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wisedawn13 · 3 months

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#lanuary2024 Day 23: Lan Wangji's Birthday

Lan Zhan feels raw.

Usually, he has his weekends to decompress to avoid spiralling into either a meltdown or, worse, burnout. Unfortunately, this past weekend was filled with unmissable family events. Having Wei Ying with him helped.

But it wasn't enough; it merely delayed the inevitable.

He was doing okay getting by until work today. It's his birthday so the office decided to throw him a little party and so many people kept talking to him.

All he wanted was to come home and curl up in his husband's arms.

As Lan Zhan turns the key to their apartment he can feel the onset of a meltdown coming. He's standing on the edge and it won't take much to push him over.

He takes a slow, grounding breath, opens the door, and freezes.

The main lights are off and the apartment is instead lit by soft lamps. It's not too dark that he can't see but it's not harsh. He wants to cry.

He doesn't know how long he stands in the doorway but at some point, Wei Ying comes up and gently guides him in.

Wei Ying wordlessly takes his bag and sets it aside before he works on removing Lan Zhan's outer layers and shoes. Once those are put away, Wei Ying begins to slowly remove Lan Zhan's clothes before silently helping him into his softest loungewear.

It becomes easier to breathe.

Wei Ying meets his gaze with a soft smile. "Do you want a hug?"

Unable to reply, he nods.

Wei Ying wraps his arms around him and squeezes tight. Lan Zhan melts into him. He loves his husband so very much.

Some time later, Wei Ying pulls back to press a kiss to his lips.

"Happy birthday, my love," he whispers, letting his hands run up into Lan Zhan's hair to give his head a massage. Lan Zhan closes his eyes and leans into his touch, tension gradually leaving him with every press and tug of Wei Ying's hands.

By the time Wei Ying pulls his hands back Lan Zhan feels a hundred times better than he did when he entered their home. He lets out a sigh and opens his eyes to see Wei Ying staring at him with so much adoration it takes his breath away.

Unable to form the words, Lan Zhan kisses him and means 'I love you' and 'I adore you' and 'I don't deserve you but I'm so thankful to have you in my life.' He knows Wei Ying understands.

"Here," Wei Ying murmurs. Gently, he places Lan Zhan's noise-cancelling headphones on him.

Wei Ying turns them on and starts playing Lan Zhan's favourite Classical Chinese playlist on low. Lan Zhan hums in pleasure and follows Wei Ying as he gently tugs him over to the dining table. Lan Zhan sits as instructed and watches as Wei Ying serves him his favourite meals.

Lan Zhan is so overwhelmed with love for Wei Ying. He feels his eyes starting to water as Wei Ying puts Lan Zhan's plate down in front of him while pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head.

Wei Ying sits down and they eat in silence.

Lan Zhan is so thankful for Wei Ying thinking to put his headphones on him. As much as he adores Wei Ying talking over a meal, he knows he wouldn't have been able to handle all the sounds that come from eating. His husband knows him so well, sometimes better than even himself.

And, of course, he knows Wei Ying just as well. It's just wild to think about someone knowing him so deeply and truly as Wei Ying does. If someone told Lan Zhan when he was a teen that he'd be this close to someone (in every sense of the term) he wouldn't have believed them.

He was always so solitary and never certain on how to even attempt to get closer to someone. It was too daunting and confusing.

And then he met Wei Ying.

Wei Ying came crashing into his life in a swirl of light and laughter and joy and Lan Zhan cracked open.

Wei Ying always made an effort to reach out to Lan Zhan (even in the early days when Lan Zhan was too scared and overwhelmed by the enigma that is Wei Ying) and slowly, Lan Zhan began to understand what it meant to be wanted and treasured. Wei Ying enjoyed his company.

Over time, Lan Zhan grew more comfortable around Wei Ying. He began to feel settled when he was with him. Wei Ying became his safe space. Lan Zhan grew comfortable with all kinds of physical touch and making eye contact with him and Wei Ying always respected his boundaries.

It was inevitable that they would fall into each other, really. Neither of them knew it at the start, but others saw it (they heard the speeches at their wedding). Their love was something so real and natural that it only made sense. He can't imagine his life without Wei Ying.

After they finish eating, Wei Ying takes Lan Zhan's plate away before he has the chance to try to clean it himself and then he leads him into the livingroom where his yoga mat is set up with a pillow. Wei Ying gestures to it with a raised eyebrow in question.

Lan Zhan feels like his heart is too big for his chest. He nods and Wei Ying smiles softly. Lan Zhan watches Wei Ying wander off to grab the weighted blanket and then he lays down on his stomach on the mat. Wei Ying places the weighted blanket folded on his upper back.

He feels himself finally relax, the weight condensed enough to quite literally squeeze the tension out of him. There are so few ways that Lan Zhan can ever truly relax (especially his back) and this is one of them. The only other option is to have his back against Wei Ying.

Lan Zhan closes his eyes and lets out a long sigh.

He drifts.

An indeterminate amount of time later, he finally feels human again. He sucks in a deep breath, feeling the way his ribs expand and contract, and then pushes up, letting the blanket fall to the side.

He sits back on his heels and removes the headphones.

"Feeling better?" Wei Ying asks.

Lan Zhan turns to find him curled up on the couch, book in hand, a soft expression on his face.

"Mn. Much better," Lan Zhan replies.

"I'm glad." Wei Ying pats the couch beside him.

With a smile, Lan Zhan makes his way over and sits beside Wei Ying. They fold into each other, cuddling up close. "Thank you, my love."

Wei Ying sighs happily. "Anything for you, Lan Zhan. It's the least I could do, especially on your birthday!"

Lan Zhan hums and kisses him.

"So, Birthday Boy, shall we watch a few more episodes of your comfort show while we eat cake and cuddle?"

Lan Zhan hugs Wei Ying a little tighter. "That sounds perfect."

And so they do just that. Wei Ying ends up feeding them both while they watch the show.

It's truly the best, most perfect birthday he could have ever asked for.

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Link to thread

#lanuary #happy birthday lan wangji #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 4 months

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"Cuties and Questions"

wangxian

modern au

childhood friends

getting together

rated teen and up

chapter 1/1

6093 words

#wangxian #fanfic #mdzs #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cutivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #fanfiction #ao3 #wisedawn13

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 31: Happy Birthday!

It's October 31st.

Lan Zhan wakes up at his usual early time (though not as early as it used to be, he adjusted that for college) and gets ready for the day. He feels a frisson of nerves.

It's Wei Ying's 23rd birthday today.

Lan Zhan has been friends with Wei Ying for many years now and has been quietly, distantly in love with him for nearly as long. Wei Ying is his best friend. Wei Ying is his everything.

That's why, this year, Lan Zhan will go to a college Halloween party.

He goes about his morning routine and tries not to focus on the nerves he feels.

Today feels significant somehow.

Even more significant than Wei Ying's birthdays typically are to him.

Some odd hours later there's a knock at the door.

Wei Ying is here.

Lan Zhan swiftly moves to open the door and is greeted with the sight of Wei Ying's beautiful smile.

"Heya, Lan Zhan!" Wei Ying says as he leans against the doorframe, backpack haphazardly slung over a single shoulder. "Can I come in?"

"Wei Ying," he responds, stepping aside.

Wei Ying steps into his space—into his home—and Lan Zhan feels things slide further into place. It never feels right when Wei Ying isn't around.

Lan Zhan distantly hopes he will be able to convince Wei Ying to live with him when his lease is up.

With a flurry of motion, Wei Ying flings his backpack and then his body onto Lan Zhan's grey couch.

Grey because white is too dangerous to have with Wei Ying around.

"Lan Zhan-ah," Wei Ying whines. "I'm so old!"

Lan Zhan huffs as he walks over. "I thought you were only three."

Wei Ying glances up at him sideways and puffs a breath. "Maybe I am. What's it to ya?"

Humming, Lan Zhan sits on the couch next to where Wei Ying is sprawled, carefully not touching him. "Three is not old," he states.

Wei Ying whines. "Twenty-three is."

Lan Zhan side eyes him.

"Am I old?"

A sly grin grows on Wei Ying's face as he slides his body further into Lan Zhan's space. Not touching. "I guess you are, gege~" Wei Ying murmurs.

It takes every ounce of his self-control to not ravish Wei Ying right then. Instead, he leans a fraction closer to him.

"I see," he says.

They lapse into silence as they stare into each other's eyes. Not touching. So close to touching. Lan Zhan isn't quite sure if he's breathing.

Then, Wei Ying huffs, eyes crinkling in a smile, and he closes the distance. His head falls onto Lan Zhan's shoulder.

He doesn't breathe.

He's not sure how long they stay like that.

"Hey, Lan Zhan?" Wei Ying says eventually.

"Mn?"

"What are our plans for today?"

Lan Zhan shifts his head minutely to look at Wei Ying who, in turn, shifts his own head to look at him.

"We will do whatever Wei Ying wishes to do. It is your day."

Wei Ying bites his lip. "Oh. Well, Huaisang is throwing a party and I was kinda interested in going but I know you don't like them so—"

"We will go," Lan Zhan cuts in.

"What?" Wei Ying asks, sitting up.

Lan Zhan mourns the loss of touch.

"Are you being for real? Seriously? No cap?"

With a quirk of his lips, Lan Zhan meets Wei Ying's eyes and responds, "Fax. No printer."

Wei Ying laughs loudly at that, just as he'd hoped he would. Lan Zhan internally preens.

"You are such a dork! I love you so much, oh my god!" Wei Ying is practically wheezing.

Lan Zhan watches happily. Happily with the slightest tinge of pain at those words.

For years now, Wei Ying has told him he loves him. Lan Zhan tells Wei Ying the same.

But when Lan Zhan says it, he means something different than platonic, best friend love. He doesn't mean it how Wei Ying does.

Hearing the words is simultaneously the best and worst thing in the world.

Lan Zhan wouldn't give it up for anything. Wei Ying loves him.

No matter how he means it, that is enough.

Wei Ying wipes his eyes, sighing as he settles. "You really want to go to a party with me?"

Lan Zhan understands the tone here. Wei Ying is searching for true honesty. For reassurance.

"I do not want to go to a party," he replies.

"But," he continues, "I know you want to and I want you to be happy. I also wish to spend time with you, so I will join you and experience a college party. It is our last year of college, I might as well."

Wei Ying smiles. It's smaller. Softer. "Okay."

Wei Ying, of course, had picked out a costume and had everything in his backpack when he came over. He smiles, bumping his shoulder against Lan Zhan's, and then slips into the washroom to get ready.

It's a surprise. It's always a surprise.

Wei Ying loves dressing up for Halloween. He truly shines on this day. He was meant to be born on Halloween, it suits him so well.

Lan Zhan, on the other hand, has never been one to get into the quote-unquote Halloween spirit, as it were.

Approximately an hour later (Lan Zhan got in some good work on his latest cross stitch project) and the washroom door clicks open.

"Close your eyes," Wei Ying calls out.

Sighing, Lan Zhan places his project away and does so.

"Are they closed?"

With a smile, he says, "Yes."

The sound of slight shuffling comes as Wei Ying walks out and stops in front of him.

"Okay. Open your eyes."

He does and immediately gasps. Wei Ying is wearing a borderline skimpy cheerleading outfit, but instead of going the normal "sexy cheerleader" route, it's different.

The short skirt is ripped up and dirty with reddish marks on it, and the cropped top is in much the same condition. Wei Ying's thigh-highs (oh god... Thigh-highs) are also worse for wear. His hair is done up in two twin high ponytails, even messier than his usual hair.

Wei Ying is also wearing some makeup to mess up his appearance. If Lan Zhan had to guess, he'd say...

"Zombie cheerleader?" he asks.

Wei Ying immediately lights up with a huge smile. "You got it!"

He feels a strange sense of accomplishment at that.

"So, how do I look?"

Ah...

Lan Zhan and Wei Ying have certainly gotten far closer over the years in what they are comfortable saying and doing to each other, but Lan Zhan still has to hold back on a lot of his urges.

He looks Wei Ying over once again (sue him) and smiles. "Very sexy undead."

Wei Ying yips, hopping on the spot. "Oh, I'm so excited! Promise me that if you want to leave you will tell me immediately, okay? The moment you feel your social battery give out, we are out of there. Promise!" He stares at Lan Zhan, pointing a finger at him.

Lan Zhan huffs. "I promise."

"Good!" Wei Ying smiles. "Eat and head out?"

Lan Zhan makes them a meal that they eat (with lots of vocal praise from Wei Ying including moaning which... Just because he's used to it doesn't mean it's not hard (hah)) and then they move to the door.

"Oh, wait. Aren't you going to wear a costume?" Wei Ying asks.

"I already am wearing it."

Wei Ying squints looking him over with scrutiny. "You look the same as always."

Lan Zhan fights back the urge to smirk. "Ah, yes. I forgot one thing."

He walks back into his bedroom, grabs the headband, puts it on, and walks back out to Wei Ying. "There," he says.

Wei Ying's jaw is hanging open as he stares at him with rosy cheeks. "Oh my god," he whispers. "You're a bunny! Who gave you the right to be this adorable?"

Feeling incredibly smug, Lan Zhan shrugs and walks out the door. "I can only assume the same person who gave you the audacity."

A startled laugh escapes Wei Ying as he slips on his shoes and stumbles out after him. "Stop that! You can be cute or funny but not both!"

Lan Zhan sighs dramatically. "Unfortunate since that's all I've got going for me seeing as I am well known for my comedy skills and cuteness," he deadpans.

Wei Ying snorts, bumping their shoulders together. "Dork."

"Nerd," he replies. Then, "Happy birthday, Wei Ying."

The party, to no one's surprise, is definitely not Lan Zhan's scene. Despite that, he finds himself having an enjoyable experience. Wei Ying sticks close to him the whole time, never straying far, so he never feels overwhelmed and unmoored.

It is crowded, but Wei Ying helps to mitigate that by keeping them off to the sides of any room they're in, it's loud, but Lan Zhan had the foresight to bring his loop earplugs with him. All in all, he's glad he came.

Would he choose to go to another party? No.

But he's glad he came nonetheless.

As the night wears on, Thriller comes on over the speakers and a collective gasp goes through the crowd. Beside him, Wei Ying practically vibrates.

"Go dance," Lan Zhan tells him.

Wei Ying stares at him. "You sure?"

He nods.

Overjoyed, Wei Ying skips away into the mass of moving people. Bodies move to the beat, collectively doing the choreography. Lan Zhan stands against the wall watching as Wei Ying dances.

Time seems to slow around him as every part of him zeros in on Wei Ying.

The pulsing music fades into the background as he watches Wei Ying slide and twirl and twitch and glide. The movements are so effortless for him and his costume only enhances the overall performance. Lan Zhan can't look away, not that he ever would. Wei Ying draws him in.

At some point during the song, Lan Zhan started to walk. Slowly, he makes his way over just as Wei Ying slides forward and stops in front of him.

He doesn't know why. He doesn't know how. One moment they are standing in front of each other as the crowd dances around them.

And then suddenly they're kissing.

Everything melts away. The music. The people. The lights. Everything except for Wei Ying Wei Ying Wei Ying.

It's all he can think.

Wei Ying.

They're kissing. He's kissing Wei Ying. Wei Ying is kissing him.

Oh.

Wei Ying is kissing him.

Time loses all meaning. They could be kissing for ten seconds, ten minutes, or ten years. It's all the same to him, really.

Slowly, reluctantly, they pull back and stare into each other's eyes.

"Wow," Wei Ying breathes. Idly, Lan Zhan realizes there's no alcohol on his breath.

He must have said that out loud because Wei Ying laughs and says, "I didn't feel like drinking tonight. I was hoping..."

Lan Zhan's eyes fall to his lips, watching them move. He watches as they curl into a smirk. "Hoping?" he asks belatedly.

"Mn, hoping," Wei Ying says.

And then they're kissing again.

The moment they pull apart again Lan Zhan only manages to say, "I was hoping too," before they're drawn together again.

They kiss and kiss and kiss. Eventually—the songs shifting around them—they start to move. Dancing—swaying—together.

Wei Ying sighs, resting his head on Lan Zhan's shoulder as they hold each other close. "I love you, Lan Zhan."

Lan Zhan squeezes him a little tighter. "I love you, Wei Ying. Happy birthday."

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Link to thread

#xiantober #happy birthday wei wuxian #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 30: Cottagecore

It's a cold winter's day when Lan Zhan turns 26.

It's a cold winter's day when Lan Zhan has to leave his home.

Most people don't have to when they turn 26. Most people aren't witches.

Turns out, Lan Zhan isn't like most people.

His community has long hated witch-kind and has banished anyone who showed the affinity. Lan Zhan is just thankful that his powers didn't manifest until he was 26.

At least he had 26 years with his family. That's more than most witches got.

So, he leaves. And he wanders.

Lan Zhan doesn't know much about what it means to be a witch. Ever since the Yiling Laozu, as he is called, came into power and destroyed countless people, witches have been feared and abhorred. No one talks about them, especially not the Yiling Laozu.

He is lost.

He has no idea where to go or what he will do. He has no clue how he will learn about his powers and control them.

It's a cold winter's day when Lan Zhan leaves his home.

And then, it's not.

Lan Zhan was lost in thought, aimlessly wandering when he cut through a forest.

Suddenly, it's a cool autumn's day.

Lan Zhan blinks, shocked by the sudden change from a bitingly cold wind and crunchy snow to a cool gentle breeze and crunchy leaves. The forest is filled with colour as the leaves flutter in the wind and occasionally fall.

How?

Quickly, he turns around to look at where he came from and is further stunned.

There is a clear line on the forest floor where the snow does not pass, giving into autumn.

So, time travel is not what just happened then.

But what did? What is this? How is this possible?

Against his better judgment, he walks further into the autumn forest.

Something blurs across the path in front of him, startling him. When he stops and looks, he finds a black rabbit staring up at him with curiously intelligent eyes. It tilts its head at him.

"Hello," he says.

The rabbit blinks once, lowers its head almost as if in acknowledgement, and then runs off down the path.

Huh...

He supposes that's not the most odd thing to occur to him today. He mentally shrugs and continues on his way.

Music begins to flow on the breeze and he strains to listen to it. It gets clearer as he moves forward, almost drawing him in. A flute, he realizes. A dizi. The song is beautiful and masterfully played. A small part of him wishes to duet with the flautist, whomever they may be.

It's not long before he stumbles upon a small yet cozy-looking cottage surrounded by a stunning array of flowers, vines, and various vegetables growing around it. His eyes fall on the same black rabbit as before as it stands tall and stares at him.

The music stops.

"Hello there," a cheery, melodic voice says.

Lan Zhan's gaze moves up to where the voice came from and settles on a relaxed man, lounging on the roof with a black dizi idly twirling in his hand. His long, dark hair is tied in a high ponytail and it flutters in the breeze.

His first thought is, oh, he's beautiful.

"Hello," he replies.

The stranger on the roof grins with fox-like glee as he leans forward to look at Lan Zhan. "You're new."

Lan Zhan blinks. "Yes."

The man laughs, bright and warm, and then he tilts forward off the roof.

Lan Zhan feels his heart jump into his throat as he jerks forward and catches the man in his arms.

"You caught me," he whispers and Lan Zhan suddenly realizes just how close their faces are to each other.

His heart pounds in his chest. "You fell," he replies.

The man laughs again. It's soft. Lan Zhan stares in wonder before realizing he's still holding him and lets go, taking a step back.

"So, you're a witch?" the man asks suddenly.

Lan Zhan startles. "How did you—"

"The forest is enchanted," he shrugs.

Lan Zhan tilts his head in question.

"No one except a witch can enter this part of the forest, everyone else will not be able to even see it let alone enter it," he explains, gesturing around him. "And only a witch who wants to be found can enter here."

Lan Zhan's brow furrows.

"Who wants to be found?"

The stranger nods, grey eyes glinting in the autumn light. "You're not the first to come here. But you are the only one now, everyone else leaves when they get settled on their own two feet."

Lan Zhan feels a pang of sadness at that.

Everyone leaves?

"Are you not lonely?" he asks before he can think better of it.

The man's expression shifts to one of shock before sliding into something a little more melancholic. "Ah, well. I have Suibian."

Lan Zhan watches as the black rabbit hops over and butts its head against his leg.

The man reaches down and gives the rabbit a gentle scratch behind the ears.

"You didn't answer," he notes. He's not sure why he's pushing this so hard, he doesn't even know this man.

The man doesn't look at him, focusing on Suibian. "Does it matter?"

"Yes," he replies.

"You don't know me. You don't know what I've done." He turns to look up at him with a serious expression. "What if I deserve this?"

Lan Zhan squints. "What could you have done to warrant such seclusion if you do not wish to be alone?"

"I'm not alone. I have Suibian."

"Answer me."

The man stares at him, body tense before he lets out a sigh and stands upright. "I'm Wei Ying," he says. "The Yiling Laozu. Destroyer Witch."

Lan Zhan sucks in a breath. He hadn't realized that the Yiling Laozu could still be around. He seems far too young.

Wei Ying must sense his confusion and smiles wryly. "Witches have prolonged lifespans. Once we mature our aging process slows down significantly." He huffs a laugh. "Anyway, I deserve to be alone, you see? I help new witches in need and then they go on their way."

Lan Zhan furrows his brow. That doesn't sit right with him. "No."

"No?"

Lan Zhan looks at Wei Ying. "No. I do not believe you deserve to be alone."

Wei Ying guffaws. "Are you serious? I just told you who I am! You have to have heard the stories of what I did."

Stubborn, Lan Zhan crosses his arms. "I do not put stock in rumours. They are often blown out of proportion and changed to fit the needs of those who tell them."

Wei Ying blinks owlishly. "Are you serious?"

He nods. "You seem good. Kind."

"You can't possibly know that!"

Lan Zhan merely raises an eyebrow. "You just told me you help new witches in need so they may feel okay on their own. That is not something most people would do. That is not something someone unkind would do."

Wei Ying puffs a breath. "What if I was cursed to do that?"

"Were you?"

They stare intensely at each other for a beat, the wind rustling the colourful leaves around them. "No," Wei Ying finally admits, seeming rather put out. "You're a stubborn one, huh?"

Oddly, Lan Zhan feels a sense of gleeful pride. "I am."

Wei Ying laughs.

"What's your name, little witch?"

"Lan Zhan."

Wei Ying smiles, warm and true. "Well, Lan Zhan. Welcome to my home. I'm here to teach you all you need to know about your newfound powers. Come on in."

Together, they enter the little cottage.

On a cold winter's day, Lan Zhan left his home.

On an eternal autumn's day, Lan Zhan found a new home.

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Link to thread

#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 29: Olderxian

Lan Zhan got hired by a big tech company right out of college. He is good at what he does and they know it. Because of that, he was fast-tracked to a management position by the time he turned 26. He loves his job.

The only downside to his promotion is that he has to deal with people more often. Not just people in his department, but he also has to deal with other department heads. He's met most of the other managers by his second week in the new position. All but one.

The head of engineering.

He's heard rumours about the man.

They talk of his genius, his humour, his chaotic nature, and most of all they talk about his beauty. Too many times, he has walked by staff members waxing poetic about the man. Frankly, Lan Zhan doesn't buy it.

How can one person garner so much attention? Regardless, he can neither confirm nor deny the rumours as he has still yet to meet the man.

The start of his third week in the position brings a department head meeting. Lan Zhan is the first to arrive.

The others trickle in over the span of a few minutes leaving one empty seat directly across from him.

Right as the meeting starts, the door bursts open and a man rushes in with a flurry of motion. "I'm here! I'm here!" He drops into the seat across from Lan Zhan and sighs.

Their boss looks at the man and shakes her head. "Good of you to finally join us, Wei Ying."

Wei Ying laughs but falls quiet when his eyes land on Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan feels himself freeze like a deer in headlights. The man is stunning, truly.

Lan Zhan has never been one to feel attraction towards anyone. Sure, he can objectively see people being attractive but being attracted is something else. Perhaps, this feeling is a little like that.

He's not sure how he feels about that.

Wei Ying grins like a Cheshire cat.

"You're new because I sure as hell would have remembered a beauty like you," Wei Ying says slyly and Lan Zhan feels his ears burn. "I'm Wei Ying. Engineering."

Oh.

"Lan Zhan," he manages. "Accounting."

Their boss clears her throat. "Can I start now?"

Wei Ying tears his eyes away from Lan Zhan with a light laugh and Lan Zhan suddenly remembers where he is. He blinks and looks down at his notepad, entirely flustered.

The meeting goes by in a bit of a blur and before he knows it, they're packing up to go their separate ways.

Just as he stands, Wei Ying comes around beside him. "Hey, Lan Zhan."

His smile is so nice. "Hello, Wei Ying."

"Are you free for lunch? Figured we could grab a bite together and get to know each other."

Lan Zhan has purposely avoided eating lunch with people at work.

"Okay," he says.

Wei Ying lights up and practically hops. It's oddly endearing. Lan Zhan follows him out of the room to the in-building cafeteria and they settle at a secluded table off to the side.

"So," Wei Ying says as he dips a fry in a sauce. "How's working here?"

"It is good. I enjoy what I do."

Wei Ying chuckles at that. "Well, I should hope so! It always pains me when people get into careers they have no passion for."

"Mn. I am fortunate," he replies.

"That you are. How old are you, by the way?"

He blinks. "I am 26."

Wei Ying lets out a slow breath. "Damn, and you already got promoted? Good on ya. I didn't get my current job until I was 29."

Lan Zhan considers that as he looks at Wei Ying. He isn't sure how old he is, his joy makes him feel so young. He can't be that much older than him.

"Trying to figure out how old I am?" Wei Ying asks with a smirk. Lan Zhan freezes, ashamed. It must show on his face because Wei Ying's expression softens. "It's alright, I don't mind. I'm 37."

Lan Zhan blinks, absorbing that. That's older than he would have guessed.

Not that Wei Ying is old by any means. Awkwardly, still a bit ashamed, Lan Zhan nods and turns his attention to his food.

Wei Ying snickers. "You're cute, you know that?"

Lan Zhan feels himself blush. He doesn't think anyone has called him cute before.

"Oh, also, fair warning. I am known to flirt a lot by default so I just want to you know that if you are uncomfortable with that, tell me, and I will make sure not to do that with you. Okay?"

Lan Zhan nods. "I do not mind it," he says quietly.

"Good," Wei Ying says as he leans his head against the palm of his hand. "But feel free to tell me to shut up if I ever get too annoying."

The rest of their lunch breezes by and Lan Zhan finds he enjoyed himself a lot. So much so that he actively begins to seek Wei Ying out.

They begin eating together once a week. One time turns to two times, which turns to three times. Eventually, they are eating together every day. Lan Zhan eats mostly in silence as he listens to Wei Ying talk about whatever topic his mind supplies at the moment.

It's nice.

Lan Zhan has never had an easy time making connections with people. He has two people he considers friends and one of them is a family friend. He starts to view Wei Ying as an actual friend.

And then...

He starts to view Wei Ying differently.

He knew, right from the start, that Wei Ying was beautiful. But Lan Zhan starts finding himself wanting to reach out and touch Wei Ying, hold him, kiss him. And he knows, he loves Wei Ying.

A lot.

He came to that realization during one of their after-work hangs.

There, seated on Wei Ying's couch together, Wei Ying's feet in his lap, Lan Zhan realized his feelings.

He's heard people talk about falling in love but he never knew you could fall so slowly—so softly—that you didn't see it happen until you landed.

Lan Zhan stared at Wei Ying instead of the movie the whole time.

So, yeah. He is in love with Wei Ying who has also become his best friend. And, he's not sure what to do with that information. He doesn't know how Wei Ying feels and he doesn't want things to change too much.

He adores the relationship they have. It feels so natural and nice. He doesn't feel a burning need to push for more quite honestly. That's not to say that he wouldn't welcome more. Kissing and physical intimacy with Wei Ying would be wonderful, but he loves where they're at.

Perhaps someday, things will change. But for now, he's content with this.

He loves Wei Ying.

And that's enough.

----------

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 28: Wandering Poetxian

Wei Wuxian travels the land on the back of his beloved and strong-willed donkey, Little Apple, in search of something.

He doesn't know what exactly he's searching for.

A muse of sorts, he supposes.

He wanders and writes poetry.

The thing is, despite his search and his lack of a muse, Wei Wuxian has become a very popular poet under the guise of Yiling Laozu.

When he has written enough for it to be bound into a book, he wanders into a town and the books get made and distributed.

He doesn't care for the attention, really. Wei Wuxian is quite content with the quiet, wandering life he leads as he explores the land and the nature around him. He meets plenty of people on his travels and enjoys many conversations.

But something is missing.

And then, he finds it.

His muse.

Wei Wuxian had wandered into Gusu and made his way up a mountain. There, he found him.

Ethereal beauty in the pale moonlight, skin like jade glowing in the cool mountain waters, long black hair flowing down a toned back, and eyes...

Wei Wuxian stares, stunned as the most striking light brown eyes meet his gaze with a glare. They shine almost gold in the light.

He shudders.

The man stands suddenly, swiftly dressing in his robes before marching up to him.

"What are you doing here?"

Oh... That voice.

Wei Wuxian could write for a year and never exhaust the things he could say about that voice.

Belatedly, he realizes the man is waiting for him to respond. He quickly clears his throat. "Ah, um... Wandering?"

He hadn't meant it to be a question. Oh well.

The man slightly raises an eyebrow at him. "This is private property."

Wei Wuxian blinks. "Oh. Sorry, I didn't know. I'll uh..." He awkwardly gestures back down the mountain. "I'll head back down and find a room at an inn for the night. Sorry again."

Just as he starts to walk away the man speaks, making him stop. "There is a festival in the town right now." Wei Wuxian gives him a questioning look. "The inns will be fully booked."

"Ah..." Wei Wuxian shrugs. "Well, then it won't be the first night I've spent under the sky."

He waves and begins walking away, mentally drafting the next few poems he will write when he gets the chance. Just as he reaches the spot where he tied Little Apple he hears someone following him.

"Wait," the man says. "You can stay here. I have a spare room."

Wei Wuxian freezes, hand gripping Little Apple's reins. "Are you sure?" he asks, unable to turn and look at the beautiful stranger.

A beat and then, "Yes."

He lets out a breath and turns to face him. "Thank you. I'm Wei Wuxian."

"It is no problem. I am Lan Wangji."

Wei Wuxian smiles. "Lead the way, Lan Wangji."

Lan Wangji's home is sparsely decorated and clean. It's nice, but it makes Wei Wuxian feel small with how big it feels despite it not actually being a large home. Regardless, it is lovely and he says as much.

"I will read for a little while before going to bed if that is okay with you," Lan Wangji says as they settle in the main room.

Wei Wuxian nods. "Sure, sure. I want to get some writing done so that's so problem!"

With that, they fall into a companionable silence.

The only sounds are the turning of pages and the swipe of the brush.

Wei Wuxian writes like a madman, getting all the mentally drafted poems down as well as a few others before he settles back and breathes. He turns to look at Lan Wangji and zeros in on the book he's reading.

It seems familiar but he can't see the title from this angle.

"Hey," he mutters.

"Mn?"

"What book are you reading?"

Lan Wangji looks at him over the book. "A collection of poetry by Yiling Laozu."

Wei Wuxian manages to choke on his own spit. "Yiling Laozu?" he squeaks.

"Mn. It is their third collection to be precise. It is my favourite."

Wei Wuxian's mouth falls open in shock, unable to speak. Unable to even think up words to try and say. He just dumbly stares at the beautiful, kind man across the room.

And then, he laughs. High and frantic.

Lan Wangji's brow scrunches in concern and he gently places the book down beside him. "Are you alright?"

Wei Wuxian nods, still laughing. "You're not gonna believe this," he declares before forcing himself to calm and settle.

Lan Wangji just watched him, confused.

With a deep breath, Wei Wuxian looks at Lan Wangji in the eye and says, "I am Yiling Laozu."

They stare at each other in silence for what feels like an eternity. Wei Wuxian's insides are crawling. He waits.

"You are?"

He nods.

"Is that more poetry that you've been writing?"

He nods again.

"Can I read it?"

Wei Wuxian falters. "Uhhhhhhhhh..."

Lan Wangji tilts his head (cute) and says, "If you'd rather I not, I understand. I was just curious to see if it is truly you. Yiling Laozu is my favourite poet."

Wei Wuxian makes an ungodly sound at that.

"Uh, yeah. Sure. But, I mean, it's not my usual work haha... I normally write about nature and—well, you know that already aha. Um..." He feels himself blushing furiously as he grabs the papers he scrawled onto and holds them out. "Here."

Gently, Lan Wangji takes them.

He starts to read and Wei Wuxian simultaneously doesn't want to look and can't bring himself to look away. He watches the minute changes in expression as Lan Wangji reads through the poems.

Poems about him.

Wei Wuxian can't move. He doesn't think he's even breathing.

Eventually, Lan Wangji slowly sets the pages down and looks at him. "You..."

Wei Wuxian squirms, biting his lip. "I've been searching for a muse for a long time," he blurts out.

Lan Wangji's eyes widen in shock and Wei Wuxian hears him gasp quietly. "A muse?"

He nods.

"Are you saying I'm your muse?"

Wei Wuxian swallows thickly, his mouth feeling so dry. "Yes," he whispers, barely audible.

Lan Wangji hears it anyway. "Oh."

He doesn't know how to read that. Disappointed? Disgusted?

"You may call me Lan Zhan if you wish."

Oh.

"Okay, Lan Zhan." He likes how that sounds. How it feels to say his name. "Call me Wei Ying."

Their gazes are locked and that's why Wei Wuxian notices the tiny changes in his expression. He's smiling. "Mn. Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian smiles back.

----------

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 27: Flight

Wei Ying placed his suitcase in the overhead compartment before sitting in his seat with a sigh. He was tense and anxious, not about the flight but about what it represents.

He is leaving his old life to start anew.

On his own.

Things back in Yunmeng just got too... hard. At a certain point, you just have to accept that things won't be getting any better and move on. So, Wei Ying transferred to the Gusu engineering branch of the company he works for.

Goodbye Yunmeng. Hello Gusu.

It was simultaneously harder and easier to make the decision to finally leave. Funny how that works.

So, yeah. Here he is. Alone. On a plane heading to Gusu. Where he's going to start his life anew (aside from work, that is) and move on from his past.

He's staring out the little window when movement catches his eye in the aisle. He turns and finds a small, timid child with a flight attendant helping him out his suitcase in the overhead bin. Wei Ying watches as the kid thanks the attendant with a small bow.

Wei Ying catches sight of the small, rabbit backpack he has on and his heart melts at the cuteness.

Then, the kid climbs into the seat next to him and shifts awkwardly.

"Hello. I am Lan Yuan," the kid says to Wei Ying.

Wei Ying smiles. "I'm Wei Ying. First time flying?"

Lan Yuan shakes his head, small hands gripping his backpack. "I flew with Baba before."

Wei Ying nods. "So, is this your first time flying alone then?" Lan Yuan nods nervously. "Ah, well don't worry. I'll keep you company the whole flight, okay?"

"Mn."

The final people are boarding the plane and Wei Ying notices that Lan Yuan keeps glancing over him to the window before quickly looking away when Wei Ying turns to him. Wei Ying catches the attention of a flight attendant and asks if he can switch seats with Lan Yuan.

Lan Yuan's expression lights up with hope when he hears that and Wei Ying smiles at that. The flight attendant nods.

Wei Ying turns to the boy. "Would you like the window seat so you can look out?"

"Yes, please," Lan Yuan replies in a quiet voice.

Wei Ying gets up and helps Lan Yuan move over into that seat before settling down in the aisle seat. Lan Yuan has his face all but pressed against the window, looking out at the tarmac below.

Before long, the plane is moving and getting ready to take off.

The moment they start to lift off the ground, Lan Yuan sucks in a sharp breath and his tiny hand flies to Wei Ying's, squeezing it tightly.

Wei Ying squeezes back, though not nearly as tightly, and tells Lan Yuan to look out the window. He does.

"Pretty," he whispers.

Wei Ying chuckles. "It really is."

They reach flying altitude and Lan Yuan is far more relaxed now, chattering with Wei Ying about all sorts of things. He tells him about his bunnies back home and how his visit with Popo went and how he misses Baba.

Wei Ying is so enamoured with the cute little boy and his storytelling that he doesn't even spare a thought for his own anxiety. Lan Yuan settled something in him and he's thankful for the surprisingly talkative boy.

The flight flies by (hah) and soon they're landing.

Lan Yuan once again holds Wei Ying's hand through the descent, but not as tightly this time. He stares in wonder as the ground below grows closer and closer.

They land with no issues and then Wei Ying helps Lan Yuan get all of his things, walking him into the airport.

When they reach baggage claim Lan Yuan gasps. "Baba!" he exclaims, hopping and waving wildly at—

Wow...

Lan Yuan's baba is hot. And Wei Ying never uses that term. Wei Ying stares for a moment as the man meets his gaze.

Wei Ying shakes it off and turns to Lan Yuan.

"Let's find your bag, Little Radish, then you can go see your Baba."

Lan Yuan nods and rushes over, looking for his bag. Wei Ying finds his own, grabbing it and waiting for Lan Yuan to point out his bag.

"There it is!" he exclaims, pointing to a sky-blue suitcase.

Wei Ying grabs it for him and then Lan Yuan runs off and launches at his dad in a hug. Wei Ying smiles at that with a hint of melancholy as he starts to leave.

"Ying-gege!"

Wei Ying doesn't have time to react before Lan Yuan practically tackles him, hugging his leg.

"Thank you! Will I see you again?" Big eyes stare up at him and his chest squeezes.

"Ah..." He looks up and meets Lan Yuan's dad's gaze. "I don't know, Little Radish. But you don't have to thank me for anything."

Lan Yuan's lip quivers.

"A-Yuan," his dad says.

Lan Yuan sighs and steps back.

Wei Ying feels torn. This feels so significant for some reason and he just... He feels at a loss.

Slowly, he crouches down to look at Lan Yuan. "If it's meant to happen, we will see each other again. Okay?"

With a pout, Lan Yuan nods.

He hugs him again quickly before rushing back to his dad's side and shoving his face into his leg.

Wei Ying rises and meets the man's gaze. They nod at each other and it takes a lot of effort for Wei Ying to tear his gaze away and leave.

He does.

A week later, Wei Ying walks into a coffeeshop before his first day at his new job and immediately locks eyes with Lan Yuan's dad as he's walking to the exit. They freeze, staring at each other.

Wei Ying laughs and walks forward. "Lan Yuan's baba, fancy meeting you here."

"Mn. You may call me Lan Zhan," he replies.

Wei Ying smiles. "Wei Ying. I'm new to Gusu, perhaps you could show me around sometime, Lan Zhan?"

Lan Zhan inclines his head. "You will have to give me your number then, Wei Ying."

He does.

Moving to Gusu was a good idea.

----------

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 26: Wuxiaxian

Lan Zhan has a secret.

There is one book that he reads over and over. He reads fanfiction for it and even writes it himself when he can't find enough for his favourite character.

It's a Wuxia novel, frowned upon by his uncle.

But Lan Zhan is an adult living on his own now with adult money.

Lan Zhan's favourite character is, unfortunately, a prominent side character by the name of Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian, unfortunately, dies near the end of the book.

Lan Zhan has read and written many fix-its for Wei Wuxian, unable to accept that end for him. Wei Wuxian is such a strong character in will, morals, and physicality. Wei Wuxian only died due to other people's greed and hatred.

Wei Wuxian died a hated man.

He was not deserving of that hatred.

Lan Zhan and a select few in the fandom who also like Wei Wuxian work tirelessly to clear Wei Wuxian's name not just in their fanfics, but also among others in the fandom.

The truly unfortunate thing about a book painting a character in such light because other characters believe the lie means that many fans of the book believe the lie despite everything else pointing to it being false.

It goes to show how the lies and hatred in the book grew.

There are so many fans who stick to their hatred so strongly that it truly pains Lan Zhan to see his favourite character slandered.

He tries to avoid interacting with hateful people, sticking to writing analyses of the novel and characters in hopes of teaching people.

But, one day, he gets the most hateful and vitriolic comment on one of his character analyses. It's one focused on the main perpetrator of the lie that brought Wei Wuxian to his end. He explored the hatred and greed that that character possessed, pointing out their wrongs.

He was factual, taking directly from the text and not skewing anything in the slightest. He was merely pointing out the things that people seem to miss when it comes to the beginning of Wei Wuxian's end.

That leads to one of that character's "stans" to jump into his comments.

They spew the most vile things at and about him. They call him names he never would dare to utter. They claim he is slandering their favourite character when all he did was point out the things he had done, right there in the text. They don't listen to him.

He tries to calmly stop them and then he blocks them. But suddenly, he starts getting more and more comments like that, coming in waves. They start to DM him too. It's overwhelming and he works to block each of them.

He can't handle this. Lan Zhan takes a step back and breathes.

He is just going to go to sleep and hope that things are calmer in the morning. He never expected such hatred over stating what is actually canon. He'll deal with it in the morning.

Only...

Lan Zhan doesn't wake up in his bed.

As he slowly opens his eyes he finds himself squinting at the brightness of the sky above him and—

Wait. The sky?

Abruptly, Lan Zhan shoots up into a seated position and is so distracted by the wild sound of his heartbeat as he looks around that he almost misses the yelp.

Lan Zhan looks around him and finds he's in the middle of a grassy field under the shade of a large tree. He, perhaps, is panicking quite a bit. How did he get here? He doesn't even live near a field like this.

"Woah, there!" a voice says. "Calm down, just breathe."

The voice is kind and soothing, enough that Lan Zhan doesn't question it and tries to take its advice. He forces himself to take a slow, deep breath, choking on it as he does.

"Good, good. Now exhale and do it again," the voice says. Lan Zhan does. "Again."

As Lan Zhan breathes, he starts to settle. His heart stops racing so wildly and his brain begins to come back online, able to process thoughts again.

The first thing he thinks is, Who is speaking to me?

Lan Zhan turns to where the voice is coming from.

He is met with a striking, grey gaze that knocks the breath back out of him. Lan Zhan stares in shock for a moment as he processes what he is seeing. They are male in appearance with long black hair tied up in a ponytail with a red ribbon and donning a set of dark robes.

The robes are the kind of thing Lan Zhan would expect to see in a Wuxia film. He expects this is a cosplayer or perhaps just someone who really enjoys that kind of fashion. He has to admit, it's a good look for them.

That brings him back to their face.

They have beautiful features, soft and sharp in all the right places to be truly striking. And then, they smile, and Lan Zhan feels as if the world tilts from under him.

"Hey, welcome back. Feeling better?" they ask.

It's all Lan Zhan can do to nod.

The person eyes him with a mischievous curiosity. "You're a strange one, aren't you? I've never seen anyone dressed in this fashion."

Lan Zhan's brows furrow together as he tears his gaze away from them to look down at himself. To his horror, he's in his pajamas.

He feels heat rush to his ears in a furious blush of embarrassment that this beautiful stranger is seeing him in such a state. It's a light blue pajama set with a smattering of white fluffy bunnies all over; a gag gift from his brother years ago, but are immensely comfortable.

The stranger chuckles and Lan Zhan turns back to them, ready to say something but the words get caught in his throat at the sight of their laughter. The sheer joy on their face is so sweet to see.

"Ah~ don't worry. I'm not laughing at you," they say.

He finds he wasn't worried.

It surprises him, but he feels such a visceral connection with this person, a deep understanding that makes him feel as if he knows them.

As if he knows their heart to be good.

"I know," he says, voice strained.

They look at him, searching. Then, they nod in acceptance.

"Good," they say. Then, "You're cute."

Lan Zhan blushes more and averts his gaze.

"Where am I?" Lan Zhan asks as he fiddles with the grass beneath him.

"Yiling."

Lan Zhan stiffens, mind whirling. "What did you say?" he asks slowly as he turns back to them.

They cock their head, curious. "This is Yiling."

Heart pounding, Lan Zhan closes his hands into tight fists around the grass in an attempt to ground himself. "What is your name?" His voice is strained.

"Oh!" they exclaim, smiling. "Wei Ying, courtesy Wuxian!"

Lan Zhan stares wide-eyed as he takes everything in. Everything he knows about who Wei Wuxian is from the novel is right there in front of him and he doesn't know how he didn't clue in.

But...

He did, didn't he? He had felt an innate understanding of them, had he not?

His grasp on reality flutters away and he feels as if he's in freefall. How? Why? What happened? How is this real?

Never has he dreamt so vividly, so realistically. This can't be a dream, but how can it be reality? He doesn't understand.

He thinks he's panicking again.

Wei Wuxian (!!!) startles and shifts closer, trying to calm him down again.

How is this real? This doesn't make sense. How is he here?

"What do you mean?" Wei Wuxian asks suddenly and Lan Zhan takes a moment to realize he'd been muttering out loud over and over.

"You're not real," Lan Zhan chokes out.

Wei Wuxian guffaws and pokes Lan Zhan in the cheek. Lan Zhan looks up, suddenly incredulous. "Did that not feel real?"

Lan Zhan huffs, gradually calming. "It did."

"There you go! I'm real!"

He shakes his head. "No."

Wei Wuxian whines and pouts. "Aiyo, how am I not real?"

Uncertain on how to say it, Lan Zhan just goes for blunt and factual. "You are a character in my favourite fiction novel."

Wei Wuxian blinks, the teasing pout slipping from his face. "What do you mean?"

Lan Zhan takes a breath and exhales it slowly. "Yiling is not a real place where I am from. It is a fictional setting in a fictional novel that you are a fictional character in."

Wei Wuxian doesn't react. He just stares at him with a blank expression. Lan Zhan wants to squirm.

"Okay."

Lan Zhan blinks. "Okay?"

Wei Wuxian nods, shrugging. "Yeah, okay. I believe you. You're very clearly not from around here. Plus, you essentially popped out of thin air in front of me. So, I believe you."

Lan Zhan lets out a startled breath. "Oh."

Wei Wuxian hums. "So, I'm a novel character, huh?"

"Yes."

He leans forward, a slow grin stretching across his face. "Was I the main character?"

Lan Zhan shakes his head. "No."

Wei Wuxian pouts at that and Lan Zhan has the sudden, burning need to make him smile at any cost.

"But you are my favourite character," he adds quickly and then immediately regrets it when the smile on Wei Wuxian's face turns almost predatory.

Wei Wuxian leans his face very close to Lan Zhan's own. "I was your favourite character, huh? How fortunate for me."

Lan Zhan gulps.

"Tell me your name," Wei Wuxian whispers in his ear.

Lan Zhan shivers at the feeling of his breath fanning against his skin. "Lan Zhan," he murmurs.

"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian says, drawing back to meet his gaze. "Call me Wei Ying."

"Wei Ying," he says.

Wei Wuxian—Wei Ying—smiles at him. "Good! Now, tell me more about this story. What happens to me?"

Lan Zhan instantly feels as if a bucket of ice water was dunked over his head.

His expression must give that away because Wei Ying's humour drains away. "Oh. Not good?"

It feels like something is squeezing his throat. He shakes his head. "No."

Wei Ying sits back with a dry huff. "Tell me."

Lan Zhan wants to cry. "You are framed for a crime you did not commit, are hunted, and then killed violently."

Wei Ying breathes a punched-out breath.

"You did not deserve that ending. I have always been mad about the author doing that to you."

Wei Ying hums dully. "I get it."

Lan Zhan looks at him with a question in his eyes.

Wei Ying sighs. "I know what I'm like. I'm a lot and I go against the norm." He shrugs. "It fits."

"No," Lan Zhan grits out. "No, it does not. Wei Ying, you are so good and you challenge the way the world works. You fight against the corruptness of it all even if that means you have to create a new path all alone. What happens isn't something you deserve."

Wei Ying stares at him in shock for a beat before smiling softly. "Ah... You weren't kidding when you said I was your favourite character, huh?"

Lan Zhan feels himself blush as he realizes how intense he got. He looks away, suddenly shy.

He feels Wei Ying bump his shoulder.

"Hey, for what it's worth, I'm glad I have someone like you who supports me."

"Mn..."

They sit in silence for a while, shoulders gently pressed together as a cool breeze brushes against them.

"What if we could change my fate?" Wei Ying says suddenly.

Lan Zhan looks at him. "What do you mean?"

Wei Ying turns his body to face him, an excited energy coursing through him. "I mean, you. You're here now and you know what happens to me and how. What if we plan a way to get out of that situation? You can change my fate!"

Lan Zhan's eyes widen in realization and his heart flutters. He could save Wei Ying. He can make an actual difference that isn't just silly fix-it fics.

He may not know how truly real this is, but if there's even the slightest chance he could give Wei Ying a better end...

"Yes," he says firmly. "Yes. Let's change your fate."

Wei Ying's smile is blinding and Lan Zhan never wants to look away. "We'll need to get you some different clothes then," he teases.

Lan Zhan once again blushes over the reminder that he's in his bunny pajamas.

He nods his head with a huff of quiet laughter and stands up. He looks down at Wei Ying, their hair blowing in the breeze, and holds out his hand. "Let's change your fate."

Wei Ying takes his hand and stands up beside him with a smile. "Let's go."

----------

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 25: Cookxian

Wei Ying is the proud owner of a small spicy noodle shop. It's a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, which obviously means his noodles are the best (true) and he has a slew of regulars bringing him a steady income. He loves his little shop.

He works most days, cooking the noodles with love. He has a couple of others on staff, but he's the main cook.

Wei Ying loves the motion of making the noodles. The feel of the dough moulding beneath his hands is soothing to him.

The specialty is spicy noodles, as advertised.

But one day, Mo Xuanyu sidles up to him as he's cooking a batch of noodles.

"New table requested to talk to you. The hot one asked for no spice," he says.

Wei Ying blinks and turns to look at him incredulously. "No spice? At all?"

Mo Xuanyu shrugs. "Go ask for yourself."

Wei Ying huffs, instructing Mo Xuanyu to take over the cooking noodles as Wei Ying walks out to the seating area to find the newly seated table of four.

"Hi, can I help you..." Wei Ying trails off, smile melting into a stunned look as his eyes land on a truly stunning man.

"Apologies," the man says in a deep, smooth voice. "I am... unused to spice and was wondering if it were possible for me to order a meal without spice."

Wei Ying's brain takes a moment to jump-start and actually process the words. Once he does, he smirks flirtatiously.

"Oh, sure. I wouldn't want to be too hot for you to handle," he says with a wink. "I mean, my noodles. But I'm sure we can build up a tolerance if you ever come back around."

He watches with glee as the man's ears take on a rosy hue and his companions giggle to themselves.

"I'll make a spice exception for you," he finishes.

The man nods solemnly. "Thank you."

Wei Ying smiles brightly, not sparing any mind to the other customers at the table, and then he walks back to get started on the order.

He cooks up a batch with no spice, giving extra care.

The noodles look sad without the lively colour of spices. Despite that, he works extra hard on making the presentation of the bowl look as good as possible before he brings it out himself, Mo Xuanyu brings out the rest of the order.

Wei Ying smiles to himself as he leaves.

Friday evening one week later, that same beautiful man walks in. Wei Ying smiles and makes his way over.

"Ah, welcome back! Here for another bowl of spiceless noddles?" he teases.

"Mn, I was actually wondering if you could help me build up my spice tolerance."

Wei Ying gapes. "Really?"

The man nods.

"Okay!" he exclaims, far too excited about the fact that he's going to be helping a complete stranger build up a spice tolerance so he can eat good food. "Since I'm going to be helping you, can I have your name?"

"Lan Zhan."

"Lan Zhan... You have a lovely name. I'm Wei Ying!"

The man—Lan Zhan seems to smile ever so slightly. "Pleasure to meet you, Wei Ying."

The sound of his name in that voice makes something shift inside of him. He takes a shuttering breath. "Well! I'll get started on your meal!"

Wei Ying cooks up a batch and adds the smallest amount of spice he can. It looks rather sad if he's being honest, but it's something. He smiles as he brings it out and lets out a started laugh when Lan Zhan coughs after his first bite. He really has no spice tolerance.

That becomes a weekly occurrence. Lan Zhan comes in on Friday after work and Wei Ying greets him, makes him a meal with slightly more spice than last week, and Lan Zhan eats it (and coughs).

They gradually start chatting when Lan Zhan comes in, getting to know each other more.

Wei Ying really enjoys talking with Lan Zhan. He's quiet and reserved, but also smart and funny and kind. Wei Ying enjoys every moment he gets to spend with Lan Zhan.

Weeks pass and it turns into months. Wei Ying eventually asks for Lan Zhan's number so they can chat more.

Lan Zhan gives it easily and they start talking every day.

A few weeks after that, Lan Zhan asks Wei Ying out on a date.

Wei Ying happily agrees and they have the best time.

Lan Zhan keeps coming to his shop every Friday for a slightly spicier meal.

Three years after the first time they met, Lan Zhan is able to handle Wei Ying level spice.

Wei Ying proposes the moment Lan Zhan finishes his meal.

Lan Zhan accepts saying, "Now you know I can handle your heat."

Wei Ying laughs so hard he cries. And cries because he said yes.

They have a small wedding with a spicy noodle challenge and they laugh together as they watch people try and fail to handle the spice they both are now able to.

Lan Zhan still prefers blander meals, but he enjoys being able to share the food Wei Ying loves.

Wei Ying has never been happier and he is ever grateful to Lan Zhan's coworker who suggested they go to his noodle shop.

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 24: Found Family

Wei Ying has never really had a home, a family. He had his parents who loved him for his first few years of life but they were taken from him. Then, he was alone, bouncing around the system until the Jiangs took him in.

It was better than before.

It wasn't good.

He was the foster kid, never adopted, allowed to stay. His foster siblings were loving in their own ways and Wei Ying chose to stay for them. He could have run away so many times like he had before, but he chose to stay.

It wasn't easy.

Then, the moment he turned 18, Madam Yu looked him in the eye and told him he was no longer welcome in their home, he was not a part of their family, and he needed to leave.

So, he did.

He found a cheap room to rent and finished highschool online so he could work more.

He saved up enough money and moved across the country for college.

His first-year roommate was a sweet, timid boy named Wen Ning. Wei Ying quickly attached himself to him and deemed him his best friend. The boy flustered easily and was shy but Wei Ying helped him grow confident.

Through Wen Ning, he met Wen Qing. They got along swimmingly and he had another friend. When the holidays came around, Wen Ning noticed Wei Ying had nowhere to go and invited him to their Granny's place over the break. He was reluctant to agree, not wanting to impose.

Wen Qing found out and practically scolded him for going.

There, he met Granny Wen, a whole slew of aunties and uncles, and the most precious baby in all the world: Wen Yuan.

Wen Yuan hugged Wei Ying's leg the moment he stepped into the small home and he knew he was done for.

The Wens welcomed him in warmly with open arms and Wei Ying couldn't help the way it pulled at him. They showed him care and love in a way he hadn't felt in a long time. They never expected anything of him, never talked of debts and owing. They were kind.

Wei Ying had a home.

Wei Ying had a family.

He took to spending a lot of time around Wen Yuan when he wasn't working or in class. The boy was the sweetest thing and Wei Ying melted every time he looked at that tiny adorable face.

Wen Yuan was an orphan just like him, but unlike him, he was loved.

Wei Ying swore to himself to never let Wen Yuan go without love, he would do everything in his power to support and protect this little boy.

On one of the days he was playing in the park with Wen Yuan, he noticed another boy from school. Wei Ying had seen him around before.

They shared a class in their first semester but Wei Ying never got the chance to talk to him. He'd always wanted to. He's seen how smart Lan Zhan is and thought they could be great friends if he had the chance.

Quickly picking Wen Yuan up, he ran over to Lan Zhan.

He called out to him and Lan Zhan stopped, turning to look at him with confusion. Wei Ying watched as his face suddenly softened at the sight of Wen Yuan in his arms.

"Wei Ying," Lan Zhan said and Wei Ying smiled. He knew his name!

After that Wei Ying and Lan Zhan talked often.

Their friendship quickly blossomed and Wei Ying was over the moon at how intelligent and funny Lan Zhan was. He couldn't believe he was finally getting to befriend him.

A while later, Wei Ying invited Lan Zhan over to the Wens' home (at the behest of Granny Wen).

It was there, watching Lan Zhan quietly read to a sleepy Wen Yuan curled on his lap, that Wei Ying realized he had fallen in love with the man at some point. He didn't even see it happen. It was so quiet he didn't hear it.

It felt right.

Lan Zhan looked up at Wei Ying across the room with the softest expression when Wen Yuan finally dozed off, tiny hand gripping Lan Zhan's clothes. Wei Ying smiled at the pair of them and felt something settle inside of him.

Here, he is loved.

Here, he is safe.

They put Wen Yuan to bed and then Wei Ying took Lan Zhan by the hand and walked him out into the small backyard. The stars were out, watching over them as Wei Ying looked into Lan Zhan's eyes and confessed his feelings.

There, they kissed under the night sky.

Wei Ying was finally surrounded by warmth and love. He was wanted in multiple ways. He was so happy.

Finally, he had a family of his own. Sure, it was one he found and built himself, but it was real all the same.

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 23: Detectivexian

Wei Ying loves his job. Sure, a lot of it is boring surveillance that either leads to absolutely nothing or the proof that "Yes, your husband IS a cheating scumbag." He's not complaining about that though, he's still paid for his time.

He's always enjoyed solving mysteries and playing spy growing up, so this seemed like the perfect career choice for him.

It's a slow day when someone about his age comes swirling into his office with the most dramatic flair he's ever witnessed. They flutter their fan and sit.

"You have to help me!"

Wei Ying shifts forward. "What do you need help with?"

They shut their fan, slamming into their open palm. "I think my brother's boyfriend's boyfriend is planning to hurt my brother and I need the proof," they say simply.

Wei Ying blinks. "Your brother's boyfriend is trying to hurt him?"

They shake their head. "No, no. My brother's boyfriend's boyfriend. My brother's boyfriend is polyamorous, my brother is not. But I think my brother's in trouble with the other boyfriend. They don't get along."

"I see... And what makes you think the other boyfriend is going to hurt your brother?"

They quickly open their fan, covering part of their face and shifting their eyes around. "I don't know, I really don't know."

"Mhm... And you said they don't get along?"

"That's right."

"Do you know why that is?"

They shake their head. "I don't know anything."

"Sure sure," he dismisses. "Well, tell me their names, I'll see what I can do."

They smile. "Wonderful! I'm Nie Huaisang and money is no issue at all. I was a thorough investigation."

Sounds like a good deal, if a bit odd. "You got it. Now, their names?"

"Right! My brother is Nie Mingjue. His boyfriend is Lan Huan. It's Meng Yao, the other boyfriend, that I want you to look into. There's something off about that man, I just know it."

Wei Ying nods, jotting down the names and relation to each other so he doesn't get confused. "Alright, you can leave your information with my assistant out front and I'll check in with you when I have some news."

They stand up quickly and shake his hand, thanking him profusely.

Wei Ying watches with wry amusement as they leave his office. What a unique individual.

He gets to work.

First up, as always, is a routine background check of everyone involved. He takes his time going through various databases looking up each individual.

He also takes time to look into those who are shown to be close to them to get a feel for them. It's basic, routine stuff. But this time Wei Ying finds himself getting off track when he stumbles upon Lan Huan's younger brother. He is so stunningly beautiful he gets distracted.

Eventually, he forces himself back on track but he secretly hopes he gets a chance to meet Lan Zhan in person.

When he gets to Meng Yao he finds something strange. His online presence and accessible information are far less than the average person.

It's not unheard of for people to come up like this on his searches. More often than not when that happens, that person is hiding something. Wei Ying doesn't jump to conclusions based on his preliminary searches, but that is a bit of a... shall we say, rose-coloured flag.

It's not exactly a red flag. People have had very valid reasons for this before and they were completely innocent of what they were being accused of. But, he clocks it all the same.

Wei Ying sets out after that to do surveillance and get a read on how this guy lives his life.

He carefully follows Meng Yao for a few days without anything much happening. The guy seems normal enough, but Nie Huaisang was right that something was off about him. He can't quite put his finger on why he feels that way, though.

So, he watches.

Meng Yao seems nice on the surface, but on his second day of surveillance, he watches Lan Huan interact with his two boyfriends. Nie Mingjue does nothing to hide the disdain he holds towards Meng Yao, but Meng Yao is sneaky.

Wei Ying watches closely as Meng Yao smiles sweetly in front of Lan Huan but the moment his boyfriend isn't looking Meng Yao's expression switches like a flip. It turns into something dark and hateful. It gives Wei Ying chills to watch that happen.

Lan Huan is clearly unaware.

Wei Ying honestly hopes that Meng Yao just doesn't like Nie Mingjue much and puts on a nice act for his boyfriend's sake. He truly hopes it's only that.

But something nags at him that there's more to it than that.

Then, on the third day, Wei Ying follows Meng Yao out of town.

Meng Yao makes his way to a deserted warehouse and gets out of his car. Wei Ying watches through his telephoto lens as Meng Yao meets with someone. Wei Ying can't tell who it is from this angle but he makes sure to take lots of photos.

Then, just as Meng Yao leaves, they turn.

Wei Ying snaps a photo of their face and the gnawing, nagging feeling grows. He's seen that man somewhere before, but where?

When he gets back home he pulls up that photo and cross-references it, searching for a match.

It doesn't take long.

Xue Yang.

Arrested for mass murder.

He got off on a technicality. Wei Ying remembers hearing about that case, Jin Guangshan was the judge presiding over the case. There was an uproar over it and then Xue Yang disappeared without a trace, some celebrity dated someone, and everyone forgot about Xue Yang.

Wei Ying does a deep dive into Jin Guangshan and ends up finding out he has a long and promiscuous history that resulted in his having many illegitimate children. Wei Ying freezes when he sees it. A report from another PI that was hired by Jin Guangshan's wife.

They found out that Jin Guangshan met up with a woman with the family name of Meng. The same Meng as in Meng Yao. There's a photo of her and when Wei Ying studies it alongside Jin Guangshan's face, he sees it clear as day.

Meng Yao is Jin Guangshan's son.

This is getting far more twisted than he ever expected it to.

He spends a little more time deep-diving into everything and everyone involved in this. He genuinely believes Nie Mingjue is in serious danger if Meng Yao knows Xue Yang.

He shoots off a text to Nie Huaisang as he leaves his apartment, and then another to his assistant to send what he found to the local law authorities. Then, he heads to Lan Huan's house and hopes he's not with Meng Yao tonight.

He rings the doorbell and fidgets nervously.

Lan Huan answers the door and smiles at him with a hint of confusion. "May I help you?"

"Hi! Sorry, you don't know me but I'm a private investigator and I was wondering if you were available to talk about something rather important."

"Oh? Of course, do you mind if I ask—"

"A-Huan?" a sickeningly sweet voice calls from further in the house. "Who is it dear?"

"A private investigator," Lan Huan replies.

Then, to Wei Ying's ever-mounting dread, Meng Yao comes into view and smiles at Wei Ying. "Oh, I see. Come on in."

Wei Ying forces a smile.

"Thank you, but I was hoping to speak to Lan Huan alone if you don't mind," he replies.

Meng Yao's smile sharpens into something almost predatory. "Nonsense, I'm sure I can be of help to you too. Come inside, Wei Ying."

Wei Ying's smile immediately falls from his face.

Somehow, Meng Yao already knows who he is.

The dread grows and grows.

He glances at Lan Huan but the man seems almost blissfully unaware of the murderous undertones happening right in front of him. Wei Ying curses his luck and forces the smile back on his face. "Of course."

He enters.

Meng Yao leads him into the livingroom and then tells Lan Huan to make them some tea. The moment Lan Huan is out of sight Meng Yao's smile drops.

"Why are you here?"

"I think you already know that," Wei Ying replies.

Meng Yao hums. "Perhaps."

"It truly is unfortunate that you're here. You've ruined everything. Who hired you?" Meng Yao continues.

"I'm not at liberty to say."

Meng Yao scoffs. Just as he opens his mouth to say something more, Lan Huan comes back in carrying a tray of tea.

They sip in silence for a while before Lan Huan sets his cup down. "What is it you wanted to talk to us about?"

Before Wei Ying can respond, the sound of a key turning in the door catches their attention. He's up in a flash.

There's a sudden shattering sound and a blur.

Then, a sharp pain pressing against his neck. Wei Ying freezes, barely breathing as the cool steel of a knife presses against his skin.

"A-YAO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Lan Huan exclaims.

"Ge?" a low voice questions from the entryway before the sound of footsteps comes.

Wei Ying sucks in a breath as Lan Zhan enters the room, fierce eyes taking in the situation. Seeing him in person is even more stunning.

"Wow," Wei Ying mutters under his breath and feels the urge to laugh at the absurdity of this whole situation.

The knife presses down harder.

"Did you hire him, Lan Zhan?" Meng Yao asks, venom dripping off his tongue.

Lan Zhan's gaze meets his own and Wei Ying feels everything else fall away for a heartbeat. Lan Zhan doesn't say anything for a moment, blinks, then replies, "No. I have never met him before."

Oh, the urge to smile and flirt is so strong right now but Wei Ying realizes that would be immensely stupid to do right now. So, he opts to just stare at the beautiful man in front of him.

"A-Yao," Lan Huan pleads. "Let him go! What are you doing?"

Lan Zhan frowns.

"Sorry, A-Huan. No can do. My hands are rather tied at the moment." Meng Yao laughs frantically.

"Meng Yao," Wei Ying says and then hisses as the knife presses down harder. "Look, if you let me go, nothing has to happen. You haven't done anything yet, right?"

"Ah... Wei Ying, you and I both know that's not true, now don't we?"

Wei Ying grimaces, wishing for a way out of this stupid situation.

The sound of tires screeching into the driveway draws their attention. And things happen fast after that.

Meng Yao gets distracted enough that he loosens the pressure on the knife enough for Wei Ying to launch at the opportunity and slam his head back, feeling the sickening crush of Meng Yao's nose on the back of his head. Meng Yao screams and Wei Ying stumbles forward.

He's caught by strong arms before he has the chance to fall, the scent of sandalwood enveloping him. A booking voice yells out "MENG YAO!" before Nie Mingjue comes in and quite literally kicks Meng Yao while he's down.

Nie Mingjue starts yelling and questioning Meng Yao.

But Wei Ying is distracted by Lan Zhan, helping him upright and looking into his eyes with concern. "Are you alright?"

Wei Ying almost whimpers. "Y-yeah. Peachy," he lies.

Lan Zhan hums, clearly not buying that. Which... Fair.

Local law enforcement comes running in next.

Lan Zhan pulls Wei Ying firmly against his chest to keep him out of the way and Wei Ying melts into the touch. The rest is a blur. He thinks he answers some questions, he doesn't really remember it. All he remembers is staring into honeyed eyes.

The chaos finally dies down and Lan Zhan asks if Wei Ying would like anything. Without meaning to, he blurts out, "Your number." Shocked, he smacks a hand over his mouth and blushes furiously.

"Mn. Give me your phone."

Numbly, he does.

Lan Zhan enters his number.

Wei Ying stares at it as he takes his phone back. "I wanted to meet you, you know. But not like this." Again. His mouth just needs to STOP TALKING WITHOUT HIS GO AHEAD!

Lan Zhan hums in question but when he peaks up to see his expression it's one of calm curiosity.

Wei Ying takes a breath. "I always do background checks and research into the people I'm investigating, that includes people close to those involved too. So, I looked you up." He feels himself blushing again and looks away.

"Did you like what you saw?" Lan Zhan asks.

Wei Ying laughs, startled. "Yeah. I liked it very much."

When he meets Lan Zhan's gaze again he finds Lan Zhan smiling minutely. "Good."

Wei Ying smiles wide. Good.

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 22: Shizunxian

Wei Wuxian, son of Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren, a disciple of the renowned Baoshan Sanren like his mother before him, reached the oft-sought-after status of immortality in his 33rd year.

He left the mountain after that to find his own path.

Not long after he encountered a small child wandering the road with a serious yet heartbroken expression.

This child, he found out, was called Lan Zhan. He was the second heir to the Gusu Lan clan and had run away after being told his mother was gone.

She passed, but he took what they said as she left Gusu and so he left in search of her. Wei Wuxian's heart ached for the young boy. Carefully, he carried him back to Cloud Recesses cradled in his arms. Lan Zhan, exhausted and sad, wept silently against him until he slept.

Wei Wuxian knew all too well the ache and grief that comes from the loss of a parent. He hoped that this boy would grow up with love and care.

He dropped the boy off to very relieved Gusu Lan disciples before taking his leave to travel the world helping those in need.

Years later he was called back to Baoshan Sanren's mountain.

When he arrived she told him that Gusu Lan had found a way to contact her in their search for him. They expressed interest in him going to their sect and teaching some of their disciples for a season.

Wei Wuxian was rather surprised, especially given that they contacted Baoshan Sanren herself just to ask after him. But, he supposes it makes some sense. He is, after all, active in the cultivation world whereas Baoshan Sanren stays secluded and cut off.

He agrees.

When he arrives at Cloud Recesses he is welcomed with warm reverence by people even older than he is. It's a strange experience.

He is told the many, many rules and that he is expected to adhere to them while he stays here. Worry and dread settle in him at that.

Wei Wuxian is a free spirit and he likes the freedom to do as he pleases. But, he can try to adhere to them as best as he can while he is here to teach. He has always loved teaching, it brings him such joy, but he's never taken on a disciple of his own.

There are several reasons why that is. Mostly, he just travels around a lot and fights off dangerous things, it's far easier to do that without having to worry about another life in his care. He also has not met anyone he truly felt like he wanted to take on to teach.

Wei Wuxian gets settled in his guest quarters before he is summoned to meet the select grouping of promising disciples he is to teach for the next season.

Idly, he wonders how the second heir is and if he'll be in the group.

He is led to a building with 13 little Lans with perfect posture who all turn to him and bow as he enters. A chorus of "Gaoshang (高尚) Sanren" rings out in the quiet room before they all kneel behind desks with straight backs. Wei Wuxian stares at them in shock.

He's encountered many kids and teens in his life, even some from various sects, but none have been as quiet and well-behaved as these little Lans. The rules definitely make a difference. He could never have managed as a disciple here with how loud and energetic he is.

As he walks to the front of the room, he chuckles quietly to himself before he faces them all and looks over each and every one of them. One disciple stands out to him in particular. Fierce, golden-brown eyes stare up at him. The same eyes that had tears in them years ago.

That must be the second heir. He is glad to see him doing well. Wei Wuxian is rather excited to teach and train these young boys, testing their limits and seeing how skilled they are.

They get through introductions before he takes them back to an open area to spar.

Wei Wuxian smirks as he looks out over each of them before he points to one particularly shy-looking boy. "You first," he says.

The boy's eyes widen as he steps forward. After a moment the boy seems confused. "Who is my partner?"

Grinning, Wei Wuxian draws his sword. "Me."

A collective gasp comes from the group. The boy shakily draws his own sword and Wei Wuxian nods. "Give me everything you've got, don't hold back."

The boy moves, hesitantly at first, before he starts to gain confidence in his movements.

Wei Wuxian stays on the defensive, dodging and parrying strike after strike as he takes note of form, footwork, control, and power. The kid is pretty good, but now it's time to test his defence. As sudden as a strike of lightning, Wei Wuxian moves on the offensive.

Of course, he holds back quite a lot considering how much more experience he has compared to the kid, but he pushes, testing him. Sadly, the kid doesn't have long before he's disarmed. Wei Wuxian nods, mentally making notes on what the kid will need to practice to get stronger.

He goes through the rest of the group with similar results until he's left with the second heir. He purposely kept him for last because he noticed how intensely he was watching the first spar. Wei Wuxian knew that look all too well. He was learning how Wei Wuxian moves.

Wei Wuxian decided to give the little Lan time to learn his movement patterns through the other spars. He plans on switching it up on him during their spar to see how he learns in the moment.

There's something about the intense intelligence in those eyes that excites him.

Finally, it's his turn. Wei Wuxian looks at the second heir with a smirk. "Lan Zhan, you're up!"

He watches, pleased, as the boy's eyes widen in shock at his name being said (they hadn't done introductions yet) before his expression sets into a determined glare.

Wei Wuxian holds his sword out and cocks his eyebrow in challenge. In a heartbeat, Lan Zhan attacks. His speed and strength are astounding for someone so young. Wei Wuxian finds himself having to put some actual effort into his defence. It's thrilling. This kid has true promise.

They spar like that for a while, Wei Wuxian taking note of how Lan Zhan fights before Wei Wuxian starts his offence. He starts like he has for all the others, waiting for Lan Zhan to get comfortable with his movements before he suddenly switches his fighting style.

To his shock and glee, Lan Zhan has a minor hiccup before he swiftly adjusts his defence to match, easily keeping up with him in real-time. Wei Wuxian laughs as they spar and Lan Zhan's glare only hardens more at that. What fun this is.

Wei Wuxian finds himself actually sweating, his breathing coming a little harder, by the time Lan Zhan is disarmed and Wei Wuxian's sword is at his throat.

Pleased, he puts his sword away and smiles at the group. "Well done everyone! Let's head back to the classroom."

The boys all but collapse in exhaustion at their desks, careful to keep good posture all the same. Wei Wuxian settles at the head of the class. They finally go through proper introductions—where he learns Lan Zhan's courtesy name is Wangji—and he explains the point of the spars.

They eagerly soak up his words, especially as he directs his comments to each one. He goes over what he noticed during their spar, their weaknesses and strengths, and what they can do to get even better. They write notes furiously as he talks.

He, again, ends with Lan Zhan.

Lan Zhan listens and takes notes in a far calmer way than the others. Wei Wuxian goes over everything including why he kept him until the end.

Once he's done with that, it's time for their class today to end. "Good work today, I'll see you all tomorrow!"

The next few weeks fly by. Wei Wuxian trains the disciples, they spar, and they have intellectual debates. Despite the restrictions the Cloud Recesses have, he finds he rather enjoys himself here because of these boys. They are smart and learn well.

They were a bit resistant to his loud and energetic teaching style at first, but most have come around to it. Lan Zhan is the only one who still struggles with how Wei Wuxian acts. Wei Wuxian can't help but tease the serious little Lan which probably only makes it worse.

Lan Zhan doesn't seem to like him very much, but Wei Wuxian supposes he really only has himself to blame for that. Besides, Lan Zhan is bright and learns well even so, so it's not a big deal. Wei Wuxian is just glad to see all his students growing stronger from his teaching.

At the end of his last class in Cloud Recesses, Lan Zhan stays behind as the other boys leave. Wei Wuxian is shocked to see him.

Lan Zhan stares at him a moment before bowing deeply. "Gaoshang Sanren, I ask that you take this disciple on as your own."

Whatever he thought was going to happen, it wasn't that. He thought Lan Zhan couldn't stand him, but here he was, bowing in front of him and asking to become his disciple. Wei Wuxian blinks owlishly.

"You want me to be your Shizun?" he asks dumbly.

Lan Zhan gives him a look.

Wei Wuxian huffs. "I have never taken a disciple," he says in lieu of an answer.

"I am aware. You have not met anyone with as much promise as me."

A startled laugh escapes him at that statement, true as it is. "Isn't there a rule against excessive pride?" he teases.

Lan Zhan nods. "Mn. But I am merely stating a fact."

Sneaky little Lan. Wei Wuxian finds himself smiling, warming up to the idea of taking Lan Zhan on as a disciple. Odd. "You'll have to speak with your Shufu, you're only 16, and I can't just take you without your family's say."

Lan Zhan bows once more. "I have already spoken with Shufu and Xiongzhang about my wishes, they understand and support my choice. They hope I may gain immortality just as you have, your teachings—however unorthodox —are my best chance of that."

"Oh, I see how it is," Wei Wuxian teases and, to his delight, finds Lan Zhan with a small smile on his face. "Very well, take me to your family. If they say it is okay, I will take you on as my disciple."

Lan Zhan practically glows with excitement despite his neutral face.

They make their way through Cloud Recesses to where Lan Zhan's family is already gathered, waiting for them. Wei Wuxian bows and they bow in return. Lan Qiren corroborates what Lan Zhan said—not that he doubted it seeing as lying is forbidden—and Lan Zhan says his farewells.

Wei Wuxian is officially a Shizun. He never thought this day would come and finds himself quite excited about it. Lan Zhan is the ideal disciple to have. He is hardworking, driven, moral, and strong. Wei Wuxian doesn't doubt these next few years will be a wonderful experience.

Two years pass, the pair of them travelling together and night hunting. Lan Zhan grows stronger each day. He also grows more confident in who he is and Wei Wuxian delights in the fact that he is comfortable enough to tease and even berate Wei Wuxian when needed.

They get along well and things are perfect.

Until they aren't.

It was supposed to be a run-of-the-mill night hunt like any other, they were working in perfect harmony.

And then—

A legendary beast like nothing Wei Wuxian had ever seen appeared out of nowhere.

Wei Wuxian told Lan Zhan to run but his disciple refused, claiming he wished to stay and fight if only to make sure Wei Wuxian was okay. Wei Wuxian wanted to scream, this beast was out of his league and Lan Zhan was refusing to leave. More determined than ever, Wei Wuxian fought.

It was the hardest fight Wei Wuxian had ever been in but he pushed on, pushing his limits to the extreme. He didn't care if he survived this but he couldn't allow Lan Zhan to be harmed because of him. He'd kill this beast if it was the last thing he did.

And he did.

After days of fighting, Wei Wuxian managed to fell the beast. He turned to find Lan Zhan, unharmed but ragged and filled with worry.

Good, he thought.

Just as his thoughts faded he noticed the feeling of a curse coursing through him.

Then, everything went dark.

Wei Wuxian's hearing came back first. Hushed whispers and gentle clanks.

Then, smell. The familiar bitterness of medicine and cool mountain air.

Baoshan Sanren's mountain. He's back.

His sight comes next, eyes seeing light filtered through his eyelids.

He eventually manages to open his eyes and is bombarded with bright light and colour.

And then, all at once, his sense of touch comes back. It slams into him hard and he sucks in a shocked breath. His pathways feel like they're on fire and his body aches with a vengeance.

He groans and the sound of shuffling beings Baoshan Sanren swimming into his view. "Good, you're finally awake."

She passes him some energy and the cool stream of it calms him.

"Lan Zhan," he rasps. "Did he—" He can't bring himself to finish the question. Too scared to say it.

He remembered seeing Lan Zhan was alright and that the beast was killed, but he couldn't be certain. He can't know that he wasn't just seeing things because of the curse he had or exhaustion or... grief.

Baoshan Sanren understands anyway. "Your little disciple made it out fine."

Wei Wuxian breathes a relieved sigh, relaxing into the bed.

"He's the one who brought you here, actually. He was a very determined young man, that one."

Was?

Fear grips him. Why had she said it like that? "How long have I been out?"

She looks at him. "Over a century."

All the air in his lungs is punched out of him at that. He's been out for over a century? He missed so much! Lan Zhan would... Oh, he wants to cry, scream, sob, shout. Lan Zhan would probably still be alive if he kept up with his cultivation without Wei Wuxian. He was so strong.

He knows Lan Zhan's cultivation was strong enough to extend his life beyond that of a non-cultivator, but he just doesn't know how much. He doesn't know how hard Lan Zhan kept at it. He doesn't know if something happened to him. He doesn't know what happened in his life at all.

Distantly, he hears Baoshan Sanren mutter something about going to get a Hanguang-jun, but Wei Wuxian is too caught up in his spiral to pay it any mind.

He wonders if Lan Zhan would want to see him if he were still alive now. He wonders what he'd look like.

Wei Wuxian's mind swirls in the endless possibilities of it all, fear and anxiety and sorrow crushing down on him.

Sometime later, as he's calming down, Baoshan Sanren reenters with someone following closely behind her. Wei Wuxian turns his head and sucks in a gasp.

The most beautiful man in the world is staring at him with achingly familiar eyes. Idly, he wonders if this is one of Lan Zhan's descendants. The thought hurts him a bit so he quickly shoves it aside to look at the man.

"Wow," he whispers. "You're beautiful—uh, I'm Wei Ying."

A complicated expression passes over the man's face briefly before a small smile settles on his lips. "I know who you are, Shizun."

Wei Wuxian blinks. Then blinks again. He looks over at Baoshan Sanren who is watching him with a smirk. He turns back to the man.

"Lan Zhan?"

The beautiful man—Lan Zhan (!!!)—nods and bows. "I am pleased to see you awake once more, Shizun."

Wei Wuxian feels tears well up in his eyes. He looks between Lan Zhan and Baoshan Sanren. "What? How? What?"

"Your little disciple here became immortal just like you."

Wei Wuxian's eyes widen as he meets Lan Zhan's gaze. "You did?" He asks, excited. "You really did?"

Lan Zhan's lips quirk up. "Mn."

Wei Wuxian laughs, delighted. "When?"

He watches as Lan Zhan's expression turns smug. "My 32nd year."

Wei Wuxian's mouth falls open.

"YOU BEAT ME BY A YEAR!? HOW DARE MY PRECIOUS LITTLE LAN ZHAN SHOW ME UP LIKE THAT!"

Then, Lan Zhan laughs. Truly laughs. It's the best thing Wei Wuxian has ever heard. He just falls into silence and stares in wonder at the beautiful man before him. He's so different now.

So different, and yet, so similar. He aches at having missed so much of Lan Zhan's life but, seeing as he's here now, hopes they can still be a part of each other's lives in some way.

After over a century, and Lan Zhan being a full immortal in his own right, a shizun-disciple relationship doesn't really make any sense. Wei Wuxian hopes that they can be friends. He could use a true friend.

"Shizun?" Lan Zhan asks after a while of Wei Wuxian silently staring.

"Call me Wei Ying. It doesn't really make sense for me to be your Shizun anymore."

Lan Zhan digests that before nodding. "Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian gasps quietly at how his birth name sounds in Lan Zhan's deep voice.

"Lan Zhan," he replies in kind.

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 21: Ghost Ladies

There are three ladies.

Wei Wuxian found them one day and communicated with them to see how he could help them move on.

None of them desire to move on yet, they all long to stay by his side. They want to feel safe. They want to feel loved.

All three of them went through their too-short lives, longing for someone to love them and care for them. Their families praised their brothers and all but ignored them.

Wei Wuxian saw their pain and welcomed them easily.

So, they walk with him.

The three ladies stay by his side, chittering away with each other and him. He makes sure to give them attention when they desire it and physical affection when they want. He cares for them deeply.

They are beautiful women taken from the world too soon, he mourns them.

Wei Wuxian wishes he could have known them in life.

The ladies often gossip about anything and everything. Wei Wuxian gladly joins them as he drinks wine. They cuddle up to him, resting their heads in his lap as he caresses their hair softly.

It helps him too.

Wei Wuxian has always been a tactile person. He thrives on physical touch and affection, throwing himself at his friends. Lan Wangji was the person he longed to touch most but also the one he could touch least. Lan Wangji doesn't like touch.

It's different now.

Now, after everything that's happened, Wei Wuxian can't touch people like he used to. He doesn't want to risk them knowing. He can't risk them finding out just how much of him has changed—just how much of him is /gone/.

He misses the easy touching he had with many people.

These ladies help him just as much as he helps them.

The gentle pressure of them against him. The slide of their hair against his palm. It soothes him.

Sometimes, they sing to him when his facade cracks a little too much and they see the pain and sadness beneath.

They sing soft songs to him.

And on days when he's feeling better, they listen to him talk. He tells them all about Lan Wangji. He tells them of how they met, how he teased him and wanted to be his friend. He shares the story of the waterborne abyss and xuanwu of slaughter.

He happily shares his memories of Lan Wangji with his ladies and they listen.

And they tease.

They look at him with cheeky grins and whisper about how in love he must be.

He sighs as he stares out the window, wind blowing his hair. He is, isn't he?

He's in love.

The thought settles in him like it was always there, just waiting to be acknowledged. Waiting to be given a name.

Love.

The ladies watch as he smiles to himself, thinking about how Lan Wangji's hair shifts in the wind.

He loves Lan Wangji. He's in love with Lan Wangji.

And nothing can come of it.

Lan Wangji can't know what Wei Wuxian has done. Not yet, at least. Maybe someday. Maybe, if things change, Wei Wuxian can allow himself to be selfish. Maybe, if things were different, Wei Wuxian could let Lan Wangji in.

He doesn't want to hurt Lan Wangji. He doesn't want to drag him down.

It's all such a complicated mess and Wei Wuxian, unfortunately, can't worry about that right now. But he loves Lan Wangji, and that will never change.

He hopes, someday, he can spend time with him again.

For now, Wei Wuxian has the ladies. Until they are ready to move on.

And one day, Lan Wangji walks by the inn he's drinking at. He isn't the one who notices him, but one of the ladies. She tells him, excited, that the one he loves is below. He laughs to himself at that.

They've never seen Lan Wangji before but they know him so easily purely from how much he has talked of him and described him. So silly.

Wei Wuxian asks the girls to grab some flowers so he can shower Lan Wangji with them, not willing to pass up the opportunity.

They do so with glee. Together, they shower Lan Wangji in flowers and petals until one final flower floats down from where Wei Wuxian is seated and Lan Wangji's gaze lifts to meet his.

Wei Wuxian smiles.

Maybe someday.

Maybe someday he can have more.

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangi #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 20: Coffeeshopxian

Wei Ying recently started working at a local coffeeshop.

There's this regular who comes in for tea most mornings. He's just slightly taller than Wei Ying with the most stunning golden brown eyes and a stone-cold expression.

Wei Ying wants to befriend him.

Every day Wei Ying is on shift and that man walks in, he's ready to smile and charm his way to being best friends. Every time, Wei Ying fails.

Sure, he knows that people are busy and the shop is busy too, but boy does it bum him out.

He tries every time regardless. Wei Ying is sure he can annoy the man into being his friend.

It takes weeks, but eventually, the man starts to chat more with Wei Ying each time he comes in. Wei Ying is over the moon.

They gradually get to know each other more.

It takes some time seeing as their conversations are relatively short. Wei Ying talks while he makes his drink while Lan Zhan—Wei Ying loves saying his name every chance he gets—mostly listens. Lan Zhan does talk about himself too, though.

Wei Ying truly enjoys chatting with Lan Zhan when he comes in and really wants to be able to hang out with him outside of work, but he doesn't know how to go about doing so. The thought of verbally asking him frightens him too much to do that, not at work.

So, eventually, Wei Ying resigns to give Lan Zhan his number with a note to text him.

Problem is, Lan Zhan brings in his own reusable mug and never takes a receipt.

Wei Ying is at a bit of a loss. That idea is the least scary and risky but there's no easy way to do it.

He flounders for a good few weeks as he tries to figure out how to ask Lan Zhan to hang out with him outside of work or work up the courage to just outright ask him.

For a generally lively and gregarious guy, Wei Ying can be quite shy when it comes to some things.

So often, Wei Ying has opened his mouth to say "Do you want to hang out with me sometime, Lan Zhan?"

Every single time he faltered, smiled, and just waved goodbye instead.

Every time, Lan Zhan stares at him before nodding once and leaving with his tea.

Then, one day, Lan Zhan comes in and he doesn't have his reusable mug with him. Wei Ying's eyes widen when he realizes he'll be able to his number on the cup. He chatters excitedly—nervously—as he writes it on the cup and makes the drink. Lan Zhan hums and nods along.

When Wei Ying puts the drink down, Lan Zhan doesn't look at it at all as he picks it up. He keeps his eyes on Wei Ying as he smiles softly and says "I'll call you," before he leaves. Wei Ying's mouth is hanging wide open as he watches Lan Zhan exit the coffeeshop.

He knew?

He didn't even look at the cup to see if Wei Ying wrote his number.

HE KNEW!?

Wei Ying's mind buzzes the rest of his shift.

That evening, he gets a call from a number he doesn't recognize. It's local. Anxiously, he answers. "Hello?"

"Wei Ying," Lan Zhan replies.

"Lan Zhan! Hi!" Wei Ying laughs as his heart pounds. "You knew I wrote my number on your cup without looking at it!" It's not a question but it kind of comes out like one.

"Mn. Why do you think I didn't bring my mug in today?"

Wei Ying gasps, delighted. "Sneaky man!"

"Mn." He can hear the pleased tone in Lan Zhan's voice.

"So, you mean to tell me that you knew that I've been wanting to talk to you outside of work for weeks and you just never said anything!?"

"You never said anything either, Wei Ying."

He splutters. True, but...

"You still could have instead of watching me struggle! So cruel of you, Lan Zhan," he teases. "You have to make it up to me now."

Lan Zhan hums apologetically. "Of course. Go out with me?"

Wei Ying's breath gets caught in his throat. He hadn't really thought about dating.

He was so focused on befriending Lan Zhan that he hadn't realized when his feelings grew and shifted into something new and unfamiliar, but not unwelcome. He finds that the idea of dating Lan Zhan is one he quite likes, actually. It surprises him. He wants that.

Wei Ying smiles wide as he holds the phone closer. "Yes."

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxian #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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wisedawn13 · 6 months

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#xiantober Day 19: Royalxian

On the evening before Wei Ying's 23rd birthday, his parents sit him down to tell him that a marriage alliance has been formed between their kingdom and Gusu. Wei Ying is to marry the second prince whom he will meet at his birthday ball tomorrow.

On the evening before Wei Ying's 23rd birthday, he sneaks out of the palace.

Wei Ying loves his parents and he loves his kingdom, he knows his duty and will do it. But Wei Ying is also scared.

Throughout his life, he's snuck out many times.

He wears a simple disguise and goes into town to mingle among the people, looking at shops and drinking good wine.

His favourite place to go is a little inlet beach where a large tree grows. He will sit at the base of the tree or up on a branch and think.

When he arrives there this evening he finds that someone has already beat him there. They are seated at the bottom of his favourite tree and looking up at the darkening sky.

Wei Ying has been here many times and has never crossed paths with another person here before.

As he walks closer he gets a better view of the person. Dark, smooth hair in a long braid flows down their back with chunks to frame their beautiful face. They are wearing simple clothes and their eyes seem filled with a distant sadness, a longing.

Wei Ying walks closer.

When they turn to look at him his breath hitches in his chest, they have the most stunning eyes he's ever seen.

Wei Ying smiles. "Mind if I join you?"

They study him a moment before gesturing to the ground nearby. Wei Ying sits near them and leans against the tree.

"I come here when there's a lot on my mind and I want a calm place to just think," Wei Ying admits quietly as he looks out over the water.

"I can understand why you would, it is beautiful here," they reply in a smooth, deep voice.

Wei Ying hums in agreement.

They sit in companionable silence for a while as the sky darkens further and the first stars come out.

"Do you ever wish your life was different?" Wei Ying whispers suddenly.

"Sometimes," the stranger admits. "I do not dislike my life, but I sometimes wish..." they trail off.

"That you had more control?" Wei Ying supplies.

"Mn. I suppose it is a part of life for one to feel helpless in their circumstances."

Wei Ying laughs quietly as he idly plays with a blade of grass. "Doesn't make it any easier."

"No," they agree. "It doesn't."

Wei Ying watches as the blade of grass floats off on a breeze. "What brought you out here this fine evening?"

The stranger is silent for a moment. "My family has come to visit town for me to meet my betrothed," they admit. "I was feeling overwhelmed and found this place."

"It's a good place," Wei Ying says.

"It is."

"Are you worried about meeting your betrothed?"

The stranger shifts, their hand brushing lightly over the grass. "I suppose I am worried, but I do not believe it to be in the way most would expect."

Wei Ying hums in question.

"I have a duty to uphold to my family and this marriage is highly beneficial. I have heard many a rumour of my betrothed, they are said to be fiercely beautiful and intelligent as well as endlessly kind and charming. I fear that I will be unappealing to him in comparison."

Wei Ying sucks in a sharp breath. "I may not know you or who your betrothed is, but I can guarantee that your betrothed will not find you unappealing or uninteresting. Besides, if he does then he is undeserving of you."

That causes the stranger to huff a quiet laugh.

"You are correct," they say. "You do not know me." There is a hint of a teasing lilt to the way they say it. Wei Ying laughs, loud and free. "What brought you here this evening?"

Wei Ying settles and watches as the moon peaks out over the horizon.

"Same as you, really. I was told I am to be betrothed and will be meeting them tomorrow. I'm fairly certain my parents waited until the last minute before telling me so I didn't fret over it," he laughs. "It was expected to happen someday, though. I'm just..."

"Scared?"

"Yeah."

The stranger hums in understanding and Wei Ying is struck by the fact that they really, truly understand where he's coming from.

They lapse into a comfortable silence, leaning against the same tree as the moon rises into the sky.

They stay like that for a small eternity.

Then, the stranger stands and turns to Wei Ying. "It was a pleasure to meet you, I wish you all the best with your betrothal. I must return now. Have a pleasant evening."

Wei Ying smiles rather forlornly as he realizes he will never again see this lovely stranger. "You as well."

With that, they leave and Wei Ying is left alone under the night sky. He leaves not long after that, sneaking back into the palace before crawling into bed and sleeping deeply.

The next day is a bit of a chaotic mess as people run about doing last-minute tasks for the ball.

Wei Ying wanders the hall, wondering after the stranger, hoping they are happy. His parents find him staring out of a window shortly before he is meant to get ready and they usher him back to his quarters.

Hours later, he is standing outside the ballroom, waiting to enter.

He takes a breath before making his entrance and all eyes turn to him. The birthday boy. The crown prince. He smiles and greets people as he moves across the room to where his parents are.

Shortly after that, the second prince of Gusu is introduced.

Wei Ying turns to look at who his betrothed is and finds his world come to a standstill.

There, entering the hall in a regal white and blue outfit, is the stranger he met last night under the tree. Wei Ying's heart pounds wildly in his chest as they lock eyes across the room.

He could laugh.

He could cry.

Wei Ying moves and they meet in the middle of the room.

"Hi," Wei Ying whispers with a grin.

"Hello," the second prince says warmly.

"So... I suppose proper introductions are warranted."

"Mn. It would make married life much easier."

Wei Ying laughs. "So it would. I'm Wei Ying, crown prince of Yiling." He bows formally but carries a teasing smirk on his lips.

"I am Lan Zhan, second prince of Gusu." He bows formally as well. Very proper.

"Nice to meet you, Lan Zhan," Wei Ying says, meaning it.

He watches in delight as Lan Zhan's mouth ticks up into the smallest, softest smile. "Nice to meet you, Wei Ying."

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#xiantober #wangxian #mdzs #threadfic #mo dao zu shi #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lan wangji #lan zhan #wei wuxain #wei ying #from twitter #wisedawn13 #fanfic #fanfiction

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