"Wuxian," Wangyin greeted warmly, reaching for Zhan's hand and kissed it gently. "Has your father departed yet?"
"Yes, the next morning after the party," Zhan answered.
"How have you been?"
"I'm good," Zhan answered and led Wangyin to the spacious sofa.
"I have been longing for you for five days, Wuxin. My thoughts are filled with you..." Wangyin said sweetly.
"I-I feel the same way, Wangyin..." Liar! Zhan's mind screamed. Over the past few days, he had spent his time secretly meeting with Lan Wangji whenever Wen Qing and Nana Shuyi were preoccupied.
And just the other day, Lan Wangji had come to pick him up from the University, and they had the pleasure of spending the entire day together.
"My parents are already planning our wedding," Wangyin said eagerly. "My father is currently in discussions with the individuals who will assist on our special day. A grand wedding will be held in our town. Everything is in place, my dear..."
Zhan was uncertain how to respond. His attention was drawn to the stairs, where he spotted Wen Qing, her face reflecting a deep sense of sadness and bitterness.
Zhan furrowed his brows, recognizing that the sorrow etched on his cousin's face resembled that of someone deeply in love yet unreciprocated. Could it be that Wen Qing harbored feelings for Wangyin?
Does Wen Qing's advice to disregard Lan Wangji serve the purpose of protecting Wangyin? Is her primary concern to shield Wangyin from any possible pain? And here there he was, even thought that Wen Qing could have feelings for Lan Wangji.
💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️💚💛❤️
"You are in love with Jiang Wangyin" Zhan said to his cousin, who was reclining on her bed. As she turned to him, Zhan saw that she was secretly wiping away tears.
"W-where did you get that idea, Wuxian?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with distress, yet her gaze remained focused on the bed.
"I can see it in your eyes. Please don't lie. I know how you feel."
Wen Qing sobbed and fell back on her pillow. "P-please do not disclose that to anyone, Wuxian," she cried out. "I don't want even Nana Shuyi to pity me. Wangyin loves you, not me."
Zhan exhaled softly as he entered and took a seat on the edge of Wen Qing's bed. "I am not entirely certain whether I truly love Wangyin. It appears that my feelings are more akin to fondness, considering our friendship since childhood." Zhan felt a sense of confusion, unsure if the words were his own or those of Wuxian.
"Maybe that's the reason why I didn't reject Fùqīn when they arranged my engagement to Wangyin..."
"What... do you mean?" Wen Qing asked.
"I feel a sense of joy and excitement when I am with Lan Wangji," his eyes shining with excitement.
"I have never felt a strong desire for Wangyin nor do I feel excited about the prospect of seeing him again. Whenever he comes, my feelings are natural as if a friend is visiting me. Nevertheless, I find myself constantly seeking the presence of Lan Wangji. I-I think I am in love with him. No. I am in love with Lan Wangji. I truly do."
Wen Qing's eyes grew wide with disbelief. "You can't back down from your marriage with Wangyin, Wei Wuxian! I have heard that all arrangements are finalized..."
"Should I choose to turn away, Wangyin might then consider you."
"That won't happen!" Wen Qing broke into tears. "Since we were children, Wangyin has been secretly in love with you, longing for your affection, hoping for your love in return. He has never shown interest in any other person... or in me. His love and admiration are solely for you, Wuxian. I have accepted this fact long ago..."
Zhan feels a deep sense of sympathy for Wen Qing and finds himself at a loss for words or what actions to take. He ponders the purpose of his existence in this timeline and whether he ought to make changes in Wei Wuxian's life. Additionally, he reflects on his own feelings, questioning why he appears to be genuinely falling in love with Lan Wangji.