Backlash Part 1

Chapter 95: Should I Smile?

Lan Wangji did not know the word to properly convey what happened at that first inn. If Lan Wangji ever did find the correct words he suspected they would all be ones typically banned from the GusuLan sect vocabulary. Lan Wangji had been completely ready to drag Wei Wuxian to another inn and travel by themselves to Qishan. The slump of Wei Wuxian's shoulders throughout the day and the dull look in Wei Wuxian's eyes had made Lan Wangji more than concerned.

Lan Wangji feared Wei Wuxian might not have it in him to argue with the Jiangs. Lan Wangji was resolutely refusing to refer to them as Wei Wuxian's family. Lan Wangji had been internally bracing himself for the moment he may need to step in and refuse the Jiangs' on Wei Wuxian's behalf. Wei Wuxian had been told to share the room with Jiang Wanyin. Then Wei Wuxian very calmly announced that he would be sharing a room with Lan Wangji.

"Sect Leader Jiang stated he could not condone the two of us sharing a room. He stated it was inappropriate. Jiang Wanyin was more vulgar, but similar sentiment." Lan Wangji explained after a long silence to collect his thoughts.

Lan Wangji remembered Jiang Fengmian giving Wei Wuxian this tight smile as he told Wei Wuxian he understood how Wei Wuxian was feeling. Lan Wangji had tightened his fists to the point that small crescents were cut into his palms. It certainly did not feel like Jiang Fengmian understood. Lan Wangji doubted Wei Wuxian felt understood when Jiang Fengmian said it would be good for Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin to room together.

Jiang Fengmian felt it would be an opportunity for them to work things out. Dismissing the tension between the two as a childish argument between siblings. Wei Wuxian had been completely quiet during this patronizing explanation. Jiang Wanyin had rolled his eyes and grabbed Wei Wuxian by the wrist to drag him to their room like he might have done before they visited Cloud Recesses.

Lan Wangji might have physically removed Jiang Wanyin's hand, if he had not seen the change in Wei Wuxian's posture. The desire to harm someone touching Wei Wuxian without Wei Wuxian's consent was satisfied by the look of bewilderment on Jiang Wanyin's face when Wei Wuxian smoothly pulled his hand from Jiang Wanyin's grip. Completely calm and with no hint of a request or a question, Wei Wuxian had looked at the people he'd grown up with and repeated the statement that he would be sharing a room with Lan Wangji.

A gentle reprimanding tone from Jiang Fengmian, speaking to Wei Wuxian like a playful child being naughty. This was the least of their problems as Jiang Wanyin exploded. Hurling accusations at both Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. Shouting about their indecency. Accusing Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji of knowing no shame. Telling Wei Wuxian to stop being ridiculous and give up this nonsense so they could all get some sleep. Wei Wuxian looked Jiang Wanyin right in the eyes.

'You've been insulting me all day. Should I smile and tell you I'm fine? Should I say nothing and let you insult me all night?' Wei Wuxian spoke in a calm and even tone. He did not yell, or shout. There was no anger in his words as he spoke, but they were not hesitant or weak.

"Wei Ying refused to listen." Lan Wangji said as he failed to hold back a wide smirk. Well, wide for Lan Wangji. The look of complete and utter shock on Jiang Wanyin's face. The wide surprised eyes of Jiang Fengmian. Their expressions satisfied something angry and probably a little bit petty that lived in Lan Wangji's chest. The strong and calm certainty with which Wei Wuxian turned around, took Lan Wangji's hand, and walked to their room. Lan Wangji had been so proud. Even thinking back on it made him proud.

"Trip was... awkward after that." Lan Wangji admitted slowly. He didn't mention to Wen Qionglin how drained Wei Wuxian had been that night. He didn't break down, which Lan Wangji felt he had every right to do. He'd simply placed a few talismans, not wanting to deal with any intrusions. Then wordlessly wrapped himself around Lan Wangji's middle like a panda hugging a tree and sighed.