved his life to the small town at the edge of Lotus Pier. He wanted to be near the lotuses he grew up with and perhaps, if the fate was kind, he would be allowed the glimpses of a-niang, Yanli-jiejie or Wei Wuxian when he sat at the edge of the cliff.
He was looking for peace when he came here, but Lan Xichen changes everything for him. This village is saturated with the memories he spent with the man, who is so heart-breakingly gorgeous and sweet, that it breaks his heart. Now that he knows Lan Xichen is promised to his
brother, who not only is living the life that is supposed to his but also is loving the man that was his to love first, living in this village is becoming to unbearable.
He hardens his heart and he forces himself to get out of the bed. Jiang Wanyin takes a long shower and grabs
He hardens his heart and he forces himself to get out of the bed. Jiang Wanyin takes a long shower and grabs
a pair of scissors to begin trimming his waist-length hair. He cuts his hair until it hangs just below his shoulder blades and the hair bang curls framing his cheeks and forehead.
Then, he spends the whole day locate a realtor, putting up his house for a quick sale and selects
Then, he spends the whole day locate a realtor, putting up his house for a quick sale and selects
important items for him to bring with. By now, Jiang Wanyin is so adept in moving his life around that the process comes so easily to him. The next morning, he brushes his hair and braids it until only his hair bang left loose to frame his face.
He walks out and his neighbour,
He walks out and his neighbour,
Fei-dama calls out to him, "A-Cheng! A-Cheng!"
Jiang Wanyin curved up a polite smile as he waves at her. Fei-dama is a gossip village and has an adorable gait her walk due to her weight. Jiang Wanyin's always been her source of frustration because she could never find anything
Jiang Wanyin curved up a polite smile as he waves at her. Fei-dama is a gossip village and has an adorable gait her walk due to her weight. Jiang Wanyin's always been her source of frustration because she could never find anything
interesting to gossip about him - no girlfriend, no late-night gathering, no suspicious noise.
"Where are you going with those bags?" Fei-dama hastens her steps towards him.
"I'm moving, Fei-dama," Jiang Wanyin announces. "I'm moving to Nightless City."
"Moving?!" She cries.
"Where are you going with those bags?" Fei-dama hastens her steps towards him.
"I'm moving, Fei-dama," Jiang Wanyin announces. "I'm moving to Nightless City."
"Moving?!" She cries.
"You were just here for a year! Why are you moving? I thought you love lotuses?"
"A year and a half," Jiang Wanyin corrects. "And yes, I do love lotuses, but I can't stay here, frozen stuck, for the rest of my live."
Fei-dama looks at him thoughtfully. "You're not gonna find a
"A year and a half," Jiang Wanyin corrects. "And yes, I do love lotuses, but I can't stay here, frozen stuck, for the rest of my live."
Fei-dama looks at him thoughtfully. "You're not gonna find a
single lotus in that smoky city. You're going to be miserable."
~I'd rather be miserable there than having my heart bleed every day I spend here with the ghosts and demons~ Jiang Wanyin thinks. Lotus Pier is drowning him in a way he has never felt before. "It'll be a new
~I'd rather be miserable there than having my heart bleed every day I spend here with the ghosts and demons~ Jiang Wanyin thinks. Lotus Pier is drowning him in a way he has never felt before. "It'll be a new
experience, Fei-dama. Perhaps I can use my degree there and I can save enough money to buy my own pond for lotuses."
Fei-dama's eyes were old and shrewd. Then she smiles, wrinkles frame her mouth and eyes. "You want to make your own happiness, don't you?"
Jiang Wanyin is taken
Fei-dama's eyes were old and shrewd. Then she smiles, wrinkles frame her mouth and eyes. "You want to make your own happiness, don't you?"
Jiang Wanyin is taken
aback at Fei-dama's words. "I- I'm not sure what you mean."
Fei-dama reaches up to touch Jiang Wanyin's cheek gently. "I see you everyday, A-Cheng. There is a dark cloud of pure sadness over you no matter how hard you try to hide it away. I know you're looking for something when
Fei-dama reaches up to touch Jiang Wanyin's cheek gently. "I see you everyday, A-Cheng. There is a dark cloud of pure sadness over you no matter how hard you try to hide it away. I know you're looking for something when
you came here, but something had happened in the past few months and you don't think you can ever find it here."
Jiang Wanyin's heart ached. Tears burn at his eyes and he quickly blinks it away.
Fei-dama pat her hand fondly at Jiang Wanyin's cheek. "I'm going to miss you, Jiang
Jiang Wanyin's heart ached. Tears burn at his eyes and he quickly blinks it away.
Fei-dama pat her hand fondly at Jiang Wanyin's cheek. "I'm going to miss you, Jiang
Cheng. I'm going to miss having free lotus roots and seeds. I'm going to miss hearing you curses at every single thing that inconveniences you." Jiang Wanyin smiles tremulously at that.
"But go. Go wherever you want to go and find that happy ending."
Jiang Wanyin looks away.
"But go. Go wherever you want to go and find that happy ending."
Jiang Wanyin looks away.
"I don't think I'm ever going to find it."
Fei-dama laughs. "You're still young, A-Cheng. And life doesn't only *one* ending. You're going to find yourself in a rollercoaster of life of bad and good, sad and happy endings, ease and hardship. But whatever comes, you're going to
Fei-dama laughs. "You're still young, A-Cheng. And life doesn't only *one* ending. You're going to find yourself in a rollercoaster of life of bad and good, sad and happy endings, ease and hardship. But whatever comes, you're going to
keep walking on the road. And who knows, maybe one day I'll receive an invitation from you to visit your lotus pond and taste the lotus seeds and roots that you've planted."
Fei-dama's words echo in his ears when he steps into the train that heads towards the Nightless City.
Fei-dama's words echo in his ears when he steps into the train that heads towards the Nightless City.
His heart may be always bleeding and never really healed, but he still has to keep on walking. That is all that he could do.
Perhaps his version of happy ending is not with his family but with his own lotus pond.
Now that he thinks about it, that doesn't sound bad at all.
--
Perhaps his version of happy ending is not with his family but with his own lotus pond.
Now that he thinks about it, that doesn't sound bad at all.
--
"Xichen-ge, what's wrong? You've been utterly distracted for the past few days." Wei Wuxian asks as he nods his head appreciatively to the waiter that is serving them tea and a platter of pastries for their afternoon date.
Lan Xichen may have agreed to come but ever since they
Lan Xichen may have agreed to come but ever since they
have arrived here, the older man seems restless. His hand clenched around the spoon.
Lan Xichen has been agonising for days. The rational side of his mind is saying that he's being delusional, brought by the intense void that is missing Jiang Cheng, but his heart would swear on
Lan Xichen has been agonising for days. The rational side of his mind is saying that he's being delusional, brought by the intense void that is missing Jiang Cheng, but his heart would swear on
those haunting lavender eyes in a heartbeat. Lan Xichen knows those eyes more than he knows his own even though he had only spent two days with them. Could it be that Jiang Cheng is Jiang Wanyin? If that's so, then how in the world Wei Wuxian couldn't know that?
Lan Xichen recalls the snippets of conversation they shared; about how Jiang Cheng is in exile, how he can't go back home and how that spot on the cliff is the only place closest to past life's happiness he had ever had in his life.
But... Wei Wuxian told him the Jiang had had
But... Wei Wuxian told him the Jiang had had
the funeral for Jiang Wanyin! It is impossible for Lan Xichen to be meeting Jiang Cheng in Lotus... Pier...
"Where do your family stay, Wei Wuxian," Lan Xichen abruptly.
"Uh.. in this city? We have a family mansion in the heart of Yunmeng city," Wei Wuxian looks confused. "You
"Where do your family stay, Wei Wuxian," Lan Xichen abruptly.
"Uh.. in this city? We have a family mansion in the heart of Yunmeng city," Wei Wuxian looks confused. "You
can see it from here, way up there on the hill."
"And no where else?" Lan Xichen presses.
"There's another place in Yunping Tech Town, but we only go there if there's an expo going on."
"But none in Lotus Pier?" Lan Xichen frowns. Could he have mistaken all along?
"And no where else?" Lan Xichen presses.
"There's another place in Yunping Tech Town, but we only go there if there's an expo going on."
"But none in Lotus Pier?" Lan Xichen frowns. Could he have mistaken all along?
Wei Wuxian goes still. "I don't think even the tabloids know about that place," he says softly, surprise. "That was our childhood home. We used to go there every summer and school holidays, but no more after Jiang Wanyin die. How did you know that Xichen-ge?"
Lan Xichen's heart
Lan Xichen's heart
thunders loudly. "Tell me about the day Jiang Wanyin die."
"What...?" Wei Wuxian breathes. "What- what does it matter to you?"
"Please, Wei Wuxian, humor me," Lan Xichen pleads softly. Instinct tells him something very wrong had happened to the Jiang family.
"Humor you?" Wei
"What...?" Wei Wuxian breathes. "What- what does it matter to you?"
"Please, Wei Wuxian, humor me," Lan Xichen pleads softly. Instinct tells him something very wrong had happened to the Jiang family.
"Humor you?" Wei
Wuxian hisses. "You have no idea the thing I've gone through after he died. People whisper behind my back, calling me a usurper, a demon who took advantage of my *shidi*'s death when I had been drowning in my grief for years!"
Memories flood into Wei Wuxian. His heart ached terribly after years pretending it has healed and that he had moved on. "I should have been there with him that night! I should've let him go..." he whispers. "But I told him that my friend, Wen Qing, needs my help and I let him go
on the car alone. We lost contact for weeks; I couldn't find him, calls went unanswered for days - I was out of my mind. And then Uncle Jiang got a call from a hospital saying Wanyin got into an accident and he didn't make it." Tears slips down Wei Wuxian's cheeks.
"Uncle Jiang went to the hospital and he told us that car burned down with- with Wanyin in it... There was nothing left..." Wei Wuxian shudders in reminiscence. "We buried burned bones and ashes..."
The Jiang didn't talk about Jiang Wanyin days and weeks after that. But Wei
The Jiang didn't talk about Jiang Wanyin days and weeks after that. But Wei
Wuxian was drowning in his grief and he never knew how to grieve in silence like shijie. He crawled his way to Jiang Wanyin's grave to scream at it for daring to leave him behind, for being so reckless. He stumbled on to therapy, ugly crying the whole session after session.
'I left him for a mere friend - an outsider,' he sobs at the leather-clad chair.
'The last time I spoke to my shidi, I told him he doesn't need my help, not like Wen Qing did.'
'Madam Yu doesn't want to go out of her room. Shijie walks around the house like a ghost. Uncle
'The last time I spoke to my shidi, I told him he doesn't need my help, not like Wen Qing did.'
'Madam Yu doesn't want to go out of her room. Shijie walks around the house like a ghost. Uncle
Jiang is busy handling the company now there's no heir. But no one wants to talk about Jiang Wanyin. And I do! I miss him!'
Two months later Uncle Jiang came to him, asking him to step up and be the heir. Wei Wuxian had shaken his head, vehemently protested, 'it's only been two
Two months later Uncle Jiang came to him, asking him to step up and be the heir. Wei Wuxian had shaken his head, vehemently protested, 'it's only been two
months, Uncle Jiang!' but Jiang Fengmian insisted, saying this Jiang Wanyin's legacy too, wouldn't Wei Wuxian step up and save it?
Guilt marred his heart and also, love. Love for his shidi, wanting to honor what should have been Wanyin's. So, he donned his best business suit,
Guilt marred his heart and also, love. Love for his shidi, wanting to honor what should have been Wanyin's. So, he donned his best business suit,
wearing his best smile and together with shijie, Wei Wuxian posed in front of the camera. As soon as the event was over, Wei Wuxian ran, stumbled into the nearest restroom and hurled out the hors d'oeuvres he had force-fed himself. Tears blinded him, his heart was cut open and he
felt so disgusted with himself.
Tabloids ran with the news for weeks and he avoided looking into one lest he found himself vomitting in the toilet bowls again. It took years before Wei Wuxian could find laughter and humour at the tabloid headlines again. The wound never really
Tabloids ran with the news for weeks and he avoided looking into one lest he found himself vomitting in the toilet bowls again. It took years before Wei Wuxian could find laughter and humour at the tabloid headlines again. The wound never really
healed; it would forever encase the melancholy that the lost of Jiang Wanyin brought with it, but with Jiang Fengmian's support, Wei Wuxian felt less and less like an usurper as the time went on.
Lan Xichen's question opens a wound that had long scabbed over. Wei Wuxian doesn't
Lan Xichen's question opens a wound that had long scabbed over. Wei Wuxian doesn't
understand why Lan Xichen would bring this up after months in this strange courtship of theirs.
"But you didn't see the body?" Lan Xichen asks in hoarse voice. "None of you did?"
"The hospital confirmed it. We have the police report and coroner's as well. Jiang Wanyin is dead!"
"But you didn't see the body?" Lan Xichen asks in hoarse voice. "None of you did?"
"The hospital confirmed it. We have the police report and coroner's as well. Jiang Wanyin is dead!"
Wei Wuxian snarls as he pushes his chair back in loud screech, intending to walk away from this conversation. How can something that happen a long time ago still feel this hurt?
Lan Xichen stands up and quickly reaches to grab Wei Wuxian's wrist.
"I saw him," he says quietly.
Lan Xichen stands up and quickly reaches to grab Wei Wuxian's wrist.
"I saw him," he says quietly.
Wei Wuxian's body pulls taut in utter, utter surprise. Blood rushes out from his face, leaving it scarily white. "What?" The word gushes out from between pale lips.
Lan Xichen swears his heart's beating out of his ribcage. But he has to know and he has to find Jiang Cheng again.
Lan Xichen swears his heart's beating out of his ribcage. But he has to know and he has to find Jiang Cheng again.
"At Lotus Pier, almost six months ago. I saw him but as Jiang Cheng."
"You lie..." Wei Wuxian whispers.
"I would recognise his lavender eyes even if that's all I am given to see," Lan Xichen says and Wei Wuxian slowly slumps back down to his chair.
"Oh my- oh my god..."
"You lie..." Wei Wuxian whispers.
"I would recognise his lavender eyes even if that's all I am given to see," Lan Xichen says and Wei Wuxian slowly slumps back down to his chair.
"Oh my- oh my god..."
Wei Wuxian's voice sounds shattered, wrecked. "Oh my god!"
"And I have to ask you this, Wei Wuxian," Lan Xichen's voice turns hard and his amber eyes flash dangerously. "Why would anyone fake go through such length to fake Jiang Cheng's death and persuade him to stay away?"
"And I have to ask you this, Wei Wuxian," Lan Xichen's voice turns hard and his amber eyes flash dangerously. "Why would anyone fake go through such length to fake Jiang Cheng's death and persuade him to stay away?"
Wei Wuxian suddenly raises his head at the rage in Lan Xichen's voice; alarmed.
"Why is he living on meagre earnings, an outcast in exile, while you live in luxury and fame? Why is it you declared as the heir of multimillion company, while he breaks his back in labor every day?"
"Why is he living on meagre earnings, an outcast in exile, while you live in luxury and fame? Why is it you declared as the heir of multimillion company, while he breaks his back in labor every day?"
"And why is he only allowed to stare at his childhood home from afar, unable to return to the one place he wants to be?"
That makes Wei Wuxian inhaled sharply in shock. Jiang Wanyin isn't *allowed* to go back? By whom?! Shock instantly gives away to rage as it burned brightly.
That makes Wei Wuxian inhaled sharply in shock. Jiang Wanyin isn't *allowed* to go back? By whom?! Shock instantly gives away to rage as it burned brightly.
"Was it you, Wei Wuxian?" Lan Xichen's low voice sounded like thunder.
"I would NEVER!" Wei Wuxian shouted back. The whole restaurant goes silence at the sight of two men stood face-to-face, their faces were flushed with anger. "I would rather throw myself away in the Yunmeng
"I would NEVER!" Wei Wuxian shouted back. The whole restaurant goes silence at the sight of two men stood face-to-face, their faces were flushed with anger. "I would rather throw myself away in the Yunmeng
river than ever hurting my shidi."
"Then, we better find out who did this."
"After we bring back Jiang Wanyin."
Lan Xichen's smile is feral. "Let us go now."
--
"Then, we better find out who did this."
"After we bring back Jiang Wanyin."
Lan Xichen's smile is feral. "Let us go now."
--
To the first tweet -->
https://twitter.com/GuardianofJupi1/status/1539083635240103936
"The Jiang Residence is only 2 kilometres from here..." Wei Wuxian whispers in disbelief. He is walking side-by-side with Lan Xichen in the quiet cobbled road in the Lotus Pier. "Xichen-ge... all this time, Jiang Wanyin is here?"
Lan Xichen doesn't answer Wei Wuxian's question.
Lan Xichen doesn't answer Wei Wuxian's question.
He is focused on finding the specific spot of the bridge where he had first saw Jiang Cheng because he didn't know where else to find him. This wasn't the first time he curse himself for never asking Jiang Cheng where his house is.
The bridge is empty. Lan Xichen holds back the
The bridge is empty. Lan Xichen holds back the
sigh of disappointment. It doesn't escape him the irony of him lounging in restlessness for the last 6 months and now he can't even bear allowing a minute passes without seeing Jiang Cheng.
"Now what?" Wei Wuxian asks.
Lan Xichen leans over the bridge and he sees a middle-age
"Now what?" Wei Wuxian asks.
Lan Xichen leans over the bridge and he sees a middle-age
woman tending the lotuses. "Excuse me, madam," he calls out.
The woman looks up. "Yes?"
"Do you know where can I find Jiang Cheng?"
"A-Cheng? I haven't seen him. I assume he is feeling under weather. Why don't you go to his house? Fei-dama is probably fussing over him."
The woman looks up. "Yes?"
"Do you know where can I find Jiang Cheng?"
"A-Cheng? I haven't seen him. I assume he is feeling under weather. Why don't you go to his house? Fei-dama is probably fussing over him."
"Fei-dama?" Wei Wuxian chimes in.
"His neighbour," the woman smiles. "Blessed that gossipy old woman's heart. She fusses over everyone."
The woman gives them Jiang Cheng's address. They hasten their way and an hour later, stop dead at the small house that is locked with a
"His neighbour," the woman smiles. "Blessed that gossipy old woman's heart. She fusses over everyone."
The woman gives them Jiang Cheng's address. They hasten their way and an hour later, stop dead at the small house that is locked with a
signboard that reads 'For Sale'. For a moment they are too stupified to say anything.
"W-what does that mean?" Wei Wuxian stammers.
"I... I'm not sure-"
"Ah! Hello!" A plump woman in her sixties pokes out her head from the window of her house. "Are you here to see this house?"
"W-what does that mean?" Wei Wuxian stammers.
"I... I'm not sure-"
"Ah! Hello!" A plump woman in her sixties pokes out her head from the window of her house. "Are you here to see this house?"
"See?" Lan Xichen echoes faintly.
"You're planning to buy it, right? The realtor hires me to open up the door should anybody come by wanting to see it."
Wei Wuxian jumps in. "Yes! We're here to see the house."
"Excellent! I'll get the keys." She disappears back into her house.
"You're planning to buy it, right? The realtor hires me to open up the door should anybody come by wanting to see it."
Wei Wuxian jumps in. "Yes! We're here to see the house."
"Excellent! I'll get the keys." She disappears back into her house.
A few moments later, she stands in front of the door to unlock it. "Everybody calls me Fei-dama. Both of you looks like city boys. Are you sure you want to buy this house. This town is hardly what you call lively."
Fei-dama chatters a hundred words per minute, so, Lan Xichen
Fei-dama chatters a hundred words per minute, so, Lan Xichen
and Wei Wuxian step into the house, letting her talk her heart content.
One look at the space, Wei Wuxian's heart sinks. The living room combined with kitchen area and there's a blind that separated the area and a bedroom that consists a single, narrow bed with thin mattress.
One look at the space, Wei Wuxian's heart sinks. The living room combined with kitchen area and there's a blind that separated the area and a bedroom that consists a single, narrow bed with thin mattress.
The whole house is sparsely furnished. A rickety table with two chairs. A twenty years old TV and tattered sofa. A radiator that probably in dire need of replacement; spending winter in this house must have been vicious.
Is this where his shidi was living all these time? While
Is this where his shidi was living all these time? While
Wei Wuxian spends winter in warm mansion, servants at his beck and call and holidays with their family in opulent countries and hotels; Jiang Wanyin spends his alone, lonely and cold.
For five years.
Tears slips down; he doesn't think he can ever recover from this agony.
For five years.
Tears slips down; he doesn't think he can ever recover from this agony.
"Wei Wuxian..." Lan Xichen murmurs.
"Five year, Xichen-ge," Wei Wuxian chokes. "How can I not know he's still alive? Look at this place! He shouldn't be here. He doesn't belong here."
"Jiang Cheng didn't allow me to come to his house. I figured he was wary of me as a stranger."
"Five year, Xichen-ge," Wei Wuxian chokes. "How can I not know he's still alive? Look at this place! He shouldn't be here. He doesn't belong here."
"Jiang Cheng didn't allow me to come to his house. I figured he was wary of me as a stranger."
Lan Xichen's fists clench tightly, holding back the fury in his heart. "If I knew- I..."
You'd do what? His inner voice sneers. You were a coward six-month ago. You left him without saying a word but a note because you were afraid he'd chain you with only his eyes and heart.
You'd do what? His inner voice sneers. You were a coward six-month ago. You left him without saying a word but a note because you were afraid he'd chain you with only his eyes and heart.
You left him with only a note because you couldn't say no to your elders. You'd rather hurt Jiang Cheng and yourself than standing up to your elders.
Lan Xichen raises his hand to wipe his gritty eyes angrily. He has ruined his chance with Jiang Cheng and Jiang Cheng has every
Lan Xichen raises his hand to wipe his gritty eyes angrily. He has ruined his chance with Jiang Cheng and Jiang Cheng has every
right to pack everything up and go. Everything happens at the wrong time of his life; he wasn't ready to uproot his life for a chance of happiness but 6 months have passed. He's changed since. Lan Xichen desperately wants to chase after Jiang Cheng and begs for a second chance.
Wei Wuxian watches the expression pass over Lan Xichen's face thoughtfully.
"What do both of you think?" Fei-dama asks brightly. "Ignore the old furniture. I think both of you can afford a little splurge in renovation. The previous owner never really cared about furnishing."
"What do both of you think?" Fei-dama asks brightly. "Ignore the old furniture. I think both of you can afford a little splurge in renovation. The previous owner never really cared about furnishing."
"Fei-dama... do you know the previous owner?" Wei Wuxian asks.
"Of course I knew him! A-Cheng is such a surly young man. He scowls at everyone," Fei-dama smiles wistfully. "He doesn't talk much about himself, but he's a hard-working boy. But I know he would be up and gone soon.
"Of course I knew him! A-Cheng is such a surly young man. He scowls at everyone," Fei-dama smiles wistfully. "He doesn't talk much about himself, but he's a hard-working boy. But I know he would be up and gone soon.
He has such graceful and dignified air in him that isn't fit for a town like this. I always think of him still trying to find a place where he belongs."
Lump grows at the back of Lan Xichen's throat. He knows exactly what Fei-dama is saying because how else Lan Xichen can fall
Lump grows at the back of Lan Xichen's throat. He knows exactly what Fei-dama is saying because how else Lan Xichen can fall
so easily in love with him for the little time he's given? The contradictions betwen what he tries to show to world and what he cannot hide are what drew Lan Xichen to Jiang Cheng in the first place.
"Where is he, Fei-dama?" Lan Xichen asks pleadingly. He needs to find him.
"Where is he, Fei-dama?" Lan Xichen asks pleadingly. He needs to find him.
Fei-dama looks at both of them as realisation dawns on her face. "You're not here to buy the house."
"We came to find him." Wei Wuxian says.
"A-Cheng left." Fei-dama is suprised. Is this the life Jiang Cheng tried to run away from when he packed his bags? "He left a week ago to
"We came to find him." Wei Wuxian says.
"A-Cheng left." Fei-dama is suprised. Is this the life Jiang Cheng tried to run away from when he packed his bags? "He left a week ago to
go to the Nightless City. He says something about making use of his degree and planning to buy a lotus pond as his own."
Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian look at each other in dismay. Nightless City is a big city that finding someone without knowing anything is certainly impossible.
Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian look at each other in dismay. Nightless City is a big city that finding someone without knowing anything is certainly impossible.
"I should have come earlier..." Lan Xichen grits his teeth. "I don't know why I waited..."
"Who are you both to Jiang Cheng?" Fei-dama raises her eyebrows haughtily. There's a hesitation between them so, she challenges. "I'll decide whether to tell you where to find him or not."
"Who are you both to Jiang Cheng?" Fei-dama raises her eyebrows haughtily. There's a hesitation between them so, she challenges. "I'll decide whether to tell you where to find him or not."
That got both of them to stand attention. "Please, Fei-dama..."
"Not until I can decide whether telling you would bring Jiang Cheng trouble or not," she says stubbornly.
"I'm his brother. Up until recently, I thought he was dead," Wei Wuxian begs. "I don't know what happened
"Not until I can decide whether telling you would bring Jiang Cheng trouble or not," she says stubbornly.
"I'm his brother. Up until recently, I thought he was dead," Wei Wuxian begs. "I don't know what happened
to him that- that made him hide himself away. I've got to find him, please."
"Dead?" Fei-dama exclaims. Wei Wuxian hastily tells her everything. "So, you met Jiang Cheng six months ago?" She turns her attention to the tallest man. Her hands on her waist in rage. "You're telling
"Dead?" Fei-dama exclaims. Wei Wuxian hastily tells her everything. "So, you met Jiang Cheng six months ago?" She turns her attention to the tallest man. Her hands on her waist in rage. "You're telling
me that you're the reason Jiang Cheng acted like a walking fierce corpse? That you're the reason he acted heart-broken?!"
Lan Xichen's heart stutters at the implication he isn't alone in his heartbroken.
Wei Wuxian looks at Lan Xichen, startled. "Xichen-ge...?"
Lan Xichen's heart stutters at the implication he isn't alone in his heartbroken.
Wei Wuxian looks at Lan Xichen, startled. "Xichen-ge...?"
"I-" His heart thunders. "Wei Wuxian, I'm sorry. But when I agreed to be engaged to you, my heart is already belonged to Jiang Cheng. You told me that our relationship will only be on friendship level, so I thought-"
"You thought it's okay to marry me while being in love with
"You thought it's okay to marry me while being in love with
Jiang Wanyin?" Wei Wuxian asks sardonically. "If you haven't seen his picture in my house you would go through the marriage?"
Lan Xichen looks at Wei Wuxian ruefully. "I don't know. While I admit that my family's expectation chains to tightly and I am a wired to please them, my
Lan Xichen looks at Wei Wuxian ruefully. "I don't know. While I admit that my family's expectation chains to tightly and I am a wired to please them, my
feeling for Jiang Cheng changes something in me. Why do you think I drag on our 'getting-to-know' for months? I was indecisive, agonising over not wanting to disappoint Lan-shufu who raised and over desiring to leave everything behind and run towards Jiang Cheng."
Wei Wuxian breathes out. It makes sense finally. There were times when Wei Wuxian notices the grimaces on Lan Xichen's face when people around them push them to formalising their engagement. There were times when melancholy passed through Lan Xichen when he saw something that
triggered his memory. He had thought Lan Xichen was still reluctant to be married to someone who was chosen by his family so he tried to get to know Lan Xichen better, just so their marriage would not depressing.
Who would have thought Lan Xichen was in love with someone else?
Who would have thought Lan Xichen was in love with someone else?
"Seeing Jiang Cheng's picture after six months imagining him in my mind, something within me snaps. I just-" Lan Xichen halts as he heaves in the gravity of emotion wells within him. "I *miss* him so much. I *love* him, Wei Wuxian... I can't be *without* him. It took me months to
settle the feeling I have for him. I... I cannot lie to myself, to you and to my family. Whatever the outcome, I will chase him to the end of the earth and this time, I will never let him go."
Wei Wuxian exhales shakily. A tiny part of him is hurt at Lan Xichen's admission but
Wei Wuxian exhales shakily. A tiny part of him is hurt at Lan Xichen's admission but
at the same time, he knows he hasn't got the right to be angry because Lan Xichen never promises him anything except to try. And Lan Xichen did try, Wei Wuxian knows that.
But a heart cannot be forced. It chooses whomever it wants.
Fei-dama speaks up. "The realtor knows where
But a heart cannot be forced. It chooses whomever it wants.
Fei-dama speaks up. "The realtor knows where
Jiang Cheng is. She would need to know that since she have to give him the money after she sell the house. Here is the realtor's number."
Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian's faces light up.
"You better pay the house way up its market price, of heaven helps me!" Fei-dama threatens.
--
Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian's faces light up.
"You better pay the house way up its market price, of heaven helps me!" Fei-dama threatens.
--
The first thing Lan Xichen did when he gets in his Benz with Wei Wuxian sliding in beside him is to call his secretary. "Su She."
"Yes, sir?"
"See the message I sent you and tell her that I want to but the house she's selling. Whatever she offers, I want you to triple it."
"Yes, sir?"
"See the message I sent you and tell her that I want to but the house she's selling. Whatever she offers, I want you to triple it."
There is a few moments of muted sound of keyboard clicking from Lan Xichen's iPhone. "Are you sure, sir? The location of the house is quite remote. It's not worth even for simple investment let alone the price you're offering-"
"Su She," Lan Xichen growls. "Just do it."
"Su She," Lan Xichen growls. "Just do it."
There is pause. "As you wish, sir."
"Get me the address of the seller too after."
Wei Wuxian stares at the older man in wonder. There is significant change between the man in front of him now and the one he knows for the last few months. Lan Xichen seems to have a purpose; he
"Get me the address of the seller too after."
Wei Wuxian stares at the older man in wonder. There is significant change between the man in front of him now and the one he knows for the last few months. Lan Xichen seems to have a purpose; he
is done sorting his emotions and now Lan Xichen has an expression of intensity on his face, certainly driven now.
It is a good look, Wei Wuxian thinks wistfully. Much, much better than apathetic man he was for the last few months. And how can Wei Wuxian begrudge him for that?
It is a good look, Wei Wuxian thinks wistfully. Much, much better than apathetic man he was for the last few months. And how can Wei Wuxian begrudge him for that?
Lan Xichen brought him the news of Jiang Wanyin, giving Wei Wuxian hope for the first time in years. Wei Wuxian's never had him at all in the first place. Lan Xichen's always been Jiang Wanyin's.
He lets out a shaky breath as he lets go the last of his discontent for Lan Xichen.
He lets out a shaky breath as he lets go the last of his discontent for Lan Xichen.
"Luckily I've packed my bag for more than a weekend trip," Wei Wuxian grins brightly. "Nightless City next?"
Lan Xichen smiles. "Of course. I'm going to chase him to the end of the world if that's what he wants."
Wei Wuxian laughs.
--
Lan Xichen smiles. "Of course. I'm going to chase him to the end of the world if that's what he wants."
Wei Wuxian laughs.
--
What was thought to be a day or two in Nightless City turns out to be much longer. The address that the realtor has is PO box address and it takes them a few more days of digging from Wei Wuxian's side give them a prepaid phone number that gives them no definite address.
Lan Xichen isn't about to give up, so he calls Lan Wangji to help him out in office. Wei Wuxian doesn't have such luxury, so, with a heavy heart, he says, "Please, please call me if you found him."
"As long as A-Cheng doesn't toss away the phone, I can track the signal."
"As long as A-Cheng doesn't toss away the phone, I can track the signal."
Wei Wuxian laughs shakily at the nonchalant in Lan Xichen's tone as if tracking other people is normal. He wants so badly to stay with him and continues their searching but he doesn't want to tell the Jiang yet lest it turns out to be a goose chase. They've gone through enough.
"We're breaking so many privacy laws," Wei Wuxian jokes.
Lan Xichen just smiles serenely and waves as Wei Wuxian drives back to Yunmeng in a rented car.
Days to come Lan Xichen gathers that amongst of all places the signal brought him, there is one place that it always appear.
Lan Xichen just smiles serenely and waves as Wei Wuxian drives back to Yunmeng in a rented car.
Days to come Lan Xichen gathers that amongst of all places the signal brought him, there is one place that it always appear.
He drives there and lets out a fond, hysterical laugh at the sight of the place. It is an old cottage at the edge of the city with sizeable murky pond. Of course, of course Jiang Cheng would go back to the place with water and lotuses. All those days tracking and hacking when
what they should have done all along is wait at any lotus ponds or lakes because it runs in Jiang Cheng's blood and flesh.
The property is obviously for sale, so he calls the number.
"You're interested in that place?" The owner asks.
"You sound surprise," Lan Xichen notes.
The property is obviously for sale, so he calls the number.
"You're interested in that place?" The owner asks.
"You sound surprise," Lan Xichen notes.
"Lan-xiansheng, I've been trying to sell that decrepit place for years but with no success. But this week only I've got two offers."
"How much?" The price states by the owner is quite high for Jiang Cheng, despite having the money from the house he sold in Lotus Pier. "The other
"How much?" The price states by the owner is quite high for Jiang Cheng, despite having the money from the house he sold in Lotus Pier. "The other
bidder, he's made an offer yet?"
"Oh, don't worry, Lan-xiansheng. I don't think he can pay for it." There's subtle condescending tone in his voice. "He's come from that old village in Yunmeng, fresh in the city, clearly without money. Dresses like one too."
Lan Xichen quietly
"Oh, don't worry, Lan-xiansheng. I don't think he can pay for it." There's subtle condescending tone in his voice. "He's come from that old village in Yunmeng, fresh in the city, clearly without money. Dresses like one too."
Lan Xichen quietly
bristled. With cold tone, he says. "I'll buy it from you."
"Really?" The owner sounds contemplative. "You really want this place, do you? Well, the price might have gone up."
"Of course it has," Lan Xichen says drily. Greedy, greedy.
"How about I add another a hundred thousa-"
"Really?" The owner sounds contemplative. "You really want this place, do you? Well, the price might have gone up."
"Of course it has," Lan Xichen says drily. Greedy, greedy.
"How about I add another a hundred thousa-"
"Done," Lan Xichen cuts in bored tone. There is a stunned silence at the other side of the call. "I take it you agree? I'll have my attorney call you today. If you change the price offer again, I *will* know and you're going to regret for being greedy."
The owner splutters
The owner splutters
but Lan Xichen already hangs up the phone. In truth, the price stated by the owner is insignificant to him. He'd gladly pay more if that would make Jiang Cheng happy and more amenable to forgive him, but he can't forgive the man for insulting Jiang Cheng.
He rubs his forehead
He rubs his forehead
tiredly. Even if he have Wangji to cover for him, Lan Xichen knows sooner and later the Lan-shufu would notice his absence. He will demands the truth from him. This time, Lan Xichen is determined to say the truth. It is going to break shufu's heart, Lan Xichen just knows it, but
he cannot be at peace without knowing Jiang Cheng is. He needs Jiang Cheng's forgiveness and if that is all that he's ever allowed, Lan Xichen will make his heart to be content with that.
The morning shifts to evening and Lan Xichen is still sitting in his car, staring at the
The morning shifts to evening and Lan Xichen is still sitting in his car, staring at the
greenish water. He is so lost in his thought that when his phone rings once again, he almost hit his head in surprise.
Thinking it is his lawyer calling to notify him about the success of the purchase (they are always too efficient), he raises the phone distractedly to his ear.
Thinking it is his lawyer calling to notify him about the success of the purchase (they are always too efficient), he raises the phone distractedly to his ear.
"Is it done?"
"No, it's not fucking done, you asshole!" A long-missed deep baritone that haunts his dream snarls in his ear. Lan Xichen's eyes go wide when he instantly realises who is on the phone right now.
The vicious voice continues on, "I saw it first! I got there first!
"No, it's not fucking done, you asshole!" A long-missed deep baritone that haunts his dream snarls in his ear. Lan Xichen's eyes go wide when he instantly realises who is on the phone right now.
The vicious voice continues on, "I saw it first! I got there first!
That is MY property! Just because you're so goddamn rich that you don't know what else to do with your money, it doesn't mean you can swoop in and cross my offer to buy it!"
Lan Xichen's heart trembles so hard that he can't find the words. Oh, how he has missed that fiery voice.
Lan Xichen's heart trembles so hard that he can't find the words. Oh, how he has missed that fiery voice.
"The owner is being all smarmy about this, that condenscending bastard!" The rant is truly epic. "And how dare you sent your minion to return my booking fee?! I demand you to back off from your offer and if you don't, I'm gonna make you regret for even thinking to buy it!"
Throughout, Lan Xichen thinks hard. If he says he's Lan Xichen now, would it send Jiang Cheng running once again? He could lose him again and he can't afford that. He needs to see Jiang Cheng in person so he can persuade the younger man to forgive him and make things right again.
"Hello?! Hey, asshole, you're still there?!" Jiang Cheng growls angrily.
Lan Xichen made up his mind. As much as he wants to tell Jiang Cheng who he is, he wants Jiang Cheng in front of him to touch and to cajole. This is too important to be doing it impulsively.
Lan Xichen made up his mind. As much as he wants to tell Jiang Cheng who he is, he wants Jiang Cheng in front of him to touch and to cajole. This is too important to be doing it impulsively.
He deepens his voice to the point of unrecognisable and says, "Yes I'm here."
Clearly still livid, Jiang Cheng retorts, "Why are you going to do now? I've no intention to back off."
"Let's discuss this civilly. Meet me at that place tomorrow morning, at 11?"
There's a slight
Clearly still livid, Jiang Cheng retorts, "Why are you going to do now? I've no intention to back off."
"Let's discuss this civilly. Meet me at that place tomorrow morning, at 11?"
There's a slight
hesitation in Jiang Wanyin's brief silence. Lan Xichen holds in his breath in trepidation.
~please, please- oh god please~
"Fine. Just so you know, I'm bringing a baseball bat in case you have any funny idea."
Lan Xichen barks a startled laugh. "Shouldn't that be my line?
~please, please- oh god please~
"Fine. Just so you know, I'm bringing a baseball bat in case you have any funny idea."
Lan Xichen barks a startled laugh. "Shouldn't that be my line?
You're the one who called and hurled insults at me."
There's a loud scoff and a rude click of the phone being hang up abruptly. Lan Xichen stares at his phone, feeling surreal and lightheaded.
He exhales deeply.
It's amazing how deep Jiang Cheng burrows inside of him.
--
There's a loud scoff and a rude click of the phone being hang up abruptly. Lan Xichen stares at his phone, feeling surreal and lightheaded.
He exhales deeply.
It's amazing how deep Jiang Cheng burrows inside of him.
--
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