Changing Fates: The Second Chance [under editing]

Chapter 4: Beneath the Surface

Beneath the Surface :

Days passed since Wei Wuxian’s quiet conversation with Lan Wangji by the river. He had done his best to return to his usual, playful self, though everyone around him seemed to sense the subtle changes in his behavior. The weight of the future still pressed on his mind, and the nightmares had only grown worse. But Wei Wuxian kept his distance, refusing to let anyone—especially Lan Wangji—see the cracks beneath his surface.

In the Cloud Recesses, life continued as usual. Lan Qiren’s lessons were strict as always, and the students, especially Wei Wuxian, found themselves frequently chastised for their mistakes.

“Grandmaster Lan,” Wei Wuxian bowed his head as he stood before Lan Qiren once again, another punishment awaiting him for breaking yet another rule. This time, it had been for skipping morning lectures, claiming he had “business” in the woods—though, in truth, he had been avoiding the others, his mind too scattered from his nightmares to focus on study.

“Wei Wuxian,” Lan Qiren’s voice was sharp, though there was an undertone of frustration. “Must you always cause trouble? The discipline of the Lan sect is not something to be taken lightly.”

Wei Wuxian smiled sheepishly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I understand, Grandmaster Lan. I’ll do better.”

Lan Qiren didn’t look convinced, but he dismissed Wei Wuxian with a wave of his hand. “Go. You are to meditate by the cold spring tonight. Perhaps it will help you reflect.”

Wei Wuxian sighed inwardly but nodded obediently. Another night in the cold spring, and another round of punishment that didn’t truly matter. What was a cold spring compared to the bloodshed he had witnessed in the future? Still, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of Lan Qiren’s disappointment. He had promised himself he would change, that he would save everyone, but even now, in the early stages of his return, he was still falling back into old habits.

As he left the lecture hall, he caught a glimpse of Nie Huaisang lounging nearby, fanning himself lazily. “Wei-xiong, what did you do this time?” Nie Huaisang grinned, clearly amused by Wei Wuxian’s latest trouble.

“Oh, just the usual,” Wei Wuxian replied, waving off the question. “Grandmaster Lan isn’t exactly a fan of my personality.”

Nie Huaisang chuckled. “Well, you do have a way of getting under his skin. But that’s part of your charm, isn’t it?”

Wei Wuxian forced a grin, but his heart wasn’t in it. Charm? Was it really charm when all it did was push people away?

Before Wei Wuxian could respond, Jiang Cheng’s voice rang out from behind them. “Wei Wuxian! What did you do this time?”

Wei Wuxian turned to face his brother, who was storming toward him, his face a mix of frustration and concern. “Nothing too bad, I promise,” Wei Wuxian said with a laugh, though he could see the worry etched in Jiang Cheng’s eyes.

Jiang Cheng grabbed his arm, pulling him aside. “Wei Wuxian, this isn’t funny anymore. You’ve been acting strange ever since we got here. What’s going on with you?”

Wei Wuxian’s smile faltered. He hadn’t expected Jiang Cheng to confront him so directly. “I’m fine, Jiang Cheng. Really.”

“You’re not fine!” Jiang Cheng’s voice was quieter now, but his grip on Wei Wuxian’s arm tightened. “You’re always getting in trouble, and it’s like you’re not even trying to hide it anymore. What’s going on with you? Is this about—”

“Jiang Cheng,” Wei Wuxian cut him off, his voice low. “I’m fine. Just… let it go.”

Jiang Cheng stared at him for a long moment before releasing his arm. “You’re lying to me,” he said softly, his frustration giving way to a deeper worry. “I can tell.”

Before Wei Wuxian could respond, Jiang Yanli appeared, her gentle voice cutting through the tension. “A-Xian, A-Cheng, is everything alright?”

Wei Wuxian quickly plastered on a smile, turning to his sister. “Everything’s fine, Shijie. Just the usual lecture from Jiang Cheng.”

Jiang Yanli’s eyes softened with concern as she looked between her brothers. “You two shouldn’t fight. A-Xian, are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Wei Wuxian repeated, though the words felt hollow even to him. “Really.”

Jiang Yanli seemed unconvinced, but she didn’t press the matter. Instead, she placed a hand on Jiang Cheng’s shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile. “Let’s not worry too much, A-Cheng. A-Xian knows what he’s doing.”

Jiang Cheng’s frown deepened, but he didn’t argue. “Fine,” he muttered. “But if you keep getting into trouble, don’t expect me to bail you out.”

Wei Wuxian chuckled. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

As they walked back toward their quarters, Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji stood in the distance, having overheard the conversation just like before. Lan Xichen’s gaze lingered on Wei Wuxian, a deep concern etched in his features. He knew it was against their sect rules to eavesdrop, that's why they always punish their selves everytime they hear them talking accidentally, but the worry in Jiang Cheng’s voice had drawn his attention and he doesn't know why is that. Wei Wuxian’s behavior had been strange ever since they arrived at the Cloud Recesses, and it wasn’t just Jiang Cheng who had noticed.

“Wangji,” Lan Xichen said softly, turning to his younger brother. “Have you noticed anything unusual about Wei Wuxian?”

Lan Wangji’s face remained emotionless, but his eyes flickered with something unspoken. “Mhm,” he replied, his voice as quiet and measured as always.

Lan Xichen nodded, understanding his brother’s unspoken thoughts. “We should keep an eye on him. Something’s not right.”

Lan Wangji didn’t respond, but the weight of his gaze remained on the retreating figure of Wei Wuxian. There was something different about him, something that even Lan Wangji, with his keen sense of observation, couldn’t quite place. But one thing was certain—Wei Wuxian was not the carefree, reckless boy they had once known. There was a darkness behind his eyes, a burden that weighed heavier with each passing day.

And Lan Wangji, for reasons he couldn’t yet fully understand, found himself unable to look away.

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