The moon hung high in the ink-dark sky, its pale glow casting silver streaks over the tranquil landscape. The gentle murmur of a nearby stream filled the silence, blending with the soft rustling of leaves. Lan Wangji sat on a smooth rock beside a crackling fire, his posture as impeccable as ever. His white robes gleamed under the night sky, untouched by the dust of travel.
Across from him, Wei Wuxian lay sprawled on the grass, arms behind his head, gazing at the stars with a lazy grin. His black robes were slightly disheveled, and his hair—though once tied neatly—was beginning to slip free, strands falling over his face.
"You're staring again, Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian teased, turning his head just enough to meet Lan Wangji's golden gaze. "Is there something on my face? Or could it be—you've finally fallen for my devastatingly handsome looks?"
Lan Wangji's fingers twitched around the teacup he was holding. He did not look away, nor did he acknowledge the jest. Instead, he calmly took a sip of his tea.
"You should rest," he said, his voice steady but firm.
Wei Wuxian huffed dramatically, rolling onto his side to face him. "Rest? But the night is still young! What if I miss something interesting? Maybe a ghost will float by, whispering secrets of the dead, or maybe—" He waggled his eyebrows. "—you'll finally smile at me."
Silence. The fire crackled. A lone cricket chirped.
Lan Wangji's expression did not change, but Wei Wuxian, ever perceptive, caught the faintest movement of his lips—just a twitch, barely there.
"Aha!" Wei Wuxian pointed a finger. "That was close! You almost smiled! Admit it, Lan Zhan, you find me amusing!"
Lan Wangji calmly placed his teacup down. "You are loud."
Wei Wuxian burst into laughter, rolling onto his back again. "Oh, Lan Zhan, that was practically an insult coming from you. I'm honored!"
The next morning, mist still clung to the trees as they resumed their journey. Wei Wuxian, never one for silence, chattered endlessly, recounting stories from their youth, making exaggerated hand gestures as he walked. Lan Wangji, in contrast, moved with quiet grace, his every step deliberate, his ears enduring Wei Wuxian's endless prattle.
"You know," Wei Wuxian said, grinning, "I once snuck into the Cloud Recesses library after curfew—"
"You have mentioned," Lan Wangji interrupted, his voice dry.
"Yes, yes, but did I ever tell you that I almost got caught because of a sneeze? I mean, honestly, what kind of legendary troublemaker gets caught because of a sneeze?"
Lan Wangji's lips pressed into a firm line. "You."
Wei Wuxian gasped, clutching his chest. "Lan Zhan! That was so direct! Are you secretly developing a sense of humor?"
Lan Wangji did not reply, but Wei Wuxian swore he saw the faintest flicker of amusement in those golden eyes.
As they walked, the landscape shifted. The trees thinned, giving way to open plains where the wind ran wild, carrying the scent of fresh earth and blooming wildflowers. In the distance, a small village appeared, nestled between rolling hills. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the distant sound of laughter echoed through the valley.
Wei Wuxian clapped his hands together. "Perfect! Let's stop here. I'm starving!"
Lan Wangji cast him a sidelong glance. "You are always hungry."
"True," Wei Wuxian admitted cheerfully. "But this time, it's serious! If I don't eat soon, I might waste away into nothing, and then what will you do? Travel alone? How boring!"
Lan Wangji exhaled quietly. "We will stop."
Wei Wuxian beamed. "Lan Zhan, you are truly the best companion a man could ask for!"
Lan Wangji did not answer, but as they approached the village, Wei Wuxian noticed that Lan Wangji's pace had subtly quickened—just enough that they would reach food faster.
### **A Most Unfortunate Encounter**
The village was lively, with merchants calling out their wares and children darting through the streets. Wei Wuxian's sharp eyes immediately spotted a street vendor selling steaming meat buns.
"Lan Zhan! Look at those buns! They're calling my name!"
Before Lan Wangji could object, Wei Wuxian had already dashed forward, practically throwing himself at the stall. The elderly vendor blinked at him before breaking into a warm chuckle.
"You must be hungry, young master," she said, handing him a bun.
Wei Wuxian bit into it with a blissful sigh. "Heavenly!"
Lan Wangji arrived beside him, watching with mild exasperation as Wei Wuxian devoured the food with a speed that should not have been possible.
"You eat like a starved ghost," Lan Wangji commented.
Wei Wuxian grinned, cheeks full. "Maybe I was one in my past life."
Just as he was about to take another bite, a loud, nasal voice cut through the air.
"Well, well, what do we have here? A couple of noble cultivators gracing our humble village?"
Wei Wuxian turned, still chewing. A group of rough-looking men stood nearby, their leader—a burly man with a thick beard—eyeing them with a smirk.
Lan Wangji's gaze turned sharp, but he did not move.
The man swaggered closer. "That's some fancy white silk you're wearing, young master. Bet it'd fetch a good price."
Wei Wuxian swallowed his food and wiped his mouth dramatically. "Oh? And what, pray tell, are you suggesting?"
The man grinned. "Just that noble types like you shouldn't wander around unguarded. Wouldn't want anything... unfortunate to happen."
Wei Wuxian sighed. "You know, I was in such a good mood after eating that delicious bun. But now you've gone and soured it."
He turned to Lan Wangji. "Lan Zhan, can I handle this?"
Lan Wangji gave him a look—a look that said *do not make a scene.*
Wei Wuxian winked. "I'll be subtle."
He took a step forward and clapped a hand on the man's shoulder. "Friend, have you ever considered a different profession? Maybe... farming?"
The man scowled. "What?"
Wei Wuxian grinned. "Because you seem to enjoy digging your own grave!"
Before the man could react, Wei Wuxian flicked his wrist. A talisman shot forward, wrapping around the man's wrist like a snake. He yelped as a mild shock went through him.
"Ahh! What is this?!"
Wei Wuxian patted his shoulder. "A friendly warning. Next time, choose your targets wisely."
The man and his lackeys scrambled away, cursing. The villagers, who had been watching nervously, let out relieved laughter.
Wei Wuxian turned back to Lan Wangji, grinning. "See? Subtle."
Lan Wangji exhaled, but there was something in his gaze—something almost... fond.
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