The Jiang group departed Cloud Recesses the next morning, the quiet courtesy of the Lan Clan a stark contrast to Wei Wuxian's turbulent thoughts. The discussions had ended in ambiguity, with no definitive decision reached, but Wei Wuxian couldn't shake the image of Lan Wangji's unwavering gaze and calm words.
On the boat ride back to Lotus Pier, the tension was thick. Jiang Fengmian sat silently at the helm, gazing out over the rippling lake. Jiang Cheng, as usual, was the first to break the quiet.
"Well, that was a waste of time," he muttered, leaning against the railing.
Wei Wuxian snorted. "Speak for yourself. I think I handled everything perfectly."
"Perfectly?" Jiang Cheng scoffed. "You practically told the Lan elders to stick their marriage proposal up their—"
"Jiang Cheng!" Jiang Fengmian interrupted, his tone mildly reproachful.
Jiang Cheng sighed and crossed his arms. "Fine. But you can't deny that this whole thing is a disaster waiting to happen."
Wei Wuxian shrugged, tilting his head back to feel the breeze. "I haven't said yes, have I? Don't worry, I'm not planning to wear those suffocating Lan robes anytime soon."
"Good," Jiang Cheng muttered. "Lotus Pier needs you, not the Lans."
Jiang Fengmian finally spoke, his voice measured. "Wei Ying, regardless of what you decide, this matter must be approached with careful thought. A union between clans carries significant weight. The bonds we form now could shape the future."
Wei Wuxian sighed, his usual grin dimming slightly. "I know, Uncle Jiang. But… it's not that simple. I don't even know what I'm feeling about all this."
Jiang Fengmian nodded, his gaze understanding. "Then take the time to understand it. No decision should be made in haste."
The boat glided over the lake, carrying the three of them back toward Lotus Pier. The familiar sight of the Jiang Clan's graceful pavilions came into view, offering a brief sense of solace.
---
Days turned into weeks after their return. Life at Lotus Pier resumed its usual rhythm, with Wei Wuxian splitting his time between causing mischief and training alongside Jiang Cheng. Yet, in quieter moments, his thoughts drifted back to Gusu and a certain stoic figure who had managed to unsettle him in ways he couldn't quite explain.
"Why are you so distracted lately?" Jiang Cheng asked one afternoon, pausing in their sparring session.
Wei Wuxian grinned, twirling his wooden sword. "Me? Distracted? You must be imagining things, Jiang Cheng. I'm as sharp as ever."
Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes. "It's that proposal, isn't it? You're actually considering it."
"What? Of course not!" Wei Wuxian replied quickly, a little too quickly.
Jiang Cheng sighed, rubbing his forehead. "You're hopeless. Just figure it out before you drive the rest of us insane, alright?"
Wei Wuxian laughed, brushing off his words, but the question lingered in his mind.
---
One quiet evening, as the sun set over the lotus-filled lake, a disciple approached Jiang Fengmian, handing him a sealed letter. Jiang Fengmian opened it, scanning the contents before summoning Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian arrived, his usual carefree demeanor in place, though curiosity sparked in his eyes. "What's up, Uncle Jiang? Did Jiang Cheng get into trouble again?"
Jiang Fengmian offered a faint smile, setting the letter down. "No, this concerns you. It's a message from Gusu."
Wei Wuxian frowned, his carefree mask slipping slightly. "From Gusu? What do they want now?"
"It's from Lan Xichen," Jiang Fengmian clarified. "He writes that Lan Wangji has asked for permission to visit Lotus Pier. Alone."
Wei Wuxian blinked, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to process the information. "Visit? Alone? What for?"
Jiang Fengmian's expression softened. "It seems Lan Wangji wishes to give you the space to make your decision on your own terms. He has asked only to meet you without the presence of elders or formalities."
Wei Wuxian's heart gave an unfamiliar jolt. He had to remind himself to breathe. "He's coming *here*? To Lotus Pier?"
"Yes," Jiang Fengmian confirmed. "I will leave the decision to you, Wei Ying. If you do not wish to see him, I will inform him that his visit is not welcome."
Wei Wuxian hesitated, his usual confidence faltering. Images of Lan Wangji's calm, unwavering gaze came unbidden to his mind. What did Lan Wangji want to say that couldn't be said through a letter?
"…I'll see him," Wei Wuxian said finally, his voice quieter than usual. "If he's willing to come all the way here, I can at least hear him out."
Jiang Fengmian nodded approvingly. "Very well. I will make arrangements."
As Wei Wuxian left the room, his mind buzzed with questions and uncertainty. One thing was clear—Lan Wangji's visit was bound to change something. What that something would be, however, was still a mystery.