#we having xuanli feels tonight

[truly-morgan]

[JZX coming home to his wife after a party (18+)]

XuanLi | Mo Dao Zu Shi Modern AU + Sub/Dom dynamic 12-02-2022

[#xuanli modern nsfw-ish]

Jin Zixuan who has to attend one of his father's parties and is just wanting to go back home. It's all people linked to Jin Corp in some way, be it shareholders, partners or people interested in the company.

It's also mostly all older men like his father.

Jzx has never been good with social gatherings, not when he was younger, and not today either. It seems even worse when his wife is not by his side tonight, since it's a "man-only party".

He can't wait to go home partly because he doesn't know how to deal with the old men who keep commenting on his married life, making inappropriate hypotheses about them.

Truly he was never good with them, not when he was young and still not interested in his fiance, Even less now that he was married.

They kept talking about him as if he was someone very manly and dominant, who already had a mistress like the many his father had.

As if he could have anyone else than his wife!!

But he did not respond to any of them, keeping to the facade he had created over the years. Looking disinterested and giving short and vague answers was usually enough o drive some away because he "was no fun".

The night was going by way too slowly for him and he made his escape when the people left were all a bit too drunk and now around his father. He was not needed anymore and just wanted to go home.

He went out, calling for his driver. The ride was quiet, but this was all he needed after being at such a noisy place for so long. Still feeling tense from the prolonged unwanted social interaction. The alcohol in him not helping at all.

Yet, all this built-up stress quickly melted away once he got home and was greeted by jyl.

He followed along when he was dragged to the living room, jyl making him sit nearly on her, hugging him close to her, helping him relax. "How was it?" She asked.

"Tiring, and it's always the same ild1men coming to me to see if I am finally following in my father's steps" he replied, jyl understanding what he meant due to jzx having already complained about it before. She had also witnessed how they could be.

"They even asked if I had already found a mistress," he snorted "as if cheating was such a prideful thing to do and brag about".

There was a moment of silence as he simply leaned on his wife, letting her pat his hair.

"They even asked me if I was being dominant in bed like him" he added, a mocking chuckle escaping his lips.

"Did they?" Jyl asked with a rather amused tone, "yet you are a very dominant man" she chuckled.

This made jzx chuckle quietly against her, shaking his head at her remark.

"I am sure their idea of dominant sucks too" he ended up saying after their little fit of chuckles.

🔞

jyl then shifted around a little bit, bringing her husband's legs over her lap, keeping him close to her.

"Then should we show them what a good dom is?" she asked, hands gently going from his hair to his neck, caressing his skin.

"To have you all tied up on a chair, exposed to everyone in the room, taking your favourite toy just for me while you moan sweetly~" she started.

"Or maybe I could have you parade around while wearing your prettiest lingerie? I am sure they will find you more pretty than any woman they had, my A-Xuan is the prettiest after all" she continued, smiling when she felt him shift around a bit, his breath starting to be heavy.

"I would also take that pretty chair of yours at the end of the table, sitting in it while you kneel between my legs, using that pretty and skillful mouth of yours to pleasure me until I've had enough. Of course, I would bind your arm behind you so you cannot touch yourself unless you beg correctly for it".

jyl couldn't help her chuckle when she noticed the tent that had created itself in her husband's tailored pants, teasing the erection through the clothing.

"look at you, getting so excited at the idea of all these people seeing how cute of a submissive you are for your beautiful wife, I am sure no one would see you as the dominant man in bed they think you are"

jzx couldn't help the moan that escaped his mouth when she teased him, bucking his hips up a little bit.

All her idea were only riling him up, craving for her touch. It would be terrifying to do for real (although if jyl was here he could probably do it), but the idea was still pretty exciting. so many eyes on him seeing how much of a good boy he was for his perfect wife.

"Why don't you go and put on your pretty outfit for me?" jyl whispered against his eyes, smirking when she felt him shiver in her arms, nodding obediently.

He managed to get out of her embrace, his erection now even more visible to her.

jzx made his way to their room, changing out of his formal wear to find the leather harness he has, enjoying the feeling of it hugging him around his torso and waist. He found some pretty underwear to match it.

He was patiently waiting for his wife, erection tenting his pretty underwear. He looked up the moment he heard the door open, eye curious on the box jyl was holding.

"look at you, so eagerly waiting for me~" she teased, walking over and gently stroking his chest.

her eyes landed on his nipples, looking pleased "You even wore the pretty jewel I gave you" she noticed, looking up when she didn't receive a comment on it.

"I... I was already wearing them" jzx said, blushing.

this surprised her, yet made her smile even more. What better than to hear her husband was wearing piercings while at a formal event? This made her really happy. "What a naught boy you are, wearing such lewd thing at your father's party" she commented, enjoying the shiver she felt under her fingers. "your nipple must be sensitive after rubbing against your dress shirt all night, it's a surprised no one noticed them" she smirk, "Let me kiss them better".

all jzx could do was moan and whimper at her kissing and sucking at his nipples, making them even more sensitive than they already were from the night of rubbing. It's only made him harder, hand gripping at himself to not touch himself.

When jyl had enough of teasing his nipple and kissing his chest she instead went to kiss him, making him bend over a little to do so.

"I have a surprise for you" she whispered against his lips, clearly catching his full attention again. She took the box again, opening it to reveal a new collar.

It was a leather one with a golden trip accent to it. what caught his attention though was the tag.

It was a golden dog tag with his name on it. this made him blush even more. They had other collars, but somehow this one was really special.

It was /his/ collar with /his/ name on it.

something in him was even more pleased when he noticed the lotus emblem of the jiang family carved on the other side of the other side of the tag. The symbol his wife very much still used.

This meant one thing: he was /hers/.

He bent down again without being asked to, letting her fasten the collar around his neck, a spark of excitement passing him when he felt the tag touch his skin.

"This looks perfect on you" she commented, making him even more excited about wearing it.

He was then gently dragged towards the bed after she hooked a finger on the ring holding the tag, smiling at him. "Now, why don't you show me how much of a good boy you are?".

====

that's it >:3 I love my xuanli dynamic, but it's even better if we have femdom!jyl and sub!jzx, this man will do anything for his wife and will love it

also here are some references pic of the accessory I had in mind, if anyone is curious

ofc, make the piercing gold since it jzx 😌 

[reference picture for what he's wearing]

with this kind of collar, but add some golden details to the thinner leather parts (maybe I could doddle it later when I am home 👀)

[entering the collar idea + maybe the fanart I did]

Original

#tweet archive #mdzs #mo dao zu shi #xuanli #jin zixuan #jiang yanli #modern au #sub/dom #sub jin zixuan #dom jiang yanli #stress relief #collaring #nsft

[hulijingemperor2]

~~ a few nights back~~

Yanli: *snuggling* Zixuan.

Zixuan: *kisses* A-li.

Yanli: Ruhua is asleep.

(Ruhua is Xuanli's 1 month old baby)

Zixuan: excellent. *caresses her face* so what's up.

Yanli: oh you know what's up.

Zixuan: *blush*

You're really flirty tonight. Why? Are you jealous of Jiang cheng?

Yanli: no! Now come on, peacock. Say something naughty.

Zixuan: *flushed* uhhhh.......I don't know how.

Yanli: you got no rizz. Where's your rizz?

Zixuan: wait A-li. I won't disappoint. Ehem.

I, I like the taste of your lips.

Yanli: *giggles* ah, at least you tried.

Zixuan: did it impress you?

Yanli: of course it did. You're really cute.

*kisses*

Zixuan: wait a sec.

*pours some special tea*

Yanli: you can't leave the tea alone, Mr Emperor?

Zixuan: A-li it's not ordinary tea. I got it from a friend.

Yanli: (teasing) you have friends?.....I mean *laughing* from which friend?

Zixuan: Gongyi xiao. From the prosperous Huan Hua sect.

Yanli: ohhh. The one who looks like A-ling.

Zixuan: right!

He said that the tea would act as an aphrodisiac.

Yanli: what does this teen know about that?!!! I'm concerned.

Zixuan: maybe his elders told him.

He said that if I drink it and the fem energy is higher than the male energy then I can become pregnant.

Yanli: ahhhh.

Zixuan: wait wait, hold your horses. My energy is higher than yours.

Yanli: how are you so sure?

Zixuan: because I'm a cultivator and emperor. And you're my wife.

Yanli: *rolls eyes* that's your explanation?

Zixuan: yea?

Was it good?

Yanli: and you wonder why you get punched in the face.

Zixuan: A-li.

Yanli: quickly drink your concoction so we can continue.

Zixuan: right! *gulps it down*

Zixuan: *peacock feathers opens*

Yanli: WAWW!!! Come to Yanyan, you hot emperor!

Zixuan: of course. *winks*

Yanli: *blushing*

Zixuan: *pulls her into a desired papapa*

~~~

Recently~

In the morning.

Attendants: good morning, Huangdi.

Zixuan: *sigh* morning.

Jintang: what would you like for breakfast, huangdi?

Zixuan: the chefs haven't made it yet?! How dare they!!

Jintang: but Huangdi that's your order. You told us to ask you what you want to eat. And while they prepare it, you would lay in bed and relax.

Zixuan: ugh! You're right. Where's that Nie!

Jintang: maybe still sleeping, Huangdi.

Zixuan: how dare he sleep without my permission.

That's it! I'm selling him to team dimple.

Jintang: Huangdi. Forgive me for asking, but are you in a good mood today?

Zixuan: do I look like I'm in a good mood. I feel nauseous and gasy.

Jintang: oh my.

I'll get a physician right away.

But what would you like to eat?

Zixuan: the spiciest food item you can find. It better be spicy.

Jintang: I'll tell the chefs. And get the physicians.

Yanli: *coming in, with little Ruhua in her arms (they went on a walk)* what happened Zixuan?

Zixuan: A-Li Huaisang and my servants want to kill me.

Yanli: oh no.

Zixuan: but for some reason I feel cranky.

Huaisang: *entering* Huangdi, Huanghou.

Your tea.

Zixuan: *death stare*

Huaisang: *gulps* may I have permission to speak to you.

Zixuan: why are you asking? I heard your voice already.

Now why did you wake up late? Are you the emperor? Should I come and give you some tea~ Huangdi? Soon I will, ok. Just relax.

Do you want me to do a dance too. *wiggles* I'm I attractive?

Yanli: A-Xuan that's too savage.

Zixuan: so.

Huaisang: I'm sorry ok. I had to sweep the steps of jinlintai yesterday.

Zixuan: that has nothing to do with me. Anyways thanks for the tea.

Huaisang: and thank you for not selling me to team dimple.

Zixuan: I was this close! 👌 to selling your crusty behind.

Huaisang: (someone help)

Got to go start my chores.

Zixuan: you better.

You're already late.

~

Physician: greetings Huangdi.

How are you feeling.

Zixuan: nauseous, moody, and I feel like I'm allergic to ugly people.

Physician: ahaha. Let me give you a check up.

Zixuan: thanks.

You won't use needles right?

Physician: no Huangdi.

Yanli: *laughing*

Zixuan: A-li, don't laugh at me. *sobs*

Physician: *bows* congratulations Huangdi and Huanghou you're pregnant!!

Zixuan: Yanli?!!

Yanli: Zixuan?!!

Zixuan: you're pregnant again?

Yanli: no.

Zixuan: are you sure?!

Yanli: I would know if I'm pregnant Zixuan.

Zixuan: so what? I should know if I'm pregnant too?

Yanli: well that's expected.

Both: who's pregnant?!

Physician: Huangdi is.

And I think you might be having twins.

Zixuan: *screaming*

Yanli: awww.

Zixuan: *sniffles* A-li, what about my bikini body? My abs?!

Yanli: Xuanxuan, you'll be fine!

Zixuan: so I won't turn into a shriveled up prune?

The only prune I know is Jiang cheng. No offense. *cries*

Yanli: *trying to hold in her laughter*

Zixuan: speaking of Jiang cheng, where is he?! The audacity of abandoning me in such a time. It's not good for the babies.

Jintang: should I call him, your majesty?

Zixuan: no. Let him stay there. I'm upset with him.

Yanli: how is he supposed to know that you're pregnant, Xuanxuan?

Zixuan: instincts I guess. We have a good chemistry.

*dramatically* he certainly doesn't love his emperor.

Yanli: Xuan how to handle you.

~~

Jing Manor 📍.

Mo xuanyu: *filing A-Yao's nails* Yao gege, do you know A-Qing and our Song'er like each other.

Yao: aww yes I do. Well only on Song'er's side.

Xue yang: lol Jiggy you knew already?!

Yao: yea, cuz he's my son. He tells me everything.

Xue yang: is this a plan to control the Jianghu. You two think that you can seduce everyone with your dimples.

Yao: *laughs* and it happened?

Xue yang: you're right.

Su she: Huangdi and Dianxia can't stop being gorgeous. It's a fact.

Mo xuanyu: I know right. Yao gege, tell Song'er that A-Qing likes him back.

Yao: no no. I don't want to interfere in anything.

Let everything fall into place naturally.

Mo xuanyu: mn, ok Yao gege.

Su she: they'll make an adorable couple.

I'm rooting for them.

Mo xuanyu: same. I love young love. It reminds me of my crush on Yao gege.

Xue yang: I know right.

Yao: and fortunately A-qing will get a very high status, being A-Song's gf.

Su she: ah, beautiful.

Well we have to teach her about the art of simping.

Xue yang: and some manners too.

Yao: lol that's not necessary. She's really decent and well mannered.

Mo xuanyu: we'll give her the team D touch up, Yao gege. Don't worry.

We work miracles.

Like look at Xichen. We're still working on him, but he's still presentable.

Su she: I don't think he can meet team dimple's standards.

Yao: what do you want him to do? *laughing* poor Huan.

Su she: to be eaten by xue yang's fierce corpses.

Mo xuanyu: maybe buy you a country.

Xue yang: to stop stressing out team D.

Yao: lol.

Xiying: *entering* your majesty.

Xuan Huangdi wants you to come check him.

Yao: ohh. Must be urgent.

I'll be there.

~~

Peacock empire 📍

Yao and team d: *entering*

Attendants: greetings Hulijing Huangdi.

Jinling: xiao shushu!!! *hugs*

Yao: A-ling! My sweetheart. *kisses his forehead*

Jinling: did you bring anything for me, Xiao shushu?

Yao: of course. Here's 400 taels. Spend it wisely..

Jinling: you're the best!

Jinling: Mo shushu!

Mo xuanyu: A-ling! Of course I have something for you too.

Here you go.

Xue yang: this kid is uncle hopping.

Yao: as he should.

Jinling: those are MY uncles! It has nothing to do with you.

Yao: *strokes head* A-ling, don't quarrel.

Darling how's your A-Die?

Jinling: sometimes I don't know whats wrong with A-Die. Jiujiu says that A-Die is a diva.

Xue yang: that's right.

Su she: yea. Just like A-Yao.

Jintang: hulijing Huangdi, thank goodness you're here. I'll escort you to Huangdi.

Yao: sure.

Now what's wrong with him?

Jintang: he.....he's pregnant. With twins.

Yao: WHAT?!!!

Jinling: *almost collapses*

Su she: how?!!!

Mo xuanyu: awwwww.

Xue yang: Yanli got him pregnant. Ahahahahahahaha.

Huaisang: *entering, with something written on his forehead*

*crying* San geeeeee. Save me from that monstrosity.

Mo xuanyu: Yao gege isn't a miracle worker. He can't save you from yourself

Su she: *laughing* xuanyu, that's rude.

Xue yang: *reading what's on Huaisang's forehead* STOP COMPLAINING.

Lol.

Yao: who did that to you?

Huaisang: Sang ge!!! Zixuan asked me to change his curtains in one of the sitting areas, and I said I did it two months ago. Why do i have to do it again.

Then he *cries* asked his attendants to do this to meeeeee.

Mo xuanyu: dude, you shouldn't chat back to your boss.

Yao: ohhhh poor you. Huaisang, please don't cause any trouble.

Huaisang: one time I sneezed in his presence and he sent me into quarantine *sobs*

Xue yang: because he can't afford to get sick. Especially when he's pregnant.

Yao: right.

Huaisang: Sang ge. I miss you.

Mo xuanyu: and team dimple?

Huaisang: no!

Yao: aww. But I like to see you work for Zish.

Huaisang: it's a nightmare.

~~

Yao: *entering* Zishie.

Zixuan: *outstretched arms* Foxy.

Yao: *hugs*

Zixuan: you got the news right?

Yao: yea Zishie. And congratulations.

Zixuan: thanks. Keep hugging me.

Yao: I'm holding you.

Zixuan: A-Yao what to do?

Where to push them out.

Xue yang: through your Zishussy.

I mean...your royal Zishussy

Su she: *containing his laugh*

Zixuan: *terrified* m...my what?

Mo xuanyu: yangyang, don't scare him.

Zixuan: Yaoyao, will I still look fab?

Yao: of course. You're forever glamorous.

Zixuan: aww! *sobs* you make me so happy!

I want you to help me with the children ok?

Cuz you're an amazing uncle.

Yao: Zishie, of course I'll help you.

Lemme order some tea for you.

Someone, get him some green tea.

Zixuan: with a dash of lime. I want something sour.

Yao: ahah, sure.

With a dash lime please.

Jintang: yes, right away, Hulijing Huangdi.

Zixuan: A-Yao can you believe Jiang cheng.

He left his pregnant emperor husband

Yao: oh poor thing.

Su she: ugh, what do Jiang cheng do all day.

Mo xuanyu: my emperor brothers need him and he's nowhere to be seen.

Xue yang: should I kidnap him?

Zixuan: no. I don't want to see his face.

Yao: it's not good for the baby.

Zixuan: babies.

Yao: babies.

Zixuan: Foxy, can I hug you as a fox?

Yao: sure. *turns into a fox*

Zixuan: *snuggles*

Ah and thank you team dimple for supporting me as well.

Mo xuanyu: anytime Xuan gege!!

Su she: cuz you like my Huangdi.

Xue yang: do you need a hitman, peacock?

Zixuan: haha no.

Zixuan: *looking down at foxyao in his arms* Foxy, how's Song'er and his crush?

Yao: he's great! And I see sparks flying.

Zixuan: awww.

Jintang: here's your sour tea, Huangdi.

Zixuan: thank you. And don't make it sound like that.

Jintang: alright alright. Where's the hulijing Huangdi?

Zixuan: *shows him foxyao in his arms.

Jintang: ohhhh. How cute.

Yao: put me down, I want to turn back to my human form.

Zixuan: sure.

Yao: *turns back* Zish, I returned Zixun to Jinlintai, but under house arrest.

Zixuan: why? Isn't he your prisoner.

Yao: yea, and Song'er suggested that he work as well, like get firewood and other minor things

But I realised that his associates wanted to break him out.

Zixuan: the guy has associates?

Xue yang: but I killed them. Hehe.

Yao: they were sent by Madam Jin.

Zixuan: ooo, that makes sense. Why does A-niang want to release a criminal. Anyways.

Yao: I sent him back because Song'er was feeling unwell. And I didn't want a war or some kind of attack to happen.

Zixuan: that's smart. Protect Song'er and your empire ok.

Yao: mhm.

Zixuan: now A-Yao, tell me who would these children resemble?

Me, A-li or Jiang cheng?

Yao: obviously a mixture of you and Yanli.

But how did Jiang cheng get there? *laughing*

Zixuan: the Jiang genes, A-Yao. The Jiang genes are strong.

Jinling acts a lot like Jiang cheng.

And my little Ruhua looks a lot like me, but has A-li's eyes.

Yao: aww.

Yanli: *entering* speaking of Ruhua. Here she is!

Zixuan: aww. Huahua! *holds her* my baby Gongzhu. *kisses*

Yao: she's so adorable.

Zixuan: Huahua, your uncle Foxy says that you're adorable.

Ruhua: *smile*

Zixuan: *hands her to A-Yao* go to your uncle Foxy.

Yao: *holds her in his arms* Huahua. Baby. Little Gongzhu.

You'll be quite spoilt, won't you. *kisses*

Zixuan: so precious.

Yao: would you spend out all your A-Die's money?

Huh? Don't worry. Your uncle Yao will spoil you.

Ruhua: *takes his hat strings and puts in her mouth.*

Yao: oh Huahua, you want to eat my hat?

Yanli: *giggling*

Zixuan: awwww.

Our Huahua will certainly be spoilt.

Yao: definitely.

Zixuan: I think I have sort of a competition. A-li makes some beautiful children.

Yao: hmm.

Yanli: how are you feeling Xuanxuan?

Zixuan: a bit sleepy. But I'm fine.

Yanli: ohh. You should take a rest then.

Yao: right. *strokes Zixuan's forehead* take some rest.

I got to go.

Zixuan: bye Yaoyao.

Yao: and have some of your sour tea.

Zixuan: of course!

Sometimes, Yaoyao, I feel that you're the older brother.

Yao: because you need supervision at all times, baby Zixuan.

Zixuan: *gasps* Yaoyao. I'm not a baby.

You're the baby.

Keeps getting lost.

Yao: when did I get lost. *laughing*

Zixuan: I don't know, but you look like you get lost easily. And dimples attract kidnappers.

Yao: lol.

Do you think team dimple will let that happen.

#the huli jing emperor #dimpledlianfang #foxyao #mpreg #jin guangyao #jin zixuan #meng yao #part 2 #su she #the untamed #hulijing emperor 2

[till-dawn-do-us-part]

Yong Ge sounds so happy but the lyrics are so sad and I have a love-hate relationship with it.

#we having xuanli feels tonight #jin zixuan #jiang yanli #xuanli #the untamed #mdzs #yong ge

[biwenqing]

Congrats on the milestone! For the prompts for drabbles: 41 please?

Thank you so so much, and thank you for the prompt! Here is a little modern AU (still ft. courtesy names tho) Wangxian and Xuanli. I hope you enjoy! Prompt: “I’m not drunk enough for this.”

"Both your brothers are coming?" Jin Zixuan hoped that he had heard wrong. 

"Yes," Jiang Yanli smiled, that full real smile that showed her dimples. Jin Zixuan never stood a chance when she smiled like that. It made him fall in love all over again.

But it didn't mean he was going to be as excited as she was that her brothers would be over. He walked over to the couch and sat down. “I’m not drunk enough for this.”

"They're not that bad," Jiang Yanli said, and it was true. They were worse than "that bad." Jin Zixuan knew he wouldn't get any points for saying so, and sunk a little deeper into the couch. Maybe he could hide there until this was all over. "Will you help me make the food?"

So much for hiding. Jin Zixuan stood up and followed his fiance into the kitchen. He loved to cook with her, listening to her tell stories as she directed him to this task or that. Or whenever he found recipes he thought she'd like and her whole face would light up. It was easy to fall into a comforting rhythm of making food together at the end of a long day.

After washing his hands and beginning to work on preparing the vegetables, Jin Zixuan asked, "When are they supposed to be here?"

"They're coming for dinner around six, but you know how they are," Jiang Yanli said as she began her own prep.

"Jiang Cheng will be here exactly at six, and Wei Wuxian will be here fifteen to thirty minutes later?" 

"Precisely."

Jin Zixuan shook his head. "Did you tell Wei Wuxian he should be here at 5:30?"

"Maybe," Jiang Yanli chuckled. "Oh that reminds me, he's bringing someone."

"His roommate?" Jin Zixuan guessed. "Have they figured out they're dating yet?"

This got another laugh from her and Jin Zixuan paused long enough to press a quick kiss to her hair. "I guess we'll find out depending on how he introduces Lan Wangji to us."

"I feel like I almost still know the guy from all I've heard about him," Jin Zixuan rolled his eyes. He really didn't have a leg to stand on when it came to judging romances though, given his own often disastrous courting of Jiang Yanli.  

"You were friends in high school, right?"

"Yeah, small world," Jin Zixuan said. "Don't know how they get along though. When I knew him, he was the polar opposite of your bother."

"Maybe that's why they are so good together," Jiang Yanli mused. "Or maybe they have more in common then we know? I guess we'll just have to see them in action."

{...}

"Wei Ying, where is my cardigan?" Lan Wangji stared into his closet. It was organized by color and type of clothes. He knew exactly what outfits he had used, and if they were waiting to be washed, in the wash, or needing to be placed away. Thus, if anything was missing, there was only one culprit and it wasn't his rabbit.

"I may or may not be wearing it?" came a call from the living area. "You can borrow one of my hoodies!"

"How often do you wash said hoodies?" Lan Wangji asked, taking one of his other sweaters from the closet. It was a light blue. He didn't usually wear it because of the stitching behind one pocket made it look like a little bunny was peaking out. Also, it had been a gift from Wei Wuxian. It was his favorite.

"Um, no comment," was enough of an answer.

"Where is Bichen? He needs to go in his pen before we leave." Lan Wangji checked to make sure there was plenty of hay and fresh water in the pen that took a good area of his room.

"In my lap! I got him, let me save my game." Wei Wuxian came in a minute later, Bichen carefully held against his chest. He was indeed wearing the missing cardigan, and now also a good amount of Bichen's fur.

Once the rabbit was safely back on the ground Wei Wuxian didn't even bother brushing on the fur. Lan Wangji took his wrist and led him back out into the living room. Picking up the lint roller he passed it to Wei Wuxian, who took it with a sigh and a little smile before Lan Wangji went back to finish getting ready. Or he tried to because Wei Wuxian was pulling him closer.

"We're going to be late to your sister's," Lan Wangji reminded, as Wei Wuxian pressed a kiss to his wrist.

"No we aren't, they always give me the wrong time," Wei Wuxian's smile against his skin tickled. It was so easy to be with him, to lean into the warmth, happiness, and love.

"And why would they do that?" Lan Wangji asked, keeping his face serious. 

Wei Wuxian could read him though and tossed his head back to laugh. "Well, because I'm pathologically late, of course!"

"Mn," Lan Wangji kissed his jaw. "Wouldn't be best to prove them wrong?"

Wei Wuxian's eyes lit up. "Show up thirty minutes early, exactly at the time shijie gave me? Bug the peacock in his own home before anyone else? Oh Lan Zhan, you're a genius!" Wei Wuxian pulled away now, glancing at the stove clock. "Okay if we are out the door in eight minutes, we should get there right "on time"."

"Yes," Lan Wangji headed for the bathroom. "Help me put my hair up?"

"Yeah, let me find my earrings."

"They're in the earring dish in the bathroom."

"Lan Zhan, I'm right. You really are a genius." Wei Wuxian skipped ahead of him, flicking on the light. Lan Wangji noted the navy cardigan he'd stolen looked good with his black skinny jeans. "Oh, are we pretending to still not be together? I want to see how red Jiang Cheng will get out of annoyance."

"We could reveal it at the end of the night as we leave." He passed Wei Wuxian the brush.

Wei Wuxian began to carefully put his hair in a braid. "Perfect. Maximum scandal."

"Yes."

"You're such a bad influence, Lan Zhan."

"Mn."

{...}

"That's a lovely sweater a-Xian," Jiang Yanli said with a kind smile.

"Thanks! It's Lan Zhan's," Wei Wuxian beamed back.

Jin Zixuan watched in amusement as Jiang Cheng choked on the sip of wine he'd just taken. It seemed Jin Zixuan still knew Lan Wangji well enough to tell that he was equally entertained. Jin Zixuan just had to sit back and wait for whatever shoe was to drop. This was already much better than any of the dinners previously without Lan Wangji.

Maybe that was just because Wei Wuxian's pranks seemed to be aimed at Jiang Cheng instead of himself tonight. But who could really say?

#wangxian #xuanli #wei wuxian #lan wangji #jiang yanli #jin zixuan #the untamed #brief cameo of jc #thank you again! #yellingintothelegalvoid #my fic #a talks #me? writing xuanli? wild. #i just channel my love for jyl through jin zixuan #a answers #wangxian's bunny has free roam of the house when they are home #all the rooms are bunny proofed #wwx did extensive research on this when they first moved in together #and one day lwj came home to find the whole apartment was now safe for the bunny #that was the point of no return for lwj he was like 'welp can't not fall in love now'

[llycaons]

 I fell asleep immediately last night and then went to work this morning and we have russian night tonight so I will not be able to watch much today BUT here are my ep7 thoughts from yesterday as best as I can recall

viki pass is only $5 and boy howdy am I enjoying these crystal-clear images. whew. feels like I’m watching a compilation of all those pretty gifs

everyone and their mother including me laughed at lxc in ep6 (?) for being like “I wonder if it is what I fear...but if it is, I can’t control it...” because it seemed like he was making up shit as he went along but that is so unfair to lxc because he DID know about lan yi, he even mentioned  a “her” when talking about the mountain. he knew/suspected almost everything, he was deliberately being vague to lwj because the yin iron is a secret. it was on purpose!

lxc has his faults but he’s absolutely not at dumb as fandom likes to present him. he’s not a “himbo” or w/e he’s an informed young leader with incredibly high intuition and emotional intelligence, who’s also acutely aware of class and how it impacts how people interact w each other. and for a sect leader, having those people skills is so important, especially since lwj doesn’t

I was so confused to see wen chao and xue yang together in their incredibly awkward staircase talk-to-evil-overlord-through-the-door scene but I guess wen chao left gusu and we just didn’t see it? oh this is so over-the-top. the effects like the evil throne really mess with the tone sometimes. the show does deal with very heavy subject matter and tragedies but the effects make it look like so silly.

lantern scene!!!! lwj smiling!!!! not much to say but it makes me heart warm to see it and I LOVE that we can pinpoint the moment where lwj went from having a crush to really being in love. it feels so in-line with his character, who is so all-or-nothing, that it was one big moment and for wwx it was a gradually building thing.

I read somewhere mxtx said that in the novel it was love at fist sight for lwj, how boring. we don’t even see their first meeting. unbelievable. unoriginal. uninspired, unbalanced, etc.

I read a really funny post last year about how this scene is why wwx/lwj are canon. obviously wwx/lwj ARE canon, but that post compared wx making their lantern together it to other established couples like xuanli (which actually tracks) and wq/jc (NOT canon, gross), and then acted like this was THE definitive scene that makes them canon

like I can’t point to any five scenes in the entire show that “make” them confirmed, their relationship is portrayed as subtextually romantic in every single episode. you can remove the lantern scene and they would still be canon. it’s just part of their characters to be in love with each other. anyway the op of that post was acting like they’d made a huge breakthrough and everyone needed to know and THIS was the scene that was the most important which was kind of funny

another really underrated character moment is the one in which jfm (whose actor looks remarkably like wzc, props to the casting dept) meets with jgs. and the question of discussing the arranged marriage is brought up by lan qiren of all people.

lan qiren whose brother abandoned all responsibilities to marry an unsuitable woman, going into seclusion and leaving his brother to raise his sons. of course lan qiren would be careful about marriage and watch out for poor matches, for the sake of everyone involved. I like this detail and I’m glad to notice it

lqr is not treated very well by fandom which tends to reduce him to a perpetually angry authoritarian homophobe but I do not see that as very accurate. I don’t agree with all his teaching decisions or his use of punishment but I think he’s at heart a very careful teacher who believes that the rules are the best way to live a decent life. and he’s so strict with his nephews because he does love them and wants them to make good decisions for themselves, their family, and their clan. and that includes being really careful about the kind of people they fall in love with or pursue. and when he, someone who was an authority figure to lwj/responsible for guiding him and helping him, saw him getting closer to wwx, who was getting more dangerous and radical by the day, of course he would not think it was a suitable match. how could that end well for anyone? it didn’t. lwj had to seriously reconsider everything he had ever been taught and undergo massive loss to diverge from that line of thinking

I remember so clearly the first time we saw the flashback and little lwj is kneeling there in the snow and lqr looks like he’s holding hands with little lxc and he rushes forward to lwj and I just remember thinking there was so much concern in that gesture. in the novel he allows a-yuan to stay after lwj has his drunken chest-burning incident, which I take as cql canon because so many of the details line up. I like him a lot and I really enjoy postcanon content where he gets along with wwx for similar scholarly interests or something

lwj’s sensitivity and self-consciousness are really clear in this episode. and then he’s self-conscious ABOUT his sensitivity so he lashes out. lovely boy. he’s got some growing to do.

something about how lwj is a tad more rebellious in this episode? I don’t remember what but even from the very beginning he’s bending rules

the jiang boys are so cute running around teasing each other...especially since wwx has spent a majority of this episode trying to murder jin zixuan. easily forgotten, I guess

wwx stealing the rabbits and setting them up outside of CR and playing with them is very sweet, that liar loves them too. and pretending like they’re talking is so funny

in my one post about lwj connecting with other gay people in the timeskip I completely failed to mention Tu-er Shen. it’s not mentioned in the novel or in cql (I mean, obviously) but I like to think he either established temples or supported them and postcanon they visit them together

ALSO wwx saying he never wants to marry a woman is in this ep. I think if he wasn’t able to be with lwj...yeah I mean nobody could ever compare to how he felt about lwj even this early on. wwx is also pretty all-or-nothing tbh. the romantic type

#I really have to just watch right when I get home and not at 8:30 pm #i was so sleepy for the lantern scene :( #long post #cql rewatch

[real-espanadrid]

Please Call Me Again

Pairings: wangxian, background xuanli, xiyao, chengqing

Tags: modern setting, college au, fluff, silly, mutual pining, no courtesy names, single dad/physics student wwx, music/literature student lwj

Summary: Lan Zhan prank calls Wei Ying pretending to be a scam caller. It’s supposed to be a one-time thing. (Spoiler alert: it isn’t.)

Author’s Note: i decided on a whim to delve into the world of cql fic-writing...here’s my first attempt! enjoy!

Lan Zhan glares at the figures of Nie Huaisang and Jin Zixuan blatantly laughing at him as he lifts his phone to his ear, furiously contemplating the pros and cons of committing homicide against the two people who he grudgingly accepts as his friends. While he waits for the person on the other end to pick up, he asks himself why he keeps accompanying his brother to these Lan-Jin-Nie family get-togethers when he knows Nie Huaisang always has some ridiculous scheme planned that both he and Jin Zixuan always, without fail, end up getting roped into.

This time, Nie Huaisang has apparently decided that today is a good day for prank calls. Jin Zixuan has already been dared to call Jiang Yanli using Jin Guangyao’s work phone, which Nie Huaisang had stolen while Jin Guangyao was greeting Lan Huan with the usual single-minded focus that characterizes all his interactions with Lan Zhan’s brother.

The task had been to pretend to be a volunteer with a generic charity organization, but Jiang Yanli, in a twist that wasn’t really a twist at all, considering the enormous crush she has on the man, had recognized Jin Zixuan’s voice immediately. Lan Zhan had been forced to watch Jin Zixuan stutter his way through an explanation while Jiang Yanli’s gentle laughter filtered through the phone’s speaker and Nie Huaisang smiled knowingly behind his ever-present hand-painted fan.

The intention behind the dare is obvious, in Jin Zixuan’s case, because he’s been pining after Jiang Yanli for months now and hasn’t done a thing about it, despite her equally evident interest in him. It does, however, make Lan Zhan a little concerned about whose phone number Nie Huaisang has made him dial, because for him, the end goal is less clear.

Lan Zhan isn’t given the chance to fully mull over his apprehension, though, because the phone finally stops ringing as someone picks up.

“Hello?” It’s the voice of a man, fairly young-sounding. He seems totally unfazed.

“Hello,” Lan Zhan says stiffly. “How are you today?”

“I’m great!” says the man brightly.

Lan Zhan blinks, taken aback by the unexpected enthusiasm of the reply. “...Good,” he says, unsure of what an appropriate response to that would be. “I am calling because – your IP address has been compromised.” Making up dialogue on the spot is horrible, he discovers. He fixes Nie Huaisang with a look that he hopes will haunt his friend’s dreams for the next few nights. “I will need you to – get in front of your computer so we can fix your account.” It feels unlikely, but maybe the man on the other end hasn’t noticed Lan Zhan’s hesitation as he fabricates a reason for his call.

“Okay!” the man agrees, still unsettlingly excited. Lan Zhan wonders who this man is and why Nie Huaisang thought Lan Zhan, of all people, should prank call him. “There’s one thing I’m wondering, though.”

“What?” Lan Zhan finds that he actually is somewhat curious.

The man laughs a bit. It’s a distractingly pleasant sound. “You really couldn’t think of a better lie? Like, my ‘IP address has been compromised.’ How, exactly, does an IP address become ‘compromised?’”

There’s a long pause following the question. Maybe the man is waiting for Lan Zhan to reply. If he is, he’s going to be disappointed, because Lan Zhan has no idea what to say to this. He suddenly feels a pang of sympathy for any real scam callers who have called this number before.

The man seems to realize he isn’t going to get a response because he cheerfully continues talking. “I was just wondering, that’s all!”

This is a logical point in the call to hang up. Lan Zhan has technically already carried out Nie Huaisang’s stupid dare – he’s impersonated a scam caller and spoken to this man for long enough. But for whatever reason, he hears himself speak again. “Why did you answer?”

It’s the man’s turn to fall silent. Lan Zhan lets himself feel a little smug at being able to leave this man speechless for a few moments. “What?” the man finally asks.

“If you knew this was not a legitimate call, then why did you answer?” Lan Zhan presses. He wants to know the answer, he realizes. He’s intrigued by this man, wants to know why he’s still talking to Lan Zhan despite believing he has possibly malicious intentions.

“Oh!” the man says, and he sounds a little awkward now. “I just thought I would, uh, you know, have some fun at your expense!”

Lan Zhan frowns in confusion. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see Nie Huaisang and Jin Zixuan watching him with poorly-hidden amusement. “What expense? Talking is no expense to me.”

The man lets out a hum. “Well, you’re currently not accomplishing your goal.”

“My goal?” Lan Zhan asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Your goal of scamming Granny,” the man says matter-of-factly, like Lan Zhan should have already been aware that the number he called is not, in fact, the man’s number – and Lan Zhan is decidedly not disappointed about that – but his grandmother’s. “You’re not accomplishing that! I’d call that an expense.”

Lan Zhan can’t help himself – he improvises a new question. “Well, can I scam you?” Jin Zixuan’s eyes widen in surprise, and Nie Huaisang looks faintly impressed.

The man is silent once again. “Did you –” he breaks off, sounding bewildered, which for some reason feels like a victory.“Did you just ask if you can scam me?”

“Yes,” Lan Zhan confirms, and then just to be clear, he asks again. “Can I scam you?”

“Uh – um, sure, you can try,” the man says, and for the first time in this call, he sounds a little flustered.

Lan Zhan can’t believe that worked. He quickly cycles back to the start of the conversation and his original request. “You need to be in front of your computer.”

The man lets out a huff of laughter. “Yeah, that’s still a problem. I didn’t sleep last night and I’m eating tater tots right now and I don’t really feel like getting up.”

“Okay,” Lan Zhan says, and he isn’t sure what makes him do it, but he continues, “I will call you tomorrow morning, then.” Jin Zixuan and Nie Huaisang’s jaws both drop at that.

“I...I might not answer,” the man says after a moment of hesitation. Lan Zhan wonders if he came on a little too strong. “Granny definitely won’t.”

“You answered today,” Lan Zhan points out.

“Ahaha,” the man says, his laughter coming across as slightly nervous. “Touché?”

Lan Zhan nods, before he remembers the man can’t see him. “Mn. I will call you tomorrow. Get some sleep tonight. Have a good day.” He hangs up before he can hear the man’s response.

“Lan Zhan,” Nie Huaisang says the second Lan Zhan pockets his phone. “That was insane.”

“I completed the dare as you asked,” Lan Zhan says, perfectly aware that he went way beyond what was necessary, and that both Nie Huaisang and Jin Zixuan know it too.

“You are way too good at scam calling,” Jin Zixuan says in a vaguely accusatory way. “Who were you even talking to, anyway?”

At that, Nie Huaisang’s smile becomes a little more amused. “Well, since Lan Zhan is going to be calling him again tomorrow morning, why doesn’t he just ask then?”

“I do not intend to call him,” Lan Zhan says, even though lying is forbidden.

Nie Huaisang gives him a look that’s somehow both sympathetic and condescending. “Sure you don’t.”

Lan Zhan and Jin Zixuan eventually get back at Nie Huaisang later in the day by “accidentally” revealing to Jin Guangyao that they know where his work phone has disappeared to, but Lan Zhan doesn’t get his usual momentary satisfaction from watching Nie Huaisang unsuccessfully try to convince Nie Mingjue that he doesn’t know anything about the missing phone. Instead, his mind is stuck on a bright, cheerful voice and the sound of sweet laughter.

~~~

Wei Ying has been having a weird couple of days. On Wednesday, he experienced the high of finishing his solar spectroscopy lab two days early, which has never happened before in this entire semester. On Thursday, things quickly deteriorated when Wei Yuan threw a tantrum because he wanted to spend an extra ten minutes watching TV instead of going for his bath, and then got even worse when Wei Ying realized that in his eagerness to finish the lab early, he forgot to do his Quantum Field Theory problem set for the week and had to pull an emergency all-nighter.

Then yesterday, in his sleep-deprived state, he had a bizarre conversation with the strangest scam caller he’s ever interacted with – not that he’s interacted with many to begin with, but still – and now, here he is again, picking up Granny’s landline because somehow, the scam caller has made good on his promise to call again.

“Hello,” Mr. Scam Caller says, and his deep, calm voice is somehow even more attractive than it was yesterday.

“Mr. Scam Caller!” Wei Ying says happily, and he’s a little surprised by how genuine the emotion in his own voice is. “You called again! I wasn’t expecting you to actually do it.”

Mr. Scam Caller doesn’t say anything for a few moments. “I said I would,” he finally says.

Wei Ying can’t help laughing at that. “I guess you did.” Mr. Scam Caller is silent again, but that’s fine with Wei Ying – he can do enough talking for both of them. “I’m Wei Ying, by the way. Since you were good enough to call me back, I think you deserve my name, even though you’re trying to scam me.”

“You should not give out your name to random people,” Mr. Scam Caller says, like he doesn’t collect sensitive information from people for a living. “Especially scam callers.”

“Ah, but you’re not just any scam caller,” Wei Ying says. “You’re my scam caller. You even told me to get some sleep last night, and I did! I slept for almost five hours, aren’t you proud of me?” He wants the answer to be yes, he realizes as he asks, but he isn’t quite sure why.

“Mn,” Mr. Scam Caller says. There isn’t much inflection in his tone, but it’s clearly supposed to be a noise of agreement, and Wei Ying flushes.

“Ahahaha, Mr. Scam Caller,” he says, trying not to sound too affected by this very basic form of praise. “Don’t you think you should share your name with me too? It’s only fair since you already know mine, after all.”

Mr. Scam Caller is silent for so long that Wei Ying is about to take it back and laugh the request off, but then he speaks again. “Lan Zhan.”

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying repeats, testing out the name. It sounds familiar, somehow, but he can’t figure out why that is. “Lan Zhan! What a good name! I could say your name all day, Lan Zhan.”

“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan says, and Wei Ying is not prepared for hearing his name coming out of Lan Zhan’s mouth. “Do not joke.”

“I’m not joking, Lan Zhan, I promise!” Wei Ying says intently, holding up three fingers before remembering that Lan Zhan can’t see him. “Lan Zhan is a great name.”

“Mn,” Lan Zhan says. This ”Mn,” is different from the one before, Wei Ying thinks, more noncommittal, like he’s neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

There’s a lull in the conversation, and Wei Ying is suddenly desperate to keep it going. “So, Lan Zhan,” he says. “How are you going to try to scam me today?”

“You need to be in front of your computer,” Lan Zhan says, and Wei Ying is startled by the brief flash of disappointment he feels that Lan Zhan didn’t just call simply to talk to him again. He brushes the thought away a second later – of course Lan Zhan only called because he’s a scam caller and it’s his job.

“Ah, Lan Zhan, I can’t,” Wei Ying says. “A-Yuan is using it to play games right now. How can I disturb him when he’s so clearly enjoying himself?”

“A-Yuan?” Lan Zhan asks.

Wei Ying grins. “My son!” he says, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice as he talks about the little boy who stole his heart the moment they met.

Lan Zhan is quiet for several long moments. “I see,” he finally says, sounding more stiff than he had before. “I will stop imposing on you, then.”

“Huh?” Wei Ying says, his smile vanishing. “What do you mean?”

“I have been disturbing you and your family,” Lan Zhan says, his voice still cold compared to how it had sounded previously. “I apologize for intruding on your time. Goodbye, Wei Ying.”

“Lan Zhan, wait!” Wei Ying blurts out. He holds his breath, straining his ears to hear whether Lan Zhan is still on the other end. When he hears the steady sound of breathing, he exhales shakily. “You aren’t intruding, Lan Zhan,” he explains in a rush. “You’ve been really great all two times I’ve talked to you, you know? And you didn’t have to look out for my sleep schedule but you did, and now you’re trying to protect me and my son from yourself, and I know you’re a scam caller, but I – I mean, talking to you is...nice?”

Lan Zhan stays quiet for a long time, and Wei Ying worries that he’s scared him off. “It is nice speaking to you as well, Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan says after several long moments that feel like forever to Wei Ying.

“Good,” Wei Ying says, and he truly has no idea why he’s so overwhelmingly relieved. “Good, then don’t hang up on me yet, Lan Zhan. You haven’t even tried to get any sensitive information from me!”

“Do you want me to try to get sensitive information from you?” Lan Zhan asks, which is an incredibly baffling question to hear from a scammer.

“Yes,” Wei Ying says, before he considers the question more carefully. “No? I don’t know, Lan Zhan, now you’re confusing me! What kind of scam caller makes their customer confused by asking odd questions instead of going on with their scamming?”

“I apologize,” Lan Zhan says. “I will refrain from asking confusing questions and focus on scamming you in the future.”

Wei Ying bursts into laughter. “Lan Zhan!” he says delightedly. “Has anyone ever told you how funny you are?”

“No,” Lan Zhan says, and Wei Ying can’t see his face but he imagines that Lan Zhan looks a bit puzzled, which is adorable. “People generally tell me I am not particularly funny.”

“They’re all wrong,” Wei Ying declares confidently. “You’re very funny, Lan Zhan! And a great conversation partner. Even while you’re in the middle of scamming someone.” Though, he belatedly notices, there have been very few attempts on Lan Zhan’s part to actually commit any kind of scam. “You’ll have to call me every day from now on, so you can have someone to remind you how funny you are!”

It sounds like Lan Zhan says something along the lines of “Mark your words,” but Wei Yuan suddenly runs into the living room, distracting Wei Ying. “Baba, Baba!” he says, practically vibrating with enthusiasm as he launches himself into Wei Ying’s arms.

Wei Ying manages to tuck the phone between his ear and his shoulder as he sweeps Wei Yuan onto his lap. “What’s the matter, kiddo?”

Lan Zhan makes an inquisitorial noise on the other end of the phone as Wei Yuan beams up at Wei Ying proudly. “I got the best, most highest score!” Wei Yuan reveals. “All by myself!”

“The best, most highest score?” Wei Ying repeats, grinning down at Wei Yuan. “That’s extremely impressive!” He’s speaking into the phone before he can think better of it. “Lan Zhan, did you hear? A-Yuan got the best, most highest score on his game all by himself, he must be even better than me now!”

“Mn,” Lan Zhan says. “Congratulations, A-Yuan. You did well.” He says it so solemnly that Wei Ying can’t help laughing again.

“Lan Zhan, you’re so serious,” he says playfully, before addressing Wei Yuan again. “A-Yuan, Lan Zhan said you did well.”

“Lan Zhan?” Wei Yuan asks, peering up at Wei Ying curiously. “Who?”

Wei Ying is on the verge of offering the phone to Wei Yuan when he belatedly realizes that Wen Qing probably wouldn’t be too thrilled if he let the son he adopted from her family speak to a scam caller, no matter how sweet and pleasant to talk to said scam caller is. “He’s my, uh, my phone call buddy,” Wei Ying explains hastily.

Wei Yuan nods. “Thank you, Phone Call-gege!” he says with a toothy smile.

“You made him smile, Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying says, clutching his heart with the arm that isn’t keeping Wei Yuan in place on his lap. “How can you be so good? Even before meeting him, you already won him over.”

“I am glad I could make him happy,” Lan Zhan says in that unaffected voice of his. It makes Wei Ying want to do something to make him lose his composure.

“Do you want to make me happy too?” Wei Ying asks, and even though Wei Yuan is in the room, he lowers his voice enough for it to unmistakably be an attempt at flirting. “I can think of a few ways you could do that.”

Lan Zhan audibly inhales sharply, and Wei Ying mentally celebrates. “I...must go,” Lan Zhan says a second later, and Wei Ying’s mental celebration is halted in its tracks.

“Will you call tomorrow?” Wei Ying asks quickly, trying to stall him, trying to do anything he can to ensure he can talk to this strange, fascinating scam caller again. “After all, you didn’t manage to scam me yet.”

There’s a beat, before Lan Zhan speaks. “Mn,” he says, and Wei Ying can’t stop smiling. “I will call you tomorrow. Goodbye to you and A-Yuan.”

Like he did yesterday, Lan Zhan hangs up before Wei Ying has the chance to reply, but Wei Ying doesn’t care too much. He pulls Wei Yuan into a hug and sighs happily.

Wei Yuan looks at Wei Ying. “Baba is happy that Phone Call-gege will call him tomorrow?”

“Yeah, kiddo,” Wei Ying says, patting Wei Yuan’s back contentedly. “I am happy.”

~~~

Lan Zhan isn’t sure how things got to this point. He had called Wei Ying back the day after his prank call with the intention of explaining the truth – that he is not, in fact, a scam caller but simply a fourth-year music and literature student – but the conversation had gotten away from him and he missed his chance.

Now, a month later, having called Wei Ying every day since then, Lan Zhan wonders why, in all that time, he still hasn’t tried to correct Wei Ying’s perception of him. Maybe, he thinks, it has something to do with the fact that when he’s talking to Wei Ying, he’s helpless to do anything but go along with whatever conversation Wei Ying feels like having. He now knows that Wei Ying’s son, Wei Yuan, was adopted a year ago, and that Wei Ying lives with Wei Yuan’s grandmother and two cousins. He knows all about Wei Ying’s perfect sister – coincidentally, she turns out to be none other than Jiang Yanli – and his angry brother. And over the course of a month, Lan Zhan has somehow become Wei Ying’s scam caller, and the highlight of his day is always making that call.

Nie Huaisang and Jin Zixuan, traitors that they are, had decided that it would be a good idea to inform Lan Huan of Lan Zhan’s daily conversations with Wei Ying. Predictably, Lan Huan had been delighted to hear about Lan Zhan’s first real display of interest in another person, which is why Lan Zhan is currently in a coffee shop, listening to Lan Huan try to convince him for at least the tenth time to arrange a meeting in person with Wei Ying.

“Didi, you clearly like this Wei Ying quite a lot,” Lan Huan says reasonably. “I don’t understand why you wouldn’t want to try meeting him in person. Imagine if I hadn’t gone to meet A-Yao when Mingjue-ge mentioned him for the first time.”

Lan Zhan graciously does not point out that, had Lan Huan not met Jin Guangyao, Lan Zhan would not have to wake up at odd hours to strange noises coming from the other bedroom in their shared apartment. “He has an obligation to his son,” he says instead, just like he always does every time they have this conversation. “I do not wish to pull him away from that duty by imposing my feelings.”

“You know Huaisang is friends with him,” Lan Huan points out. “Surely he would have told you by now if Wei Ying is not interested in pursuing any relationships.”

There’s nothing “sure” about anything when it comes to Nie Huaisang, Lan Zhan thinks, but he doesn’t say it out loud, not wanting to be rude to his brother who, ultimately, is only pushing the matter because he has Lan Zhan’s best interests at heart. “Regardless,” Lan Zhan says, “it is unnecessary to meet Wei Ying in person.”

The barista calls out their order, and Lan Zhan gets up to retrieve their drinks before Lan Huan can say anything else. As he’s making his way back to the table, though, drinks in hand, he’s stopped in his tracks by the appearance of a small weight clinging tightly to his leg. “Gege!” says the weight. It is, Lan Zhan finds when he looks down, a small boy, no older than three or four.

“Hello,” Lan Zhan says, trying not to let his panic show. As a rule, he tries to avoid interacting with children he doesn't know when their guardians aren’t present. “Where is your caretaker?”

“Baba is sitting over there with Auntie Qing and Angry Uncle!” the boy says, pointing to a table in the far corner of the shop.

Lan Zhan looks in the direction the boy is pointing and blinks a few times. Sitting at the table are two men Lan Zhan recognizes from Nie Huaisang's alternate friend group, the one he spends time with outside of Lan-Jin-Nie gatherings, and an unfamiliar woman who bears a slight resemblance to the boy still holding Lan Zhan's leg. “You must go back to your Baba,” Lan Zhan says carefully. “He will wonder where you went, otherwise.”

“But,” the boy says, a pout forming on his face, “Baba said that you were a very pretty gege and he wished he could talk to you.”

Lan Zhan wonders what kind of parent lets their child go off to talk to random strangers they find attractive. The last thing Lan Zhan wants is for this boy to start crying, though, so he nods. “I will accompany you back to your table. You should not worry your Baba by leaving him to talk to unknown people.”

The boy’s unhappy expression vanishes instantaneously, replaced by a bright smile. “Okay, Pretty-gege!” he agrees. “Come meet my Baba!”

Lan Zhan belatedly realizes he’s still holding the two cups of tea, but it’s too late to do anything about it, because he and the boy have already reached their destination.

“Baba!” the boy exclaims happily, climbing into the lap of the man who, presumably, is his father.

“A-Yuan!” the man says, sounding equally excited, and Lan Zhan freezes, both at the voice and the name. “Where did you run off to, huh, kiddo?”

“I found Pretty-gege for Baba,” A-Yuan says seriously, and his father looks at Lan Zhan for the first time. “Now Baba can talk to him.” Then, apparently deciding that his work is finished, A-Yuan promptly unlocks his father’s phone and starts playing a game.

Lan Zhan is still unable to move as he stares into the man’s sparkling grey eyes. “Wei Ying,” he says, because it feels like the only thing he can say.

The man – Wei Ying, Lan Zhan is certain it has to be him – gapes at him, his eyes widening in shock and what can only be recognition. “Lan Zhan?” Somehow, the sound of his own name rolling off Wei Ying’s tongue is even more appealing to Lan Zhan in person than it is over the phone. “You’re Huaisang’s gorgeous friend that I’ve been begging him to introduce me to for literally years? Huaisang is friends with a scam caller?”

The man sitting next to Wei Ying slams his hand against the table. “This is your stupid scam caller boyfriend?” he demands. “You haven’t shut up about wanting to meet him for weeks, and he was easily accessible in person this entire time?”

“A-Cheng,” the woman at the table reprimands, rolling her eyes as she lays a hand on the man’s arm. She shoots a pointed look at Wei Ying as she continues, “Relax. We already knew Wei Ying is an idiot.”

“He is not,” Lan Zhan says reflexively, somewhat irritated that these people are insulting Wei Ying for no discernible reason. “Wei Ying is very intelligent.”

“Ah, Lan Zhan, it’s okay,” Wei Ying says with a laugh, though his cheeks have turned a soft shade of pink. “Jiang Cheng and Qing-jie are just like that. I always say they’re the grumpiest couple in the world. It’s like they really were made for each other!”

“Shut the hell up,” Jiang Cheng says, making an aborted movement towards Wei Ying before apparently remembering the child in Wei Ying’s lap and settling for clenching his hand in a fist instead.

“Language,” Wei Ying says with a sunny smile. “A-Yuan is a growing little boy who doesn’t need to hear words like that.” He turns to Lan Zhan and his smile somehow grows even bigger. Lan Zhan is torn between looking away to avoid being blinded by its intensity and being absolutely transfixed by how lovely it looks on Wei Ying’s face. “But enough of that. Lan Zhan, I can’t believe I’m finally meeting you, and it turns out you’re actually the same person I wanted to get to know anyway!”

“Mn,” Lan Zhan says. “I recognized you as well, from Nie Huaisang’s friend group.”

Wei Ying looks momentarily annoyed. “I’ve been asking him to introduce you to me for so long.” The displeasure seems to pass a moment later, when Wei Ying beams up at Lan Zhan again, and Lan Zhan has to remember how to breathe. “Of course, I should have guessed that Lan Zhan would find a way to introduce himself to me first!”

“Wei Ying was the first to introduce himself,” Lan Zhan reminds him, recalling their second phone call.

“You have such a good memory, Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying says with an almost dreamy sigh, his eyes shining. “I bet you remember all our phone calls.”

“He’s a scam caller,” the woman Wei Ying had addressed as Qing-jie – which means she must be Wen Qing, one of Wei Yuan’s cousins – interrupts. “It’s unlikely that he remembers everyone he calls, let alone what he says when he calls them.” She narrows her eyes at Lan Zhan. “So why, exactly, have you continued to call our home?”

“I am not a scam caller,” Lan Zhan says firmly, relieved to be telling the truth at last. “I am a student of music and literature.”

“Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying says, shaking his head. “What do you mean you’re not a scam caller? The first time you called the house, you were trying to scam Granny.”

“I was not,” Lan Zhan says. “I was dared to make a prank call, and you made assumptions.”

Everyone is silent for a moment, and the only sounds come from the background chatter in the cafe. Lan Zhan is reminded of his brother, who’s still waiting for his tea, and sends a silent apology to him in his mind. “A...prank call?” Wei Ying finally asks. “So you were never really trying to steal our sensitive information?”

Lan Zhan nods. “Mn. Nie Huaisang provided the dare and the number.”

“Of course it was him,” Wei Ying mutters, seemingly to himself. “When I get my hands on him...” He trails off, before a new thought appears to strike him. “But Lan Zhan, that means he did kind of introduce us to each other after all! If it weren’t for him, then who knows if we ever would have met each other?” He pauses, his head cocked to the side. “You know, I always thought you didn’t try very hard to scam me. I thought maybe it was because we were so close, but now it all makes sense!”

“We are close,” Lan Zhan feels the need to clarify. “If I were truly a scam caller, I would not have tried to scam you after speaking with you as we have been.”

Wei Ying’s entire face flushes as Jiang Cheng snorts and Wen Qing looks simultaneously exasperated and amused. “Lan Zhan! How can you say something like that so easily?”

“Lying is forbidden,” Lan Zhan says matter-of-factly, which doesn’t quite answer the question, but reveals enough of his reasoning to have Wei Ying burying his face in his hands with a moan.

The noise must distract Wei Yuan from his game, because he looks up at Wei Ying and asks, “Baba, okay?”

“Yeah, kiddo, I’m okay,” Wei Ying says, smiling reassuringly at the boy. “Lan-gege here was just saying some very sweet things.” It’s Lan Zhan’s turn to get flustered by the sudden nickname, his ears heating up as Wei Ying grins innocently at him.

“Pretty-gege is Phone Call-gege?” Wei Yuan asks, and Lan Zhan is mildly impressed that such a young child was able to piece together a conversation he was only half listening to. He nods, and Wei Yuan claps his hands happily. “Good! Baba likes Phone Call-gege and Pretty-gege and it would be hard to pick but now those geges are the same!” He looks at Lan Zhan intently. “Gege will stay with us?”

“A-Yuan,” Wei Ying says hurriedly, “you shouldn’t – ahaha, Lan Zhan, don’t take him too seriously, I’ll explain to him later –”

“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan cuts him off pointedly. “A-Yuan. I must return to my brother for now.” Both father and son look visibly deflated, so Lan Zhan takes a deep breath and continues. “But I would like to see you again.”

“O-oh,” Wei Ying says, looking both hopeful and more stunned than he really should. Really, how could he possibly think that Lan Zhan wouldn’t want to see him again? “Well, of course you can see us again! Just give us a call any time, you already have our number, after all.”

“I would like your cell phone number,” Lan Zhan says before he can chicken out. “For convenience.”

“Yes, of course!” We Ying squeaks. Lan Zhan can relate – he had no idea he had it in him to be so bold. Wei Ying holds out his phone with the “New Contact” screen open, and Lan Zhan saves his name as “My Scam Caller” before sending a text to himself. “Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying says breathlessly when he takes his phone back and sees the contact name. He stares at Lan Zhan with starry eyes. “You’re so funny. I like you so much.”

“I like you so much too,” Lan Zhan says automatically, and the corners of his mouth pull upward into a soft smile. Wei Ying gasps and smiles so radiantly that Lan Zhan doesn’t even care that they aren’t alone, that at least four sets of eyes are fixed on them right now – he’s under no illusion that his brother hasn’t been watching him this whole time.

They reluctantly say goodbye after Lan Zhan promises that he’ll meet Wei Ying and Wei Yuan tomorrow after his classes end. Lan Zhan feels light as he returns to his brother’s table, the tea in his hands completely cold by now.

Lan Huan smiles knowingly at him as he sits down. “So,” he says, “you were saying that meeting Wei Ying in person was unnecessary?”

Lan Zhan takes a sip of cold tea to avoid speaking, but he doesn’t need to – he knows that to his brother, his happiness level is at the point where he might as well be fully grinning. But he’s allowed to be this elated, he thinks. He’s allowed to not care about Nie Huaisang’s meddling or Lan Huan’s amused expression or Jiang Cheng’s attitude.

After all, he has Wei Ying’s number in his phone, a date planned for tomorrow, and a whole future together, just waiting for him to reach out and take it.

#wangxian #the untamed #writing