Without thinking, Wei Ying's hand reached out, curiosity getting the better of him. The moment his fingers brushed against the ribbon, Lan Zhan's eyes widened.
Lan Zhan's reaction was immediate and intense. He quickly stepped back, his usually composed features contorted with anger.
His glare was so fierce that Wei Ying felt a shiver run down his spine.
"I am so... sorry, Lan Zhan," Wei Ying stammered, his voice trembling. "I... I didn't mean to... to..."
The words failed him as Lan Zhan continued to glare, his eyes filled with a mixture of shock and fury.
Wei Ying could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.
He didn't know the forehead ribbon was significant, but he realized just how sacred it was to Lan Zhan.
Lan Zhan stood abruptly, his movements sharp and angry. Without a word, he turned on his heel and began to leave the library, his footsteps echoing in the silent room.
"Did I do something wrong?" Wei Ying whispered to himself, his voice barely audible. "Should I not have touched that head ribbon?"
The library door closed with a soft thud, leaving Wei Ying alone with his thoughts. He stared at the tea cup in front of him, the fluid blurring as tears filled his eyes.
He hadn't meant to offend Lan Zhan, hadn't meant to cross a line. He had only been curious, intrigued by the man who was both his punisher and his silent companion.
Wei Ying spent the rest of the night restless, unable to concentrate on his thoughts. The image of Lan Zhan's angry eyes haunted him, making it impossible to focus.
Eventually, exhaustion claimed him, and he fell into a fitful sleep.
The next morning, Wei Ying awoke with a start.
The events of the previous night came rushing back, and he felt a pang of guilt and fear.
He had to make things right, had to apologize properly to Lan Zhan. With determined resolve, he made his way to the training grounds, where he knew Lan Zhan would be.
But before he reached, he saw his siblings.
"Hey, Wei Wuxian!" Jiang Cheng yelled his name.
Wei Ying rushed to where they were. He hugged his Shi Jie and nudged Jiang Cheng. "Cheng Cheng, I miss you too."
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes but didn't say anything.
Jiang Yan Li smiled at them. "Xian," she began to talk, "are you done copying the rules?" Wei Ying wrapped his hands on Jiang Cheng's shoulder.
"Shi Jie, I'm almost done with it. Ah, Cheng Cheng," he tapped his nose.
"Do you know the meaning of Lan's forehead ribbon?"
"Did you do something stupid again?" Jiang Cheng asked instead of answering him.
Wei Ying scratched his head. "I happened to touch Hanguang Jun's...mistakenly, and I think he's furious about it."
Jiang Cheng shoved him hard. "You idiot, you can't just do anything reasonable. That forehead ribbon is sacred to them. Only close blood relations and significant ones can touch it." Jiang Cheng scowled at him.
"Xian, go and apologize to him," Jiang Yan Li said.
Wei Ying quickly went to look for the Second Jade.
As Wei Ying approached, he saw Lan Zhan practicing his sword forms, each movement precise and fluid.
He hesitated for a moment, gathering his courage before stepping forward.
"Lan Zhan," he called out softly.
Lan Zhan paused, his sword stilling mid-air. He turned to face Wei Ying, his expression unreadable.
"I'm truly sorry about last night," Wei Ying said, his voice earnest. "I didn't know the significance of your ribbon. I didn't mean any disrespect."
Lan Zhan's gaze softened ever so slightly, though his posture remained rigid.
"The forehead ribbon is a symbol of purity and restraint," he explained quietly. "To touch it without permission is to violate that sanctity."
Wei Ying's eyes widened in understanding and regret. "I'm sorry," he repeated. "I promise I won't do it again."
Lan Zhan nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing a fraction. "Be more mindful in the future."
Wei Ying felt a surge of relief. "Thank you, Lan Zhan. I will."
With a final nod, Lan Zhan turned back to his practice, leaving Wei Ying standing there.
As he watched Lan Zhan's graceful movements, Wei Ying felt a renewed determination.
He would prove himself worthy of Lan Zhan's trust and respect. He would learn and grow, not just in his studies but in his understanding of those around him.
As the days grew longer and the air warmer, the Cloud Recesses prepared for one of its most cherished traditions: the Festival of Lights. This celebration, held once a year, was a time of joy and reflection, where lanterns were lit to honor the ancestors and to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Wei Ying had heard whispers about the festival but had never experienced it himself.
The anticipation built as he watched the Lan clan members bustling about, hanging lanterns and preparing decorations.
The usually serene Cloud Recesses was transformed into a vibrant, colorful place.
Lan Zhan, as usual, was busy with his duties, ensuring everything was in order.
Wei Ying couldn't help but admire the way Lan Zhan moved with purpose and grace, his presence commanding respect and admiration.
At seventeen, Wei Ying was on the cusp of adulthood, and the mysteries of his own nature were beginning to unfold. He was an Omega, and though he couldn't yet fully sense the pheromones of potential mates, his heart had already chosen Lan Zhan.
Lan Zhan, at nineteen, was already an Alpha, and the moment he met Wei Ying, his Alpha instincts had recognized his destined Omega.
The scent of Wei Ying's pheromones, subtle but unmistakable, had sent a rush of possessive protectiveness through him. Yet, Lan Zhan knew Wei Ying was too young to fully understand their bond and needed to reach maturity before any claim could be made.
One afternoon, as Wei Ying was helping Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yan Li with their own preparations, Lan Xichen approached them.
"Would you like to join us for the lantern lighting ceremony tonight?" he asked with a warm smile.
Wei Ying's eyes lit up. "We would love to, thank you!"
That evening, the Cloud Recesses was aglow with the soft, golden light of countless lanterns. The air was filled with the gentle hum of conversations and the occasional burst of laughter.
Wei Ying felt a sense of wonder as he took in the sight. He spotted Lan Zhan near the main hall, his expression softer than usual in the warm glow of the lanterns.
As the ceremony began, Lan Xichen spoke to the gathered crowd. "Tonight, we honor our ancestors and seek their guidance for the future. Let us light our lanterns with hope and gratitude."
Wei Ying and his siblings each took a lantern, following the lead of the Lan clan members. Wei Ying's hands trembled slightly as he lit his lantern, feeling a mixture of excitement and reverence.
Lan Zhan's lantern was already lit, its light reflecting in his calm eyes. He noticed Wei Ying struggling with his lantern and, without a word, stepped closer to help.
Their fingers brushed briefly, sending a jolt through Wei Ying's heart.
"Thank you, Lan Zhan," Wei Ying whispered, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.
Lan Zhan nodded, his gaze lingering on Wei Ying for a moment longer than necessary.
"You are welcome, Wei Ying."
As they released their lanterns into the sky, Wei Ying felt a sense of peace wash over him. The sight of the lanterns floating upwards, carrying their hopes and wishes, was mesmerizing. He found himself standing closer to Lan Zhan, drawn by an invisible force.
The night continued with music and dance, a rare moment of festivity in the usually strict and disciplined Cloud Recesses.
Wei Ying found himself laughing and talking with the Lan clan members, feeling more at ease than he had in weeks.
Lan Zhan remained nearby, his presence a constant source of comfort for Wei Ying.
At one point, Lan Xichen approached them with a small, intricately carved box.
"Wangji , Wei Childe, I have something for you both," Lan Xichen said, opening the box to reveal two delicate jade pendants. "These are symbols of our friendship and unity. Wear them as a reminder of tonight and the bond we share."
Wei Ying accepted the pendant with wide eyes, touched by the gesture.
"Thank you, Zewu Jun. This means a lot to me."
Lan Zhan also took his pendant, his expression unreadable. "Thank you, Xioangzhang."
As the night drew to a close, Wei Ying stood on a hill overlooking the Cloud Recesses, the soft glow of the lanterns reflected in his eyes. Lan Zhan joined him, standing silently by his side.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Wei Ying murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lan Zhan nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Yes, it is."
For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing second.
Wei Ying felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that this night had brought them closer together. As he glanced at Lan Zhan, he saw a faint smile playing on his lips, and he knew that they were no longer just acquaintances or punishments. They were friends, and perhaps, in time, they could be something more.
The Festival of Lights had not only honored their ancestors but had also lit the path to a deeper connection between them. And in that moment, under the starry sky, Wei Ying felt a spark of hope for the future.
Later that night, as the festivities wound down, Lan Zhan sought out his brother. He found Lan Xichen near the main hall, speaking with a few elders.
"Xioangzhang," Lan Zhan said, his voice quiet but firm. "I need to speak with you."
Lan Xichen excused himself from the conversation and led Lan Zhan to a more private area. "What is it, Didi?"
Lan Zhan took a deep breath, his eyes serious. "Wei Ying... he is my destined Omega."
Lan Xichen's eyes widened slightly before he nodded in understanding. "I had suspected as much. His presence seems to bring out a different side of you."
Lan Zhan's gaze softened. "He is young, and he does not yet sense the bond as I do. But I feel it deeply. I will wait for him, give him the time he needs to come of age."
Lan Xichen placed a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "You are doing the right thing, Wangji. Patience is key. In the meantime, continue to nurture the bond between you. Let it grow naturally."
Lan Zhan nodded, feeling a sense of resolve. He would protect Wei Ying, be there for him, and when the time was right, he would claim his Omega as his mate.
Meanwhile, Wei Ying found himself drawn to the other students from different sects who had come to study at the Cloud Recesses.
Among them were disciples from the Nie, Jin, and Wen sects. Wei Ying's natural charisma and mischievous nature made him a popular figure, but his heart remained firmly tied to Lan Zhan.
The other students couldn't help but notice the special bond between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan. Despite the rules and the formality of the Lan clan, there was an undeniable connection that even the most stoic observers couldn't ignore.
As the days turned into weeks, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan's relationship continued to deepen. They studied together, trained together, and during the quiet moments, they found solace in each other's company.
The Festival of Lights had indeed marked a new beginning, one that neither of them would forget.
The Cloud Recesses, with its ancient traditions and serene beauty, had become the backdrop for a love story that was just beginning to unfold. And as the seasons changed, so too did the hearts of Wei Ying and Lan Zhan, bound by a destiny that neither could deny.