Work Text:
Jiang Cheng checks himself in the mirror one last time. A Purple Jacket over a black t-shirt and brown jeans, a black leather watch on his left wrist. Today his hair is tied up in a high ponytail and two straight strings loose in front. Twirling left and right, he scrutinizes his mirrored form. Is it too simple? But it's not an official meeting so it can't be too formal either. But Xichen is just too good looking. An angel made of clouds and bathed in sunlight.
Do we look compatible together?
A question he asks almost everyday and uncertainty is the only answer he gets. But whatever the answer is, he is too selfish to let go of the warm presence of his angel. He gets pulled out of his musing by a car horn outside his window.
Lan Xichen reaches his destination and parks his car in his date's front yard. He glances at the rear view mirror for a quick check. A white suit with a baby blue necktie and long ebony hair braided on the left shoulder. Never before has he spent two hours in his dressing room running through all the closets to pick one suit. As the No.1 most eligible bachelor in the upper circle, he has no reason to be self conscious of his looks. But nothing compares to the satisfaction of having Jiang Cheng's eyes on him, sparkling with awe and desire. "Rule 63 - Do not be haughty and complacent!", Uncle would have said. But today is not about him, or the rules or anything else in this world. Today is only for them. Jiang Cheng finally gets out of his house, hands restless as he locks the door and fixes his shoes.
"You look fine as ever, Jiang Cheng. Get in, we shall have breakfast first" Lan Xichen holds the car door open and motions Jiang Cheng to go inside. The restaurant is a simple Chinese restaurant. Jiang Cheng orders a mushroom and chicken soup with added chili. Lan Xichen orders some salad and green tea, as usual for him. They sit near the glass wall looking into a small lake.Comfortable silence has cloaked around them, only being broken by occasional chirping of birds. Jiang Cheng can feel a strange sense of calmness in his mind whenever he is with Xichen. As if his forever chaotic mind finds a soft warm nest to rest. With a soft sigh, he looks up at Xichen. As his eyes fall on him, all voices get stuck in his throat. Xichen is looking outside, a soft gentle smile on his lips as he takes little sips from his tea. He has taken off his coat and placed it over his lap, long sleeves folded up showing his lean forearm, elegance etched into his bones. For the nth time in his three months relationship Jiang Cheng asks himself, How can this man be mine?
Lan Xichen's thoughts have trailed off to the time when destiny decided to converge their path on their first day on college campus. Accidentally bumping into each other and annoyance painted over the most beautiful face he has ever seen, recalling how awkward they were on the first meeting made Xichen smile without him knowing. From embarrassed awkwardness to comfort like home, this journey must be the most beautiful phase of his life. His eyes find their way toward the other man sitting opposite to him and catches him looking intently at him, cheeks flushed. He chuckles and slowly reaches for the hand resting on top of the mahogany wood, making the other jolt a bit. "You seem to be thinking too deeply, what's wrong? Is there something on my face? ", He caresses his hand and gently kisses his knuckles. Jiang Cheng feels heat rising on his cheeks. He drops his eyes down, pulls his hand out of the hold and shoves a few mouthfuls of chicken soup in his mouth while trying to change the topic, “Afterward, where are we going?”
And here it is. Lips hooked to the left corner and eyes slightly narrowed, glistening with mischief. That one look and his angel flips to a devil full of wondrous tricks, still stunning, still very much his.
“It’s a surprise, sweetheart.”
“Oh?”
Now that sounds interesting. Surprises from Xichen are always…extremely surprising. A thank-you treat being a personally cooked meal exactly Jiang Cheng’s favorites, a adorable puppy husky in a birthday gift and a bunch of dandelions in the middle of the soccer field buzzing with after-match enthusiasm when he proposed. Unforgettable, just like him. Despite his unbridled curiosity, Jiang Cheng has no wish to ruin his surprise. They spend the rest of breakfast in idle chatter. They leave the restaurant and go back to the car, all the while Jiang Cheng brimming with anticipation. He turns toward Lan Xichen by his side, driving with a light smile on his lips. Jiang Cheng’s heart swells with adoration. I want him, forever.
Before He can even grasp the thought, Jiang Cheng finds his lips pressed on that smile. Lan Xichen freezes at the soft touch on his lips, his mind blanks in a single line. Right as he starts to function again, the warmth disappears. Thanks to his lucky stars that it’s a rather empty road or this one kiss would be their last one. He looks at the culprit and finds him looking out with a hand under his chin leaned against the window trying to pull on his mask of indifference but the redness that spreads from his ear to his neck gives him away. Lan Xichen doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
"You know what? This is the first time you took the initiative to kiss me."
"Oh really?", indifference laced in his voice, an act no doubt. Lan Xichen sighs and makes a mental note to take his sweet revenge later. "The drive will be long. You can take a nap till we reach there.”
“Hmm…Wake me up when we reach.” Jiang Cheng shuffles on his seat for a comfortable position. The moment he closes his eyes, a serene softness blankets his every feature, soft curtain of eyelashes fluttering in wind, constant furrow between his brows smoothened and lips, rather than pressed together, are parted slightly. Moments like these when he looks like the young boy he is, no competitions, no expectations, no insecurities weighing him down. As much as he loves every piece of his beloved, this is Lan Xichen’s favorite. With one hand on the steering wheel, Lan Xichen uses his other to brush away the few strands of hair fallen over the sleeping boy’s eyes.
A long four hour drive through hilly roads, farther and farther away from hustles of the cities, leading to the outskirts of Gusu County ends before a town gate. Jiang Cheng stands before it, yawning and stretching, while Lan Xichen is off to park the car. Nervous enthusiasm for today’s date didn’t let him sleep all night, and sleeping in the car isn’t comfortable enough to make up for it. Through his sleep hazy eyes, he takes in the sight of the town gate. A Paifang with three gateways, stone pillars and beams curved into intricate design. Brick walls painted white with exquisite calligraphy on them and a multi-tiered roof decorated with red tiles, paper lanterns are hanging from the corners. Nowadays very few traditional Paifangs can be seen and they are rarely in such good condition. Jiang Cheng didn’t know there is one in Gusu County other than- That line of thought doesn’t reach its end yet when his eyes land on the giant sign sitting high on the roof ‘Caiyi Town’.
Caiyi Town.
Caiyi…Town
Lan Xichen comes back to find his beloved standing right where he has left him, in a daze. He leans from behind and puts a little peek on his cheek, “Where are you lost, baby?”
“It’s Caiyi Town.” Jiang Cheng sounds soulless.
“Yes.” Lan Xichen turns the wheels in his head to figure out what's the problem.
“Your hometown.”
“Yes?”
With a swift turn on his heels, Jiang Cheng makes a run toward the car, or at least tries, before a strong hold around his waist catches him. “Jiang Cheng, where are you going?”
“Going back! I can’t go there!”
“Jiang Cheng, Listen to me first. Calm down.” Lan Xichen forcefully turns him flailing around in his arms and locks him there. But it's hard to stop Jiang Cheng, “Lan Xichen! What do you mean calm down? Are you kidding me? Why didn’t you tell me you are taking me to your hometown? How can you bring me here just like this?”
“No, I-” Lan Xichen doesn’t get to finish before Jiang Cheng continues his panic tirade, “Don’t you know there are customs to meet clan elders? You are a clan heir! So I am… Oh God, how can I face them like this?”
“Wanyin, Calm down”, Lan Xichen chides with a little force and that makes Jiang Cheng quiet down, still directing an aggrieved look just like his own little puppy. Lan Xichen sighs and brings a hand to caress his cheek, “Wanyin, Look at me and listen. We are not meeting the elders today.”
“Huh?” Jiang Cheng’s face blanks. Seeing that his lover has no intention to runaway, Lan Xichen loosens his hold and rubs his back to soothe him, “Yes, we won’t be going to Cloud Recesses. I know there are customs that must be fulfilled and Uncle has decided to go see your parents first. So as much as I want to show you my childhood home, that needs to wait.”
By now, Jiang Cheng has somewhat calmed down and his previously crashed brain has started to function again, “So, If not that, then…”
Lan Xichen interlocks their fingers and leads his beloved toward the gate, “Have you heard of the grandiose traditional festivals of Caiyi Town?”
“Hmm, I have”, Jiang Cheng murmurs, embarrassed by his ridiculous outburst, “But what festival is today?”
“You don’t remember?” Lan Xichen side-eyes Jiang Cheng who shakes his head looking genuinely confused. As they reach, Lan Xichen stops and turns toward. Lightly holding Jiang Cheng’s hand in his own, he invites his love into his own world,
“Jiang Wanyin, Happy Qixi Festival.”
Surrounded by mountains and winding rivers, Caiyi has been a tourist attraction since ancient times, or better say, has stayed in that ancient time. The moment Jiang Cheng enters through the town gate, the world before him changes as if he has crossed through the barrier of time. No cars, no telephone poles, no speakers blasting latest pop songs, no one walking with a mobile in hand earphone plugged in ears, not a single touch of modernity. Dwellings packed on either side of the web-like water paths, made of wooden beams, tiles roof and stone walls, shops, inns and tea houses, and the rivers are filled with boats carrying baskets and people. Everyone here is walking, talking, laughing relaxed, without a care for the world. Because of the festival, every place is decorated with flowers, lanterns and colorful decors. Maybe it's in the air of Caiyi that even Jiang Cheng feels calmness coursing through his whole body. Growing up in a place like this, no doubt Xichen is so serene and composed all the time.
A sudden ping sound of a bicycle bell shakes Jiang Cheng of his trance as it passes by him. He can’t help but look a little longer at the bicycle rolling away. “Wanna ride one?” Lan Xichen pulls him closer by his waist. Jiang Cheng gets a little flustered and mumbles, “No, I was looking just like that. I don’t know how to ride one.”
“I see. But it's the only transport inside the town if you don’t wanna walk.”
And yeah, that really seems to be the case. They have left their car at the parking lot outside the town gate with other devices. Other than colorful bicycles rolling on the street, there are no other vehicles. Times like these when Jiang Cheng regrets not giving into his brother’s whims and locking himself in mindless studies. Lan Xichen smiles seeing the frown return on the beautiful boy. He leans closer to his ear, “No worries,A-Cheng. I will take us for a ride through the clouds.”
Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes, “Are you a teen in love? So cheesy!”
The First Jade of Lan, The man of his words, Lan Xichen, really finds a solution as- “A Tandem bike?” Jiang Cheng gapes at the two-in-one cyan ride before him. Lan Xichen has already taken the front seat. Stabilizing the bike so that it doesn’t sway, he urges Jiang Cheng to get on but Jiang Cheng hesitates, edgy suspense pulling low in his guts. Lan Xichen tries to assure him with a smile, “Don’t worry, Wanyin. I will take care of everything, You just have to relax and enjoy and I promise to not break our bones.”
“Umm, I don’t know how to ride at all. Sure that’s…not a problem?”
“Not a problem.” Jiang Cheng eyes the beast warily before getting on the back seat. According to Xichen’s instructions, he arranges himself with two feet lightly on the back pedals and tight grip on the handles, like clutching on a lifeline. Before starting, Xichen confirms last time, “Ready?”
“Yeah.”
“Come on, baby. Let’s give you a ride.” Again that menacing tone! Before Jiang Cheng can hit that pest, Lan Xichen rolls the pedal and a sudden feeling of weightlessness takes over him, “Ah,ah, Xichen…”
“Relax, A-Cheng. Do you trust me?”
“Yeah. Of course” He answers in a heartbeat and that brings a smile on Xichen’s lips. “Then move your eyes away from the road and look around”
Jiang Cheng isn’t sure that’s a good idea but he tries and…Oh.
He sees wide-eyed as the world rolls away like a movie reel. The shops and trees and people, everything fast moves back, only sunlight chasing behind. As if nothing in this world can bind him anymore. For the first time, he realizes what Wei Ying means by ‘Cycling is freedom’.
Also realizes that his boyfriend is absolutely sweetest. With every twist and turn, he softly warns Jiang Cheng, ‘We are taking a turn to the left.’ ‘The road ahead is bumpy.’ ‘We will take that arch bridge. Hold tight!’
As they pass the bridge, Lan Xichen speeds up. “Uncle Hua!” he shouts at an old man hunched over a counter in a flower shop. Hearing the call, the man looks over and a smile blooms on his wrinkled face, “Zew-jun!” He points somewhere toward the rows of flower bouquets in front of the counter. Lan Xichen seems to take the hint as he swishes past them and grabs one, cheering back a ‘Thank You!’.
Jiang Cheng stays dumbfounded throughout the ordeal till vibrant purple fills his vision. A bouquet of bellflower and lilac with some white roses, a beautiful combination of Lan and Jiang colors. The bicycle slows to a stop. They meet each other over a cloud of purple, mellow smell of flowers wafting around them. Jiang Cheng’s heart thumps inside his chest at the Love and devotion oozing out of his lover's eyes. He can’t help but wonder, What does he see when he looks at me like that?
After cycling through half the town, they stop before an inn. It’s lunch time now. The three story bamboo house is brimming with people. Despite the chattering and laughter all around, there is no sense of chaos, rather a tranquil sort of merriment. A server walks over to them with a humble smile, “Sir, Please come in. We have the best cuisine in Caiyi Town. Would you like a private cabin?”
“Yes, we prefer that.” Lan Xichen replies.
“Great. Please follow me, sir.” They are taken to a private cabin on the third floor. It’s a rather small box for a cabin but spacious enough for two people to dine. Through the window to their left they can see, at far, a blue waterfall tumbling down amidst the green mountain body. The mountain peak is submerged beneath an ocean of clouds all year round, hiding the magnificence of Cloud Recesses, Lan’s ancestral residence.
“I heard Cloud Recesses is very beautiful. A piece of heaven on earth”, Jiang Cheng asks.
“It is. I don’t know about heaven on earth but surely it is my paradise.” Lan Xichen replies, voice tinged with melancholy and Jiang Cheng aches to know the memories behind that. So he gives into his curiosity, “You don’t talk much about your time in Cloud Recesses.”
Lan Xichen’s very knowing smile tells that he sounds more sulky than he intended to. Before he can mend his words, Lan Xichen says, “What would you like to know?”
A lot. Everything and anything about Xichen, he yearns to know. But the start needs to be small, “When did you leave Cloud Recesses?”
Generally a child born in Cultivation Clan is required to stay in the ancestral residence till they form a golden core. Once their core is stable enough to not need the constant presence of pure spiritual energy, which is generally within the age of 12, they can leave to venture the world. A strong cultivator like Lan Xichen must have formed his core earlier than most.
“When I was 17.”
“That late?”
“I formed my core at age 9 but Wangji was only 4 years old. I couldn’t leave him alone. We left the mountain together.”
“What about your parents?”
That was apparently a wrong question to ask. Lan Xichen’s easy smile falls from his lips and Jiang Cheng regrets with every pore of himself. But Lan Xichen is nothing but a master in concealing his own feelings. A few months back, Jiang Cheng wouldn’t notice a thing but now he does. He sees every little expression with which Xichen pulls out his mask of politeness, burying his scar and pain that Jiang Cheng has torn open mindlessly. He desperately wishes to take away the pain his lover hides. But here it is, his innate inability to express any emotion that isn’t anger. He doesn’t know words of compassion that aren't for venting. Frustration churned inside him as he stiffly holds Xichen’s hand, “S-sorry. I-”
He fumbles for words, dreading Lan Xichen will pull away with a laugh and joke, playing light of his grief. But then arms circle his waist and pull him in. Shaky breaths and murmur voice brushes his earshell, “Don’t say sorry. Why are you saying sorry when they didn’t care?”
Jiang Cheng doesn’t speak in return, just soothes a hand over his back. They stay like that, basking in each other's warmth until the bamboo curtains ruffle and a server enters the cabin. Through the rest of the meal, they spend relishing their childhood. Initially, Jiang Cheng tries to stray away from this topic, but Lan Xichen doesn’t. He enthusiastically shares his escapades with his little brother and Jiang Cheng’s restraint loosens to his amazement. He had no idea that the famed Twin Jades of Lan, even after growing up under a mountain of rules, could be so mischievous. He also shares a few adventures he had when he lost to the temptation of fun through the lotus ponds with his brother, stealing lotus seeds and jujubes, climbing trees, running away from home for two days and a powerful spiritual weapon like Zidian reduced to whip their naughty ass.
Even after they finish their meal, they don’t leave the cabin. They stay till the sun leans behind the mountain. Over rolling steams of hot tea, they thread words through the passage of time, from memories of each of their past to a dream of a future together.
With the nightfall, the whole town changes its guise. Glowing lanterns replace the sunshine, serene silence changes to melodies of love, mellow fragrance of flowers fused in the air, vendors lining the roadside with colorful trinkets, sweets and decors. All the people seem to be out on the road and most of them are couples, hand in hand, flower crown on head and dressed in mostly red, some of them are even wearing traditional Hanfu or Qipao. Jiang Cheng takes in the festive color in daze. It’s not that he has never seen a Qixi festival before. Yunmeng celebrates this festival, any festival, with no less enthusiasm. He just never thought that he would ever be a part of this, with the one he loves. The one he loves…
“Why are you blushing, baby?” He flinches at the whisper right by his ear. He turns back to find his lover’s mischievous smile. “Xichen!”
Lan Xichen chuckles and he hooks Jiang Cheng’s arm with his own. “Let’s go to the riverside. The main celebration is there.”
But Jiang Cheng hesitates, “Xichen, It’s such a grand festival. Won’t people of your sect join? What if we bump into them?”
Lans rarely joins any crowd. But such an occasion wouldn’t entice their romantic bone, is really doubtful. But Lan Xichen doesn’t share his worry. He only chuckles at that, “Especially because it’s this festival, most of them won’t join. And whoever does, won’t have the mind to care about us.”
Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes, “Oh yeah. You monks!”
“Hey, I am not. Need some proof?”
Jiang Cheng shoves that shameless pest and walks away.
When they reach the riverside, it's already packed with people. Most of them are crowding on the bank, lighting water lanterns on the river. Hundreds of floating lights dotting the water body like a whole galaxy full of stars. Mesmerized, Jiang Cheng drags Lan Xichen to one of the lantern stalls nearby and buys two lotus lanterns.
“What wish are you writing on it?” Lan Xichen tries to peek over his shoulder. But he pushes him away.
“Don’t look! The wish won’t come true if you look!” Jiang Cheng blocks Xichen’s view with his body, his hand continues to scribble on a petal. Lan Xichen laughs at his childishness and goes back to writing on his own.
Cold water ripples under their hands as they push the lanterns together. They watch them float farther and farther away, side by side till they disappear among the others. Cool night breeze makes a shiver run down Jiang Cheng’s spine. He hugs himself.
“Are you feeling cold?” A warmth surrounds him as Lan Xichen puts his coat over his shoulder. Lan Xichen’s coat is oversized on him but he takes care to bundle him up. A tug at one lapel brings them faced to each other. Jiang Cheng’s breath hitches at the sudden closeness, warm rush of breath mingling with his own. He leans closer. Chilly wind and all of his surroundings melt away while he finds all his senses filled with Lan Xichen- his breath, his heat, his cologne, his heartbeat or is it his own? Jiang Cheng can’t think anymore.
So, the words escape him before he can fathom- “Why do you like me?”
“What?” Lan Xichen halts, stunned. He looks at Jiang Cheng carefully, concerned, searching for something. Jiang Cheng looks away. He feels extremely stupid for this slip up. Everything is going so well. Xichen has brought him on a day-long date in the Qixi festival, at his hometown and treated him so good. Today is all about them and only means to be full of happiness. There is no place for his mess, not today. So what does it matter?
But a stubborn part of him furiously whispers, It does matter.
“Wanyin, look at me.” The urge to run away vibrates under his skin. But the gentleness in Xichen’s voice anchors him, “Is there anything to not like about you? Brave, Brilliant and Kind…who wouldn’t like you?”
“Really? There is nothing that you hate about me? The stupid things I say or impulsive things I do?”
‘Do you have to be so stubborn? You just ruined it!’
‘He is so rude! Why would I like him?’
‘Just because he is the Sect Leader’s son, he gets to be so arrogant. He is no better than me!’
‘In all six arts, Wei wuxian excels Jiang Wanyin. It’s a pity that he isn’t the Sect heir.’
No, Jiang Cheng doesn’t care what others think of him. He isn’t born to please every single person on earth. But he cares for people who matter.
His mother-
‘Jiang Cheng, don’t forget who you are. Don’t you disgrace me!’
And his father-
‘Be mindful of your words. A gentleman doesn’t say or do anything that hurt others’
But he still did.
“Because of me, both of our brothers almost died. Xichen, don't you hate it?” His breath shakes as he dares to look back toward Xichen. The pain in his expression twists inside Jiang Cheng.
“Not because of you. Because of the situation that was out of control.”
Jiang Cheng only shakes his head. It’s Xichen’s kindness speaking, but he knows the truth. His nasty words, his rash decisions are what caused the situation. But Lan Xichen insists, “You are ignoring the biggest fact here. You saved Wei Ying.”
“No… I failed.”
“No, Jiang Cheng. If you failed, then he wouldn’t be alive now. You saved him and so did he, at each of your own expense.”
How he wishes to believe those words! Believe that it wasn’t him who blamed his brother for all he lost and left him alone at his worst. But the memory of his brother…on his knees…tears and blood shimmered on his face, stuck in his heart like a poisoned arrow, won’t spare him.
He keeps shaking his head, now dropped to Xichen’s shoulder. Lan Xichen sighs helplessly, “How can I show you who you are, Jiang Cheng? You don’t see what I see. I see you, such a beautiful soul that leaves me breathless.”
Hand cups his face to bring up again, caressing lightly over his wet cheek bones, only then he realizes he is crying. He squirms to look away but Lan Xichen doesn’t let him. He holds his gaze steady, despite his somewhat shaky voice, “Yes, you are really stubborn. You would give your all to achieve your goal, your wishes…and I love that. You are brave enough to speak your mind at any moment and I love that. Under the facade of your crudeness, you care about your loved ones more than yourself, would do anything for them. Even give up a part of your soul and don’t even let them know. As much as it hurts me…I love that. Jiang Cheng, I love everything that you are. I love you.”
That, more than anything, breaks all his restraint. Sobs wreck through his whole body. Teeth dig into his lower lip yet the broken whimpers spill past them. He let himself fall into Xichen’s embrace once again, his only solace, only redemption. His safe haven.
Time seems to halt yet running away as they stand there, holding onto each other. Lan Xichen sways them side to side slowly, cradling Jiang Cheng like a baby. After a long while, they separate. Xichen pulls out a handkerchief and wipes his tears, “Let’s not think about the past anymore. But…”
He looks at Jiang Cheng, dead in the eye, “Promise me, A-Cheng, you will never doubt your worth, as a person or as my better half, ever again, ok?”
The word ‘better half’ rings inside Jiang Cheng’s head like a wind chime. He nods and pulls out a strained smile and is returned with a gentle one. Lan Xichen makes a mental note to talk with Wei Wuxian but for now this matter ends here. He combs his fingers through his lovers skewed bangs, “Now, I hope you enjoyed yourself today?”
“Very much. It’s the second best day of my life.”
Lan Xichen narrows his eyes in mock offense, “And which is the first one?”
Chuckling, Jiang Cheng playfully circles his arms around his neck, “The day I coveted the No.1 sought after man in Gusu National Academy.”
Lan Xichen laughs heartily at that, “Well, that’s hard to rival but maybe my last surprise can beat that.”
“There is more??”
Jiang Cheng’s bewildered question remains unanswered as Xichen pulls him out of the crowd.
A huge open pavilion is set up under the Banyan Tree on the riverbank. Wooden tables and chairs surround an enormous round stage decorated with vibrant colors and lights. Harmony of guzheng, dizi and pipa pulls their attention to the stage. It’s surprising to see a group of early teens playing traditional instruments with so much heart and soul. Their white-blue robes swing to the melody of their own. Lan Xichen brings Jiang Cheng to the table nearest to the stage as he whispers, “They are GusuLan’s guest disciples.”
“Oh. Indeed.”
Prominent for their unrivaled musical cultivation in the whole cultivation world, no doubt only GusuLan can create such young musical geniuses. This revives the memory of Lan Xichen playing his xiao. He got to hear him play only once but till this day, every tone vibrates in his soul.
A server comes over with two jars of alcohol, Gusu’s famed Emperor’s smile. Wei Wuxian’s favorite.
I should take back a few jars with me.
After two cups of drinks, Lan Xichen gets up. He gives a reassuring smile to Jiang Cheng’s questioning glance, “I will be back in a moment. You sit here and wait for me, ok?”
Jiang Cheng stares, stunned, at his back as he walks through the winding chairs and table and disappears into the crowd. Not being able to see any trace of Xichen, he turns back toward the stage. For a while, he sits there with a crowd of strangers kinda awkwardly, trying to keep his mind tuned to the cherry-sweet music, telling a tale of undying love. It’s flowing toward a light melody as if at the end of all hurdles, finally reaching the shore.
Just when he assumes it will end, the long last pitch of guzheng takes a swift turn to light-hearted bouncy notes. They knock into his memory but he can’t exactly fathom the song. Until a familiar call of xiao resonates over the rhythm -
This… Standing on a piece of cloud, Lan Xichen descends from the sky right in the middle of the dais. A loud cheer of ‘Zew-jun’ erupts in the crowd but Jiang Cheng hears none of it. His whole being stuck at the sight of the deity before him, eyes closed and lips on a long jade flute. White silk robe flutter like wings, blue clouds and dragon patterns flowing down the sleeves as if alive. His Lan forehead ribbon grazing on his temple, white tails of it fluttering with his ink black hair. Serene glow engulf his body like the moon itself has come down to mortal dust.
Ethereal. He, his music and this moment.
Mesmerized, Jiang Cheng stares at Xichen till he pauses and opens his eyes with a soft smile. He mouths a ’For You’ before pulling back the high note anew, leading to the chorus. And this time, Jiang Cheng recognizes the song.
Dandelion
As if summoned by the tune of hamelin, a gust of wind blows from the river direction. As the wind flows past the listeners under the dais, cotton-like white snow starts falling down. Jiang Cheng stretches out a palm and little white balls swirl down on it. Not snow, dandelion seed. Trembling fingers furl around the fluff balls as he looks up to the man.
Hazel eyes still on him, Xichen threads music around them, taking back to that moment so dear and… unforgettable.
Dandelion, into the wind you go
Won't you let my darling know?
Dandelion, into the wind you go
Won't you let my darling know that?
I'm in a field of dandelions
Wishing on every one
that you'll be mine
And I see forever in your eyes
I feel okay when I see you smile.
“Jiang Wanyin”
The gentle yet firm voice pierced through the dense silence of the stadium, that was ablazed with shouts and cheers moments before. Dazed, Jiang Cheng stood still in the middle of the field, questioning every course of reality. No heed to the sweat drenched jersey clinging to his body or the MVP medal digging into his palm. He stared at the man on his knee before him, a cloud of fluffy flower in hand. Muddy grass stained the pristine white of his pants.
Uncared, Lan Xichen kept his steady gaze on him. Even though, subtle tremble in his words broke through his calm,
“I heard wishes made on dandelions will surely come true. You know what I wished for?”
“What?” Jiang Cheng felt his throat closing up, heartbeat that hardly slowed down at the victory, now reached a new height.
“With every single dandelion, I have only wished for you. Tell me, Jiang Cheng…will you grant this wish of mine?”
Loud whistles- no doubt from his brother- and cheers of 'say yes!' melted as Jiang Cheng stayed frozen between the blurred line of dream and reality, afraid to take one step forward. What if it's just a dream? Then he will never wake up.
“Yes.” It’s everything I could wish for.