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Chapter Text

Wei Ying sat down on the edge of the bed with a soft grunt. A weary sigh escaped his lips as he leaned back slightly, one hand gently resting on his swollen belly. His fingers moved slowly in small circles, tracing the skin, a motion that had become natural to him.

For a moment, his mind went back to everything that happened today. The memories alone were enough to drain him all over again, just like every day since he came to the village. He had been carrying everything by himself since then. And now, with a child growing inside him, everything felt even heavier. But still, he kept reminding himself, over and over each day, that this was the life he chose.

He remembered the moment when he and his Shijie were stunned in silence when the healer announced something… something important that couldn’t be taken back.

“ Wei-Gongzi, you’re with child. ”

The healer’s words were like cold water poured over his entire body. He froze and could feel himself quivering, mostly with uncertainty and fear.

He couldn't believe he was pregnant.

After hearing the healer's unexpected and shocking announcement, Wei Ying’s surroundings blurred. He couldn't process the events that followed that day. His mind was consumed by one thing… pregnancy. He was pregnant. There was a tiny baby inside him, and it would only continue to grow.

All of his past journeys, both the joyful and the painful, flashed through his wandering mind. Fearfully, he thought about the safety of his child in the cultivation world, now realizing the heavy expectations and the dangers that came with living in it.

Wei Ying couldn’t bear the thought of his child being caught up in such chaos.

He had thought about it carefully. Despite being young, with only fifteen years of life behind him, he made the decision to leave Lotus Pier. To raise his child alone in peace. To walk away from the world he had known for years... away from Lan Wangji.

It was reckless. He knew that. But the urge to run, to protect, to start over far from the expectations he had been subjected to, burned too strongly within him. He didn’t want his child to live through what he had endured.

Wei Ying hadn’t expected the joy, either. The moment the healer told him more about his pregnancy, there was something immense and glittering spread out in his chest.

A life. A life was truly growing inside him.

Wei Ying told his Shijie about his decision. She didn’t say anything at first, but the sadness and worry were visible across her face. It broke her heart to let him go, but she knew she couldn’t just imprison him in a life he no longer wanted. So instead, she pulled him into her arms and promised him that she would always be his Shijie no matter where he was, and that she’d be there whenever he needed her.

Wei Ying cried in her arms because of her genuine love and care she had shown him since the day he first arrived at Lotus Pier.

Lan Zhan.

Even now, he couldn’t help but call the man’s name in his mind. It was always like this, every day… or rather, every night. His thoughts inevitably drifted to him.

Wei Ying felt a heaviness settle in his chest as thoughts of Lan Wangji filled his mind. His lips quivered, and then the tears came, silent at first, sliding down his cheeks. But they didn’t stop. They kept coming, faster, until his shoulders began to tremble and soft sobs escaped his throat. He quickly put his hand on his mouth to silence himself, but in the end, he removed his hand, gripped the mattress, and allowed himself to cry.

Lan Zhan, that fuddy-duddy! How could someone like him, so calm, so composed, stir such chaos in my world?

Wei Ying tried to let out a small, bitter laugh in the middle of his sobbing, but it quickly dissolved into another shaky gasp for breath. His face was a mess, soaked in tears, his nose red, constantly sniffing. And yet, he didn’t bother to wipe any of it away.

The healer had told him that his hormones, mood swings, tears, were all normal now that he's pregnant.

At first, he tried to keep everything hurtful buried. He swallowed his pain, forced laughter like he had always been. But pretending only made things worse. Now, he didn’t pretend. Now he let himself weep freely.

He hastily wiped the tears from his cheeks.

That young master! Got me pregnant and now he doesn’t even care about me anymore!

His chest tightened at the painful thought that Lan Wangji might never have truly cared for him, that he had been nothing more than someone the man used and then discarded.

The ache only grew more as he realized that Lan Wangji still had no idea he was carrying his child. Wei Ying held back his tears and tried to stay calm, knowing that crying too much could affect his pregnancy.

He stared into the distance, his mind drifting to memories of when he was still in the Cloud Recesses. He remembered the quiet nights when he and Lan Wangji would secretly meet and spend time together in Jingshi.

Back then, when he would sneak in and out of the Cloud Recesses every night, Lan Wangji was always there to catch him without fail. Not once did he fail. As if he instinctively knew the exact moment Wei Ying would break the rules again. And, of course, Wei Ying never missed the chance to tease him as well.

Then came the night that changed their relationship. 

Lan Wangji could no longer hold himself back, he pushed Wei Ying down onto the cold blades of the grass. Wei Ying’s breath caught at how close Lan Wangji’s face was to his. The young master stared at him with a burning gaze. He also noticed the way Lan Wangji’s lips trembled, with restrained fury… or something else he couldn’t quite name.

“L-Lan Zhan…” Wei Ying whispered, his voice shaky and stuttering, yet made no move to push Lan Wangji away.

Lan Wangji stared down at him. He was composed yet the slight trembling from holding himself back was impossible to miss.

Then he spoke, his voice was low and tense,“Wei Ying, you’re being too much.”

The words were gripped, pressed between his clenched teeth.

Wei Ying gave a weak, forced laugh, then flinched a little, feeling a bit embarrassed because of how awkward their position was.

Even if he felt nervous because of Lan Wangji’s intense stare, Wei Ying took a deep breath and tried to push him away with both hands.

“Yeah, you're definitely right, Lan Zhan.” Wei Ying said, forcing his voice into something playful, even as his palms pressed hesitantly against Lan Wangji’s chest. “I'm being too much again. C-can you… can you maybe… stand up—”

He didn’t even get to finish his sentence. In one swift move, Lan Wangji seized both his wrists using his one hand, pressing them together with a firm grip. His other hand placed beside Wei Ying’s shoulder, holding himself up, not crushing his whole weight on him.

Wei Ying blinked his eyes, he was startled as well.

“W-Wha—”

Wei Ying wriggled, trying to break free from Lan Wangji’s hard grip, but, for some inexplicable reason, he couldn’t. He stared in disbelief, stunned by his own helplessness. 

Where was Lan Zhan suddenly getting all this strength from?! In their previous encounters, at least as far as he could remember, they had always been evenly matched in power!

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying finally shouted, frustration flaring as he continued twisting beneath Lan Wangji. “Let me go!”

Lan Wangji didn’t even flinch. His expression changed, his eyebrows tightened, and his jaw clenched slightly as if he were holding back something… something Wei Ying couldn’t tell.

Lan Wangji spoke, his voice was sharp and low, “No.”

His grip on Wei Ying tightened suddenly, his fingers clenched harder around his wrists. A sharp gasp escaped Wei Ying’s lips, both from surprise and pain.

“Lan Zhan! You—” he spoke in a broken voice. “That hurt!”

Wei Ying squirmed even more, tried his best to break free, but Lan Wangji didn’t release him, and clearly had no intention of doing so.

“Let me go!”

“Stop struggling.” He quietly growled, each word emphasized as if commanding Wei Ying to behave and obey him.

Wei Ying began to wail dramatically, “No! No! I said let—” 

The following words he was about to say never came when Lan Wangji leaned down and crushed their mouths in a sudden kiss. Wei Ying’s body froze, he was speechless, of course. The kiss wasn’t gentle.

Lan Wangji’s mouth was hot, and before he could process what was really happening, he felt the slow slide of a tongue pressing his own, tightly and desperately dancing around Wei Ying’s tongue, as if Lan Wangji was savoring him.

Wei Ying’s whole body refused to move at that moment. He was completely frozen, unable to function.

Wei Ying shut his eyes at the sensation of the soft lips pressed against his, and the warmth of a tongue moving gently inside his mouth, pressing and brushing repeatedly against his own.

But even in the middle of that unexpected moment, Wei Ying couldn’t stop himself from wondering.

Why did Lan Zhan use his lips if he only meant to silence me? Did he forget he has a silencing spell?

He was brought back to reality by the slow, gentle way Lan Wangji’s lips moved against his. Each soft, careful kiss sent chills through him, making him feel overwhelmed in the most intense way. His eyes grew heavy and dazed, as if Lan Wangji’s kisses were pulling him deeper, and a quiet moan escaped his lips without him meaning to.

Lan Wangji’s kiss lasted for a few minutes before he suddenly pulled away and quickly put some space between them. Wei Ying just looked up at the handsome young man above him, his heart was beating so fast. He also noticed that Lan Wangji’s expression had softened, and there was a faint look of concern in his eyes.

Lan Wangji’s hold on his wrists slowly loosened, bit by bit, until he finally let go.

“I’m sorry… Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji spoke softly, his voice just slightly louder than a whisper.

Wei Ying lay there, blinking up at him, shocked at how fast the warmth disappeared. He didn’t know why the apology made his chest feel tight. He didn’t know what he had expected, maybe a reason. Maybe for Lan Zhan to hold him again. 

But instead, what he got was distance. And an apology.

He didn’t know why there was a pang in his chest. Why that single word felt like rejection. Why, all of a sudden, he wanted to reach out, pull the other boy back, and have Lan Wangji to kiss him again.

Lan Wangji started to move, about to stand and walk away from whatever had just happened between them. But Wei Ying couldn’t let that happen.

He reached out and held Lan Wangji’s face with both trembling hands. His palms rested against the warm smoothness of Lan Zhan’s cheeks. He pulled him back down.

“L-Lan Zhan…” he whispered, his voice was shaking. “Please… tell me… do you… do you like me? Do you love me?” His throat felt tight, but the words still came out.

He sounded really desperate, like he was begging.“Please… just say it. I need to hear it.” His eyes sparkled with unshed tears.

Lan Wangji took a sharp breath, like Wei Ying’s words had broken something inside him. He swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on Wei Ying’s shaking, tear-streaked face, on the softness of his features, the pain in his voice, and the bravery in his desperate honesty.

He hesitated, and then, quietly, “…Yes.”

““R-Really?” Wei Ying whispered, blinking rapidly. “Lan Zhan?”

“Yes,” Lan Wangji repeated his word, this time with confidence. His voice was filled with emotion, something he could no longer hide.

Wei Ying let out a small, shaky sob as his emotions took over. He quickly moved forward, wrapping his arms around Lan Wangji’s neck, holding on to him. Lan Wangji fell forward from the force of it, catching himself with his hands so he wouldn’t crush Wei Ying. His breath caught as Wei Ying held him tightly.

“Me too, Lan Zhan. I… I like you… I really like you… maybe…” Wei Ying struggled to speak through his sobs. “I… I think I already love you,” he murmured.

There was a pause, a deep silence. Lan Wangji stayed still, holding his breath. Then he answered, his voice low and quiet, yet every word was filled with emotion.

“I love Wei Ying too… 

A lot...

I like you… 

I want you…”

And he placed a long, gentle kiss on Wei Ying’s forehead. Wei Ying closed his eyes, quietly cherishing the feeling of the second young master’s soft lips against his skin.

This felt right. Like this was the kind of life he had always wanted.

After their confession in the field, Lan Wangji brought Wei Ying to his room. That night, they stayed in each other’s arms.

The night was filled with love, with gentle embraces, hand-holding, and soft kisses, bound by the deep affection they shared.

And so that’s how their secret courtship began.

During the day, they shared only brief glances and quiet stares. But when night fell, those restraints faded. Within the quiet sanctuary of Lan Wangji’s room, their love unfolded freely. Tender, intense, and endless.

Wei Ying had given himself wholly to Lan Wangji.

Lan Wangji was the one who marked Wei Ying, claiming what had once belonged to no one.

During those nights of intimate passion, they felt like they existed for each other, and no one else.

The care Lan Wangji gave him after they made love was something Wei Ying never imagined he would experience. He couldn’t ask for anything more… except for their relationship to never end.

“Er-gege, we should take a walk in Yunmeng, just the two of us. I’ll show you all the fun things we can do there,” Wei Ying whispered, his voice sleepy and tired.

They lay comfortably in Lan Wangji’s bed. Wei Ying’s bare waist held snugly, tight yet gentle, in the arms of the second young master Lan. Both of them were naked and slick with sweat, still basking in the warmth of their rounds of passionate lovemaking.

Lan Wangji placed a long, gentle kiss on his forehead and softly replied, “Mn.”

Wei Ying felt giddy because of how sweet and caring Lan Wangji was to him, even though he looked cold and serious on the outside.

As their nightly meetings continued, Wei Ying couldn’t stop overthinking whenever he was reminded that his time in the Cloud Recesses would soon end. He couldn’t help but feel sad at the thought of being separated from Lan Wangji so soon.

He turned his head toward Lan Wangji and gave him an adorable little pout. “Lan Zhan, you’ll visit me in Yunmeng, right?” he asked sweetly.

Lan Wangji’s usually stoic handsome face now wore a gentle, tender expression, revealing the joy he felt as he held the one and only source of his happiness tightly in his arms.

“I will visit Wei Ying,” he answered, his voice steady and full of confidence, each word spoken with clear intent.

Wei Ying couldn’t stop himself from squealing as he covered his mouth with one hand. “You better visit, or else I’ll sulk, and if I sulk, you’ll have to woo me, again and again, if you still want my full affection, Lan Er-Gongzi,” he said with a playful pout.

Lan Wangji kissed the pout on Wei Ying’s lips. “I will woo Wei Ying even when he’s not sulking,” he said smoothly.

Wei Ying let out a breathy laugh, trying not to make too much noise. Then, with a teasing smile, he said, “You just want all my attention, Er-gege. You’re so needy.”

Wei Ying’s face turned red when he felt Lan Wangji slowly and firmly squeezing his behind. He gave Lan Zhan a playful glare before lightly smacking his chest. “Lan Zhan, stop!” he giggled, then quickly buried his face in Lan Wangji’s chest, letting out a slightly long, muffled scream.

The corners of Lan Wangji’s lips lifted into a soft smile as he slid the fingers of his other hand through Wei Ying’s soft, loosened hair, gently massaging his scalp with care. Then, with a brief tug, he leaned in and whispered into Wei Ying’s ear, “I need Wei Ying’s…” And gave his behind another firm squeeze before he finished with the word, “Everyday.”

Wei Ying’s face was completely red as he lightly smacked Lan Wangji’s chest again. “Er-gege, just look at you, so shameless~” he said with a playful grin.

Lan Wangji just hummed in response and continued groping Wei Ying even more…

Wei Ying’s nights stayed happy because Lan Wangji was with him. He almost forgot that their time together would soon end. He was too caught up in the comfort and happiness of being with Lan Wangji. But then something happened that pulled him back to the painful reality they could never truly escape.

Wei Ying got into a fight with Jin Zixuan after the young master looked down on his Shijie. Wei Ying couldn’t just stand by and let someone insult Jiang Yanli, so he threw a punch. Jin Zixuan wasn’t one to back down, of course, so he struck back. And the fight quickly escalated.

Everything happened too fast for Wei Ying. It all felt like a blur.

The last time he saw and spoke to Lan Wangji was during his punishment. He had been shocked and felt even more frustrated with the young master Jin when he learned that the engagement between his Shijie and Jin Zixuan had been called off. But what weighed on him the most was that after he left the Cloud Recesses with Jiang Fengmian that night, he never got the chance to speak to Lan Wangji again.

***

Chapter Text

Weeks passed after Wei Ying returned to Lotus Pier, and everything seemed the same. His days went on just as they had before he left for Gusu. It was as if nothing about him had changed... but had it really not?

Deep down, Wei Ying knew things weren’t the same. Something within him had shifted during his time in Gusu… and he knew exactly why.

Lan Zhan

Lan Wangji wasn’t merely part of the change. He was its cause.

Even on his way home, Wei Ying couldn’t stop thinking about him. He traveled the path back to Lotus Pier lost in thought, his mind full of memories of the Second Young Master Lan. Wei Ying had always been curious and full of energy. He was eager to learn, but he never let emotions get in the way of his responsibilities. He took his role in the Jiang Sect seriously and worked hard to grow as a cultivator.

But now… something inside him was starting to change.

Something he had never allowed to interfere with his duties before.

His own feelings.

His heart.

The days Wei Ying spent with the young man had left a deep mark on him. Their secret nightly meetings brought him a kind of happiness he had never known before. At times, it was easy to forget that no one else knew… no one but the two of them.

Jiang Cheng had no idea what Wei Ying was up to during his frequent nighttime absences, and he definitely didn’t know about his relationship with Lan Wangji. In Wei Ying’s mind, it was better that way. He could only imagine how Jiang Cheng would react if he ever found out.

Nie Huaisang didn’t know either, nor did Lan Wangji’s older brother. Nothing ever happened in front of them that would raise any suspicion. And as for Lan Qiren? Of course he didn’t know. If he did, Wei Ying was fairly certain he wouldn’t even be alive right now.

Wei Ying couldn’t help but wonder… What would happen between him and Lan Wangji now? Was there still a future for the moments they once shared? Had the young man truly meant everything he said? Would he write to him, reach out in any way?

The more questions flooded Wei Ying’s mind, the heavier his chest felt, as if each thought added to a weight he couldn’t shake off.

Wei Ying had thought about writing first, to check on Lan Wangji, to finally say the things he had long kept inside. But every time the idea surfaced, it was quickly swallowed by a wave of fear that wrapped tightly around him. It wasn’t just the fear of how Lan Wangji might respond… it was something deeper, more unsettling.

What if something bad is going to happen because of that letter?

What if Lan Qiren found out?

The constant nausea and vomiting only made his daily overthinking worse. Most days, he felt completely drained and just wanted to sleep through it all. But the worst part? The food. That was what shocked Wei Ying the most, and nearly brought him to tears out of sheer frustration.

Why did the meals I used to love suddenly smell so terrible? 

Why did everything taste so awful now?

It even got to the point where he began asking the people preparing or selling the food to make his servings less flavorful, claiming it tasted better that way, at least for him. Of course, this left them confused. 

Why was young master Wei, who used to love bold and spicy flavors, suddenly refusing to eat them?

Wei Ying also felt like he had cried out all his tears, after weeping night after night alone in his room. It had become part of his daily routine, tears falling until there was nothing left. He also began to notice how easily irritated he’d become during training, which was completely unlike him. He used to be incredibly patient. Thankfully, he still managed to hold back his frustration whenever the trainees made mistakes.

People around him began to notice the changes and would ask if something was wrong. But Wei Ying always replied in his usual cheerful tone, saying he was fine, that it was probably just fatigue, and that he planned to visit a healer soon.

He did go to see the healer right away, accompanied by his Shijie, who was clearly very worried about him. They visited Bai Xinyue, the elderly healer who had served the Jiang Sect for many years. However, Bai Xinyue happened to be unwell that day, so Wei Ying was instead examined by her assistant, a skilled healer still in training under her old master.

Wei Ying had always felt comfortable in Bai Xinyue’s clinic, which made it easier for him to sit quietly and allow his pulse to be examined, feeling just a bit more at ease, and checked all the symptoms he's experiencing.

After the examination, the healer gently and carefully explained the results. She said that the symptoms, and what she had sensed about an unusual flow within him, a soft, subtle, yet living energy typically found only in women, (or in rare cases, in men with a special capability like Wei Ying) those who were with child.

In short, Wei Ying was pregnant.

That was the important news.

Jiang Yanli waited until he had gotten some rest before gently bringing it up. And so, the following day, Wei Ying and his Shijie had a long, serious conversation about everything that had happened.

Wei Ying told his Shijie everything. About his relationship with Lan Wangji, and that Lan Wangji was the father of the child he was now carrying. Of course, Jiang Yanli was shocked by her younger brother’s revelation. But the surprise lasted only a moment. The moment she saw the sadness in his eyes, she set aside her questions and gently pulled him into a comforting embrace.

“Are you going to tell him about your situation?” Jiang Yanli asked softly, her voice calm but laced with concern.

Wei Ying didn’t answer right away. His lips trembled, and then, he could no longer hold back his tears.

“I don’t know, Shijie…” he replied, his voice trembling as he struggled to speak. “I’m scared of what might happen next, between the two of us… and to the child I’m carrying. If his family, and everyone else, finds out that… that he got someone like me pregnant… What will they think of Lan Zhan?”

“He’ll be punished…” Wei Ying added in a whisper, his eyes lowered, voice filled with fear and sorrow.

Jiang Yanli let out a quiet sigh, doing her best to understand her younger brother’s fears.

“Do you really plan to keep this from him?” she asked gently. “Will you truly be at peace with that, A-Xian?”

Wei Ying lowered his head and slowly shook it. 

“I know in my heart I won’t be at peace if I keep this from him. But, Shijie… I don’t want trouble, not right now. I don’t want things to get complicated.”

“Last night… I thought hard about everything,” Wei Ying continued, his voice low. “And it suddenly hit me, Shijie… we’re still so young. Lan Zhan… he’s far too young to become a father.”

“…But you’re just as young as the Young Master Lan, A-Xian,” Jiang Yanli said softly. “And yet here you are, willing to carry all the responsibility alone, when it’s something the two of you should be facing together.”

Wei Ying looked up at Jiang Yanli and gave her a sad smile. “There’s nothing really wrong with being a young mother raising his child alone,” he said, almost with a small laugh. “I think… I kind of like the idea.”

“A-Xian…”

“I know, Shijie…” Wei Ying said softly. “I think… it’s better if he never finds out.”

Jiang Yanli could only nod, quietly accepting her younger brother’s decision, even if it pained her.

She felt just as helpless a few days later when Wei Ying came to her with another decision… he was leaving Lotus Pier. She tried to talk him out of it, asking if he was really certain, if there was any way he might change his mind. But in the end, his answer never changed. 

He already made up his mind.

There was no way Wei Ying could keep his plans to leave, a secret, from Jiang Cheng, Jiang Fengmian, and Madam Yu. Leaving without telling them would only cause bigger problems and more complications. 

So when he finally told Jiang Cheng about the pregnancy, he had already prepared himself for the worst, and sure enough, the outburst came. Jiang Cheng reacted with furious anger, as if the weight of the entire world had suddenly crashed down on him.

Jiang Cheng couldn’t hold back, shouting furiously with every word he threw at Wei Ying. It felt like he used every insult that means whore. He demanded to know why Wei Ying hadn’t been more careful, knowing full well he could get pregnant. He even went as far as accusing him of sleeping with just any man he came across.

Jiang Cheng demanded to know who the father of the child was, but Wei Ying didn’t tell him it was Lan Wangji. Instead, he claimed he didn’t know either and let Jiang Cheng believe what he wanted, that he had been sleeping around with random men, which was why he couldn’t tell who the father was. That only made things worse. Jiang Cheng’s words became even harsher, each one more degrading than the last.

His fury intensified when Wei Ying told him he was leaving Lotus Pier. Wei Ying tried to explain his reasons and help Jiang Cheng understand, but it was clear he refused to accept any of it. In the end, it was Jiang Yanli who stepped in and calmly explained Wei Ying’s decision in a way Jiang Cheng could finally hear. It took several exhausting hours, but eventually, Jiang Cheng began to calm down. He told him not to be reckless in whatever place he planned to settle.

If explaining his personal decision to Jiang Cheng had been difficult, trying to make Jiang Fengmian understand was even harder, though far less stressful, since the latter wasn’t an angry volcano waiting to erupt.

Sect Leader Jiang was stunned when Wei Ying told him about the pregnancy. For several minutes, he was completely speechless. Then the questions came one after another. 

When did this happen? 

Who was the man you were secretly involved with? 

Why weren’t you more careful? 

Is the father taking responsibility for the child?

Wei Ying gave Jiang Fengmian the same story he had told Jiang Cheng.

Of course, Jiang Fengmian was once again completely speechless when Wei Ying told him he wasn’t involved with just one man, that he had been sleeping with random men for some time, and had no idea who the father was. After several minutes of stunned silence, the sect leader finally found his voice. In a calm but firm tone, he scolded Wei Ying, warning him of how reckless his actions had been and the consequences they could bring, this being one of them… him ending up pregnant.

When Wei Ying finally gathered the courage to voice his decision to leave the Lotus Pier, and the reasons behind it, he had already braced himself for rejection. He was certain that Sect Leader Jiang would never allow it. But to his astonishment, the man simply nodded and said he understood.

And with that, his long conversation with Sect Leader Jiang finally came to an end. It hadn’t been as stressful as the one with Jiang Cheng, but the sheer length and weight of everything Jiang Fengmian had said left Wei Ying completely drained. Exhausted, he returned to his room to rest.

The next day, Wei Ying was summoned by Madam Yu, who said she wanted to speak with him. When he arrived and saw that Jiang Fengmian was there as well, he felt a small sense of relief.

But the moment he met Madam Yu’s eyes, he saw it, the fury burning behind her gaze. And just as he feared, it began. Like with Jiang Cheng, a torrent of cruel, cutting words poured from her mouth, each one hurled directly at Wei Ying.

The difference was that these were far worse than anything Jiang Cheng had said. Worse than being called a whore, if there was even anything worse than that. Sect Leader Jiang tried several times to stop her, but Madam Yu refused to be silenced.

After spitting all her insults, Madam Yu added that it was just as well Wei Ying had decided to leave Lotus Pier, that it was for the best, given his current situation. Wei Ying accepted every harsh word in silence. In the end, he expressed his gratitude to them both for taking him in and allowing him to stay at Lotus Pier for as long as he had.

For the last time, he told them about his final request. It was simple.

That no one else be informed of his pregnancy, and that an official story be provided to explain his departure.

Wei Ying was deeply grateful that his request was granted. Jiang Fengmian’s final words to him were calm… he was free to leave whenever he hoped to.

The story that spread about Wei Ying’s departure from Lotus Pier was that he had fallen seriously ill and needed a quiet, uninterrupted period of rest and recovery, hence, his decision to leave. Many of the Jiang disciples were saddened by the news. 

They shared their heartfelt messages to him, saying that the place would no longer feel as bright or joyful without Wei Ying around. They wished him a smooth and full recovery, and hoped that once he regained his health, he would return. Some even asked if he would allow them to visit him whenever they had the time.

By his second visit to Bai Xinyue’s clinic, the healer had already recovered. She examined him once again and informed him that his condition was stable. The baby was doing well in his belly, though continued caution was still necessary. 

Wei Ying expressed his sincere gratitude for her care and guidance.

Bai Xinyue spoke to him seriously about his plans to leave, and Wei Ying hadn’t expected the kind of help she offered. 

The elderly healer told him that, if he was willing, he could stay in the village where her older sister, also a healer, lived. She was genuinely concerned about his pregnancy and sincerely urged him to accept the offer, so that someone could check and take good care of him. 

When Wei Ying asked where this place was, she replied, Zhijiang. She assured him it was the perfect place for someone like him, a young, innocent soul carrying a new life, in need of peace and quiet care.

Wei Ying accepted Bai Xinyue’s offer, deeply grateful for the help, especially since, he hadn’t yet chosen a specific place to settle. His only plan had been to travel and hope that, somewhere along the way, he would find the right place to start again. 

He trusted Bai Xinyue. He had known her for years, and she had always been someone he felt safe with, someone who had shown him kindness more times than he could count.

Three days later, Wei Ying finally left Lotus Pier to begin his journey to Zhijiang. He would be traveling with Bai Xinyue, she said that she was going to accompany him and this was also an opportunity to visit her older sister too.  

With tears streaming down his face, Wei Ying said goodbye to everyone he held dear at Lotus Pier. Even as the journey began, his tears did not stop.

The trip would take several days before they reached their destination.

Here he was, in Zhijiang, living in the spacious yet simple home of Bai Xinyue’s elder sibling, Bai Ruyun.

Wei Ying hadn’t expected the kind of place that greeted him upon arriving in Zhijiang, especially in the lively village where her sister lived. From the very first moment, he was welcomed warmly, both by the villagers and by Bai Ruyun herself. He had assumed she would be just like her younger sister. Calm, serious, and quiet. But he was wrong.

From the moment they met, Bai Ruyun proved to be lively, warm, and easy to be around, a presence that, to Wei Ying’s surprise, felt genuinely comforting.

"You poor child… I have to say, I admire how mature you are for your age. Fifteen years old, and you’ve already made the decision to leave your previous home, to become a mother and raise your child on your own," Bai Ruyun said softly. "But now, you won’t be alone," she added. "Because I’ll be here to help you."

Bai Ruyun also had an adopted son named Bai Shan, a 23-year-old man who mostly handled the house chores and gathered the necessary supplies and ingredients for the old healer’s work. At first, Wei Ying assumed he would be cold and distant, judging by his stern expression and aloof demeanor. But to his surprise, Bai Shan never treated him rudely or harshly, not even once. In fact, whenever he spoke to Wei Ying, his voice was gentle, and his whole presence seemed to soften. That was something Wei Ying quickly noticed.

He eventually concluded that it was just the man’s face that made him seem unapproachable. But once you got close and actually spoke to him, you’d realize he was easy to be around.

Wei Ying grew close to him in no time, especially since Bai Shan was always there to help him, and to constantly remind him that he was pregnant. 

Wei Ying had a habit of insisting on doing heavy chores around the house, thinking that if he didn’t contribute, he’d just be a useless pregnant teenager with no purpose. But Bai Shan was always there to gently stop him, taking over the work himself and reminding him, every time, that he needed to take care of his condition.

“A-Ying, you’re pregnant. You shouldn’t be doing heavy chores. I’ll take care of it. You, go get some rest, or maybe take a walk outside if you like. Just don’t wander too far.”

That was what Bai Shan always told him.

To Wei Ying, Bai Shan felt like an older brother, someone who looked out for him, scolded him when needed, and never failed to make sure he was alright. Wei Ying often found himself thinking how nice it must be to have an older brother. He already had an older sister. And now, it truly felt like he had an older brother too.

Wei Ying tilted his head up and gave Bai Shan a small smile. “Alright, Shan-ge,” he said. “But I’ll be back soon to help you list the things you need to get later. You can’t stop me from doing that! Bai-popo was the one who assigned me to do that task!”

Bai Shan smiled back and gently patted his head. “I know. It’s one of the few things you can actually get to do around here, why would I take that away from you?”

“Mean!” Wei Ying huffed, but there was laughter in his voice.

He stepped out of the house for a short walk, and to chat with a few familiar faces he’d come to know in the village.

Not even a minute had passed when Wei Ying spotted a group of children playing happily outside.

“Hi, kids!”

“Oh! It’s the pregnant Ying-ge!” they shouted in return, grinning as they ran towards him.

“Yeah! Yeah! I’m pregnant, you don’t really need to remind me every day!” He teasingly said while laughing.

Wei Ying also helped Bai Ruyun with her work as a healer, occasionally assisting her.

He also mustered the courage to ask Bai Ruyun if she knew of any work he could take on, as a teenager with a growing child in his belly, so he might earn a bit of money, enough to ease their burdens and feel, somehow, less of a burden himself.

Seeing the desperation on Wei Ying’s face to be of help, Bai Ruyun stopped herself from saying what she had originally intended, that it was perfectly fine for him not to work while he was pregnant, and that he wasn’t a burden at all.

Instead, she paused for a few moments to think, then suggested that, if he wanted, he could work at a clothing store she knew in the town area, one that sold cheap robes and other items for women. Bai Ruyun told him it would be a comfortable place to work and wouldn’t cause him any stress.

Wei Ying immediately accepted Bai Ruyun’s suggestion. She told him that she would personally introduce him to the store owner, as she knew them well.

That was where he met the amazing and playful older sisters, like him, at that store. They were the ones Wei Ying often talked to and who guided him on what he could work on.

This had become Wei Ying’s daily life now while he was still pregnant. Bai Shan always picked him up and dropped him off to ensure his safety.

Wei Ying actually felt that, somehow, his life was going well now. He hadn’t expected these kinds of unexpected blessings to come his way after he left Lotus Pier. At first, he had fully expected to face great hardships once he left because the memories that came to his mind was when after his parents died, those days when he wandered the streets with nowhere to go. That was the sad fate he believed awaited him again.

But he never expected this kind of twist in his life.

He was wholeheartedly grateful to the people who had helped him, and to those who continued to be there for him.

Of course, not every day was filled with joy.

There weren't really serious physical issues, his pregnancy was progressing well and without complications.

What just truly frustrated Wei Ying was how he couldn’t stop himself from getting emotional every night whenever thoughts of Lan Wangji crossed his mind.

This happened every night in his room. So he began to think that maybe… it was the child in his belly who was longing for the presence of their father.

But Wei Ying was still frustrated, because he didn’t want to think about that man anymore. And yet, every time he caught himself thinking “I don’t want to think about Lan Zhan,” he would only end up crying even harder.

“Your belly’s really big, so, so big. Are you sure there’s only one baby in there?”

“You are so cute A-Ying! Like you swallowed a big, biiiig pomelo!”

Those were the comments that he had been told, coming from his older sisters at the store where he worked. And every time he heard comments like those, Wei Ying would instinctively rest a hand on his large belly. 

At first, he thought, perhaps it was just because he’d been eating too much bland food that perhaps that was why it had grown so big.

But now… he was starting to think that perhaps there wasn’t just one child inside him.

“Congratulations, Xiao-Ying! You're definitely having twins.” Bai Ruyun announced directly after checking him.

Bai Ruyun told him that his pulse indicated that his pregnancy was progressing normally. His pulse was steadily flowing. But something felt unusual, his pulse was stronger and fuller than she expected. It was especially full in both the part near the wrist, and the part near the elbow. It felt like there was more energy, more life than usual. It made her wonder if there might be two babies growing inside of him instead of one. And Wei Ying’s belly was larger compared to women carrying only one child.

She was somewhat sure in her assessment because she had handled several pregnancies before, and the pulses she felt in Wei Ying’s wrist were the same as those she had felt in other women who were also carrying twins.

“Ah! Perhaps you’re right, Bai-popo! That would explain why I’ve been feeling more than two strong little feet kicking inside me!” Wei Ying said with a laugh.

“So you need to be twice as careful from now on, you’re carrying two little ones,” she reminded him seriously. “Take good care of yourself.”

“Yes, Bai-popo!”

“Just a few more months, and you’ll be giving birth soon. We need to start preparing for that. I’ll be the one preparing all of the things needed on your actual delivery. For now, what you need to do is follow all the reminders I keep saying to you every time we have these check-ups.”

And Wei Ying listened intently to the healer’s additional reminders, giving her his full attention.

***

Chapter Text

Coward.

That was the word Lan Wangji used to describe himself every time he finished writing a letter. Only to sit and stare at it in silence.

The letter, neatly placed on the table, was crafted with care. It wasn’t fancy or overly adorned, but its design carried the famous touch of a Lan. Simple, refined, and honest.

Yet despite all the effort, from the heartfelt words of his declaration of love to the simple decorations. It never left his hands. It never reached the one it was meant for. Instead, he tucked it away in his cabinet.

Unsent and unread, just like all the other letters he had written for his beloved.

He had been writing letters to Wei Ying for months. But every time he got halfway through, he would hear his uncle’s angry voice in his head again, loud and sharp. It felt like that voice wrapped around him, filling him with so much sadness that it took all his strength away.

He remembered the first time he wrote a letter to Wei Ying. Many days had already passed before he finally found the courage to write and send one. But during those time, Wei Ying hadn’t sent a letter either.

Still, Lan Wangji never really expected to receive one first from his beloved. He just kept holding on to the words Wei Ying had told him back then. It was a silly line from his Wei Ying, one he often reminded himself of on purpose, because of how wonderful the boy looked when he said it to him.

He still remembered that moment so clearly, the way Wei Ying had smiled, full of life. His voice had been teasing and sweet.

“Lan er-gege~ You’re the one who’s supposed to send me a letter first.”

Lan Wangji had even asked him why. Why did he have to be the one to send the letter first? Why couldn’t it be the other way around?

Wei Ying’s answer had come quickly, his voice full of excitement.

“A jiejie in Yunmeng told me that!” he said with a big grin. “She said that in this kind of courtship, the man should be the one making the effort and sending things first to the girl he likes.”

Lan Wangji had actually paused for a moment, needing a second to fully understand what Wei Ying had just said. But once it sank in, he nodded, completely agreeing.

“I will be the one to send the letter first to Wei Ying,” he said, his voice calm but proud.

Wei Ying raised an eyebrow, grinning as he poked Lan Wangji’s cheek. “Why do you look so smug now, Lan Zhan?”

But the letter that was supposed to be his very first one to Wei Ying somehow ended up in his uncle’s hands instead.

It never even got the chance to leave Cloud Recesses.

Lan Wangji sat properly in his uncle’s  private office, back straight and hands resting on his knees. He had been summoned by Lan Qiren, though he didn’t know why. Lan Xichen wasn’t around in the Cloud Recesses this time either.

All he could do was guess. Judging by the stern look on his uncle’s face, it had to be something serious, something that clearly made him upset. Lan Wangji silently wondered if he had broken a rule, maybe one he didn’t even realize or had forgotten.

But Lan Wangji froze the moment Lan Qiren showed him the letter. His heart dropped, and his whole body tensed.

How did the letter intended for Wei Ying end up in his uncle’s hands? His chest grew heavy at the thought that there was a disciple who had handed it to him.

Lan Qiren was furious. His face was dark with anger as he held up the letter for Lan Wangji to see.

“What kind of foolishness is this?!” he snapped. “What exactly do you think you’re doing, Wangji?!”

Lan Wangji took a slow breath, trying to steady himself. He lowered his head.

“Uncle, it is against the rules to read a letter not addressed to oneself,” he said calmly, his voice steady and respectful.

“Wangji!” Lan Qiren snapped, almost slamming the letter down on the table. “This is not the time to lecture me about rules!” His voice rose, full of anger and disbelief. “What matters now is how we deal with this properly. What is this shameless relationship you have with that Wei Wuxian?!”

He replied with silence. Lan Wangji kept his head lowered. He didn’t say a word, not even once.

He wanted to speak. He wanted so badly to say something. But the words wouldn’t come. So he stayed silent.

“This is preposterous, Wangji! Utter foolishness!” Lan Qiren shouted, his voice firm and full of disgust.

“Let this be the last time I ever hear anything like this from you! You are not allowed to speak to that boy again! Don’t even mention his name, or your relationship with him! From now on, you are confined to the sect grounds! No unsupervised night hunts. No cultivation without supervision either!” His tone left no room for questions. It was an order, a final one.

“Uncle, I cannot obey the order to avoid Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji replied calmly, though there was a slight firmness in his voice. His head remained bowed.

Lan Qiren looked up in surprise, his gaze fixed on his nephew. It was the first time Lan Wangji had ever answered him back, and with a tone that hinted at defiance.

“Wangji! Is this the kind of influence that boy has on others? On you?!” Lan Qiren snapped, still furious. “If I had known this would happen, I never would’ve let you join that class!” he added.

Lan Wangji was trembling slightly, holding himself back from replying to his uncle’s words in a way that might come off as disrespectful. He tried to keep his head bowed.

“Wei Ying has done nothing wrong.  I am as I am because my feelings for him are true,” Lan Wangji replied, still not lifting his head.

“Wangji! Do you even understand what you’re saying?!" He scolded and took a moment of silence before speaking again, "I have already given the orders for your punishment. This discussion is over. Now go and take your punishment in the Disciplinary Hall,”

Lan Wangji didn’t move. He didn’t argue, not anymore. Instead, he shifted into a kneeling position and stayed there, with no intention of standing. His head remained bowed.

He didn’t want to rise from his kneeling position. This was the only way he could show that he did not accept his uncle’s orders, without raising his voice, without open defiance. So he remained where he was, silent and unmoving, his head bowed low, in silent resistance. Minutes passed. Then an hour. Two. Three.

But still, nothing.

Lan Qiren gave him no glance, no response. He simply returned to his work, as if Lan Wangji’s presence meant nothing at all. As if the weight of what had just been said, and what had been taken from him, deserved no further acknowledgment. And so, Lan Wangji stayed where he was, the ache in his knees growing heavier, but never greater than the pain in his chest.

Lan Wangji had been kneeling in silence for nearly five hours inside the office, his head still bowed. In the end, he could only give in when a disciple approached and quietly reminded him that extended kneeling in Lan Qiren’s private office was not permitted.

He had no choice.

Though he didn’t want to, Lan Wangji finally surrendered. With a heavy heart, he slowly stood up and left his uncle’s office, each step weighed down by everything he still wished he could say.

He made his way straight to the Disciplinary Hall.

While inside the disciplinary hall, Lan Wangji couldn’t stop his thoughts from drifting deeper and deeper.

Beautiful images of Wei Ying slipped back into Lan Wangji’s mind, memories of the nights they spent together. Always by each other’s side. Even now, in this painful moment, he couldn’t stop thinking about the person he loved.

How could he forget those nights, when they were the only times he ever truly felt happy?

It was nothing new for Lan Wangji to constantly think of Wei Ying. In fact, it had become part of his daily routine.

Every morning, as he forced himself to go through his duties, Wei Ying’s face would appear in his thoughts.

Memories of Wei Ying slowly returned, like the image of his bright, cheerful face as he shared stories with so much enthusiasm in his voice. Lan Wangji could still remember how he used to hold the boy close, listening in silence, giving him his full attention.

He couldn’t take his eyes off him. Wei Ying’s natural glow, his smile, and his pretty eyes. They were always so beautiful, such a wonderful sight, that Lan Wangji never wanted to look away.

And at night, in the quiet corners of his bedroom, his mind would wander again, this time, not just with longing, but with deep, aching desire.

He could see Wei Ying so clearly in his thoughts. Beneath him, eyes half-lidded with pleasure, voice breathy and sweet as he moaned Lan Wangji’s name over and over. His body trembled under Lan Wangji’s touch, welcoming every movement, every closeness, as if they were made to fit only to each other.

With his eyes shut tightly, Lan Wangji let the image consume him. His breathing grew heavier, hand moving with a rhythm guided by those thoughts, slow at first, and it went faster. In his mind, it was Wei Ying’s warmth he was sinking into, repeatedly, unable to stop, unable to pull away. The need, the hunger, the love, everything burned inside him until he finally released.

After he came and regained his senses, that’s when the shame crept in.

How could he have the audacity to use the beautiful image of Wei Ying, and the memories of their lovemaking, when he wasn’t doing anything to reach out or see his beloved?

And yet, Lan Wangji couldn’t bring himself to stop.

This had become a part of him, something his body had grown used to, just like it had been every night they shared in the Jingshi, when Wei Ying would ease the ache of his arousal without question, without hesitation.

For seven months, Lan Wangji had followed a strict daily routine.

His schedule was closely monitored during his assigned duties within the Lan Sect. His punishment of copying the rules had lasted two months, while the supervision over him extended all the way to seven months. Not once during those months did he break any more rules, which was likely the reason why the punishment wasn’t extended further and was finally lifted after the seventh month.

But throughout those seven months, not a single day passed without Lan Wangji writing a letter meant for Wei Ying. Even though he already knew those letters would never leave the Cloud Recesses, never reach Wei Ying, he still kept writing and placed the letter in its container he had prepared.

He wrote about the events of his day, how much he missed his Wei Ying, his presence, and his warmth. And in every letter, without fail, he would pour out his apologies to him, again and again.

Lan Wangji had been thinking about it for a long time. The rules he was about to break. He knew exactly what he was doing, and he was prepared for whatever consequences would follow.

Two days after the strict supervision over him ended, Lan Wangji left the Cloud Recesses. He told no one. Not his brother, not his uncle, and he didn’t ask for their permission. He simply left, heading straight to Yunmeng, to the Lotus Pier, where his Wei Ying was.

As he flew through the sky, Lan Wangji was preparing himself for the moment he would finally face his Wei Ying.

He couldn’t also stop the thoughts from entering his mind, that it had already been several months since they last saw and spoke to each other. What if his Wei Ying no longer liked him? What if his beloved didn’t want to see him anymore?

If that were to happen. If Wei Ying pushed him away, Lan Wangji would accept it. He would still ask for his forgiveness. He would kneel before him, because that was what he deserved to do after all the times he had failed his Wei Ying.

When Lan Wangji arrived at Lotus Pier, he was warmly and respectfully welcomed by Sect Leader Jiang and Madam Yu, even though his visit was so sudden.

The two Jiang siblings were also present to welcome him. In the eyes of the only male heir of the Jiang family, there was a questioning expression, wondering why Lan Wangji had come to Lotus Pier and what his purpose was. Meanwhile, Jiang Yanli's gaze was unreadable as she silently observed Lan Wangji.

“The Yunmeng Jiang sect is honored by the visit of Lan Er-Gongzi. It has been a long time since the Jiang sect received a guest from Gusu. Though your arrival is unexpected, our doors are always open to the Lan Clan.” Sect leader Jiang and Madam Yu greeted him.

Lan Wangji bowed to the two. “Jiang Zongzhu. Yu Furen. This one apologizes for the sudden visit,” he said respectfully. “This one is grateful to be welcomed with such honor and hopefully I did not cause any inconvenience.”

Sect Leader Jiang immediately accepted Lan Wangji’s apology, and reassured that the Second Young Master Lan hadn’t caused any trouble at all.

“May we ask what brings you here? Hence, we can assist Lan Er-Gongzi, if there's any matter of concern.” Sect leader Jiang said.

“I came here because I have important business with Wei Wuxian,” Lan Wangji answered calmly.

Madam Yu’s expression visibly soured the moment she heard the name. While Jiang Fengmian, Jiang Yanli, and Jiang Cheng fell silent upon hearing Wei Ying's name spoken by the Second Young Master Lan. It had been months since they last heard that name, and to their surprise, it now came from the heir of the Gusu Lan Sect.

“Lan Er-Gongzi, if A-Xian has caused you any trouble, then allow us to offer our apologies on his behalf,” Jiang Fengmian replied calmly.

“That Wei Wuxian,” Madam Yu muttered with a quiet scoff.

“He has not caused me any trouble. I am here to see him regarding an important matter.”

“In that case, I must apologize as I may not be able to present him to you.”

Lan Wangji cast a questioning gaze upon Sect Leader Jiang at those words, wondering why Wei Ying could not be brought before him.

“A-Xian left the Lotus Pier months ago, Lan Er-Gongzi,” sect leader Jiang said.

Lan Wangji fell silent, a hint of surprise briefly flickering across his usually composed face. He struggled to process Jiang Fengmian's words. Knowing how devoted Wei Ying was to the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, evident in the many times he had spoken fondly of his experiences, Lan Wangji couldn’t help but wonder why he had left.

“He was unwell and made the decision to leave Yunmeng and step away from being a cultivator to focus on healing himself,” Jiang Fengmian continued.

Lan Wangji froze, his whole body turning cold at what Jiang Fengmian had said.

My Wei Ying is sick.

He kept repeating those words in his head, his face still showing a trace of shock as he looked at sect leader Jiang.

His Wei Ying was sick, and Lan Wangji didn’t even know. He also hadn’t known that Wei Ying had left and turned his back on being a cultivator to focus on getting better. Months had passed already. So many months.

Lan Wangji had no idea what was happening in Wei Ying’s life during all that time. He wasn’t there beside him, not during the days he had been suffering.

“Did Wei Ying mention what illness he has? May I ask for the name of the place where he is staying?” Lan Wangji asked, trying hard to stay calm.

“I am sorry, Lan Er-Gongzi. I cannot disclose the nature of his illness, it is a matter of privacy, and I hope you will understand. As for his whereabouts… We do not know. Wei Ying chose not to share that with me, us. He asked that his decision be respected, and I intend to honor that.” Jiang Fengmian replied.

It took a few seconds before Lan Wangji responded. "I understand.”

The conversation continued for a few more minutes, but not much longer, after all, the Second young master was not someone who spoke much.

Still, Lan Wangji couldn’t stop thinking about what he had learned about his Wei Ying today. The weight of it stayed with him.

After the short conversation with the Jiang Clan and said his goodbyes to them, Lan Wangji walked slowly out of the guest hall, lost in thought.

He didn’t snap out of his thoughts until he had already walked far from the guest hall and was nearing the exit of the Jiang headquarters, when someone called out to him.

“Lan Er-Gongzi.” It was Jiang Yanli’s voice.

Lan Wangji turned and saw the eldest daughter of Jiang Fengmian and Madam Yu approaching him. She gave him a polite salute, which Lan Wangji returned with equal respect.

“Jiang-guniang,” Lan Wangji greeted her.

She smiled warmly at him. “A-Xian told me stories about the fun he had in Gusu,” she said gently, her voice calm and full of fondness. “He mentioned the friendship... special relationship... that formed between the two of you.”

Lan Wangji bowed to her politely. “Wei Ying is a wonderful person.”

“I know. A-Xian is special... a very unique and precious child,” she said softly. “May I invite you to speak with me for a moment, Lan Er-Gongzi? There’s something important I wish to tell you about A-Xian.”

Lan Wangji accepted Jiang Yanli’s invitation. He could see the silent plea on her face, as if she was hoping he would say yes. That made him think that what she wanted to say about his Wei Ying must be important.

Maiden Jiang brought him to a beautiful spot near the water, where countless lotus flowers could be seen in full bloom.

“A-Xian didn’t tell you about the condition he has. His condition is something natural to him, but not something that can be called natural for most men,” Jiang Yanli began.

Lan Wangji didn’t understand what she meant, so he remained quiet, listening carefully and waiting for what she would say next.

“He didn’t tell you himself, so out of respect for him, I won’t say it either. It’s something A-Xian should be the one to tell you,” Jiang Yanli said softly. “All I ask of you, Lan Er-Gongzi, is that you go to him. Not just to learn about his condition or see how he’s doing now. Go as the man who loves A-xian deeply."

“He is currently residing in Zhijiang, living a quiet life. I sincerely hope Lan Er-Gongzi will go to him and fix the genuine relationship you two share.”

Lan Wangji’s journey to Zhijiang on his sword took almost a day. While traveling, he recalled the important information Maiden Jiang had told him.

“A-Xian is currently living with the elder sister of our Jiang Sect healer, Bai Xinyue. Her sister, Bai Ruyun, is also a healer. According to what A-Xian wrote in the letter he once sent me, this healer is well-known in that area, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find him quickly.”

Lan Wangji landed in a wooded area near a colorful and bustling town in Zhijiang. It was late afternoon, and the sky was gradually turning orange as he walked alone along the town’s busy road. There weren’t as many people in this town compared to the one in Gusu, so Lan Wangji’s mood didn’t change much as he walked through it.

But as he walked, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of nervousness when he realized that he was now in the place where his Wei Ying was. Now, he found himself worrying. What should he do? How should he approach him, especially when he could feel that Wei Ying might be angry at him?

Lan Wangji was still lost in his worries about what to do, when his attention was suddenly drawn to a familiar figure, a young man cheerfully chatting with an elderly woman in front of what was clearly a clothing shop.

He stopped in his tracks and took a few steps closer, quietly observing the young man he longed so deeply to embrace. Lan Wangji felt like he forgot how to breathe the moment he saw his Wei Ying fully, his chest tightening at the sight.

What drew his gaze most was Wei Ying's big round belly, where he cradled it with his one hand in a slow and tender motion. The image in front of him pinned him to the spot. Overwhelming him with a wave of emotion he hadn't prepared for.

W-Wei Ying... Is... Is he... Is he...

Lan Wangji swallowed hard at the next word, one he couldn’t even bring himself to say, not even in his thoughts.

Lan Wangji couldn’t tear his eyes away from Wei Ying as he continued talking to the elderly woman. He flinched when he saw Wei Ying suddenly flinch as well, pausing in the motion of gently stroking his large belly. His eyes shut tightly for a moment, but even then, he wore a small, strained smile. And whether it was because of his naturally sharp hearing as a cultivator or something else entirely, he heard what his Wei Ying said.

“There they go again, Bai-popo! The twins are kicking again! I think they’re telling us it’s time to go home.” Wei Ying said with a soft laugh.

t-twins? k-kicking?

Lan Wangji remained frozen where he stood. Wei Ying and the elderly woman were just about to leave when he suddenly stopped at someone calling his name.

“W-Wei Ying…” Lan Wangji called out softly, just above a whisper, but not loud enough for an ordinary person to hear. But he knew Wei Ying would hear it. He knew he would recognize his voice.

Wei Ying stopped where he was when he heard that familiar voice call his name. He took a deep breath, then slowly and unsurely looked toward where the voice had come from, and there, he froze again, eyes wide in surprise as he looked at Lan Wangji’s face.

"L-Lan Zhan..."

***