Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Lan Zhan, you're going home early today?!" asked Wei Wuxian, who perked up from being slumped on his chair when Lan Wangji started packing his things. 

"Mn." He nodded and glanced subtly around his place to check for litter, which Wei Wuxian was sure would never be present in the space where Lan Wangji existed.

"Huh? But it's still boring wrap-up hour, what's with the hurry?" Wei Wuxian's silver eyes looked at him curiously, his hand had stilled from doodling a chibi Lan Zhan at the back of the survey form distributed earlier. " Boring wrap-up hour " was the weekly report of the firm's activities per department. As newly hires, neither Wei Wuxian nor Lan Wangji were heads of their respective departments so it was optional for them to go. 

Wei Wuxian only attended these super boring and lengthy reports because he wanted to tease Lan Wangji who regarded these meetings as protocol , and believed it as part of his duties as a newly employed Accountant. Teasing Lan Wangji was never boring, he takes everything Wei Wuxian says at face value, always so serious, always quoting the Company policies, always ready to criticize Wei Wuxian’s works and behaviour, and always so adorably handsome while doing it. 

"I have to feed the rabbits." Lan Wangji says, ready to pick up his bag and excuse himself. 

"Lan Zhan, you have rabbits?!" Wei Wuxian’s voice peaked with excitement, even grabbing Lan Wangji’s arm to prevent him from turning and standing up to leave. Lan Wangji looked at his hand on his arm before meeting his eyes. 

"Mn." 

Wei Wuxian’s face brightened. “I love rabbits, I think they make amazing skewers!” He grinned widely at Lan Wangji. The latter only pursed his lips, forming a thin line to express his displeasure with the remark. He took his arm back from Wei Wuxian’s grasp and was about to stand up when Wei Wuxian grabbed his left arm again, now with both hands.

“Aiyah, Lan Zhan! I was kidding! I think they are the most adorable animals on the planet! So, if you have pictures, please, please you have to let me see them! I would die with regret if you won’t, Lan Zhan!"

Wei Wuxian grinned widely at Lan Wangji, his white and perfect teeth on display, his plump lips stretched into a smile charming and bright as the sun. Lan Wangji looked at him for a few seconds, golden pupils staring back at his silver ones so intensely Wei Wuxian felt trapped and open, as if Lan Wangji was searching him, as if seeking something Wei Wuxian could never begin to guess. He was ready to withdraw and play it off as a joke when Lan Wangji looked away to open his bag and pull out his phone. Wei Wuxian chuckled a bit. 

Lan Zhan is really a fuddy-duddy! Keeping his phone in his backpack instead of his slack’s pocket! So adorable!

Lan Wangji looked away from his phone to shoot him an inquisitive look, Wei Wuxian’s smirk to turn into a cute, little grin. Wei Wuxian found it kind of weird that he sees Lan Wangji’s behavior cute but he brushed it away, he’s not really known for being the normal one. Well, he’s not normal, he’s just the most charmingly mischievous motherfucker to ever exist. 

He sighed a little in relief internally when Lan Wangji started swiping on his phone to open his gallery; he scooched closer, already hogging Lan Wangji’s personal space in his excitement. 

He looks uncomfortable, great! Wei Wuxian grin widens as he observes how Lan Zhan’s brows furrow a tad more the closer he gets, so he couldn’t help a small laugh when Lan Wangji stretched out his arm and faced the phone to him, his wrist resting on Wei Wuxian’s part of the table, forcing him to adjust and view the photos at a distance from Lan Wangji. 

Upon seeing the impossibly adorable black and white rabbits, Wei Wuxian made a noise akin to a boiling kettle.

"Aww, Lan Zhan, they're adorable!"

The rabbits were round and fluffy, both resting on the large expanse of someone’s lap and cuddling, a photo so heartwarming Wei Wuxian decided that it wasn’t enough to just see one. He couldn’t help but swipe left to see more of the recent pictures and they–they just keep coming! 

The adorable fluff balls playing with each other, eating, sleeping, scratching their ears, staring the at the camera with their dark eyes and enlarged bunny cheeks. He felt Lan Wangji progressively tense as he continued to swipe and make small commentaries, “Lan Zhan, look at their ears, it’s down! So cute!” or “Holy shit, their fur looks so impossibly shiny and soft, what shampoo do you even use on them–oh, in this one, they’re nibbling the same cabbage! So adorable!” The cuteness just keeps coming that Wei Wuxian feels like his heart is going to explode. Sometimes it’s a blurry take, or a close-up of the pure and white body of the larger rabbit, or them being captured mid-air as they hop, it was all just fluffy and adorable bunnies, so Wei Wuxian’s mind blanked when a different photo showed as he swiped left. 

It was a mirror selfie of Lan Wangji, naked and sitting on the bed with his legs spread, leaning back as his left elbow supported him, left hand holding the phone. His hair looked damp and laid out on his shoulders, flowing to his chest and down to his waist like inky strands of silk. A white bathrobe was spread under him, rumpled, a fraction of it grazing his flexed abdominal muscles. His golden eyes were half-lidded, clouded with lust, mouth slightly open, an expression so erotic Wei Wuxian swore it burned on the back of his mind, engraving it to his memory. The other hand–well, it also supported him, it carried the weight of his impossibly massive and obscenely heavy cock. It was in the shade of angry red at the tip, leaking with precum that his hand was coated in–

Wei Wuxian only saw the photo for a second before Lan Wangji had noticed his silence and snatched back his phone, immediately locking it. He gave him a small nod before walking calmly towards the door as if he didn’t just show his colleague a picture of him jerking off in 4k ultra HD. 

What the fuck.

Wei Wuxian had not moved for what felt like hours, his brain trying to process the image so engraved to his mind and his very core. 

He was only snapped out of his daze when Wen Ning tapped him lightly on his left shoulder. 

“Mr. Wei? Do you not plan on leaving?” 

“Wen Ning!” He jumped a bit, startled. 

“Yes! I was already planning to, I just got kinda sidetracked. You know me!” Wei Wuxian grins, standing up and clapping Wen Ning on his shoulder. He looked around and noticed it was only him and Wen Ning in the room, the glass windows showed that it had started to get dark. Wen Ning looked at him a little confused, but he shrugged it off. 

“Alright, please make haste. It is almost eight, you might not catch the bus.”

Wen Ning was re-arranging the conference room to its original pristine state. He didn't have to, but the cleaning staff scheduled today had broken his leg. Upon knowing, Wen Ning volunteered himself to clean up the conference room after the meeting. Bless his heart.

One glance at the clock indicates that it was quarter to 8 and not catching the free 8 p.m. bus implies that he has to wait for another hour before the next free bus arrives. He quickly gathered his things and shoved them haphazardly into his bag. 

“Oh, you're right! Thanks, Wen Ning! I'll see you tomorrow!” 

Wei Wuxian sprinted across the room to reach the door. Wen Ning’s kind and gentle eyes trailed him, a soft smile forming on his lips unknowingly. 

“Be careful! See you tomorrow, Mr. Wei!” Wei Wuxian could only wave his hand with his back turned as he ran. 

He tapped his foot impatiently against the elevator's floor as it lowered him to the company lobby. 

What the fuck was that? Was that Lan Zhan? Was that really Lan Zhan in that photo?????????

His general idea about Lan Wangji has been entirely innocent and wholesome. He was undeniably handsome; this, Wei Wuxian does not deny admitting. He had come off cold and unapproachable during the orientation but Wei Wuxian had genuinely wanted to be his friend since he saw him give his extremely soft-looking and definitely expensive light blue cashmere coat to an elderly woman shaking in the freezing night of December when he was on his way home.

Since then, he had started pestering, annoying and shamelessly teasing Lan Wangji in an attempt to be his friend. Though there hadn't been huge improvements for the past few weeks (truly God's strongest soldier), Lan Wangji had at least stopped rejecting him harshly and had started tolerating his presence during the times that Wei Wuxuan was free and had indulged in his favorite hobby of annoying Lan Wangji. 

It was all entirely light-hearted and well-meaning, he only liked to see the reactions and expressions of the reserved man because he finds him amusing. Besides, no one is spared from Wei Wuxian’s mischievous character even if it's someone he’s still trying to befriend. 

So, imagine his shock when he saw the photo. That goddamn photo that had changed Wei Wuxian’s perspective of Lan Wangji. He had come to the realization that that fuddy-duddy is a dom material and well-hung motherfucker . Of course, the guy is hot, this is a fact but Wei Wuxian had not been lusting over him. He had only been interested because the guy was amusing and super kind . He gives Wei Wuxian a portion of his lunches, well, Wei Wuxian pesters him until he does but, yeah, same difference! 

Also, Wei Wuxian was no saint, but seeing Lan Wangji in this new light has changed his brain somehow and created new neural pathways in Wei Wuxian’s mind. He had started creating these thoughts that won't stop seeing that cock pounding him on every surface available. 

If I had known earlier, I would’ve experienced the mind-blowingly wild and kinky sex that I’ve been wanting all my life!

He closed his eyes with guilt as he felt the crotch of his cargo pants tighten.

Wait, you’re in a fucking moving bus! Calm the fuck down! I don’t want to be picked up by Jiang Cheng from the station because I got arrested for Public Indecency!

Wei Wuxian knows he’s overreacting a bit. If it was some other colleague, they would’ve laughed it off and would either pretend like they didn’t see it or use it to create the new office gossip.

But for Wei Wuxian, this is a big deal because he might have a little crush on Lan Wangji but don’t get him wrong! His little infatuation with the uptight man was prior to seeing him in this new light. 

A little voice of conscience whispered in his lust-filled mind.

You’re the worst, this is just so wrong on so many levels! You don’t even know if Lan Zhan swings that way and here you are getting horny thinking of him in a moving bus…

He crumpled his face with the guilt that’s slowly eating him whole. He wearily made his way to his shared apartment with Jiang Cheng who was eating on the couch and watching some XianXia series. 

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened comically upon seeing the all too familiar Chinese takeout Jiang Cheng was eating from. 

“Fuck.” The younger had cursed as Wei Wuxian reached him within three strides of his long legs, trying to take the box. 

“Jiang Cheng, you fucker, I was saving that for later!” He grabbed everywhere to reach the takeout and since he had such long limbs, he was able to retrieve it, only to discover that most of its contents had already been consumed. 

“First thing I saw! There’s some food in the fridge so just heat up some pasta or whatever.” Jiang Cheng said dismissively. 

Wei Wuxain just sighed. He doesn’t want to take from the Jiangs anymore. They had already given him so much and Aunt Yu deemed it necessary to remind him at every chance she gets, but Wei Wuxian never forgets. In fact, he was saving money to be able to afford a new apartment that would separate him from the Jiangs and their mercy. That was why he waits for the free city bus that arrives on one-hour intervals and takes twice the passengers that it could hold, why he had ordered takeout previously despite the fridge and cupboards brimming with produce, it was the only thing he could afford with the measly pay he received from the company as a new hire. He had also limited himself to two takeout meals a day, he refuses to further increase his debt lest the scoldings will only get harsher. 

He threw the almost empty takeout box and started making his way to his room. Even if he had another takeout meal ready, if ever he could afford it, he does not have the appetite and the stomach to push it down. 

Lan Zhan’s stir-fried tofu earlier was delicious, I wish I’d asked for more…

He changed into a comfy set of pajamas and laid in bed, trying to sleep despite it still being just quarter to nine. He tossed and laid on his side. 

It’s almost 9 p.m., is Lan Zhan asleep already? Pretty sure he’s already in bed, preparing to sleep like a jade statue with how still he is.

A small tug on his plush lips formed as he imagined Lan Wangji in his pajamas, comforter up to his neck like a little child but so motionless in his sleep, he’d be more like a mannequin or a bed model. 

That random, specific thought had taken a whole different meaning a second later as his mind flashed the photo from earlier. Hand on his cock, his face an alluring shade of lust, and his eyes so cloudy and lost from pleasure Wei Wuxian wanted to know if it would flutter close if he wraps his mouth around that large—

Okay, stop! The devil works hard, yes, so he should get some sleep! We’re tired, let’s just rest and think about how we’re going to face Lan Zhan tomorrow!

He forced his eyes shut and tossed around to find a more comfortable position in bed, but his mind still wanders. Despite his impression, he couldn’t help but think about whether Lan Wangji is a gentle lover, he hopes not. 

I wonder what it'd feel like to be touched and held by Lan Zhan’s strong and large hands? How would the miles and miles of smooth, exposed skin taste and feel under my tongue? Does Lan Zhan bite? He looks like a biter. Would he hold me so gently and caress me as if I am a fragile thing? Or would he manhandle me into submission and force me to swallow his spent while telling me how good I am?

Despite the nature of his thoughts, Wei Wuxian found himself slowly losing his consciousness, but the last thought that had persisted before the god of slumber had taken him in his arms was;

If I don't stop now, I will surely be overcome with the all-consuming want of having Lan Wangji on me, over me, and inside me.

💗

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian felt himself shiver because of the cold gust of wind that raked his lithe frame, he could not shake the itch that persisted on his exposed skin. He opened his eyes to see no difference when they were closed. He felt around and wondered why he could hear the crunch of dried leaves and grass, and the high-pitched rising buzz of what he thinks are Cicadas. 

What am I doing in a forest in the middle of the night? 

He grasped at whatever solid thing he can use to support himself. A tree trunk, a large one at that. He stood carefully and started walking in an unknown direction in an attempt to reach flat land or at least, a place where he could get a bit of moonlight for visibility.

I’m definitely dreaming…

Then, there was a sound. At first, he thought it was from the insects nearby, but it was too inconsistent to be part of the constant and rhythmic buzzing of the little things. He turned to the direction of the sound and was delighted that a bit of moonlight could be seen from there. 

But why does everything feel so clear and real, though? The itch in my skin, the smell of the lush leaves and soil, that loud and high-pitched noise? 

He stopped on his tracks and laughed at himself. 

What am I thinking? What would I be doing in a dense forest in the middle of the night? This is definitely a dream.

Right? 

Despite his hesitation, he made his way to the light, treading slowly and occasionally shivering with the light blowing of the midnight breeze. As he approached the flat ground, the sounds had also become clearer. They were screams, and sounds of agony, repeatedly forced out from the source of the voice, sometimes would fall short as if they had run out of air, and sometimes would stop for a gasp. 

Wei Wuxian felt the hair on his nape rise. Something about the new gush of wind changed the surroundings entirely.

No, don’t tell me it’s one of those dreams that involves “serial killers” and “chasing” and “me running for my life”??? I’m too old for this stuff, though…

Finally, he reached the flat land and had stepped out of the dense forest. He inspected himself and discovered he was wearing his home slippers and the pajamas he wore when he slept. Thankfully, he had no injuries and was just littered with small scratches. The flat land was laid with miles of bermuda grass and occasional wooden, polished houses with clay tile roofs. The one closest to him were still a few feet away but now that he was nearer, he could definitely distinguish the noises that he kept hearing since earlier, and they were not sound of agony nor torture, they were moans of pleasure. 

Wei Wuxian almost laughed at himself for being creeped out by hearing other people have sex, but this made him smirk as he realized; 

Ha, how shameless, it’s like they’re not even trying to be quiet. Hmm, almost like, wanting to be heard; enticing, inviting…anyways, not my business! Guess thinking of Lan Zhan that way manifested in my dream, huh? At least, it’s not the “thriller” type anymore, even worse if they had dogs.

Wei Wuxian shivered on the thought. 

Maybe I should just explore. This place seems unfamiliar and it’s been a while since I’ve dreamt of something other than dogs and crazy shit like Aunt Yu.

Wei Wuxian chuckled to himself, he started walking towards what he thinks is a large gate, and the shortest distance to get there was passing the house of the noisy couple. He was only a few feet away when he stopped on his tracks again, because that voice sounds familiar…

He made his way slowly towards the house, his footsteps quiet and light, and as he got closer, the more his eyes widened in shock. The voice is really familiar, in fact, too familiar. 

“Ah, ah, ah! Er-ge, more…” 

He stopped dead in his tracks when he came only a foot away from the wall and he could see inside the couple’s bedroom through the window. He grinned mischievously. 

Ha, what a sight! 

There was a man who looked just like Lan Wangji, the same broad shoulders and chest, ripped  abdomen and angled hips, skin pale and smooth like jade save for his muscled back littered with thick scars that made him even more inviting . Heck, he even has the same long, black hair and that ethereally handsome face.

He was facing the window that Wei Wuxian is currently peeking from and this “Lan WangJi” was on top of someone. A smaller, thinner frame who was sprawled on the bed with his legs open, ankles on Lan WangJi’s shoulders as he accommodates the hot rod that keeps pounding into him relentlessly. His wrists were above his head and were tied by what looked like a white string of cloth about an inch wide. One look at his face and Wei Wuxian almost fainted. Because, the face was Mo Xuanyu!? From Marketing!? The one who makes those crazy but always popular pubmats for the company’s social media posts!!!????

He chuckled a bit when he remembered that this guy’s been summoned to the CEO’s office numerous times for forgetting to switch to his personal account and posting crazy shit that always makes the company name trending on social media platforms. He always reasoned that bad publicity is still publicity, the bosses couldn’t dump him, he increases engagements. 

ANYWAY, Why the fuck is Mo Xuanyu in my dream!? And why is he being fucked into oblivion by Lan Zhan??!!

Wei Wuxian took a step back and his mouth hung open in shock. The obscenity was too much, he cannot take it, especially, because Mo Xuanyu, a guy he barely even talk to, was being fucked by his weeks-long crush and a just recently potential dom and lover?????? In his own dream????

Despite his confusion, there was something that compelled him to look, as if knowing that despite the fact that it’s wrong in so many ways, he still could not stop himself from looking at this mouth-watering and ravenous Lan WangJi. It’s too tempting, too addicting. 

So, he looked. He looked into Lan WangJi’s face but he wished he hadn’t because he was staring back at him with wide eyes , meeting him for only a fraction of a second before Wei Wuxian dropped his to trail his eyes down, taking in the scene in front of him. Those piercing golden eyes were directed at his face as he drove his hips into Mo XuanYu like a mad dog. Mouth agape with recurring pants and grunts, muscles flexing with the effort of his continuous movement, large hands firmly gripping the round buttocks of the smaller so hard it looks like it will bruise. The boy inside cried “ah, ah, ah,” but the one outside clasped his mouth with both hands and started stepping back, until he finally turned and ran aimlessly.

He does not know why he ran, maybe he felt too weirded out and confused, or maybe it was the way that Lan WangJi’s eyes were so wide in shock, he felt that if he stayed, he would be confronted with this very odd situation and would get rejected. 

He stopped dead in his tracks when he thought of something. Is Lan Zhan with Mo XuanYu? Is that why he always gets mad at me when I get into his personal space? Because someone might get jealous? Maybe he had explained that there was this homewrecker at the office, spouting Lan Zhan this, Lan Zhan that all the time. AND maybe, because Mo XuanYu was such a highly tolerant person, he just told Lan Zhan to tolerate me? But how did I know that? Intuition? Or is this the Universe’s sign telling me to back off? 

Despite his confusion, he could only curse on his mind because he could not deny the fact that his pajamas were starting to tent, and his thoughts kept replaying the animalistic way Lan WangJi plunged his cock into Mo XuanYu who could only cry in pleasure. 

A rustle, he jolted and looked at the nearby bushes. It was only a rabbit, white as snow. As if a reminder, he continued running, towards the forest now, hoping this would bring him to the starting point and wake him, Like gaming, right? His thoughts also ran as he picked up his pace.

I’m so jealous! I should have been the one clinging to his back like sticky candy as he plowed me! 

He stopped abruptly in his tracks again. 

Why does Lan Zhan have huge scars on his back? Okay, maybe I have seen only his chest on the pic but I put my arm over his shoulder daily! Of course, I also touch his back! And I never felt a single scar or bump—okay, the muscles were a different thing—but still! I know he doesn’t have those huge slashing scars on his back!

He looked back at the house, which was a mistake because is that Lan Wangji? Making his way towards him?? Oh no, is he mad that I peeped on them having sex?? But, they were so loud, what did they expect!!!!!???????

Shit, shit, shit! Why is he so fast??? Is he on steroids?? He looks jacked up here too! 

Wei WuXian alternated from looking at the forest he’s about to enter and looking back at Lan Wangji who looked like he’d seen a ghost. 

That’s what I’ll be if he catches me! The traditional robes look good on him, by the way…

Finally, he entered the forest, and not even a minute in, he managed to trip over a protruding root. Wei Wuxian touched his face and felt for wounds but there was only dirt that had stuck to his face. He stood up and dusted himself when he realized he’s not in the dense forest anymore; he’s somewhere else that was still a forest but the moon was gone and in its place was the sun that’s slowly rising from the east. He looked back and saw a clearing, but no Lan Wangji in sight. The place was also kind of deserted and more on the rocky side, the earlier lush greens of bermuda were now parched earth that refused to crumble at his feet. Wei Wuxian was losing his marbles, he began doubting himself. Even he is culture-shocked by his own dreams.

Great, another forest. Surely, if this is a dream, I would have woken up from that fall. And really, is my mind capable of conjuring up these very elaborate and detailed scenes of a place I’ve never seen before???

There was a thought prodding in his mind, but he refuses to acknowledge it because it’s just impossible . He gulped as he theorized, is he somehow…

unknowingly…

on drugs??

He almost laughed at himself for thinking this, he knows it’s not true. He doesn’t have money for drugs, he doesn’t participate in illegal activity and is only trying to earn his keep. Lastly, if he’s been drugged the last thing he ate was Lan Zhan’s stir-fried tofu…

Lan Zhan also ate it, though!

This was just impossible! Wei Wuxian knows he goes above and beyond in craziness but this! This is just different that he himself is in shock he almost wanted to clap! 100 points! For spontaneity and imagination! 

As he was thinking, he had not noticed that he started walking and was only distracted from his thoughts when he heard thuds from a distance. He whirled around and saw a teenage boy wearing what looked like white traditional robes with a sword attached to his hip, punching the poor tree that shook with every powerful strike, threatening to break and snap in half. The long and luscious black hair was enough to make Wei Wuxian assume that this is Lan WangJi.

“Not again..” Wei Wuxian said unconsciously and immediately clasped his hands against his mouth when the teen turned around and he was able to confirm that it was indeed, Lan WangJi, but younger??? Compared to the one earlier, this one’s face was a tad rounder and his features still a bit delicate. Though his expression was harsh, his ears were red and Wei Wuxian would’ve found it cute if not for the narrowing of his eyes. Wei Wuxian narrowed his eyes back. 

What’s his problem? Did Lan Wangji have this short temper since he was a teeny-tiny baby? Why’s he always grumpy when he sees me? Also, this kid’s looks are different…I wonder how…

Confused for some reason, he looked him up and down. Wei Wuxian also looked at himself, he was still wearing his pajamas in broad daylight, he must’ve looked funny. However, the youth’s eyes turned dark and clouded and there was something odd in his voice when he barked,

“Go!” 

“Wow, so scary!” Wei Wuxian intended to mock. This little baby Lan Wangji looked like he was throwing a tantrum and was pouring it out on the poor tree. He has a sword though, which made him look a little threatening. 

“Stay away from me!”

He held on the hilt and started unsheathing it, the other was surprised by the blue light that emerged when he pulled about an inch. Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened and felt his heart leap in fear. 

Wow, he’s willing to hurt me! I’m defenseless and unarmed! He hates me that much?

With this, Wei Wuxian took a few steps back, his hands in the air as if telling the youth to calm down. When he was a few meters away, he turned and ran, scared for his life. He took a sharp turn at a rocky hill, he hid himself between one of the crevices and caught his breath.

He heard footsteps from his left and he immediately stopped breathing, scared that he might hear him breath. Even though he knows for a fact that he and Lan WangJi came from the right, he couldn't help holding his breath in fear. This one might also have a sword

But something about these footsteps seems strange, they weren’t hurried nor heavy, they were light and calm. 

“Who’s there? If you’re here for the hunt, you won’t be able to get anything good from around here.” 

It was his voice. Wei Wuxian cried internally. It’s me, this time! No crazy shit anymore!

But wait, that glowing sword was already crazy! And what hunt is this one talking about?

Wei WuXian walked closer and closer to his hiding place, each step slower than the other as if he’s sensing Wei Wuxian’s anxiety that’s quickly increasing, or he might have heard the loud and rapid beating of his heart that threatens to leave his chest. Either way, Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and kept pushing himself in the crevice, hoping he’d sink deep enough that he won’t even pay him attention, but Wei Wuxian does not know if it’s a blessing or a curse when he heard Lan WangJi’s voice echo from his right. 

“Wei Ying!”

“Aiyah, Lan Zhan!” 

“I told you to stay away from me!” 

“I just came here and you want me to go. Do you really hate me that much?” 

Yes, yes, you’re doing great! Ask the right questions!

Wei Wuxian could only rely on the tone of their voices, wondering if a fight would ensue. His eyes blew open as he heard the other Wei Wuxian near his hiding place but was even more shocked when he stopped squarely at the crevice, and Wei Wuxian was able to see the other’s side profile vividly. He had thanked the Gods for the thin strip of black cloth that’s wrapped around the other’s head, saving him from being immediately spotted. But he had noticed something different. The Wei WuXian here looked thinner, and he does not know if it’s just the large robes that made his body look frail but he had definitely looked more haggard and skinnier. With surprising precision though, Wei WuXian turned to Lan WangJi’s direction and started talking.

“What are you doing here, all by yourself? Aside from it not being a great hunting spot, this is a very dangerous place, Lan Zhan! Who knows there might be some perverts who steal kisses from unsuspecting people like you! Especially with how pretty you look! Come, come, let’s change hunting spo—”

Because of his thin frame, the effort to rearrange his robes that were open halfway through his chest only made the fabric drop from one shoulder, exposing the taut collarbones and miles of unmarked, pale skin. His “re-arrangement” of his robes was an attempt to convince Lan WangJi that this is a very scary place, Lan Zhan! Look, even someone as shameless as me is covering up! but it only resulted in the man in white to cross their distance and literally tackle Wei WuXian to the ground. 

“Ah, what is it? Is something coming?! Let me help, I’ll use Chengqing!”

Something’s coming and it’s gonna be inside you, kid! Argh, I should just get the hell out of here! I might trigger this Lan WangJi and he’ll chase me with his sword!

Because Lan WangJi had tackled Wei WuXian to the floor, they had landed a few feet away to the left of Wei Wuxian and he did not miss the chance to very silently pry himself from the crevice that he almost carved himself into. He looked at the two teens, Wei WuXian was lying down and the large frame of Lan WangJi was covering him completely, kneeling between the smooth, pale thighs. He saw Lan WangJi take off the white cloth that’s surrounding his head and started tying the tiny wrists of Wei WuXian with it.

“Lan Zhan, what are you doing?! Get off me! What is this? Ahhh, stop! Stop! Stop! It hurts!” 

“Stay still.” 

Wei Wuxian saw the teen tighten the cloth more, making Wei WuXian wail in pain. 

Ouch, that’ll definitely bruise. I know Lan Zhan gives major dom vibes, but like, I don’t think he’s this aggressive???? 

When he finally stepped out of the crevice, he took one last glance and he saw that Lan WangJi had started undressing Wei WuXian’s inner robes, he could only look away and leave the scene quietly. 

I’m so sorry, Wei Ying! I can’t help you! I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it after a while, just be patient, okay? I don’t wanna be a skewer! Also, why is this dream so long? I don’t understand, have I been asleep for days? I’m so tired. I just want to rest and wake up for the next work day, and hopefully see the original Lan Zhan who will give me food and call me shameless. Though, I’d also want to be with the ones in these dreams, just—minus the killing intent. 

Wei Wuxian sighed. He started walking around carefully this time—he did not want to fall on his face again—and tried to avoid anyone and anything he came across. He looked around and just observed the beautiful terrain.

Why do I feel like I’ve never really seen this place before…

Wei Wuxian really hadn’t, and the events were too surprising to him. Unpredictable. The first was Mo Xuanyu and the next was Wei WuXian, thin and frail but looked powerful in his large robes and black blindfold, immediately sensing Wei Wuxian’s presence despite being a few feet away. He’s also certain that the two teens know that there was someone nearby but the Lan WangJi could not give a fuck about it, and Wei Wuxian was too busy escaping from his captor to even mind such a weak presence. 

He continued walking and he felt lucky when he saw what looked like a watchtower. It was four stories tall and made of stone, with intricately designed walls and roofs. The feel of the smooth, polished stone against his fingertips was refreshing, far from the common and disposable materials of the city where he resided. 

This is what I’m talking about. I have never seen a watchtower this beautiful and intricate in my life. Not even textbooks could justify how pretty this is. And for me to dream of it?

Though he still wanted to marvel at the structure, Wei Wuxian quickly hid among the vegetation when he heard voices from above conversing about someone suspicious roaming around the tower. 

Shit!

💗

Chapter Text

He ducked and crawled closer to the tower’s stone walls until he found a wooden plank covering a considerably large hole where the stone had started to erode. 

Lucky!

He removed the plank and was welcomed by pitch-black darkness. He considered it and figured it was large enough to crawl through. The space was narrow and looked a bit like a tunnel. He did not know how long this tunnel was, but he still wriggled his way through as he heard voices near his spot. With shaking hands, he placed the plank again and started crawling. He could feel the material above him begin to smoothen as the light from the entrance slowly dimmed.

After a while of crawling, Wei Wuxian’s elbows and knees were starting to hurt and the pitch-black darkness made him focus more on his other senses. The soft crunch of the coarse sand filled his ears with every thump of his limbs, the earthy scent of the dry soil beneath him filled his lungs, and the claustrophobic darkness pressed in around him. But still, he persisted. There was no other way but forward.  

Maybe I’m not so lucky after all…

He was taken aback when his forehead thudded loudly against a hard material, he immediately grabbed his head and shouted in silence as he waited for the pain to subside, rolling in what little space he had. 

Fuck, fuck fuck! What the hell was that??

He felt around and by the texture, it had seemed like a hardwood wall spanning half a meter wide before another one began. Wei Wuxian glared at it. 

Running from aggressive men with swords, tripping and falling on my face twice, witnessing very traumatic and life-threatening scenarios, crawling through a creepy tunnel—and now, hitting my head hard on a solid piece of wood I’ll consider myself lucky it didn’t crack my skull open! Good heavens, give me a break! 

Wei Wuxian laid on his stomach lest he catch all the falling dust from the old and narrow tunnel. 

Heck, even fugitives have it better than me! They didn’t have to do very complex mental gymnastics of trying to figure out whether they’re on drugs or just dreaming about something entirely mind-blowing and exposing them to the horror of heartbreak and betrayal conjured by their own minds. 

Wei Wuxian banged his head lightly against the hardwood, repeating the motion with every word that echoed in his mind.

1. Just. Reached. A. Dead. End. When. Will. I. Wake. Up???

A soft creak; the wood had given out. The wide panel splintered and shifted, slowly tilting at an awkward angle because of its weight. It tilted until it became slanted, creating a large, jagged opening just big enough for him to crawl through. A bit of what seemed like fluorescent light seeped in through the gap.

A smile rose to Wei Wuxian’s lips. Lucky? Also, this feels like Deja Vu, I just crawled through an opening earlier

He immediately pushed the wide panel until it was horizontal, he wriggled his way through and found himself inside a large Louvered cabinet. It spanned from floor to ceiling, and contained smaller drawers and some miscellaneous office items from what Wei Wuxian could make out. 

An office!

One peek outside confirmed his suspicion. He immediately went out and inhaled the artificial air blasting from the AC. It comforted him somehow, to see things he was familiar with. 

We are so back!

He roamed his eyes around the large office.

…or not.  

The office was sleek and modern, black walls with gold accents and mood lighting. There was a large hardwood desk, a black leather chair tucked beneath it. The drawers followed the same elegant theme, but the presence of a Guqin and other traditional instruments added a touch of warmth to the space, creating a harmonious blend of contemporary style and classic artistry. Wei Wuxian chuckled.

I have never seen this office before too. We are so not back. 

He just glanced at the nameplate on the large, oak desk and had planned on leaving when the name struck him.

Of course, Lan Wangji, Vice President. Cloud Recesses Group of Companies.

Wei Wuxian’s heart leapt, he doesn’t know why but the image of Lan Wangji in a three-piece suit with spectacles on as he read and signed documents in this very desk stirred his lower abdomen. 

Wait, isn’t Cloud Recesses a famous College of Music with lots of satellite campuses that offer free courses for music scholars????? Why are they a group of companies now?????

Wei Wuxian thought for a while, he found this one very odd. This is his dream, so why would it be inconsistent with what he really knows in reality? Also, why Cloud Recesses? How is that related to Lan Zhan?

And as if summoning the devil, there were footsteps approaching the office. Wei Wuxian knew who it would be, he panicked and quickly hid in the closet as quietly as he could. 

That was my chance! Lan Wangji, you’re such a menace!!!!! It’s because of you again that I am in this current run-and-hide situation!

A tall man in a dark three-piece suit strode towards the table and sat at the large and leathered swivel chair. A smaller man followed, clutching a clipboard in his arms and writing a few things on it. He was clad in a white and flowy long sleeve with a deep neckline which was paired with tight black slacks that hugged his ass perfectly. One detail that did not escape Wei Wuxian was the thin and plain black choker sitting snugly on his neck. His smile was charming, hair in a ponytail that swayed playfully as he walked, like a carefree fox out for a stroll. When the doors finally shut though, his demeanor quickly changed. His body became tense and he stood as straight as he could. Standing by the door and not taking another step, as if it’s forbidden, as if waiting for the order.

“Wei Ying is being a brat again.” The man crossed his legs and leaned back, his head turned to the smaller man who bowed his head for some reason. 

“N-No, gege, I’m sorry.” Wei WuXian started fidgeting with his hands, tense because he was brimming with excitement. Skin humming with anticipation with the knowledge that he will be punished today. He had intentionally misbehaved and flirted a little with the investors to rile his boss up. 

Gege? Wei Wuxian’s interest was piqued. Initially, he had wanted to just face the wall and cover his ears, maybe get some sleep and just wait for another opportunity to leave the room but this is… exciting …

Lan Wangji looks so hot in his three-piece suit. Wei Wuxian felt himself harden, he feels sorry for this friend of his because it’s been on and off since earlier. 

“You do not look like it.” Lan Wangji pulled his phone from his desk and started tapping languidly. A few beats and Wei WuXian shook from where he was standing. He started squirming and had even pressed his legs together, his other hand grabbing the drawer by the door for support. 

“Ahh, gege, please, I’m sorry…” A whimper escaped from Wei WuXian, still looking unrepentant with the small smirk etched on his lips, clearly visible from where Wei Wuxian is. 

“Testing my patience.”  A swipe, Wei WuXian dropped the clipboard and covered his mouth with his left hand, but he couldn’t contain the noises and incoherent words coming out of his mouth.

“Oh, yes, gege, that’s it…” 

Oh gods, is he? Are they?? Wei Wuxian thought for a bit then laughed at himself. Of course, they are! That’s kinky, I like that!

Wei Wuxian grinned to himself. It’s kind of amusing watching myself make that face. Will I look like that if I do it with Lan Zhan?

“You know I don’t like it when someone else touches you, yet you allow it like a common whore .” A moan escaped Wei WuXian’s lips when he heard the last part of the sentence. He fell on his knees, legs giving out with how intense the toy must be.

“No, I am not a common whore. I only belong to g-gege.” Wei WuXian’s eyes stilled on Lan Wangji, face a lustful shade of red and reverence.

“That’s right. Good boys know who they belong to.” Lan Wangji tapped on his phone and Wei WuXian stopped fidgeting, relief and regret flooding his face. The former stood up and started making his way to the latter who was now restlessly watching him come closer. He unbuckled his pants and brought his cock out slowly. Observing intently. 

Unhurried. 

In control. 

Oh, fuck. Seeing it in the picture already proved how large his cock was, but this, in the flesh and from all angles? Lan Wangji is humongous! Where would all of that go??? That’s already enough to fucking impale him! Or me?? Whatever!

“Suck.” Lan Wangji said simply and Wei WuXian sucked on it while maintaining eye contact like a good slut . He played with the angry head and started coating the length with his saliva, stroking the lower part of the shaft as he prepared to suck him good and fast. Lan Wangji groaned in pleasure and closed his eyes when Wei WuXian picked up the pace and took him deeper into his mouth.

“You’re taking me so good, baobei…” Encouraged by the praise, Wei WuXian took him as deep as he could but there were still a few inches left, his throat bulging with how far he’s taking him. 

“Fuck…” Lan Wangji fisted on the now messy ponytail and buried his cock deeper into Wei WuXian’s mouth, forcing fast and shallow thrusts until all of it disappeared and Wei WuXian’s face was pressed into his crotch. 

Wei WuXian’s eyes immediately filled with tears, his gag reflex threatening to contract his throat, but he did his best to relax it, taking, and taking, until he’s literally about to choke on Lan Wangji’s cock. He gripped on the pristine slacks of Lan Wangji for purchase.

Wow, what a champ! I’ve never seen someone take cock that deep and not gag. Impressive skill. Wei Wuxian commends, considered if he will be able to do that in real life now that he’s depicted to be so impressive at deep throating in his dreams. 

“Fuck, baobei, fuck…” He moaned, eyebrows knitting with how intense he was being taken. He bucked his hip once before finally pulling out and placing the head of his dick in Wei WuXian’s mouth, making him gather the thick ropes of cum, Wei WuXian stuck his tongue out and made sure to catch all of it. 

“Good boy, you did so well, baobei…” Lan Wangji patted his head, a small tug on his lips gave way to a sexy smirk. He then placed his index and middle finger into Wei WuXian’s mouth, spreading and fucking his cum into his throat. Satisfied, Lan Wangji pulled out his finger and commanded,

“Swallow.” 

Wei WuXian closed his eyes first and licked his lips, as if savoring it before swallowing. He smiled gratefully at Lan Wangji. 

“What do good boys say?” 

“Thank you, gege.” 

“Good. Now, strip and bend.”

Wei Wuxian stood with shaking legs and Lan Wangji looked at him darkly. He started stripping off his clothes, the slacks taking a bit longer with how snug it fit his perky ass. He could see Lan Wangji’s cock hardening again, and it’s not even a minute after he came. 

I should try wearing one of those later, Lan Zhan would have a heart attack!

When finally, the slacks were out of the way, Wei WuXian bent on the large drawer. Lan Wangji only stood over him, staring at the full, rounded ass on display. The buttplug going in deeper each time Wei WuXian clenches on it. 

“Gege, please fuck me now. I need your cock inside me!” Wei WuXian pleaded desperately, he used his hands to spread his cheeks and expose the red and plugged hole. Lan Wangji did not make a move and continued watching him squirm, eyes dark but full of appreciation. But Wei WuXian was so desperate, he gave in and humped his neglected cock against the hardwood, seeking friction for some sort of relief. This, however, was entirely short-lived because it only earned him a slap on his snowy buttocks, the sting heightened by the plug on his hole. 

“Ah! It hurts!” 

Another slap. “Who allowed you to do that?” Lan WangJi asked lowly, his low baritone reverberating throughout the office.

“Impatient.” and another. 

“Undisciplined.” and another.

“I’m sorry, gege. I just want you to fuck me so bad, I—ah!” Another loud slap rang throughout the room. Wei WuXian was full on sobbing, clawing on the poor cabinet.

“I’m sorry, please! Please, gege—” Another slap. And another.

“Have you been counting?” Lan Wangji asked coldly, hand suspended in the air, ready to strike. As if realizing just now, Wei WuXian blinked in confusion, most probably recalling how many it has been. 

Wei Wuxian could see the white flesh turning red with handprints. Everybody knows good boys count their hits. Tsk, tsk, tsk. So, I’m a brat even in bed, huh? Also, it’s seven, Wei Ying! 

“A-Ah, no, gege.” 

Lan Wangji’s face turned unreadable. He stepped back and scrutinized the contrasting asscheeks, one remained pale white while the other was pink with abuse. 

“You will not come today.” Wei WuXian’s eyes went wide in horror, quickly filling with tears as the weight of his punishment sinks in.

“Gege, no, please. I’ll do anything, please—” Wei WuXian looked at him through his lashes, torso turned back while still bent on the drawer. Straining and trying to appeal to his master. 

“You were doing so well earlier. It’s sad you chose to misbehave.” Lan Wangji grabbed the end of the buttplug, pulled it and watched warm and sticky cum ooze out of the hole. 

“Gege, please, please, let me come, please, I want to come!”

“Disobedient brats don’t get what they want.” Lan Wangji said with a sexy, taunting grin.

Shit, shit shit! Lan Zhan, you are insanely so fucking hot!

Wei Wuxian couldn’t help looking down at his boner, it’s really showing now, completely hard and stiff. He ignored it, not having the conscience to rub one out real quick. 

“Gege, I beg you, please, just fuck me! ‘Was so good for you! I swallowed all your cum! You told me I was a good boy!” 

Lan Wangji looked at Wei WuXian’s pitiful face and considered. 

“Alright.” He lined his dick into Wei WuXIan’s hole, wide from the plug and oozing with residual cum. When the head finally went in, the latter had started moaning again and clawing at the cabinets. Lan Wangji was entering him excruciatingly slow, and since his hole was loose from the plug, the stretch was minimal, and so was the friction. 

“Gege, please!” Wei WuXian cried in frustration again. 

“You’re particularly bratty today, what makes you think you deserve my fucking?” 

Lan Wangji looked at him coldly, he gripped his hips tighter when Wei WuXian’s restless and impatient demeanor seemed to subside a little, trying to act like a good boy. 

“I’m sorry, gege!” He cried out, eyes pleading and apologetic. His arms now lay placid on the cabinets, allowing his body to relax. 

“That’s right, be a good slut and earn it.” Lan Wangji started thrusting shallowly and languidly, as if he had all the time in the world, as if all the more testing whether Wei WuXian would start to disobey him again. The smaller was only whimpering in need, desperation evident but clearly doing his best to stay still. Lan Wangji grunted occasionally as he maintained his pace, even groping the abused buttock and squeezing it. 

“Gege, harder, please?” He said it like a question, a request. Voice calm and unagitated but pleading.

“No. You take what I give you.” Wei WuXian could only whimper from the denial.

Oh, fucccckkkkkk. I think it’ll take days for my dick to soften with how hard it is right now! Lan Wangji!! You’re so unfairly fucking hot!!!!

Wei Wuxian’s hand almost slipped into his pants, but there was a knock on the door that startled the three of them. 

“Sir? I have the portfolios from the investors earlier. There’s something I’d like to speak with you about.”

Lan Wangji’s face darkened and thrusted hard at Wei WuXian once before grabbing his thighs and lifting him up, carrying him as he took large, unhurried steps towards his desk. He sat on the large swivel chair and shoved Wei WuXian under the desk with his dick still buried at the hilt. Like this, Wei WuXian is hidden by the desk and he moans as all of this is happening, completely submissive and pliant. 

“Wei Ying, behave.” 

Don’t tell me…

“Come in.” Lan Wangji said in a low voice loud enough for the person outside to hear. He magically produced a black folder with some papers on it and started reading. 

Kinky!!!! This is the type of exhibitionist shit even I would be scared to try!!!

The door opens and a tall and slender man walks in, his face immediately contorted, as if smelling something unpleasant. He looked around, as if trying to find the source but continued walking when he saw Lan Wangji staring at him intently. 

“Good morning, Sir. Wei Wuxian wasn’t outside so I decided to just ask you directly. This is kind of urgent, so I figured it would be okay.”

He neared the desk and placed three thick folders on it before sitting. Lan Wangji started scanning them. “These have already been checked by the Board and Finance but one of the investors has unrealistic projections in their revenue growth. This company, however, is currently one of the most publicly endorsed and rapidly growing brands. Rejecting them could lead to a backlash, as the public may view us unfavorably for turning down a company with such a strong reputation.”

Since the louvered cabinet was on the side, a few meters away from the desk, Wei Wuxian’s view only allowed him to see Lan Wangji’s crotch up to half his thighs and the rest was hidden in the desk. He could see how Wei WuXian’s hips started moving again. It must’ve been so long for him already, he couldn’t stand being neglected anymore. 

Lan Wangji’s eyes turned into slits. The man talking seemed to pale a bit. 

“T-This is why the board wanted to escalate it to you, Sir. They think—”

“Where is the historical data?” Lan Wangji asked lowly. 

The man looked startled. “S-Sir?” He grabbed one of the folders and started scanning, Lan Wangji used this opportunity to reach down and squeeze Wei WuXian’s cock. His whole body shook and from the looks of it, he was trying his best not to make a sound, scared of being caught.

Lan Wangji didn't move his hand and continued talking to the man. “These are all projections. How would I proceed with the assessment if there is no historical data for Performance reports, Capital Structure, Market Position and Regulatory Compliance?”

In a panic, the man had started to stutter. “Their Financial Statements, Sales Projection and financial ratios are all there. They have indicated their—”

Lan Wangji’s closed the folder and leaned back, using this movement to buck his hips and squeeze the cock in his hand harder. Wei Wuxian feels pity for the other. 

That’s what you get for being such a brat! Get ready for your punishment, Wei Ying! 

“Su She, right? I can’t assess the credibility of these projections without historical data. Revise this and come back when you’re feeling a little more competent.”  

The man called “Su She” stood, his face turning red with embarrassment. He gathered the folders and tipped his head.

“Yes, sir.” He walked out of the office and the moment the door shut, Lan Wangji grabbed Wei WuXian’s hips and pushed the swivel chair back. He then hoisted him up and placed him on the desk harshly. The latter only shivered and whimpered, his face redder than before as his eyes started filling with tears. 

“I told Wei Ying to behave.” He slammed his hips hard and deep, not giving Wei WuXian any time to adjust and breathe. This elicited a long moan from the latter, his back arching from the intensity of the thrusts. 

“Ohh, fuck gege! Ah, ah, ahh…”

“Why did Wei Ying clench on my cock like a desperate little slut?” Grunting, Lan Wangji bent and bit on the other’s neck, making him whine from the pain and pleasure.

Oh my fucking god, they are so hot. It’s insane. Literally one of the craziest shit I’ve ever seen. 

Wei Wuxian could really not resist palming his erection through his pajamas. His mouth opened in relief as he continued watching them. He’s watched these in porn and read about it, but it is still different when the face belongs him and his fucking crush he just started lusting on. 

“S-Sorry, gege. Oh– I can’t help it, Wei Ying was wrong! Ah, ah, ah…” Lan Wangji rose and flipped him, making him lie on his back. Then, he continued to plunge into him deeper while he busied his mouth on the twin buds that had grown stiff.

“Gege! Ohhhh!”

“Fuck, so tight, my Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji grabbed a fistful of hair and kissed Wei WuXian, their tongue intertwining as the former’s hips began to stutter, signaling his oncoming release. 

“Ah, please, let me come, gege!” Wei WuXian wrapped his arms on Lan Wanji’s nape as the man began to shiver. His legs shook from the intensity of being pounded so hard on a solid surface. 

Finally, Lan Wangji’s eyebrows became taut, his jaw clenching as he gave one final brutal thrust that almost bent Wei WuXian in half.  

“Ohhh!!” 

“Fuck, baobei!” Lan Wangji grunted and began spilling his release, they stilled for a few seconds before he was pulling out and plugging the hole filled with cum. 

Fuck, that was so intense and wild! How could I even make this up???

Wei WuXian looked so spent, but his brows were still drawn, still frustrated because he was not allowed to cum. His cock remained stiff, exposed to the chilly air of the office. 

“Gege, please…” Wei WuXian begged, putting his most pitiful face on. He looks absolutely wrecked like this, his torso and neck peppered with small bites and bruises. One asscheek contrasting beautifully with the other that was bright pink. Face so erotic, so debauched. 

Lan Wangji tucked his cock inside his slacks and started righting himself. 

“10 minutes. Clean yourself up and meet me in the car. Do not test my patience.” 

With that, he left the office and Wei WuXian is left on the desk, still panting a little. After about a minute, he stood up and observed his bites and bruises, looking at his reflection through the office mirror just beside the cabinet Wei Wuxian was in. 

“Gege gave me such pretty marks, I hope they don’t fade so fast.” He said as he pressed in on some of them. A wide smile spread on his cum-smeared lips. 

He then started dressing up and reorganizing the desk in its previously decent state. He gave one final sweep of the office before leaving, completely oblivious of the man left sexually frustrated and traumatized.

💗

Chapter Text

A man dressed in an aubergine long sleeve, black, fitted pants, and shiny leather shoes paced around the small apartment. In his left hand was his phone against his ear, the other hand on his hip.

“I don’t know, Jie, I haven’t seen him since Tuesday.” He sighed heavily, distress evident in his voice. “When he arrived the night before, he went straight to his room, then I went to work the next morning. When I came home, he wasn’t here anymore.” 

He went to Wei Wuxian’s room for the nth time to check, as if the man would magically reappear if he tried one more time.

“I tried calling him but his phone is here. I went to his usual spots but he’s not there. I've also called some of his friends from Uni, but they also don’t know. His wallet and keys are here, so I think he’s just nearby.” He could hear her sister sobbing in the background. He went around the apartment and checked every room again, just making sure.

“A-Cheng, where could he have been? You know A-Xian is not the type to just disappear like this. I’m worried something has happened to him, he doesn’t have a phone or money, or…” Jiang Yanli continued sobbing, 

“I know, Jie. I'll try asking the Wens and more of his friends; he might have stayed over a few nights without telling us.” Jiang Cheng went to his room again and looked around, trying to find clues as to where he might have gone.

“I’m sorry, A-Cheng for troubling you. I know you have work, I just couldn’t help but worry about A-Xian…”

“It's okay. I'll find him soon and give him a beating. He's being a headache again.” Jiang Cheng snickered. 

“A-Cheng, please be a little kinder to him, he’s going through a lot right now.” Jiang Yanli’s voice had gone soft and it pushes a heavy pressure in Jiang Cheng’s chest.

Yeah, and I’m not?

He thought sarcastically. 

“I’m going now. I’ll just call you if I find something.” 

“Okay, take care, A-Cheng. Don’t skip your meals, and tell A-Xian I’ll make him his favorite soup once you find him.” Jiang Cheng just grunted an affirmation and sighed when the line cut off. 

All this for a fucking Chinese takeout. Stupid, stupid Wei Wuxian. 

He went to his contact list and started looking for the Wens’ number, but before he could dial it, there was a knock on the apartment’s front door. He strode to open it but stilled as he’s about to twist the knob, he looked at the door suspiciously. 

Is that him? Why would he still knock, he lives here.

When a minute had passed and Jiang Cheng was just staring, the person knocked again, in the same calm and unhurried manner. This was very opposite to Wei Wuxian’s loud and frantic knocking. If he doesn’t have his keys, he would’ve yelled for him the moment he knocked. 

Why isn’t he speaking up? 

Annoyed, Jiang Cheng just opened the door and confusion painted his face when he saw the person standing was Lan Wangji?

“What are you doing here?” 

“You must be Jiang Cheng, Is Wei Ying inside?” 

Jiang Cheng eyed him, suspicious. Why is a high and mighty Lan looking for his brother? 

“How do you know my name? And how do you know him?”

“He is my colleague and he has not come to work for two days. The company found this alarming considering he did not file a leave of absence and has not notified us of his reasons. They sent me to check on him.” 

Lan Wangji did not mention that he was the one who brought it up to Wei Wuxian’s workmate in his department and that man escalated it to their manager. He also did not mention that he volunteered to do the visit even when he’s from another department. Additionally, there was no need to say that he was somewhat happy when they gave him his profile and he acquired new information about Wei Ying. 

Jiang Cheng eyed Lan Wangji scrutinizingly. In this tiny, tiny district and shabby apartment hallway, he found him so out of place with his impeccable suit and tie, polished leather shoes, and fancy leather backpack. He snorted a bit. 

“I haven’t seen him since Tuesday morning but he went home the night before. I’ve been trying to find him, and called some of his friends earlier but they have no clue. He left his phone, wallet and keys. He’s not in the restos and his usual hang out spots. Not in Uni, or my parent’s house, or the orphanage. I don’t even know where to look for him anymore…” He sighed dejectedly, opened his phone and started dialing the Wens. 

Since the other day, Wei Ying has been missing? Lan Wangji thought to himself, alarmed. 

Could it be because of the photo? His repulsion was so intense that he skipped work and left home in order to avoid me completely? 

Lan Wangji let out an imperceptible sigh. He has turned off Wei Ying to the point that he’s willing to sacrifice his present and recover from the trauma that the photo had left him with in seclusion.  

Lan Wangji is not vain. Their uncle taught him and his brother that vanity is the manifestation of the ego, an extension of attachment to the self. However, Lan Wangji also acknowledges that he fits the societal beauty standard, and that conventionally, he is physically attractive. But, Wei Wuxian is not conventional, so he has no clue whether all the flirting and teasing from the smaller man was genuine, but he had hoped it was. He had hoped his interest and attraction to him was reciprocated, though he knows he sometimes is unable to express them properly. 

But now that this has happened, it was very evident to Lan Wangji that it was clearly the opposite. He might have to accept that his feelings were unrequited.

All right, he would not make this about himself anymore, it is kind of ironic because he just admitted that he isn’t vain or self-centered. Whatever, no matter the dynamics between them, finding Wei Wuxian is the priority. 

“I will help.” A pause. 

“Finding Wei Ying.”

Jiang Cheng raised a brow at him in surprise, he might have forgotten Lan Wangji was here because the conversation with the Wen sounds a little serious. 

“Yeah, appreciate it. Thanks.” He simply nodded in Lan Wangji’s direction and went back to talking on the phone.  The former then made his way to the car to absorb the information he'd just received.

In all honesty, he thought Wei Wuxian was just sick to the point that he could not answer his phone anymore, nor could he notify the company about his absences. Lan Wangji expected to find him puffy-eyed and red nosed, assuring him that he’s fine and he just needs to take a little rest. And things would go back to normal. He promises he did not overthink this. He did not think Wei Wuxian was avoiding him because of what happened on Monday. There may be a lot of reasons, but Lan Wangji felt the guilt slowly eating his being the more he thought about Wei Wuxian running away because of him.

So, he will focus his energy in helping find Wei Wuxian. According to his brother–Jiang Cheng, who is somewhat one of the most frequent names in Wei Wuxian’s animated stories–Wei Wuxian was last seen Monday night, and has been missing since Tuesday morning, and today is Thursday. He’s also not in his usual spots—which Lan Wangji took note of, by the way—and none of his friends knew where he was.

Considering he does not have a phone or a wallet, the possibilities are only limited; It’s either he was kidnapped, or he had ran away with the love of his life that could provide, shelter and protect him from the evils in this world like Lan Wangji who traumatized him with a pic with his dick out and drowning in pleasure as he thought of Wei Wuxian!

Lan Wangji sighed heavily. 

Okay. 

Lan Wangji is not overthinking this. He will not be jumping into conclusions that were based on circumstantial coincidences. He will approach this objectively. If he was Wei Wuxian, where would he go? 

—

Wei Wuxian did not know where to go. He had slipped past the guards of the building and had made it outside. Though, one eerie encounter left him a bit disoriented because he thought he saw another Lan Wangji but the vibe was just… off.

He was in a different colored three-piece suit and the air around him seemed friendlier, more approachable and there was no Wei Wuxian in sight. Still, he did not take his chances of being caught, he immediately got the fuck out of there. 

When he went out though, he thought this is another weird world in his dream but he saw the branch name of the building he got out from. 

Cloud Recesses. Gusu - Main.

So, he’s in Gusu right now.

Okay, this is wild. Although I know about the Cloud Recesses School of Music because they have such great cause, I haven’t really been there. I have no reason to go there. But this is just crazily, astonishingly vivid! The floors, the decors, the faces!! Everything is so realistic! My subconscious got some solid worldbuilding skills here, huh? 

He strolled the bustling streets of a large shopping district while thinking of where to go. It was lively with activity, merchants and buyers bargaining, various stalls yelling what they offer to the passerby, and some other offering “discounts! We’re buy one, take one only today!” and many more that Wei Wuxian would surely have bought if he had the money. His eyes lit up though when he saw a stall offering sample sizes of their crispy and mouth watering fried wontons. Wei Wuxian could not resist going to their stall and trying some. His heart sang happily when the crispy wrapper gave way to the flavorful pork filling. While munching his face full, his eyes accidentally caught the date and time displayed on the TV of a rice merchant across the street.

 September 26, 2024 (Thursday). 6:47 PM 

What the hell? It’s just thursday?? With everything I went through? I thought it’s been weeks! Ha! Anyways, I really should try figuring out where to go now. 

Wei Wuxian grinned and thanked the stall owner who only glared at him and cursed him for eating a dozen samples. He ran, scared that he might chase him. His feet brought him to the bus station similar to the ones he took from work to his shared apartment with Jiang Cheng.

Woohoo, lucky!! I could just take two buses and go to the apartment to see if the Wei Wuxian here lives there! Oh, even better if the Wei Wuxian earlier is staying at Lan Zhan’s place for the night!

As if struck with amazing luck, the hourly bus arrived a few minutes before 7 PM and Wei Wuxian immediately took his seat at the back, avoiding interactions from people who were stepping inside and outside the bus.

Also, maybe I should stop saying “lucky!!” bad things happen next when I do.

It was a long ride; he wanted to be dropped off at the borders so he could ride another bus that’ll take him to their district. Wei Wuxian did not notice that he had dozed off until the driver tapped him lightly on his shoulder.

“Hey, we’re already at the border.” Wei Wuxian woke up groggily from his sleep. He rubbed his eyes and it focused on the middle aged bus driver. He had those kind, compassionate eyes that softened as he saw Wei Wuxian’s state. 

“I’ll be going back to the capital now. Take care, kid.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, sir! I’ll be off now, thanks!” He hurriedly stood and left the bus, mind still asleep with how tired and sleep deprived he is. He walked absentmindedly, trying to find the next bus stop. In his grogginess, he had not noticed the jutting metal scrap of the chain-link fence on the side of the road, it had scraped his arm and immediately bled. Wei Wuxian’s fogged mind cleared because of the pain, he immediately looked over and saw that his arm was bleeding. 

Shit!!!!

The cut was not deep nor long, the metal simply grazed his arm so he just squeezed his arm to stop it from bleeding. He continued walking, in search of the bus stop.

Ha! I really shouldn’t use “lucky” anymore! It’s like my special jinx now! I even got wounded because of it!

Wei Wuxian stopped on his tracks abruptly. 

He suddenly had a thought; Well, it was more of acknowledging it. He has been ignoring this and that nagging feeling that’s been bugging his mind since he woke up in that dense forest. 

Actually, Wei Wuxian is not stupid. He has clear suspicions that this and the worlds before were not a just figment of his imagination, they are very much real and concrete. His mind could just not come up with a valid explanation why this is happening, that's why he has held on to the thought that this is all a lucid dream. 

But now he was wounded. He bled and he did not wake up. He did not get out of this unknown place. He bled. 

And I slept on the bus!! Who the fuck would fall asleep while dreaming?! 

Wei Wuxian thought it through.

Well, okay there are some who lucid dream and could have that “dream-in-a-dream” situation, and I’ve already considered before that maybe I’m lucid dreaming, but this is different! I got physically hurt and the wound is very much real!

And this is when reality came crashing down on him.

I am not dreaming, and I don’t know what the fuck is going on. 

Suddenly, Wei Wuxian felt the world closing in on him. He was suddenly struck by a heightened awareness of his surroundings on a scale he had never experienced before; what once seemed like a dream was now all too real. The dark eerie night,  the cold gust of wind that sent a shiver down his spine, the indistinct chatter of the people nearby, the occasional blinding lights from the passing vehicles and the pulsing pain in his arm. All of it suddenly became so overwhelming, he could feel his heart beating so loudly it threatened to burst out of his chest. 

The realization struck him,

I’m alone in this foreign world where I could be harmed, or even killed, and no one would ever know. 

Tears welled up Wei Wuxian’s eyes. I miss my A-Jie, and her lotus root and pork rib soup, and the 4 espresso shots in my morning coffee, the people from Uni, Nie Huaisang’s scheming tendencies, Jiang Cheng’s irate litanies (just a little), Wen Ning’s overly polite and formal speech, the morning chaos of the office, and most especially, Lan Zhan. I miss them all so much. 

A hand on his shoulder made him jolt in surprise. He has been so deep in his thoughts he had not noticed a lady in her early twenties approach him. 

“Oh, my gosh! Your arm is bleeding! Are you okay?” She asked in a panic. 

“I’m okay, just grazed my arm.” Wei Wuxian forced a smile, recovering from the depth of his thoughts, and forcing himself to calm down.

The woman was already searching her bag and had pulled out a pink handkerchief. 

“Here, let me help you,” she said, stepping closer with concern in her eyes.

Before Wei Wuxian could protest, she gently wrapped the handkerchief around his arm, tying it securely. “It’s not much, but it should stop the bleeding for now.”

Wei Wuxian looked around. In his trance, he did not notice that he had stopped walking a few meters away from the bus stop. The digital clock pinned on the wall included the time and date and it read September 26, 2024 (Thursday). 8:57 PM . This meant that the ride from Cloud Recesses to the borders took about more or less 2 hours minus his walking time.

Wei Wuxian smiled, touched by her kindness. “Thank you so much, Mianmian.” 

The woman’s eyes widened. “You—how did you know?!”

Wei Wuxian grinned and gestured his arm, the pink hanky was embroidered with “Mianmian” in cute, popping font. 

Mianmian flushed in embarrassment and only rolled her eyes. Before she could say something though, the bus arrived and they both got in, Wei Wuxian settling in on the few available seats in front and Mianmian decided to sit beside him. 

“You look like you’ve been through a lot. What happened?” She couldn’t help but ask. 

Wei Wuxian’s mind blanked. I absolutely have no idea, kind woman. I’m just tryna survive for the past few days. 

He assessed himself: his pajamas were covered in dirt, his hair greasy and unwashed, his face soot-laden, and his arm bleeding. He doesn’t just look terrible, even homeless people don’t look this battered! 

Still, he has to think of something… 

“Oh, uhm, my cousin lives near a shopping district in Gusu and I was dared to, uhm, pretend to be homeless person and camped out in Cloud Recesses’ main branch to see how they’d react. They, uhm, chased me out and I accidentally grazed my arm on the chain link fence while escaping, and uhh, here I am.” He smiled a bit. 

Mianmian looked at him doubtfully.

“What do you mean…Cloud Recesses’ main branch?” She asked, skeptical. 

Wei Wuxian blinked. “The one in the capital, near the shopping district? Cloud Recesses Group of Companies?” 

The woman was weirded out now. 

“You seem like a kind soul and I don’t know if you’re just trying to prank me, but there is no such thing as Cloud Recesses Group of Companies in Gusu. That—that’s the first time I’ve ever heard that name.” 

Wei Wuxian was dumbfounded. 

“Huh?”

The woman’s face lit up a bit. 

“Oh, actually, I’ve heard of it once when I was also riding a bus towards the city. There are rumors that they’re like a group of thugs monopolizing the city, but like, more professional. What’s that term again?” The woman squinted her eyes, 

Wei Wuxian felt his stomach drop, a cold sweat beginning to form on his face.

Mianmian continued to squint her eyes, trying to recall the term. 

“Like the… the mobs…the raffia? No, that’s a tree. Hmm, I think it’s the–”

“The mafia.” Wei Wuxian supplied, his stomach tying in knots. 

Mianmian’s lips broke into a smile as she pointed at him in delight.

“That’s right, the mafia!” 

Wei Wuxian’s face fell in realization. 

I might have…

Mianmian looked weirded out with the face he’s making. “Uhh, are you okay?”

I might have been transported to another world while I was sleeping on the bus on the way to the border…fuck

“Hey…” Mianmian shook his uninjured arm, Wei Wuxian was startled and supplied a shaky smile.

“Sorry, you were saying?” 

Mianmian sighed. “You look like you really have it rough, are you okay?” she asked, more a little bit firmer this time.

Wei Wuxian grinned at her. “Yeah! I just uhm, have an irrational fear of organized crimes?” He lied through his teeth. Although at this point, he might have developed an irrational fear of everything , even sleeping.

The woman’s mouth went ‘o’ in realization. “Oh, that’s why sorry for bringing it up, then.” 

She then laughed awkwardly and Wei Wuxian played along, they were startled when the bus stopped abruptly and the driver announced they had arrived at the second district.

“Oh, that’s my stop! Thank you so much again for your handkerchief and company, Mianmian! I hope we’ll meet again! I’m Wei Wuxian, by the way!” He grinned at her, waving his uninjured arm in the air as he made his way out. He was genuinely happy and grateful for the little normalcy he experienced from her. 

“You’re welcome! Also, Wei Wuxian?!” There was surprise and intrigue in her voice. Wei Wuxian did not have a chance to reply because he had stepped out of the bus with the other passengers and the vehicle left when the people dissipated.

Wei Wuxian just sighed. I should just thank her when I see her again, that is, if I see her again before I switch. Anyway, why was she surprised by my name, though? Am I like a famous celebrity in this world now? If so, why didn't she recognize my face?

Wei Wuxian just laughed at himself for his delusions. On the other hand, the woman in question sat calmly on the bus, her previous friendly demeanor gone and her eyes were now sharp as she thought of the situation at hand. 

Mianmian had really not known that the person he was talking to was Wei Wuxian, and had genuinely been concerned over the state of the man. He was lucky he only mentioned his name when he was making his way out, if earlier, she must have already immobilized him with ease. She had always been a vigilant person, but something about that Wei Wuxian made her feel at ease and unarmed. 

She opened her phone and dialed. After a brief pause, she spoke:

“This is sheep wool , the ‘fox’ just entered the second district. Send in the lambs.” 

💗

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian continued walking and was amazed at how similar this world is to his—or at least, where he came from. Somehow, it comforted him to see such familiar places. If he hadn’t known that the Cloud Recesses here are a mafia, he would assume that he’s back. It’s uncanny how this is almost like a replica; the street names, the shops, the flickering streetlight on the corner where the stray cats gather, the booming, loud bass of the bar he passed, the incoherent shouts of drunkards on the streets, and the familiar vibe of the dangerous neighborhood. One glance at a restaurant display showed the date and time, September 26, 2024 (Thursday). 9:38 PM. 

The ride from the border to the second district took about 40 minutes or so, but earlier, from the capital to the Gusu border, it took about 2 hours, which is reasonable because it’s really a long distance. 

Wei Wuxian contemplated his experiences. 

Based on past events, I think I’m being transported to another world when the place turns dim, or when my surroundings turn pitch black in general. Like a…

He squinted his eyes as he tried to form an analogy of this very incomprehensible phenomenon. 

Like a play. 

A play where; when the lights turn off and the curtains close, something happens in the background that the audience neither knows nor sees. When the curtains open and the lights are back on, a different setting has been placed, and the scene plays out without question. 

This has been consistent with his experience. 

From the first world, in the dense forest, I fell on my face. The second world, I crawled through a dark tunnel. The third, where Lan Zhan was the VP, I slept on the bus. So, like this is my fourth world now.  

Wait, maybe I’m not being transported to places. Maybe I’m time traveling? Come to think of it, the first two looked ancient in a way that there’s no modern tech and there are some weird superpower shit and swords and traditional robes, whereas the one before this and the one I’m in now have been fairly modern. 

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in realization. His brows furrowed after a second, though,

But that doesn’t explain the time. The world before this showed the date and time, I saw it from the shopping district in Gusu. 

September 26, 2024 (Thursday). 6:47 PM 

I rode the bus and got off at the border, assuming I got transported when I slept. If I was time travelling, it would have been a different year or era; but the bus stop near the border also showed the date and time and it was September 26, 2024 (Thursday). 8:57 PM .

Also, I slept on Monday night, which was September 23, 2024. So, okay, I’m not really time traveling. Aside from that, why is the Cloud Recesses a School of Music on September 26, then a Corporation just earlier today, and a few hours later, they’re now a mafia???? It really doesn’t make sense! 

Okay, so, getting the facts straight; so far, time has been consistent. The people, not so much. I haven’t seen Jiang Cheng or A-Jie, or Huaisang and even Wen Ning! But I’ve already seen Mo Xuanyu, that Su She guy, the man that looked like Lan Zhan and Mianmian. For places, It’s now safe to assume that I’m really being transported to other worlds. 

Wei Wuxian’s legs were now aching, he’s been walking for more than half an hour—the occasional digital clocks confirmed this—but the thinking has been helpful, aside from distracting him from the aches in his body, it also helped in clearing up some of the confusion. 

He still has a very big question in his head, though:

Why? 

Why is this happening to him? It’s not like the Gods have decided to play a prank on him and made his life even more stressful than it already is. 

Wei Wuxian stopped on his tracks when he realized something.

Since all of this is not a dream, does this mean there is a world or universe where Lan Zhan is with Mo Xuanyu? 

He paled at the thought. It’s not that he’s super against them being together but he could not just imagine how they ended up together in that universe. In his world, Mo Xuanyu is too eccentric and does not even look like he knows him or Lan Wangji. But still , considering all the things that had happened, in these universes, nothing is impossible. 

A smirk appeared on his lips as another thought formed;

This also means in those two universes, the one with the younger Lan Zhan and the VP Lan Zhan, he’s with me?! 

Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but be elated.

Thank you, universe! Even though I still don’t know what’s happening and it’s stressing me the fuck out, knowing I’m together with Lan Zhan in those universes made me so happy! I hope that with everything I’m going through right now, you’ll have mercy and send him my way too!

He’s giggling and smiling at nothing while walking, almost only a few streets away from their apartment. He looks like he had lost his marbles, especially with the greasy hair, dirty pajamas that’s been on him since Monday, and the almost soot-ladened face. He did not consider being robbed since he has no possessions, nor being assaulted since he knows he looks like shit right now, but what he really didn’t expect was to be arrested?????

Suddenly, men in black plastered themselves to his sides, each of his arms held tightly by their strong grip. He felt his wounded arm begin to bleed, and the pink handkerchief has started to stain red. 

“Ouch! Hey, that hurts! What are you doing?! Let me go!” He tried freeing himself from their grip but they were too strong. They started walking him toward a black van. He shouted and screamed for help but it all fell on deaf ears. He gasped when he felt a sharp object prod his waist. 

“Shout one more time and I’ll cut you open.” The one in his right threatens, the one who still tightened his grip on the injured arm despite seeing it bleed. 

Fuck, fuck, fuck!! What the fuck is happening?!

Wei Wuxian was stupefied, he was so scared, so, so scared. Panic and fear settling in. He has no one to call for help, no way to contact either Jiang Cheng or his A-Jie, heck, he doesn’t even know if they know him in this world. He has no one, and very scary thoughts start flooding him and heightening his anxiety more. 

He kept his mouth shut for fear of further angering the men and making their threats a reality. They forced him inside the van where six other armed men were, watching his every move. 

They placed a black sack over his head, large enough to cover him down to the neck, impairing his vision. He could still see a bit of light from the van’s center console, but the overall surroundings are dark. He hoped this impairment in his sight could transport him and by now, he should be in another universe but there was still light, so he concluded it was impossible to be transported as long as he could still see around.

The guy on his left tied the strings of the cloth around his neck to secure it. The contact almost made him jump, he’s been shaking since the ride started. The man chuckled a bit.

“Is this really the right guy? Looks like his description’s a bit exaggerated, eh? Poor thing looks like he’d jump out of his skin any moment.” He could hear a few of the men chuckling lightly. The guy on his right drew the string tighter.  

“Fucker, stop digging your own grave! He’s faking it. Keep talking, and you’ll find your tongue cut and your throat slit without even seeing him move.”

The guy on his left cleared his throat and Wei Wuxian felt him tense. 

Y’all definitely got the wrong guy! How could I even do that?! 

He hadn't stopped shaking, although it had been minimal, he could still feel his muscles spasm, his palms and face producing cold sweat. Despite this, he chose to speak up in hopes of saving himself. He cleared his throat.

I have to try!

“Uhm, sorry, sir? I think he’s right. I think you have the wrong guy. What's the, uhm, name in your target list?” He asked hesitatingly. 

“Stop acting coy, Wei Wuxian! I know you by face!” One of the men at the back yelled.

They really are targeting the Wei Wuxian in this world! What is it this time?! WHY did I have to be such a troublemaker and a brat in every universe?! Ugh.

“Hey, calm down! Can’t you see? He’s purposely riling you up.” The man on the right who has been on guard since they picked him up from the street spoke. Then, at a firmer voice he commands,

“No one talk to him, that’s an order.” 

Why is he still pointing the knife at me?! He's gotta chill! It’s eight to one, for fuck’s sake!

The rest of the ride was quiet and when the van stopped, the guy on his right–let’s call him mob #1—cuffed him with his hands behind his back. They dragged him through what seemed like never ending corridors which had lots and lots of doors that could only be accessed through the men’s biometrics, from his observations. 

They continued dragging and even pushing him to urge him to walk. When they reached what seemed like an elevator where he almost tripped, he could not help but speak up. 

“Hey, I’m not even resisting! Could you atleast treat me with some respect?!” 

The man on his left—let’s call him mob #2—chuckled again, but it was without humor. 

“You have the audacity to ask for respect when you’ve humiliated the organization so much?!” 

HIs voice was loud and deafening, Wei Wuxian could feel the intensity of his anger and he felt that he’ll be harmed in no time. But then he felt a gush of wind from his right towards his left, then a punch, then a body dropping to the ground.

“This is your last warning, kid. One more and I’ll kill you.” Mob #1 said with a voice as chilling as the knife he’d been prodding Wei Wuxian with. 

Oh, shit. He’s so serious, he’s so, so serious. 

Wei Wuxian felt himself shiver again, he really could not stop shaking. He kept his mouth shut as he continued getting dragged by the mobsters.

What is this, what is this?! What has Wei Wuxian here gotten himself into?!

Thankfully, this mob #1 really seemed to be level-headed, he’s just violent when really pissed. He returned to Wei Wuxian’s right and another mob replaced the mob #2. 

“Tell the boss that we’ve captured the ‘fox’, the bounty has been claimed. We’re securing him in the right wing interrogation room.” 

Oh, I’m meeting the boss!? In the interrogation room!? It’s that bad, huh? He fucked up so bad he personally offended these mobsters’ boss?? I hope there’ll be no lights in that room they’re bringing me in!

They walked through a few more corridors and would occasionally stop at what he thinks are heavily-guarded passages, where mob #1 and the men guarding them are exchanging passwords and secret phrases that Wei Wuxian did not bother following on despite having the determination to memorize earlier for future use, but at this point, it seems impossible with how many they are. 

“We’ve been notified of your purpose since you’ve entered the Inner Circle. You will need to submit your report on the chase and capture, so please just lead the ‘fox’ to the interrogation room, the boss will be there as soon as he can.” 

A woman’s voice spoke to mob #1 and they dragged him inside the interrogation room where sat him on a sturdy, wooden chair, cuffed his hands on each armrest and removed the cloth covering his head. 

He squinted his eyes to help them adjust, and when they did, the one thing he immediately noticed was the large insignia painted on the wall he was facing. It looked like swirling, cloud-like shapes. The curves were fluid and organic, with several spirals and loops. The overall shape is round and symmetrical, with the individual swirls branching out from a central point. The color is a light blue or pale cyan, and there was no mistaking it for Wei Wuxian;

That’s the Cloud Recesses’ School of Music Insignia! 

Wei Wuxian panicked, like really panicked. He immediately wracks his brain to find a way to escape. 

Yes, it’s the School of Music, but that’s in my world! Here, they’re the fucking mafia! And I will definitely not suffer the consequences of something I didn’t do! Not today, Wei Ying!

He scanned the room for possible escape routes. It was stark and minimalist, with only a few pieces of furniture. The chair he sat on creaked beneath him, placed directly in front of a plain, weathered wooden table, and across from him was a black leather chair. These are all placed in the middle of the room.

Four men stood guarding the door to his southwest, their postures rigid and alert. Three more loomed in the far left corner, their eyes trained on his every movement, as if anticipating his next move. The walls were smooth and unadorned, offering no hint of windows—no trace of natural light. There were only two doors: the one he'd entered through, heavily guarded, and another on the opposite wall that led to a smaller, unknown room. 

Could it be where they store their torture devices during interrogation? Of course, I know they need something from Wei Wuxian, if it were not the case, they would have disposed of me since seeing me in the streets. They even laid a bounty. So, I’m pretty sure that they have all the weapons and everything they need to force me to talk. But I can’t talk! I don’t even know what I'm supposed to say!

And this is why I really should be panicking, being kidnapped by mobs is one thing. It’s scary, it’s terrifying, but the mafia?! Life-threatening! They could literally have my head if I breathe the wrong way! And I know that the chance of making it out alive even if I really tell them what they want, is slim to none!

“They’ve been trying to find him for months, right? The unit who caught him said he was just walking in the streets of the second district and it didn’t take much to immobilize him. How’d it take them that long? He doesn’t even look that threatening.” 

One of the men guarding the door asked in a low voice, maybe it’s because they don’t see his face that made them assume he can’t hear them, but the baritone in this man’s voice traveled in the room and reached Wei Wuxian’s ears. 

Months?! Months and they’ve only found ‘me’ now?! That Wei Wuxian must be pretty good at hiding, huh? And that’s bad news for me!!! 

“Yeah, I’m as surprised as you are. He’s usually not this…docile. The last time we tried to catch him, he injured most of our men fatally, and still managed to escape despite the bosses personally involving themselves to catch him. He remained untraceable for the past few months, and catching him now and him being this submissive is weird. He’s not actively trying to escape, he’s even got a wound on his arm. The boss implies that he’s up to something and we should be more careful now than before.” 

The man who spoke first hummed. It seems that the one beside him had directly witnessed Wei Wuxian’s badassery. 

Wow, okay, that’s craaaazy. All these Wei Wuxians just keep raising the bar higher, huh? First it was that intimidating one in the black robes, second was the secretary who’s a champ in deepthroating, and now, a very skilled criminal?? Fugitive??? Who injured their men, slipped from their bosses, and escaped the whole organization by just himself?! I mean, this is really crazy, I feel like I’m in a fever dream! They all have these awesome lives while I’m just an average salaryman who’s trying to get by and keep my job to not become more of a disappointment! 

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes. 

Ugh, now’s not the time for self-deprecation! My life is at stake here! I should be finding ways to escape!

He looked at the small room on the far right. He craned his neck to get the attention of one of the men guarding the door. 

“Can I use the bathroom?” 

The man looked at him with a blank face. “No.” 

“What? Then you want me to just piss and shit myself here? What if your boss sees me like that? I think it won’t be a pleasant sight.” he smirked at him.

“Or smell. Especially if I tell them that you forced me to sully this room like a filthy pig.” 

The man furrowed his brows and considered, he glanced at the one beside him and the man sighed before going out of the door. Wei Wuxian is already cringing internally at what he’s saying, he wanted to facepalm in embarrassment but he has to stick with it. No matter how fake; if it works, it works. 

“Didn’t the boss say he was cunning and had a way with words? Why’s he acting like this now?” 

One even asked blatantly, as if modulating his voice to remind Wei Wuxian of how he should act. 

Shut it, shitface! No one would care about social etiquette if their life is on the line! 

The door opened and Wei Wuxian almost broke his neck as he strained to see who entered. It was the mob who went out and behind him was…

Mianmian?????

His face lit up. Oh, my gosh! Mianmian’s here! She might recognize me and help me out!

He fixed his gaze on her, waiting for her to look at him so he could make a face that could somehow convey that he needed help. When the mob went back to his place though, Mianmian continued conversing with him and after a few moments, turned to Wei Wuxian and walked towards him. 

She’s talking to the mobs…and so casually too…

Wei Wuxian’s heart sank, from this alone, he knew she was the one who told them about him. He recalled the expression in her face and the surprise in her words when he told her his name. It was pure coincidence that he met a member of the Cloud Recesses mafia. It was a waste, she was so kind. 

Mianmian neared him; she didn’t take a seat on the fancy, leather chair, or even near it. Instead, she only stood at his left and smiled;

“Hi, Wei Wuxian! Nice to see you again! You almost escaped from us earlier again! You’re pretty good at hiding, huh? Like the insolent rat that you are. You really got me there!” She laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. The overly sweet and fake smile she’s wearing on her lips is making Wei Wuxian shiver with disgust. She then reached into her pocket and brought out a ring of keys, inspecting each one slowly. 

“It was so kind of you to say your name, though! You were so kind, it felt a bit…” she suddenly grabbed one key and reversed her hold on it, she used it like a dagger and pinned it at Wei Wuxian’s chest in one, fluid movement. He gasped when the key tore through his shirt and the metal made contact with his skin. Though her lips was stretched to a smile, her eyes were sharp and filled with contempt. “...insulting.”

Oh, good heavens, that was a very sharp key!

Wei Wuxian paled in fear, she almost stabbed him with it! And he knows damn well that it will pierce him if she hadn’t controlled herself. It is obvious now that Mianmian will not be his way out, he has to figure that out himself, and he knows he’s running out of time. He knows the boss is almost there, he feels it.

He sighed internally.

A time will come—no, a day will come—when everything will be normal again, where I will not be constantly under threat, and my life isn’t hanging by a thread with every second that passes. 

She moved away from him and leaned on the table. Wei Wuxian released the breath he’s been holding. She smirked and raised her perfectly arched brow at him. “The boss was right, though—you’d eventually get bored of hiding and show up on your own.”

Please, that’s not me! I’m not even in this world of my own accord!

Mianmian was about to speak again when the man she came with cleared his throat. 

“Sheep Wool, the ‘fox’ needed to use the bathroom. Please act accordingly.” 

Wei Wuxian was delighted, he was running out of time and he can’t afford to waste any more with Mianmian’s taunts. 

Mianmian cannot be my friend, so she could only be a lesson. I can’t trust anyone but myself. I will save myself because no one and nothing is coming to save me.

The woman, on the other hand, just turned to him and raised one key that looked smaller than the bunch, she used it to release his cuffs. Three men immediately surrounded him as they pushed him to go to the smaller room. Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened. 

So, that was a bathroom all along?! 

They opened the door and pushed him inside. Mianmian’s eyes sharpened, “There are no windows or vents here so don’t try anything funny. If you do though, get ready for the consequences.” She then winked at him and her smirk promised something that Wei Wuxian knows are dangerous and are very very painful. He cringed at her and closed the door.

Mianmian was right, there is no way in or out of this bathroom except the door. And inside there is only a toilet, a bidet, and a small sink with toiletries. On the wall was the light switch, Wei Wuxian immediately reached for it and turned the lights off. He even closed his eyes for good measure.

Oh, gods! I hope it worked! I really, really hope it works! I have no other way out! Please, please, please

He felt around and reached for the handle, when he twisted the doorknob and went out, he was devastated to see Mianmian smiling at him and the mobs trying to see whether he had attempted anything. 

“Aww, don’t be so disappointed, told you there’s no way out in there!” She giggled and grabbed his uninjured arm and dragged him towards the chair.

Shit, what am I supposed to do now? That was my only chance and it failed! Why didn’t it work? Should have I not closed my eyes? Should I have pretended to fall on my face? Should I have stayed a little longer?! Fuck! I can’t face their boss! He will have my head because I don’t know anything!

Wei Wuxian was really anxious. He does not know how to work his way around this one. He’s known for his wit and quick thinking, but he really does not have any choice in this situation. 

They sat him back down on the wooden chair and cuffed him. Mianmian was checking the bathroom and eventually smirked at him. 

“Get ready, the boss is angry. He’s been pissed and snappy since the day you escaped from us, and it’s been months . If I were you, I'd start praying to all the Gods I know and beg them for a quick and easy death, which I doubt will happen, by the way.” She placed something on the desk. 

A fortune cookie. 

“A little good luck for your sorry life.” She chuckled a little before walking away and leaving. 

Fuck, that’s so ominous! It’s so cringey! Like the lines from an overrated action drama! But I’m so scared because it’s true! If I really don’t make a way to get out of here, I’ll be dead and I’ll never get to experience bouncing on Lan Zhan’s massive cock!

He facepalmed himself internally.

Ugh! This really shows where my priorities are, huh??? Well, Wei Ying, if you really want it to happen, make it happen!! Get the hell out of this shithole!!

He looked around for possible things that could maybe knock him unconscious. Should he trigger the guards? No, too dangerous, they might just stab or punch him and he’ll bleed before he could even fall unconscious. 

Sleep! I could try to sleep!

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and accidentally banged his head on the table once in enthusiasm. It hurt, yes, but he realized that was not enough to cause him to black out!

The guards looked at him, on high-alert, as if harming himself could magically make him escape this room.

Whatever, it was worth the try though accidentally. 

He genuinely now closed his eyes and laid his head sideways, it was a bit of an awkward position. His spine strained as he struggled to keep his head on the table. Finally, he just let his head rest on his right shoulder and took a deep breath, trying to relax himself. 

Just try to sleep, please, let me sleep…

After a few minutes, Wei Wuxian’s eyes were closed but his mind was restless.

I can’t sleep! I have too much adrenaline! I keep thinking about A-Jie and Jiang Cheng, are they looking for me now? They must have noticed I’m gone, right? I hope so. But, even if they searched all of China and even the whole, wide world, they wouldn't find me. 

He sighed, exhausted from all of this. I just want to go home. 

Just as he was sulking, the door suddenly opened, along with Wei Wuxian’s eyes. He could see the guards tense even more.

“Good evening, boss!”

He raised his head in time to meet a pair of cold, golden orbs staring right back at his silver ones. 

Lan Zhan?!

His eyes were wide with shock as the man in a white long sleeve topped with a charcoal tuxedo and black, sleek pants sat on the fancy leather chair. He looked dashing with his hair slicked back, a few strands falling on his forehead, and pretty, gold-rimmed glasses sitting on his perfectly shaped nose. His beauty was unparalleled, his grace, even more so. His expression was serene, his body relaxed. He had leaned back in the chair, resting his elbows on the armrests, legs crossed, and his shiny, polished shoes catching the light from above, giving off a subtle gleam.

Of course he's the mafia boss, who else could it be? 

He gazed at Wei Wuxian with an unnerving calm, as if to suggest he was standing in the eye of the storm.

“Hello, Wei Ying. How have you been?” The rich and deep baritone of his voice sent shivers down Wei Wuxian’s spine.

Universe! When I said send him my way, I didn’t mean this! I don’t mean as the person who will order my execution! 

Wei Wuxian could only languish in silence and prepare himself for the chaos that would later ensue. 

💗

Chapter Text

A light September breeze swept through, stirring the man’s long black hair and making his white robes billow gently as he stood in the pavilion. His face was calm and unperturbed, contrary to the state of his thoughts that continually formed and connected themselves. 

“Wangji, you asked to see me?” A man who looked almost exactly like the one currently standing in the pavilion emerged and stood beside him. His air was much relaxed and at ease while the other steeped with anxiety.

Lan Wangji faced his brother and calmly told him, “Brother, I saw Wei Ying.”

Lan Xichen could already see the slight furrowing of his brows and the frown forming of his lips. 

“I was with Wei Ying the night before and I saw him. He was standing outside the Jingshi and he was gazing down at us.” 

“Wangji, what do you mean?” Lan Xichen asked, alarmed.

“I chased him with Wei Ying towards the forest. We searched for him, but there was no trace that he was there.” Lan Wangji looked straight into his brother’s eyes as he narrated. 

“But, I know brother. It is Wei Ying.” 

Lan Xichen shook his head gently in disbelief. “Wangji…”

“Wei Ying is alive.”

An overwhelming sense of dread washed over Lan Xichen, his aura slowly mimicking that of Lan Wangji’s anxious one. Still, he calmed himself down and asked,  “What else did you see?” 

“He wore strange garments and strange things that protected his feet. He does not seem to have any spiritual weapon or even a golden core.” 

“What else?” 

Lan Wangji turned to his brother. He finds it unusual that his brother doesn’t seem to be surprised by all this. “Is there anything else to see, Brother?” 

The older one grasped for words, “DId you not see, perhaps, a strange mist or cloud from where he disappeared in the forest?” 

Lan Wangji only looked at his brother intently. After a few beats, he said, “Brother, tell me what is happening.” 

Lan Xichen looked at him, defeated. He sighed in resignation. 

“Let us discuss it with Uncle. Bring Wei Wuxian with you.” 

—

“Oohhh, yes! Yes, Lan Zhan! deeper! Harder! Ah! Ah! Ah! ooh, yes, yes, ah…”

Wei Wuxian wants to cry. 

“Fuck, Lan Zhan! That's it! Oh! Ohh!! Sweet fucking heavens, you fuck so good!”

He closed his eyes and grit his teeth in shame. 

“Ohh! You're gonna fuck some Lan babies in me, huh? Fuck me so good, I'll bear your little Lan twins?! Ohh!”

He could not take it, Wei Wuxian covered his ears and closed his eyes.

How did I get myself in this situation?!

Earlier, Lan Wangji dismissed all the men in the interrogation room after a teapot and two tea cups were placed on the table. Seeing his current predicament, Lan Wangji had personally removed his cuffs and while doing so, had stared at him for an abnormal amount of time, making Wei Wuxuan squirm in fear. The former had shamelessly raked his eyes over his figure and maintained a critical expression. When he went back to his seat though, his face was again calm and serene. 

“You don't look so well. How have you been, Wei Ying?” He asked.

How should I answer? Should I tell the truth? “Oh, yeah, I'm not really the Wei Wuxian you're looking for, I'm actually from a parallel universe and just got here so please spare me hihi”?? 

Yeah, right. As if that would work. 

“You wouldn't want to know.” He played it safe. Vague. Nothing concrete that will give away that he doesn't know what the fuck he's saying. 

Lan Wangji’s right brow rose a bit, along with his perfectly shaped lips, looking amused. He held the teacup near his lips.

“Hmm? I would very much like to know.” He sipped on the tea slowly. “Had your superiors failed to make it work, so they're sending you back for more?” His eyes turned into thin, golden slits brimming with venom; his voice pitched lower towards the end, almost like a growl. A blatant expression of contempt.

What superiors?! And back for more??

Wei Wuxan felt his stomach drop. What is he talking about? Is Wei Ying from the police? A government rat? A spy??? Or is he also in a mafia like Lan Zhan?

“Because of you, we could not progress much with our…research.” Lan Wangji placed his teacup on the table, just a few inches across Wei Wuxian’s whose tea has now gone cold. 

“Which was such a waste, because we were so close, you know?” Lan Wangji’s smooth pitch came back as well as the unnerving calmness of his eyes. It's s creepy, it's scary. It's the type that will suddenly snap and stab you or shoot you with a gun. Lan Wangji leaned back on the leather chair once again. 

“Where is it? Where did you hide it?”

What is “it”? Can all the mobs and mafias in all the verses stop speaking in riddles?? Communicate properly!! Specify!! 

Lan Wangji’s eyes never left his face, cautiously observing the confusion that’s slowly showing in his face. 

“Hide what? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Wei Wuxian slightly shook his head. Which is the truth and would most likely be what Wei Wuxian would say if ever he was a spy or their enemy. Either way, from the looks of it, he’s not a friend. 

Lan Wangji sipped on his tea once more and continued observing him—his face, body language, and even the slight inclination of his shoulders as they tensed, uncomfortable with the attention he'd been giving them. His eyes lingered on Wei Wuxian’s face, as if searching for something that would confirm whatever theory he has in mind. 

“I see, if you want to play it that way then.” He placed the empty teacup on the table again and reached for the inside of his suit. He pulled out a moderately sized tablet and started swiping on it. After a few taps, he placed it on the table, facing Wei Wuxian. There was a play button in the middle of the screen and the thumbnail showed an overhead view of a large room with modern furniture and two, floor to ceiling document shelves. On the far right of the room was a wide bed. No one’s on it, yet. 

Wei Wuxian has an inkling. He has a very strong feeling about what this video will contain.  

“Go ahead, play it. It might jog your memory a bit.” Lan Wangji reached for the teapot and casually poured some of the steaming liquid into his cup. 

The text on the upper right corner of the video showed the time and date of the footage. January 23, 2024. 9:31:15.

Wei Wuxian hesitantly pressed play and immediately regretted it. There were two figures that immediately came into the room, one hanging onto another. He had his arms wrapped around the taller's neck, legs around his hips. Both were dressed in three piece suits minus the coats. They were kissing fervently as they made their way to the king-sized bed. The taller man was supporting the one clinging to him through holding his full and plump buttocks, groping and kneading it through the tight slacks that he wore. He was also grinding his hips against the other, making them moan in unison as they continually attacked each other’s lips with abandon. 

Why?! What is the point of showing me this? “Jog your memory”, my ass! I didn’t even know this happened, and I got nothing to do with it!

Unlike common CCTV footage though, the video and audio was surprisingly clear. He does not know if it’s just how advanced the equipment is, or if it's how the mafia safeguards that they’ll be able to identify thieves or anyone who attempts to break in in this room. 

They finally reached the bedside and Lan Wangji grabbed Wei Wuxian’s waist before forcefully throwing him on the bed. Wei Wuxian giggled and parted his legs, as if welcoming the other. The former then unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants, pulled the hardened cock out that glistened at the tip with pre-cum. He stroked it and Wei Wuxian rose with interest, he got on his knees on the bed and started licking the tip with fervor. Lan Wangji stopped stroking his cock to fist Wei Wuxian’s long, luscious hair and force his sex into his mouth. Wei Wuxian could be heard moaning at the force and of how deep he’s taking him. 

The Wei Wuxian sitting on the wooden chair couldn’t help the reddening of his cheeks, his face crumpling in shame. 

Is this some kind of psychological torture meant to make me confess?? What kind of fucked up method is that? If it was Wei Wuxian here sitting on this chair and watching this, I believe he wouldn’t even be fazed and would even make a commentary of the footage! 

Lan Wangji forcefully pushes the smaller man’s head towards his groin, making sure he covers the entirety of his massive length. A significant bulge could be seen on Wei Wuxian’s throat, he looks like he’s choking and had even started tapping on the left thigh of Lan Wangji, a sign of urgency, who did not give a fuck and chose to chase his pleasure. 

“Fuck, that’s right, take my cock even if it kills you.” 

With everything that has happened, there is only one thing clear to me: Lan Wangji is a hung motherfucker in every universe.

The Lan Wangji in the footage finally pulled his cock out from the tight mouth and pushed Wei Wuxian on his shoulder, making him fall on the bed. Wei Wuxian quickly recovered from choking earlier, he moaned and squirmed as Lan Wangji started playing with his nipples; sucking, biting, and licking it until it hardened. His skillful hands would then busy itself with his lower extremities. The left would proceed to stroke and squeeze Wei Wuxian’s neglected cock roughly, making Wei Wuxian whimper in pain and pleasure. The other made its way between the fat asscheeks and would start rimming and breaching his tight heat with minimal lubrication.

“Oh, fuck! Lan Zhan, that hurts! Slather it up a little bit!” Wei Wuxian whimpered. He looked down at Lan Wangji to glare at him. 

“It’s not my fault you’re not slick enough.” Wei Wuxian just groaned at the words, he reached for his dick and coated his hands with his own pre-cum. He then reached for Lan Wangji’s fingers that’s going inside him and wrapped his pre-cum coated fingers with Lan Wangji’s. It immediately made the fingering smoother and more pleasurable for the both of them.

He could hear Lan Wangji chuckle lowly. “Resourceful, I like that. You didn't even need me to help you, huh?” Lan Wangji moved his head to look at him. Wei Wuxian was smirking at the man, “Darling, I’m not Daddy’s little princess. I’m a fox who’ll wrap you around his dainty, little fingers.” 

“I’d like to see you try.” Lan Wangji smirked, then removed his fingers and reached for the back of Wei Wuxian’s knees, lifted it and almost bent Wei Wuxian in half. He then plunged his hardened cock inside the still tight heat of Wei Wuxian unceremoniously. His fingers are thick, but compared to his dick, it’s incomparably thicker. So to say it was a stretch is an understatement. Only champs like Wei Wuxian would be able to take it. He will scream in pain and pleasure, yes, but he will take it.

“Ohhh! Fuck! Fuck! Lan Zhan, ugh!”

Lan Wangji continued hammering into him fast and without remorse despite hearing his cries, Wei Wuxian felt himself being stretched to his limit and he could only force himself to ignore the pain and focus on the pleasure of Lan Wangji’s mouth nibbling on his neck and shoulders. He grabbed onto his back, seeking stability to prevent himself from being thrown across the room with how hard he’s rocking from being fucked. 

“Oh, holy fucking shit! Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan!” He said his name like a mantra, an indication of the intensifying heights of pleasure he’s reaching.

“Fuck, Wei Ying, you’re so tight…” Lan Wangji fucks him hard and fast, with quick, deep thrusts that made him feel like his insides are being punched and his prostate is being battered.

Aside from the lewd noises of meeting flesh and the delirious moans and grunts of the two, the rhythmic creaking of the bed could also be heard loudly from the device. 

I cannot believe I’m being forced to watch myself get fucked and hold on to Lan Zhan with every inch of my life while the same Lan Zhan watch me watch us have sex like animals in heat. This is another level of craaaazy. 

The Lan Wangji sitting on the couch was languidly sipping his tea as the video played. His face remained the same but there was a bit of sharpness in them as he observed Wei Wuxian.

“Oohhh, yes! Yes, Lan Zhan! deeper! Harder! Ah! Ah! Ah! ooh, yes, yes, ah…”

Wei Wuxian really wants to cry. 

“Fuck, Lan Zhan! That's it! Oh! Ohh!! Sweet fucking heavens, you fuck so good!”

He closed his eyes and grit his teeth in shame. 

“Ohh! You're gonna fuck some Lan babies in me, huh? Fuck me so good, I'll bear your little Lan twins?! Ohh!”

He could not take it, Wei Wuxian covered his ears and closed his eyes.

What is his motive? Jog my memory? Nothing else is happening, we’re just having sex! Is he reminding me of how good he fucks that I become delirious while we’re doing it?!

Amidst the moans, Lan Wangji asked, “What’s wrong? Keep watching, We’re almost at the crucial part.” 

Wei Wuxian looked at him doubtfully, Lan Wangji re-crosses his legs and gestured for him to watch more.

Crucial part? The…the climax? WHY would he want me to watch that?

He lowered his hands and hesitantly looked at the screen. He doesn’t know when it happened but Wei Wuxian managed to flip them over and started bouncing on Lan Wangji’s cock, he was leaning back, hands centered on Lan Wangji’s thighs and using them as support. His hardened cock was also bouncing from the impact, leaking and leaking, and leaking . 

“Fuck, Wei Ying, I’m close…” Lan Wangji’s deep baritone could be heard and in this moment, Wei Wuxian’s expression of absolute bliss was replaced by sharpness, his lips smirking for a millisecond before he was moaning and writhing again. 

This time, it’s different. He doesn’t look too dazed, but the pitch of his voice and the expression on his face tells otherwise. It doesn’t look genuine now though, almost performing just for the sake of it. Almost like an act. 

Oh, what’s that? What will he do? Intrigued, the Wei Wuxian sitting on the wooden chair leaned closer to observe properly. 

“Oh, Lan Zhan, m-me too! Ah, ah, ah…” 

Wei Wuxian shifted and leaned forward, palms spread on Lan Wangji’s broad chest and gorgeous locks of inky, black hair fell on his sides. Through the curtain of hair, Wei Wuxian could be seen grabbing something on Lan Wangji’s collarbone as he pushed himself deeper on the taller’s hips. The observing Wei Wuxian squinted his eyes. It looked like a necklace, a thin one at that. The next frame shows him lying limp on Lan Wangji’s chest and his hand stuffing something under the mattress. All these actions remained unnoticed by Lan Wangji, who was still focused on chasing his release. He grabbed Wei Wuxian’s hips and bucked his own until he went rigid.

“Oh, Lan Zhan, you’re really gonna make me pregnant…” Wei Wuxian could be heard saying and giggling, a bit muffled since he’s laying on Lan Wangji’s chest. Still, the clarity of the voice is unmatched. 

The Lan Wangji opposite of him chuckled, startling him and making him realize his face is too close to the tablet. He then swiped left and a new video played. 

Another one? 

Wei Wuxian was still lying on the bed, covered with a thick comforter and with his eyes closed. Lan Wangji was just gazing at him but after a few seconds, he stood out and went out of frame. The sound of water hitting the tiled floor could then be heard and Wei Wuxian immediately sat up. He initially cringed and felt around his hips, discomfort written all over his face. Still, he stood and with great effort, he moved stealthily around the bedroom while gathering his clothes. When he finished putting them on, he went to the headboard and retrieved the necklace. 

He looked straight to the camera, walked towards it and smirked. He dangled the thin silver chain in front of it. The necklace was subtle, almost imperceptible and could only be seen if you’re really near it;  also about a foot long, causing the pendant to be hidden under the clothes once worn. 

The pendant was simple but intricate. A bit larger than a toy marble, its frame resembles swirls or flame-like shapes, with curves and pointed ends that wrap around a gemstone that appears to be sapphire blue, but lackluster as if it has lost its glow or had not reached its peak yet. Wei Wuxian chained the necklace around his neck and sent a flying kiss to the camera. He opened the nearby window and disappeared. The footage ended. 

“Do you remember now, Wei Ying? Where did you hide the necklace?” 

Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji blankly. “I may or may not have burned it.” 

Fuck it. I have no choice! Fake it ‘til you make it. If I say it’s gone, he’ll kill me. If I say, it’s with me but I don’t know where it is, he’ll still kill me. There will be no difference, I’ll just leave it up to fate. 

Lan Wangji chuckled and smirked at him. Wei Wuxian is nervous—no, he’s terrified. 

“You never fail to amuse me, Wei Ying.” He stood up and started walking towards the table on the far left, leisurely yet menacingly. 

“That heirloom is made of tungsten, with a melting point of 3,422 celsius and is one of the most durable materials known to mankind. You cannot just burn it.” 

His eyes widened. Caught in my own fucking lie! Shit! How should I even know that? 

On the table was a metal briefcase and Lan Wangji opened it. Wei Wuxian could not see what was inside because it was being blocked by the former’s broad back, but he’s doing something there. And the anxiety is eating away at Wei Wuxian. 

“Someone who has held it and observed it in close proximity would be able to tell it from silver.” Lan Wangji turned his back to the empty briefcase and was making his way back to the table. He was now wearing black, leather gloves that reached his wrists. 

What was that? What did he do? Why is he wearing gloves? Is he going to torture me now? And he just doesn’t want his hands to get dirty? 

“It has a different weight, color, and texture. So, tell me where it is or I’ll have to force it out of you.” He sat down on the leather chair and looked at Wei Wuxian in all seriousness. 

“What? You’ll torture me until I speak? Well, I have nothing to say because believe it or not, I already burnt it!” He wanted to assert himself and appear to be so sure of what he’s saying, but his voice trembled half way and it sounded more like a plea of desperation.

It’s so stupid. So, so stupid. I’ve already been caught lying and I still stuck to that same reason! 

Lan Wangji scoffed. “Don’t think of us so lowly. We’re not barbaric, Wei Ying.” He placed a small vial on the table in front of them.  “Only when we need to.” 

The liquid inside was clear and there were no labels or indication of what the substance is. Lan Wangji produced a small syringe from his suit pocket. 

“Do you know what Amobarbital is?” He removed the cap and carefully inserted the needle through the rubber seal. 

I don’t know what that is, but I’m sure it’s lethal. 

“Amobarbital is primarily used as a sedative or to treat certain sleep disorders and anxiety.” Slowly, he pulled back the syringe’s plunger, drawing the clear liquid into the barrel, watching as it filled to the precise dose.

“But it’s also known to lower inhibitions and make people more talkative. For that reason, it’s been used in interrogations, and is simply known as a truth serum .” 

Wei Wuxian felt his stomach drop as a chill spread from his core throughout his body, making him break in cold sweat. He immediately scanned the room through his peripheral and the metal briefcase sitting on the table caught his attention. 

Lan Zhan is so stupid, I’m not cuffed! I could just run and hit him with that. I’m not sure if I will be able to overpower him but it’s still something!

Lan Wangji placed the vial on the table and flicked the syringe to clear any air bubbles. Wei Wuxian took a deep breath and mustered all the courage that he could. 

Now! 

Just as he was about to stand up and take action, the door sprang open and a mob walked in, Wei Wuxian froze in place. He was tall, almost the same height as himself and what stood out to him is that he was slender, a gaping contrast with all the bulky guards by the door. 

The man went to Lan Wangji’s side and whispered something. 

Lan Wangji’s face turned from calm to extreme displeasure, his eyes turned into sharp slits, brows furrowed, and jaw clenched in what seemed to be annoyance. He immediately capped the syringe and placed it on the table. The mob cuffed Wei Wuxian again.

“We’re not done yet, I still have to figure out who you are because you,” Lan Wangji stood up and fixed him with a glare. “Are not Wei Ying.” 

“Make sure he doesn’t escape or I will have your head for it.” He turned to the mob before making his way out. 

Three men immediately stepped in to guard the door. The mob who cuffed him brought the syringe and the vial back to the metal briefcase.

That was so close! Fuck, I could’ve been drugged immediately if I really tried to run! 

Wei Wuxian released the breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. He immediately gasped when he realized something. 

He said I’m not Wei Ying! He said he will figure out who I am! Is that why he planned to drug me? 

Wei Wuxian started panicking. I really, really have to get out of here, then! If he thinks I’m not Wei Ying, then he knows I don’t know where that heirloom is! He has no use of me nor my life!

Just as he was distracted by his thoughts, the walkie-talkie on the mob’s chest suddenly buzzed. 

“All units, converge on left wing, section C8 entrance. We have an intruder—do not let them reach the Inner Circle. Repeat, converge on section C8 entrance!” 

This piqued Wei Wuxian’s interest. This is my chance! 

The mob turned to the three men by the door. “All units are being called to the left wing. I can handle the ‘fox’, I will request off-shift agents to replace you.” The mob beside him produced more handcuffs and cuffed his ankles. Wei Wuxian glared at him. How am I supposed to kick him now?

The three men looked at each other, nodded at him and left the room. Wei Wuxian took this opportunity to look around for possible escape routes. 

“Wow!” 

He was startled when a pair of hands suddenly cupped his face, turning it from side to side. The mob was smiling at him widely????

“You really look like me!” 

Wei Wuxian’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Foo aw yu?” (Who are you?) 

The mob let out an excited giggle and felt around his neck. He tore the skin and took his mask off!

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened, his jaw dropped in shock. 

“Wei Wuxian?!!” 

The man grinned at him widely and flipped his hair. “That’s right! It’s me, Wei Ying! And I’m here to save you!”

It’s just like what I said! Only I could save myself! I didn’t expect for that to be literally!

💗

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian was filled with overwhelming joy and awe. Since he left, this is the first time he felt so happy and relieved. “Wow, y-you’re here to save me?! Your disguise, that’s so cool! You even reported to Lan Zhan earlier and he didn’t recognize you! That’s amazing!” 

Wei Ying started removing the rest of his disguise and it revealed a black, skin-tight bodysuit with subtle armor plating at the shoulders, elbows, and knees. He also wore fitted ankle-high black boots and a belt with several holsters tucked with small guns and knives. He put his wild hair into a high ponytail and transferred the ammo from the vest of his disguise to the various places where he can stick them into. 

Wei Ying laughed a little, “Well, you know Lan Zhan, he’s a bit slow to catch on.” 

Wei Wuxian found it hilarious and chuckled, “He’ll kill you if he hears you say that.” 

“Oh, please. He couldn’t even catch me!” Wei Ying started uncuffing his ankles and wrists. There was something about the way he moved, it was sure and with finesse—graceful, to say the least. Incomparable to Wei Wuxian’s rash and unfettered ones. 

“Hey, can I ask you something?” He rubbed on his wrists for comfort.

“Hmm?” Wei Ying was tapping on his phone rapidly and looking up, seemed to be searching for the cameras. His eyes briefly caught the time on the top right corner of the phone. 3:13 AM. 

That must be Friday, right? September 27?

“I’m really grateful for what you’re doing but, why did you, uhm, want to save me?” He asked a bit sheepishly. 

Wei Ying tilted his head a bit and looked at him, he squinted his eyes as if thinking. 

“You could have stayed hidden with the heirloom, you know? The necklace? And do whatever you want to do with it.” 

Wei Ying’s eyelids dropped a fraction and his lips stretched for a mischievous grin, “But where’s the fun in that?”

Wei Wuxian was stupefied, “Huh?”

Wei Ying laughed softly. “I mean, a little FYI, I haven’t done anything to that necklace. I didn’t even know it was an heirloom! I stole it because I felt like it was so important to him for him to keep it so close to his skin. I know he’ll search for it. And I mean, who doesn’t love a good chase and a little hide and seek?” 

Wei Ying raised his right brow at him, a teasing smile on his face. 

“So, you stole the heirloom just for fun? You’re not working for some shady organization like the mafia?” 

“Hmm, yes and no. I’ll tell you because your Wei Ying is phenomenal! Yes, I stole the necklace just for fun and no, like Lan Zhan, I’m also in a shady organization.” 

Wei Wuxian’s mouth formed an ‘O’ in understanding. That means him stealing the heirloom is personal, but Lan Zhan mentioned something about his superiors earlier. Also, did he just compliment me? I feel sick, that seems so narcissistic somehow. 

“Lan Zhan mentioned something about needing that heirloom for their research? And because of you, they couldn’t complete it, and they were so close?” He relayed. “I almost told them ‘ I’m the wrong guy’ multiple times with how much they’ve threatened me, but I know they won’t believe me.” He snickered. 

“Oh, they’ll believe you. You were so lousy, I wouldn’t have gotten caught that easily.” Wei Ying snorted. 

“Hey!” Wei Wuxian yelled, offended. The other just laughed at him. 

“I don’t plan on coming here yet. I was on another mission when I heard from our informant that I was caught? I mean, I’m literally miles away in Yunmeng and they’re saying they caught me in the second district?! Ridiculous!” 

Wei Wuxian just huffed in embarrassment and rolled his eyes, “Well, sorry for ruining your reputation.” 

Wei Ying shook his head and waved his hand. “What reputation?” He giggled, “It was just so amusing! Infiltrating the HQ was a piece of cake now because they never expected me to strike! They were so complacent that they’re guarding me inside.” He chuckled. “Which begs the question, who are you and why are you still pretending to be me?”

Wei Ying was smiling, a friendly one at that, but Wei Wuxian felt chills just by looking at his eyes. He knows that Wei Ying is a dangerous enemy and he would rather be his friend. He heaved a sigh. He doesn’t know how to explain it yet, he himself has no idea but he will try. He has to tell him the truth, making up an elaborate lie on the spot is dangerous, Wei Ying will immediately poke holes in a half-assed story. He doesn’t care if Wei Ying thinks him crazy, he just has to convince him. Wei Wuxian raised his head and looked him straight in the eyes. 

“Okay, listen. I’m not a bad guy, I don’t work for a shady organization or the government and I’m so relieved and thankful that you saved me. Now, I need you to not freak out and please take me seriously.” 

Wei Ying closed his phone and looked at him intently. 

“Listen, I am not from this universe and I just got transported here like, hours ago.” He could see Wei Ying analyzing his face, maybe trying to see if he was lying or if he would suddenly break into a fit of laughter. 

This prompted him to explain more, “I travel through the multiverse. I got to see different versions of Lan Zhan and I in parallel universes. Before this one, Lan Zhan was the CEO of the Cloud Recesses Group of Companies and I was his secretary, the one before that was more like a fantasy, we wore traditional robes and had glowing swords. The one before that, the universe I first travelled to, it was uhm, Lan Zhan and Mo Xuanyu.”

Wei Ying’s eyes widened. “Mo Xuanyu?” 

He heaved a sigh. “At first, I really thought I was just dreaming but I realized it was all real when I bled and didn’t ‘wake up’.” Wei Wuxian gestured to his arm wrapped in a pink handkerchief which was now red with how much blood it had absorbed. 

“I know it sounds crazy, but I’m telling the truth! I’ve been travelling for days now and I still don’t know why this is happening to me. I’m so tired, I just want to go home.” Wei Wuxian almost broke down in tears. 

Wei Ying looked at him with an unreadable expression. "Okay…” he squinted his eyes and nodded slowly, “Sure…”

Wei Wuxian wants to really cry. Of course, he doesn’t believe me! But, it’s the truth! 

“Are you sure you’re not some spy who had achieved a perfectly made disguise of me and was sent by my enemies to kill Lan Zhan and make me take the blame for it?” Wei Ying has to clarify, as if he has concluded that this is obviously and clearly what’s happening. 

“Gods, no! I don’t even know how to hold a gun!”  Wei Wuxian was almost hysterical. 

Wei Ying looked him up and down again, assessing every inch of his body. “Huh, that's odd. I would kill you after knowing your motives, but, I don't know, you're interesting, I'll have to check a few things.” 

Wei Wuxian felt his blood run cold after hearing the second sentence.

“What would I gain in pretending to be you and risking my safety?! You can take your extra dangerous and chaotic life to yourself, thank you very much! Look, they even put out a bounty just to catch you!” 

“Oh, I was so happy when I found out! Lan Zhan couldn’t do it himself, so he asked for help! He’s trying so hard—it was adorable!” Wei Ying giggled.

Wei Wuxian cringed. “Adorable? He’s out for your life! Aren’t you scared?”

Wei Ying smirked, amusement filling his twinkling silver eyes. “If what you’re saying is true, and we’re all Wei Wuxian, it’s imperative that every one of us would be fearless and chaotic. Why’re you so cranky?”

“Yes, chaotic but not to your level! You’re deranged!” Wei Wuxian closed his eyes in exasperation. 

“Oh, what does it matter?” His voice softened with resignation. “Then, I guess it’s not the same in every universe. There’s some degree of variation in each one. Your Lan Zhan here is not the same as my Lan Zhan.” 

He continued, “My Lan Zhan is not a mafia boss. He does not threaten me or attempt to drug me. He is an accountant, he works with me in the same company." A brief pause and a smile, “My Lan Zhan is kind, he gave his coat to the freezing elder in the cold, he gives me some of his deliciously home cooked meals, he has two fluffy and adorable rabbits. He treats women with respect, he does not tolerate social injustice. He treats every being as his equal and is most especially kind to animals. My Lan Zhan is generous and has a very big heart.” A deep sigh. “I miss my Lan Zhan.” He does not know when it started but he just felt tears flowing down his cheeks.

“Your Lan Zhan is cringe.” Wei Ying played along and spat, Wei Wuxian just rolled his eyes at him, his mood changing immediately. “Yes, because your standards are based on how psychopathic they are.”

“I like my men dangerous, and super hot, and also a little slow.” Wei Ying chuckled.  

Wei Wuxian sighed. “So, do you believe me?”

Wei Ying looked him up and down once more, stopping at certain places and making Wei Wuxian conscious. “Not an inch, but you’re convincing enough to be non-threatening. I don’t know why you’re here and why you’re really doing this but I won’t let you cause me and my family trouble.” 

Wei Ying doesn’t understand why this is the backstory that they chose to go with. He could hardly believe that this guy—a carbon copy of him—had supposedly traveled from another universe. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? The idea of him being a doppelganger was a more believable explanation than traveling the multiverse , but honestly, he just seemed… dull . Too open, with none of the discipline or wariness you’d expect from a spy or mafia member. There was no edge to him—no subtle glances over his shoulder, no guarded expressions. He seemed more like an average civilian than anyone involved in that kind of life. Wei Ying stilled when a thought occurred to him.

That makes him all the more dangerous, though. To be able to act and pretend at this level and convince a trained eye to see him as a civilian is amazing. He’s trying to lower my guard and make me trust him. I want to kill him so badly but I still have to know who sent him. 

Wei Ying sighed. First, I have to get him out of here before the Cloud Recesses could kill him. Lan Zhan seems to have seen through his lies too. But, it’s such a hassle! With his current facade, he’ll just slow me down! 

He observed the Wei Wuxian in front of him for a few seconds, he was looking down as if thinking of a way to make his story more convincing. 

I’ll just hide him somewhere and distract Lan Zhan, then tell Wen Ning to take the spy out and I’ll follow suit. 

They both turned to the door when it suddenly flew open. “We’re transferring the ‘fox’—” His eyes widened when he saw two Wei Wuxians standing in the middle of the room. 

Wei Ying moved immediately. In one swift motion, he was able to cross the room and get behind the mob. Before the man could even touch his earpiece, Wei Ying had already hit him on his nape, knocking him unconscious. 

“They’re coming. Let’s talk later.” Wei Ying dragged him by his uninjured arm. Once they were out of the room and moving down the hallway, Wei Ying aimed his gun and shot each surveillance camera, hitting them right at the lenses. He started with the farthest one, then worked his way back, taking out each camera one by one until none remained watching the hallway. 

Wei Wuxian could only watch him in awe. I just felt the bar go higher. 

He quickly lockpicks a door only a few paces away from the interrogation room. The room was dark and they couldn't risk turning on the lights, so Wei Ying got his flashlight out and discovered the room was a large library of some sort. There were large bookshelves that held various folders in shapes and sizes. No books, just rows and rows of documents and envelopes arranged neatly. Wei Ying dragged him and pushed him to a corner, surrounded by shelves. He tossed something in his direction. 

“What’s this?” 

“Hold on to it for a while, I have to get Wen Ning. Stay right there and we’ll talk later.” 

From the feel of it, it seems like a string pouch. He stuffed it inside the pocket of his pajamas. 

Wen Ning? 

Wei Ying located the door with ease and the moment that he closed it behind him, the room fell completely dark. 

Oh, shit.

He immediately felt around and discovered that he was not surrounded by shelves anymore. Instead, it felt smooth and solid, like plaster walls and they’re starting to hurt his shoulders. He’s been stuffed to a corner and it’s not the most comfortable position. His heart started to race upon realizing;

My surroundings just changed. Am I really in a different world now?

He felt around and found a narrow slit. Quickly, he pried it open and peeked outside. The room was dark, but faint light seeped in through gaps in the door. And outside is a very familiar voice. 

“Yes, Jie. They started searching in district seven today. I've also convinced more volunteers. The police said—” 

He had never been so happy to hear that voice, that low and always irritated voice. Jiang Cheng!

He stepped out of the confined space and took a quick glance of his surroundings with the light from the gap of the door. 

I was sent inside my closet! This is my room! Exactly how it looked before I slept! 

Tears quickly filled his vision. He ran to open the door and immediately pounced on Jiang Cheng, hugging him tight. 

I’m home!

“What the fuck???!!! Is that you, Wei Wuxian?!!” Jiang Cheng was trying his best to push him away, call forgotten, and see his face but he held on tight and started full-on sobbing like a toddler. 

“Jiang Cheng! Jiang Cheng! I was so scared, I thought I’ll never be able to go home!” He sobbed, spreading tears and snot all over the white longsleeve he wears for work.

Jiang Cheng yelled in anger. “Where have you been?! Did you know we’ve searched half of the city looking for you?! Jie jie has been crying for days and fainting from fatigue because of searching for you!” 

He pushed Wei Wuxian away with brute force. “I couldn’t sleep for more than two hours since Tuesday just to manage the volunteers of the fucking search party, contact the local news, post missing flyers in every district and you’ll appear from your fucking room?! Really?! Fuck!” Jiang Cheng grabbed the nearby lamp and threw it on the wall. 

Wei Wuxian remained on the floor, speechless. He has never seen Jiang Cheng this angry. 

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I didn't know what happened. I just woke up and—and I was in a different place!” 

Wei Wuxian scrambled for words, he looked at Jiang Cheng with tears still flooding his eyes. 

Jiang Cheng looked like he’d aged weeks in just a few days. A rough stubble shadowed his jawline, dark circles weighed down his eyes, and his perpetual scowl had deepened, accentuated by a sharp, simmering anger. It was as if he’d worn that expression nonstop, making him look more intimidating than ever—his exhaustion only adding an edge to his glare.

Jiang Cheng was breathing heavily as he looked down at Wei Wuxian sprawled on the floor. Having the time to observe, he found his whole body was marked with splotches of soot and dirt, his hair wild and greasy. A red-stained handkerchief was wrapped around his arm, and red marks circled his wrists, raw and chafed. His face looked like a swollen red tomato because of how hard he’s crying, and he looked even worse with the dark circles under his eyes. 

Jiang Cheng seemed to calm down upon understanding his state, he sighed but maintained the irritated look on his face. “Did you get stabbed? You look like shit.” 

Wei Wuxian became self conscious and wiped his tears. “N-Nothing serious. You look old as hell, though.” 

Jiang Cheng scoffed at him and glared, “And whose fault was that?”

He went to the bathroom, grabbed the first aid kit and threw it next to Wei Wuxian. 

“Treat that wound, it might get infected. Eat and take some rest. I’ll make some calls and ask jie jie to come over.” He said and went out of the apartment. 

Wei Wuxian sighed. He looked around and could not believe that he was home.  

I’m finally back! Gods, that was the most traumatizing and life-threatening week of my life!

He laid flat on his back and observed the apartment. He could not stop his lips from breaking into a smile, but it immediately faded when Jiang Cheng’s words sunk in. 

Jie jie has been fainting from fatigue! Jiang Cheng couldn’t sleep properly because he was trying his best to find me! What a mess! I just made myself more indebted to the Jiangs. 

Though this thought is quite depressing, Wei Wuxian’s heart was filled with warmth when he realized that there were volunteers who helped in searching for him. 

Was Lan Zhan one of them?  

Upon having this thought, Wei Wuxian was again reminded of his experience.

I almost got killed in there. If it wasn’t for the Wei Ying in that world, I would’ve still been trapped in Cloud Recesses, awaiting my slaughter!

Wei Wuxian suddenly sat up. felt around his pajama pockets and there he brought out a black string pouch the size of his palm, he untied the strings and pulled out something long and heavy. 

The heirloom! What the fuck? Why did he toss me the heirloom?!

Wei Wuxian felt his stomach drop. The necklace felt heavy in his hand, heavier than its actual weight. It was indeed not made of silver and a lot denser than common necklaces. It did not occur to him that it was tungsten because it’s not something you'd craft jewelry with unless you intended to last for a very long time… or to endure something that silver can’t withstand.

Wei Wuxian sighed and lay down on the floor again, too tired to think about it. With the adrenaline leaving his system and the apartment’s warmth wrapping around him like a comforting blanket, an overwhelming wave of drowsiness began to settle over him. The weariness and stress from the past few hours started dissipating from his body, each muscle loosening as his eyelids fluttered closed.

Before he could lose his last thread of consciousness, a sudden thought brought his mind and body to alertness.

I can't sleep! I might get sent to another world!

—

Wei Ying ducked behind a pillar, breath steady as he counted the footsteps approaching. With a flash of movement, he shot out from his cover, catching the nearest guard off-guard. In one smooth motion, he twisted the man’s arm, knocking him unconscious with a sharp jab to the neck. Wei Ying slipped the guard’s weapon from his grip, flipping it expertly and shooting him squarely in the heart. He kicked the next man to the chest while shooting the one behind his back. He turned to a different hallway as more men chased him.

A series of gunshots echoed through the corridor, and he instinctively threw himself into a roll, narrowly dodging the bullets. Springing to his feet, he charged forward, agile and relentless. He weaved through the enemies like water, using his momentum to dodge strikes and redirect attacks, taking down each opponent with brutal precision. A strike to the ribs here, a quick sweep to unbalance there—every move calculated, efficient. He followed through, putting a bullet through their hearts, temples, or other vital organs to ensure they wouldn’t live to tell the tale.

He has been running and killing agents for almost ten minutes now. He hid behind a column and pressed on his earpiece.

“Wen Ning, what’s happening? No updates?” 

 “Gongzi, I can’t find him.”

“What?! What do you mean you can't find him!?” Wei Ying was alarmed, he started making his way back to the room where he left Wei Wuxian, shooting some agents and hiding behind columns when the numbers were too much. 

“I’ve searched the whole room but he’s not here. There are no windows and no disruption of the vents. The mechanism you placed on the door was also undisturbed when I went in.” He could hear him moving shelves around.

“On my way.” He brought out another handgun and peeked out the column he’s hiding from, only to be surprised when a gun was pointed inches away from his head. He did not dare to move but one look at the man tells him Lan Wangji has been waiting for him to leave his hiding spot.. 

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji said gravely, assessing him from head to toe. His eyes stilled at Wei Ying’s right arm and then his spotless face. He was wearing the same white button down, minus the tuxedo. He still looked devastatingly handsome with the perfect angles of his face and the haunting hue of his golden eyes, looking like it’s been carved by the Gods themselves with the finest jade they could find. 

Shit!

“Lan Zhan! The spy! The one who was pretending to be me, escaped! I have to find him!” 

“Where is the heirloom?”

“It’s with him! I left it to him for safekeeping! Along with a tracker! I’m about to go back to where I left him.” Wei Ying’s voice was filled with urgency.

Lan Wangji’s eyes narrowed, suspicious. “Turn around.”

Wei Wuxian’s face was crumpled in frustration but he knows he can’t do anything about this situation. Lan Wangji is holding him at gunpoint, and there are countless agents flooding the hallway. Even if he outsmarts him here, other agents wouldn’t be so lenient. Also, the heirloom is not with him. He turned around and the man cuffed him. 

“Lan Zhan, is this really necessary?!” Wei Ying asked, silver eyes glaring and filling with irritation.

Lan Wangji only gazed at him coldly before methodically removing each weapon hidden in his skin-tight bodysuit, patting down additional places where the necklace might be concealed. Wei Ying pouted, there were only about three or more daggers that Lan Wangji didn’t catch.

“Ugh, Lan Zhan! He’s escaping! Your chance of getting that old, little heirloom back is slipping away! We have to find him now!”

Lan Wangji held him at gunpoint again when he finished inspecting him, he tilted his head to gesture; “Start walking.” 

Wei Ying walked briskly and kicked the door open when he reached the room. He saw Wen Ning pointing a gun at the door and was hidden in the corner.

“Search the room.” The Cloud Recesses agents spread around the large room and checked every corner, they came back with a cuffed Wen Ning and no Wei Wuxian in sight. 

“We’ve checked everywhere and he’s nowhere to be found, Boss.” The agent sent gravely.

“Uncuff me, Lan Zhan! I have to check the tracking device!” Lan Wangji uncuffed him using the other hand that’s not holding the gun. Wei Ying reached for his right boot and pulled out his phone. Because of his height, Lan Wangji could see one red, blinking dot from the device. 

There should be two: one for Wen Ning and him, his tracker in the string pouch.

“Shit! His tracker is gone, did he destroy it?” 

“Lockdown the premises and search for him. He can’t go far.” Lan Wangji ordered his men until He, Wei Ying, Wen Ning, and two agents holding Wen Ning were left in the room. 

I could use his crappy story as leverage to help Wen Ning escape. 

“Could he be telling the truth?” Wei Ying wondered out loud.

“What truth?” Lan Wangji asked, still holding Wei Ying at gunpoint. 

Wei Ying smirked and faced Lan Wangji, “Oh, he didn’t tell you?” 

Lan Wangji’s eyes sharpened once more, a low and threatening voice filled the room. “He will make a good tester for the new batch of Amobarbital.” He gestured at Wen Ning. 

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan.” He laughed playfully, eyes dropping a fraction, and his arms crossing, “What makes you think I’ll tell you when you take him? Threats don’t work on me, you know that. Your negotiation skills suck, Lan Zhan.” Wei Ying taunted, a smirk plastered on his lips. Lan Wangji maintained his eye contact with him but eventually turned to the men restraining Wen Ning. 

“Release him on the south A9 entrance. He will get out alive and unfollowed.”  

Lan Zhan is really stupid when it comes to me. That’s so sweet yet unfortunate. 

The men escorted Wen Ning out of the room and he made brief eye contact with Wei Ying. The latter nodded at him to reassure him that he’s going to be fine. 

The moment the door closed, Lan Wangji raised his gun and placed it on the very center of his forehead. 

“What did he tell you?”

Wei Ying smirked, “Why are you so invested in him, hmm? You’re making me jealous.” 

He continued to step closer and closer until their bodies were only a few inches apart. Lan Wangji remained unfazed and was now pointing the cold muzzle of the gun on his neck. 

“It is futile, Wei Ying. I’ve released your accomplice, you must fulfill your end of the bargain.”

Wei Ying’s lips stretched seductively and looked at him through his lashes. He placed his hands on Lan Wangji’s arms, slowly tracing them up his shoulders.

“You’ve given up on chasing someone you can’t tame, huh?” His voice turned sultry, a tone so smooth and mesmerizingly alluring. He never once broke eye contact with the man, he tilted his head and stretched his neck, exposing the milky skin beneath the skin tight suit. 

Lan Wangji’s eyes turned several shades darker. Wei Ying leaned in close till their bodies met, his forearms resting on the base of Lan Wangji’s neck and he could clasp his palms behind Lan Wangji’s nape.

“Someone you can lock up in your little den and force into submission?” 

In one fluid movement, he withdrew his left forearm from Lan Wangji’s neck, bringing it to his chest, the dagger in his hand now poised to slit Lan Wangji’s throat. His eyes sharpened yet his lips held the same mischievous grin.

“Unfortunately, I won’t let that happen. I’ll kill you before you could even see him again.”

Before Wei Ying could press the blade deeper, Lan Wangji's reflexes kicked in. He dropped his gun, grabbed Wei Ying’s left wrist in a vice grip, and used his other hand to twist the arm resting on his neck, pinning it behind his back. As he did this, because their bodies were so close, Wei Ying felt the undeniable hardening of something on Lan Wangji’s crotch and it's poking his thigh. 

“Tell me what the spy told you.” Lan Wangji insisted, tightening his grip on Wei Ying’s wrist, seeming to distract him from the train of thought Wei Ying was already thinking of. 

Wei Ying’s eyes were wide with mirth, his pink, shiny lips forming a circle in amazement, he stopped resisting and continued to make eye contact with Lan Wangji whose ears were now red. The latter has also reduced the force on his grip but was still tight enough to not let go of Wei Ying. 

“Lan Zhan?” He asked, teasing and inquisitive. 

“Did you just get hard when I really tried to kill you just now?”

The color from his ears spread to his cheeks, down to his neck slowly and Wei Ying just laughed in astonishment. 

“Alright, alright, I’m not jealous anymore! You’ve really proven yourself, Lan Zhan!” His shoulders shook with the intensity of his laugh, the smooth and nasally tone of his voice rang in the air, eyes crinkling with how much his face was stretched. Lan Wangji could only stare in awe, masked with the face of indifference. 

“Lan Zhan, you’re really sick in the head! Where were we again?” Wei Ying asked after recovering from the fit of laughter. Upon asking, he placed his forearms again on Lan Wangji’s neck, but no intentions to slice him off this time. 

“The spy.” Lan Wangji said simply. Wei Ying broke into a cute smile and tilted his head, acting as if he was thinking about something. 

“Oh, he said something about traveling the multiverse—”

“What?” Lan Wangji’s brows furrowed. 

“Yeah, it was so crazy! He said he was getting to see different versions of me and you, and he even has his own Lan Zhan, you know? In their world, but I didn’t want to kill him off yet because his disguise was extraordinary! I mean, how did they even—”

He was startled when Lan Wangji suddenly removed his forearms on his neck and gripped on his upper arms forcefully. His eyes were dark with intent.

“What else?” 

Wei Ying was surprised, he did not expect this reaction from Lan Wangji at all, but he looks like he is taking it so seriously. I wonder why. 

“Not telling you unless I know what’s up.” Wei Ying squinted his eyes. 

Lan Wangji knows he will not get it out of Wei Ying through coercion. He shut his eyes for a full minute before a pair of fiery, golden orbs stared straight at Wei Ying’s startled ones. 

“I will tell you everything, but know that he is telling the truth. And this is bigger than you and your fucked-up mind games, Wei Ying. This is bigger than us.”

Wei Ying could not help but gasp. 

Oh, boy. Looks like I'm in for a ride.

💗 

Chapter Text

Before they could even begin their discussion, Wei Ying could not ignore the raging erection poking his thigh. He was in for a ride both literally and figuratively. One thing led to another and they found themselves skin to skin, fucking with abandon on the carpeted floor, insouciant of their surroundings. After the steamy session, Lan Wangji wiped them with whatever clean cloth he can find, he is now laying on his back and Wei Ying is using his left arm as a pillow, his other arm resting on the floor. The smaller man was on his left, plastered like sticky candy. 

Lan Wangji reached for the earpiece and clicked it. “Stop the search, ease the lockdown and follow the standard protocol.”

Wei Ying chuckled, “I forgot about them, pretty sure they’ll die first before they find him.”

The taller just ignored him and just held him closer. After a long beat of silence, he decided to speak. 

“When I was four–”

“Wait, Lan Zhan! You’re really going to tell it here? While we’re naked in this library?”

Lan Wangji only raised a brow, “What’s wrong with this library? Would you rather I tell it in front of everyone else?” 

Wei Ying just rolled his eyes, “No! I was expecting something more formal, you know? We’ll enjoy some tea and mooncakes or even just small, steamed buns on your balcony or something!” 

“That would’ve been the premise, Wei Ying. We would’ve been enjoying tea in my room if you did not give the necklace to the spy. This is the most you can have.” 

Wei Ying just pouted and snuggled closer to the man. Lan Wangji cleared his throat and exhaled. 

“As I was saying, when I was four, because of the threat of other organizations, me and my brother were restricted to playing in a large greenhouse. It spanned columns upon columns of flowers and plants, but the most meticulously taken care of were the bright Gentians.” Wei Ying tilted his head up to get a clearer view of his face.

“Mother loved them and we would help with watering and keeping them in good condition, they were there even before I was born.” Lan Wangji continued looking at the ceiling of the room as he narrated. 

“When we were not training or studying and were allowed to play, we would often play tag, or with toy marbles, or hide and seek, and Mother would always take the longest whenever it’s her turn. We enjoyed the thrill of hiding and running away from her.” 

“One day, Brother was away and was staying over at the Nies, so it was only me and Mother playing hide-and-seek. Like always, she took her time counting and scanning the fields…”

—

“Wangji, where are you?” The gentle voice of a woman echoed through the wide greenhouse, carefully checking every pot and large leaf to see if the small boy was hiding there. She might or might not already know that he was hiding behind the tall vine on the far left that spanned to the roof. 

“When I catch you, I’m going to tickle you till you cry!” She giggled.

The said boy sat quietly, containing his excitement and observing the woman call out and search for him. She continued going right, away from him but still in sight. Suddenly, a large clump of cloud formed not far from where Lan Wangji was hiding. A tall man in traditional robes stepped out of the mist, his elegant attire primarily white with a gentle gradient that turned blue towards the hem. Blue accents adorned various parts of his outfit, including a delicate swirl motif on his outer robe. 

Lan Wangji could only see his back because he was facing towards the woman, he approached her and there was a hint of surprise from her face as she conversed with him. After a few moments though, the woman’s face turned sharp, she stepped back a few paces and hid behind one of the nearby pillars. She immediately starts shooting at the man who dodged every bullet with grace and agility. He started running towards her and with one wave of his hand, a thin and transparent barrier appeared in front of him, repelling the bullets effortlessly. 

Lan Wangji had stayed silent and even hid himself better, he knew in situations like these it was stupid to suddenly come out and risk himself and his mother more. He covered his mouth with his hands and prayed that his mother could beat the bad guy or that anyone from the outside could be alerted by the gunshots. 

Seeming to have run out of bullets, the woman pulled out a dagger and started defending herself when the man pulled out a sword. He hacked at her mercilessly but the woman was also agile and fast, while dodging, she had slashed him a few times. Finally, when the man got stabbed on his left stomach and had to spew out blood, the woman took this chance to look at the boy and shake her head firmly. She then ran and pulled out another gun, shooting at the man while trying to hide on the next pillar. However, the man activated his barrier again and flew towards the woman by stepping on his flying sword. 

In her astonishment, she froze in place for a few seconds and by the time she had started running towards the entrance, it was already too late. Flying at an impossible speed, the man caught up to her in no time, striking the back of her head and causing her to fall unconscious. 

Lan Wangji’s eyes bulged in shock and he almost screamed if not for the hands that’s covering his mouth, he pressed on it more, making sure not to let out even a squeak. With great effort, the man hoisted his mother onto his shoulder like a sack of rice and Lan Wangji vividly remembers his face before he stepped in the large cloud and disappeared with his mother. 

Uncle?

—

“Everything after that encounter was a blur to me. I was told that I was there for hours until Father and Uncle found me, I did not speak for years so they couldn’t ask me what happened but based on the blood on the greenhouse, they assumed another organization had infiltrated the place.” Lan Wangji exhaled heavily.  

“They said I continued going back to the Greenhouse and I would always hide behind that tall vine, waiting for my mother to magically reappear.”

He felt gentle thumbs wiping the tears that flowed sideways as he narrated. He looked at Wei Ying who also had tears flowing down his face, he smiled at him sadly before looking up at the ceiling again to continue his story. 

“I would always flinch and freeze whenever Uncle was around but they never forced me to talk about what happened. Father was convinced that the one who could gain the most was the…was the Jiangs.” Lan Wangji took a quick glance at Wei Ying before proceeding, his mouth was open in shock, but he continued listening on. 

“Like us, you were also a prominent mafia group, weren’t you? And at the time, the competition between us was too intense. Father assumed it was you because losing Mother signifies the fall of Cloud Recesses. You will be able to eliminate your biggest threat.”

“Losing mother would not only take away the heart that kept the organization from being mindless killers, but it would also take the identity of the Cloud Recesses back then.” 

“Mother was a genius; she invented weapons that allowed us to grow in strength and influence. Together with Father, who had the skill and knowledge for leadership, strategy, trade, and building connections, we were bound for success. But when she disappeared, the entire organization became unstable, and it naturally started with Father.”

Lan Wangji was silent for a minute, trying to recall the events of the past that haunted him to this day. The warm and gentle hand soothing his chest made him continue. 

“He became obsessed with finding her, raiding other organizations and incurring their wrath. He openly accused the Jiangs in Mother’s disappearance. Eventually, all the other organizations joined forces and plotted against him. They ambushed him during a trade, and… Uncle said his last words were that he loved us and didn’t believe Mother was dead. He wanted us to keep searching for her.”

"Later, we discovered that it was the Jiang mistress who cornered him, shot him, and left him to bleed until Uncle arrived after fighting off the others."

Wei Ying gasped audibly, “Madam Jiang? Oh, my god! I’m so sorry! I didn’t know! I think…I got adopted much later. I shouldn’t have pestered you, I only understood now why they hated it when I even mentioned the Lans, I thought it’s just because you’re competition.” 

Lan Wangji turned to the smaller man and held his face gently, “It is alright, Wei Ying. You did not know.” 

He readjusted his head and stared back at the ceiling, “Uncle proved them wrong, Cloud Recesses did not fall when they died, instead, it continued to thrive. Despite the enormous responsibility of keeping the organization together and raising us, he did not leave and abandon us. If it weren’t for him, the mafia that was built and preserved over generations would have been lost.”

“When did you start talking to him again?”

Lan Wangji contemplated for a while.

“When Brother and I told him everything. I continued to be non-verbal until I was nine, that was when I confessed to Brother what I saw that day. He believed me and assured me that it was not Uncle that took Mother because he was with Father that day, monitoring the production of new weapons. We started researching anything that matched the actions and description of the man that looks perfectly like Uncle. When we had enough proof, we informed him of our mission of finding Mother. He did not believe it at first, he thought we were delusional and desperate to cling on to something just to deny that Mother was dead.”  

Lan Wangji felt around his chest only to remember that the necklace was missing. 

“Eventually, after years of chasing dead ends and exhausting millions worth of resources, we were finally able to locate the necklace. It was called The Veilstone , and it was secured in a piece of bedrock inside a run-down temple hidden deep within the mountains. It was said to be an ancient artifact that gave access to the ‘Secrets of the Universe’.”

“Wow, Lan Zhan, if I didn’t know you, you would’ve lost me minutes ago! I genuinely think you’re bullshitting me right now! This sounds like something straight out of a fantasy novel!” 

“I also did not want to tell you this, but did I have a choice?” The sarcasm was so thick in his voice, Wei Ying was stupefied. 

“Oh, okay , so now—”

Lan Wangji cut him off by continuing his narration. “There was nothing that specified as to where or what this ‘Secrets of the Universe’ was, so we had to consult a specialist who was knowledgeable about the otherworldly. It took another couple of years before we discovered an unexplored cave—”

“—that’s deep within the mountains, right?” Wei Ying asked, a teasing smirk plastered on his lips.

“Locating another necklace might be a better choice—” Lan Wangji started to move and was attempting to stand up but Wei Ying held onto him tightly. 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I won’t do it again! Please continue, Lan-er-gege!” Wei Ying smiled apologetically. Lan Wangji just sighed and lay back in his original position.

“The necklace fit perfectly into a recess at the cave’s entrance and inside were indeed the secrets of the Universe. The wall and ceiling of the cave were covered in intricate carvings of illustrations and instructions about accessing the Multiverse. All of the symbols and insignias were unfamiliar to us. Brother and I took photos and hired experts to analyze and interpret these carvings. They were able to translate and explain to us what all of them meant, except for the ones on the ceiling. The cave was tall, it spanned hundreds of feet in height so we were not able to capture everything. They said the current photos we had were sufficient, and that from their analyses, it seemed to instruct the travelers to draw an array that specified the coordinates of the universe they were meant to travel to."

“Brother and I studied this for years, and it was only recently that we fully understood how the array works. Because of this, we finally were able to convince Uncle and he agreed to fully manage the organization while we’re away.” 

“Oh, was that why the killings of our spies stopped—” 

Wei Ying covered his mouth, eyes bulging comically as it stared into the taller man’s. Lan Wangji smirked at him darkly.

“Yes, Wei Ying, that was why.” 

The smaller only nodded slowly and looked away. This bitch.

“But do not worry, Uncle does not kill mercilessly. After all, he’s a disciplinarian. I wonder what he does to all of your spies.” A more sinister sneer stretched Lan Wangji’s lips and Wei Ying found himself shivering. 

That’s so much worse, then! We’re not finding bodies anymore and that could only mean one thing. 

“Brother and I have traveled to a few other universes.” He renewed his hold of the smaller, and this piqued his interest, mood immediately shifting. 

“Oh, yeah? Did you see a version of me there? What was I like?” 

Lan Wangji shook his head gently. “When we go to other universes, we stay hidden and would check first if the people there matched the description and abilities of the man who looked like Uncle. We did not want to stay long and risk the possibility of coming back. So far, it would only be variations of this our world so we did not stay to interact.” 

“Boring! If that was me, I’d look for you in every universe and check if the Wei Ying there is doing it properly! If not, I’ll attack you in your room and check to see if all of you would do me the same!”

Wei Ying sighed dreamily and his eyes twinkled, as if already anticipating it. A grumpy ‘hmp’ made him look at the taller whose brows are now furrowed and a frown visible on his spotless face. He was looking angrily at the ceiling. 

“Oh, my, Lan Zhan! Are you jealous?! Of yourself?!” Wei Ying could not help but cackle, his shoulders shaking along with his whole body with the intensity of his laugh, he sneaked a few swats on the man’s chest before smirking teasingly at him. The man was still, he refused to look at him. 

“They would not be able to handle you, Wei Ying.” There was a certain tone in his voice that immediately enticed Wei Ying. 

“Hmm, we’ll see. That is, if you’re willing to bring me along on your next trip?” 

“I know what you’re doing.”

Wei Ying just rolled his eyes and they stayed quiet for a few moments.

“Why did you need the necklace, then? If you could travel to the other Universes, you can just hop from one to another until you find the right one.” 

“That would take too much time, and we’ve already lost years. We need the necklace to access the cave and capture the remaining parts on the ceiling. The experts say it may provide additional input on how to make the search faster.” 

“So, that was why you were hell bent on finding that necklace!” 

“Yes, and you gave it to the spy willingly.” Lan Wangji deadpans.

“I thought he wouldn’t escape! Wen Ning was on his way to bring him out when I left!” 

Lan Wangji shot him a sidelong look before shifting his gaze, subtly rolling his eyes. 

Wei Ying was shocked, This bitch!

“I have told you why I need to know what the spy said, so please tell me what he told you.” 

“Show me the array, first. I wanna see it!” 

How far can I push you? Wei Ying thought, giggling in his head.

“No, I would not risk activating it with someone who does not understand it yet.” 

“Then, teach me?” Wei Ying put on his cutest smile. 

“I said no, Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji fixed him with a glare. 

“Fine.” The smaller pouted, he also looked at the ceiling to recall the words. 

“Wait, so it’s not really an heirloom, then? It’s a necklace you just found at a temple, right? It’s not from generations of Lans?”

“Yes, it would be better to call it that instead of an ancient artifact. It would not be convincing.” 

“Yeah, I would’ve also not taken you seriously if—”

“Wei Ying, the spy.” Lan Wangji said in a firm voice, patience wearing thin with how much delay Wei Ying has been causing.

“Oh, right! So, when I heard that I was caught in the second district, I got curious. I was doing a mission in Yunmeng and the moment I caught wind of the news, I immediately hatched a plan with Wen Ning. Our initial plan was; we would infiltrate the place, and Wen Ning would give chase while I searched for the spy. I will question the spy, kill him, and then I will give chase. Wen Ning goes first, and once I confirm that he’s outside, I will escape from you again, like I always do.” Wei Ying grinned at him widely. 

“I really thought that he was a spy sent by one of the mafia groups and is meant to disguise as me and kill you, then I will take the blame for it, which I think would be a part two of what happened before?” 

Lan Wangji’s eyes sharpen, also contemplating on it. 

“But he denied being part of any mafia group, and I thought his disguise was too realistic to be just a disguise so I hid him in the library, tossed the pouch with the necklace and ordered Wen Ning to take the spy when he escaped, but shit happened and now I’m here.”

“What did he tell you?” Lan Wangji’s voice was low and controlled, a few veins popping on his neck and temples. Wei Ying could feel the vibrations in his chest when he spoke, sensing that it took every fiber of Lan Wangji’s being to keep his cool and not strangle him on the spot.

Fine! Such a killjoy!

“Lan Zhan! I was about to tell you, okay?! So, he told me he’s not a bad guy and he’s relieved and thankful that I saved him. He told me to not freak out and said that he travels through the multiverse and gets to see different versions of you and me in parallel universes. I remember him listing off you being a CEO, then I’m the secretary, then the one before that was kind of like a fantasy, where we wore traditional robes and glowing swords. And the first one he went to was with you and Mo Xuanyu.” 

Lan Wangji was facing him as he narrated this, listening intently. The silence of the other man prompted Wei Ying to go on. 

“He said, at first, he thought he was dreaming but he bled and didn’t wake up so that’s when he realized that this is real? Yeah, I didn't really get it at first.” 

Wei Ying tilted his head to think, “He also said he’s been traveling for days and he still doesn't know why this is happening to him, he just wants to go home.” 

Lan Wangji looked like he had started processing this information and creating a profile in his head. 

“What else?” 

“Oh, he said something about us not being the same in every universe? There’s some degree of variation in each one. He lists off his Lan Zhan, which I think is pretty boring. No offense, but like, he’s so mediocre I couldn’t imagine it being you!”

After a few beats had passed, Lan Wangji suddenly stood up and started getting dressed. His face was serious, his brows furrowed and his eyes preoccupied, trying his best to understand the conflicting events currently happening 

“I’ll call Brother, we have to figure out what’s going on.”

💗

Chapter Text

A tall and lean figure emerged from the apartment complex. The man pulled his cap low over his face, a fresh bandage wrapped around his right arm as he glanced nervously around him. After a few minutes on his phone, a car pulled up, and he scanned the area before quickly getting inside. The car passed different streets and various skyscrapers before it arrived at the gate of a humble 1,000-square feet conventional house. 

The man crossed the spacious lawn before buzzing the door bell by the front door. Seconds later, the dark, oakwood door creaked before opening fully to reveal a fair man holding an opened fan to the lower half of his face.

“Huaisang!” The man outside greeted, his lips spreading into a smile. 

“Wei Wuxian?!” The homeowner was surprised, shock evident on his face. 

“Come in! Are you okay? What happened to you?! Where have you been!? We’ve been looking for you!” he said as he ushered the taller man in and they both disappeared into the house. 

“Wei-xiong, I was so worried! I had to skip painting my fans and reading poetry just to help find you in the third district! You’re that important to me!”

“Huaisang, I’m so touched! I hope I did not take up so much of your time! I wouldn’t want you to skip painting your fans either!”

The two looked at each other for a few seconds before erupting in a fit of laughter. Nie Huaisang opened the backdoor porch and settled the tray of teapot and two teacups on the table. Wei Wuxian, on the other hand, gently laid down the scrolls and books that Nie Huaisang had made him carry. They sat on opposite sides, the rattan chair creaking as they made themselves comfortable.  

“Wei-xiong, I’m serious! We were so worried, we thought you'd been kidnapped or something! I was prepared to sell my artworks to raise funds in case they’ll be asking for ransom! But, I doubt that, with the Jiangs’ wealth, I’m not that worried.” 

Nie Huaisang poured them a cup of tea and fanned himself slowly while waiting for it to cool down.

“Huaisang, you’re so fake!” Wei Wuxian subtly rolled his eyes, “Even if I was kidnapped, I highly doubt Aunt Yu would do something about it…” 

Sensing his hesitation and the sudden shift in his mood, Nie Huaisang snapped his fan and tapped Wei Wuxian’s head lightly. 

“So?! What happened to you?! Where did you go?!”

“You wouldn’t believe it, it was so crazy!” He looked at the other and squinted his eyes. 

“Would you believe me if I told you that…”

“If you told me what…”

Nie Huaisang had to place down his teacup, mid-sip, and give his full attention to Wei Wuxian. 

“I know you’re into this stuff and you’ve been reading into it for years…So after I recovered a little, I immediately went here…Jiang Cheng doesn’t even know, I had to sneak out…”

“Wei-xiong, this sounds urgent. It would help the both of us if you get to the point.” Nie Huaisang scooted a little closer and leaned his torso in anticipation. 

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and finally blurted out, “I woke up in a forest and tripped and woke up in a different place and the same happened thrice before I realized I was being thrusted into different worlds and in the last one I got kidnapped by the mafia and a version of me saved me and I escaped through mere luck and I’ve taken with me something so important I know they will do anything to get it back and I don’t know what to do because if my surroundings get dark or I fall asleep I might disappear from here again!”  

Wei Wuxian had to inhale and catch his breath after explaining in a pace no normal human could catch up on, but since he’s been friends with Nie Huaisang for so long, the other did not miss a single word he said. The taller covered his face with his hands and peeked through his fingers to see Nie Huaisang’s reaction. 

Nie Huaisang was quick to digest information like these and immediately held Wei Wuxian’s hands, looking him directly in the eyes. 

“What is this something you’ve taken with you? Do you have it now?” 

“Huaisang, you believe me?” Wei Wuxian wanted to cry, he knew he could rely on Huaisang!

“I’m taking it with a grain of salt but I think it might change depending on what you have on you.”

Wei Wuxian’s shoulders dropped but he took out the black string pouch and handed it to the other. Huaisang held it carefully, scrutinizing the embroidered purple logo and the small, purple bead woven into the end of the string.

He drew the strings carefully, and pulled out the heavy necklace. The chain clinked and clanked crisply as the pendant lay flat on the table, shining mysteriously with all its glory. Nie Huaisang’s jaw dropped and looked at Wei Wuxian incredulously. 

“W-Why do you have this?! Wei Wuxian, where did you get this?” 

Wei Wuxian was surprised by his friend’s reaction, “I-I told you, it’s from the mafia! Uhm, another Wei Wuxian saved me from them and he tossed me that pouch! I didn’t even know it had that in it!”

Nie Huaisang looked at him seriously for a few seconds before quickly going inside and returning with a pile of books in his arms.

“Can you move those? Be careful, they’re limited edition.” He gestured to the current books and scrolls resting on the table. Wei Wuxian gathered them and stacked them on a chair as he assisted Nie Huaisang in placing the new ones carefully on the table. The smaller immediately flipped through the pages of the hand bound book on top titled “Altrounian Mythology” and started explaining.

“In Altrounian mythology, before time took shape and existence found its rhythm, there was only the infinite void, where silence and stillness stretched without end. Then came Taiji, the First Motion, a single ripple in the void, so small it could have been missed, yet so powerful that it would shape all things to come. The ripple grew into a wave, and the wave into a mighty river, surging through the void with currents of primordial energy.”

He flipped and showed Wei Wuxian an illustration in the book: It was of a luminescent droplet, creating a ripple from nothingness and growing larger into wild waves that changed luminosity and color.

“This was the River of Existence, from which all worlds were born. Like droplets merging and separating within a flowing current, the river branched into countless streams, each one giving rise to a universe. Though separate, these universes flowed in harmony, bound by the same current of time, moving forward together.”

On the next page, the waves began to calm down and form large streams separated by an invisible force. The streams split and thinned, until there were thousands—until there was an uncountable, steady trickle from the streams and they flowed like the energy that every living thing carried within them.

The next image showed that some streams twisted and merged, forming larger, brighter currents, their glow pulsating with energy. Others drifted apart, separated by vast stretches of dark, untouched space, not intersecting, yet always moving forward in the same direction.

“In this mythology, this is where all universes come from. All of them flow from the same source.” Nie Huaisang murmured, tapping the illustration.

He turned another page, revealing an image of a massive ethereal figure, her form woven from threads of liquid light, standing at the beginning, at the river’s heart. She held three luminous objects in her open palm, each one shining with a different color. Below her, three figures knelt in reverence—her disciples. The next illustration provided a more detailed picture of the objects given by the being to her disciples.

“Look at that! Look at the seal the second disciple is holding! That looks like the one in the pouch!” 

Nie Huaisang held the book and the necklace in front of Wei Wuxian’s face, and he couldn’t help but notice the similarities between the two. While the other two’s frames looked as astonishingly beautiful, their swirls looked more similar to wind and vines, while the second disciple’s seal had a frame that resembled flame-like swirls, with curves and pointed ends that wrap around a gemstone that appears to be sapphire blue.

He looked closely at the pendant then. Its structure was the same, but the colors had faded—the once vibrant sapphire, with hints of red and orange at the tips, was now a pale, washed-out blue. But, there was no mistake—this was exactly the pendant depicted in the book.

“What…what does this ‘seal’ do exactly?”

Nie Huaisang flipped a few pages and the illustration showed the three disciples standing at a round, translucent platform, and in front of them was a floating golden ball. It was hollowed at the center, large enough to fit the ‘seal’ in place. 

“The Seals of Passage acts like a key into travelling the multiverse and are only given to the disciples. Because they are made from the celestial power of the Guardian, they could travel to other universes at will using this seal.” 

“Shit, he said it was an heirloom! That means his family has been possessing and using it for generations, right?! Does that mean Lan Zhan is a descendant of one of the disciples?!”

Nie Huaisang looked at Wei Wuxian, intrigued. 

“Lan Zhan? The tall and super kind guy you’ve been babbling about since you saw him—” 

“Of course not! I mean, technically, yes, it’s Lan Zhan, but no! It’s him from another universe!” 

Wei Wuxian cupped his forehead in panic. “Huaisang, you have to help me! I’m so fucked, they’ll kill me if they knew I took it! Even if I didn’t mean to!”

Nie Huaisang wanted to freak out with him upon realizing the danger, but he had to remain calm and sort it out. 

“Okay, I need you to tell me what happened from the beginning.” 

As Wei Wuxian narrated, Nie Huaisang started scribbling, flipping through different hardbound books and asking questions. It was not long for Nie Huaisang to find something very odd. 

“Wait, how did you go from one universe to another without using a seal?” 

“I don’t know! Like I said, once my surroundings turn pitch black, I don’t know what happens. Then, I’m suddenly in a different universe.” 

Nie Huaisang contemplated then scribbled something. 

“You said that he tossed you that pouch and you unknowingly brought it with you when you came back?”

“Yes.” 

"Do you think the seal was the reason why you were able to come back here? You said it’s been four different universes, and only when you came in contact with the seal were you able to go home.” 

“Huh? I-I didn’t even know this was for travelling the multiverse when I received it! I didn’t even know it was there!”

“I think we should try it.” the smaller said eagerly. 

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened, looking at Nie Huaisang incredulously. 

“No! I’m not going to risk it! I might not be able to go back here again! I could be killed, Huaisang!”

“I said, ‘we’, Wei-xiong! That means I’m coming with you!!” 

“No! It’s dangerous! Let’s just—seek help from experts!”

Nie Huaisang grabbed his arms and looked at his panic-stricken face.

“Wei-xiong! I am the expert!” He gestured to himself. “If we don’t do this now, what’s going to happen? You’re going to live off of coffee and paranoia because you can’t sleep in fear of being thrusted to another universe?!” 

Wei Wuxian had to blink twice and take deep breaths, it was the first time he saw Huaisang like this. He’s right.

“I guarantee you, you can go to any universe you want, even back and forth, now that you have the seal.” 

Wei Wuxian had calmed down. “How do you know, though? Have you experienced this before?” 

Nie Huaisang looked away and started flipping on his books again. 

“No, I just know…” Then, he sighed. “Look, I’ve been reading into this since forever, so just trust me.”

Wei Wuxian did not feel at ease at all but he trusted Nie Huaisang. 

“H-How do I do it, then?” He turned to Nie Huaisang, lost. 

“I don’t know! How did you come back from the previous universe? Think of what you did!” 

“I told you I just get into situations where everything is pitch-black and when I open my eyes, it’s a different one.”

“Well? What are you waiting for? Close your eyes!” Nie Huaisang held his hand tightly, excitement flooding over him as he also eagerly closed his eyes. 

“It’s not going to work. I’ve tried doing that when I was kidnapped and when I opened my eyes, I was still in the same universe. It can’t be intentional.”

Nie Huaisang stared at him for a long while before smirking.

“But, Wei-xiong, that was when you didn’t have the seal, right? And when your surroundings turned dark after the Wei Wuxian of that world tossed you the pouch with the seal, you came back, right?” 

Nie Huaisang wiggled his eyebrows at him.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in realization. That’s right! Since the beginning, my goal has been to go home to my universe and only when I had the seal was I able to go back!

“Huaisang! That’s some crazy observation skills you have! Okay, it’s worth a shot!” 

The taller held each of the younger’s hands in his own in excitement, their eyes closed, body tensed, heartbeat erratic as they waited in bated breath, as if anticipating the announcement of a pageant winner. Wei Wuxian thought of the mocking and condescending face of Lan Wangji, the Mafia boss. 

Wei Wuxian was not sure how it happened, but he belatedly realized that his hands were empty and there was a light so blinding he had to keep his eyes closed and cover them with his hands. When it subsided, he was welcomed by a very unfamiliar yet familiar place. He had never been here before but he instantly recognized it. 

This was the round, translucent platform in Huaisang’s book earlier! What? Why am I here, of all places? 

Wei Wuxian looked around, mouth gaping in awe. It was truly massive and was surrounded by numerous streams of varying size and colors, which he recognized were the uncountable universes of the Multiverse! Each one of them looked bright and lively, flowing with unending streams of energy; like bolts of lightning thrumming with life. 

He was afraid to touch any of them, so he chose to walk around. With every step he took, he noticed that the surface beneath his feet shimmered, turning iridescent where pressure touched, before fading back to its gentle clarity as he stepped away. It was a translucent glass platform and it looked as magical as it seemed in the illustration.

He looked at the center and confirmed that the floating golden ball in the middle of the platform was holding the ‘seal’ that he accidentally took. He neared the golden ball and the precious thing floated towards his hands. Wei Wuxian did not know what to think when he realized that the seal had regained its colors! The exact same colors of sapphire flames he saw in the book Nie Huaisang showed him, with renewed life, as if pulsing in his hands. For some unexplainable reason, he felt happy upon holding the seal, something familiar and warm flooding his chest. 

Wow, it’s so much prettier now! But, why though? Because of that golden ball? Why does this feel so…familiar?

He was about to picture the humble apartment he shared with Jiang Cheng with the intention of going home when he heard footsteps from the distance. 

“Shijie!?”

Wei Wuxian turned to see a tall figure in white cultivation robes. He looked young, with a lean build and a gentle air around him as he walked towards Wei Wuxian as if he were stepping on clouds. There was also a four-inch wide white cloth covering the eyes of this handsome and gentle cultivator. 

Cultivator! Cultivation robes! He doesn't have a sword, does he?! 

He immediately scanned the man and figured he had no weapons openly on display and the calm air about him made him feel somewhat non-threatening.

Even though he already had an idea, he still had to be cautious, so he found the courage to ask the man.

“Hi! I’m not sure who your Shijie is, but she’s definitely not me. Can you tell me what this place is?” 

The man looked taken aback, flinching. Then, in a low and soothing voice, he asked, “A mortal? No.”

“But that’s not possible. How were you able to get here?” The man was slowly becoming on-guard and Wei Wuxian tensed in anxiety, raising his hands in surrender, uncaring of whether the other could see or not.

“Hey, hey, I don’t have any weapons or bad intentions. I don’t even know why I’m here!” He paused, muttering. “Huh, lately, I’ve been saying that a lot—but, anyway, can you just please tell me what place this is?” 

The man seemed to believe him a little, but he still kept his guard up. 

“This is the Aetherglace, the place where the disciples of the Guardian convene and request direct audience with the Guardian herself. It’s not somewhere mortals could easily or accidentally stumble into.” 

Wei Wuxian was confused, as he was with everything these past few days. Why here? I even imagined that sadistic Lan Wangji in hopes of making the seal work, but I got sent here instead? 

As if sensing the thing humming in silence in Wei Wuxian’s hands, the man in white asked cautiously. 

“Is that a Seal of Passage? Who are you and why do you have it?” 

Wei Wuxian caressed the vibrant thing with a soft smile on his face. “Oh, this one? Uhm, it’s a long story, I actually have a lot of questions. Since you told me that only disciples can go here, I’m assuming you’re a disciple, right? Yeah, uhm–so, wait, I don’t know where to begin.”

He scratched his head and pocketed the seal. “Oh, yeah, name. I’m Wei Wuxian and I have—” 

He heard the man gasp quietly. “Wei Wuxian? I-Is that the same character as Wei Changze’s?”
 

Wei Wuxian was flabbergasted. “How do you know my father’s name?” 

He did not know what to think of the man’s expression since he could not see his eyes, but he was surprised to see glistening tears seeping out of the cloth that’s covering the man’s eyes. He almost paled when he saw the man fall on his knees, mumbling. 

“Thank goodness…I thought you were…”

Wei Wuxian immediately went to his side and held his arms, urging him to stand up. 

“Hey, are you okay? Heyyy, please stand up!” He was panicking as he saw the tears flow non-stop. It took a while before the man composed himself and stood up. Still, Wei Wuxian worried. 

“Uhm, are you okay now?” 

The man smiled gently, “Apologies for my behavior, Wei Wuxian. I simply could not contain the relief I felt when I realized you are alive and well. It makes sense now that you were able to access the Aetherglace.”

“I am Xiao Xingchen, the third disciple of the Guardian.” He bowed his head slightly to Wei Wuxian and the latter reciprocated.

“The second disciple, who formerly owned that Seal is, Cangse Sanren, my Shijie. Your mother.” 

What the fuck.

Wei Wuxian’s mind blanked. After receiving such mind-blowing information, he truly does not know what to feel and what to even think. 

His memories of his parents were when he was still five. They were living in a small hut in a rural village and had a horse-drawn wooden wagon that his father used to make a living. He and his mother would lay on the hay as his father took them home. She would hug him as she told him stories of adventures and folktales, and his father would quickly join them once they arrived at their humble hut. Once full, they would gaze at the stars together as they sank in the warmth of their little world. 

He remembered the way his mother’s voice would soften when the wind blew through the cracks in the walls, how she’d wrap her arms tighter around him and whisper, “The world can be unkind, my little star, but don’t let it dim your light."

He remembered his father’s rough hands brushing over his hair, the low hum of an old folk song lulling him to sleep, before he could fully close his eyes, his father would say;

“Rest up, little one. Don’t worry, we’ll be with you, like the countless stars at night and the blazing sun at the sky.”

Their world was indeed no richer than the soil beneath them, but full of laughter, of lullabies, of the scent of hay and woodsmoke, and of the memories that would always pull him up from his lowest.

A faint ache pierced his chest.

Wei Wuxian blinked, the memory dissolving like morning mist as he looked down at the seal cradled in his hands. Its sapphire flames pulsed softly, steady and warm, almost as if reminding him.

He took a deep breath. So this was my mother’s…No wonder it felt like home the moment it lit up in my hands. 

He exhaled shakily. I’m not going to cry. I’m not.

“I never would have imagined she’s a disciple of the Guardian. We were living simple lives back then, I thought…” 

He couldn’t stop the hot tears that flowed down his cheeks as he recalled the few—if not the only moments of his life where he was truly happy. He could not believe his mother was a disciple of the Guardian, but at the same time it also made sense. He had always felt safe in the presence of his parents as if nothing, not even the Heavens could bring him harm as long as they were there to protect him. Wei Wuxian’s chest tightened in longing.  

“C-Can you tell me more about them?”

Xiao Xingchen hesitated, worry clearly etching in his gentle face, but upon feeling the hope and yearning from Wei Wuxian’s voice, he sighed. 

“I suppose you are owed the truth.” 

With a wave of a hand, he magically conjured a table made of fluorescent glass with two fluorescent chairs and a porcelain, white tea set near the center of the platform.  

Holy shit, that’s amazing! Did mother used to do that too?

He chuckled to himself as he settled on the glass chair which is surprisingly comfortable despite how fragile-looking it is. Xiao Xingchen poured both of their cups with hot, steaming tea with so much precision Wei Wuxian did a double take. 

“What do you know about the seal you are holding?”

Distracted from the tea pouring and worried that it might spill, he answered vaguely. "Uhm, that this is the thing that allows disciples to travel through the multiverse at will?”

Xiao Xingchen nodded in confirmation. After pouring the tea, he gently pushed the other cup towards Wei Wuxian. 

“Correct. That is the only thing that allows one to travel from one Universe to another, and access the Aetherglace. It’s a relief that you are not entirely clueless. Then, I shall proceed with what happened more than two decades ago.”

Wei Wuxian’s heart raced, he looked at the man in white attentively. He will finally be able to learn about what happened to his parents. He’s both nervous and excited to know even just a few details about them, even just a part of them that he has craved to know and wondered about for so long. 

–

Chapter Text

“Twenty four years ago, while we convened at this very place to discuss various matters, the Guardian assigned Shijie to investigate the mortal who was becoming a threat to the security of one of the universes. It was not the first time she was given such a task, in fact, the three of us have dealt with very similar cases in the past.”

Xiao Xingchen sipped from his teacup.“What the Guardian did not expect was that Cangse Sanren would look into this mortal far more than necessary, and would grow so attached. It has come to the point that she requested to renounce her role as a disciple and become a mortal to spend the rest of her mortal life with your father, Wei Cangze.”  

Warmth bloomed in Wei Wuxian’s chest. He smiled gently, eyes fixed on his teacup. “She must have loved Father so much, huh?”

“Indeed,” Xiao Xingchen nodded. “I remember her telling me about all the places they’d explored together; the rural villages rich in culture, breathtaking landscapes, and cuisines she couldn’t stop talking about. She said her duties as a disciple, all the years of fighting and eliminating threats across the multiverse, had drained her lifeforce. Her body had sustained irreversible damage. All she wanted was to live free of pain and chaos; to live out her fleeting mortal life in peace.”

He paused, lips pressing into a thin line before he turned to Wei Wuxian. “I apologize, Wei Wuxian, but I’m afraid this story is not going to end well.”

Wei Wuxian smiled bitterly and cupped his teacup tighter, drawing comfort from its warmth. “It’s okay. I can take it. I just… want to know more about them.”

Xiao Xingchen exhaled softly. “As you might expect, the Guardian was furious when she made the request. But she couldn’t force a disciple with a deteriorating body to keep performing her duties. So, the Guardian banished her, deactivated her seal, and allowed her to stay in the universe your father was in. They lived peaceful lives and even had you.” 

There was a long period of silence, when Wei Wuxian realized Xiao Xingchen would not continue, his brows furrowed. He probed. “That sounds nice and all, so, did Mother die because of her poor health? But in my memories, she seemed perfectly fine. I think… I would’ve remembered if she was ill.”

Xiao Xingchen took another sip of tea and shook his head lightly. “Do you remember that I mentioned that Cangse Sanren was sent to investigate your father?”

Wei Wuxian nodded lightly. 

“Well, it was because he was so close to figuring out the truth about everything. About the Guardian and us, his disciples, and no mortal shall know the truth or gain awareness of it for he will inevitably begin seeking ways to reach other universes. And that could endanger the stability of the whole multiverse. So, I assumed it was for the better that Shijie, a former disciple, stayed with him to prevent such a thing from happening.” 

But Huaisang knew all of it and yet…? Is he being investigated now? By who? I don’t think I can tell Xiao Xingchen, I don’t want to risk Huaisang’s safety.

Xiao Xingchen gingerly held his teacup. “A few years after she was banished, it was only the first disciple and I during the convention. He seemed different than usual, his skin was pale and he looked remorseful. After the convention with the Guardian, I was surprised when he pulled me aside and told me that…” 

His voice faltered, shaking. He gulped, then finally confessed in a whisper, “He told me he had killed Cangse Sanren… and her family.”

What? 

Wei Wuxian felt his ears ringing, mouth gaping in shock, and his heart dropping to his stomach as he felt an icy chill rake his body.

“What…what are you saying!?” He shot to his feet, hands slamming the glass table. The glass chair clanged loudly against the glass platform.  

He could not believe it! He shook his head and looked at Xiao Xingchen in disbelief.  

“They were killed!?” He shouted, trembling. “Why?! Didn’t you just tell me they were living peaceful lives!” He choked a sob. “That they even had me!”

His vision blurred. Tears welled up and spilled over, flowing down his face unceasingly. 

“You’re lying! They..they weren’t killed! I know!” He points an accusatory finger at Xian Xingchen. 

“I’m truly sorry, Wei Wuxian, I had told you it did not end well. The first disciple did not tell me why he did so, and he said it was on the orders of the Guardian. In his remorse, he told me which universe it happened in. So, I could only…” Xiao Xingchen’s voice trembled. “I could only give them a proper burial when I saw their deceased bodies.” 

Wei Wuxian felt the strength drain from his limbs. He sank down onto the glass platform, dazed. 

“I thought they only got into an accident, or at least, that’s what Uncle Jiang told me when he found me…” 

He pressed his palms against his eyes, trying to hold back the tears. “I can’t even remember the night they left, what they looked like when they did, what they last told me…All I know is that we’re a simple family living in a hut in a rural village in Yiling…ugh…” 

Wei Wuxuan pulled on his hair in pain and smiled sadly. 

“And even that turned out to be a lie?” 

He curled into himself, then clutched his chest with both hands. The sitting figure trembled, folding into a tight ball as his heart throbbed painfully.

Xiao Xingchen knows that being faced with the truth after believing in something else entirely for his whole life is not easy, so he understands that Wei Wuxian does not fully accept it yet. He gave him time and It was only after a couple of long, long minutes that the tears had stopped and he only stared at nothingness. 

He could only sit still, afraid that whatever movements he made would trigger Wei Wuxian’s tears. The man sitting on the ground asked, his voice hoarse. 

“So? Where is this first disciple? There must be a reason why he killed my parents. I have to know.” 

Xiao Xingchen suspects Wei Wuxian is still in-denial and would like to know the truth from the first disciple himself. He took a while to answer.

“He was also banished years ago. It's…it's a long story.” 

He stood up calmly and held out a hand for the sitting Wei Wuxian whose eyes and nose were red. 

“I can at least show you where they were buried. So you can pay your respects.”

Where they were buried?

Wei Wuxian’s face crumpled in emotion and Xiao Xingchen could hear him trying to steady his breathing. He took his hand and stayed standing dumbly, mentally preparing himself as the man in white started walking toward the golden sphere. 

 When he reached him, Xiao Xingchen smiled gently and gestured toward the golden ball.

“Please insert Cangse Sanren’s Seal of Passage.”

Wei Wuxian felt for the thrumming thing that was in his pockets, he brought it out and smiled at the vibrant colors of the flames that reminded him of his mother. This was the only thing she truly left behind for him and it was not even in his possession until now. He was about to let it float towards the ball when he paused. 

He seemed to be forgetting a lot of things that he had to either ask or say, but he chose what was on the top of his head. 

“Hey, uhm, you said that this can only be used by the disciples, right? But I’m not a disciple, will it work for me? I’m just scared that things would go differently again and I’m tired of always running for my life.” Wei Wuxian sighed heavily. 

“Don’t worry, you’re the child of a disciple. That means you carry a disciple’s blood in your veins and thus, the seal will acknowledge you as one.” 

He placed his palm over the golden sphere, almost like a prayer. The ball glowed momentarily, then dimmed back to its original state.

“Besides, you’ve already used the seal to get here, so it did work, right?” The golden sphere continued to glow. “I’ve already placed the coordinates so you would only have to place the seal. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Okay, here I go, I guess.”

With the assurance of a disciple, Wei Wuxian let the seal float towards the golden ball. He only saw Xiao Xingchen’s calm face before light burst from the ball, and he instinctively shut his eyes.

When he opened them, he was covered in what appeared to be white smoke? 

Huh, that’s odd. Did I descend from the sky? This mist is definitely cloud-like, but… warm? So weird. 

Wei Wuxian walked a few paces and looked back. Hm, it seems like it stays at where I stood and would be gone after a while. 

Then, a few feet away, a second puff of white mist formed. Xiao Xingchen stepped out of it.

Oh, wow, that looked so cool! I wish I saw me when I poofed here!

The smaller walked towards him and nodded. “Let's go? It was around here if I remember correctly. It has been two decades and I haven’t had the courage to visit again.” 

He began walking calmly, and Wei Wuxian followed a few steps behind.

Wei Wuxian knows he’s being dumb, he knows that Xiao Xingchen is no ordinary person, and way above a mortal but it just fascinates him how Xiao Xingchen could move around his space so precisely. Wei Wuxian was just standing there, not making a sound but he made his way straight towards him, like he could see him. And now he’s taking him to a place he had not seen in decades. 

That’s crazy, maybe he has, like, heightened senses? Since they fight threats all the time and he said the tasks were super difficult, he must be pretty strong, huh?

Wei Wuxian’s thoughts were on top of another.

Wait, but I have disciple blood too, right? Why don’t I have powers? Is it a half-human thing? Or maybe you need some kind of activation? Like the seal glowing earlier…

He looked around and noticed they were getting deeper into the forest. Xiao Xingchen still walked like he knew exactly where he was going.

This is what I’m talking about. This is a forest! It’s been ages, so the geographical layout of this forest must have changed a lot! How is he so certain of where to go? 

He shivered when he remembered something. Wait, this is a forest? I hate forests! Makes me think of that weird voyeuristic couple in the universe with cultivation robes and a jacked up Lan Zhan! Think other thoughts, I’ll get bounced back if I jinx it.

He glanced ahead at Xiao Xingchen again. Also… where are we even going? Is there a path? I don’t see anything. Come to think of it, this is a kind of literal example of “the blind leading the blind,” isn’t it?

Wei Wuxian reprimanded himself for having such thoughts. What the fuck is wrong with me?

Hmm, if he was indeed strong, then how did he go blind? Okay, I’m not sure if he really has eye damage or his eyes are working well and he just doesn’t wanna use them coz he’s so badass, but still, I think it won’t hurt to ask? 

“Uhm, Gege? If you don’t mind me calling you that, I’ll call you Gege. Also, if you don’t mind me asking, are you really…blind? I hope I don’t offend you, I just got curious.” 

Despite half his face covered, Wei Wuxian still leaned and walked by his side to watch his expression and it was still surprisingly calm, he even smiled a little to Wei Wuxian’s direction. 

“It’s alright. Like I’ve told you, constantly eliminating threats and keeping the stability of the multiverse is not an easy task. It consumes and drains our lifeforce and even demigods like ourselves would suffer irreversible damage if we don’t recover fully between tasks. Which, most of the time, is what happens.” 

Xiao Xingchen touched the fabric covering his eyes. “In my case, my vision worsens each time I exhaust my powers to the limit, and it had become so blurry to the point that there was no difference if I had gone blind.” 

He turned slightly to Wei Wuxian. “So, even if you could use the powers within Cangse Sanren’s blood, I highly discourage you to do so, for it will only drain your lifeforce and eat at you physically, and most especially so because you are a mortal.” 

Wei Wuxian nodded. “I see, thank you for explaining and the warning, Gege. Honestly, I was just wondering about that earlier, how did you know? Do you also have mind-reading powers? Tell me, what other abilities do you have? And how come you’re so sure of where we’re going? Where are we going, anyway? It’s so veiny in here, I can’t even see the way! Is there even a way?”

Wei Wuxian rambled and Xiao Xingchen could only throw him a fond smile. 

“We’re here.” 

The taller was stupefied. “Here? There’s nothing—” 

Wei Wuxian looked around and noticed a small clearing, when he walked towards it, he saw two rocks that were a few distance from each other and that seemed to be about three feet tall. Crawling vines covered the weathered rocks and they were almost swallowed by it. Wei Wuxian neared the odd rocks and his heart started racing when he caught a glimpse of some of the characters. He brushed away the vines and that's when it hit him.

These two rocks were tombstones with his parents’ names. 

He refused to accept that his parents were killed, they only got into an accident and their bodies were never recovered; but faced with solid, physical proof, he could not deny it anymore. 

The tears he had stopped earlier began to fill his vision as he fell to his knees in despair. 

“Baba…Mama…I'm so sorry for being so late…”

He prostrated to the ground and let all of his tears flow as freely as the longing and sadness he has been trying to suppress for almost two decades. 

“I didn't know…A-Ying was wrong! Baba, Mama, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry. I should've come for you earlier, I should've noticed something was wrong…” 

Wei Wuxian broke into a sob, “...you should have just taken me with you…” 

Xiao Xingchen does not know how to comfort people, so he could only think of soothing words that he thinks could ease the pain. His voice was soft when he said,

“I’m truly sorry, Wei Wuxian. I did not know about what happened until the first disciple told me, so I couldn’t protect them. Still… one thing I’m certain of is that they loved you very dearly. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have survived. I believe they did everything they could to protect you.” 

That made Wei Wuxian sob harder. Little whimpers slipped through even when he tried to stifle them. He grieved the beautiful woman who would pull him into her bosom and kiss his cheeks so tenderly, mourned the man who would pat his head and coddle him while smiling so softly at his little family. He grieved his Mother. He grieved his Father. 

He grieved his only family. 

Wei Wuxian’s tears did not stop spilling from his eyes as he let himself grieve, each and every warm memory that’s left within him turned painful and heartbreaking as the truth sank deeper and deeper into his chest.

Xiao Xingchen decided to turn around and walk a few steps away to give Wei Wuxian some privacy. 

He knows they have a lot to discuss. The mere fact that Wei Wuxian possessed Cangse Sanren’s seal of passage, and used it to summon himself to the Aetherglace all the while not knowing what the Aetherglace itself is, does not sit well with him. 

This means that Wei Wuxian is not fully aware of the workings of the multiverse, but where did he get the seal of passage? As far as I know, when Shijie was banished, she took her seal with her and when they were killed, I did not find the seal on her body. 

Did the first disciple take it? But no, it was not on him when I…

“Gege.” 

The man in white did not know how much time had passed and he was so deep in his thoughts that he did not notice Wei Wuxian approaching from behind. He turned to him. The latter cupped his hands and bowed, 

“Please accept my sincerest gratitude. For showing me their graves and telling me the truth. I would have lived blindly believing that they got into an accident. But now that I know the nature of their deaths, I can find out the truth and put their souls to rest. I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Xiao Xingchen heaved a sigh, then nodded. “It is only right for you to know the truth. Though I believe they do not want you to endanger yourself and risk incurring the wrath of the Guardian, I will do everything in my power to help you and protect you from harm. It’s the least that I can do for them and for you.”

Wei Wuxian nodded at him, smiling. “I won’t pretend I don’t need it. Many thanks in advance. I’m so relieved you’re willing to help me.” 

Xiao Xingchen also felt a sense of relief upon seeing the taller smile. He does not think that the man had stopped grieving but he knew he had to take his mind off his parents’ death. He organized his thoughts before asking, 

“I know you have a lot of questions and so do I for you. We truly have a lot to discuss. What would you like to ask me first?”    

Wei Wuxian looked deep in thought for a while, crossing his arms against his chest and tilting his head.

Okay, now that he mentions it, we do have a lot to talk about. I have to ask him about the first disciple and his whereabouts, then how this seal thing works? Why did it turn colorful when it floated from the golden sphere? Why was I even—err—kidnapped from my own world in the first place? Then, I have to ask him about—

Wei Wuxian suddenly has this nagging feeling that he’s forgetting something. Something really important.

Hmm…

He thought long and hard, and when it finally occurred to him, he started pacing back and forth as his thoughts raced,

OH, shit! Jiang Cheng! I went out without telling him! Shit, he’s really going to kill me this time! I just hope Huaisang told—

He stopped abruptly, face filing with horror. Huaisang!! I can’t tell Xiao Xingchen about Huaisang knowing everything! Fuck! What am I supposed to tell this man, then? I have to be quick about it, too!

Xiao Xingchen waited patiently, unknowing of the dilemma that’s brewing within the man. In the end, Wei Wuxian decided to tell him everything relevant from his childhood up to this moment except the part where he talked with Huaisang about using the seal intentionally.

“And so, uhm, I w-wanted to return the heirloom to that Lan Zhan because I really believe they will stop at nothing just to get this back and I just did what I usually do when I get thrusted into other universes! I closed my eyes and imagined the room I was in before, you know? The torture room—I mean, it’s technically not a torture room, but it’s also not not a torture room, right? Because like I told you, he—uhm, anyways, I’m getting sidetracked! So then, poof! When I opened my eyes, I was on the platform earlier.”

He’s so glad Xiao Xingchen could not see him because he would immediately discover that Wei Wuxian is wet—well, not that kind of wet—but he’s sweating so much he’s almost soaking his hair and his clothes with perspiration as he recalled the traumatic events that had happened to him for the past few days. 

Throughout the time he was narrating, he was also attentive to every shift of Xiao Xingchen’s expression, which was so hard to do because half his face was covered. By the end of it, the man in white had his fists clenched and his face turned away a bit. Wei Wuxian became very nervous. 

Oh, no, what is too much? He doesn’t wanna help me anymore, does he? I knew it, it’s too messy, I should probably just deal with it on my own, like always.

“Yeah, so, uhm, that was everything. It’s really okay if you don’t want to help me anymore, trust me, just, uhm, tell me how this seal works so I can—”

“I’m sorry.” 

Wei Wuxian was confused. 

“Huh? What for?” 

Sorry, I can’t help you after all? Sorry, you have to do this on your own? I already told him it’s okay…

The man in white turned to him completely and Wei Wuxian could feel him getting very visibly upset. 

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.” He exhaled a shaky breath. “I know recalling the experience must have been very scary, and I deeply apologize for making you do so. Unfortunately, I do not have the answers, I, too, don’t understand why you were suddenly sent to a universe far from your own. It is the first I have heard of such phenomena, but knowing of your experience only deepened my resolve. So, do not worry. I can not promise you that no harm will come your way, but I will protect you whenever it does.”

Wei Wuxian released the breath he was unknowingly holding. Phew! Well, that was nerve-wracking! I really thought I’ll be facing supernatural beings on my own! I couldn’t even stand a chance against the mafia!

“Before we pursue the matter of the first disciple, we first have to know how the Seal of Passage had come into the possession of one of the mortals. Tell me, do you recall which universe it was when you were held captive?” 

“Uhh, yes the mafia one.”

“Do you perhaps know the coordinates?” 

“Oh, that, uhm, sorry, I don’t. I actually have no clue on how that works.”

Xiao Xingchen nodded. “It’s alright.” 

“But, I can try, imagining the room in that world, and hopefully it brings us there?”

“I suppose we could give it a try.”

Xiao Xingchen was initially taken aback when Wei Wuxian held his hand.

“Here I go.”

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and imagined the room with the large Cloud Recesses insignia, he gave it a few seconds before opening his eyes. He immediately felt disappointed when he saw the same scenery. 

“What? We’re still here? Why didn’t it work? Come to think of it, it also didn’t work when I tried going there from my original universe and I got sent to the HQ instead.”

“HQ?”

“Oh, your headquarters? The Aetherglace?” Wei Wuxian grinned. 

Xiao Xingchen laughed lightly. “Then, why don’t we try going to the HQ first and see if it would work from there?”

“That’s a great idea! Okay, I can also see if just thinking about the place is enough to bring me there.”

Wei Wuxian let go of his hand gently and closed his eyes, picturing the translucent platform from earlier. When he opened his eyes, he was welcomed by the familiar otherworldly view of the Aetherglace. 

He turned to the sphere to receive the seal. As soon as it left the hollow space, another seal materialized and Xiao Xingchen stepped out from the cloud of white smoke to his right.

“It worked!” He grinned at the smaller, Xiao Xingchen smiled back. 

“Congratulations! Though, I find it quite odd. Why would you need to go back to the Aetherglace when you want to go to other universes? Why can it not directly let you go from one to another?”

“Dunno. Which is why we have to try!” 

Wei Wuxian enthusiastically let the seal float back to the sphere and imagined the room he was interrogated in. 

On second thought, I think it’s better to imagine the hallway. Who knows if the room is locked and I get stuck there? Although I can probably go back to the HQ but it’s just really better to be safe. 

He closed his eyes again and pictured the hallway in which the Wei Wuxian from that world dragged him into before leaving him at the library. 

When he opened his eyes again, he almost shouted in joy when he saw the same brightly lit hallway with a terrifying amount of cameras at every one meter or so. He was standing directly at the door of the interrogation room. Almost immediately, Xiao Xingchen materialized from the cloud of white smoke to his right.

Wei Wuxian turned to him and smiled, “Gege, I did it!” 

He expected Xiao Xingchen to be at least somewhat relieved because of this development. It’s confirmed that he can go to other universes at will without using coordinates. Although, it’s a bit inconvenient of still having to go back to the HQ everytime, and would only work for universes he had actually been in, he still considers it a win. 

What he does not understand is Xiao Xingchen’s reaction. He was frowning, his lips in a thin line and Wei Wuxian could almost physically feel his distress. The man in white looked tense, he looked on guard for whatever was to come. 

Wow, great intuition! Yes, Gege, this is a very dangerous place!

But something’s really odd with Xiao Xingchen. Aside from being alert, he looked more bothered by something. 

“Gege, what’s wrong?”

“Are you sure this was the universe where the seal was from?” 

“Yes! I couldn’t mistake it! Why, what about it?”

Xiao Xingchen pursed his lips before speaking. “It’s not that our first attempt did not work when we tried to come here earlier. It’s just that we didn’t have to.”

Wei Wuxian was confused. “Huh?”

“The coordinates…they were the same.” 

Wei Wuxian’s mouth gaped in shock. “You mean this universe is the same universe where my parents were killed?!”

Xiao Xingchen nodded grimly. “So, we should not let our guard down. I know it’s impossible because the first disciple was…banished…a long time ago, but we should still be cautious.”

Wei Wuxian’s heart raced. “No! That’s not possible! I don’t understand! Gege, don’t you see the bigger question? Why here?! Why is it not in my universe?! You said her seal was deactivated, so how did they die here and not—”

Before Wei Wuxian could finish talking, the door to the interrogation room was opened. 

“We’re having an executive meeting here! Who are you to holler—”

The panicked silver eyes met equally shocked, silver ones. Two persons with the same body and face stared at each other, frozen. It was not long before two tall and looming figures also showed at the door, staring at him with surprise through their piercing eyes. 

Wei Wuxian was even more stupefied. Two Lan Zhan’s?

Is this really the right universe?!

—

Chapter Text

At moments like these, the first one to react will always have the greater advantage. Sensing the initial hostility of the three inside the room, Xiao Xingchen did not hesitate to summon his sword and point it at the three while keeping Wei Wuxian behind him. The three reacted as swiftly. They all had their guns loaded and aimed at him. 

Wei Wuxian panicked. “Wait, guys! Guys, calm down! Don’t you remember me?! I was mistakenly kidnapped because you thought I was Wei Ying! Please, lower your guns!”

Wei Ying, who was secure behind Lan Wangji but still had his gun out, narrowed his eyes at Xiao Xingchen. “He pulled his sword out first and threatened us with it! Tell him to calm down!”

“Gege, please calm down. I know it doesn’t sound convincing but I don’t think they’ll hurt us. Let’s talk to them calmly, we have to know about the seal, right?”

Xiao Xingchen heaved a sigh and relinquished his sword. The sharp and long sword immediately disintegrated into various particles of light before vanishing completely. 

“What the hell, that’s so cool! Gege, how did you do that?” Wei Ying immediately stepped out of Lan Wangji's range of protection and held Xiao Xingchen’s hands. 

The man in white looked taken aback with the sudden contact.

“Wei Ying.” Came a threatening voice from behind him. He turned his head to Lan Wangji.

“Aiyah, Lan Zhan! Don’t worry, I don’t think he’s one of them! Also, how often do you see a sword vanishing into thin air?!” 

He faced Xiao Xingchen again and grinned. “Gege, come on! Show me again! That’s so cool! Is your sword made purely out of light?! How do you summon it? How does it solidify into—” 

Lan Wangji pulled Wei Ying by the nape that made the smaller whine, he hid him behind his back again while the Lan Wangji beside him spoke. Actually, Wei Wuxian immediately figured out that this was not another Lan Wangji because his eyes were some shades darker than the other’s golden ones and his expression had a hint of friendliness. 

“I apologize for Wei Wuxian's boldness. However, I do agree that it is not every day we see such a curious sight. Especially when the person we have been searching for has come back and even has a very mystical man in tow. May I ask who we have the honor of meeting?”

He smiled amicably. Wei Wuxian found it the perfect time to clarify some things.

“Uhh, can I tell you something first? First of all, I really did not mean to disappear on you like that and I promise, I can—we can explain. We’re not here to fight or whatever, we just want to know the truth about the seal—I mean, the heirloom. Gege right here has something important to ask you too.”

The man who looked exactly like Lan Wangji nodded.

“I am Lan Xichen, this is my brother Lan Wangji and his…friend, Wei Wuxian.” Wei Ying could be heard trying to stifle a laugh. 

OH, that’s his brother? I thought they were twins. Come to think of it, he looks like the man I saw when I got sent to the world before this. The…freaky one with…what’s his name again? Su She?

“I am Xiao Xingchen. I believe I cannot disclose more than that for now.”

"That's alright. Wei Wuxian, Xiao Xingchen, please come in so we can begin our discussion.”

The three made their way inside the room with Wei Wuxian and Xiao Xingchen following through. 

Wei Wuxian was surprised to see that a lot of things had changed since he left. Compared to the scarce furniture before, there was now a black sectional with a coffee table and a huge plasma TV on the far left. A white drawer on the left corner with a huge stack of paper and a flower vase beside it. A working station beside the drawer with numerous wall-mounted monitors and a floor to ceiling bookshelf filled with books that have either papers stuffed between the pages or have a ridiculous amount of handwritten annotations. 

Wei Wuxian already knows the culprit behind that mess.

The largest space of the room was mostly taken up by the massive long table pressed against the opposite wall. It was cluttered with documents, photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and diagrams. Above it, the wall resembled a detective’s board with red strings connecting photos of people Wei Wuxian could not identify from afar. There was also a collage of what looked like carvings on cave walls? Before he could take a closer look, Wei Ying draped his arm on his shoulder and grinned.

“Watcha looking at? Let’s go sit and have tea!” 

A few feet on the right of the “detective station” was a dining table for six. Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji and Wei Ying sat on the right side while Xiao Xingchen and Wei Wuxian sat on the left. While waiting for the tea to cool down, Lan Xichen spoke while looking at Wei Wuxian.

“I must say, it really fascinates me to meet another Wei Wuxian. Though, I admit I expected you to be more…enthusiastic, much closer to what we have. But, I do understand that both of you are very different and unique in your own ways.” 

“Aww, Zewu-jun, stop! You’re making me blush! Stop embarrassing our guest!” 

Bitch, that was not a compliment. 

Wei Ying twirled his hair and batted his long eyelashes coquettishly. He visibly panics when Lan Wangji stood from his chair and started making his way to the door.

“Lan Zhan, wait! I was kidding! Er-gege, I’m sorry! Don’t be jealous!” Wei Ying sprang from his chair and hugged Lan Wangji’s waist from behind. 

Lan Wangji fixed him with a glare before going back to his seat and wrapping his arm possessively around Wei Ying’s waist. Wei Wuxian stopped himself from sighing.

Wei Ying alone is already a headache, couple him up with a man like this and they’re being so insufferable together. I just know they won’t give a fuck whether it’s the president or the emperor himself that’s in their presence. How does Lan Xichen tolerate them? 

Lan Xichen quietly sipped on his tea before speaking. 

“I will not delay our discussion anymore, pressing matters have to be talked about.” He stared intently at Wei Wuxian. 

“First, who are you and why are you pretending to be Wei Wuxian?”

Wei Wuxian bit on his lower lip before sighing, “I’m really Wei Wuxian, it’s just that I’m him from another universe.” He stared at the Lans who looked impassive. 

“You don’t look surprised. So, I’m assuming Wei Ying already told you what I said to him, and trust me, I’m really telling the truth.” 

“So, then. Why did you steal the heirloom?”

“Okay, here’s the thing. I didn’t steal it. I actually don’t know how I got sent to other universes and when I came in contact with the seal—err—the heirloom, I came back to my original universe. I’ve been trying to go back here to return it to you but then I met this Gege, and somehow things got more confusing.” 

All eyes turned to the white clothed man. 

“Before I bare to you the whole truth of the multiverse, I need to know how much you know of it. Why do you have the seal and where did you find it?”

Xiao Xingchen set his teacup down and faced Lan Xichen. 

“I see no reason to reveal to you what we’ve worked on for years so easily. We do not know who you are or where you’re from. Our enemies never run out of schemes to try and destroy us. You must understand our precaution.”

Xiao Xingchen stayed silent for a while before sighing. “Of course. I suppose it is inevitable.”

He brought out his own seal and laid it on the table. He gestured for Wei Wuxian to do the same. The two seals of passage hummed and glowed silently with the power they possessed. Compared to Cangse Sanren’s, whose frame was an ombre of red and blue flame swirls, Xiao Xingchen’s seal of passage was a gradient of sky blue and white, and the swirls resemble that of wind and gentle breezes. Both were astonishingly beautiful; Cangse Sanren’s seal blazed with fire, while Xiao Xingchen’s flowed with peace and tranquility.

Wei Ying, “Wow! There’s two of them! Wait, what did you do with it? Why’s it so pretty now?”

The trio looked at the mystifying things in front of them. Lan Xichen held the wind in his hands and felt the power coursing through it.

“This is unbelievable! How were you able to…” Lan Xichen was at a loss for words, eyes fixated on the pretty thing.

“I am Xiao Xingchen, third disciple of the Guardian of the River of Existence. With me is Wei Wuxian of the 834th Universe, from the Wiscora Tributary—son of the former second disciple, Cangse Sanren. Before you are the Seals of Passage, which allow disciples and their descendants to travel freely between universes.”

Wow, I didn’t know each universe had a number. Actually, it makes sense, they can’t just keep referring to the universes using the coordinates all the time.

Lan Wangji’s eyes furrowed in curiosity while Lan Xichen tilted his head in intrigue. Wei Ying, of course, had to hide his grin behind his hand, but small puffs of laughter still slipped out. His silver eyes glimmered with mischief as he looked at the pair on the left.

“Wow, guys, you’re really good at this!”  

This bitch really can’t take anything seriously. 

“We would appreciate it if you would not treat us with mockery and take our words with a little more weight. After all, we may know where to find what you have been searching for all these years. Who knows, I just might suddenly forget the answers.”

Xiao Xingchen said in a cold voice before bringing the teacup to his lips and sipping calmly on his tea. Lan Wangji’s face became grim and Lan Xichen eyed Wei Ying pointedly.

Wow, I didn’t know Gege could be this badass! Take that, Wei Ying!

Wei Ying, knowing his fault, bowed his head slightly to the pair on the left. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry. Please continue, Gege.”

Xiao Xingchen set his teacup down and faced Lan Xichen. 

“I hope what I said and what we showed you was enough for you to take us seriously. You must also understand the risk we are taking by revealing this to you.”  

The man schooled his expression and smiled lightly towards them.

“Of course, we do. Pardon Wei Wuxian’s insolence, as you may infer, he is…” There was hesitation in his voice before continuing, “...not well.”

Wei Wuxian tried his best to school his expression, forcing his face to remain impassive despite every bone in his body urging him to laugh.  

“Zewu-jun?! Are you saying I’m sick?! In the head?! How could you—” Wei Ying was flabbergasted. He had never expected Lan Xichen could ever refer to him as such, and in front of strangers, too! He placed his hand on his chest and started breathing heavily, as if physically hurt by the older man's statement. 

Lan Wangji glanced at his brother. “You did not have to go that far.” 

He coaxed the overdramatic Wei Ying and whispered something, which immediately shifted his expression from distress to a glazed and half-lidded gaze and with his tongue grazing his lips slowly. He then bit his lower lip and looked at Lan Wangji seductively.

Why are they like this? Is shame even a thing to them?? Wei Wuxian wanted to leave the room and get some fresh air, if only he could.

“Okay. I’ll behave for you, Er-gege.” 

Lan Xichen cleared his throat a bit louder than necessary. 

“I appreciate your honesty. For our side of the story, I believe it would be better for Wangji to tell us.” 

Lan Wangji was still pointedly not looking at his brother and had fixed his gaze at Wei Ying, his source of courage to once again share a very vulnerable part of him. The smaller squeezed his hand under the table and smiled at him, urging him to start.

And so, Lan Wangji took a deep breath and narrated everything that happened from his childhood up until the moment he held Wei Wuxian captive in this very room. 

Oh, I see. I never thought this Lan Zhan had gone through that level of trauma. If it were me, I also wouldn’t hesitate to do everything I can to bring back my parents. 

Xiao Xingchen was very disturbed. Wei Wuxian, who may not know much, was also certain that some things weren’t adding up. 

However, what does he mean there is another way to travel the multiverse? How many ways are there? Considering that I still don’t know how I was able to hop from one to another before the seal, could there be many ways to do it? Huaisang should know this too! Maybe we can theorize together!

“There are three things I would like to clarify, and inform you about.” He took a sip of his tea, gathering his thoughts before continuing.

“First, the sole purpose of the Seals of Passage was to allow us to travel to other universes using coordinates, and that has been the only way to do so. This power can only be accessed by the disciples or their descendants, and this remains true as you were not able to use it directly to travel the multiverse. From what I can infer, it was then used as a key to a mechanism that protected a cave which held information about another way to travel the multiverse. These arrays, do they truly work?”

Lan Wangji nodded. “Yes, they do. Like we’ve mentioned, Brother and I were able to check other universes in search of the man with supernatural abilities.”

He pulled a thick binder from the detective’s table and allowed Wei Wuxian to browse it. The latter then described that it was a journal containing information of all the universe they have checked, complete with the coordinates, the description of the people, their abilities, etc.  

“It truly baffles me how another method could be created and why we were not able to detect these unauthorized travels. You see, if there are people actively travelling and causing anomalies, the timelines of the universe they travel to are irreversibly changed, and this could really threaten the safety of the multiverse.”

Xiao Xingchen looked distressed but he calmed himself and he sighed. “This was not to say that you were solely at fault. I understand why you were doing it and how much risk you were taking, so please tell me honestly, are there other people who are aware of this?”

Lan Xichen shook his head. “As far as we know, we are the only ones actively researching this. We have scoured all parts of this planet in search of the heirloom you refer to as the seal, and we were only able to find it in a country in the West.” 

Xiao Xingchen slightly inclined his head towards Wei Wuxian, and he knows the taller is also thinking about it. 

If my parents were killed in this region, how did they find my mother’s seal on the other side of the world? Who brought and hid it there?

“Second, this cave where you learned the arrays, where is it located?” 

“A few kilometers to the east of our current location. Although we do not doubt you, I would still prefer to be cautious.” 

Xiao Xingchen looked deep in thought, as if already connecting the bits and pieces of information and forming a thread of theories.

“That’s alright, that’s all I need to know. Lastly, can you once again describe with as much detail as you can the man who took your mother that night?”

“He was a tall and middle-aged man with a good posture and a goatee. He looks exactly like our Uncle. He wore traditional robes with swirling patterns and a gentle gradient of blue and white at the hem. He possessed superhuman abilities such as flying, creating barriers, commanding his sword without holding it, and teleportation? I am not so sure about this but I am certain he appeared from a cloud of white smoke.” 

Wei Wuxian suddenly had that nagging feeling within him. I’m forgetting something. What is it. What is it?

A cloud of white smoke? The same thing happens when we use the seal, right? Does that mean the man who kidnapped the Lans’ mother can use the seal directly? But how? It’s impossible for him to be a descendant because he’s already middle-aged. 

Xiao Xingchen was silent for a few moments before nodding.

“You will not take the seal away from Wei Wuxian because it is rightfully his, as the son of the former disciple who owned it. Because of this, I will be helping you locate the universe of the strange man and find your mother. Would that be agreeable to you?”

There was a sense of relief written in Lan Xichen’s face and Lan Wangji lost the crease in his brows, with Wei Ying smiling at them.

“Wow, of course it is! Thank you so much, Gege! That will make things so much easier for them!”

“I cannot express how grateful we are for your offer to help. Please take care of us.” 

Lan Xichen bowed and Lan Wangji followed. 

“You’re welcome. I am also doing this to resolve issues and restore the peace in the universes involved. Hopefully, we can also discover as to why and how Wei Wuxian was thrust into a universe far from his own.” 

Phew! With all these issues of the Lan brothers, I almost thought Gege had forgotten about me! 

Wei Wuxian's face brightened and he nodded. He did feel reassured, however, there really was something tugging at the back of his mind that he can’t seem to remember. 

Tsk, damn this memory. Somehow, my brain clings onto the fact that bananas are slightly radioactive because of their potassium-40 content but I can't even recall a sliver of that information I think would really be helpful to the brothers???

“Since there’s another way besides using the seal, I think it’s best we try entering the same universe at the same time to see if we can coexist in one space despite using different travel methods.” 

Xiao Xingchen provided the coordinates of a random universe to the trio. Wei Ying couldn’t hide the grin and the sparkle in his eyes.

“Oh, my gosh, Lan Zhan! I can’t believe I get to come with you! Oh, my gosh! What will it be like? Would that universe be filled with people like that Gege who can summon his sword out of thin air?! Oh, maybe it’s a very modern one where they have advanced weaponry! I hope I can try fiddling with it a little?! Which is it? Lan Zhan, do you know?! Do you know?!” 

Wei Wuxian snorted quietly. It’s not like we have a choice. Everyone knows you’ll stop at nothing just to be brought. Besides, it would be way safer to bring you than have you try something on your own.

Wei Ying was practically bouncing with excitement and joy as he clung to Lan Wangji like a leech. The latter, who seemed to enjoy the contact and attention, and basically just anything Wei Ying throws at him, looked at the smaller softly and said, 

“I do not know, Wei Ying. He said it would be a random universe, but do not worry. I will not let anything harm you.” 

Wei Wuxian wanted to vomit in jealousy. He cleared his throat and as politely as he could manage, urged Xiao Xingchen to hurry. 

“We would have to be at a different starting point since Wei Wuxian cannot go to a universe he has not seen yet. Give us exactly three minutes after leaving before activating your array. We will see you soon.”

The three gave the pair a brief nod before a cloud of white smoke enveloped them, a faint glow flickering within. As the light faded, Lan Xichen quietly started a three-minute timer. 

“Wangji, let us draw the array.”

💗

Chapter Text

Click. Clack. Click-clack. 

The steady chorus of clicking keys filled the room as the people in it struggled to finish their tasks. A tall and well-built man made his way to the pantry to make himself a cup of coffee and let himself take a break from his grueling and demanding work. 

The strong aroma of black coffee wafted through the air, he was about to take a sip when a head peaked from the door. 

“Heya, boss! I’ve finished the storyboard for that volume you assigned today!” 

A tall man clad in a white button down shirt and black slacks wade his way towards him. 

The bulky man raised a doubtful eyebrow. 

“Already? You finished this today? Did you have the go signal from the author for this?”

“Yes, boss! It’s already signed, and even triple-checked! I just need your approval so the prod can start working on it.”

The man in grey squinted his eyes in doubt and browsed the storyboard, he could sense the impatience in the other and it just made him want to take longer to check it. Seeing the lack of urgency, Wei Wuxian snickered.

“Aiyah, Boss! You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? You don’t usually check that long and now you’re suddenly very interested in the layout of the panels?” 

The man in grey laughed heartily. “Alright, alright, I’ll sign it. Why are you in such a hurry, anyway?” He grabbed his pen languidly and started signing, the paper almost ripping because of how heavy his hand was. 

“Oh, it’s our anniversary! And my husband is waiting at home so I really have to hurry!”

“Ah, I see. A very special day indeed. Here you go.”

Before Nie Mingjue could even fully outstretch his arm to hand it to the fidgety man, he had already grabbed it and sprinted his way out.

“Thanks, Mingjue-ge!”

“Enjoy your anniversary!”

He slammed the door open dramatically and was even heaving when he reached the prod room. 

“This is one volume worth of storyboarding. Already been checked by the author and signed by the Chief. I expect to be contacted in three days. No one bothers me for the next two, you understand?”

Only the juniors were present so he did not hesitate to abuse his seniority.

“B-But, we don’t have any seniors right now so they can’t check if there’s something to be revised!”

He heaved a sigh. “I’m so sorry, kids. I really have an important personal matter to attend to so you’ll just have to make do with that. Goodluck!”

He grinned evilly at their pale faces and exited the building. He took a quick stop at the local market to grab some wine and sprinted his way home.

“Lan Zhan, I’m home!”

He yelled as he opened their front door and was immediately welcomed by the enticing aroma of something being sautéed. He set down his things and made his way to the kitchen. The dining table was already set with lit candles and decorated in a red, romantic theme. On it were an array of their favorite dishes: some spiced with fiery red chili, and others steeped in creamy, rich broth and greens that stirred a deep sense of nostalgia.

“Oh, my! Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian held his chest, so moved by the effort and thought his husband had put into this. 

“Welcome home, Wei Ying.” And there he was, the love of his life, making his way to him. Lan Wangji was setting a pot of freshly cooked Kung Pao chicken, lively with green and red peppers on the dining table, the final dish to complete their menu. 

He was wearing a blue, knitted sweater paired with white sweatpants and his fluffy bunny slippers. Wei Wuxian melts at the sight of his husband being all cozy and comfortable, his golden eyes were soft and smiling as his pink lips tugged at the sides. Wei Wuxian embraced the taller and buried his face to his neck, inhaling the comforting scent of sandalwood. 

“Thank you for preparing all of this, love. I’m sorry I only got home at this hour, I had to finish a whole volume to keep the downstream occupied for a few days.”

He felt Lan Wangji return his embrace, large chest and strong arms holding him in place. “It is alright. If it meant having you all to myself for a few days, then I do not mind waiting.”

“Lan Zhan, stop it!” He couldn’t keep himself from squirming, the butterflies in his stomach making him feel giddy. 

Lan Wangji smiled. “Let us eat, the food will go cold soon.”

Wei Wuxian tiptoed and pecked him on the lips before letting go. They sat and said their graces before digging in. 

Wei Wuxian sang praises for the food his husband had cooked and for setting up such a romantic date night for their anniversary. Together they savored the jar of Emperor’s Smile that Wei Wuxian had bought on his way home. After dinner, they settled on the couch to cuddle and watch their favorite movie. When the credits rolled, Lan Wangji stood up and went to their bedroom. When he returned, he was carrying two prettily wrapped presents.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes glittered in excitement. “It’s time! Let me get mine too!” 

He went to their guest room and was also holding two boxes, one tall and one flatter. He excitedly sat down on the floor opposite of Lan Wangji. 

“You go first, Lan Zhan!”

Lan Wangji reached for the present wrapped in a heart-themed gift wrapper. He opened it carefully, not wanting to tear the pretty wrapper and what welcomed him was a light blue and fluffy turtleneck sweater. The man took off his sweater and wore Wei Wuxian’s gift. It lay perfectly on his sculpted body and made him look even cuter. 

Lan Wangji smiled at him, “Thank you, Baobei. I love it.”

Wei Wuxian beamed, his heart giddy once again from the happiness upon seeing his husband smile.

“You’re welcome! Now open the next one! I’m more excited about that!”

Lan Wangji reached for the larger box. He carefully opened it and as soon as he got a glimpse of the packaging, he looked at Wei Wuxian in shock.

“No, Wei Ying, you did not…”

“Yes, I did, love! Happy Anniversary!”

Lan Wangji, with more urgency this time, unwrapped his present and could not help the tears from forming in his eyes as he carefully held the box of the Yiling Laozu figure in his shaky hands. 

“H-He’s beautiful.”

Wei Wuxian’s grin got impossibly wider as he observed his husband take out the figure and study every inch of it with sparkly eyes.

“You remembered?”

“Of course, love! I know how much you love the Yiling Laozu from GDC!”

“B-But this must have cost you a lot, you should have bought something more—”

A flicker of regret suddenly crossed Lan Wangji’s face, and Wei Wuxian’s heart gave a painful throb. He reached up, cupping his husband’s face in his hands. In a soft voice, he said,

“No, love. Don’t worry about it. I bought it because I want you to be happy and you deserve to be happy. I bought it because I love you, Lan Zhan.”

Wei Wuxian wiped the tear that escaped Lan Wangji’s eyes.

“I love you too, Wei Ying. Thank you…for coming into my life and choosing to stay with me. Happy Anniversary.”

Wei Wuxian was once again flooded with emotion. He got on his knees to embrace Lan Wangji’s face who hugged his waist and pulled him closer. 

“Oh, Lan Zhan! How can you say those words to me and expect me not to give you everything I have?!”

He could hear Lan Wangji chuckle a bit. 

“I hope my gifts will not disappoint.”

“Please, we both know I’ll appreciate it no matter what. Can I open them now?”

He felt Lan Wangji nod and he released him from his embrace. He took one of the two presents which were both wrapped in a cute bunny-themed wrapper. He carefully opened the first gift and stared at Lan Wangji in disbelief.

“Absolutely not. Lan Zhan?! Why would you give me a new drawing pad?!”

Wei Wuxian was in disbelief, he almost bawled his eyes out upon seeing the shiny box of the drawing pad that’s been on his cart for almost four months now.

“I have seen you remove and add it back to your cart a few times these past few months. I figured you were hesitant because of the price. But just like you, I also believe Wei Ying deserves it.”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes watered and he could not resist pulling Lan Wangji into a hug again.

“Thank you so much, Lan Zhan. I really don’t know what I did in my past life or in this one for the heavens to decide to send you to me. I will forever be grateful for a partner like you, love.” 

He kissed Lan Wangji on his forehead. He stared into Lan Wangji’s expressive golden eyes and he knew that he was looking at him all the same. A pair of eyes full of gratitude and understanding, of adoration and love. 

Wei Wuxian grinned widely and excitedly took out his new drawing pad. He took a ton of photos and even recorded his trial test. Lan Wangji could be seen by his side observing him lovingly. 

“Lan Zhan, the first thing I’m gonna draw is a very cute chibi of you wearing that sweater! So, just stay still, okay?”

“Mn.” 

Wei Wuxian’s hands moved quickly. Within a few minutes, he had already finished sketching Lan Wangji’s chibi and only needed to add the background. He was about to continue when something caught his eye.

“Lan Zhan, I haven’t opened your second gift yet! Why didn’t you remind me?” 

Lan Wangji froze and blushed visibly. “You were so happy drawing, I did not have the heart to interrupt you.” 

“Oh, you should’ve told me! I wonder what this one is!”

He placed the drawing pad on the coffee table and began unwrapping the second gift. They were still sitting together on the carpet between the couch and the table. Confusion flickered across Wei Wuxian’s face as, upon lifting the lid, a bright red ribbon came into view.

“A ribbon?”

“The second present…”

He looked at Lan Wangji and waited, the man looked shy at first before taking the ribbon from the box and clipping it on his head. 

“...is me.” 

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened, he covered his mouth in shock, eyes shimmering in adoration for his husband.

“Lan Zhan, stop! That’s so cute!”

Lan Wanji blushed even more, and was surprised when Wei Wuxian jumped him and peppered kisses all over his face.

“My husband is so cute! So, so cute! Has anyone told you that?! Nevermind, I should be the only one to see you like this! Aww, Lan Zhan, what am I gonna do? My heart is going to explode! Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan!!” 

Lan Wangji was blushing profusely and he could only tighten his grip on Wei Wuxian’s waist in embarrassment. Wei Wuxian’s cheeks hurt from grinning but he really can’t help the smile that’s escaping his lips whenever their eyes meet and Lan Wangji would look away. 

Ahh, so cute! I want to shrink him and just keep him in my pocket everyday and carry him around like a little keychain!

Wei Wuxian eyed the box, noting it seemed far too large to be holding only a ribbon. He reached for it to check if there’s something else inside, but a strong hand suddenly grasped his arm.

“There’s nothing in there,” Lan Wangji said.

Suspicion flickered in Wei Wuxian’s eyes. He squinted at him and, with his free hand, took a hold of the box. As soon as he did, Lan Wangji sat up, swiftly sliding the lid back over the box and gripping the opposite side, trying to make him let go.

“Lan Zhan, you do realize that the more you’re acting like this, the more I want to see what’s inside?”

Lan Wangji just heaved a sigh. “Let go, Wei Ying. It is not that important.”

“No, Lan Zhan, I wanna see!” 

Wei Wuxian tightened his grip on the box, and as he expected, Lan Wangji matched him. Then, without warning, Wei Wuxian suddenly released it. The force sent the box flying past Lan Wangji, landing a few feet behind him. The lid popped off on impact, and its contents scattered across the carpet.

“Lan Zhan, you…” 

Splayed across the carpet lay items Wei Wuxian had never, in his wildest dreams, thought Lan Wangji would give as a gift.

Black, lacey thigh highs in the same color as the ribbon. 

A red and black sexy corset. 

A lacey, red thong that leaves nothing to the imagination.

Suddenly, the air in the room shifted. 

“Lan Zhan, you naughty, naughty bunny.”

His silver eyes narrowed, emitting a dangerous glint as he stared at the helpless prey beneath him. Lan Wangji covered his face using his hands in embarrassment.

“I didn’t know my husband had been wanting to dress like a whore.” 

Since Wei Wuxian was straddling Lan Wangji and the latter was only wearing sweatpants, he felt the undeniable twitch of Lan Wangji’s cock. 

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath and painfully removed himself from straddling Lan Wangji. As much as he wants to ravish this beautiful man right now, he doesn’t want to rush it.

He stood up and looked down at Lan Wangji. In a low voice, he ordered. 

“Put that on, I’ll be waiting in the bedroom.”

He walked towards the bedroom and closed the door. When he heard it click, Wei Wuxian shouted in silence and did all sorts of acrobatics to get rid of the excessive energy he had.

Lan Zhan in thigh highs! In a corset! In a fucking thong! Goodness, he really wants me to be crazy over him, huh?! Fuck. He offered himself as a present and I already thought he was so cute. Why did the meaning go over my head when he said he was the present?! If not for me noticing how large that box was, I would’ve never got the chance to see him dressed in all of that!

He paced back and forth, he was going crazy imagining all of the things he would do to his naughty husband. Finally, he decided to settle on the bed and get rid of his work clothes. When the door opened, Wei Wuxian was immediately mesmerized. He felt his mouth water at the sight. 

Lan Wangji was beautiful, he was gorgeous, breath-taking, ethereal, captivating, ravishing, irresistible, bewitching, and every word synonymous to that. He is the definition of all of them. 

He looks like someone straight out of Wei Wuxian’s wet dreams, which is always about Lan Wangji, but a hundred times better.

His straight and luscious inky hair was framing the miles and miles and miles of pale, unblemished skin so prettily, the contrast making his skin glow. The corset sat perfectly on his well-sculpted torso, leaving his toned waist exposed. Wei Wuxian’s eyes traveled lower and bit his lower lip at sight of the lacey thongs restraining Lan Wangji’s hard and leaking cock. The black thigh highs gripping the smooth skin almost made him lose restraint because heaven knows how much he wants to rip it with his teeth, part those thighs wider and bite the supple flesh underneath. 

Wei Wuxian is not sure if he was going to survive the night. 

Lan Wangji started walking towards the bed slowly, eyes half-lidded seductively.

“Lan Zhan, you’re killing me here.” 

Wei Wuxian’s hands gripped the sheets in restraint. He’s so hard right now, it’s painful. His intense gaze was pinned on the taller man, raking his eyes up and down and taking in every inch of exposed skin.

Lan Wangji reached the bed and started crawling towards him on all fours. His eyes glanced at his husband’s proud and aching member. His eyes widened for a second before he said in a seductive voice, “Wei Ying should go easy on me. He looks angry.”

Wei Wuxian smirked. “Aww, is my little bunny scared? I bet the only thing on your mind when you bought this was how hard I’ll fuck you when I see you in it, huh? Like a thoughtless bitch in heat.”

Lan Wangji’s dick twitched in interest. When he finally reached him, his eyes glazed over and his mouth gaped when he straddled Wei Wuxian’s hard cock. The latter groaned at the contact. His voice was hoarse, he was so drunk at the sight of Lan Wangji looking so delectable he had to remind himself to not pounce at the man and just take him. 

He’s doing his best in trying to keep it in because he wants to savor it, to appreciate and drown at the sight in front of him. Something so rare and precious, so he lets Lan Wangji do it at his pace. 

The taller leaned down and captured his lips. Wei Wuxian held his nape and Lan Wangji held his face. At first it was slow; a sweet, romantic kiss savoring the feeling of being skin-to-skin. It was delicious. Addicting. Then, Lan Wangji opened his lips and started prodding his mouth with his tongue, and Wei Wuxian increased his pace in response. 

“Mhhm…Wei Ying…”

Lan Wangji rested his palms on Wei Wuxian’s chest for support and Wei Wuxian readjusted his laying position to make him more comfortable. The movement caused friction and the pressure of Lan Wangji’s ass against his aching dick was enough to make him groan and smack the supple flesh of Lan Wangji’s ass.

Lan Wangji whimpered at the contact, his eyes turning hazy and mouth agape as he looked at Wei Wuxian from above. 

“Fuck, Baobei.” 

Wei Wuxian lets his hand travel from the ass he has been groping to the laced thigh highs, squeezing with enthusiasm. 

“Since when have you been so shameless? Do you think dressing like a slut is enough for me to fuck you?” 

Lan Wangji started grinding his ass against Wei Wuxian’s erection and they both groaned.

“Ahh..please…will be so good…for…Wei Ying…ahh…”

“Fuck, so good for your husband, huh?”

“Mmhhmm….mhmm…yes, only for Wei Ying…”

Wei Wuxian’s other hand started taking apart the tight corset to access the taut planes of his torso and the sensitive twin peaks underneath them.

“Push my cock so deep into you, you’ll feel it here?” Wei Wuxian pushed on Lan Wangji’s abdomen and this seemed to turn Lan Wangji on even more. The latter whimpered, and humped the man beneath him even faster, his head thrown back in pleasure.

“Yes…ngh…please…” 

“What the…” 

The couple were surprised when a voice suddenly spoke up from the side a distance away from their bed. They both looked at the same time and were flabbergasted when they saw a group of people standing dumbly and openly gawking at them. 

Wei Wuxian immediately shoved Lan Wangji’s whole body inside the covers and also covered himself from the waist down. Lan Wangji hugged his torso and kept himself hidden. He’s so confused because among the five were two people who looked exactly like him and one of them also looks like Lan Wangji and another one looks like Lan Wangji’s brother. Only the man on the farthest left was a stranger to him.

“What the fuck?! How long have you been watching and how the fuck did you get in here?!” 

Oh, no. It seems that this time, since there’s a lot of people, we weren’t hidden. This poor couple, Wei Wuxian, the seal-bearer thought. 

“L-Lan Zhan, did you see that?!” the Wei Ying beside the standing Lan Wangji asked, but the latter’s face was unreadable. 

Xiao Xingchen cleared his throat. “Is everyone present?”

Lan Xichen was the first to recover and gather his thoughts, “Yes, Wangji and Wei Wuxian are here.”

“What? I don’t understand, w-why do you look like us?” The Wei Wuxian on the bed was more than confused, but no one paid him attention.

“That’s great. Since we have confirmed that it is indeed possible, let us go back to your original universe. You go on ahead, I will take care of the witnesses.” 

Lan Xichen quickly drew an array and said his apologies to the Wei Wuxian on the bed. When the array glowed, it also formed a mist that swallowed the three.

“Can someone explain what’s happening?! Who are you people?!” the Wei Wuxian on the bed could not take it anymore. 

“Apologies for suddenly appearing out of nowhere. We do not mean to harm you and we were only passing by.”

Xiao Xingchen snapped his finger twice and held the standing Wei Wuxian’s hand. They were also covered in mist before they disappeared. 

The Wei Wuxian on the bed was about to check on Lan Wangji when a blinding light appeared, making him close his eyes and cover them with his right arm. When he opened them again, he was standing near the cornermost cubicle, storyboard on hand. 

Why does my body feel so tense, like I’m ready to fight someone? And what’s this overwhelming sense of confusion?

He shook his head and looked at the item in his hands. He was going to submit the storyboard right now to make it to their anniversary dinner. 

Right, the storyboard. 

—

“W-What was that? Did you see that, Lan Zhan?! I’m sure you saw that. Wow, that was—uhm—that was so—” Wei Ying was losing his mind, he was overactive again, pacing back and forth, excitement filling his eyes as he saw him being unresponsive. 

“Gege, I think we broke him.” Wei Wuxian whispered to Xiao Xingchen as he watched the two.

Wei Ying giggled and grinned mischievously at Lan Wangji,

“Er-gege, please? Please, pretty please! We’ll try that, right?! Come on, don’t be such a killjoy! You’d look so hot! Please, Lan Zhan!” He even used his silvery cute eyes to appeal to Lan Wangji but it looks like the man had left his consciousness in that previous universe. 

I feel you, Lan Zhan. Hang in there, it gets worse. 

“Let him be, give him time to recover.” Xiao Xingchen whispered back to him. Though he was not able to see it, he had heard what the couple had been doing before they arrived. So, he understood why Lan Wangji would react that way.

He turned to Lan Xichen who was sighing and shaking his head while looking at the two. 

“Now that we have confirmed we can co-exist in a universe despite using different methods, let us work on the coordinates.”

Lan Xichen nodded and guided Xiao Xingchen and Wei Wuxian towards the long table where the papers and everything they had been researching were laid down. They left the two alone to let them have their talk. 

“Since we have limited information, we were only accessing the universes that were confirmed to exist, meaning the coordinates that have been gathered from the cave. We dare not to invent coordinates and risk not coming back. So far, these are the ones that we have gone to.”

Lan Xichen brought out the binder again and Wei Wuxian manually listed down each universe. They came up with three hundred seventy-nine different coordinates. 

“Wow, you’ve been to these universes and you never found what you were looking for? I salute your dedication in still trying.”

Lan Xichen smiled faintly. “Well, we can only do our best and continue hoping that Mother is also looking for us, or at least remembers us and wants to come home. Which is why I am truly grateful you have decided to help us.” 

Xiao Xingchen nodded. “I also commend your persistence. This is something that can easily drain you of your physical and mental health so I admire your mental fortitude. Since there are countless universes in the multiverse, it would take you more than forever to check each and every one of them. Fortunately, I can elaborate on how these coordinates work and we can narrow down the possibilities using the man’s description and the universes you have visited.”

Wei Wuxian opened another page to take note of key details. 

I wonder how different the truth is from that book Huaisang showed me.

“The River of Existence is the origin of all universes, the source from which all living things draw their energy. From that river flow immense streams known as tributaries. Each tributary branches again into countless smaller streams, and each stream is a universe. Because there are millions of tributaries, the multiverse holds an uncountable number of worlds.

To keep track of them, universes are numbered. The closer two universes are in number, the more alike they tend to be; sharing similar laws, histories, and even inhabitants, while their differences grow as their numbers drift farther apart. For example, the 834th Universe of the Wiscora Tributary is nearly identical to the 835th, with only a fraction of divergence, barely a tenth of a degree. Such a small difference might manifest in subtle ways: a minor shift in social customs, a variation in the hue of local flora, or even a slight change in the behavior of microorganisms. 

Each tributary also develops its own character: the Wiscora Tributary, for instance, contains universes where magic is absent and progress relies instead on technology, whereas another tributary might be teeming with sorcery and mythic creatures. All of these are separate, countless streams that exist simultaneously.” 

Wow, that’s so cool! So, does that mean the first universe I travelled to was really far away?

“We can already eliminate all the universes under the Wiscora tributary since it is not consistent with the description of the man. We can then pick out which ones have supernatural abilities in them.”

Wei Wuxian listed their tasks. 

“We can then compare the tributaries with the coordinates of the world you have visited. Since every one of them also does not match the description, we can narrow it down even further..”

And so they did, Wei Wuxian and Lan Xichen listed and crossed-referenced the coordinates with the verification of Xiao Xingchen. It was not long before Lan Wangji and Wei Ying approached them and asked if they could help with anything. 

It appears that Wei Ying won because there is that stupid grin on his face and he seemed determined to get this done as soon as possible. Lan Wangji, on the other hand, looks confused and discombobulated. 

After catching them up on the discussion, the two started helping in the cross-referencing. When they were down to only around a thousand tributaries to cross-reference, Lan Xichen tasked Wei Ying and Lan Wangji to visit the possible universes to be efficient. 

Wei Wuxian knows they have come so far, and that they still have a long way to go. 

💗