I Fancy You (Wangxian)

Bonds of Friendship

Wei Ying sat at his desk, his brush moving rhythmically over the parchment as he copied the rules of the Cloud Recesses for the fiftieth time. His back still ached from the punishment, but the cool soak in the cold springs had done wonders for his spirits. He finished the last character with a flourish and set the brush down, stretching his arms over his head.

"Finally done!" he exclaimed to himself, a sense of accomplishment washing over him.

Stepping outside, he was greeted by the familiar, serene beauty of the Cloud Recesses. The sun was shining, birds chirped in the trees, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves. Despite the strict rules and the recent punishments, Wei Ying couldn't deny the peaceful allure of the place.

He made his way to the training grounds, where he found Jiang Cheng, Nie Huaisang, Jin Jixuan, and Jin Guangyao already practicing their swordsmanship. Wei Ning was watching from the sidelines, still nursing his wounds.

"A-Xian!" Jiang Cheng called out, pausing mid-swing. "Finished with your punishment?"

"Yeah, finally," Wei Ying replied, grinning. "Thought I'd come join you guys."

"Good timing," Nie Huaisang said, wiping sweat from his brow. "We were just about to take a break."

The group gathered under a tree, sharing water and snacks. Despite the lingering soreness from their punishment, their spirits were high. Wei Ying looked around at his friends, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and camaraderie.

"You know," Wei Ying began, his tone thoughtful, "even though we got in trouble, I'm glad we did it together. It's moments like these that make our bond stronger."

Jin Guangyao nodded, his usual shy smile appearing. "I agree. We've all got each other's backs."

Jin Jixuan chuckled. "Though maybe next time, we should avoid breaking the rules quite so spectacularly."

The group laughed, the sound echoing through the tranquil grounds. Their laughter was interrupted by the arrival of Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen, who approached with their usual calm demeanor.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji said, his voice as steady as ever. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, thanks to you," Wei Ying replied, smiling at him. "And thanks for standing up for us, Lan Zhan."

"We are friends," Lan Wangji said simply, a hint of a smile touching his lips.

Lan Xichen nodded, his gaze warm. "It's good to see you all in high spirits. Remember, the rules are there to guide us, but the bonds we form are just as important."

"We'll keep that in mind, Xichen-ge," Jiang Cheng said, bowing slightly.

As the day went on, the group spent their time training, exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Cloud Recesses, and strengthening their friendships. Wei Ying found himself constantly drawn to Lan Wangji, who, despite his reserved nature, seemed to open up more in Wei Ying's presence.

One afternoon, they decided to visit the library pavilion, a place filled with ancient texts and scrolls. Wei Ying was in awe of the vast collection of knowledge, while Lan Wangji seemed to find solace in the familiar surroundings.

"Lan Zhan, you know this place like the back of your hand, don't you?" Wei Ying asked, running his fingers over the spines of the books.

"Yes," Lan Wangji replied. "I have spent many hours here."

"Show me your favorite book," Wei Ying said, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Lan Wangji hesitated for a moment before leading Wei Ying to a secluded corner. He pulled out a beautifully bound volume and handed it to him. Wei Ying opened it, revealing intricate illustrations and elegant calligraphy.

"It's a collection of ancient poetry," Lan Wangji explained. "The words are both powerful and serene."

Wei Ying read a few lines, feeling the weight of the words. "It's beautiful, Lan Zhan. Thank you for sharing this with me."

As they sat together, surrounded by the wisdom of the ages, Wei Ying felt a deep connection to Lan Wangji. They might have started as unlikely friends, but their bond was growing stronger with each passing day.

In the evenings, they would gather by the lotus pond, sharing stories and laughter under the stars. Wei Ying often played his flute, the haunting melodies mingling with the soft rustling of the leaves. Lan Wangji would listen, his usually stoic expression softening in the moonlight.

One night, as the group sat together, Wei Ying turned to Lan Wangji. "Lan Zhan, do you ever wonder what the future holds for us?"

Lan Wangji's gaze met his, steady and unwavering. "As long as we stay true to ourselves and our friends, I believe our future will be bright."

Wei Ying smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. "I think you're right."

As the weeks went by, the Cloud Recesses became more than just a place of learning and discipline for Wei Ying and his friends. It became a sanctuary where they could grow, both individually and together. The rules were still there, but they found ways to navigate them, always supporting each other.

Their time at the Cloud Recesses was not without challenges, but through it all, their friendships only deepened. Wei Ying found himself not only respecting the rules more but also understanding the wisdom behind them, thanks to the influence of Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen.

One morning, as the sun rose over the mountains, Wei Ying stood at the edge of the training grounds, watching his friends practice. He felt a sense of peace and contentment that he hadn't known before coming to the Cloud Recesses.

Lan Wangji approached him, standing quietly by his side. "Wei Ying, are you ready for today's lessons?"

Wei Ying nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, Lan Zhan. I'm ready."

And as they walked together toward their future, Wei Ying knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, bound by friendship and the shared experiences that had brought them closer than ever.

Revised Version
July 21 2024