The world is still such a bright place

Chapter 73

Jin Zixuan did not leave the side of Wei Wuxian's bed all three days the Gusu Lan sect disciple had been unconscious. He had carried him into his own room after the doctor had checked him and assured both him and Lan Wangji that fortunately, Wei Wuxian was no longer in any danger of qi deviation. It was such a relief that if Jin Zixuan had not been kneeling on the ground, his legs would have surely given out under him.

The Second Jade was coming to his room twice a day to play soothing and healing music for his brother. It was working wonders, together with the times Jin Zixuan was whispering reassurances and caressing and kissing Wei Wuxian. The Gusu Lan sect disciple was alright by now, at least according to the healer, but he had yet to regain consciousness.

The only time Jin Zixuan stopped looking after Wei Wuxian and staring at the other's pale face to check if he was not waking up, was when his mother came to talk to him. She reassured him that his father would not bother Wei Wuxian, or anyone else for that matter, ever again.

She also told him that he was now expected to take Jin Guangshan's place as the Lanling Jin sect leader. It did not surprise him at all since he had been expecting it. Although he had many other siblings, he was the only legitimate son, it had to be him. Not that he was looking forwards to it because it meant he would have to leave Wei Wuxian alone for some period of time. He was not sure that the Gusu Lan sect disciple wanted to remain in the Koi Tower any longer. And he would not be free to go visit him in the Cloud Recesses all too often.

It saddened him greatly, but it really could not be helped. Not after he had learned about what had happened to Wei Wuxian in the past. Of course, he had yet to confirm his suspicion, he however believed that he was not far from the truth. He knew his father's promiscuity and his disturbing hobby to basically attack anything and anyone he fancied. It sickened him that the Gusu Lan sect disciple had also suffered in this way.

Jin Zixuan's eyes widened and his heart started beating faster from worries when he noticed Wei Wuxian's eyelids move. The Gusu Lan sect disciple did not open his eyes but he quickly shot up; scrambling as far as possible from him. The Lanling Jin sect heir could only assume that he could not feel at the moment that it was indeed him and not Jin Guangshan sitting by his side and holding his hand.

He immediately let go and stepped aside, leaving Wei Wuxian some space, while he tried to sooth him: "Wuxian, it is alright, my father cannot hurt you anymore. You are safe. How are you feeling?"

It took an eternity for the Gusu Lan sect disciple to react to his words, or at least Jin Zixuan hoped that he was doing that when he shook his head, his breathing still frantic and his hands trembling. It must have been a great shock to him to once again meet his past abuser. And the Lanling Jin sect heir would bet everything he had that the fact that Wei Wuxian could not see and face the danger head on had a big part in how he had overreacted.

Suddenly, the door to the room flew open and Lan Wangji came inside, worries evident of his usually expressionless face. He stopped a few steps away from his brother, fully aware of the fact that he was distressed right now and did not want anyone close to him.

It took them both nearly half an hour before Wei Wuxian let his guards down and was comfortable with them coming closer. The Lanling Jin sect heir was fighting his urge to touch the other, he knew it would not be wise when they had only just got Wei Wuxian to trust them again. He had to content himself with telling the Gusu Lan sect disciple that their engagement had been blessed and already announced to the public.

Wei Wuxian seemed to have perked up at the knowledge and even managed a ghost of his usually bright smile. It only showed more clearly just how much he had been hurt in the past. Jin Zixuan actually wanted to go to his father and demand retribution, however, he knew very well that it would do nothing but to satisfy his wounded pride at the moment. The Gusu Lan sect disciple did not need any more reminders; he did not need that beast of a human's apology or anything similar.

Once Wei Wuxian was calm enough, Jin Zixuan send servants to fetch them some food. He guessed that after three days of being unconscious, the other would be hungry. All three of them ate in complete silence. It occurred to the Lanling Jin sect heir only then that the Gusu Lan sect disciple did not utter a single word ever since waking up. He was curious about the reason, but he did not want to make the other even more uncomfortable so he did not ask.

After they have finished and the dishes had been taken away, Lan Wangji kneeled beside the bed which Wei Wuxian had not left just yet and he asked gently: "Wei Ying, what do you want to do now?"

Wei Wuxian opened his mouth, but no words came out. He shook his head and gestured with his hands. Jin Zixuan did not understand what he had meant until the Second Jade got up and went to his study table. He picked up a sheet of paper and a brush and brought them over to his brother. The Lanling Jin sect heir could only silently and in utter sadness observe how Wei Wuxian's trembling hands wrote a single sentence:

I want to go home

Then he lowered his head, as if in embarrassment or burdened with regret. Jin Zixuan quickly reassured him: "I understand. I will accompany you back to the Cloud Recesses this afternoon. For now, rest some more, Wuxian."

The Gusu Lan sect disciple nodded his head shortly and laid down, pulling the covers over his head. Jin Zixuan's heart was aching seeing Wei Wuxian still very much distressed. But he guessed it could not have been helped after what had happened three days ago. He could only hope that it would come to pass and Wei Wuxian would be once again able to be himself.