innocent lotus flower

Wen Qing

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Lan Wangji wakes up early and gets ready. He sits and decides to do some work while waiting for Wei Ying's call. At 11:30 a.m., his phone rings. Seeing that it is Wei Ying calling, he excitedly picks it up.

"Hello Lan Wangji, I’m free by 12, so let’s meet at the park near the café."

"Okay, no problem. Also… will you bring A-Yuan with you?" Lan Wangji asks nervously.

"Yes, I will."

Hearing Wei Ying’s response, he becomes even happier and decides to go buy toys for A-Yuan. He promises himself that he will be patient and not behave arrogantly. He knows he doesn’t deserve Wei Ying’s forgiveness, but he will do anything to prove how sorry he is and how much he loves him. He smiles, imagining the day Wei Ying will forgive him—then he, A-Yuan, and Wei Ying can be a happy family.

…

All day, Wei Ying has been working to take his mind off the meeting with Lan Wangji, but he knows he cannot delay it any further. That was why he called to tell him where to meet. He dresses A-Yuan in thick clothes since the weather had become chilly lately. He ignores Wen Qing’s glowering—he had knowingly kept her late so she wouldn’t be able to get too mad during the meeting. Although she is still angry, he is sure she can control it now. He sighs when she throws him a glare that promises retribution before she stalks out the door.

By the time they get to the park, Lan Wangji is already there waiting for them, holding a big bag.

"Hi," he calls as he walks closer to Lan Wangji, carrying A-Yuan in his arms.

"Hi," Lan Wangji responds. When he sees Wen Qing, he surprisingly bows respectfully, as if greeting an elder. This action makes Wei Ying gape, wondering how they knew each other or if Lan Wangji was scared of Wen Qing, even though they’ve never spoken. Wei Ying decides to attribute it to the strong killing intent coming from Wen Qing directed at Lan Wangji.

But what Wei Ying doesn’t know is that after yesterday, Lan Wangji had investigated Wei Ying’s life here. He found out it was the Wen siblings who pulled Wei Ying out of the despair he had fallen into when he arrived in the country and found out he was pregnant.

The silence is broken when Wei Ying introduces A-Yuan and Lan Wangji to each other.

"A-Yuan, this is your papa."

"Lan Wangji, this is A-Yuan—your son," he says with a nervous smile.

Lan Wangji kneels down in front of A-Yuan.

"Hi, A-Yuan. How are you doing?"

"I’m fine," A-Yuan says slowly, still learning how to speak.

Lan Wangji laughs, then gently rubs A-Yuan’s head, taking him from his mother and kissing his head.

Slowly, they start talking, and the tension between them begins to ease. They are all busy playing and talking when Wei Ying and A-Yuan go to buy some water. Lan Wangji stops them, saying he’ll go instead and tells Wei Ying to rest. This makes Wei Ying shocked again—when did Lan Wangji become so gentle and caring? But then he thinks maybe it’s because, back then, Lan Wangji didn’t think Wei Ying was deserving of his attention. Now, he seems willing to help him. Wei Ying agrees and sits to wait, while Wen Qing decides to go along with Lan Wangji.

Wen Qing walks with Lan Wangji for a while before saying,

"Why are you here? Say the truth." Her eyes shine with a malicious glint that promises bad things if he dares answer wrongly.
"What really made you come here?"

"I came because I wanted Wei Ying to forgive me. I know it might sound like a lie, but I’m telling the truth. I didn’t expect to meet a little miracle like A-Yuan. I know you don’t trust me, but I will do my best to win them over."

"You really came because of Wei Ying? Then what about your ex-fiancée?"

"She’s indisposed right now, but I’ve already broken up with her. Don’t worry—she’s not a problem anymore."

"Okay. But I will be watching you. Don’t do anything to hurt Wei Ying or I’ll take them from you. Understood?"

"Yes. I promise to respect his boundaries and treat him like the king he deserves to be treated."

Wen Qing studies his face for a moment—and maybe she found what she was looking for, because she relaxes and drags him to buy chilled drinks for the weather.

Lan Wangji’s words moved Wen Qing, and his reaction when he saw her for the first time struck her as sincere. Still, she remains vigilant. After all, this is the same person who once abused Wei Ying. She feels like he really is trying to make things right again, but something still feels off. She can’t place it yet, so she decides to think about it later. For now, she wants to bring happiness to her family—but she will also do anything to protect them.

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