Sit Softly On Your Shoulder

Chapter 26: Meeting Family

Wei Ying takes a deep breath outside the room they're about to enter. He concentrates on the comforting feeling of being in a light and airy space, full of pale colours and contrasting dark furniture and floors, a theme constant throughout the old manor. Even the room he is sharing with Lan Zhan looks the same, and the continuity of the soothing aesthetic reduces his nerves. The only modern addition he could see was the adjoining bathroom, something Lan Zhan mentioned as part of the changes brought about by Lan Qiren.

The Uncle who has looked after both Lan XiChen and Lan Zhan since they were nine and six respectively.

How bad is it going to be?

He knows Lan Qiren might be a little stern, given his age and the fact that he's recovering from a severe stroke, but aside from seeing him on that last video call, Wei Ying hasn't got a lot to go on.

Lan Zhan brings him closer for a hug, his lips finding that spot between his brows that bolsters his courage.

“He's just a person,” Lan Zhan smiles encouragingly.

“I know…but I want to make a good impression,” Wei Ying whispers, mindful that whatever he says may be overheard in the open room. “I don't want to give anyone the chance to say something bad to you because they're disappointed in me.”

“Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan’s tone is enough, wanting to convey more than he's able to tell him. “You can never disappoint. You are enough. Better than that.”

Wei Ying gives him a bright smile, hugging him back tightly before pulling away to march into the room.

Luckily, XiChen has joined them and his smile indicates that he heard every word. Uncle Qiren and he stand up to greet them, and both Lan Zhan and Wei Ying bow with respect. XiChen pours out the tea and passes steaming cups around, serving Uncle Qiren first.

Wei Ying looks up after sitting down and finds Uncle Qiren staring at him. It's a penetrative gaze and he has to make himself maintain eye contact. No one speaks and it's a tense encounter, but after a few minutes, Uncle Qiren nods to himself and addresses Lan Zhan.

“Introduce us.”

Lan Zhan had forgotten to do this, realising belatedly that he's been holding his breath all this time, and when he lets go, the tension in his neck and shoulders leaves as well. Feeling much better, he bows.

“Shufu, this is Wei Ying, courtesy name, Wei WuXian. Wei Ying, this is our Uncle Qiren, and the equal of our father, Lan Qingheng-Jun. Even before his passing.”

Wei Ying stands up and goes to him, his mind yelling at him because of what he's about to do, but sometimes, going all out is the way. Plus, he can blame growing up in a Western country if it goes belly-up.

“Nice to meet you, Uncle.” He bows and then hugs the stiff man.

There's a gasp from behind them, and Wei Ying wonders if he's just made a colossal mistake, and maybe he shouldn't have been so tactile from the get-go, when he feels two arms come around his shoulders to hug him back.

“Welcome to our family. Has WangJi been treating you well?”

Wei Ying pulls back to stare at him, believing it to be a joke question since Lan Zhan is Lan Zhan, and of course he would look after Wei Ying perfectly. However, Lan Qiren looks completely serious. Aside from the growing twinkle in his dark eyes as he looks over to his youngest nephew. Wei Ying backs away to his seat next to his fiance.

“Yes. Lan Zhan has been as gracious and understanding as you would have expected him to be.” Wei Ying turns to find Lan Zhan staring between them with a mix of different emotions.