innocent lotus flower

He Is Different

The playground is a kaleidoscope of bright reds, blues, greens, and yellows, all blending to create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. The air is filled with the sound of children's laughter and the squeaking of swings and slides. The soft grass underfoot is a welcome relief from the hard concrete of the city streets. The playground is divided into different sections, each designed to cater to different age groups. The toddler area is safe for the little ones, with low slides, swings, and tunnels that are perfect for their tiny hands and feet. The older kids' section is a bit more challenging, with higher slides, monkey bars, and climbing walls that test their strength and agility. The swings soar high into the sky, giving the children a feeling of freedom and weightlessness. The park is dotted with benches and picnic tables, where parents can sit and watch their children play. The trees provide shade and a cool breeze, making it a perfect spot for a family picnic or a lazy afternoon nap. The park is not just a place for play, but also a place for learning. There are educational displays and interactive exhibits that teach children about nature, science, and history. Overall, the children's park is a magical place, where imaginations run wild, friendships are formed, and memories are made. It's a place where children can be themselves, explore, and have fun in a safe and nurturing environment.

But for Wei Ying, it is not so. His mind is on high alert, his hands are sweaty, his nerves are frayed, and his heart might just jump out of his chest with how fast it is beating. He knows he should not be this nervous, but all the ways this meeting could go wrong start playing in his mind as he waits for Lan Wangji. He is about to work himself into an attack when Wen Qing grabs his hands and holds it as a means of comfort and something to use as an anchor for his emotions.

Wen Qing understands that Lan Wangji to Wei Ying is a nightmare hard to get rid of. She had seen how he reacted at first when he started receiving therapy and talking about his ex-husband. Sometimes he would just shut down and refuse to answer anyone, or he would walk himself into a panic whenever the topic of Lan Wangji came along. So to her, he is not someone she wants in the life of Wei Ying, whom she sees as her younger brother. If only she were strong enough to protect both her family and Wei Ying from Lan Wangji, she would. But Lan Wangji is so powerful, even if they try to hide Wei Ying, he will still find him, she thinks as she holds A-Yuan in her hands. Her thoughts are cut short when a shadow falls over where they are sitting, blocking the sun. She looks up at the shadow, following it to see the face of Lan Wangji himself. She hurriedly gets up, which causes Wei Ying to look up and see Lan Wangji too.

Wei Ying's brain reboots when he sees Lan Wangji. He laughs awkwardly, “Lan Zhan, you're here. This is Wen Qing. She is the doctor who took care of me, and she’s also like a sister to me. Both she and her brother helped me a lot—you know when Ning, her brother, was my doctor for… you know…” he trails off.

“I’m sure he knows, Wei Ying. And I can introduce myself. He wouldn’t have come here without investigating your life here,” Wen Qing says with a sharp smile on her face.

“I’m Wen Qing, this idiot’s sister. I’m not sure it’s very nice to meet you.”

Rather than getting angry, Lan Wangji just smiles and says, “Nice to meet you too. I want to thank you for taking care of Wei Ying all this time.” Surprisingly, he bows at her for a few seconds before standing straight. “I understand it must have been hard for him in a new place and environment, being with a child at that time too. I appreciate you and your brother. This is my card—it holds my direct contact. If you need anything, please let me know. I will not hesitate to help.”

Both Wen Qing and Wei Ying stare at him like he is growing two heads. In their minds, they are both asking if this is truly Lan Wangji. Wei Ying wants to blurt out and ask if he’s really Lan Wangji or if he’s sick and it affected his brain. But his mind knows that he still wants to survive and doesn’t dare say it aloud.

This Lan Wangji standing in front of him is so different from the one he used to know. Wen Qing had insulted him by implying he had done a background search on her, Wen Ning, and Wei Ying—but Lan Wangji didn’t even get angry.

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