Bound By It (Xianwang)

Lan Wangji

"The pride of our village, the only person who has attended college form our village, my son, Lan Wangji has finally graduated and returned back home." Lan Qiren, a teacher and the most educated person in Gusu village proudly said standing on the podium as he held his son by his shoulder closer to him. All the villagers were gathered around them, clapping and cheering for their sunshine. Lan Wangji was everyone's favorite, the little hero of Gusu since a young age. He was good at everything he did, let it be sports, singing, dancing, drawing even studies along with all these he had such an amazing personality and his aura overall was very friendly and energetic that makes people want to get closer to him. He was highly reliable compared to others of the same age. In one sentence you can say 'he shine like a diamond' and has always been considered special by everyone there. Now he again has brought pride to his village as he completed his degree course. He has always been on top of his class since young especially as his father is a teacher, this wasn't something surprising. It was mainly due to Lan Qiren and the way he educated the villagers, many kids there even decided to complete their high school education. Wangji after high school, got into a small community college in the near by village, just about 40km away from Gusu with 50% scholarship. Holding a degree was just a common thing for many but not for people in these rural villages. From where no one has taken a step further, Wangji had atleast gone to the nearby village to study which itself was a huge thing for them and that's as far as where Wangji have been and the most Wangji could bring himself to imagine being in.

The village head Mr.Song, most rich person in Gusu has arranged all the decorations and sweets to welcome Wangji. Along with Mr.Song was his only son Song Lan, who has been Wangji friend since the time he remember and beside him stood his husband Xiao Xingchen, Wangji's best friend.

"All the younger ones, learn from your Wangji gege, he should be your role model. As time passes, Wangji is showing us what more he is capable of and making us proud. Lan Wangji like his father Lan Qiren, is going to be a teacher too and work for the development of Gusu, he has put his effort for his dream and has completed one step towards it. We all wish you reach where you aim to be Wangji, we wish you all the happiness dear, may God bless you and provide you with all you wish for." said Mr.Song and then turned to give Wangji a warm hug.

It took a while for the welcoming programme to end. Many people came to talk to him and gave him gifts. Many young girl and even guys were trying to flirt with him which he was already used to by now and even many parents brought their unmarried children to talk to Wangji which he knew the reason behind. His dad was beside him the whole time, telling him again and again how precious he is. Their village was small and everyone knew everyone there, it was like a huge family when seen from one point of view. He then went home and there, his aunt was, waiting for him. She hurried towards him and gave him a tight hug "Finally you are home..."

"I used to come home almost all the weekends and for holidays and only missed in last 4 months due to exams."

"4 months were like 4 years for me, can't I miss you?"

"Really? Then why didn't you come to my graduation?" Wangji asked with a cute pout.

"Your father came and Mr.Song too...." she continued with a pause looking down at herself "and...it's, you know right..."

Wangji looked at her white clothes which she has been forced to wear since that unfortunate day. Leaving a deep sigh he hugged her "I missed you too."

"I didn't think you would be expecting me....I mean I knew but....it would be a bad omen, it was your graduation, your special day. I love you a lot Wangji, I shouldn't cause you any...."

Only widows or people similar wear plain white clothes in their village, and seeing those people on an auspicious day was considered a bad omen. It's not like Lan Wangji believed in it, but it was like that in their society and she has been living like that, shutting herself behind the door on every festival and on any other special days since that day in her life.