Original Version (Stand By You)

Drawing

The evening was peaceful at the Cloud Recesses, with the moon casting a gentle glow over the serene grounds of the Gusu Lan Sect. Inside Jingshi, Lan Zhan sat by the window, playing his guqin. The melodic strains of the instrument filled the room, each note resonating with the quiet longing in his heart. Beside him at the table, now known as Lan Yuan with the courtesy name Lan Sizhui, a young boy who had grown under his care, was diligently drawing. Unbeknownst to Lan Zhan, Lan Sizhui was also engaging in a quiet conversation with his unseen companion.

"Xian Gege, what do you think of this?" Lan Sizhui whispered, glancing at the air beside him where Wei Ying's ghostly form sat, watching over them.

Wei Ying smiled, though his form was unseen and his voice unheard by anyone other than Lan Sizhui. "You're doing wonderfully, Sizhui. It's beautiful."

Lan Zhan's music faltered for a moment as he noticed the intensity with which Lan Sizhui was drawing. Setting his instrument aside, he walked over to the table and looked at the paper. His breath caught in his throat, and his eyes immediately filled with tears. The drawing was simple yet poignant-a family portrait. In it were Lan Zhan, Lan Sizhui, and Wei Ying, all standing together with serene expressions.

"A-Yuan," Lan Zhan said softly, his voice trembling. "This drawing... is this Wei Ying?"

Lan Sizhui looked up and nodded, his eyes shining with innocence and understanding. "Yes, it's my mother, Wei Ying, and my father, Lan Zhan."

Lan Zhan's heart ached with a mixture of joy and sorrow. He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the lines of Wei Ying's face in the drawing. "He was very important to me," Lan Zhan whispered, his voice barely audible. "I wish he could be here with us."

Wei Ying, sitting across from Lan Zhan, felt his own heart swell with emotion. He watched Lan Zhan's tears fall and wished more than anything that he could comfort him. His attempts to wipe away Lan Zhan's tears were futile, his ghostly hand passing through Lan Zhan's cheek. The sight of Lan Zhan's silent suffering filled him with an indescribable sadness.

Lan Sizhui, sensing the depth of Lan Zhan's pain, continued to draw. He added more figures to the picture: Lan Xichen, standing tall and strong; Lan Qiren, with his stern but kind demeanor; Madam Lan, exuding a graceful presence; and his friend, Lan JingYi, smiling brightly.

Lan Zhan watched as the picture grew, each new addition bringing more tears to his eyes. "You've captured everyone so well," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "It's like they're all here with us."

Lan Sizhui smiled softly. "They are, in a way," he said. "Madam Lan and Wei Ying-they're watching over us. And so is Jiang Yanli, my auntie."

Lan Zhan looked at the boy, astonished by his words. "A-Yuan, how do you know this?"

Lan Sizhui hesitated, then decided to share the truth. "Wei Ying told me," he said quietly. "He's here, in this room. He's been with us all along."

Lan Zhan's eyes widened, a mixture of hope and disbelief flooding his heart. "Wei Ying is here?" he whispered, looking around the room as if expecting to see him.

Lan Sizhui nodded. "Yes, he's here. He watches over us, even though we can't see him."

Lan Zhan closed his eyes, tears streaming down his face. "Wei Ying," he whispered, his voice breaking. "If you're here, please know that I miss you. I love you. I wish you could be with us, truly."

Wei Ying's heart ached at Lan Zhan's words. He reached out again, his hand hovering just inches from Lan Zhan's face, knowing he could not touch him. "I'm here, Lan Zhan," he whispered, though he knew his words would not be heard.