Useless

Chapter 10

"Elder brother, I need your help," Lan Wangji said.

He and his brother were sitting in the Hanshi together after classes had ended. Their uncle had returned from the discussion conference about a week ago and his lectures had resumed like normal. Lan Xichen tilted his head to the side curiously.

"Hm, what is it Wangji? What do you need?" he asked. He was willing to help his little brother with anything.

The truth was, ever since the whole ordeal with the waterborne abyss, Lan Wangji couldn't seem to get Wei Ying out of his head. Well, actually, he had been on Wangji's mind ever since he arrived in the Cloud recesses but that wasn't the point.

Wei Ying had really proven himself that day. He had shown how brave and selfless he was. He went back to save that disciple even if it meant putting himself at risk. A new found respect for Wei Ying had blossomed and Lan Wangji wasn't quite sure how to go about it.

He was also starting to really like Wei Ying even though it wasn't really obvious. Every time the two would interact, Lan Wangji seemed to always push Wei Ying away. He never meant to do so but he didn't know how to act around the other boy. Wei Ying was so different from anyone he had ever known.

Wei Ying was a very bright person. He was very smart and had an interesting imagination, especially when it came to making up new kinds of talismans or different kinds of cultivation techniques. Though he seemed to be a troublemaker and someone who had no regards for the rules, Lan Wangj knew that he was a good person.

But then there was the issue of Wei Ying's injury.

Lan Wangji knew that Wei Ying was not weak, far from it, but something inside of him made him want to protect the other boy. It was such a weird feeling and Lan Wangji didn't know how to go about it nor did he want Wei Ying to be offended by his feelings, never that.

He also wanted to know how he got his injury (he was sure everyone did) but didn't know how to ask. Wangji had never been good with words so that's why he had gone to his brother for help. Elder brother would know what to do.

"Brother...it's about Wei Ying," Lan Wangji said. A soft smile stretched across Lan Xichen's lips. Ah, of course, he thought amusedly.

"What is it about young master Wei?" he asked. Lan Wangji dipped his head down.

"How do I....how do I..." Wangji trailed off, his ears beginning to turn pink. Why was this so hard to say?

Lan Xichen had waited patiently for his brother to continue. He knew how hard it was for Wangji to express himself so he waited for him.

"I think I want to be friends with Wei Ying," Lan Wangji finally said after a while.

"That's great Wangji," Xichen responded happily. Finally. It was time for his brother to make some friends. Lan Wangji nodded.

"Mn. But brother, how do I...?"

"Ah," Xichen said, now understanding why his brother seemed so frustrated. "You want to know how to approach him, correct?" he asked. Wangji nodded again. Aw, his brother was so adorable. His smile widened.

"Wangji, I think you should just go talk to him. I'm sure young master Wei would listen to you," he said. Lan Wangji sighed to himself. Why did his brother say it like it was so easy? Words were so hard. How would he even begin a conversation with the other?

Of course being the brother reader that he is, Xichen immediately caught on to his little brother's internal battle. His eyes softened.

"Wangji, I promise that it's not going to be as hard as you think. I'm positive he would be happy to have you as a friend. Oh, you also want to know about his injury right?" he asked. He watched his brother nod. "Well, does that really matter? Young master Wei is a cultivator just like the rest of us. You saw him that day in Caiyi. His injury doesn't matter when it comes to helping people. He must have gone through a lot though. If you treat him like he isn't made of glass, I'm sure he'll be happy about that."