Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng did not know many things. But he knew one thing with absolute certainty. The moment he met Lan Xichen in high school at the age of 16, he knew he would become someone important in his life. What he didn’t know was just how important he would be. He had befriended Lan Xichen easily simply because Lan Xichen was a kind soul and he did not make it hard to befriend him. 

It did not take long before Nie Huaisang, his best friend, started to notice the longing looks between them. It did not take long before his own brother started to notice as well. And while they teased Jiang Cheng often, they also knew he would never confess to Lan Xichen.  

After all, Jiang Cheng was seventeen years old then. Lan Xichen was eighteen and finishing high school in a couple of days which only meant that he would move to the other side of the country to go to college within the next following week. And once Jiang Cheng graduated high school, he would move to a completely different country in order to learn computer science so that he could take over the Jiang Corporation, specializing in anything within the IT world.

To say that Meng Yao and Nie Mingjue were losing their minds because of the constant pining coming from Lan Xichen would be an understatement of the year.

“I swear to all that is holy, if you do not confess to him within this week, I will go and confess for you.” Meng Yao snapped from his place on the couch. Nie Mingjue snorted and Lan Xichen closed his eyes.

“I want to. I really really want to tell him.” Lan Xichen admitted and Nie Mingjue looked up from his phone.

“Then go and tell him instead of making my ears bleed every time we meet up.” He snapped and Meng Yao clapped his hands.

“Thank you! Remind me why you haven’t told him anything yet?” Meng Yao asked and Lan Xichen looked at him like a kicked puppy.

“I’m scared to ruin our friendship, A’Yao. What if he doesn’t like me back?” 

“He does. But even if he doesn’t, you’ll live. You’re only eighteen so go and fucking tell him already!” Meng Yao snapped and Lan Xichen sighed as he stood up and took his jacket from the couch.

“I’m going to look for him.” He said and left the room, followed by the exasperated cheers coming from his friends.

In the meantime, Jiang Cheng sat in the classroom and looked at the sky outside. The windows were open and the sounds of kids outside and birds singing carried into the classroom.

He felt like the end of something was near.

Final year of high school.

Everyone felt something changing in the air even if no one ever said it.

Wei Wuxian, his adoptive brother was leaning back in his chair, balancing it on two legs with reckless confidence.

“You’re all gonna miss me when I’m famous,” he announced. Jiang Cheng snorted as he turned to look at his brother.

“You’re already unbearable.” He said, watching as Nie Huisang chuckled and looked up from where he was painting his fan.

“Fame will make it worse.” He said with a sigh and continued to paint his fan. Lan Xichen could be heard laughing across the classroom. His laugh was like a soft caress, never loud or obnoxious.

Jiang Cheng noticed the gentle look in his eyes like he always did. He gulped and clenched his jaw, knowing to keep his little crush to himself. It made no sense confessing now and starting something only to end it in a couple of days when Lan Xichen graduates and moves away.

“Lan Xichen,” Wei Wuxian called out, “when you become some big-shot CEO, remember us little people, will you?” Lan Wangji, who was sitting next to his brother, looked at Wei Wuxian for a second before he scowled and looked away.

“I don’t think I could forget.” Lan Xichen speaks softly as he watches Jiang Cheng with a small smile on his face a second too long.

“That’s what they all say.” Wei Wuxian shot back, making Jiang Cheng close his notebook with a quiet snap.

“He won’t forget.” Jiang Cheng said. The entire classroom stilled- just slightly. Lan Xichen#s gaze shifted to him, soft like always. He took a deep breath and nodded his head.

“No, I won’t.” He agreed, his eyes not leaving Jiang Cheng who gulped and looked away. Nie Huaisang looked on the verge of squealing, while he hit Wei Wuxian with a fan on his shoulder.

Later that day, as the last bell of the day rang, Jiang Cheng packed his things up and very slowly left the school grounds only to be startled by Lan Xichen who was leaning on the wall of the building.

“You scared me.” Jiang Cheng admitted.

“You’re late.” Lan Xichen replied back and Jiang Cheng gulped as he shrugged his shoulders.

“Got stuck in my head so it took me a while. Sorry. I wasn’t aware you were waiting for me.” Jiang Cheng admitted and Lan Xichen smiled softly.

“I always wait for you.” He admitted and Jiang Cheng nodded his head, noticing he was right. He was definitely going to miss walking back home with Lan Xichen after school.

“What is it?” Jiang Cheng asked when he noticed Lan Xichen watching him, as if he was searching his face for something.

“I’m leaving soon.” He said and Jiang Cheng nodded his head.

“I know.” 

“And you are too.” 

“In a year, but yes. Soon I will be gone too.” Jiang Cheng confirmed and Lan Xichen gulped.

“I don’t think I want to leave things like this.” Lan Xichen admitted while Jiang Cheng frowned slightly, tilting his head to the side.

“Like what?” 

“I do not want to leave with things unsaid between us. I like you. I have for a year now.” Lan Xichen admitted and Jiang Cheng’s breath hitched, as he realized that they were now completely alone in front of their school.

“I know.” He finally answered. Lan Xichen blinked once.

“You know?”

“You’re not very subtle when you like someone.” Jiang Cheng admitted with a faint smile. It was barely there and gone quicker than it came but Lan Xichen noticed it, like he noticed everything about Jiang Cheng.

“I like you too, very much but you shouldn’t have said it now.” Jiang Cheng admitted and Lan Xichen’s expression shifted.

“Why?” He asked and Jiang Cheng looked away this time, towards the street, remembering everything that was about to pull them apart soon.

“Because you are leaving and I am too.” he said and paused for a moment.

“You’ll move to the other side of the country. I’ll move to a different country to study.” Jiang Cheng spoke softly, in a tone of voice he reserved only for Lan Xichen.

“That doesn’t mean-” 

“It does.” Jiang Cheng cut in. Not harsh. Just certain of their futures in the following couple of years.

“I am seventeen, Lan Xichen. You are eighteen. We’re young. We don’t know anything yet.” Jiang Cheng spoke and Lan Xichen remained silent, but he did not step back.

“Then what?” He asked quietly and Jiang Cheng turned back to him, meeting his gaze fully again.

“How about this?” He started and gulped again.

“If we’re meant to be, we’ll meet again- life will bring us back together.” Lan Xichen stilled once he said this. Jiang Cheng’s voice was steady and firm but not dismissive. He was just rational to the bone.

Lan Xichen searched his face for any doubt and found none.

“Alright.” Lan Xichen said and Jiang Cheng nodded once, feeling his breath hitch as Lan Xichen leaned forward and kissed his temple just once. And just like that- they let it go for now. 

Not because it didn’t matter but because it mattered too much to do it wrong.

Chapter Text

Six years had passed by quicker than expected. Jiang Cheng had returned to China a week ago in order to inherit his father’s empire of the IT world. He was just getting used to his new position as the CEO of the Jiang Empire when his friend and right hand Wen Qing told him of the ballroom party to welcome him back. 

He may have been gone for six years, but he made sure to know what went on in China while he was away. Lan Xichen, his highschool crush inherited the Lan Security Empire and was a giant in his field.

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji got together after high school and were getting married within the next couple of months. This development took no one by surprise. Anyone who knew them in high school, knew they were inevitable. 

Nie Huaisang was currently in the dating phase of his life and was currently going out with one of their close friends and underling, of Jiang Cheng, Wen Ning himself.

Jiang Cheng entered the ballroom that night and frowned. It was louder than necessary, brighter and more elegant than it should be. It was most likely the work done by Wei Wuxian himself. It was filled with people in suits- people who most likely mattered in their world, not that Jiang Cheng recognized most of them.

Wei Wuxian was at the center of it all, already causing problems while Lan Wangji stood beside him, calm as ever, somehow balancing the chaos of it all. Jiang Cheng chuckled and looked around while Wen Qing walked beside him. 

“I told you he would make this about himself.” Jiang Cheng chuckled as he looked at Wei Wuxian again. Wen Qing hummed, her eyes going over the crowd of guests in front of them.

“You still came.” She pointed out.

“Family obligation.” Jiang Cheng muttered and Wen Qing snorted.

“Of course.” She whispered with a roll of her eyes and Jiang Cheng adjusted his cuff. His suit and appearance was sharp- every movement controlled and each detail intentional. 

“Jiang Cheng.” Said the familiar voice from behind him. 

Jiang Cheng froze for a second, then he turned. Lan Xichen stood in front of him now. He was not a boy anymore, not someone he left behind a while ago. He was a man, a beautiful man and an established giant in his profession. He was bulkier and taller than the last time they saw each other, but his eyes- they were still the same gentle eyes that looked at Jiang Cheng with a certain kind of softness back then. Now, Jiang Cheng wasn’t so sure of what to make of his look.

“Lan Xichen.” Jiang Cheng said and remained standing where he was.

“It’s been a while.” Lan Xichen whispered with a gentle smile on his face and Jiang Cheng gulped.

“Yes, it has.”

“Six years since the last time I saw you.” Lan Xichen recounted and Jiang Cheng nodded his head as his eyes darted between Lan Xichen and the loudly laughing Wei Wuxian in the crowd, as he counted the years he was away in his head.

“Approximately.” He whispered with a faint smile as he stepped closer. Lan Xichen took it as an invitation and stepped closer as well.

“You kept your word.” Lan Xichen remembered, making Jiang Cheng frown slightly.

“What?” He asked and Lan Xichen held his gaze.

“You said we would meet again if life wanted us to.” He said and Jiang Cheng stared at him, neither brave enough to say the words they wanted to say so desperately. 

Lan Xichen offered him a drink from a tray near them and they continued to observe the crowd together. Talking about feelings might not be the best idea right now, Lan Xichen realized.

Across the room, Wei Wuxian grabbed Nie Huaisang’s arm and violently shook it.

“It’s happening.” He whispered, his eyes glued to Jiang Cheng and a smiling Lan Xichen whose hand rested on the table behind Jiang Cheng, almost as if he was afraid to touch him- as if he feared his touch was not welcome. Nie Huaisang fanned himself dramatically.

“It’s happening again!” he whispered while Meng Yao simply watched them calmly.

“They never resolved those feelings from back then.” He said and Nie Mingjue hummed with his crossed arms.

“They will.” He said, certain of this.

****

Their friends started to notice them and their confusing situation more and more.

The first time anyone noticed, it was at a family dinner. Not because anything happened because that would have been too obvious.

The table was long, filled with too many voices and too much laughter. Business blurred into family the way it always did when the Jiangs and the Lans gathered. Wei Wuxian was talking over everyone, Lan Wangji quietly kept him in check. Nie Huaisang, honorary Lan and Jiang member, went between conversations with deliberate innocence. And at the center of it all—

Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen sat side by side. They didn’t plan to, but it just happened that way.

It always did.

“Pass the wine,” Jiang Cheng said without looking up. The bottle was already in Lan Xichen’s hand before the sentence finished. Lan Xichen poured it smoothly into Jiang Cheng’s glass.

“Careful,” he added softly. “You haven’t eaten much.”

Jiang Cheng frowned slightly. “I’ve eaten enough.”

“You haven’t.”

“I have.”

Lan Xichen didn’t argue. He simply shifted a dish slightly closer to Jiang Cheng’s side of the table. Jiang Cheng didn’t comment on it, but he ate it a few minutes later. Lan Qiren looked like he was going to faint, a small smile on his old and usually angry face. Across the table, Wei Wuxian slowly lowered his chopsticks.

“Do you see this?” He whispered, hitting Nie Huaisang’s arm as his friend didn’t even look up, “I always see this.”

“It’s happening again.” Wei Wuxian whispered to him.

“It’s always happening.” Nie Huaisang spoke in a matter of fact voice, while Wei Wuxian leaned in slightly.

“They didn’t even talk about it, about high school and the confession from back then. They seem to have just decided not to talk about it.”

“They never do.” Nie Huaisang whispered with a sigh and  Wei Wuxian stared, “That’s worse.”

Nie Huaisang nodded solemnly and he watched Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen, “Much worse.”

Later, when the conversation shifted to business—because it always did when they all got together—Jiang Cheng leaned back slightly, expression sharpening. If they did not drift off into business, they would drift off to the conversation of the violent death his parents suffered because of the information they were protecting for the government. And Jiang Cheng really was not ready to remember those days.

Jiang Cheng frowned and spoke, “You’re underestimating long-term risk.” Lan Xichen didn’t respond immediately. He seemed to consider his statement. Then he nodded once, “You’re right.”

Jiang Cheng glanced at him, surprised for half a second, “You didn’t even argue.”

“I don’t need to.”

“You usually do.”

“Only when I disagree.”

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue, but there was no real irritation behind it.

“Then you should disagree more.” He snapped and Lan Xichen smiled faintly, “I prefer being correct.”

Jiang Cheng huffed—almost a laugh. By the end of the night, nothing had changed which was exactly the problem.

The second time, it was a polished and formal corporate event. Jiang Cheng hated it. Lan Xichen didn’t or he didn’t look like he did.

“You’re scowling,” Lan Xichen said quietly as he stepped beside him.

“I’m observing.”

“You’re intimidating half the room.”

“Good. They should be intimidated.”

Lan Xichen’s lips curved slightly, “That’s not the purpose of this event.”

“It should be.”

Lan Xichen glanced at Jiang Cheng’s empty hand and smiled sadly. The Jiang Parents’ deaths changed something in the carefree Jiang Cheng from highschool. Now, he was weary of anyone, unable to trust anyone one hundred percent, eyes always scanning the room and looking for danger and potential threats. He didn’t know there was no need for this for Lan Xichen would have gotten him out of the room before he even got the time to realize there was danger near him.

“You haven’t had anything to drink.”

“I don’t need it.”

Lan Xichen picked up a glass from a passing server and handed it to him anyway. Jiang Cheng stared at it, “You’re persistent.”

Lan Xichen looked him in his eyes for a bit longer than needed and then he smiled gently, “I’ve been told.”

Jiang Cheng took the glass, while across the room, Nie Huaisang fanned himself dramatically, “I’m unwell.”

Wei Wuxian didn’t even pretend to hide his grin, “They’re at it again.”

“They’re always at it.”

Wei Wuxian leaned back, watching them like it was a live performance, “They look like a married couple.”

“They look worse than a married couple,” Nie Huaisang corrected. “They look very comfortable with each other.” Wei Wuxian shuddered, “That’s terrifying considering they never addressed their obvious pining for one another.”

The third time, it wasn’t public. It wasn’t even planned. It just happened. Jiang Cheng’s office was quiet late at night. The building had emptied hours ago, leaving only the hum of computers and the faint glow of screens. He didn’t notice when the door opened. He didn’t hear the soft click. And he didn’t realize he wasn’t alone until Lan Xichen spoke.

“You’re still working.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t look up, “Yes.”

“You’ve been here all day.”

“Yes.” Jiang Cheng replied and paused. Then Lan Xichen spoke again,  “You forgot to eat.”

Jiang Cheng finally glanced up, his glasses still on his head.

“Why are you here?” He wondered and Lan Xichen stepped further into the room, setting a small bag on the desk.

“You didn’t answer your phone.”

“I was busy.”

“I noticed.”

“So you came here?” Jiang Cheng asked, a bit startled by the care he could see in Lan Xichen’s eyes. He seemed terrified by whatever it was he saw in his eyes and actions. 

“Yes.” Lan Xichen answered simply and Jiang Cheng stared at him for a second, “That’s unnecessary.” He said calmly, while Lan Xichen didn’t respond.

He simply opened the bag and placed the food in front of Jiang Cheng. It was warm and smelled fresh. Jiang Cheng looked at the food and then at a soft and gentle Lan Xichen whose eyes seemed to sparkle when he looked at Jiang Cheng.

“You’re interfering with my work.”

“You’ll work better after eating.”

“You’re making assumptions.”

“I’m making observations.” Lan Xichen said, calm as ever and  Jiang Cheng exhaled sharply.

“You’re annoying.” He snapped, making Lan Xichen smile.

“I know.”

Silence fell upon them for a minute and then Jiang Cheng pulled the food closer, “Don’t make this a habit.”

“I won’t.” The giant man spoke as he sat next to the window and both of them knew he lied at that moment. Lan Xichen would absolutely make this a habit.

Across the city, Wei Wuxian’s phone buzzed. Nie Huaisang, who happened to have been at his office as Lan Xichen walked into Jiang Cheng’s office, immediately took his phone out to text his friend.

Nie Huaisang: He went to his office again.

Wei Wuxian sat up immediately.

Wei Wuxian: HE WHAT ??

Nie Huaisang: He brought food.

Wei Wuxian stared at the screen with a picture that just came his way. It was a picture of Lan Xichen, standing in front of Jiang Cheng’s office with a small bag in his hands. Then he typed—

Wei Wuxian: I’m going to lose my mind

By the time the week ended, it had happened enough times to become a pattern. It wasn’t really obvious, but it was consistent which was why at the end of another dinner, when the others had finally dispersed and Jiang Cheng remained behind with Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang, they decided it was time to intervene.

“You know he’s in love with you, right?” Wei Wuxian asked casually.

Jiang Cheng didn’t look up from his phone, “No.”

Nie Huaisang sighed, “He really is.”

Jiang Cheng scoffed, “He’s not.”

Wei Wuxian leaned forward, “He brings you food.”

“He brings everyone food.”

“No, he doesn’t.”

“He does.”

“He doesn’t.”

“He does.”

“He doesn’t.”

Nie Huaisang raised a hand, “He doesn’t.”

Jiang Cheng ignored him, “That’s just how he is,” he said. “He’s a Lan. He’s polite.”

Wei Wuxian stared at him, “Polite?”

“Yes.”

“Politeness is opening doors.”

“Yes.”

“Polite is not showing up at someone’s office at midnight because they didn’t eat.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t look up, completely forgetting to question how he even knew that Lan Xichen had brought him food, “He was in the area.”

Wei Wuxian blinked, “At midnight.”

“Yes.”

Nie Huaisang leaned forward, voice softer now, “Jiang Cheng.”

“What?”

“That’s not normal.”

Jiang Cheng finally looked at them. He looked annoyed and impatient, probably at the verge of exploding. 

“You’re both overthinking this.”

Wei Wuxian pointed dramatically, “You’re underthinking this.”

“I’m not thinking about it at all.”

“That’s the problem!”

Jiang Cheng stood, “I’m not having this conversation.”

Nie Huaisang tried once more, “He looks at you differently.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t even pause, “He looks at everyone the same.”

Wei Wuxian made a strangled sound, “That’s just factually incorrect.”

Jiang Cheng grabbed his coat, “You’re both ridiculous.”

“WE’RE RIGHT,” Wei Wuxian insisted.

Jiang Cheng headed for the door.

“He’s my friend,” he said flatly. “That’s it.”

And then he left. Silence followed while Wei Wuxian slowly turned to Nie Huaisang.

“We’re going to suffer, aren’t we?”

Nie Huaisang sighed, “For a long time.”

Wei Wuxian leaned back, staring at the ceiling, “This is going to take years. They’re worse than Wangji and I were.”

Nie Huaisang nodded, “Definitely. Didn’t even think it was possible to be worse than you two.”

“At least it’ll be entertaining?” Nie Huaisang offered and Wei Wuxian considered that. Then Wei Wuxian grinned, “That’s true.”

And somewhere else in the city— Lan Xichen glanced at his phone. A message was blinking on his phone.

Jiang Cheng:

You didn’t need to come earlier.

He smiled softly and didn’t regret it for a second.

Chapter Text

It did not take the internet long to notice and to start with their own theories. It started quietly, not with headlines but with just— a simple post on nothing else than Twitter itself where all the gossip seemed to start.

@BusinessInsiderWatch:

Lan Xichen has attended 7 major industry events this quarter.

Jiang Cheng was present at all 7.

Coincidence?

It should have disappeared. It should have ended up buried under the usual noise of market trends and celebrity gossip. It didn’t. Within hours, someone had compiled photos even Lan Xichen could not recognize seeing before.

In one Lan Xichen was standing slightly too close to Jiang Cheng at a charity gala.

In another, Jiang Cheng was handing him a glass of some beverage without looking—and Lan Xichen was already reaching for it.

The third picture was a candid shot of Lan Xichen leaning in to say something, Jiang Cheng listening without turning away.

Another—Jiang Cheng mid-sentence, sharp and focused, while Lan Xichen looked at him like the rest of the room didn’t exist.

At first, the captions and comments started as jokes. Then they quickly stopped being jokes and people got invested in their private lives all too quickly. How this had happened no one could explain. After all, neither Lan Xichen nor Jiang Cheng were exactly considered celebrities in the sense of pop stars or actors. Their lives were supposed to be quiet. They had important roles in their countries. This was never supposed to happen.

@CorpWatcher: They’re either best friends or something else entirely.

@MarketEye: There is no business reason for this level of proximity.

@AnonymousExec: FYI I’ve been to three of those events. And let me just say, they don’t interact like colleagues. Do with that information what you will.

And then another thread appeared, because of course it did. Why would it stop at one thread when people were getting invested?

@LanXichenFanAccount:

Okay but hear me out—

What if the tweets…

are about him?

At first there was only silence but then chaos ensued.

@LanXichensCloset: WAIT

@AbugonJiangChengswall: NO WAIT

@ReplyUser3: YOU’RE SAYING THE “I’d wait for them forever” TWEET IS ABOUT JIANG CHENG???

Then the screenshots of old tweets, carefully worded, resurfaced.

"He doesn’t realize how much I would do for him."

"He forgets to take care of himself, so I try to do it quietly."

"Some people don’t ask to be understood. They just… deserve it anyway."

The internet connected too many dots then.

@LanXichensGodfather: THIS IS SUSPICIOUSLY SPECIFIC, TELL ME MORE

@Aflyonthewall: “forgets to take care of himself” THAT’S LITERALLY JIANG CHENG

@ReplyUser6: STOP THIS RIGHT NOW

And then, another fan had made a timeline of their appearances in public together, of the old and new tweets, of the late-night sightings. A timeline that was full of patterns.

@DeepDiveThread:

Lan Xichen’s tweets about “someone” spike every time he’s seen with Jiang Cheng.

This has been consistent for over a year.

Draw your own conclusions.

The conclusions were immediate. Meanwhile, in reality Jiang Cheng had no idea of what was going on online. He just continued coding and typing on his computer, unaware he had become a sensation online. It's not like he really cared what people thought considering the fact that he decided years ago to remain chronically offline.

“You’re trending,” Wei Wuxian announced. Jiang Cheng didn’t look up from his screen, “I don’t care.”

“You should.”

“I won’t.” He said while Wei Wuxian leaned over his desk.

“People think you’re dating Lan Xichen.” He whispered in that annoying teasing Wei Wuxian manner, and Jiang Cheng paused for a second. 

“They’re wrong.” He replied while Wei Wuxian stared at him, “Are they?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not even going to think about it?”

“No.”

“You didn’t hesitate.”

“I don’t need to.” He said and Wei Wuxian looked at him like he was watching a slow-moving disaster, “Incredible.”

Jiang Cheng went back to typing, “Stop wasting my time, Wei Ying.”

Across the room, Wen Qing didn’t even bother hiding her sigh, “You’re hopeless.”

“I’m efficient.”

“You’re blind.”

“I’m focused.”

“You’re in denial.”

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue, “You’re all overreacting.”

Somewhere across the city though, Lan Xichen had seen everything. He had seen every post, theory and comment that got a little too close to the truth. He didn’t respond, deny it nor did he confirm it. He just quietly watched.

“Are you going to say something?” Nie Mingjue asked.

Lan Xichen shook his head, “No.”

Meng Yao tilted his head slightly, “They’re not entirely incorrect.”

Lan Xichen’s expression softened, “No. They aren’t.”

Nie Mingjue crossed his arms, “Then what’s your plan?”

Lan Xichen looked down at his phone, at a message thread left unanswered, at a name that never left his thoughts. “I don’t need a plan,” he said quietly.

Meng Yao’s gaze sharpened slightly, “Confident.”

“No,” Lan Xichen said. “Certain.”

Meanwhile the internet only got worse simply because now people were obsessed.

@FanAccount: IF THIS IS REAL THIS IS THE GREATEST SLOW BURN OF ALL TIME

@Aflyonthewall: THEY’VE BEEN PINING IN PUBLIC FOR YEARS???

@Codingmadman: AND HE’S JUST NOT NOTICING????

@WeiWuxian: I’M NOT CONFIRMING ANYTHING BUT I AM ALSO NOT DENYING ANYTHING 😌

@NieHuaisang: I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FOR A LONG TIME

@MengYao: Observationally, the theory holds merit.

@NieMingjue: Stop posting.

And still— Jiang Cheng remained entirely unaffected. Late that night, his office was quiet again. His computer screens were glowing, work was endless simply because the internet never rested, it never slept and so the criminals never slept either. And as long as they didn't sleep, Jiang Cheng could not sleep either. They needed to all be dragged down. 

Then the door opened. A tall and beautiful man walked inside again, “You’re still working.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t look up, “Yes.”

Neither spoke for a long while, before Lan Xichen broke the silence, a small smile on his face like always, “You forgot to eat.”

Jiang Cheng exhaled and snapped, “You’re starting to repeat yourself. Have you become a parrot over the six years I was gone, Lan Xichen?”

Lan Xichen stepped inside, setting something down on the desk, “You’re starting to repeat your bad habits.”

“You’re interfering again.”

“Yes.”

Jiang Cheng finally glanced up, a frown on his face. His brows were furrowed behind their glasses he had started wearing while using the computers lately, “You shouldn’t.”

Lan Xichen met his gaze and took a shaky breath at the sight of Jiang Cheng in glasses, “I know.” If he didn’t have a weakness before, Lan Xichen definitely had it now. Then Jiang Cheng pulled the food closer anyway.

“Don’t make this a habit.”

“I won’t.” Lan Xichen promised again and they both knew he was lying again. Lan Xichen watched him quietly while Jiang Cheng focused on his work.

The distance between them was unfortunately constant and unchanged. And somewhere onlions— millions of people saw exactly what was happening except for the two people it mattered to most.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The thread should have been the absolute peak of this madness, but it wasn’t because a new group entered the conversation—one that wasn’t here for romance, or aesthetics, or slow-burn fantasy. They were here because they recognized something else entirely. It started under the same viral thread. 

@CodeSect:

You guys don’t get it.

This is so important to anyone in the IT world.

At first, it got ignored because no one knew what to start with this addition to the equation of possible romance sparking up between the CEO of security and CEO of cyber security and IT. Then someone replied.

@LanXichenswindow: important how??? this is just old and gold pining 😭

@CodeSect: No. This isn’t just pining. Do you understand who Jiang Cheng is?

@JiangChengswallflower: CEO?

@XichengFlower: scary CEO???

@CodeSect: He runs one of the most advanced cybersecurity and infrastructure companies in the industry, overseeing an organization that deals with cyber security of most of our government. He deals with breaches, attacks, real-time threats—things most people don’t even hear about. People like him don’t trust easily. They can’t afford to.

@XiaoCheng: okay but what does that have to do with Lan Xichen

@CodeSect: Everything. Look at the behavior again—but from that perspective.

And then the new analyses came and the same screenshots resurfaced but this time they had a different interpretation. Lan Xichen kept showing up unannounced and Jiang Cheng never seemed to mind.

@CodeSect: That’s not casual. That’s someone who has earned access.

@LanXichenGodfather: access???

@CodeSect: People in Jiang Cheng’s position don’t allow people into their space like that. Physically or professionally. If Lan Xichen can just walk into his office at night? That’s not “friendship.”

@Flyonthewall: oh

@JiangChengwallpaper: WAIT

Another user, coming from the IT world joined in on the discussion then.

@SecurityAnalyst: Adding to this— That level of proximity means trust at a level most executives never give anyone. Especially not publicly.

@SecurityAnalyst: And look at Jiang Cheng’s responses. He doesn’t question why Lan Xichen is there. He questions the action, not the presence. That means the presence is already accepted.

@LanXichenGodfather: oh my god

@JiangChengFandom: So he's already let him in???

@CodeSect: Yes. That’s the point.

@Flyonthewall: so the important part isn’t just that Lan Xichen is in love

@SecurityAnalyst: It’s that Jiang Cheng trusts him.

@JiangChengWindow: THAT’S WORSE

@LanXichenGodfather: THAT’S SO MUCH WORSE

And so it was no longer just a story about someone loving from afar. It was now a story about someone being allowed close, being trusted without realizing what that meant. In the group chat, Wei Wuxian had gone completely still, “Oh.”

Nie Huaisang leaned closer to his screen, “Oh.”

Meng Yao nodded slightly, “They’ve reframed it correctly.”

Nie Mingjue crossed his arms, “They figured it out.”

Wei Wuxian looked up, “We didn’t even explain it that well.”

Nie Huaisang shook his head, “We focused on romance.”

Meng Yao added calmly, “They focused on the structure.”

Wei Wuxian blinked, “That’s terrifying.”

Meanwhile, online the tone changed again.

@LanXichenFanAccount: WAIT SO THIS ISN’T JUST PINING THIS IS TRUST

@JiangChengscomputer: HE LET HIM INTO HIS SPACE WITHOUT REALIZING WHAT THAT MEANS

@LanXichenGodfather: THAT’S SO MUCH MORE INTIMATE

@Flyonthewall: THIS IS NOT A SLOW BURN THIS IS A QUIET COLLAPSE

@CodeSect: Lan Xichen didn’t just fall in love with him. He learned how to exist in his world without triggering his defenses.

@SecurityAnalyst: And Jiang Cheng didn’t just accept it. He stopped seeing it as unusual.

@LotusFlower: I NEED TO SIT DOWN

@LanXichensobsession: THIS IS THE MOST INTIMATE THING I’VE EVER SEEN AND THEY HAVEN’T EVEN CONFESSED

@LanXichenGodfather: HOW ARE THEY NOT TOGETHER

Meanwhile Jiang Cheng was still working, completely unbothered and unaware of himself being the trending topic on social media.

“You’re trending again,” Wen Qing said.

“I don’t care.”

“You really should.”

“I won’t.”

She sighed, “They’re analyzing your psychological behavior.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t look up as he chuckled, “They can try.”

Wen Qing watched him for a moment, “They’re not wrong.”

That made him pause for just a moment, “About what?”

Wen Qing didn’t answer directly, “About how you let people in.”

Jiang Cheng frowned slightly, “I don’t.”

She raised an eyebrow, “Right.”

And while Lan Xichen sat at home with his friends, he could not let go of the phone in his hand, reading through the entire thread slower this time. At one line he stopped.

He stopped seeing it as unusual.

Lan Xichen exhaled softly as he reread the sentence a couple of times, “Did you,” he murmured.

Meng Yao glanced at him, “You look thoughtful.”

Lan Xichen smiled faintly, “I think… they understand him.”

Nie Mingjue nodded once, “Better than he understands himself it seems.”

Lan Xichen didn’t argue. 

And online, the conclusion spread like wildfire.

@LanXichenGodfather: THIS IS NOT JUST LOVE THIS IS TRUST WITHOUT LANGUAGE

@Flyonthewall: AND HE DOESN’T EVEN KNOW HE’S DOING IT

@JiangChengscomputer: SOMEONE NEEDS TO TELL HIM

@WeiWuxian: I HAVE BEEN TRYING

@NieHuaisang: WE HAVE BEEN TRYING

@LanXichenGodfather: TRY HARDER

Wei Wuxian stared at his phone and blinked a couple of times, “I’m being bullied by the internet.”

Nie Huaisang patted his shoulder and snorted, “You deserve it.”

Chapter Text

The theories didn’t fade, they evolved. What had started as speculation became analysis. New threads didn’t ask if something was happening anymore. They asked how long it has been happening.

@InfraTrace:

Revisiting the timeline with behavioral markers instead of appearances.

There were once more charts there, but they were different this time. It was less about proximity and more about change.

Marker 1: Jiang Cheng’s meeting duration increases when Lan Xichen is present.

Marker 2: Reduced interruption patterns during joint discussions.

Marker 3: Observable tolerance for unsolicited proximity.

@LanXichenGodfather: WHAT DOES “tolerance for unsolicited proximity” EVEN MEAN

@InfraTrace: It means Jiang Cheng doesn’t remove Lan Xichen from his space when he reasonably could.

@Aprettywallflower: SO HE’S LETTING IT HAPPEN

@JiangChengswindow: NO HE’S ACCEPTING IT

@NetworkGhost: You’re all missing the most important part. Jiang Cheng doesn’t just tolerate Lan Xichen. He adapts to him.

Receipts followed immediately with the last reply. There were clips of Jiang Cheng shifting slightly to make room before Lan Xichen even moved, moments where Jiang Cheng paused—briefly—like he was waiting for something. Then Lan Xichen filling that space seamlessly.

@LanXichenGodfather: THEY’RE SYNCHRONIZED

@JiangChengFandom: THAT’S TERRIFYING

@NetworkGhost: That’s not learned behavior. That’s internalized.

The thread exploded once more, while in reality, Jiang Cheng noticed a change in the people around him. They were no longer just watching him. They were staring. Usually, people were too scared to look his way and now they were brave enough to stare. Had he gone soft?

“Why is everyone staring,” he said flatly, a small frown on his face.

Wen Ning nearly dropped his tablet, “No reason.”

“There’s a reason.”

“No—just… industry interest.”

Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes, “That’s vague.”

Wen Qing didn’t even look up, “You’re trending again.”

“I don’t care.”

“You should.”

“I won’t.”

There was a long pause between them and then Jiang Cheng added, slower: “Is this about Lan Xichen again?”

Wen Ning froze while Wen Qing finally looked up from her laptop and  looked at Jiang Cheng,  “Why would you assume that?”

Jiang Cheng frowned slightly, “Because people are being strange.”

Wen Qing held his gaze for a moment before she spoke with the same monotone voice, “They think you’re important to him.”

Jiang Cheng scoffed, “I am important to him.”

When she didn’t react at all, he froze, “What?”

“Nothing.”

“Say it. You’ve never lied to me before, A’Qing. Don’t start now.” Jiang Cheng all but begged while Wen Qing leaned back slightly, “They think he’s in love with you.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t even hesitate this time, “They’re wrong.”

Wen Qing watched him carefully, “Are they?”

“Yes.”

“You didn’t even think about it,” she said.

“I don’t need to. I know for a fact that they are wrong.”

“Right.” She said and returned back to her laptop, ending the conversation effectively.

Meanwhile, the tone on the internet sharpened again. There was less speculation and theories going on now and much more urgency than there was before.

@FanAccount: THIS IS GETTING TOO REAL

@LanXichenGodfather: SOMEONE NEEDS TO TELL HIM BEFORE THE INTERNET DOES

@JiangChengwallflower: IMAGINE FINDING OUT THROUGH A THREAD

@WeiWuxian: ABSOLUTELY NOT I WILL INTERVENE

@NieHuaisang: YOU SHOULD HAVE INTERVENED TWO YEARS AGO

@WeiWuxian: I TRIED

@User43: TRY HARDER

Chapter Text

If someone were to ask him years later about his twitter account, Lan Xichen would say he never intended for his account to become evidence. It had simply been there as a quiet and controlled outlet. He never imagined their fans would go through all the trouble to figure out who the tweets were about. He never even expected to have so many fans as a CEO. So, now it was all under a microscope. The old tweets resurfaced faster than anyone could keep up. Every word was examined and every phrasing dissected. One post, in particular, returned to the surface.

@LanXichenOfficial (from 11 months ago):

He doesn’t like being taken care of. So I try to make it look unintentional.

The replies flooded in even now, because the dedicated fans kept digging further and further down his twitter account, looking for any and all signs of them being about Jiang Cheng, the infamous stone cold and genius IT CEO.

@LanXichensGodfather: “LOOK UNINTENTIONAL” SIR YOU ARE FAILING

@JiangChengswindow: THIS IS SO SPECIFIC IT HURTS

@WeiWuxian: IT WAS NEVER UNINTENTIONAL 😭

@NieHuaisang: HE LITERALLY SHOWS UP WITH FOOD LIKE IN SOME DAMN ROMANCE TROPE

@MengYao: The execution lacks subtlety.

@NieMingjue: Stop replying.

@LanWangji: Talk

Another older tweet also became famous judging by Lan Xichen’s notifications being on literal fire.

@LanXichenOfficial (1 year ago):

If he asked me to stay, I would.

That one hit differently and at first the replies slowed. Then they came in waves. Lan Xichen sighed as he read the replies. If the fans knew how difficult it was for Lan Xichen to be near Jiang Cheng without saying a word about his love for him, would they go even more mad, he wondered.

@AFlyOnTheWall: I NEED TO LIE DOWN

@LotusWatcher: THIS IS NOT OKAY

@LanXichensGodfather: HE WOULD STAY WITHOUT BEING ASKED TOO LET’S BE REAL

@JiangChengscomputer: HE ALREADY DOES

@WeiWuxian: HE DOESN’T EVEN WAIT TO BE ASKED

@NieHuaisang: HE JUST SHOWS UP

@LotusWatcher: THAT’S WORSE

Then another person with too much time on their hands compiled the “unintentional” moments.

It was a short and precise video, full of clips of Lan Xichen arriving with food to Jiang Cheng’s company. In some clips, they were standing just slightly closer with Lan Xichen adjusting details of Jiang Cheng’s suit without him ever noticing. The video was overlaid with the tweets.

He doesn’t like being taken care of.

He would say it’s unnecessary.

I think it’s important anyway.

The internet lost what little composure it had left.

@LotusWatcher: THIS IS A CONFESSION VIDEO !! Did Lan Xichen make this video?

@LanXichensGodfather: THIS IS NOT EDITING THIS IS DOCUMENTARY

@AFlyOnTheWall: HOW IS HE NOT SEEING THIS

Wei Wuxian was pacing as he opened the groupchat, biting his lip while his husband just watched him, used to Wei Wuxian’s shenanigans and him being invested in everyone’s love lives., “This is getting out of control.”

Nie Huaisang nodded, clutching his phone like it held his soul, while he laid on his bed, “They made a compilation.”

“They made a compilation.” Wei Wuxian typed back.

Meng Yao looked almost impressed from where he was chuckling in his garden chair, “The narrative cohesion is strong.”

Nie Mingjue closed his eyes, “Stop encouraging it.”

Wei Wuxian typed back, “WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING.”

Nie Huaisang sighed, “THEY’RE DOING IT FOR US.”

“That’s not better!”

And while Lan Xichen finished his work, he took his phone out and saw the video that seemed to be the current trending topic on twitter. He watched it a couple of times, his eyes only focused on the calm and collected man in the dark purple suit in the video. His heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest and he sighed.

“Have I been that obvious? ” he murmured.

Meng Yao didn’t hesitate as he snorted in his chair and continued to scroll, “Yes.”

Nie Mingjue added, “For years.”

Lan Xichen exhaled softly, “I see.”

And for a moment there he did find himself wondering how Jiang Cheng never noticed his feelings if he was so obvious that literal strangers on the internet managed to figure it out.

Meanwhile on the internet, the replies kept coming directed at him.

@LanXichensGodfather: SIR JUST TELL HIM

@JiangChengscomputer: PLEASE WE ARE BEGGING

@AFlyONThewall: YOU HAVE SUFFERED ENOUGH

@WeiWuxian: YES. YES HE HAS.

@NieHuaisang: WE ALL HAVE

@LanXichensbookshelf: HOW HAS HE NOT REALIZED

@SecurityAnalyst: Because Jiang Cheng interprets actions functionally, not emotionally.

@LanXichensbookshelf: THAT MAKES IT WORSE

And then Lan Xichen typed down a reply of his own and sent it out there. 

@LanXichenOfficial:

I will tell him.

He waited for the response and could not help but feel like the time had stopped. Just for a second no one responded, and then the internet exploded again.

@LanXichensGodfather: HE SAID IT

@JiangChengscomputer: IT’S HAPPENING

@Aflyonthewall: EVERYONE STAY CALM

@WeiWuxian: I AM NOT CALM

@NieHuaisang: NONE OF US ARE CALM

@MengYao: This is a decisive development.

@NieMingjue: Finally.

@LanWangji: Good.

Lan Xichen leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath as he looked down to the video again. If he were honest- if he were to sit Jiang Cheng down and tell him everything, what would his reaction be? Would he hate him? Would he return his feelings? Or would he avoid him all together?

Chapter Text

The question regarding the trending topic of Lan Xichen and his tweets along with Jiang Cheng and his lack of social media presence didn’t come from analysts this time or journalists, or even the usual accounts dissecting every movement. It came from Lan Xichen’s fans.

@LXCGlobal:

Serious question—why doesn’t Jiang Cheng have social media at all?

At first, the replies were predictable.

@LanXichensGodfather: privacy king

@JiangChengscomputer: he hates people 😭

@JiangChengswallflower: mysterious CEO vibes

But then a different kind of response appeared that would change their understanding of Jiang Cheng himself.

@RootAccess: Because he’s smart.

At first the reply didn’t look like much until people started asking for more information.

@LXCGlobal: elaborate??

@RootAccess: People in cybersecurity don’t avoid social media because they’re “mysterious.” They avoid it because they know exactly how it works.

More accounts joined in now, not in a dramatic or loud way, but in a way that made them curious to learn, to understand, or to be even more precise with their theories later on.

@PacketTrace: Everything you post is data. Metadata, patterns, timestamps, behavior. Even what you don’t post becomes a pattern.

@LanXichensGodfather: okay but like… that’s normal for everyone?

@PacketTrace: Yes. The difference is—he knows how that data gets used. After all, his company IS responsible for shielding most, if not all, data the government hands him over.

@ZeroDayView: You don’t spend years watching systems get exploited and then casually hand over your own behavioral map for free.

@LanXichensGodfather: behavioral map???

@ZeroDayView: When you’re active online, people can build a model of you. Habits. Reactions. Connections. That’s valuable.

@RootAccess: Especially if you’re a high-value target.

That word landed hard for the fans who began to panic.

@Flyonthewall: target???

@PacketTrace: Executives in tech aren’t just people. They’re access points.

@Flyonthewall: oh

@FirewallOps: Also—harassment isn’t theoretical. If you’ve ever had to trace coordinated attacks, you stop wanting to be visible.

@JiangChengscomputer: attacks???

@FirewallOps: Doxxing. Social engineering. Targeted campaigns. It doesn’t take much information to start something serious.

@KernelLayer: There’s also the professional side. When your job is to secure systems of such high importance, you don’t publicly expose your own habits. That’s contradictory.

@LanXichensGodfather: so it’s like… operational security?

@KernelLayer: Exactly.

@LanXichenswindow: so he’s not offline because he’s antisocial

@RootAccess: No. He’s offline because he understands the cost of being online. 

@LXCGlobal: Wait. So if Jiang Cheng avoids social media because of security and control… Why is Lan Xichen allowed that close to him?

At first, no reply came to this because that was actually a good question. Many speculated on the correct answer until the right one came through.

@ZeroDayView: Because he trusts him.

@PacketTrace: Not just personally but operationally and professionally too. Their paths had crossed too many times not to trust him.

@FirewallOps: That level of access means Jiang Cheng has already assessed the risk. And accepted it.

@LXCGlobal: so this isn’t just emotional

@KernelLayer: No. It’s structural.

Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian had gone completely still again, “They’re explaining him.”

Nie Huaisang nodded slowly, “Properly this time.”

Meng Yao added, almost approving, “They’re not romanticizing it. They’re contextualizing it.”

Nie Mingjue crossed his arms, “And they’re right.”

Wei Wuxian exhaled, “This is getting too real.”

Meanwhile, while at home, Lan Xichen read every word carefully. Jiang Cheng was offline because he understood the cost of being online. Only Jiang Cheng knew the things he had to witness in order to shut down certain sites or attacks.

“That sounds like him.”

Lan Xichen continued scrolling.

That level of access means Jiang Cheng has already assessed the risk. And accepted it.

Lan Xichen paused a bit longer this time, thinking of this and smiled sadly, “Has he,” he murmured.

Meanwhile, the fans only continued to lose their shit online.

@JiangChengsfan: THIS IS NOT JUST LOVE THIS IS TRUST AT A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

@LanXichenswindow: HE LET HIM PAST HIS DEFENSES

@Xichengfan: BOTH KINDS

@LXCGlobal: So Jiang Cheng doesn’t trust the internet… but he trusts Lan Xichen.

@JiangChengscomputer: that’s… a lot

@LotusWatcher: that’s everything

****

The interview request had come through three different channels. Jiang Cheng agreed to it on the fourth only because Wen Qing had practically forced him too. But he also agreed because it wasn’t a lifestyle piece, or a public-relations performance. It was for an industry publication—read by engineers, analysts, and people who actually understood what he did which meant— no fluff or theatrics. They just needed pure facts. The studio was smaller this time. It was cleaner, more functional, with no dramatic lighting.

There were just two chairs, a table, and a quiet camera. The interviewer also didn’t waste time, which was something Jiang Cheng could respect.

“Thank you for doing this. Let’s start directly—your company has been at the forefront of cybersecurity infrastructure, involved in securing and helping protect our nation’s data. From your perspective, what are the biggest threats today?”

Jiang Cheng didn’t hesitate as he answered, “People. Not in the abstract sense but in the operational sense. Most breaches don’t start with code—they start with behavior.”

The interviewer nodded. “Social engineering?”

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng said. “Phishing, credential harvesting, impersonation. You can build the most secure system in the world and still lose it because someone clicked the wrong link.”

“Human error.” The interviewer added as she listened to him speak.

“Human predictability,” Jiang Cheng corrected.

The interviewer leaned forward slightly, “So how do you design systems around that?”

“You assume failure,” Jiang Cheng said. “You don’t build for ideal conditions. You build for compromised ones.”

“Zero trust architecture?”

“Yes.”

“Can you explain that for our readers?”

Jiang Cheng folded his hands loosely, “It means nothing is trusted by default. Not users. Not devices. Not internal systems. Every request is verified, continuously.”

“Even inside the network?” The interviewer prompted and Jiang Cheng nodded his head.

“Especially inside the network.”

The interview went on for a long while and then the interviewer nodded slowly, “And yet—despite leading in this space, you personally avoid social media entirely. That’s become… something of a topic.”

Jiang Cheng’s expression didn’t change, “It shouldn’t be.”

“Why do you avoid it?” She asked, making Jiang Cheng pause briefly. He took a deep breath and exhaled before he answered, “Because I understand it.”

The interviewer didn’t interrupt and just waited for him to speak again. Jiang Cheng continued, voice steady, “Social media isn’t just communication. It’s data aggregation at scale. Every post, every interaction, every timestamp builds a behavioral profile.”

“Of the user.” She added while she nodded her head and Jiang Cheng hummed.

“Yes. And not just what you say—how often you say it, when you’re active, who you interact with, what you respond to.”

“Patterns.”

“Predictable ones,” Jiang Cheng said.

The interviewer nodded, “And those patterns can be exploited.”

“They are exploited,” Jiang Cheng corrected.

For a moment he was silent, almost as if he was debating what to say or how much he could say, then he continued with more details.

“Targeted phishing relies on familiarity. Social engineering relies on context. If someone knows your habits, your tone, your connections—they can replicate it convincingly enough to bypass basic defenses.”

“Impersonation.”

“Yes. And escalation.”

The interviewer glanced at their notes, “So for someone in your position—”

“It’s not about position,” Jiang Cheng interrupted. “It’s about exposure. If you’re visible, you’re trackable. If you’re trackable, you’re predictable. And if you’re predictable, you’re vulnerable.”

A moment later, the interviewer asked carefully: “So your decision is… preventative.”

“Yes.”

“In what ways?”

Jiang Cheng leaned back slightly, “Less publicly available data means a smaller attack surface.”

“Attack surface,” the interviewer repeated.

“The total amount of information someone can use against you.”

“And social media expands that.”

“Exponentially.” He said with absolute certainty, his eyes as serious as they possibly could be.

The interviewer nodded again, “And beyond technical risk?”

Jiang Cheng’s expression sharpened slightly, “Harassment.”

The word landed clean, “Coordinated campaigns. Doxxing. Reputation attacks. Those aren’t rare cases—they’re common.”

“And you’ve seen this directly?” She asked.

“Yes. I don’t participate in systems that normalize that kind of exposure.” He said and the interviewer let that answer settle for a moment, before she asked again, “So it’s a combination of operational security and personal boundaries?”

“Yes.”

“And you believe that’s the right approach for people in your field?”

“I believe people should understand the trade-offs,” Jiang Cheng said. “Most don’t.”

There was a subtle shift after that. The interviewer glanced at a different set of notes.

“There’s also been significant public attention recently.”

Jiang Cheng’s expression flattened slightly, “I’m unfortunately aware.”

“Some of it is speculative.” The interviewer continued.

“Yes.”

The interviewer hesitated—then spoke again, “There are ongoing discussions about your relationship with Lan Xichen.”

Silence engulfed the room for a moment. Jiang Cheng stared at them for a second, “Why?”

The interviewer blinked, “Because of repeated public appearances, behavioral patterns, and—”

“Behavioral patterns,” Jiang Cheng repeated, dry. His eyes revealed nothing, but his heart continued to try and jump out of his chest. Had he been too obvious with his feelings for Lan Xichen, he wondered.

“Yes. There are theories suggesting a… deeper connection.” The interviewer added and Jiang Cheng exhaled slowly, “Define deeper.”

The interviewer hesitated, “…Romantic.”

Jiang Cheng looked genuinely confused for a moment as he blinked a couple of times and tilted his head to the side, “Based on what?” he asked.

The interviewer blinked, “Your interactions.”

“That’s vague. We cross paths because our business fields are so interconnected.” Jiang Cheng said quickly and gulped.

“Your proximity. Consistency. Mutual behavior.”

Jiang Cheng frowned slightly, “That’s normal.”

“For colleagues?”

“For people who work together,” Jiang Cheng said. “Yes.”

He was silent for a small moment and then he added, “And we’re friends.”

The interviewer watched him carefully, “And the… tweets.”

Jiang Cheng’s expression froze before he raised a brow, “What tweets?”

“Lan Xichen’s.” The interviewer said, unsure herself of where the interview was going now.

Jiang Cheng blinked once, “I don’t use social media.”

“Right.”

“So I don’t read them.” He said, before the interviewer adjusted herself on her seat slightly.

“Some people believe those posts are about you.” She said and Jiang Cheng stared at her longer this time.

“Why would they think that?”

“They’re specific.”

Jiang Cheng frowned, “That doesn’t mean anything.”

“They reference behaviors similar to yours.”

“A lot of people have similar behaviors to mine.”

The interviewer hesitated, “They also align with your interactions.”

Jiang Cheng exhaled sharply, “You’re connecting unrelated data points.”

The interviewer tried once more, “So you don’t believe there’s any truth to these theories?”

Jiang Cheng didn’t hesitate as he answered,“No. They’re overanalyzing and misinterpreting.”

The interviewer studied him for a moment. Then she asked, gently: “Have you ever considered the possibility that they’re not?”

Jiang Cheng was silent for a moment and didn’t answer for a while before he gulped,  “No,” he finally said, sounding less certain than he was before the interview.

When the interview aired a week later, the IT community focused on the first half.

@PacketTrace: Clear explanation of behavioral risk modeling. Solid interview.

@ZeroDayView: “If you’re predictable, you’re vulnerable” — accurate.

@KernelLayer: Finally someone explaining the attack surface in practical terms.

But the other side of the internet focused on the second part of the interview.

@LanXichensGodfather: HE SAID “WHAT TWEETS”

@JiangChengswindow: HE DOESN’T EVEN KNOW

@Aflyonthewall: THIS IS SO MUCH WORSE THAN WE THOUGHT

@WeiWuxian: HE DOESN’T KNOW 😭

@NieHuaisang: HE DOESN’T KNOW 😭

@MengYao: That explains a great deal.

@NieMingjue: This is inefficient.

@SecurityAnalyst: He understands systems perfectly. Just not this one.

That night, Jiang Cheng sat in his office alone for a long while. He was for once not working, as his mind kept getting back to the interview that had dropped today.

“Tweets,” he muttered as he remembered the interviewer asking him about them. The word felt foreign and irrelevant. And yet, it lingered and he could not forget about it.

Then a knock sounded through the room, soft and familiar as the doors opened without Jiang Cheng having to say a word. Then the bane of his existence walked inside.

“You’re here,” Lan Xichen said.

“Yes.” Jiang Cheng answered as he looked at him, studying him a moment longer than usual through his glasses.

“Do you post about me?” he asked. Silence fell between them as Lan Xichen slowly let the bag with food rest on the table before Jiang Cheng. He just knew he hadn’t eaten.

“Why don’t you go online and read my posts? Tell me then what you think, huh?” Lan Xichen asked with a small smile and Jiang Cheng frowned as he took a deep breath. 

He really and truly did not want to be online.

Chapter Text

To say that years without a single confession passed would be an understatement. Jiang Cheng had become a workaholic over the six years he was gone and so he barely  had any time to meet anyone but his coworkers since he took over the Jiang Empire six years ago.

Most of the times he met Lan Xichen were either at the company in his office or during meetings. After all, their respective fields of work crossed paths many many times. Other than that, they would see each other  during weekly dinners that Wei Wuxian insisted on hosting. He would also get really mad if the dinner was missed even once.

Lan Xichen, desperately in love with the Jiang CEO and his years-long friend, turned to social media when it came to confessing his love discreetly. However, anyone who knew Jiang Cheng, knew that he did not use social media so he saw not even one of those confessions. As someone who worked in the cyber security and IT world, he knew just how dangerous the internet was, so he had no personal accounts. He had no casual scrolling, no late-night distractions.

His public presence was handled by a team, filtered, polished and intentional. It was efficient and clean. So, the first time his right hand and friend Wen Qing and Wei Wuxian walked into his office, phone in hand and a certain look on her face, he didn’t even bother glancing up.

“If this is about marketing, send it to the team.” Jiang Cheng spoke calmly as he looked at the sixteen lines of code on his screen.

“It’s not.” She said. That made him and his typing pause. Slowly, he looked up and Wen Qing held out her phone.

“Explain this.” She said and he frowned.

“I’m not explaining anything unless you tell me what this is.” he said and when she didn’t answer, he tilted his head to the side. She stepped forwards and placed the phone on his desk. 

“You need to see this, A’Cheng.” Wei Wuxian spoke as he stepped towards the desk while Jiang Cheng refused to look down at the phone. So, Wei Wuxian had finally had enough when he took the phone off the desk and placed it in Jiang Cheng’s hand.

“Read.” He said, a serious look on his face and Jiang Cheng frowned, “I told you, I don’t-” Jiang Cheng started to speak.

“Read.” Wei Wuxian repeated, completely seriously not joking this time or teasing him.

Jiang Cheng looked down with a frown on his face and then he froze.

@LanXichenOfficial

There are people in this world who don’t realize how extraordinary they are. Watching them work feels like watching a storm decide exactly where to strike.

Jiang Cheng stared at the screen for a moment and then he slid the phone back to his desk, “What the fuck is this?” He asked and Wen Qing crossed her arms.

“That’s your friend.”

“He’s not-” Jiang Cheng stopped himself as his jaw tightened, “Why the hell are you showing me this?” 

“Scroll.” 

“I’m not scrolling.” 

“Scroll.” 

Jiang Cheng shot her one annoyed look and then, against his better judgement- he picked up the phone again.

@LanXichenOfficial

Some people think kindness is a weakness. They’ve never seen it sharpened into something that protects everyone in the room.  

There were replies, a lot of them. Jiang Cheng’s grip on the phone tightened slightly as he scrolled.

@NieHuaisang: oh my god just confess already

@WeiWuxian: LMAO is this about a certain CEO we all know ?

@LanWangji: Speak

@MengYao: Subtlety has left the chat

@NieMingjue: Stop embarrassing yourself and talk to them.

@RandomFan1: Omg who is he talking about????

@WeiWuxian: If only you knew ;)

@XichenFan23: Who is this about? I’m losing my mind here!!

His eyes narrowed to the phone in his hand, almost as if it had personally offended him, “This is ridiculous.” he whispered while Wen Qing chuckled, “Is it?” 

“Yes!”

“Then why are you still reading?” She asked and Jiang Cheng gulped as he ignored her. These tweets could not be about him. They were crushing on each other over a decade ago, as high school kids. And while Jiang Cheng was still in love with Lan Xichen, there was no way Lan Xichen was in love with him too.

@LanXichenOfficial

They look at the world like it owes them nothing- and yet they give everything anyway.

Jiang Cheng’s expression hardened. His thumb moved.

@LanXichenOfficial

If he asked me to stay I would. He never asks.

@LanXichenOfficial

I wonder if he knows how many people rely on him. I wonder if he ever lets himself rest.

Jiang Cheng’s jaw clenched as his eyes burned. Lan Xichen was in love with someone. And that someone wasn’t him.

“He needs a hobby.” he whispered, his voice tight.

Wen Qing snorted, "Apparently, this is his hobby.”

Jiang Cheng put the phone down before he picked it up again. That should have been the end of it. It wasn’t. Days passed and somehow, despite himself, Jiang Cheng kept checking. Not often or obsessively, just whenever Wen Qing “accidentally” left her phone nearby. Whenever Wen Ning mentioned something vague or suspicious that sounded like Lan Xichen posted again.

Sometimes Nie Huaisang sent him a message that was definitely not subtle:

“You should really look at Xichen-ge’s account. For no reason. Totally random.” 

Jiang Cheng had ignored that message for approximately 10 minutes before he checked Lan Xichen’s account.

@LanXichenOficial

Some people are difficult to understand. Sharp edges and harsh words. But if you stay long enough, you realize they’ve been protecting something soft deep inside the entire time.

Jiang Cheng stared at that one longer than he should have.

“Soft? Who the hell are you talking about?” He wondered out loud in his empty office. Then he scrolled to look at the replies. His friends were like with all the previous tweets, all up in Lan Xichen’s business. He almost felt bad for him. Almost. Why Lan Xichen, who worked in security and knew the dangers of the internet himself, was bringing out all his business for everyone to see was beyond him.

@WeiWuxian: SOFT ?? LMAOOOOOO

@NieHuaisang: oh he’s down bad

@MengYao: Fascinating character study. Please continue.

@NieMingjue: I’m confiscating your damn phone !

@LanWangji: Speak

@RandomFan3: Who in the hell is he talking about?

@XichensGodfather: Why the hell is he not confessing irl?

@NieHuaisang: Something we all ask ourselves

Jiang Cheng scoffed at the replies and shook his head.

“Idiots. All of them.” 

He locked the screen of the phone and turned back to the computer, getting back to work. Ten minutes later, he picked the phone back up again. Weeks went on like this. Jiang Cheng never followed the account, never liked a single post or tweet, never replied but he read all of them. And with each tweet, something in his chest tightened- slowly, persistently and annoyingly. Because whoever Lan Xichen was talking about- they sounded perfect. Extraordinary. Brilliant.  They sounded like someone worth admiring and Jiang Cheng’s expression darkened.

“Ridiculous.” he whispered.

He continued on with reading the tweets. Some older, posted up until three years ago. Some were newer, not older than two days. Jiang Cheng shook his head as he continued to  read the tweets and feel his chest tighten.

@LanXichenOfficial

They argue like every word is a blade- but they’ve never once used it on someone who didn’t deserve it.

Jiang Cheng’s eyes narrowed, “Who even talks like this?” he wondered as he read through the replies. Why his and Lan Xichen’s friends were losing their minds in each comment section was beyond him.

@WeiWuxian: THIS IS GETTING PERSONAL 😭

@NieHuaisang: i feel attacked on behalf of this person

@MengYao: The admiration is becoming alarmingly specific

@NieMingjue: Just say their name atp

@LanWangji: Speak

Jiang Cheng continued to read.

@LanXichenOfficial 

They never ask for help. Not because they don’t need it- but because they’ve convinced themselves they shouldn’t.

Something in Jiang Cheng’s chest tightened and he took a deep breath as he untied his tie.

@WeiWuxian: oh come ON 😭😭😭😭

@NieHuaisang: okay now im a bit worried about them

@MengYao: The emotions exposure is insane

@NieMingjue: If you don’t talk to them, I will!

@LanWangji: Speak

@Randomfan1: The heartache is killing me 😭😭

@Xichenscar: I’m dead

@Huansmotherhen: How are they not seeing this ?????

@WeiWuxian: They’re so chronically offline, it’s not even funny 😭

Jiang Cheng frowned as he remembered Lan Xichen coming over to his office last night, bringing him food and eating with him together at midnight. He did not look tired or like someone who was suffering from heartbreak. So why were all his tweets so full of heartache? Jiang Cheng’s own heart broke at the idea of Lan Xichen being in love with someone else. But what did he expect? Years passed since their high school days. Lan Xichen could have fallen for someone else, he thought. He seemed to have forgotten that Lans only loved once.

@LanXichenOfficial

They look tired lately. I wish they would let someone stand beside them instead of carrying everything alone.

Jiang Cheng froze and gulped. Lan Xichen had told him something similar in the office a couple of days ago. But that was just a coincidence, he thought.

@WeiWuxian: GO STAND BESIDE THEM THEN ?????

@NieHuaisang: PLEASE i am begging you

@MengYao: At this point, the only mystery is why you’re still silent in real life.

@NieMingjue: You’re running out of time.

@LanWangji: Speak

Jiang Cheng let out a sharp breath, “They’re all insane.” he whispered to himself, thankful that at least Wen Qing and Wen Ning were not engaging in these discussions. He scrolled further.

@LanXichenOfficial

I think I realized it the moment I saw them choose responsibility over rest. Again. Like it wasn’t even a question.

The replies went insane again:

@WeiWuxian: THIS IS SO OBVIOUS IM LOSING MY MIND

@NieHuaisang: I know right??? Like HELLO????

@MengYao: You have successfully removed all plausible deniability. Congratulations.

@NieMingjue: Enough! Talk to them! 

@LanWangji: Talk

Jiang Cheng took a deep breath and turned the phone off as he turned back around to the code on his computer and continued to work. Lan Xichen was broadcasting his feelings for the entire world to see and witness and this person he loved so much seemed to be completely ignoring it all. Something within Jiang Cheng’s chest tightened. He blinked quickly a couple of times and turned his mind away from Lan Xichen and back to his code. Lan Xichen had visited him that night as well, and Jiang Cheng once more did not mention his twitter account he seemed to like using as his very public diaryIt was a week later that he opened his account again, to see what nonsense he wrote this time around.

@LanXichenOfficial

Sometimes they look at me like they’re about to say something- and then they don’t. I wonder if I imagine it.

Jiang Cheng went very still because it was just last night that he came very close to opening the conversation with Lan Xichen regarding his public diary on twitter.

@WeiWuxian: NO YOU DON’T IMAGINE IT

@NieHuaisang: YOU DO NOT IMAGINE IT

@MangYao: Statistically unlikely.

@NieMingjue: Enough guessing! Act!

@LanWangji: Talk

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue, “All my friends are delusional.” He whispered.

@LanXichenOfficial

They get annoyed when I’m too careful around them. I think they prefer honesty- even if it’s inconvenient.

Jiang Cheng let out a humorless laugh before he took a deep breath.

@WeiWuxian: TRY IT THEN ????

@NieHuaisang: HONESTY, TRY HONESTY!

@MengYao: Groundbreaking suggestion

@NieMingjue: I will personally drag you there.

Jiang Cheng chuckled once he read Nie Mingjue’s response. He seemed to be very annoyed with his best friend. Jiang Cheng scrolled further down, to a tweet at least two years old and frowned. Just how long had Lan Xichen been going through this supposed one sided love?

@LanXichenOfficial 

They looked at me today like I mattered. I’m not sure what to do with that.

The replies went insane, like always.

@WeiWuxian: OH MY GOD JUST DATE ALREADY

@NieHuaisang: I am going to scream

@MengYao: This is becoming increasingly transparent

@NieMingjue: You’re wasting time!

@LanWangji: Speak

One night, much later than he should have been in the office, Jiang Cheng leaned back in his chair, staring at the now too familiar account on his screen. Another tweet. Of course. Is Lan Xichen’s only hobby tweeting?

@LanXichenOfficial

I don’t think I’ll ever be brave enough to tell them.

Jiang Cheng’s fingers stilled. For the longest moment he didn’t move. Then he slowly scrolled to the replies.

@WeiWuxian: BRO ????

@NieHuaisang: oh my god i’m going to lose my mind

@MengYao: This is becoming tragic

@NieMingjue: You have 48 hours before I intervene. I might just confess to him for you.

@LanWangji: Speak

@LanXichenscarpet: aw this is sad. Do they not see these tweets?

@NieHuaisang: they are unfortunately very tragically offline

Jiang Cheng let out a sharp, humorless laugh.

“Pathetic.” He whispered, but his chest felt tight. He stared at the screen again.

I don’t think I’ll ever be brave enough to tell them.

“Do it, you never know what their answer is going to be.” Jiang Cheng muttered in the darkness of his office.

His thumb hovered over the screen, paused. He didn’t do this. He didn’t engage, didn’t involve himself in nonsense like this. This had nothing to do with him. And yet- his jaw clenched. Because the idea of Lan Xichen pining over someone who wasn’t worth it- who didn’t see him- who didn’t know…. It frustrated him. He thanked whoever was up there that he was alone in his office that night.

“Idiot.” he snapped under his breath and before he could stop himself- he tapped and opened the reply box. He typed, fast and sharp like always before he hit the send button.

@JiangChengOfficial

Fucking talk to them in real life and stop tweeting like a lunatic!

The moment he hit the send button, silence overwhelmed him. Jiang Cheng stared at his reply and gulped, “What did I just do?” He asked himself while the internet exploded before his eyes.

@WeiWuxian: ??????????????????

@NieHuaisang: He LIVES???? I SWEAR I DIDN’T EVEN THINK HE KNEW HIS PASSWORD??!??!?!

@MengYao: Oh, this just became significantly more interesting. I’m invested.

@NieMingjue: Finally.

@LanWangji: Good

@RandomFan1: Guys, why is this reply important?

@lanXichensgodfather: why are we losing our shit over this?

Jiang Cheng closed his eyes briefly. What was it he was feeling, he wondered. Regret? No. Not really. Just annoyance, and a very tight squeezing of his chest. He tossed the phone on his desk and leaned back in his chair as he exhaled slowly.

“Idiot.” He whispered to himself, but he did not delete his reply. He refreshed the page as he waited for any kind of sign from Lan Xichen, his heart nearly beating out of his damn chest. What if it wasn’t about him? What if he got it all wrong? His heart could not take that heartbreak. Then he saw it. A new tweet. Posted just seconds ago.

@LanXichenOfficial 

He replied. He sounds angry.

Jiang Cheng scrolled down.

@WeiWuxian: OMG, YOU THINK ????

@NieHuaisang: WAIT WAIT WAIT! BRO! THAT WAS AN ORDER!

@MengYao: Progress. Finally.

@NieMingjue: GOOD! Now move!

@LanWangji: GO!

@LanXichenOfficial

I think I should listen to him.

@WeiWuxian: FINALLY !!

@NieHuaisang: IT ONLY TOOK DECADES!

@MengYao: A wise decision!

@NieMingjue: I’m holding you to that!

@LanWangji: GO!

Jiang Cheng stared at the screen for a long moment and didn’t move. Then he set the phone down slowly.

“About time.” He said but his chest tightened again. What if it wasn’t about him? What if he got it all wrong? He crossed his arms at his chest as he wondered if heartbreak was coming his way. Jiang Cheng should have known something was wrong the moment Wei Wuxian walked into his office without knocking the following day. That alone was suspicious. The fact that he was smiling—wide, insufferable, knowing—was so much worse. He had learned in his childhood not to trust Wei Wuxian when he was smiling like this.

“Get out.” Was what came out of Jiang Cheng without properly looking up from his computer.

“Wow,” Wei Wuxian said, strolling in anyway and dropping into the chair across from Jiang Cheng’s desk. “No ‘hello,’ or ‘how are you,’ or even ‘thank you for bringing life-changing information’—”

“I don’t want it.”

“You do.”

“I don’t.”

“You really, really do.”

“I will have security remove you.”

“They won’t,” Wei Wuxian said cheerfully. “They like me more than you.” Jiang Cheng’s eyes twitched at that. He hated that he was right. Jiang Cheng was a good and fair boss. His workers liked him. But Wei Wuxian was always the more open one between the two and therefore was liked the tiniest bit more.

Before he could respond, the door opened again and his friend and right hand Wen Qing walked in, composed as ever. Behind her, Wen Ning hovered nervously. And trailing in last— Nie Huaisang, looking far too entertained for someone who claimed to dislike conflict. Jiang Cheng stared at them and could not shake the feeling off that they came together as some kind of fucked up intervention.

“Why are all of you here?”

“Intervention,” Wei Wuxian said immediately, confirming his suspicion and Jiang Cheng growled as he glared at his cheerful brother.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Get out.”

“No.”

Jiang Cheng leaned back in his chair, exhaling sharply, as he debated just moving countries again. Maybe then he would not be interrupted during his work every five minutes, “You have five minutes before I throw all of you out myself.” He growled out.

“Great,” Wei Wuxian clapped his hands. “We’ll only need two.”

Wen Qing rolled her eyes but didn’t contradict him which was always a bad sign. Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes towards them.

“What?” He snapped once he felt the silence stretch on for too long. Wei Wuxian leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, grin widening.

“Lan Xichen is in love with you.” He said with a smile on his face and Jiang Cheng blinked, as his chest tightened again. Nie Huaisang looked delighted. Wen Qing watched Jiang Cheng carefully, ready to intervene if she must despite her being a part of this intervention as well.

Jiang Cheng stared at Wei Wuxian like he had just said the stupidest thing in human history which wasn’t anything new for Wei Wuxian.

“No, he’s not.”

“Yes, he is.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Jiang Cheng—”

“He’s not.”

Wei Wuxian blinked. Then leaned back, incredulous, “You read the tweets.” Jiang Cheng’s expression didn’t change.

“I read nonsense.”

Wen Qing crossed her arms. “That wasn’t nonsense.”

“It was vague, dramatic, and unnecessary,” Jiang Cheng said flatly. “Which makes it nonsense.”

Nie Huaisang let out a soft laugh, hiding it behind his fan.

“Oh, this is going to be fun.”

Jiang Cheng shot him a glare. “You’re enjoying this.”

“Immensely.”

“Get out.”

“No.”

Wen Ning raised his hand slightly, hesitant, “Um. Jiang-ge?” Jiang Cheng sighed, “What?”

Wen Ning fidgeted. “Lan Xichen… he, um… talks about you a lot.” Jiang Cheng’s gaze sharpened. “He talks about a lot of people.”

“Not like that,” Wen Ning said quietly. That made Jiang Cheng pause only for a moment before  he scoffed.

“You’re all overthinking it.” He snapped. Wei Wuxian sat up straighter.

“No, you’re underthinking it.”

“I’m not thinking about it at all.”

“That’s the problem.” Jiang Cheng’s patience snapped slightly.

“There is no problem. He’s clearly talking about someone else.” All four of them stared at him for a long moment.

“Who?” Wei Wuxian asked. Jiang Cheng opened his mouth and paused.

“Someone,” he said finally.

“Name one person who fits any of those tweets,” Wen Qing said.

Jiang Cheng frowned. “That’s not—”

“Sharp,” Wei Wuxian started, counting on his fingers. “Stubborn. Overworked. Protective. Doesn’t ask for help. Scary when angry. Secretly soft—”

“I am not—”

“—trusted by very few people,” Wen Qing continued smoothly.

“—runs a company like a battlefield,” Nie Huaisang added.

“—looks tired but refuses to rest,” Wen Ning finished quietly. Silence fell upon them once more while Jiang Cheng only continued to glare their way.

“That describes a lot of people.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Wei Wuxian said immediately.

“It describes you,” Wen Qing said.

“Specifically you,” Nie Huaisang added helpfully. Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue.

“You’re all biased.” Wei Wuxian leaned forward again, eyes narrowing seriously. If anything scared Jiang Cheng more than a teasing Wei Wuxian, it was a serious one.

“Jiang Cheng.”

“What now?” he snapped at his brother again.

“Why does it bother you?” Jiang Cheng’s expression hardened immediately.

“It doesn’t.”

“Then why are you arguing so hard that it’s not you?”

“I’m not arguing. I’m correcting you.”

“Same thing.”

“Not the same thing.”

“Very much the same thing.” Wei Wuxian insisted and Jiang Cheng stood abruptly, annoyance and anger clear on his face once more.

“I have work to do.”

“Sit down,” Wen Qing said. He didn’t. She gave him a look. He sat back down.

“You’re all unbelievable.” He snapped, glaring at his right hand woman. Nie Huaisang leaned forward slightly, voice light—but his eyes were sharp.

“You replied to him.” Jiang Cheng stilled as he remembered replying to Lan Xichen’s tweet.

“That means something,” Nie Huaisang continued.

“It means he was being annoying.”

“Plenty of people are annoying,” Wei Wuxian said. “You don’t go out of your way to reply to them.”

“I just did.”

“After weeks of reading every single tweet,” Nie Huaisang added sweetly. Jiang Cheng’s gaze snapped to him.

“You don’t know that.”

“I do,” Nie Huaisang said.

“How?” Jiang Cheng demanded to know and Nie Huaisang smiled, “I’m very observant.”

“That’s not reassuring.”

“It’s not meant to be.” Wen Qing sighed.

“Jiang Cheng. You don’t have to admit anything right now.”

“Good.”

“But you should at least consider the possibility.”

“I have,” he said immediately. They all stared at him.

“And?” Wei Wuxian prompted.Jiang Cheng’s jaw tightened.

“And I dismissed it.”

“Why.”

“Because it doesn’t make sense.”

“Why not?”

Jiang Cheng opened his mouth and stopped, searching his mind for an answer he did not have. Wei Wuxian saw it instantly.

“There it is,” he said softly. Jiang Cheng glared at him. “Don’t.”

“You don’t have a reason.”

“I do.”

“Then say it.” Wei Wuxian wasn’t letting go, and Jiang Cheng’s fingers curled slightly against the desk.

“He wouldn’t.” he finally whispered, uncertain in a way he hasn’t been since he moved to a different country to learn all about the IT world that he could learn.

“Wouldn’t what?”

“Look at me like that,” Jiang Cheng said, quieter now. The room went still. Wen Qing’s expression softened—just slightly. Wei Wuxian leaned back again, but the teasing edge was gone.

“Jiang Cheng,” he said, more gently this time. “He’s been looking at you like that for years and Lans only love once.”Jiang Cheng’s gaze flickered. He knew they had crushes on each other in high school. Damn it, they had admitted it to each other back then. But now? More than ten years passed. There was no way Lan Xichen was still in love with him.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Stop agreeing with each other,” Jiang Cheng snapped.

“No,” all four of them said at once. Jiang Cheng dragged a hand through his hair, exasperated.

“This is pointless.”

“Then prove us wrong,” Nie Huaisang said lightly.Jiang Cheng paused.

“What?”

“Go ask him.”

“I’m not—”

“Go ask him,” Wei Wuxian repeated. Jiang Cheng scoffed, hating his brother and his friends at the moment.

“I’m not chasing after him because of some vague tweets.”

“Then don’t,” Wen Qing said calmly. “Wait.”

“For what?”

“For him to come to you.” Wen Qing said and Jiang Cheng froze. Something flickered in his expression as he gulped.

“He won’t.” He said and shook his head while Wei Wuxian smiled.

“Oh,” he said. “I think he will.” Jiang Cheng didn’t respond. But for the first time— he didn’t argue either.

Chapter Text

Avoiding Lan Xichen should have been easy. After all, Jiang Cheng was good at avoidance.

He ran a company that thrived on precision, control, and calculated distance. If he didn’t want to see someone, he didn’t. If he didn’t want to engage, he cut it off efficiently. The first time Lan Xichen called, Jiang Cheng stared at his phone until it stopped ringing. He had no hesitation, no second thoughts as he watched his call go to voicemail. He simply flipped the screen over and continued working.

“Irrelevant,” he muttered. It rang again ten minutes later. And again he didn’t pick up.

The messages came next. They were short, polite and careful.

Lan Xichen:

Are you available to talk?

I would prefer to speak in person.

Jiang Cheng?

Baby, please!

Jiang Cheng read every single one of them without daring to reply back even if his heart felt like it would literally beat out of his chest.

“Never took you for a coward,” Wen Qing said, not even looking up from her tablet. Jiang Cheng didn’t react, used to her calling him names. They have, after all, known each other for a while now.

“I’m busy.” He replied and continued typing on his computer, focusing on the green letters in his computer.

“You’re avoiding him.”

“I’m working.”

“You’re doing both.” She said and then silence fell upon them again. Jiang Cheng’s jaw tightened.

“It’s unnecessary.”

“To talk to someone you’ve known for years?”

“Yes.”

“That’s new.” She chuckled and Jiang Cheng shot her a look. She didn’t look impressed with him that day.

Days passed. Then a week. Then two. And somehow—it got worse. Because now Jiang Cheng knew. Or at least—he might know. And that uncertainty sat under his skin like something sharp and impossible to ignore.

Every tweet replayed in his head. Every damn sweet word. Every attentive implication. Every possibility.It was easier when it had been someone else. Now— now it felt like standing at the edge of something he couldn’t control. And Jiang Cheng hated that. As someone who always needed to be in control, he hated feeling like he was out of the loop.

“Just talk to him,” Nie Huaisang said over the phone one evening.

“No.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

“No, I’m not!”

“You’re hiding.”

“I’m busy.”

“You’ve rescheduled three meetings with him.”

“Scheduling conflicts.”

“Jiang Cheng.” Nie Huaisang sounded exasperated.

“What?” Nie Huaisang sighed.

“Even I’m not that good at lying.” Nie Huaisang said softly and slowly, while Jiang Cheng hung up. He told himself it would pass. That this- whatever this was- would settle.

Sooner rather than later, Lan Xichen would realize he did not really want Jiang Cheng and he would stop trying, things would go back to normal. Apparently, during those six years in another country, Jiang Cheng forgot that the Lans never gave up. And Lan Xichen did not stop. Not when the man he adored was avoiding him and all he wanted was to tell him and show him how much he adored him. The messages didn’t become pushy or turn frustrated. They just remained constant and patient.

Lan Xichen:

I’ll be in your area tomorrow.

If you have time, it would be great to see you again.

No pressure.

Jiang Cheng didn’t answer but he read it twice. By the end of the second week, even Wei Wuxian had stopped joking about it which was somehow worse. The knock on his office door came late in the evening. Jiang Cheng didn’t look up as he spoke.

“Come in.” The door opened and closed while the silence followed. Jiang Cheng frowned and looked up, immediately freezing.

“What are you doing here?” He asked as he watched while Nie Mingjue stood near the door, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Beside him, Meng Yao smiled—pleasant, composed, entirely too observant.

“A visit,” Meng Yao said smoothly.

“You don’t visit me,” Jiang Cheng said flatly.

“We do it when necessary,” Nie Mingjue replied calmly. Jiang Cheng leaned back in his chair, already irritated, “If this is about business—”

“It’s not,” Nie Mingjue cut in. Of course it wasn’t. Jiang Cheng exhaled sharply, having an idea of where this was going.

“Then say what you came to say.” He snapped and Meng Yao exchanged a brief glance with Nie Mingjue. Then stepped forward slightly.

“You’ve been avoiding Lan Xichen.” He said and Jiang Cheng didn’t react, “I’ve been busy.”

“No,” Nie Mingjue said bluntly. “You haven’t.” Jiang Cheng’s eyes narrowed, “You don’t—”

“I do,” Nie Mingjue said. “He’s been trying to see you for two weeks.” He said calmly and Jiang Cheng didn’t answer. Meng Yao’s smile softened—just slightly.

“He’s not subtle, you know.”

“I’m aware.”

“And yet you’re pretending not to understand.”

“I understand perfectly,” Jiang Cheng said coldly.

“Do you?” Meng Yao tilted his head. “Then why are you hiding?”

“I’m not hiding.”

“You are,” Nie Mingjue said.

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.” Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue, irritation flaring. 

Why did everyone seem to want to come to him and force him to talk to Lan Xichen? To confess to him first? Why was it hard for Lan Xichen to simply walk into the building, into his office like he did a thousand times before and tell him he loved him if he really did? Why did it all seem to fall on Jiang Cheng, he wondered. And why the hell was it so easy for Lan Xichen to tweet about him and his love for him, but he found it difficult to tell him so in his face?

“This is pointless.”

“No,” Nie Mingjue said. “What’s pointless is watching him run in circles because you refuse to have a conversation.” Nie Mingjue snapped and Jiang Cheng’s gaze sharpened. He had forgotten how sharp Nie Mingjue could be.

“He chose to—”

“He’s been in love with you for years.” Nie Mingjue said and the words landed like a strike, making Jiang Cheng freeze.

“What?” He whispered, and Meng Yao didn’t smile this time.

“Years,” he repeated calmly. “Long before the tweets. Long before any of this became visible to others. Probably since high school.” He revealed and Jiang Cheng’s fingers curled slightly against the armrest.

“That’s not—”

“It is,” Nie Mingjue said.

“You expect me to believe that,” Jiang Cheng said, voice tightening, “he just—what? Kept quiet for years?”

“Yes.”

“Why? Why not say something when I came back home? Why wait so damn long?” Jiang Cheng wondered out loud and Meng Yao’s gaze didn’t waver.

“Because he thought you didn’t feel the same.” He revealed, letting silence fall upon them again. Jiang Cheng looked away first, “That’s stupid.”

“Yes,” Nie Mingjue agreed immediately.

“Deeply,” Meng Yao added. Jiang Cheng let out a sharp breath.

“Then that’s his problem.”

“No,” Nie Mingjue said. “It becomes yours when you start avoiding him instead of dealing with it.”

“I am dealing with it.”

“You’re not,” Meng Yao said gently. “You’re postponing it.” Jiang Cheng stood abruptly, annoyed by this entire conversation now.

“I don’t have time for this.”

“Make time,” Nie Mingjue said.

“I won’t.”

“Then you’ll regret it.” Nie Mingjue said, honestly seeping through his words. That man never knew how to tell a lie. That made Jiang Cheng pause.

“I don’t regret things.” Jiang Cheng said and Meng Yao watched him carefully.

“That’s not true.” Jiang Cheng’s jaw tightened.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“We know him,” Nie Mingjue said.

“And we see you,” Meng Yao added. Silence stretched between them. Jiang Cheng looked down at his desk, at his phone, at the unread message still sitting there.

Lan Xichen:

I would like to see you.

His chest felt tight again and his eyes teared up, unsure why he felt so damn scared to even talk to him.

“If I talk to him,” Jiang Cheng said slowly, not looking up, “and he doesn’t—”

He stopped, unable to finish. And he didn’t need to. Nie Mingjue’s voice was firm.

“He will.” Meng Yao’s was quieter, “He already does.”

Jiang Cheng closed his eyes briefly and exhaled. Then he opened them again.

“You’re both incredibly irritating.”

“Yes, we've been told,” Nie Mingjue said.

“Consistently,” Meng Yao agreed.

Jiang Cheng didn’t speak for a while, debating on what to do. How to move forward? How to look past his fear of heartbreak?

“Fine.” He answered, and both of them froze. Jiang Cheng grabbed his phone and stared at it for a second. Then he unlocked it.

“I’ll talk to him.” He whispered and Nie Mingjue nodded once.

“Good.” Meng Yao’s smile returned, satisfied with himself, “Finally.” Jiang Cheng didn’t look at them or say anything else but he didn’t put the phone down either.

Chapter Text

Wen Qing did not believe in leaving things to chance. Jiang Cheng might have agreed to talk to Lan Xichen, but she had known him long enough to recognize the flaw in that statement. He would delay, then reschedule. Then find a reason to cancel, then another, and another. Until the moment passed and everything returned to that same frustrating standstill. She found that unacceptable and so she handled it quietly and efficiently, without being asked to. Lan Xichen’s phone buzzed once in the early evening.

Meeting confirmed. 22:30. Jiang Tech, Level 7. Coding room.

– Wen Qing

He stared at the message for a long moment, then he exhaled softly.

“Thank you,” he murmured, even if she couldn’t hear it. Jiang Cheng had no idea. By the time the building emptied, the tension hadn’t. Lights shut off one by one across the upper floors, offices went dark and hallways fell silent. But one room remained alive.

The coding room was dim except for the glow of screens. Rows of monitors lit up the space in cold blues and sharp whites, reflecting off glass and metal. Lines of code streamed endlessly, shifting, evolving, precise. At the center of it all sat the one person he was looking for for weeks, his Jiang Cheng. His jacket was discarded, sleeves pushed up and the tie long gone.

He seemed completely focused on the green code on his screen. The music was loud—heavy, pulsing techno that filled the room and drowned out everything else. It vibrated through the floor, through the desk, through him. And his hands moved fast.

Keys struck in rapid succession, a rhythm of their own layered beneath the music. He didn’t look up or pause. He didn’t notice the door open behind him. Lan Xichen stepped inside quietly, careful not to disturb the man focused on codes on the screen that Lan Xichen did not understand. The door shut with a soft click that disappeared entirely under the music.

He stopped just inside the room and watched. Jiang Cheng didn’t see him. He didn’t even hear him come inside. He was entirely absorbed—eyes sharp, posture slightly forward, attention locked onto the screen in front of him like the rest of the world didn’t exist. The glow from the monitors carved his features into something almost unreal. He looked utterly breathtaking. Lan Xichen’s chest tightened. This was the version of Jiang Cheng most people didn’t get to see. Brilliant, beautiful and unrestrained Jiang Cheng.

His fingers flew across the keyboard, barely hesitating as lines of code unfolded exactly where they needed to be. A problem appeared and Lan Xichen watched him solve it before it fully formed. His mind worked faster than the system could keep up. Lan Xichen had seen many kinds of strength. But this— this quiet, relentless intensity— it stole the breath from his lungs.

Minutes passed. Maybe more. Lan Xichen didn’t interrupt him or move closer. He just remained in his space, watching him exist in his element. Then Jiang Cheng swore sharply under his breath.

His fingers paused for half a second before diving back in, faster now, more aggressive. The music pulsed louder or maybe it just felt that way. Lan Xichen wasn’t sure as he took a few steps forward. He went unnoticed until— he reached the edge of the desk. He was close enough now that he could see the exact lines on the screen. He could see the structure and the intent. 

“You’re rerouting instead of isolating,” he said gently. Jiang Cheng froze while the music kept playing loudly in the background. The world seemed to stop anyway. Jiang Cheng turned his head slowly and looked at Lan Xichen through his glasses. For a moment, there was nothing- no reaction at all. There was just recognition.

But then his posture straightened, his eyes sharpened as they focused on the man before him. At first, the irritation came.

“What are you doing here?” He asked and Lan Xichen didn’t move.

“Wen Qing scheduled a meeting.” He answered simply and Jiang Cheng’s gaze darkened immediately.

“She did what?”

“I believe,” Lan Xichen said carefully, “she anticipated that otherwise, this might not happen.”

Jiang Cheng let out a short, disbelieving breath, “Unbelievable.”

Despite his irritation, he didn’t tell him to leave or turn back to the screen. The music kept playing loudly between them but neither of them moved to lower it. Then Jiang Cheng turned his chair slightly, facing him more directly, “You could’ve called.”

“I did.” Lan Xichen said softly.

“I was busy.”

“I noticed.” Lan Xichen said and Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue. Lan Xichen’s eyes fell to his mouth and he gulped.

“Then you should’ve taken the hint.” Jiang Cheng snapped and Lan Xichen’s expression softened, “I did.”

“And?”

“I came anyway.” He answered and then silence fell between them again. Jiang Cheng held his gaze. He seemed annoyed and guarded, but not dismissive. At least not this time around. The music thumped in the background, filling the space neither of them seemed ready to cross.

“You shouldn’t have,” Jiang Cheng said finally.

“Why?” Lan Xichen asked quietly. He knew Jiang Cheng loved him back. He has had enough conversations with Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang these past few weeks to know so with absolute certainty. What neither knew was why he seemed adamant to push Lan Xichen away.

Jiang Cheng’s jaw tightened, “Because.”

“Because you didn’t want to see me,” Lan Xichen said. It wasn’t accusatory but it was the truth. Jiang Cheng looked away for a second.

“I was working.”

“You’ve been working for two weeks?” That question landed and Jiang Cheng felt his chest squeeze again. Jiang Cheng’s gaze snapped back to him, “Don’t start.”

“I’m not starting anything,” Lan Xichen said gently. “I’m trying to finish something.” He admitted and the words hung heavily between them. It was the yearning he needed to finish once and for all. He needed to be honest. After all, the man before him had his entire heart in his hands and he didn't seem to know that. This had to change. Jiang Cheng exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair, lines of code forgotten behind him.

“This is stupid.” Jiang Cheng said slowly.

“Maybe.”

“You’re making it worse.”

“I might be.”

“Then stop.” He said and  Lan Xichen didn’t move or step back, “No.”

That response made Jiang Cheng pause because Lan Xichen didn’t say no often- not to him at least.

“You don’t get to just show up here,” Jiang Cheng said, quieter now, but no less sharp. “After—after all that—and act like—”

“Like what?” Lan Xichen asked, prompting a reply and Jiang Cheng stopped. There was a certain look in his eyes Lan Xichen had never before seen there. He looked scared. Lan Xichen took a measured step closer.

“As if this matters?” he asked softly and Jiang Cheng’s expression flickered.

“It doesn’t.” Jiang Cheng gulped and Lan Xichen didn’t call the lie out. He just watched him and waited. The music still filled the room, loud and unrelenting—but it felt distant now. Almost like it was something outside of this moment.

“You avoided me,” Lan Xichen said.

“I was busy.”

“You read the messages, baby.” Lan Xichen said and Jiang Cheng froze at the nickname used, choosing not to comment on it or the way his stomach flipped.

“You don’t know that.” Lan Xichen’s voice was gentle, “I do.” Silence fell upon them once more. Minutes passed.

“Fine,” Jiang Cheng snapped. “I read them. So what?” Lan Xichen stepped closer. He took one more step, just close enough for Jiang Cheng to feel his warmth.

“So talk to me.” Lan Xichen replied and Jiang Cheng’s breath caught—barely. His fingers flexed against the edge of the desk because he knew if he didn’t hold on, he would fall into Lan Xichen’s awaiting arms and he was not sure this was a good idea.

“You picked a terrible time.” Jiang Cheng admitted finally and Lan Xichen glanced briefly at the glowing screens.

“At least you’re not ignoring me now.”

“I could start.”

“I know.” Lan Xichen spoke softly, always softly when it came to his A’cheng, “But you’re not going to.”

Jiang Cheng held his gaze for a long while. And for the first time in two weeks he didn’t look away.

“I waited so long to tell you anything because I feared you didn’t want to cross that line with me. Because having you as a friend mattered more than what I wanted, baby.” Lan Xichen spoke softly and Jiang Cheng clenched his jaw, his eyes tearing up just a little bit as he looked away.

“And then-” Lan Xichen said softly with a gentle smile on his face, “You told me to stop hiding behind a screen and speak to you in real life.” Lan Xichen spoke as he sat down in a chair next to Jiang Cheng.

“I was annoyed.” Jiang Cheng admitted, not daring to look at Lan Xichen.

“I know.” 

Jiang Cheng exhaled softly. “I read all of them,” he admitted and Lan Xichen blinked, his eyes never leaving Jiang Cheng.

“All of them?” He asked and Jiang Cheng nodded his head.

“Even the older ones?” Lan Xichen asked and Jiang Cheng nodded his head again, making Lan Xichen take a deep breath, “Why?” he asked and Jiang Cheng’s jaw tightened.

“Because I- I thought you were talking about someone else,” he said, quieter now. Lan Xichen’s expression softened.

“And that bothered you.” Lan Xichen said and Jiang Cheng took a deep breath. A minute passed before he answered, “Yes, it did. Happy?” Jiang Cheng snapped and Lan Xichen smiled softly.

“A little.” He admitted and Jiang Cheng turned around to glare at him.

“It pissed me off. The way you wrote about this person you love, like they were-” Jiang Cheng spoke and then stopped. Lan Xichen waited him out.

“Like they mattered more than anything.” Jiang Cheng spoke and Lan Xichen didn’t look away.

“You do.” He admitted and Jiang Cheng’s breath hitched. “I’ve been in love with you since high school, A’Cheng. I just- I was uncertain of how to say so or if your feelings were still there. You so very rarely speak of the six years you were away, baby.” Lan Xichen spoke and gently caressed his cheek.

“I’ve been in love with you this entire time. There was no one else, Lan Xichen.” Jiang Cheng admitted and Lan Xichen smiled softly as he leaned forwards and kissed his temple. Jiang Cheng felt his heart start to beat again then and there.

Jiang Cheng’s breath hitched as Lan Xichen’s fingers grazed his jawline, the touch sending a jolt of electricity through his body. He’d spent years burying his feelings, convincing himself that time had dulled the edge of his obsession. But now, with Lan Xichen so close, the truth clawed its way to the surface—he’d never stopped wanting this.

Lan Xichen’s thumb brushed over his lower lip, and Jiang Cheng couldn’t resist capturing it between his teeth. A low, hungry sound tore from Lan Xichen’s throat as Jiang Cheng sucked gently, his tongue swirling around the digit. Lan Xichen's eyes darkened with hunger, his free hand snaking around to grip Jiang Cheng’s hip, pulling him flush against his body.

“Fuck,” Lan Xichen growled, his voice rough with need. “I’ve dreamed about this for years.”

Jiang Cheng smirked, his own hands sliding up to tangle in Lan Xichen’s hair. “Then shut up and kiss me already.”

Lan Xichen didn’t need to be told twice.

Their lips crashed together in a searing kiss, hot and desperate. Jiang Cheng moaned into Lan Xichen’s mouth, his hands tightening in the other man’s dark hair as their tongues dueled for dominance. Lan Xichen tasted like whiskey and sin, and Jiang Cheng couldn’t get enough. He arched into the touch, his body burning with need as Lan Xichen’s hands roamed over him, squeezing, claiming.

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng regretted everything. He did not regret the confession or Lan Xichen. Just— everything else because apparently, the moment they stepped into the same room as their friends— It was over. Wei Wuxian spotted them first like the menace that is. Of course he did. His eyes lit up instantly.

“Oh my—WAIT—WAIT—” Jiang Cheng immediately turned around.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“YES.” Wei Wuxian lunged forward, grabbing Lan Xichen’s arm.

“Did you—did you finally—”

“Yes,” Lan Xichen said calmly.

Wei Wuxian screamed. He actually screamed, “I KNEW IT—”

“Stop yelling!” Jiang Cheng snapped.

“It happened?! It actually happened?!” Wei Wuxian turned in a circle like he needed witnesses. 

“Lan Zhan—did you hear—”

“I heard,” Lan Wangji said, though there was the faintest hint of satisfaction in his tone. Nie Huaisang looked like he might cry from happiness.

“I survived long enough to see this day-” Nie Huaisang cried and Meng Yao smiled, pleased but unsurprised, “Took you both long enough.”

Nie Mingjue crossed his arms, nodding once, “Finally.”

Wen Ning beamed and Wen Qing just sighed, “About time.”

Jiang Cheng pinched the bridge of his nose, “You’re all insufferable.”

“Yes,” they said in unison.

Lan Xichen’s hand brushed lightly against Jiang Cheng’s. He didn’t pull away. And Online, it was much worse, because apparently- someone had told Wei Wuxian he was allowed to have a phone.

@WeiWuxian: IT HAPPENED. I REPEAT. IT HAPPENED. 🎉

And so immediate chaos ensued.

@NieHuaisang: I CAN CONFIRM. I WITNESSED HISTORY.

@MengYao: A long-anticipated development.

@NieMingjue: Finally.

@LanWangji: Confirmed.

And then— after a suspiciously long pause a new tweet appeared.

@LanXichenOfficial

He said yes.

Jiang Cheng stared at the screen and sighed, “I did not say yes.”

Lan Xichen glanced at him with a soft smile on his face, “You didn’t say no.”

“That’s not the same thing.”

“It is to me.” Lan Xichen admitted and Jiang Cheng glared at him. Then after a second— didn’t delete the tweet. And that more than anything said enough.

****

Dating Lan Xichen turned out to be the easiest and hardest thing Jiang Cheng had ever done. Easiest simply because Lan Xichen didn’t demand anything Jiang Cheng couldn’t give.Hardest because Lan Xichen kept giving everything, as if Jiang Cheng was something worth that level of devotion.

 And Jiang Cheng, as someone who up until a couple of weeks ago thought he was going to die alone, didn’t quite know what to do with that. The first time Lan Xichen brought him coffee after a late-night meeting, Jiang Cheng stared at it for a full ten seconds.

“I didn’t ask for this.”

“I know,” Lan Xichen said gently. “You forgot to eat.”

“I didn’t forget.”

“You did.”

“I didn’t.” Jiang Cheng said and Lan Xichen just smiled that soft and infuriating smile. Jiang Cheng took the coffee and drank it. He didn’t talk about feelings, so he showed them in fragments instead. 

He showed them by not pushing Lan Xichen away when he lingered after meetings, by letting him walk him to his car, by not correcting him when he fixed Jiang Cheng’s collar without asking and by staying in the same room even when he didn’t have to. Those were small things that didn’t look like much—unless you were Lan Xichen. 

“You’re staring again,” Jiang Cheng said one evening without looking up from his tablet.

“I am appreciating my boyfriend,” Lan Xichen replied calmly.

“Don’t say it like that.” Jiang Cheng groaned.

“Like what?”

“Like I’m something fragile.”

Lan Xichen paused and then stepped closer.

“You are not fragile,” he said softly. “You’re just- not used to being looked at gently.” Jiang Cheng’s fingers tightened slightly on the tablet, “That’s not true.”

Lan Xichen tilted his head, “You flinch when I do things for you.”

“I don’t flinch.”

“You do.”

“I don’t.”

Lan Xichen smiled faintly, “Okay.”

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue and turned away slightly.

“You’re annoying.”

“I’ve been told.”

“Stop being nice to me all the time.” Jiang Cheng snapped and Lan Xichen blinked.

“Why?”

“It makes it harder,” he said finally. Lan Xichen’s expression softened.

“Harder for what?” Jiang Cheng didn’t answer. Lan Xichen stepped closer anyway, slower this time, giving him space to pull away. Jiang Cheng didn’t, so Lan Xichen just stood beside him.

He wasn’t touching him. He was simply present.

And Jiang Cheng—against every instinct—didn’t leave.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian had taken to commenting on literally everything. And it was slowly getting on Jiang Cheng’s nerves, considering the fact that his boyfriend couldn’t visit him without everything being narrated to the public eye.

@WeiWuxian: HE BROUGHT HIM COFFEE AGAIN I’M SICK 😭😭😭

@NieHuaisang: this is better than any drama i’ve ever seen

@MengYao: Consistent behavioral reinforcement. Interesting approach.

@NieMingjue: Why are you all like this

@LanWangji: …

Nie Huaisang, however, was worse in person.

“I think I might cry,” he announced at dinner one night. Jiang Cheng didn’t look up from his food, “Don’t.”

“I’m serious. You two are emotionally ruining me.”

“We are eating,” Jiang Cheng said flatly. Lan Xichen gently passed him a dish without being asked. Jiang Cheng accepted it without comment.

Nie Huaisang clutched his chest, “LOOK AT THIS. HE JUST PASSES HIM DISHES NOW.”

“Stop narrating everything, it’s annoying,” Jiang Cheng muttered. Wei Wuxian leaned over.

“I give them three months before they start doing couple interviews.”

“I will end you,” Jiang Cheng said immediately. Lan Xichen just smiled.

“I think that would be unnecessary.”

Meanwhile, on Twitter- it escalated further, because Lan Xichen had discovered something dangerous: He was allowed to be publicly soft now.

@LanXichenOfficial

He fell asleep in my office. I didn’t wake him. He looked… peaceful.

@WeiWuxian: I’M GOING TO SCREAM

@NieHuaisang: THIS IS ILLEGAL EMOTIONAL CONTENT

@MengYao: This is becoming a case study in tenderness.

@NieMingjue: Let him sleep then.

@LanWangji: Good.

Jiang Cheng saw that tweet the next morning, “You posted that.”

“Yes,” Lan Xichen said.

“Why?” He asked and Lan Xichen looked at him like the answer should be obvious.

“Because I like you.” He said softly, and Jiang Cheng froze. Then he scoffed.

“That’s not a reason.”

“It is for me.” Lan Xichen answered and Jiang Cheng looked away, “You’re going to make this weird.”

Lan Xichen stepped closer. And took a hold of Jiang Cheng’s hand, gently caressing it as they together walked away.

****

Jiang Cheng didn’t stop Lan Xichen from showing up more often.That was the closest thing he had to an admission, at first which, for Jiang Cheng, was practically equivalent to devotion.

It started small.

Lan Xichen “accidentally” was in the same building during Jiang Cheng’s late meetings.

Lan Xichen “coincidentally” had lunch delivered to Jiang Cheng’s office at exactly the right time.

Lan Xichen “happened” to know when Jiang Cheng had skipped meals.

Jiang Cheng noticed it all and just refused to comment on it.

“You’re hovering,” Jiang Cheng said one evening without looking up from his screen.

“I’m not,” Lan Xichen replied calmly.

“You are.”

“I’m sitting.”

“You’re hovering emotionally.” Lan Xichen blinked once, then smiled faintly.

“That’s a new accusation.”Jiang Cheng didn’t look at him.

“Stop doing things for me.” Jiang Cheng said and that gave them both a pause. Then Lan Xichen asked softly, “Why?”

Jiang Cheng’s fingers paused over his keyboard, “Because I don’t need it.”

“That’s not what I asked.” Jiang Cheng exhaled sharply.

“Because I don’t know how to repay it.” Lan Xichen moved closer, slow enough that Jiang Cheng didn’t immediately pull away.

“I’m not giving you things to be repaid,” he said gently.

“That’s not how anything works.”

“It is for me.” Lan Xichen insisted and Jiang Cheng finally looked up. Lan Xichen’s expression was calm—but steady in a way that made it impossible to dismiss.

“You can’t just—” Jiang Cheng started, then stopped. Lan Xichen waited. Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue.

“You make it look easy.”

“What does?”

“Being like this.” Lan Xichen’s gaze softened, “You mean loving you.” Jiang Cheng’s jaw tightened immediately.

“Don’t say it like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like it’s obvious.”

“It is.”

“It isn’t.” Lan Xichen stepped closer.

“You don’t believe me,” he said quietly. Jiang Cheng looked away.

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.”

Then Jiang Cheng muttered, “You say it too easily.” Lan Xichen’s expression softened further.

“I’ve been saying it in different ways for years,” he said. “I just wasn’t allowed to say it directly.” Jiang Cheng scoffed.

“You were just annoying online.” He muttered and Lan Xichen smiled.

“I was very dedicated online.”

“You were embarrassing.”

“I was sincere.” Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue again, but there was less bite in it now.

“Same thing.” Lan Xichen didn’t argue. Just lifted his hand slightly, stopping just short of touching Jiang Cheng’s wrist. “May I?” he asked. Jiang Cheng hesitated, “Fine.”

Lan Xichen’s fingers rested lightly against his wrist. They were warm and grounding. Jiang Cheng didn’t pull away. That same week, Wei Wuxian unfortunately discovered they had a shared calendar. It went downhill immediately.

@WeiWuxian: WHY DOES IT SAY “DINNER: PRIVATE (DO NOT INTERRUPT)” THREE TIMES A WEEK 😭😭😭

@NieHuaisang: I AM SO INVESTED IN THEIR ROUTINE

@MengYao: Structured relationship maintenance. Efficient.

@NieMingjue: This is unnecessary information.

@LanWangji: …acceptable.

Jiang Cheng saw the screenshot in person. He looked at Wei Wuxian for a long moment, “You went through my calendar.”

“I didn’t,” Wei Wuxian said cheerfully. “It was public.”

“It is not public.”

“It is when I can see it.” Jiang Cheng turned to Lan Xichen.

“Why is it labeled like that?” Lan Xichen paused. Then, very calmly: “Because you forget to eat.”

Jiang Cheng stared at him, “So you made it a recurring event?”

“Yes.”

“With that name?” Lan Xichen blinked.

“Do you prefer ‘dinner’?” Jiang Cheng opened his mouth and then he closed it again, “I prefer you not meddling in my schedule.” Lan Xichen nodded once, “Noted.”

Then added, softly, “But I will continue anyway.” Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue, “Of course you will.”Lan Xichen smiled, “Yes.”

It wasn’t dramatic. It never was with them. It was gradual. Jiang Cheng started keeping Lan Xichen’s coat in his office. Lan Xichen started leaving space for Jiang Cheng in his meetings without asking. Jiang Cheng stopped pretending he didn’t read Lan Xichen’s messages immediately. Lan Xichen stopped apologizing for showing up.

And one night— Jiang Cheng didn’t flinch when Lan Xichen took his hand in public.Not even a little. Wei Wuxian saw it first. Of course he did.He made a sound that could only be described as spiritual distress.

“I’M GOING TO PASS AWAY—”

“Don’t,” Jiang Cheng said automatically.

“I SAW IT.”

“No you didn’t.”

“I DID.”

Lan Xichen, completely unbothered, adjusted their joined hands slightly. Jiang Cheng did not let go.Nie Huaisang fainted emotionally in the group chat.

@NieHuaisang: THEY HELD HANDS IN FRONT OF PEOPLE I AM NO LONGER ALIVE

@MengYao: Significant milestone.

@NieMingjue: About time.

@WeiWuxian: I NEED TO LIE DOWN

Jiang Cheng saw the tweet later that night. He didn’t comment. Just glanced at Lan Xichen beside him.

“They’re losing their minds again.” Lan Xichen hummed softly.

“I think they’re happy.”

“Annoyingly so.” Jiang Cheng grumbled. Lan Xichen smiled. Jiang Cheng didn’t move away when Lan Xichen leaned closer. He didn’t say anything when Lan Xichen brushed his thumb once over Jiang Cheng’s knuckles. He just stayed. And for Jiang Cheng—that was the loudest confession of all.

Chapter Text

Two years changed the way silence felt between them. At the beginning, silence had been distant—careful, uncertain, filled with things neither of them trusted enough to say aloud. Now, it was something else entirely.Now, silence was familiarity. Jiang Cheng noticed it first when he stopped checking whether Lan Xichen would still be there when he looked up.

He always was. That evening didn’t feel different at first. Lan Xichen had come home late—Jiang Cheng’s apartment, not his own, because at some point “home” had stopped being a single place. The lights were low. Rain traced slow lines down the glass windows. City glow blurred softly beyond it. Jiang Cheng was at his desk, reviewing something on a tablet, hair slightly loosened, sleeves rolled up. Lan Xichen set his coat aside quietly.

“You’re still working,” he said gently.

“I’m finishing,” Jiang Cheng replied without looking up. Lan Xichen hummed, like he accepted that answer every time—even when he didn’t believe it. He walked closer. He didn’t interrupt him. He just stood beside him for a moment.

Jiang Cheng finally glanced up. “What?”

Lan Xichen smiled faintly. “Nothing.”

“You’re doing that thing again.”

“What thing?”

“That face.”

Lan Xichen blinked once. “What face?”

“The one where you’re thinking too much.” Lan Xichen’s expression softened further.

“I always think too much.”

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue. “That’s your problem.” Lan Xichen nodded once, like he agreed. Then, “Come here,” he said.

Jiang Cheng frowned slightly. “Why?”

“Just come here.”

That soft and certain tone made him stand up immediately, “If this is another one of your sentimental moods—”

“It is not,” Lan Xichen said calmly.

Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes. “That’s what you always say before it is.” Lan Xichen smiled.

“Trust me.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t respond. But he walked over anyway. Lan Xichen met him halfway, as he always did—not closing distance too fast, never forcing it. Just- meeting him where he was.

When Jiang Cheng stopped in front of him, Lan Xichen lifted a hand slightly. Then he paused and Jiang Cheng exhaled.

“Fine.”

Lan Xichen’s fingers brushed gently against his wrist. Then he guided Jiang Cheng toward the living room. There were candles. Not many. Not dramatic. Just soft light scattered across the room—on the coffee table, near the window, along the floor. Jiang Cheng stopped immediately.

“What is this?” Lan Xichen didn’t answer at first. Instead, he walked to the center of the room and turned to look at Jiang Cheng properly, like he had been waiting for this exact moment.

Jiang Cheng’s expression tightened slightly.

“Xichen.”

Lan Xichen smiled. And then, very calmly, he said, “Two years ago, I thought I would spend a long time loving you without ever telling you properly.”Jiang Cheng’s breath slowed.

“You did tell me.” Lan Xichen shook his head gently.

“Not like this.” Silence settled, but it was different this time. It was a bit heavy, but not uncomfortable.Jiang Cheng’s hand flexed slightly at his side.

“What are you doing?” Lan Xichen stepped closer.

“I’m asking you something,” he said softly.

Jiang Cheng’s eyes narrowed slightly. “That sounds suspiciously like a proposal.” Lan Xichen’s smile deepened just a little, “It is.”

“You’re serious,” he said finally.

“Yes.” Jiang Cheng let out a slow breath, almost disbelieving.

“You planned this.” Lan Xichen nodded once. Jiang Cheng looked around again, as if trying to find a flaw in it.

“You’re unbelievable.”

“I know.”

“You did all this.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Lan Xichen’s expression softened completely now. Because there was no point in hiding it anymore. “Because I want to stop asking you for a moment,” he said quietly. “I want you with me through everyting.”

Jiang Cheng froze. Lan Xichen took one final step closer—but stopped just before touching him.

“I want you in every version of my life,” he said. “Not just the parts you allow me into.”

Jiang Cheng’s throat tightened slightly, “You already have me,” he said, quieter than before.

Lan Xichen’s eyes softened further, “I want to make it official.” Lan Xichen whispered and then he reached into his pocket.

When he opened the small box, the ring inside caught the candlelight—simple, elegant, unmistakably intentional. Lan Xichen’s voice dropped even softer.

“Jiang Cheng.” Jiang Cheng looked at him- really looked.And something in his expression cracked—not breaking, just- opening.

Lan Xichen continued, “Will you marry me?” Silence fell upon them again, but this time it wasn’t heavy. It was comfortable, full of adoration. Jiang Cheng’s fingers curled slightly at his sides.

His voice came out rougher than he probably intended, “You’re asking me this like I’m going to say no.” Lan Xichen didn’t answer and just waited. Jiang Cheng let out a breath that almost sounded like a laugh—but wasn’t quite.

“Two years,” he said.

“Yes.”

“You’ve been unbearable for two years.”

Lan Xichen smiled faintly. “I’m aware.”

Jiang Cheng looked down at the ring and then back at him. And for a moment— the guard he always held so tightly loosened.

“You should’ve asked sooner,” he muttered.Lan Xichen’s breath caught slightly, “I wasn’t sure I was allowed.” Jiang Cheng scoffed, “Idiot.”

Lan Xichen’s voice was barely audible now. “Then—”

Jiang Cheng stepped forward, effectively cutting him off and took his hand. Lan Xichen froze.

Jiang Cheng didn’t look away this time. He didn’t hesitate again.

“Yes,” he said. It was simple and direct and for him so unmistakably real. Lan Xichen didn’t move for a second. 

“Yes?” he repeated softly. Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue, but his grip tightened slightly around Lan Xichen’s hand.

“Yes.” He said and then Jiang Cheng added, quieter—

“Stop looking at me like that.” Lan Xichen let out a breath that sounded like relief breaking through something held too tightly for too long. And then—carefully—he stepped closer and finally touched Jiang Cheng properly, forehead against each other.

“I love you,” he said. Jiang Cheng’s eyes flickered.

“I know.” Lan Xichen smiled.

“Say it back.” 

“I love you,” he said, quieter.Lan Xichen closed his eyes for a moment.Like that was everything.

Later Wei Wuxian saw the announcement first. Of course he did. He screamed so loudly Lan Wangji nearly dropped his tea.

@WeiWuxian: THEY GOT ENGAGED I’M GOING TO DIE 😭😭😭

@NieHuaisang: I SURVIVED LONG ENOUGH FOR THIS DAY AGAIN I AM SOBBING

@MengYao: Efficient long-term outcome.

@NieMingjue: Finally.

@LanWangji: Good.

And somewhere, in a quiet apartment filled with candlelight and city rain— Jiang Cheng leaned against Lan Xichen, still slightly stunned, still adjusting to the weight of a ring on his hand.

“You’re insufferable,” he muttered. Lan Xichen kissed his temple gently.

“I know.” He said and then Jiang Cheng added, softer—

“Don’t stop being.” Lan Xichen smiled.

“I won’t.”

And this time— Jiang Cheng believed him.

Chapter Text

Lan Xichen didn’t wait long. Jiang Cheng had gone back to pretending nothing had fundamentally changed—sitting on the sofa, reviewing documents with his usual expression of controlled irritation, the engagement ring already on his hand like it had always belonged there and absolutely did not alter the fabric of reality. Lan Xichen, on the other hand, was smiling. Too softly and too continuously. Jiang Cheng glanced up once with a raised eyebrow.

“What are you doing?”

Lan Xichen lowered his phone slightly. “Nothing.”

“That face means trouble.”

“What face?”

“The one where you’re about to make my life harder.”

Lan Xichen’s smile deepened, “I wouldn’t do that.” Jiang Cheng didn’t look convinced.

“You absolutely would.” Lan Xichen hummed, and returned to his phone. Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes.

“Xichen.”

“Yes?”

“What did you just post?” That question gave him a pause. Then Lan Xichen said calmly, “I announced something.”

Jiang Cheng sat up slightly, always so careful of what a potential hacker could find of him online. “Announced what?”

Lan Xichen looked at him and then turned his phone around.

@LanXichenOfficial

He said yes.

We are engaged.

Jiang Cheng stared at it.

“You didn’t.”

“I did.”

“You didn’t even ask me.”

Lan Xichen tilted his head slightly. “You said yes two hours ago.”

“That’s not the point.”

“It is to me.” Jiang Cheng rubbed his temple.

“You’re unbelievable.” Lan Xichen smiled, “I know.” Jiang Cheng leaned back again, exhaling.

“Your fans are going to lose their minds.” Lan Xichen glanced at his screen.

“They already are.”

The internet immediately collapsed.

@WeiWuxian: I CALLED IT I CALLED IT I CALLED IT 😭😭😭

@NieHuaisang: I NEED EVERYONE TO KNOW I AM NOT OKAY

@MengYao: Congratulations. This outcome was statistically inevitable.

@NieMingjue: Finally. Stop talking about it and get married.

@LanWangji: Good.

@LanXichensGodfather: EXCUSE ME????? LAN XICHEN IS ENGAGED???? FINALLY!!

@JiangChengsWindow: TO WHO??????

@WeiWuxian: YOU KNOW WHO 😭

@Fan2305849: THE CEOS??? THE TWO CEO RIVALS?????

@NieHuaisang: YES. THE EMOTIONALLY CONSTIPATED ONES

@MengYao: Please refrain from labeling them that way.

@MediaOutlet: 

BREAKING: Lan Xichen confirms engagement. 

Industry speculation continues regarding Jiang Cheng.

@WeiWuxian: SPECULATION??? I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THEM FLIRT FOR YEARS NOW

@NieHuaisang: WE ALL HAVE

@XingchengFan: WAIT IS THIS THE “fucking talk to them in real life” GUY????

@WeiWuxian: YES. THAT ONE.

Jiang Cheng slowly covered his face with one hand, “This is why I don’t use social media.” Lan Xichen leaned closer, “They’re happy.”

“They’re screaming.”

“Yes.”

“That’s not happiness.” Lan Xichen smiled.

“It is for them.”

Jiang Cheng muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like a threat. Lan Xichen ignored it. Meanwhile, chaos continued.

@NieHuaisang: I NEED EVERYONE TO APPRECIATE THE SLOW BURN OF THE CENTURY

@MengYao: It was indeed methodical.

@WeiWuxian: HE LITERALLY PINED FOR YEARS AND THEN WENT “yes i will marry you”

@NieMingjue: Took too long.

@LanWangji: Worth it.

@LanXichenFan: WAIT ARE THEY ACTUALLY TOGETHER OR IS THIS PR

@WeiWuxian: IF THIS IS PR I WILL JUMP OFF A BUILDING

@NieHuaisang: I WAS THERE. THIS IS REAL. I WAS EMOTIONALLY TRAUMATIZED BY WITNESSING IT

@MengYao: Confirmed.

Jiang Cheng finally dropped his hand.

“Your brother is also replying.”

Lan Xichen glanced down. Lan Wangji had simply commented: Good. Jiang Cheng stared at it.

“That man has one emotional setting.”Lan Xichen nodded, “I know.”

Then Jiang Cheng added, quieter: “We’re going to have to deal with this for weeks.” Lan Xichen looked at him gently.

“Months.”

Jiang Cheng groaned.

“Years.” Lan Xichen smiled.

“Yes.”Jiang Cheng leaned back again, staring at the ceiling.

“I regret everything.”

Lan Xichen kissed his temple lightly.

“You don’t.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t answer.

But he didn’t move away either.

And somewhere on the internet, Nie Huaisang posted again:

@NieHuaisang: THEY’RE SO MARRIED ALREADY IN SPIRIT I’M SOBBING AGAIN 😭

Chapter Text

The interview was supposed to be controlled. It wasn’t. Not even slightly.

The studio lights were soft, professional, and expensive. A polished backdrop, two CEOs seated side by side, microphones discreetly placed, cameras ready to broadcast carefully curated composure to the world. Lan Xichen looked completely at ease. Jiang Cheng looked like he had been sentenced. The host—visibly nervous—smiled anyway.

“Thank you both for joining us. This has been a topic of intense public interest.”

Jiang Cheng muttered, barely audible, “That’s one way of putting it.” Lan Xichen’s lips twitched slightly. The host cleared their throat.

“Let’s begin simply. Are you two engaged?” Lan Xichen answered immediately.

“Yes.”

Jiang Cheng added flatly, “Unfortunately.”

Lan Xichen turned his head slightly toward him, “Unfortunately?”

Jiang Cheng didn’t look at him. “I said yes. That’s the end of my involvement in this conversation.” Lan Xichen smiled softly. The host hesitated, then pressed on.

“And the tweets from the past months… years, in fact… were they about Jiang Cheng?”

Jiang Cheng closed his eyes for half a second. Lan Xichen, meanwhile, nodded, “Yes, they were only ever about him.”

The room went very still. Even the host blinked, “All of them?”

“Yes,” Lan Xichen said calmly. “Every single one.”

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue. “You didn’t need to answer that enthusiastically.”

Lan Xichen glanced at him. “It’s true.”

“That’s not the point.” The host, now visibly trying to survive, continued carefully.

“So… you’ve been expressing your feelings publicly for a long time.”

Lan Xichen nodded again.

“Yes.”

Jiang Cheng muttered, “Disturbingly long.” Lan Xichen didn’t deny it. The host turned slightly toward Jiang Cheng. “And how did you feel about that?”

Jiang Cheng looked at the camera. Then at Lan Xichen. Then back at the camera.

“I muted him.” Lan Xichen blinked. The host froze.

“You what?”

“I muted him,” Jiang Cheng repeated. “For self-preservation.” Lan Xichen exhaled softly—something almost like laughter. The host attempted to regain control.

“So… you weren’t aware of the tweets?” Jiang Cheng’s gaze sharpened slightly.

“Not from the beginning, but later on, yes, I was aware.”

“But you muted them.”

“Yes.”

“Why?” Jiang Cheng leaned back slightly.

“Because I thought he was talking about someone else.” That landed. Even the host forgot their next question for a second. Lan Xichen’s expression softened immediately, turning toward him fully now.

Then Lan Xichen said quietly, “I was never talking about someone else.”

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue. “I know that now.” The host, recovering slowly, tried again.

“So all of that… was about mutual feelings that neither of you initially expressed clearly?”

Wei Wuxian would have called this “emotional disaster communication,” and Jiang Cheng would have punched him for it. Jiang Cheng answered instead.

“Yes.”

Lan Xichen added, “Yes.”The host stared at them.

“Right. And now you are engaged.” Lan Xichen smiled.

“Yes.”

Jiang Cheng said, “Yes.”

Then Jiang Cheng added, “Don’t make it weird.”

Lan Xichen looked at him. “It’s already public.” Jiang Cheng exhaled through his nose.

“I hate you.”

“I know,” Lan Xichen said warmly.

“I’m going to regret this.”

“You won’t.”

“I might.”

“You won’t.” The host looked like they had given up on professionalism entirely.

“Thank you,” they said faintly. “That concludes—”

Lan Xichen added politely, “There is one clarification.”

The host blinked. “Yes?” Lan Xichen looked directly into the camera.

“The tweets were always about him.” Jiang Cheng groaned.

“Why are you still talking?”Lan Xichen smiled.

“Because they asked.”Jiang Cheng leaned back.

“I need a new life, and a new identity.” Lan Xichen reached over under the table and gently took his hand.Jiang Cheng didn’t pull away. That alone made the internet explode. The video went live within the hour. The comments section collapsed almost instantly.

@WeiWuxian: I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT 😭😭😭

@NieHuaisang: I WAS RIGHT. I WAS ALWAYS RIGHT. I DESERVE CREDIT FOR THIS EMOTIONAL JOURNEY

@MengYao: Efficient resolution. Congratulations.

@NieMingjue: Finally.

@LanWangji: Good.

@LanXichensGodfather: HE MUTED HIM????? THAT’S SO FUNNY???

@Aflyonthewall: “I THOUGHT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE” I’M SOBBING

@JiangChengsWindow: THE MOST PAINFUL SLOW BURN I’VE EVER SEEN

@WeiWuxian: YEARS OF PINING AND MISCOMMUNICATION AND A MUTED ACCOUNT 😭

@NieHuaisang: THIS IS LITERALLY A TRAGEDY ROMANCE NOVEL

@MengYao: With a successful conclusion.

@JiangChengscomputer: THEY’RE HOLDING HANDS UNDER THE TABLE I CAN’T BREATHE

@XichengFan: LAN XICHEN LOOKS LIKE HE’S IN LOVE FOR REAL

@LanXichensbookshelf: JIANG CHENG LOOKS LIKE HE WANTS TO KILL EVERYONE BUT HIM SPECIFICALLY

@WeiWuxian: THAT’S TRUE LOVE

Somewhere, Jiang Cheng saw the comments. He didn’t respond. Just closed the video.

“We’re never doing this again,” he said. Lan Xichen squeezed his hand gently.

“I agree.” Then, softer:

“The muted part was a little hurtful.” Jiang Cheng didn’t look at him.

“Get over it.” Lan Xichen smiled, “I already have.”

And Jiang Cheng—despite everything—didn’t let go of his hand.

****

2. Interview:

Jiang Cheng did not want to do this interview. Especially because he hated putting his relationship so much in the public eye. But Lan Xichen had asked and he couldn’t have possibly said no.

The studio had finally settled into something resembling order. Lan Xichen sat composed as always. His hands were relaxed, posture elegant, expression soft in a way that made the lighting people quietly suffer from aesthetic overload. Jiang Cheng, on the other hand, looked like he was one mildly incorrect question away from ending the entire interview and just storming out. The interviewer smiled nervously while she watched him.

“And Jiang Cheng—many people have noticed you’ve stayed almost completely off social media for years. In your industry, that’s unusual. May I ask why?” She spoke, looking up from the cards in her hands. There was a brief pause in the room. Lan Xichen turned his head slightly toward Jiang Cheng, not pressing—just attentive. Jiang Cheng exhaled through his nose.

“Because I run a cybersecurity and IT company,” he said flatly.

The interviewer nodded. “Yes, of course—”

“And I’ve spent enough time looking directly at what people do online when they think there are no consequences.” Jiang Cheng spoke calmly, his face giving away not a single emotion going through him. Silence fell upon the entire room as he leaned back, arms crossing.

“It’s not pretty. It’s not abstract. It’s not just ‘internet discourse’ or whatever people like to call it.”

His gaze flicked briefly toward the camera, sharp and steady. 

“It’s breaches, manipulation and harassment. It’s a system being used to target people who didn’t ask to be visible in the first place.” Jiang Cheng spoke as the interviewer went still for a moment. Lan Xichen’s expression softened slightly as he listened, afraid to even ask what he had to witness to stop the bad people on the internet.

Jiang Cheng continued, voice calm but firm, “So I don’t participate. I don’t enjoy it. And I don’t pretend it’s harmless.”

Silence overwhelmed the room for a moment again. Then, almost matter-of-factly, he spoke again, “It’s easier to protect people when you’re not distracted by it.”

The interviewer carefully nodded. “That’s- a very grounded perspective.”

Jiang Cheng shrugged slightly. “It’s reality.”

Lan Xichen’s hand moved subtly under the table, brushing against his—light, grounding. Unlike all the other times, before they started dating, Jiang Cheng didn’t pull away. The interviewer hesitated, then glanced between them.

“And yet- despite that, you’ve become part of one of the most public relationships online recently.” Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue softly and rolled his eyes,  “Unavoidable.”

Lan Xichen smiled faintly. The lady continued, slightly more curious now,  “Do you regret that level of attention?”

Jiang Cheng paused for a moment, long enough to be noticeable. Then he spoke again,“No,” he said simply. Lan Xichen turned toward him fully now. Jiang Cheng didn’t look at him.

He just added, quieter: “I just don’t like the internet. I like him.”

That statement landed differently. It wasn’t dramatic or performative. It was simply honest in a way that didn’t give anyone room to question him. Lan Xichen’s breath caught—barely visible, but real. The interviewer blinked once, a small smile dancing around her face while Jiang Cheng glared at her.

“Right.” She said before turning to face Lan Xichen, who seemed more than happy to give the light of the spotlight to his beloved, judging by the way he had turned in his chair, to completely face Jiang Cheng.

“Lan Xichen, do you have anything to add?” She asked and Lan Xichen didn’t look away from Jiang Cheng when he answered, “Yes,” he said softly. “He’s right.”

Jiang Cheng frowned and muttered, “Don’t agree with me on camera.”

“I always agree with you,” Lan Xichen replied while Jiang Cheng’s ears turned faintly red. The interview ended soon afterwards.

And the moment it aired, the internet did what it always did. It exploded.

@WeiWuxian: “I like him” I’M DEAD. I HAVE DIED.

@NieHuaisang: HE SAID IT SO CASUALLY LIKE THAT’S NOT LIFE-ALTERING 😭

@MengYao: A pragmatic approach to digital exposure risk. Respectable.

@NieMingjue: Good answer.

@LanWangji: Agree.

@JiangChengFanNumber1: “I’ve seen what the internet does to people” THAT’S SO REAL???

@LanXichenFan: HE’S BASICALLY SAYING HE WORKS IN CYBER WARFARE AND HATES TWITTER CULTURE 😭

@WeiWuxian: HE LITERALLY SAID “I DON’T TRUST THE INTERNET BUT I TRUST HIM” I CAN’T HANDLE THIS

@JiangChengFanSinceDayOne: THIS IS THE MOST HEALTHY UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP EVER

@LanXichensGodfather: LAN XICHEN LOOKED LIKE HE WAS GOING TO CRY WHEN HE SAID “I like him”

@XichengShipperSinceDayOne: JIANG CHENG IS SO INTIMIDATING AND THEN JUST “I like him” LIKE IT’S NOTHING

Somewhere in a private office, Jiang Cheng saw a clip. He watched it once and then immediately closed it.

“Why are they like this,” he muttered. Lan Xichen leaned over slightly, “They’re happy.”

“They’re loud.”

“Yes.”

“That’s worse.” Jiang Cheng said, while Lan Xichen smiled gently.

“I think it means they care.”

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue, “Of course they do. You looked at me like that again on camera.”

Lan Xichen tilted his head. “Like what?”

“Like I’m—” Jiang Cheng stopped, clearly annoyed at himself. Lan Xichen waited andJiang Cheng finally exhaled.

“Like I matter more than everything else.” Jiang Cheng whispered and Lan Xichen didn’t hesitate to answer as he smiled softly, “You do.”

Jiang Cheng looked away, “Don’t say it so easily.”

“I mean it so easily,” Lan Xichen corrected softly. Jiang Cheng didn’t respond.

But his hand shifted slightly— just enough to find Lan Xichen’s under the table again.

And this time, he held on a little tighter.