THE GAME

Miracle Child

Lan Wangji could not erase the moment the wild one gave up on everything. That smile on Wei Ying's face, so serene yet turmoiled. He cursed himself for having that scene playing on repeat in his mind, taking away his sleep and any chances of being happy. Deep down he doubted if Wei Ying had truly died. Shouldn't he have been freed of every sentiment?

Not only that, there was another pressing issue at hand. The other clans were still pushing the agenda of having the heir to QishanWen killed to prevent future retaliation. It would take a lot to convince them otherwise. In the meantime, Lan Xichen faced all ney sayers fair and square with the truth about the boy's actual origins. 

Wen Yuan was in Jiang Yanli's care at Yunmeng, sick and frightened. No child can let go of such trauma easily. Like Wangji, Wen Yuan was plagued with nightmares and restless nights, crying out for his mother... and father. His health deteriorated over the first few weeks and he lost a tremendous amount of weight since he refused to stop grieving or eat properly. He had questions nobody could answer in detail. In the end, the clans came to a decision, if Wen Yuan is indeed Wangji's son then a paternity test should be in order. In addition to that Lan Wangji must bestow his surname on the boy to erase any record of his past. Wen Yuan is just a boy and may naturally adapt to his new life. 

About a month later after that issue was settled, Wen Yuan's name was changed to Lan Yuan. To mark the boy's position further Lan Wangji gave him the courtesy name, Lan Sizhui.

Living in Gusu Lan, the second jade continued to live outside the Cloud Recesses until Lan Xichen convinced him it would be best to let Yuan be around more people who love him. "Lan Jingyi will be a good influence in helping him get back his smile and mother will..."

"I dont want them near my son."

"Wangji, I understand how you feel but reconsider...Lan Yuan regards our parents as his grandparents. Having them close will help him heal. Think of his studies as well.", Lan Xichen pulled every string to get Wangji to agree to come back home. 

Yuan's initial days in the Cloud Recesses as a full-fledged Lan was filled with tears and intentional starvation. It became serious to the extent that he had to be hospitalized and exempted from most activities and duties required of him. Wangji was devastated, forced to see his child suffer. One day he chanced upon Yuan and Jingyi having a heart to heart discussion. 

"Yuan, Grandmother says you can have anything you want...If you won't play outside then how about a video game?"

"I just want to go home."

"But this is your home now. Aren't you happy that we can see each other every day?"

"What are you even saying?...my parents are dead and you want me to be happy about this?"

"Lan Yuan I didnt mean it like that..."

"Do not call me that! My name is Wen Yuan, WEN YUAN!"

"Hey chill, shouting is not allowed here.", Jingyi was startled.

"I dont care what is allowed or not, I just want my father and mother Jingyi!... this is not my home."

Lan Wangji walked in.

"Uncle, I didn't mean to upset him.", Lan Jingyi thought he would get in trouble for making Yuan cry.

"It's alright nephew, can I have a moment with Yuan?", Wangji put his zither aside.

"Uhh, sure.", Jingyi bowed and left the room just after whispering the words, 'I'm sorry.' to his cousin. Yuan averted his gaze with a visible frown on his lips as the senior sat on his bed. He did not budge even after Lan Wangji arranged his neatly trimmed hair by combing through them with his hand.