The world is still such a bright place

Chapter 70

Lan Wangji was watching his brother closely, it was clear to him that Wei Ying was stressed out of his mind but it seemed that he was determined to go through with the introduction nevertheless. The Second Jade could only hope that it would go well and his brother would not have another panic attack. It would be really bad since they did not have his doctor on the back and call here in the Koi Tower. And he was not sure that even Jin Zixuan's voice and presence would be enough to snap him out of it this time.

That remained to be seen however since for now, Wei Ying was only desperately holding onto the Lanling Jin sect heir's hand and following him to the main meeting hall.

Lan Wangji was very worried about his younger sibling: "I cannot even imagine just how scary this all must be for Wei Ying. He looks really stressed despite his best efforts to smile. He had not set a food outside the Cloud Recesses ever since my father brought him in. Plus, he cannot see where he is, nor can he safely walk around alone since he does not know the place. He has no solace here but me and Jin Zixuan... I cannot even start to imagine how terrifying it must be for him. I really hope nothing goes wrong."

They stopped in front of a door, so big in fact that it could be called a gate easily. His eyes went to his brother again and he saw how Wei Ying squeezed Jin Zixuan's hand tightly and then let go of it, visibly unwillingly and with a lot of effort. The Lanling Jin sect heir looked at him with question in his eyes. His brother must have felt it as he shook his head slightly.

Lan Wangji was sure that Wei Ying just did not want to be seen being too intimate with Jin Zixuan before being formally introduced and ask for permission to go through with an engagement and courting. Perhaps he was even worried that the other's parents would not permit the union if they knew about his condition.

The Second Jade grew even more worried now: "We Ying seems even more stressed out now, he is starting to hyperventilate too. I should probably stop all of this and let him take a rest, we could stay here for a while and only go on with the introduction once he is ready... He had probably overthought things as usual... He could have very well held Jin Zixuan's hand the whole time, he has a perfectly valid reason for that after all. Even though I know he can manage just fine with his hearing only, he could have said that he needed guidance..."

Before he could suggest to stop anything, the gate was already opening and Jin Zixuan walked inside, followed closely by Wei Ying. Lan Wangji looked around discreetly; as expected of the Lanling Jin sect, everything from the tapestries on the walls and the chairs and tables to the smallest decorative ornament was very extravagant and expensive-looking. Just as one would expect from the richest sect in the whole cultivation world.

The sect leader and his wife were sitting on an elevated podium on the other side of the room, waiting for them. Jin Zixuan immediately headed towards them, his steps confident but slow, probably to accommodate Wei Ying who was carefully following him, just one step behind. The hall was monstrously big and the Second Jade could not imagine for which opportunity, aside for showing off of course, it could be needed.

When they stopped in front of the podium, they all bowed to show their respects as they should. The sect leader and his wife nodded their heads in acknowledgment of their courtesy. Madame Jin was looking at them with a gentle smile, her eyes full of curiosity but also fondness, Lan Wangji though that she must have guessed the purpose of their sudden visit and apparently approved.

On the other hand, Jin Guangshan acted as he did not even notice his own son. His eyes quickly overlooked Lan Wangji from head to toes but left soon after that, it was only a glance really. However, he focused on Wei Ying and watched him intently. The Second Jade shuddered despite himself, there was something in the Lanling Jin sect leader's eyes and expression which was making him very uncomfortable. He could just not quite tell what exactly it was. For now, he decided to keep an eye on him and try to figure it out.

He briefly glanced towards his brother, wondering if Wei Ying could feel that stare. Sure enough, he took half a step back and shuddered himself, as if a cold gust of wind came over him. He hoped that Wei Ying would be alright.

Lan Wangji looked back at the Lanling Jin sect leader, still trying to figure out his intentions. Jin Guangshan did not notice him staring, his full attention seemed to have been focused on Wei Ying.

And then, the Second Jade suddenly realized what kind of look the other had in his eyes; they were hungry, lustful even. At once, he remembered that he had heard a few rumours about the Lanling Jin sect leader's promiscuity and unfaithfulness towards his wife, apparently he did not really mind if the other party was a boy or a girl, only that their body was to his liking. Lan Wangji did not believe those rumours previously, but seeing how Jin Guangshan was now looking at We Ying, he had to reconsider.

He felt extremely ill at ease and worried about his brother. Even if Wei Ying never told anyone what exactly had happened to him while he had been living on the streets, his aversion to physical touch did not leave too many options, it was quite clear what kind of abuse and trauma he had suffered.

Lan Wangji was alarmed now, hopefully Wei Ying could only feel he was being stared at but could not tell with which intentions. The Second Jade had suddenly a very strong urge to take his brother away from here and hide him from this lustful monster sitting on the podium in front of him.