Chapter Text
When they reached Lanling, Jin Guangshan and Jin Zixuan welcomed them.
Although Wei Wuxian didn't particularly like either of them, he simply bowed and looked away. Even so, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was staring at him in a way that made his skin crawl.
Jin Guangshan was explaining to Sect Leader Jiang that the meeting had been delayed because Sect Leader Nie was occupied with an important night hunt and would not be arriving until later.
Wei Wuxian knew that wasn't the real reason. Nie Huaisang had already told him that several sect leaders simply didn't want to attend a meeting hosted by Jin Guangshan. Apparently, that excuse hadn't worked out.
The servants soon led them to the guest chambers prepared for their stay.
It was already late afternoon, but Wei Wuxian wasn't tired. After settling his things down, he headed out to look for Lan Wangji.
After searching through much of Koi Tower, he finally found him standing on a balcony beside the hall where the meetings were held.
"Lan Zhan!" he called cheerfully.
When Lan Wangji turned toward him, Wei Wuxian's smile widened.
To an outsider, nothing changed on Second Young Master Lan's face. But if one knew him as well as his elder brother did, they would notice how his breath hitched and how his grip on Bichen tightened until his knuckles turned white.
"Wei Ying," he finally greeted after staring at him for several long seconds.
Wei Wuxian's smile seemed to grow even brighter.
If his smile could get any wider, it would outshine the sun. Not that he would bet on it. Gambling was forbidden. Thinking about it wasn't, though.
Walking closer, Wei Wuxian leaned against the railing.
"When did you arrive?" he asked.
"This morning. You?" Lan Wangji replied.
"I just got here. I was bored, and I haven't seen you in months, so I came looking for you."
Lan Wangji remained silent for a moment.
Wei Wuxian grinned mischievously.
"Tell me, Lan Zhan. Did you miss me after I left the Cloud Recesses?"
Lan Wangji didn't answer.
"Aiya, Lan-er-ge! You didn't even miss me? You've wounded me."
He dramatically pressed a hand over his chest and let out several fake sobs.
Lan Wangji stared at him.
Why is he always so dramatic?
...Though he does look cute when he does it.
Wait. What did I just think?
Just as he was about to tell Wei Wuxian to stop, he noticed something behind him.
Jin Guangshan was watching Wei Wuxian.
Lan Wangji followed the man's gaze and immediately frowned.
Without another word, he grabbed Wei Wuxian's wrist and pulled him away.
"Lan Zhan! What are you doing?" Wei Wuxian protested, stumbling after him. "Where are you taking me, Er-ge?"
When they finally reached a secluded area, Lan Wangji released his wrist.
Wei Wuxian felt an unexpected pang at the loss of warmth.
Then Lan Wangji stepped closer.
Wei Wuxian froze.
Leaning near enough to speak quietly, Lan Wangji ignored how red Wei Wuxian's face had become.
"Jin Guangshan was staring at you strangely," he whispered. "Do not go near him. Be cautious."
His voice was low.
And furious.
Wei Wuxian's face immediately lost all color.
Before he could respond, another voice interrupted them.
"There you are."
Jiang Cheng approached and glanced between them before turning to Lan Wangji and nods at him then turns toward Wei Wuxian.
"Father was asking for you, and you're hiding out here."
Lan Wangji gave a small nod in acknowledgment.
Jiang Cheng then grabbed Wei Wuxian by the sleeve and began dragging him back toward the guest quarters.