innocent lotus flower

sorry i hurt you

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Lan Wangji took a moment to compose himself before addressing Wei Ying, who watched him with a worried expression. His heart pounded, but he forced himself to steady his emotions.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said the other day,” he began, causing Wei Ying to tense, uncertain of what would follow. Lan Wangji continued, “You were right. I’ve been selfish and arrogant—a man who doesn’t deserve you.”

Wei Ying’s eyes widened in surprise as Lan Wangji confessed, “All my life, I’ve been used to getting whatever I wanted. But the first time I decided not to marry you, my family objected. It was the first time I didn’t get what I wanted, and I think that fueled my resentment toward you. I’m not making excuses,” he added quickly, catching Wei Ying’s sharp look, “I’m simply admitting that I grew up selfish. I let myself believe that if I found you again, you’d come back to me, and we could start a family with Yuan. I forgot that what I did couldn’t be erased easily. For that, I am sorry. From now on, I will do whatever it takes to make amends.”

Wei Ying was taken aback. Not only had Lan Wangji apologized, but he had done so with sincerity and a rare humility.

Before Wei Ying could speak, Lan Wangji pressed on, “I’ve been called back home for urgent work. It’ll take a month, but I’ll be back. I’m leaving this afternoon. I want us to use this time to reflect on our relationship, Wei Ying. I won’t lie—I’m not good enough to let you go. But I want to work with you to mend what’s broken, no matter how hard it is. I’ll try to listen and be more considerate. But I can’t let you go, and for that, I’m sorry.”

A faint smile tugged at Wei Ying’s lips, a mixture of understanding and resolve shining through. *He came because he needed me. And he can’t let go of what he believes is his,* Wei Ying thought grimly. “You’re right. Let’s use this month to think things over,” he said aloud.

Lan Wangji hesitated, then asked quietly, “Why did you accept me on the first day I came back? Why give me another chance?”

There was a pause as Wei Ying considered, then finally he spoke. “The truth is, I was scared. You’re Lan Wangji, the owner of one of the biggest corporations, so powerful. What if I said no that day—and you decided to hurt the Wens or take Yuan away? So… I guess the truth is, I was scared. And maybe I still am,” he admitted with a nervous laugh.

Lan Wangji clenched his fists, the weight of Wei Ying’s honesty settling heavily in his chest. “Then I will work hard to make you not afraid of me anymore. See you later, Wei Ying,” he said with a bright smile before departing, leaving Wei Ying stunned by the unexpected turn.

After Lan Wangji left, life slowly returned to a quieter rhythm. He sent flowers daily and checked in often, his calls brief and gentle—simple questions like “How are you?” or “Have you eaten?” Through the screen, Lan Wangji’s genuine care bridged the distance.

Wei Ying responded by sending videos of Yuan’s everyday antics—his first steps, attempts to eat toy blocks, climbing to new heights. One moment stood out vividly: Yuan throwing a tantrum because he wasn’t allowed to eat a book.

That day, Yuan sat surrounded by colorful toys, his tiny hands reaching eagerly for a book. Wei Ying gently took it away just as Yuan tried to put it in his mouth. The toddler’s face crumpled into a pout; his lower lip trembled, and tears welled in his eyes.

Finding the display too endearing to resist, Wei Ying grabbed his phone and began recording.

As Yuan’s cries echoed, Wei Ying bit back laughter. Sending the video to Lan Wangji with a lighthearted caption, he soon received a call.

“Hey, Wangji, you won’t believe this,” Wei Ying chuckled into the phone.

Concern laced Lan Wangji’s voice. “What’s wrong? Why is he crying?”

“He’s upset because I took a book from him,” Wei Ying explained, laughing softly.

Lan Wangji’s worry melted into amusement. Suddenly, Yuan, hearing Lan Wangji’s voice through the device, stopped crying and crawled toward the screen. Holding the tablet, he shyly said, “Hello.”

The unexpected greeting made both Wei Ying and Lan Wangji laugh—charmed by their child’s innocent interruption. Yuan giggled, eyes sparkling, and the laughter softened the miles between them.

Back at Lan Wangji’s corporate world, his employees noticed a change. The usually reserved and strict boss was softer, smiling more, less severe. Though puzzled, they welcomed this newfound warmth without compromising his leadership.

For Lan Wangji, the month away was transformative. Though apart, their bond deepened with each call. His joy was obvious even to Mama Wang and Papa Wang, who teased him lovingly about treating Wei Ying well. Lan Wangji only smiled, “I won’t lose him. I’ve come to realize how precious he is.”

Papa Wang nodded, approving of his son’s growth and commitment to happiness.