The world is still such a bright place

Chapter 4

When Lan Xichen visited his younger brothers the afternoon before the guest lectures were to officially start, he was happy to hear that Wei Wuxian had decided to attend them after all. He knew it must have taken him a lot of courage and he was proud of him for daring to try something new.

Since he was hoping his brother would be attending, he had already instructed all other Gusu Lan sect disciples on how to behave; even if they already knew all that. Most of them were happy to help, and the handful who were not really fond of Wei Wuxian and the seemingly preferential treatment he was receiving also agreed when faced with a direct order, even if somewhat reluctantly. Lan Wangji of course was more than willing to assume his own role. The stage was set and now Lan Xichen could only hope everything would go according to his and Lan Qiren's plan.

He was very worried for his brother. This was the first really big step he had taken in years and he did not want someone or any unfortunate event to ruin Wei Wuxian's first impression: "I hope Wuxian would be able to get used to things quickly. I know he had always been extremely nervous around strangers, and no one could blame him after what he had experienced during his early childhood. He needs to understand that not everyone aside for the few people he had allowed close want him harm.

I am afraid he had only seen the worst part of human nature while living on the streets and now he has problems to trust basically anyone. It took our father almost two years until Wuxian has started trusting him and was not afraid when he was in the room. It was the same with Wangji and me, although we were supposed to be brought up together and were trying to interact with our new brother as much as possible, it was still not easy. Now he is able to be himself only around us, his closest family..."

His brother seemed still very unsure of his decision and nervous about tomorrow so Lan Xichen proposed: "Wuxian, would you like to go have a quick peek into the lecture hall which will be used for the lectures? Perhaps it could help if you familiarize yourself with the layout ahead of time?"

Lan Xichen was happy to see Wei Wuxian cheering up: "Thank you, Brother Xichen, that is an excellent idea. This way, I would not have to worry about waltzing in like a blind elephant into a room filled with porcelain."

"Well, that is better than nothing, I suppose. At least Wuxian is able to joke about tomorrow. He had also calmed down quite a bit. I will leave the rest to Wangji." Lan Xichen thought and smiled reassuringly at his youngest brother even though he knew it would have no effect on him.

Wei Wuxian turned towards Lan Wangji and suggested cheerfully: "Lan Zhan, will you lead the way? I am no good at it."

Lan Xichen could still not believe even after years that his brother could so casually joke about his condition. If others were in his shoes, they would have most probably pitied themselves or given up on life altogether. But not Wei Wuxian, he was facing the world with a smile on his lips and an endless amount of determination. But that was just how his brother was and Lan Xichen never wanted him to change. No, that was not entirely true, he wanted him to open up to more people and show his true nature to the whole world, not just his family.

"Mn," Lan Wangji hummed his reply and both brothers were already leaving the room and walking towards the main compound since the Jingshi was quite a distance away from other buildings. Lan Xichen followed them with his eyes until he could see the white fabric of their robes disappearing from sight. He really hoped everything would go smoothly and his youngest brother would be able to take another step in his recovery.

***

Jin Zixuan was sitting on the bed in his room and thinking all excited about tomorrow. He could not believe he was actually looking forward to the start of those surely boring lectures. But it was the truth.

He had been frantically searching the whole Cloud Recesses for the disciple who had caught his attention during the training session since he had missed the end of it and could not see in which direction the disciple had disappeared into. He wanted to talk to him and ask him where did he learn such movements, he wished to be taught them. They looked so graceful, yet powerful and efficient. Nothing like the fighting style he had been training in in the Koi Tower.

He had however no luck and he still could not find the disciple even after hours of searching. So now, he had directed his hopes towards the lectures, if the disciple was of a similar age as him, he would certainly take part in them. They were reserved for a limited number of the Gusu Lan sect disciples, only the most talented and best behaved ones could assist them, but Jin Zixuan was convinced the said disciple was definitely part of them.

When the evening bell rang the curfew, he was still sitting on his bed, imagining how he would approach the disciple: "I am sure I will be able to recognize him immediately when I see him move. Those movements... they were so different from anything I had ever seen, so distinct and graceful. Although I did not see his face, one look at him walking will surely be enough to recognize him.

I really want him to teach me. That would be the only good thing about all this charade with the lectures. We will not be told anything different than in our own sects, it is just a way to get the younger generation together so we can get to know each other and cooperate better in the future. All future sect leaders are here this year, so I must behave myself even if I am bored to death.

I need something to distract myself during this endless year. I am used to other standards and having many options to pass my free time. Here, everything is so uptight and nothing is permitted. What the Lans do aside for studying and training? I really will die of boredom unless I find something to distract me. Training in a new fighting style could be just the thing. For that however, I first need to find this enigmatic disciple."

Jin Zixuan chose to deliberately attribute the feelings which were confusing him ever since he had caught the first glimpse of that disciple to his desire to learn to move just like him. He did not want to contemplate further about what else they could mean.