The Echo of Forgotten Dreams

An Unexpected Connection

A month before Wei Wuxian started school, Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen were enjoying a quiet evening at their apartment. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of a homemade dinner, a welcome respite from the hectic pace of their daily lives. Lan Xichen had just returned from a busy day at work, and the two brothers were catching up over a simple meal.

As they sat down at the dining table, Lan Wangji took a sip of his tea and began to speak. "Today, while I was at the diner, I met a boy named Wei Wuxian."

Lan Xichen looked up, interested. "Oh? What's he like?"

Lan Wangji's expression softened as he recalled the encounter. "He seemed a bit shy but very earnest. He was working hard, and I noticed he was trying to keep up with his job despite looking tired. I also saw that he was interested in a culinary scholarship. I had found a printed-out copy of the application form and gave it to him."

Lan Xichen's curiosity was piqued. "A culinary scholarship? That's quite impressive. Do you think he has a good chance?"

Lan Wangji nodded. "He seemed genuinely interested in pursuing it. He mentioned that he had a passion for cooking, but he didn't go into much detail about his circumstances."

Lan Xichen leaned back in his chair, considering Lan Wangji's words. "It sounds like he's trying to make the most of his opportunities despite facing challenges. It's admirable."

"I agree," Lan Wangji said. "He seemed determined, and I hope that scholarship could help him achieve his goals."

Lan Xichen's mind began to wander. The mention of Wei Wuxian and the scholarship application sparked a thought. "You know, I've been thinking about how we can support students like Wei Wuxian. Maybe there are ways we can get involved in helping those who are struggling but have potential."

Lan Wangji's eyes brightened at the idea. "That's a good thought. We could look into mentorship programs or community outreach. It would be fulfilling to contribute in some way."

The brothers continued to discuss their thoughts on community support and mentorship. They explored the idea of how they could offer guidance and resources to students in need, inspired by the determination and ambition of the young man Lan Wangji had met.

As the evening wore on, their conversation turned to other topics, but the encounter with Wei Wuxian lingered in Lan Xichen's mind. He couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility and concern for the young student who had left an impression on his brother.

A month later, as Lan Xichen began his search for Wei Wuxian, he reflected on that earlier conversation. He remembered how his brother had spoken about the boy's aspirations and struggles. It added an extra layer of urgency to his efforts. Lan Xichen was determined to find Wei Wuxian and offer whatever help he could.

Lan Xichen's commitment to finding Wei Wuxian became more personal as he connected the dots between the boy's potential and the challenges he faced. The conversation with Lan Wangji had been a catalyst, prompting him to take action and explore every avenue to locate the student.

With each visit to shelters, outreach centers, and community organizations, Lan Xichen kept in mind the image of Wei Wuxian—a determined young man with a passion for cooking and a drive to overcome his circumstances. The connection he felt to Wei Wuxian, fostered by his brother's earlier encounter and their shared commitment to helping those in need, guided him through the challenging search.

As Lan Xichen continued his quest, he hoped that the combined efforts of his concern, his brother's encouragement, and the resources available to him would lead to finding Wei Wuxian and offering him the support he so desperately needed.