Fluffy WangXian Oneshots Book Two

Come Back To Gusu With Me Part 14

Fire crackles in the cheery little room hidden away inside the sanctuary. Four people appreciate its warmth, a definitive contrast between here and outside, where frost crunches under their feet nowadays.

Wei Ying woke up at a more reasonable time today, because yesterday was spent in heavenly naps (among other bed-related activities), and thus both Lan Zhan and himself are well rested and relaxed, and earlier to their appointment with the healers on this cold and breath-steaming morning.

Lan Daifu grins mischievously when she sees them, and Healer Fei looks just as pleased. After they settle down opposite the doctors, with hands tightly wrapped around their teacups, Healer Fei begins talking to both of them.

"Did you have a productive day yesterday?"

"Yes," they both nod.

"Feel free to tell us if anything is bothering you about that exercise, or if you want to talk about anything else. Otherwise, I have a few follow-up questions. Don't be too surprised because it's still centred around parental figures. People tend to forget what a huge impact they have on our psyche, often affecting the decisions we make going forward."

"I think we're good," Lan Zhan offers, after checking in with Wei Ying.

"Very well, then. Yesterday, did you manage to talk to your parents? And what about Madam Yu and Jiang Fengmian?"

"Yes to the parents and to Jiang-Shushu, no to Yu-Furen. I was tired by the end of all that." Wei Ying grins sheepishly.

"Then I must congratulate you on recognising when you've had enough. Especially if, when it feels like everyone else is alright, one must learn to accept one's own boundaries and not be bullied, even gently, into doing something detrimental to your own mental health. No one can know what you need better than yourself, and your requirements should be announced in a clear and concise manner. If you are not listened to, walking away is an option and a far better solution since it's always available." Healer Fei consults his notes. "Now, regarding Yu-Furen, how did you feel when you found out she had died? Please remember that our aim is to be objective about everything we discuss. You will begin reaping the benefits without even noticing it at first, and it is good to be patient with yourself if it doesn't happen quickly."

"Oh! Healer Fei, there is one thing I really want to tell you about! From yesterday." Wei Ying leans forward, vibrating with excitement, and he reaches for Lan Zhan's hand without looking. "I learned that I don't know if I want to go back to Lotus Pier, if that's an option for me. I don't know what I want to do yet, but I know I don't really want to be around the Cultivation World that much. Nothing's been decided yet, but I feel like I can finally breathe." His smile lights up his whole face, and he looks so happy.

Lan Zhan is relieved in spades. Not only that Wei Ying has discovered his own freedom, but that his happiness about it is lighting him up from within, and it's contagious. There's nothing Lan Zhan won't do to keep his Wei Ying looking like this!

Also privately, he is jubilant about Wei Ying considering other options about his and their future. If his Wei Ying feels this happy about not going back to Yunmeng, then how trapped did he feel there? That place is supposed to be his home! And as for Lan Zhan, he cannot see himself living in Lotus Pier for an extended period, though he reckons perhaps a vacation there might be okay.

A short vacation.

Maybe just a few days...

"That is amazing," Healer Fei looks so proud of Wei Ying. "This is very good news and a remarkable achievement. Recognising that one has choices is the first step, and then it is imperative to take your time and explore which ones are the most appealing, which ones suit you. Alongside that, one must give themselves the time to decide. There is no rush and if someone is pushing or pulling you towards something, it is wise to step back and turn a discerning eye towards them and on their motivation instead. Consider also what they have to gain or lose alongside the same for yourself. It is not selfish to put yourself ahead of others, in fact, in your case, I would highly recommend it. We are taught from a young age that thinking about ourselves first is wrong, but that's not true. We must unlearn those teachings and enforce the belief inside ourselves that we are just as important as everyone else around us. If we do not put a high value on the importance of happiness for ourselves, then comparatively, how can we expect others to do that for us?