Chapter Text
"Eh? Yu Guniang, we meet again?"
Jiang Cheng can feel his right eye twitching, the voice is familiar. Of course it is, after all he had been trying to avoid the owner of this voice, praying to Guanyin for all the mercy she can show. But as always fate have never been on his side! He had barely been in this town for an hour, and yet somehow, Lan Xichen had already found him again. Perhaps Guanyin herself has decided to test his patience. Then she has chosen the worst possible method.
Swallowing down the irritation rising in his throat, he turns towards Lan Xichen who have a stupid smile plastered on his face, those dimples looking too punchable for some unknown reason. Still he forces a polite smile on his own face, "Zewu-jun, what a coincidence!" He says, even to his own ears, the false surprise sounds painful.
Lan Xichen steps forward, completely at ease, standing beside Jiang Cheng as if it's the most natural thing in the world. "Indeed, what a coincidence."
His gaze drifts over the displayed ornaments, "Such fine craftsmanship," he continues, his voice smooth and easy, as if he hasn't just turned Jiang Cheng's entire day into a tangled mess. "It must be quite the collection."
Then he turns slightly, his attention settling back on Jiang Cheng, "Is Yu Guniang looking to buy any?"
Jiang Cheng resists the urge to scoff. He sets the ring in his hand back onto the counter, "Just seeing."
Lan Xichen hums softly, nodding, as he picks up a hairpin, a golden coloured with a small butterfly shaped on its end. Clustered along the butterfly’s wings were tiny blossoms, pale and translucent, their petals kissed with faint shades of pink and lavender. From beneath them hung a short cascade of delicate chains, each ending in small beads that shimmered faintly, like dewdrops clinging to spring flowers. When moved, they would chime ever so softly, creating a faded illusion of music.
"Gongzi¹, you have sharp eye!" The shopkeeper’s voice bursts in eagerly, his own eyes sparkling as he takes a look at the new customer. The white-blue robed man is definitely a noble one. With a jade like face and elegance that can compete a swan, he have such a stroke of luck to get two rich customer at the same time! "This piece is one of the finest in my shop!"
Lan Xichen smiles mildly, "You think so?"
"Of course! Ah, Gongzi, are you buying for someone?" The shopkeeper leans forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "A gift speaks of a man's interest, after all."
"Mmm.." Lan Xichen hums hearing the shopkeepers words, as if considering this seriously. Then, without hesitation, he turns towards Jiang Cheng, "Yu Guniang," he says gently, lifting the hairpin slightly, "What do you think of this hairpin?"
Jiang Cheng shoots him a look from the corner of his eye, "Why does it matter what I think Zewu-jun?"
"I have heard" Lan Xichen replies smoothly, "A woman's eyes is sharper than an eagle's."
Jiang Cheng nearly rolls his eyes. What kind of nonsense saying is that? "It's good." He replies instead, giving an uninterested expression.
That should have ended it. Unfortunately, it never does.
The shopkeeper looks between them, then as if something clicks into place, his expression brightens further. Ah. He understands now.
"Gongzi," the shopkeeper says with a knowing grin, "This would look beautiful on your lady."
Jiang Cheng freezes. Beside him, Lan Xichen also goes still. But the shopkeeper is unstoppable now.
"Guniang, why don't you try it out? Here-" He eagerly pushes a bronze mirror forward, completely oblivious to the disaster he is creating.
Jiang Cheng swears his face must be burning hotter than sun. His lady? Whose again!? His thoughts tangle violently. For a moment, he can’t even form a proper sentence. Beside him Lan Xichen face is also too bright, he presses his sleeves on his mouth to prevent the smile forming on his face to be seen.
But Jiang Cheng catches it from corner of his eyes. How dare he!!! He glares at Lan Xichen, eyes sharp with warning. Why is he not saying anything!
After some moment, Lan Xichen coughs lightly, "Wh-what? Me- him- we aren't-"
The shopkeeper laughs, waving his hand dismissively. "It's alright, it's alright! No need to be shy! You two are so well-matched, such a beautiful couple!”
"We aren't-" Before Jiang Cheng could complete his sentence, Lan Xichen quickly interrupts, "You think so?"
Jiang Cheng turns sharply, eyes wide at Lan Xichen, who stands there, looking entirely composed. But there is something unmistakably amused in his eyes.
The shopkeeper nods, "Of course! I have seen many couples passing by. Some even becoming one in this shop! But none as striking as you two~"
That does it. Jiang Cheng feels something inside him snap. The more this old man speaks, the more Jiang Cheng can feels himself getting the urge to whip out someone. This disguise was a big mistake! More then that its saving this ridiculous leader of Lan. He must have stayed away from the forest. All of it is unbearable.
He huffs, "Whatever." And turns, Without waiting another second, Jiang Cheng turns on his heel and storms out, robes flaring behind him as he disappears into the crowd.
Inside the shop, silence lingers for a brief moment. Lan Xichen lets out a quiet breath, finally lowering his sleeve. His gaze drifts toward the doorway, following the path Jiang Cheng had taken.
Even among the crowd, he can still pick him out- the taller figure, the white robes, the faint sway of movement that is just slightly too controlled to be natural. Especially the way her hips sway, as if trying to lure demons. Lan Xichen cannot help but focus on those. Have he become a pervert overnight?
"Aiyah, Gongzi will you take the hairpin?" The shopkeeper's anxious voice pulls him back. The man looks worried now, clearly afraid he has said too much and driven away both customers.
Lan Xichen looks at the hairpin, it would look so pretty on Yuelian's head. Chiming faintly, as she moves. It would create such a beautiful music, forever echoing in his ears. Lan Xichen's fingers linger over the delicate piece, brushing against the tiny blossoms. For a moment, his smile softens, less amused now, more thoughtful. "Wrap it," he says gently.
The shopkeeper brightens instantly, relief washing over his face. "Ah, yes! Of course, Gongzi!" He quickly moves to pack the hairpin, hands moving faster now, afraid the customer might change his mind.
Lan Xichen doesn't look at him again. His gaze drifts instead to the direction where Yuelian have stormed out. White robes disappearing into the crowd, lavender sash flickering like a stubborn flame. A small, quiet chuckle escapes him. "Such a temper…" But there’s no annoyance in his tone. Only fondness.
"My Lady." He mutters under his breath. The flashes of Yuelian's red face is still fresh in his mind. His eyes softening. "How cute..." He thinks.
After striding off far enough, did Jiang Cheng finally stops. He is fuming, no rather he is a volcano right now waiting to ne erupted any second.
His steps are sharp, fast, cutting through the crowd like a blade. The more he walks, the more the shopkeeper’s words replay in his mind.
"Couple? Me and him?" Jiang Cheng mutters, "Even thinking of it makes me angry! I am not a cut-sleeve² either!"
His grip tightens around Sandu. "Ridiculous," he curses under his breath, ears still burning. "Blind old man…"
And Lan Xichen, that idiot didn’t even deny it! Clearly enjoying being paired with a beautiful woman! Hmph, all men are same in the end of the day anyway. One beauty, and all those sect rules goes into waste. Shouldn't the Sect Leader of Lan be the sign of upholding righteousness? Shouldn't a man from Lan clan must be gentleman? In the end all are stupid talks only.
Jiang Cheng stops abruptly, drawing in a slow breath. No. This is getting out of hand. He can't let his emotions get hold of him. He is here for a reason. He exhales sharply and forces himself to calm down. Anger won’t help him. If anything, it'll make him slip and he can’t afford that. Not now..Not when he’s finally getting somewhere.
"Let's just get more information and be out of this place." Jiang Cheng speaks to himself.
His mind shifts back to the shopkeeper's words. The old lady by lakeside could give some information.
"I should find the old lady first." Nodding, he takes a turn around the alley. Jiang Cheng glances toward the small bride of the town, a big lake filled with lotus. In daylight, the lake sparkle under the sunlight, the lotus's scent giving peaceful expression. Good. Finally, he have some real work to do.
He adjusts his sleeves, steadying himself, and begins walking in that direction, when he feels another footsteps behind him. Familiar.
"Yu Guniang."
Jiang Cheng freezes. That voice again. Closer this time. 'Why!?' He closes his eyes, calming his breath. Do not get angry, do not get angry! He turns slowly, expression already sharpening.
Lan Xichen stands a few steps behind him, as composed as ever, as if he hadn't just followed him out. In his hand is a small wrapped box. Jiang Cheng’s eye twitches
"Zewu-jun," he says flatly, "do you have nothing better to do?"
Lan Xichen smiles, completely unbothered. "I could ask you the same."
Jiang Cheng scoffs, offended by the words. "I'm very busy."
"So am I."
"Doing what?"
"Looking for my lady, who is too pretty to be left alone."
Jiang Cheng points his finger at him, "You- do not call me that?"
"Do not call what? My Lady or Pretty?" Lan Xichen steps closer, giving a teasing smile.
Jiang Cheng’s breath hitches, just for a second, but it’s enough to make his irritation spike all over again. He almost snaps.nAlmost. Instead, he straightens, eyes narrowing dangerously as he glares at the man in front of him. "You're insufferable," he bites out under his breath, finger still pointed at Lan Xichen like he’s deciding whether to stab him with it.
Lan Xichen, to his absolute audacity, only smiles wider. "Mm," he hums, as if agreeing. "Yet my lady continues to tolerate me."
"I wouldn't any longer." Jiang Cheng shoots back immediately. "And do not call me that!"
Lan Xichen smiles. A pause. The two stare at each other. Then he lifts the small box slightly. "I thought," he says lightly, "since my lady seemed to like it-"
"I didn't."
"-it would be a pity to leave it behind."
Jiang Cheng’s patience snaps just a little. "Then keep it to yourself."
Lan Xichen tilts his head, "How can I? Such beautiful craftsmanship, it belongs to a beautiful lady only."
Jiang Cheng steps back, "Then give it to a beautiful lady!"
"But who can be more beautiful in your presence, my lady, if not you?"
Jiang Cheng’s breath stalls. For a split second, just one moment, he has absolutely no response. Then it comes rushing back all at once. His face heats up, fast and unforgiving, irritation crashing over that brief, traitorous pause. "You-" he starts, then stops, clearly at a loss between anger and something far more embarrassing.
Lan Xichen watches him quietly. Not laughing now. Not even teasing, at least, not openly. Just watching, as if he want to memories Jiang Cheng. That somehow makes it worse.
Jiang Cheng clicks his tongue sharply and turns his face away, as if the mere sight of him is offensive. "Flattery works on people with no conscience," he mutters. "It won't work on me."
"Flattery?" Lan Xichen repeats softly. There’s a faint shift in his tone. "I am merely stating the truth."
Jiang Cheng scoffs, but it comes out weaker than intended. "Then perhaps Zewu-jun should get his eyes checked."
Lan Xichen smiles again, gentler this time. "I would, maybe then I would have the proper conscience to praise your beauty that makes even an hungry man sigh in relief."
That, that is too much. Jiang Cheng spins back around, glaring. "Are you doing this on purpose?!"
Lan Xichen blinks, as if mildly surprised. "Doing what, my lady?"
"This!" Jiang Cheng gestures vaguely, clearly frustrated. "Saying things like that!"
Lan Xichen considers him for a moment. Then, very calmly, "Yes."
Jiang Cheng chokes. "You-" he sputters, completely thrown off. "You are admiting it so easily?!"
"Should I not?"
"Yes!"
"My Lady, a man may deny his reason of death but how can he deny his reason of breathing?"
"You- you are ridiculous!"
Lan Xichen hums thoughtfully. "I see." A pause. Then, stepping just a little closer, "Does My Lady not like obviousness?"
Jiang Cheng immediately steps back again. "Don’t come closer."
Lan Xichen stops. Obediently, which brings a scoff inside Jiang Cheng's heart. But the amusement is back in Lan Xichen's eyes. Silence stretches between them for a moment, thick and strange. Then Lan Xichen lifts the small box once more and gently presses it into Jiang Cheng’s hands. This time, he doesn’t react immediately.
"I said I don’t want it."
"You also said it looked good.'
"I said 'it's good,' not that I want it!"
"Mm," Lan Xichen nods, as if that is a very important distinction. "Then consider it my personal gift to you."
Jiang Cheng looks down at the box. Then back at him. "You're forcing this on me."
"I am?"
"Shameless!"
"Of course."
Jiang Cheng opens his mouth, closes it again. Because arguing with him feels like punching a cotton. Useless, it would return back to his previous shape anyway. And somehow, he's losing. And he hates losing.
With a frustrated exhale, Jiang Cheng finally snatches the box properly, as if accepting defeat in this one ridiculous battle, begrudgingly. "Fine," he snaps. "I'll take it. Now stop following me."
Lan Xichen’s expression softens almost imperceptibly. "As you wish."
Jiang Cheng turns immediately, walking ahead without another word. He takes one step, two steps, three- Jiang Cheng spins back, looking at the man who is right behind him. Lan Xichen tilts his head, a small innocent smile adorning him.
"You- didn't I told you not to follow me!?" Jiang Cheng asks, his voice slightly louder then intended which catches some passerby's attention.
Lan Xichen blinks his eyes, "You did?"
"Then?"
A brief pause. Then Lan Xichen’s calm voice comes from behind, "I am not following you."
Jiang Cheng eyes twitches, "Zewu-jun...."
"Mmm?"
"Stop following me."
"I am not."
"Then what do you call this?"
"Walking." Lan Xichen replies, taking further steps front.
Jiang Cheng’s breath catches for the briefest second. "What?"
Lan Xichen meets his gaze, calm and steady. "So," he continues, as if it’s the simplest thing in the world, "it seems we are simply walking the same path."
A beat passes. Then Jiang Cheng lets out a dry, disbelieving laugh. "Zewu-jun," he says, eyes narrowing, "you really are shameless."
Lan Xichen’s lips curve faintly. "And yet," he replies softly, "My Lady hasn’t told me to leave."
Jiang Cheng glares at the other man, "You have been following me.”
"Following?" Lan Xichen tilts his head slightly, expression all innocence. "I am simply walking in the same direction."
Jiang Cheng lets out a sharp, humorless laugh. "Into the same shop. Onto the same street. Now the same road?"
A beat..Lan Xichen considers this. "Hmm... It does seem we are quite fated."
That does it..Jiang Cheng takes a step forward, closing the distance between them, eyes blazing. "Stop saying that."
Lan Xichen pauses, tilting his head as if thinking. Then with a small smile, he looks at Jiang Cheng, making the other frustrated. "My Lady, I believe we are destined. Then how come our destination is same too?"
"Because certain someone is keen on stalking the other one." Jiang Cheng replies.
Lan Xichen gasps, "My Lady, how can you call me a stalker?"
Jiang Cheng raises his eyebrows, "I didn't took anyone's name. If someone gets offended by a word, maybe they are same."
Lan Xichen pauses for a second, then gives a small smile, "I knew it. My Lady is not only beautiful but also have a sharp mind."
For a moment, they stand too close. Close enough that Jiang Cheng can clearly see the faint curve of Lan Xichen’s lips, the way his gaze lingers. Not teasing or mocking, but with an intent.
It makes something uncomfortable curl in Jiang Cheng’s chest. "Whatever." He clicks his tongue and steps back abruptly. "And stop calling me that."
"That?" Lan Xichen echoes mildly.
"My lady. Beauty. Whatever nonsense comes out of your mouth next."
Lan Xichen looks genuinely thoughtful for a moment. Then, "I see."
Jiang Cheng narrows his eyes. "You see what?"
"I should be more careful with my words," Lan Xichen says gently.
Jiang Cheng snorts. "Finally."
A pause. Then Lan Xichen adds, just as calmly, "It seems My Lady prefers actions instead."
Silence. Jiang Cheng stares at him. Did two years in seclusion have made the great Lan Xichen a stupid boulder?
"You-" Jiang Cheng thinks for a second what to say, finally sighing, "Do whatever you want. I don't care."
Lan Xichen's smiles brightens, like a child who have got his favourite candy. "Of course, My lady! I will not dissapoint you."
Jiang Cheng is already regretting his words.
The moment those words leave his mouth, he knows he has just handed Lan Xichen exactly what he wanted. And judging by the way that man’s expression brightens, yes. Yes, he absolutely has.
Jiang Cheng’s eye twitches again. "Don’t twist my words."
"I wouldn’t dare," Lan Xichen replies smoothly, though the warmth in his voice says otherwise.
Jiang Cheng exhales sharply through his nose and turns away, starting forward again with long, purposeful strides. If he walks fast enough, maybe he can shake him off..Two steps..Three.. Footsteps follow. Of course they do.
"Idiot.." Jiang Cheng mutters under his breath as his gaze lands on the small hut beside the lakeside.