Lan Xichen Presents

Chapter 3: Cute Alpha

Jiang Wanyin nervously sat down before a delicately crafted tea set. Not only was he terrified of breaking something, but he also felt like a bit of a creep for staying as an alpha after such news. He could only hope that it didn't appear as if he were lying in wait for Lan Xichen's first estrus.

It didn't help that he couldn't explain why he was actually there, except that he felt the need to talk to Xichen and assure him that becoming an omega wasn't the end of the world, even if Jiang Cheng wouldn't have believed that himself had the shoe been on the other foot.

Thinking of this task, but wanting to keep everything as proper as possible Jiang Cheng gave a polite bow to Grandmaster Qiren before sipping the tea in front of him. Unfortunately for him Qiren chose this moment to ask,

"So I take it you are here to propose to Lan Huan now that you know he's an omega?"

Jiang Cheng immediately spit out the tea from his mouth and spilled the rest from his cup on to the table in shock. The Venerable Grandmaster sat as still as stone pretending that some of the spit liquid wasn't dripping from one of his sleeves as Jiang Cheng coughed up what seemed to be half of a lung, his face burning a bright red in embarrassment at the implication.

Qiren remained still as some of his disciples tried to clean the offending liquid, before fading back into the background. Once Wanyin could breathe again to talk he blurted,

"W-why on earth would you think that?!"

Qiren tutted, still slightly annoyed at being spit upon and now feeling somewhat defensive of his nephew,

"Why wouldn't I? Upon Xichen presenting you immediately took action to protect the Lans then looked reluctant to leave. Once the surprise dies down Xichen will be in high demand as you may well know, and politically two major sects marrying would be optimal. The heirs alone would be worth it, being both powerful and beautiful. I admit that having such foresight is rather commendable, though that doesn't mean that I'll acquiesce to your request so quickly."

Jiang Cheng's face could perhaps not get more crimson than it was now, floundering at the sudden unexpected accusation,

"But it wasn't just me! Sect Leader Nie stayed and fought as well!" he protested.

"Nie Mingjue fought because it was his duty as Xichen's sworn brother and as you can see he didn't stay afterward." Qiren pointed out before taking a sip of his freshly poured tea.

"Grandmaster Qiren pardon my ignorance!" Jiang Cheng said bowing apologetically, "I didn't mean to make you think that I was some alpha who instantly viewed Lan Huan as a way to climb up the political ranks. He's not an object to be used as far as I'm concerned."

Lan Qiren looked over at the insistent Jiang finding the other to be quite sincere,

"I've always found you to be respectful and upright before, so I believe you. Although for future reference I would not be opposed to such a union if it were you."

Jiang Cheng set his formerly righted tea cup safely down at that, deciding to give up on actually trying to drink. At this rate he was likely to choke on it, or worse break the cup, if he didn't stop. Feeling the need to say something however, he tentatively responded,

"...Thank ... you?"

Lan Qiren smiled at that finding the alpha before him to be extremely agreeable. Although now that he thought about it,

"If marriage wasn't your intention than to what do we owe the pleasure of this extended visit?"

Now that he was asked so directly, Jiang Cheng had to come up with an answer to that himself. Although it was honestly just to talk and cheer up Lan Xichen if he said so, coming from an alpha, wouldn't it sound pretty suspicious? After a few seconds of not being able to figure out how to explain himself in a way that didn't seem sketchy he decided the best idea might be to make excuses and come back at a more appropriate time. But before he could come up with an excuse let alone use one a sweet scent like fresh mountain air mixed with tea leaves suddenly entered his nostrils.

Jiang Cheng looked up at that as Lan Qiren followed the Jiang's line of sight soon after.

"Lan Huan?! What are you doing here?" Jiang Cheng asked, quickly averting his gaze as if he had been caught doing something wrong, as he didn't want to create any misunderstandings or act ungentlemanly.

"That's funny," Lan Xichen said with a bit of a chuckle, "considering I live here how about you tell me why you're here first?"

Being asked once again caused Jiang Cheng to feel very much like he had been too audacious deciding to stay after such an announcement. Everyone else had left, so how could he have thought not to? No matter how innocent his reasoning was, tongues would certainly wag, and he didn't want Xichen to think that he'd come to claim or harass him of all things.

Clearing his throat and continuing to avoid eye contact with Xichen, Jiang Cheng rose from his seat, focusing on Qiren as he said,

"I just wanted to make sure that everything was okay here and since everything seems to be in order I'll just be taking my leave."

Jiang Cheng bowed between the two of them before heading for the door as if his life depended on it. But Lan Qiren stopped him before he could quite make it,

"Jiang Wanyin aren't you forgetting something? What about your men?"

"You can have them." The Jiang said in his hurry to escape.

"What?" Qiren questioned as Xichen teased behind him,

"You mean as a betrothal gift?"

Jiang Cheng turned beat red once again at that, turning around abruptly before shaking his head profusely, and daring to look Xichen in the eyes in surprise. Having had a long day, the usually well put together Lan had a few strands of hair out of place. Part of JC wanted to fix it, but most of him wanted the earth to swallow him whole and end the embarrassment. Instead he found it more important to clarify,

"N-NO! That's not what I meant, I- well... Just tell the Jiang disciples to come back to Yunmeng when you see them! They're grown cultivators they'll figure it out! Grandmaster Qiren, Sect Leader Lan, good day." he said in a clear goodbye, bowing quickly once again before practically running down the mountain.

Xichen sent a disciple to tell the other Jiangs to catch up to their leader before following the path the alpha had made as he zigzagged as if being pursued with his eyes. Xichen smiled in amusement,

"He's cute." He said to his Uncle, who interestingly didn't, or perhaps couldn't, disagree.

Notes:

Happy Mid-Autumn Moon Festival / Chuseok my hearts! Hope you all had a lovely day!