Lan Wangji was full of thoughts after a couple of hours observing the person who was sitting right in front in full view. He never felt so distracted in his life, despite the blank look on his face.
The previous night on the roof, he had caught the head disciple of Yunmeng Jiang red-handed, sneaking in with alcohol jars after curfew. Wei Wuxian knew no remorse, didn't care about the rules or etiquettes and talked too much! The unrepentant teen even tried to bribe his way out and dared to drink alcohol in front of him. That said, no one had managed to anger and irritate him in his entire existence to the point he unsheathed his sword and broke the rules of fighting without permission (he subjected himself to a self-punishment of copying the scriptures a hundred times for that). The unorthodox ideas he spat out during lesson earlier were against every principle of righteous cultivation that Lan Wangji had been taught and uphold since he was young. In brief, a wayward person.
However, right now, the person was quietly doing his punishments without uttering a single complaint. He looked like he just discovered a brush and eagerly made copies of his set of punishment after testing his writings a couple of times. Sloppy but eager. He mentally made comparison of the distinct change of attitudes and temperament. It was too bizarre that he considered the possibility of spirit possession for a second. For the first time in his life, Lan Wang Ji felt curious about another person.
Xiao Zhan on the other side of the library, was deeply fascinated and engrossed on how he could write traditional pinyin characters in straight lines with a brush and ink. He was born in 21st century and pens or pencils were way more convenient and comfortable for writing. Like most people in the smartphone era, words can be formed and conveyed by just tapping on the illuminated screens. Photocopy machines exist and thousand copies can be produced with just few clicks of button. Near perfect imitations to the original. For a moment, Xiao Zhan was glad to be born in the world where technologies make things convenient and efficient but right now, he enjoyed this sensation of physically brushing the paper with wet ink, one stroke at a time to form a single character.
Hmm... Not the best-looking calligraphy.
He admitted but it was a pass. Readable. This slow activity was actually relaxing contrary to his initial thoughts.
This must be the side effect that comes as you get older.
As a hardworking person, he always put his best effort on accomplishing his tasks no matter how. His work principle was already engraved deep in his soul, and he never slacked off. Without a single word left his lips, he sat still for hours making the 3 copies and when he was done, he suddenly remembered there was another person in the same room with him.
Oh no, this is really an occupational hazard. So very unlike Wei Wuxian.
He just grasped that he was entirely out of character, but he didn't really care much on keeping the act alive now. This would be over soon anyway. With the limited time he might still have, he had to seize the opportunity to getting to know this male lead he once admired for his devotion of love. In person. As a person.
He got up, stretching a little before he slowly approached Lan Wangji's table. He didn't miss the slight shift of little movements the other person made. Although the face still maintained stoic on the surface, Xiao Zhan could read the emotions under that cavern block of ice. Lan Wangji was flustered although he tried hard not to show it.
Xiao Zhan smiled and took a seat in front of the Second Jade of Lan with his legs folded. He leaned forward to peek at the parchment Lan Wangji was writing on.
"Those are some great characters! They're of the top level." Xiao Zhan subconsciously let out the scripted compliment like Wei Wuxian would have. It was a sincere praise from himself though.
Lan Wangji remained silent.
Although Xiao Zhan had decided to drop the act, he couldn't help the urge to tease him. He leaned in even closer, staring at him with full doe eyes and with full intention to make the handsome being in front of him to blush. "Lan Wangji." He called.
"..."
"Second Young Master Lan." No response. But Xiao Zhan knew that would happen.
Shortcut it is. Time is precious.
"Lan Zhan."
Lan Wangji's hand came into a halt halfway into his writing, he finally lifted his face and shot his infamous cold glare wordlessly.
That supposing intimidating look was adorable in Xiao Zhan's eyes. It was too much cuteness his heart could handle. He dramatically fell backward clutching his hand where his heart was, as if he had been shot. It took a lot of effort to stifle his laugh from erupting.
Lan Wangji frowned deeply, his eyes followed Xiao Zhan's every move like a hawk.
"Okay, okay. Don't be mad. I only called your birth name because you didn't answer when I called you. If you're upset, you can also call me back with my birth name." Xiao Zhan said playfully.
Lan Wangji closed his eyes for a while and took a couple of deep breath, trying to keep his composure. Under the table, the knuckle of the hand that was on his lap turned white from being clenched so hard.
Gauging by the way Lan Wangji reacted, Xiao Zhan knew when to stop teasing. He didn't want to end up facing a sword pointed at his neck if he provoked the Second Jade further. "Anyway, I want to admit my fault and apologize to you. It was my fault during that night. I was wrong. I shouldn't have climbed the wall, I shouldn't have drunk alcohol, and I shouldn't have fought with you. But I swear! It wasn't that I provoked you on purpose. I really didn't look at the sect rules. The sect rules in the Jiang Sect are all told verbally; none of them are written down. Or else, I definitely wouldn't have done that." He apologized on behalf of the original Wei Wuxian to appease Lan Wangji slightly.
A minute of silence ensued before Lan Wangji opened his mouth. "Don't do it again." He said firmly without looking at Xiao Zhan, his hands already resumed his copying work.
It was a brief reply, but Xiao Zhan was happy to get that response. He smiled brightly, his eyes were glued onto the beautiful strokes made as Lan Wangji moved his brush swiftly and elegantly. As someone who loves arts and designs, he could watch this live calligraphy performance for hours! Wherever the brush went, his eyes followed faithfully.
How relaxing and peaceful. Truly, his handwriting is beautiful
Unbeknownst to Xiao Zhan who was totally absorbed in the artistic display of calligraphy without any care of anything else, Lan Wangji's heart was getting further and further from peaceful. It was beating faster and more tumultuous. Not even ten minutes had passed and he couldn't ignore the increasing intensity of the poundings on his chest. He stopped writing at once.
"Eh? Why did you stop?" Xiao Zhan asked innocently. "Please ignore my insignificant presence and continue." He added with a pleading eye.
".." Lan Wangji did not say a word and started to tidy up the table. He needed to leave as soon as possible and get away from this person who disturbed his calm. He needed to go to the cold spring. Now.
Xiao Zhan was left bewildered as he looked at Lan Wangji's back, speedily disappearing into the already dark shadow of outside world. "Ah, looks like there is a ninja in Gusu." He laughed a little at his own joke which felt short and lonely. He then got to his feet, walking out of the Pavilion Library. Judging by the ambient light outside, he estimated it may be around 6pm now. Left alone at his own accord, he explored the compound like he was taking a walk in the museum, taking in the ancient building designs and architectures with admiration. He was no stranger to this kind of construction since filming spot like Hengdian had the same outlook. But it was still fascinating to see this place, unblemished from 21st century touches. He smiled at everyone he saw be it Gusu Lan disciples or other sects' (he had no idea which sects some disciples was from, he had never seen the uniforms before).
Cloud Recesses was a huge place, he quickly realized but he still wandered around, playing tourist on the loose. And at the end of his exploration, he was a little tired and he could use a little sleep. "Sleeping while dreaming? Hahaha lucid dream to inception." He chuckled to himself, his feet bringing him to the dormitory where he should be residing.
As soon as Xiao Zhan stepped in 'his' room, he saw a face scrunching sourly, hands crossed at the chest at the table in the center. Another figure holding a fan stood beside him with impish smile.
Ah, these two.
He had completely forgotten about offending Jiang Cheng earlier and now, he had to deal with the aftermath. He was not one who likes enmity and didn't want to end his nice little 'vacation' in a bitter note, so he decided to let it go and made his best effort to make up with Wei Wuxian's martial brother. Thus, he turned his Wei Wuxian mode back on and he playfully put his arm on the brat's shoulder. "Ah, Jiang Cheng. Shidi. Let's forget about earlier alright? I was just being too sensitive after getting kicked out the class."
"What the hell is wrong with you today? You are acting weird! You always do stupid things but today, you seemed like you finally lost your marbles." Jiang Cheng said in strained voice, his features hard.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm wrong, alright? How about I let you hit me once? But softly. Also spare the face." He playfully shook Jiang Cheng shoulder while making puppy face.
Jiang Cheng just huffed at the gestures but evidently lessened his tensed facial muscles. He still sneered at him though, "Stop shaking or I will really punch you in the face!"
Xiao Zhan stopped at once and stepped away from the grumpy grape, "Let us be civil and use words, not violence."
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, "Since when are you civil?" He spat.
Xiao Zhan shrugged, "Since now."
"Well, Wei-xiong~" Nie Huaisang interrupted in his sing song voice, "Did something happened between you and Lan Wangji?" He asked curiously. "It's really a wonder. He never did that before for anyone."
Xiao Zhan raised his brow, "Did what?"
"You know? Speak up for another person." Nie Huaisang said in scandalizing manner, fanning himself.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Xiao Zhan waved it off, "He didn't speak up for me. He only showed up because he is the enforcer of 3000 rules and we were about to break one."
Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes. "And now you are speaking for him."
"I am only explaining. No one speaks for anyone but themselves. Okay?" Xiao Zhan said, waving a dismissive hand. He then changed the subject and shifted his attention to a sword on the bedding.
Oh! That must be Suibian.
He picked it up excitedly, stroking the details and admiring the beautiful pattern engraved on the metal sheath. He unsheathed the sword, pointing it up to the ceiling. The sword felt just right in his grasp, the weight was well-balanced. Like it was made for him. The blade looked sharp it could cut the air. Then, he felt a surge of electric-like sensation and constant tiny vibrations flowing from the sword into his palm, like a greeting to its master and slowly dispersing and combining in the circling warmth in his center. That uncomfortable feeling of things being "too real" came again.
He ignored it again attributing it to his long term fatigue. He was always in constant sleep deprived state these days so if there was a chance for him to rest, he would take it. Even if it meant he slept in his dream. In his normal schedule, he would sleep when it gets dark, around 7pm to 8pm? And woke up as early as 3am to get ready for another hectic day. At this time of the year, his schedules were jam packed and he couldn't remember the last time he had a decent sleep.
"Anyway, I spent hours copying way too many words that my eyes almost went blind. So, if excuse me, gentlemen. I need to rest." Before anyone can protest, his arms already on each of the young masters' shoulders and slowly inching them towards the door.
Spare this 30-years old man, my schedules are packed again tomorrow.'
Jiang Cheng almost said something but only let a grunt out after noticing that his martial brother was not lying about being tired, it was written clearly all over the gaunt-looking face.
"Wei-xiong, are you sick? Even Gusu Lan folks has not go to sleep yet." Nie Huaisang pointed at the directions of Lan clan accommodations, the lights were still lit.
Zombified Xiao Zhan liked the idea of having decent hours of sleep. "Actually, it's probably not bad to give their routine a try." He said, nodding his head.
Ne Huaisang almost dropped his fan along with his lower jaw at his answer. "Wei-xiong! Be honest! Did Lan Wangji smack your head with his sword at the library?" He yapped.
Xiao Zhan simply smiled like a smitten fanboy. "No such thing. Although he did smack me with his ethereal handsomeness." He sighed dreamily.
"That's enough! You should sleep. You're delirious! All the alcohols you drank finally got into you! I am afraid if you don't, you will turn more stupid tomorrow!" Jiang Cheng exclaimed, pushing Xiao Zhan back into the room and dragged the stunned Nie Huaisang away.
After both of them left, he took off the outer layer of his attire and immediately lay down on the bed. He would just shower when he woke up. He took a last look at the sheathed sword before putting in beside him.
Ahh, this is such a nice dream. I won't mind to dream like this again.
His eyelids got heavier, and his last thought was,
'Inception of The Untamed.'