Den Uncle and his Cubs -LXC x JC- Xicheng fic

He is Beauty and He is the Beast

Lan Xichen has been trained to be a perfect Lan for as long as he can remember. He was shaped into a leader despite never truly asking for it. It was his right and duty. Being well-versed in the 4107 rules of the Gusu Lan Sect, every single one of actions unconsciously adhere to the sect rules.

The Lan sect is widely known for their grace and beauty. They pride themselves in the strength of their body and the control of mind. The rules forbid them from accumulating wealth and aided them to lead a modest life.

Lan Xichen had a penchant for beauty, from the elegant pure jaded Xiao to the various trinkets adorning his room, he handpicked them all, suiting his character. Not expensive but elegant.

They were taught to believe in the good and beauty of everything, for it all had a purpose.

He saw the good in Jin Guangyao's ideas and beauty in the love for his nephew.

He noticed the good in Nie Huaisang's familial piety and beauty in his love for art.

He recognized the good in Nie Mingjue's leadership and the beauty hidden by his harsh temper.

Same can be said for Jiang Wanyin too.

Lan Xichen has seen the good in his loyalty and determination; and the beauty in his sect's growth. Apparently, he had been blind to his physical beauty. For he was stunned now.

The ebony locks spilled; framing his face, hiding the sharp jawline and high cheekbones, giving him a soft appearance. The Sect Leader, who can make a grown man quake in his boots merely with a glare, was now furrowed with concern for a young girl who found solace in his arms. In Lan Xichen's eyes, he resembled an ethereal fairy.

Lan Xichen was not blind towards the small smile that adorns due to his nephew's mere presence, or the pride dancing in his eyes when his sect is complimented, or the grit in his posture to always hide his weakness.

Sect Leader Jiang, Jiang Wanyin, is a man proud of his status with good reason for he genuinely loves his sect and wants the best for it. Not just because he was the heir, then leader, nor because it was expected of him.

No.

None expected anything from Yunmeng Jiang when it was wrecked and grazed to the ground. None expected to see the breathing example of their motto in a young boy, who wasn't even of age when he took upon the mantle. And absolutely, no one expected it to enter the Four Great Sects within a short period of five years.

But he made it happen. Alone. With his stubbornness as the sole companion.

Lan Xichen can agree - he admired the man and respected him.

And looking at him now, he might have even started to like him.

Oh! It is possible I like him romantically.

Possible?

Silence. I can't process anymore in the middle of my first conference.

You've been thinking about this for the past few decades.

No, I wasn't. And, we are both Sect Leaders.

And you want to court him and be romantically involved.

WHAT?

Hey. I thought we were both laying down the facts.

...

...

...oh.

Process it faster.