Chapter Text
Jiang Cheng never thought he would ever meet a player as bad as the one he was staring at on his computer screen. The headphones that blared the game’s background music into his ears were just mindless sounds to him now, having grown accustomed to it. Magic of Arcadia Online (MAO for short) was one of the highest grossing games, quickly gaining popularity due to its smooth, interactive gameplay as well as having a variety of job classes that are all customizable to fit every player’s style of gameplay.
Jiang Cheng wouldn’t go as far as to say he was a great player, but he was definitely better than the one who just jumped randomly, trying to get to the treasure box on the higher platform. If he recalled, this part of the game was just past the tutorial. There should still be some hand holding in-game at the beginning but how was this player messing that up even here – Jiang Cheng didn’t want to know.
“The hell is he doing?” Jiang Cheng mumbled to himself, seeing the player named ‘Zewu-Jun’ drop from the platform, having to start again.
It kind of irritated him seeing him fail such a simple task. After what seemed like ages with Zewu-Jun finally managing to reach the treasure box, only to have himself killed because it was a mime (treasure box which is actually disguised as an enemy). Shortly after, Zewu-Jun returned to the same beginner map where Jiang Cheng was farming for materials to synthesize his new gear. And seeing Zewu-Jun attempt the same thing and almost dying yet again, before barely managing to escape, somehow made a vein pop.
[Sandu115: what are you doing?]
[Zewu-Jun: Hello.]
[Sandu115: this is a beginner map you should be able to pass this stage at your level]
[Zewu-Jun: I’m sorry, I’m not very familiar with the controls. I’m quite new at this.]
[Sandu115: no shit]
Jiang Cheng stared as Zewu-Jun seemed to remain unmoved from his spot, while Sandu115 sat in a grand looking lotus-throne he got from a limited time quest that healed a significant amount of HP. Not that his assassin needed it right now. The assassin had her head propped in her hand as she leaned against the armrest. He was only farming at such a weak map for materials so he could make new equipment for a new character he was planning to create later on, a dark knight. Sandu115 was among the top players that managed to make it to the Hall of Fame and Jiang Cheng was starting to get bored without the challenge.
[Zewu-Jun: I’m sorry. Something came up.]
Not that Jiang Cheng was waiting for him or even bothered. Zewu-Jun’s overly polite way of speaking (or typing) to him made Jiang Cheng want to roll his eyes. He assumed that Zewu-Jun is probably another hypocritical, pretentious player out there.
[Sandu: and? are you gonna leave?]
[Zewu-Jun: Most likely very soon.]
[Sandu115: then leave seeing you play makes me pissed you noob]
[Zewu-Jun: What is a noob?]
Jiang Cheng almost spat out the tea he was drinking. What kind of person, apart from dinosaurs, wouldn’t know what noob is?
[Sandu115: …nothing]
For some reason, Jiang Cheng felt guilty for calling him a noob. Jiang Cheng remembered when he was new to MAO and needed Wei Wuxian to carry him in party quests. Since Wei Wuxian stopped playing, Jiang Cheng had dominated the ranks and toppled even his own cousin in the game. Jiang Cheng heaved a sigh, knowing that it probably won’t sit right with him if he doesn’t make it up to Zewu-Jun for unknowingly insulting him.
[Sandu115: how long more]
[Zewu-Jun: How long? I’m sorry but I don’t quite understand.]
[Sandu115: how long before you need to leave]
[Zewu-Jun: Oh. 30 minutes.]
[Sandu115: follow me]
Sandu115 moved off her seat and jumped the platforms with ease. She waited for Zewu-Jun to climb and jump after him, the paladin always missing it barely by an inch. Jiang Cheng had to bite down the insult watching the clumsy movements of a supposedly nimble character, at least more nimble than how the player controlling him should be. But Jiang Cheng doesn’t comment, Zewu-Jun was probably very new and he should be patient with noob new players. He’s carried his fair share of PQs and incompetent players. This should be no different.
[Sandu115: jump when you reach the flower]
Zewu-Jun did as he was instructed, landing safely on the next platform with ease.
[Zewu-Jun: Thank you for the advice!]
Jiang Cheng ignored him, trudging onwards one platform to another, his nimble fingers easing Sandu115 towards the mime easily. It was just basic knowledge, Zewu-Jun doesn’t need to act so excited. Sandu115 stop short one platform before the mime, Zewu-Jun standing near him.
[Sandu115: buff yourself]
[Zewu-Jun: Buff?]
[Sandu115: …use Paladin’s Will and Knight’s Honour. It should be in your skill set]
[Zewu-Jun: You’re right!]
Jiang Cheng sees the animation of Zewu-Jun activating said skills, having played the paladin class as his starter, the series of movements of the sprites on the screen move in a familiar way.
[Sandu115: attack whenever you’re a tank you can take hits use potions when necessary.]
[Sandu115: make sure to use First Strike often]
[Zewu-Jun: Understood.]
Jiang Cheng watched as Zewu-Jun did as he was told, using the skills he was informed, hacking and slashing as the mime appeared once more. This time, it went down much easier, with Jiang Cheng giving aid to him from the sides. The drops after the defeat were promising for a new player like Zewu-Jun.
[Zewu-Jun: Thank you very much! I never would have done it without your help!]
[Sandu115: its nothing]
[Zewu-Jun: You’re an amazing player!]
[Sandu115: its normal]
[Zewu-Jun: You’re a very nice person. Going as far as to help a passer-by like me. Thank you very much good miss.]
Once more, Jiang Cheng almost choked on his tea. ‘Good miss’ indeed. He’d half-forgotten most of his characters were female. It started out as a joke – from his cousin, Wei Wuxian, when he first created a character for Jiang Cheng – and it just got stuck on him. Jiang Cheng sent a silent, pitiful look at Zewu-Jun for even thinking and believing that the player behind the female Sandu115 was really a girl. He wasn’t surprised since Zewu-Jun’s player doesn’t seem to know even the common phrases used in online gaming.
Still, the praises and compliments made him a bit happy. He doesn’t receive them much and suddenly being bombarded with them, it brought a small smile to his usual scowling face.
[Sandu115: if you want I can help you again]
[Zewu-Jun: Really? Would it be a bother?]
[Sandu115: i’m free anyway]
[Zewu-Jun: Then I would take you up on that offer.]
[Sandu115: whats your chat id?]
[Zewu-Jun: Huan1008]
Jiang Cheng opened his chat and added Zewu-Jun as his friend, the pitiful list consisting of only 3 names, wwxisdead, ShijieLotus and idontknow3. Three of who he knew in real life, two of which are related to him. The list updated almost immediately, showing 4 names in his friends list instead of 3 – Huan1008 appearing as the first name of the alphabetical list of friends. Jiang Cheng felt the corner of his lips tug upwards and he quickly shook his head, schooling his expression.
It’s just another name, nothing to be overly excited for.
[Sandu115: what time are you usually online?]
[Zewu-Jun: I play when I have time. Usually after work.]
‘So, he’s working,’ Jiang Cheng thought to himself.
[Sandu115: i’m usually online most evening ping me when you get online]
[Zewu-Jun: I will. Thank you very much again. I really appreciate your help. :) ]
Jiang Cheng saw Zewu-Jun’s sprite disappear from the screen, his name highlighted in grey. The icon next to his chat ID had turned grey as well. It was still early, almost 8:30 pm. Jiang Cheng decided to continue farming as he tried to recall the equipment he had as a paladin. He continued playing the game, hunched over for about three hours before exiting the program and bringing up his tutorial for the next day.
Before he slept, he almost couldn’t help the excitement in himself that he might finally have someone apart from Wei Wuxian to play games with. He can’t count on Nie Huaisang since he wasn’t one for games, despite being pretty good at it.
He tried to ignore the doubt at the back of his head that reminded him that it was plausible that Zewu-Jun would not be online again the next day, or any other day without him making an appointment. But for now, he was just looking forward to playing games together.
******** ********
For the two weeks that followed, Jiang Cheng was almost addicted to MAO; to be precise he was addicted to playing the game with Zewu-Jun. The following day after he first helped Zewu-Jun, the player kept to his promise and messaged him on his chat when he was going to start up MAO.
Those two weeks were spent together with Jiang Cheng helping Zewu-Jun to complete quests and train his character. Within the two weeks, Jiang Cheng learned a few things about Zewu-Jun.
He knew that Zewu-Jun was a part of the workforce, a few years older than him - though Jiang Cheng never revealed his own age. His father and uncle worked together and he has been working for them for two years already. He himself has returned to China after having spent 4 years in Brisbane for his studies. He sleeps by nine and wakes at five; only finding out when Zewu-Jun logged in at five-thirty in the morning and he saw Jiang Cheng online in the chat at the same time.
[Huan1008: Oh. You’re awake.]
[yunmeng115: i have tutorial due in 3 hours just finished it]
[Huan1008: What a commendable student! Well done, purposefully waking up early to revise studies is very praiseworthy.]
[yunmeng115: … i never slept]
- Huan1008 is typing –
Jiang Cheng watched that message pop up and down his screen for a while before the message actually came in.
[Huan1008: How far is your university from the dorm?]
[yunmeng115: 10 minutes walk]
[Huan1008: Then go sleep, even if it’s a short while. When you return, have some light food before sleeping. We can play tomorrow after you rested.]
Jiang Cheng wanted to type his protest but the way he ended the conversation there made it hard for him to ignore his advice and that was what Jiang Cheng did. After his class ended, he went home, took a shower, had some light food and slept like he was in a coma. He only woke up the next evening, close to dinner time and have never felt as rested as he did before.
Jiang Cheng enjoyed making small talk and getting to know the player behind Zewu-Jun better. It was his first friend he made that wasn’t his family or from his middle school days. Though teaching Zewu-Jun how to master his class was proving to be taxing, Jiang Cheng enjoyed every moment. They were even on good enough terms that they occasionally send pictures of interesting things they found; like the new cake shop near Jiang Cheng’s university or Zewu-Jun’s breakfast of hot tea and toast.
******** ********
- Zewu-Jun has reached level 35! -
[Sandu115: congrats you’re finally level 35]
[Zewu-Jun: It was all thanks to you. I would not have made it this far without you.]
- Sandu115 has requested to trade. –
[Zewu-Jun: Trade again? It’s fine. You don’t have to.]
[Sandu115: just accept]
Jiang Cheng started dragging level 35 paladin equipment from his inventory. It was a good thing his own paladin was created as a male character, or the only thing he would have been able to give Zewu-Jun is weapons. His own paladin was almost fully maxed, only giving up due to a glitch when a hacker stole all his items from his inventory. Luckily, most of his old equipment, forged and synthesized to the best stats achievable was safely kept in his warehouse. So he was assured that Zewu-Jun would at least be set until level 90 – if he even plays that long.
Not to mention, Zewu-Jun skills aren’t so clumsy anymore. While his reflexes are still slow compared to Jiang Cheng’s, he was definitely not the same amateur that couldn’t even jump from one platform to another.
[Zewu-Jun: You’ve given me so much already. It doesn’t feel like I’ve worked for it.]
[Sandu115: having an insider is also another way to climb the ranks]
[Zewu-Jun: Thank you. :) ]
Jiang Cheng glanced at the time at the corner of his screen, noting how close it was to Zewu-Jun's sleeping time.
Jiang Cheng closed his inventory, after moving the rest of the equipment into the trade window.
[Sandu115: its almost 9. Are you going to sleep soon?]
[Zewu-Jun: Yes and I am sorry to inform you that I’ll be away for business for the following week. Hence, I wouldn’t be able to join you online during that time.]
Jiang Cheng tried not to feel dismayed that Zewu-Jun wouldn’t be able to play with him. He is, after all, a working adult that has his own priorities and responsibilities.
[Sandu115: oh ok just ping me when you’re back]
[Zewu-Jun: I’ll still message you via chat when I have the time. It’s quite entertaining talking to someone like you.]
Jiang Cheng felt shy reading the words of praises coming from someone he has never met before. Yet, he felt that those words of his are sincere.
[Sandu115: don’t force yourself if you can’t I have tests and assignments anyway probably won’t have much time to play either]
[Zewu-Jun: Is that so? Then, good luck to you. :) ]
[Sandu115: thanks night]
[Zewu-Jun: Good night.]
Jiang Cheng saw the name turn grey as the sprite disappeared on screen. He stretched himself, loosening all the stiffness from his muscles in a muffled yawn and hands held above his head. He exited from his Sandu115 and logged in to his level 20 Zidian115, the dark knight he had recently started. He started on another quest, one that was part of his class’s job requirement. He only managed to get in about 30 minutes of gameplay when his chat notification popped up.
[Huan1008: Don’t sleep too late. Have a proper breakfast. Take care of yourself.]
Jiang Cheng felt his chest swell a little with an emotion he couldn’t describe. The player behind Zewu-Jun was too nice and caring; he started sending him self-care reminders when he had always joked about how terrible his self-care was, from missing breakfast to not sleeping for more than 24 hours.
[yunmeng115: ok i will]
[Huan1008: Goodnight. :) ]
And Jiang Cheng did sleep early – well, earlier than his usual 4 am sleep routine – at 12 am.
******** ********
The next day, he had class at 11 am, which made it easier on him so he didn’t feel the need to rush for class as he did most days (usually because he sleeps past his alarms due to his terrible sleep routine and hence why he’s usually mostly sleep deprived). He even had the time to sleep in a little, have some crackers and hot coffee as his breakfast and even logged an hour into Zidian115 and bringing the dark knight to level 25.
It was the only class before the weekend and a short one at that. He spent some time after that, help tutor (nag) Nie Huaisang on the next piece of assignment for a subject that Jiang Cheng had taken one semester ahead. It took over an hour to get him to understand the content before Jiang Cheng could leave him alone to his own device. His cousin, Wei Wuxian, was in another university studying a different course and Nie Huaisang had extra classes after him, as he was close to failing the current one.
After class, he headed to the restaurant near his dormitory, located near his favorite dessert cafe. The restaurant gets really busy during lunch hour but at the current time of close to three, the restaurant was rather quiet. A waitress had seated him and taken his order. She shortly came back with a glass of water for him.
As Jiang Cheng sipped on the glass of water, his eyes naturally strayed as he was placing his phone face down after sending a message to Zewu-Jun announcing his plans to stay indoors all weekend to prepare for his tests and assignments. Then, a person – a man – caught his eye.
Sitting two tables away from him was an extraordinarily handsome man, perhaps a few years older than him. He had high cheekbones, a well-defined jaw, and kind-looking eyes. His lips were slightly turned upwards in a gentle smile, as though he had no troubles in the world. To Jiang Cheng, that man’s attractive appearance, topped with a clean grey suit free of wrinkles, was almost the definition of a perfect man to Jiang Cheng.
The man had his head tilted down, with his eyes trained onto the phone in his hands, his smile growing just a bit wider.
Jiang Cheng had never seen a man as good-looking as the one who was sitting barely three feet away. He wanted to send a picture to Zewu-Jun just to show him the only interesting thing that he would probably only see the whole week that they would not be able to play together.
Quietly slipping the phone into his hands, he tapped the camera icon and aimed his phone’s camera from the height of his waist. The man was perfect in the viewfinder of his phone camera; he tapped the shutter on-screen. As it focused, the flash on his phone blinked brightly.
“Shit!” Jiang Cheng hissed under his breath, as he whipped his phone away from sight, stuffing it in between his thighs as the picture was taken.
Jiang Cheng looked up, hoping that his actions were not discovered but his hopes were crushed. The man had turned his gaze towards him, his smile was still unfaltering though his expression was a bit puzzled. He immediately snapped his head away from the man, keeping his chin down while wishing that the ground would just open up and swallow him whole. He could feel his face heat up from embarrassment.
How could he forget to switch off his flash?! What the hell actually possessed him to take the picture?!
He heard the recognizable sound of chair legs dragging against the ground and gathered the courage to look up again. The man walked passed him with the check in hand. He smiled politely at Jiang Cheng, a small bow of his head as acknowledgment.
Jiang Cheng could only press his lips together tightly, averting his eyes from the man. From the corner of his sight, he saw the man paying for his meal at the counter, passing notes to the cashier.
Jiang Cheng heaved a sigh of relief when the man finally left, before he proceeded to berate himself for being careless and mindless. He pushed the embarrassing incident out of his head, determined to never let it surface again. He checked the picture that was taken; and as expected it was only blurred white and grey shadows, barely showing the lower half of the man in the frame. Not something he could send to Zewu-Jun.
One thing Jiang Cheng knew was that this would probably be the only time that he would ever see the man, saving himself from further humiliation.
Or so he thought.
The next day, Jiang Cheng returned to the same restaurant after finding no food in his dorm room. He took a break from studying to run down in his simplest t-shirt, shorts, and slippers, just to get some food. The restaurant was crowded with students having their dinner either together or alone, like Jiang Cheng. He was waiting to be seated, tapping on his phone.
“Hi and welcome. How many pax?” The same waitress as yesterday asked, her smile as professional as it could get.
“One.”
The waitress scanned the restaurant and turned back to him with an apologetic smile making Jiang Cheng ready to leave if she said there was no space.
“There is a seat sir, if you don’t mind sharing the table,” she said.
“I don’t.” Jiang Cheng nodded. He just needed some food and he was sure his scowl and don’t-talk-to-me aura would deter strangers from making conversation with him.
The waitress brought him to the table he was to share and Jiang Cheng wanted to turn heels when he saw who he would have to share tables with.
It was the same man he had tried to take a picture of.
“Your table sir,” the waitress said, leaving the menu on the table and order chit on the table.
Jiang Cheng fidgeted a little, unsure of whether he wanted to actually sit down. But the man widened his smile into a polite one, gesturing Jiang Cheng towards the chair that was opposite of his.
“Please have a seat,” the man said, his timbre, melodic voice sounding out with courtesy layering it.
Jiang Cheng cautiously sat down, trying not to fidget under the smiling man. He nervously scribbled his order and waved for the waitress to take his order, a small ‘thank you’ grunted from him before he turned his gaze onto the phone. The entire time, the man had not stopped smiling.
‘Doesn’t his cheeks hurt?’ Jiang Cheng thought in his head, avoiding all eye contact.
“Hello.” The man greeted politely.
Jiang Cheng internally cursed. He did not want to be talked to, especially after the previous day. Jiang Cheng mumbled something that resembled a greeting, his eyes still not daring to look up at the man.
“I believe we met yesterday,” the man stated, his tone amicable to have Jiang Cheng lower his guard.
Jiang Cheng wished the other party wouldn’t talk to him. But something about the way he spoke made Jiang Cheng unable to not answer him. He forced himself to make eye contact at least, his grey-almond eyes locking with the man’s honey eyes.
“Er…yeah…Sorry about yesterday.” Jiang Cheng stuttered.
The man laughed, the corner of his eyes crinkling in mirth. “It’s not a problem. I was just surprised.”
The silence hung heavy and awkward between them for a few short moments before the man spoke up again.
“You don’t have to be so tense. I’m not angry at all.” Jiang Cheng found that very believable, with how tenderly he smiled. “I’m Lan Xichen. How about you?”
“Jiang Wanyin…” He mumbled, taking the outstretched hand that gripped his firmly and shook it.
“That’s a wonderful name. Are you a student at Jiujiang University?”
Jiang Cheng nodded. He wasn’t exactly fond of giving away personal information but Lan Xichen seemed harmless.
“What course are you taking?”
“Engineering.”
“That is very admirable, Wanyin.” Jiang Cheng internally flinched at how he called him so naturally.
“It’s nothing…”
Jiang Cheng just wanted his food to quickly come so he could have an excuse to not talk and he can’t exactly snap at a person that was smiling so nicely at him. As socially inept Jiang Cheng was, he still has manners and basic decency.
“I’m sorry,” Lan Xichen suddenly apologized, his expression apologetic and guilty. “I haven’t eaten with company lately so I got too excited that I must have overwhelmed you. I’m sorry.”
The downturned eyes that reflected his expression made Jiang Cheng feel guilty instead. “Uh… please don’t apologize. I’m just bad… at talking.”
“Oh. Would you prefer that I don’t speak to you?” His voice was almost gloomy when he asked Jiang Cheng that.
“No! It’s not that!” Jiang Cheng quickly said when he saw that Lan Xichen’s expression was becoming more rueful. He heaved a sigh, seeing Lan Xichen look at him. “If you don’t mind talking to me.”
Lan Xichen beamed like a child who had been rewarded and proceeded to ask about Jiang Cheng and the details of his hobbies, to which he replied in short answers. The conversation didn’t last long when Lan Xichen’s food had arrived first. Lan Xichen ate in silence, his table manners were perfect and graceful. Seeing how he ate, Jiang Cheng tried to eat a little less rowdy than he usually would when his own food arrived. The pasta swirled around the fork in bites that weren’t too big for his mouth. Lan Xichen finished his food first, smiling courteously as he watched Jiang Cheng eat, who tried to eat as fast as he could so he wasn’t the only one eating anymore.
He gulped the last of his pasta as Lan Xichen glanced at his wristwatch. He took out a name card and a pen, scribbling on it before sliding it across the table towards Jiang Cheng.
“This is my name card and that’s my number. If you’re free, would you be willing to join me again for a meal tomorrow?” Lan Xichen asked.
Jiang Cheng stared at the name card with his details written on it; name, position and the number written next to it in elegant penmanship. It was a far cry from his own quick chicken scrawl when he took notes.
“I will be in town for a few more days and I enjoyed your company.” Jiang Cheng looked at Lan Xichen, trying to see if he was joking. He didn’t look like he was joking, instead, the man looked at him rather hopefully.
“If you would have me.” Was the only answer from Jiang Cheng.
Lan Xichen smile grew brighter with the answer. “Thank you, Wanyin.”
He stood up, taking both the check from the table. Jiang Cheng opened his mouth to protest but Lan Xichen silenced the protest with a wave of his hand.
“Let me. As thanks for keeping me company for dinner today,” Lan Xichen said. “And please let me know when you reach home safely.”
Lan Xichen left to the counter before Jiang Cheng could protest any further. As he watched Lan Xichen’s side profile as he paid, Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but think that the older man was much more handsome up close; with his well-defined jaw and gentle honey eyes. Lan Xichen glanced at Jiang Cheng from the corner of his eyes only to see him whip his head in another direction – not at him. The action made him chuckle. They parted after Lan Xichen again reminded him to text him once Jiang Cheng reached home.
Jiang Cheng went back to his dorm shortly after that, flopping down on the bed. He stared at the name card, lifting it up above his head as he laid down. He took out his phone, keying in the number into his contacts list and sending him a message.
‘Hello, Mr. Lan. This is Jiang Wanyin. Thank you for the meal today.’
Jiang Cheng put down his phone as he moved to his laptop, switching it on and launching the chat program. His phone vibrated with a new message.
‘Hello, Wanyin. Please just call me Xichen. It was my pleasure. I look forward to tomorrow. Good night.’
Jiang Cheng replied a quick goodnight before turning his attention to the chat program opened on his computer.
[yunmeng115: someone treated me to dinner today]
There wasn’t any reply for a while so Jiang Cheng clicked MAO’s icon, logging into Zidian115. Sometime later, the chat pinged its notification.
[Huan1008: That’s good.]
[yunmeng115: you seem busy]
[Huan1008: Work took me outstation. So I’ll be quite preoccupied for these few days. I’m sorry if I’m unable to immediately reply to your message.]
[yunmeng115: no problem do what you have to do]
[Huan1008: Mn. Thank you. I’ll be sleeping soon. Don’t stay up too late.]
[yunmeng115: I’ll try goodnight]
[Huan1008: Goodnight. :) ]
******** ********
The next few days, Lan Xichen invited Jiang Cheng to eat dinner with him, each time at the same restaurant. And each time they did, Lan Xichen would be the one paying, insisting that students should let adults treat them to food.
The next day following the first dinner together was a little less awkward. Jiang Cheng didn’t know why he agreed to dinner again when Lan Xichen texted him to confirm the time and place of their meeting. Maybe he felt guilty for giving such a bad first impression. So, he arrived at the same restaurant in the evening, approaching Lan Xichen who was already seated at the same table. The following meetings after that took a little less coaxing since Jiang Cheng figured it was pretty lonely having meals alone. Jiang Cheng couldn’t recall the last time he properly sat down and ate with someone. Not even Nie Huaisang ate with him often, as his older brother often insisted that they eat together as a family.
It took a while but Jiang Cheng wasn’t so guarded against him anymore. He could even speak a bit more outspokenly, seeing that the older man didn’t mind his rather sharp tongue. He stated before while the choice of words was rather harsh, his straightforward opinions were very interesting to listen to. He’s learned that Lan Xichen worked for his father, though it was mostly his uncle that was his direct superior. He was sent to this city to meet with some clients and to negotiate business. He was from Lunshan, just a few cities skipped over from where his current one is. It’s his first time in Jiujiang and he found it very nice, a change from the usual scenery.
Not only that, Lan Xichen occasionally texted Jiang Cheng, sending morning greetings. In the evening, after their dinner, Lan Xichen had Jiang Cheng to text him to let him know that he’s reached his dorm safely, before sending thank you and goodnight messages.
Zewu-Jun messaged him sometimes, usually when it’s almost sleeping time. Jiang Cheng didn’t want to bother him so much seeing how busy he is. But, chatting with Lan Xichen made Jiang Cheng feel a little less lonely (not that he’d ever say it out loud) what with Zewu-Jun being busy with work.
Jiang Cheng continued to slave away at his computer, dividing his time between games and studies. Today was no different. Lan Xichen invited him to a different place this time. Jiang Cheng didn’t know why he was still following Lan Xichen’s whims but he didn’t dislike it either.
The man was nice and pleasant to talk to, his mannerisms were extremely polite and he was very considerate of Jiang Cheng. He had always been the one to start the conversation, first asking how was Jiang Cheng’s day before telling him his when the younger man returns the same pleasantries. They talked about their respective days; Jiang Cheng lamenting about the inhumane lecturers and the ridiculous amount of university work while Lan Xichen chatted about missing his university days and praising how well the younger man is handling his schoolwork, being thoroughly impressed. Jiang Cheng was rarely praised – usually insulted or gossiped about behind his back. This made Jiang Cheng very flustered, not knowing how to react or handle them; usually responding to it with denial or half-hearted retorts.
The café he met Lan Xichen at was the new one that had opened in the adjacent neighborhood. He had been meaning to go, wanting to try the new dessert – Bingsu, shaven ice served with ice cream, cake, and fruits. It sounded like it would be full of sugar and that’s exactly what Jiang Cheng would like.
He’s noticed that Lan Xichen did not take sugary foods often, with fruits being the sweetest things he’s seen him eat in front of him at least. Jiang Cheng was glad that Lan Xichen invited him here; it was embarrassing for him to come alone to have said sweet dessert. Usually he would come with Nie Huaisang, but his childhood friend was busy.
He entered the café, not seeing the man who invited him. A waitress seated him and took his order. He’s hoping that Lan Xichen would arrive before his food so he wouldn’t look pathetic eating sweets alone. Unfortunately, it did arrive before Lan Xichen came. He ignored the glances in his direction as he took a picture of the bingsu. He was about to send it to Zewu-Jun when Lan Xichen appeared in front of him, coat hanging on his arm and a white jade coin hanging from his coat.
“I’m sorry I was late. The meeting ran further than it should’ve,” Lan Xichen apologized as Jiang Cheng pocketed his phone. “I hope you didn’t wait long.”
Jiang Cheng shook his head. “No I didn’t. Dessert just arrived. You should order too.”
Lan Xichen nodded and ordered a hot chamomile tea and biscotti.
“How was your day today, Wanyin?” Lan Xichen asked.
“Same. Nothing interesting, dying under assignments.”
“I’m sure you’ll be able to pull through. I gather that you’re a very hardworking student from my talks with you.”
Jiang Cheng narrowed his pupils at him. “How can you trust words from a stranger you’ve just met a few days ago?”
Lan Xichen laughed at how skeptical Jiang Cheng looked at him. “I suppose I’ll just have to take my chances then.”
“You’re too unguarded,” Jiang Cheng retorted, pointing the long spoon at Lan Xichen. “For all you know, I could try to drug you then rob you.”
Lan Xichen laughed at the scenario, playing it in his head; the youth – a good few inches shorter than him – attempting to rob him with his pursed full lips and large almond eyes. Rather than feel intimidated, he would feel more amused. “It would certainly be a very interesting scenario.”
Jiang Cheng glared at him. “I’m being serious! You’re lucky I’m not –”
Jiang Cheng was cut short by Lan Xichen’s phone vibrating in his pocket. The older man excused himself as he answered the call, standing up to leave the table. Jiang Cheng watched him step outside, seeing his lips pressed in a flat line as he spoke. It wasn’t his usual gentle smile, though traces of it could be seen; it was more of a business smile.
As Lan Xichen spoke, Jiang Cheng finished his bingsu, savoring the variety of sweetness that came in one bowl; from the vanilla cheesecake to the shaved ice drizzled with sweet milk, topped with vanilla ice cream and all sorts of colourful berries. By the time Lan Xichen returned, he had already finished the dessert. The older man came back looking rather disappointed, his eyes turned downwards in guilt.
“I’m sorry, Wanyin. Something urgent came up. I would have hoped that our last meeting would be more enjoyable than this,” he said taking his coat that hung behind his chair. He leaned over to take the check but Jiang Cheng snatched it before he could. Lan Xichen blinked in surprise at the youth’s quick action.
“I’m treating you this time.” Jiang Cheng announced resolutely, his eyes determined. The expression made Lan Xichen smile a bit wider.
Jiang Cheng got up from his chair, taking out his wallet as he headed straight for the counter. Lan Xichen waited for him outside as he paid.
“Thank you, Wanyin. Again I’m sorry that we have to part like this,” Lan Xichen apologized guiltily with a slight wrinkle between his brows looking like a kicked puppy. Jiang Cheng held back the urge to comfort him by patting his head as he would to an actual puppy.
“You can’t help it. It’s work,” Jiang Cheng answered. He understood, of course.
“I would like to make it up to you next time.” He answered with determination.
“It’s fine. You’ve treated me to way too many meals.” Jiang Cheng shook his head.
“Please, let me.”
“I said there’s no need.”
“…if you insist. Then can I ask for something else instead?”
“What?”
“If we could continue our relationship.”
The back and forth replies made Jiang Cheng sputter at the word, completely catching him off-guard at the last sentence. He wanted to slap himself – doing it mentally already – for thinking of other things.
“What relationship?!” Jiang Cheng tried not to wince at his voice, the pitch reaching two octaves higher.
Lan Xichen gave him a confused look. “Where we text each other, as we have been doing. It’s quite entertaining talking to someone like you.”
Jiang Cheng glanced to the side, as the older stared at him hopefully. It was hard to reject a man that looked as stunning as Lan Xichen did. Good looks really did play into the factors of Jiang Cheng’s weakness towards Lan Xichen.
Jiang Cheng nodded. “I don’t mind...But!” He held up his finger at him. “I’m not good at conversing if you haven’t found out already! So don’t get disappointed.”
Lan Xichen wanted to thank him but he was cut off by Jiang Cheng’s finger pointed at him before he could say anything. He chuckled at the blushing student in front of him, thinking how endearing his awkwardness was.
Lan Xichen agreed and said his goodbyes, humming a little and leaving in a very good mood despite having to leave early. Jiang Cheng returned to his dorm, a small smile on his face. He stared at the contact with the name Lan Xichen. He probably would rather die than to admit it, but he was happy. He finally made a new friend that was not from his childhood or related to him. And he was such a nice person too, praising him and giving him self-care tips after hearing about Jiang Cheng’s bad habits. Not to mention, it was his second new friend within a relatively short span on time. It was considered an achievement of sorts.
His phone vibrated as a message came in.
‘Hello, Wanyin. Again I’m sorry for having to leave so early. If I ever visit again, I’ll let you know. Sleep early and rest well. Goodnight.’
‘Hello, Xichen. I told you that it’s no problem. I look forward to it. Goodnight.’
That night there wasn’t a message from Zewu-Jun but Jiang Cheng didn’t mind.