PRIDE

have NOT logged in here for-ev-er like is the mdzs/cql rpc still active 😭 i see the entire layout on tumblr has also changed omg

                              Stumbling upon Gong Haibo wandering around the premises near the Jiang ancestral home has become quite a common occurrence yet, in many ways, they still remain strangers to one another. It is one of the few reasons why Huifeng chooses to step in line with the other as make their way down the small flight of stairs. “——Are you heading home as well?”

                              “You should visit Lotus Pier—” The suggestion tumbles out of his mouth before he even grasps onto the fact that he had been thinking it. Once spoken out loud, he knows words cannot be taken back and another realization hits him in that moment: he doesn’t want to retract the statement in the first place. “One day,” he adds. “Only if you want to.”

                              “Lotus Pier has changed since your last visit,” he says. Even after all these years, Huifeng still finds himself reminding visitors of the fact. The arrangement is generally the same; however, additional structures have been built ( and a few removed ) under guidance of a seasoned draftsman. “——Are you looking for something?”

                              “——Perhaps you should consider retiring for the night?” he asks gently. His tone is unassuming, as if he were leaving it to choice. Despite his ( humble ) opinion that Jiang Wanyin is in desperate need of rest, the truth is that they could both use time off to collect their thoughts to recoup. 

                              Yet, just like Wanyin, Huifeng is too persistent in his own tasks. “Should I fetch us tea or are you in the mood for something stronger?”

starter call for ymj’s second-in-command

qinyu​:

                              “——Us,” he repeats the sentiment out loud as if to mull it over. “Or is it just you?” The thought itself is strange. Over the years, his focus had been anything but entertaining Lan Wangji’s grievances against him: a resentment stemming from perceived wrongdoing. The hearsay ( he is well aware of the gossip mill outside the borders of Yunmeng ) only encourages the grim notion.

                              But Jiang Cheng knows he hasn’t made their recent encounters easy— At least not since his former shixiong’s return and, with it, the reprisal of his own tumultuous emotions regarding the man. His impatience flares every time Lan Wangji sticks his nose into Yungmeng Jiang Sect matters. 

                              Jiang Cheng drops the pretense of cordiality. “Feeling guilty for your actions?” he asks. “Or did Wei Wuxian put you up to this?”

                              Come morning, all the thoughts he has tried not to dwell upon ( of his failures, of his shortcomings ) before bed will inevitably rush back like high tides spilling onto land; yet, his worries are kept at bay for the time being. He’s distracted.

                              Tonight, Jiang Cheng allows himself to be tugged along by the hand across Lotus Pier. They tread swiftly but quietly, unbeknownst to the townsfolk—and unbeknownst to his family—who continue to rest deep in slumber. Wei Wuxian had been adamant, catching him at an hour where his hair had been undone right after he had stripped off the elaborate outerwear. He knows Wei Wuxian had chosen a late night rendezvous on purpose but, despite the long day ahead, a smile graces his lips.

                              “——Where are we going?” Jiang Cheng doesn’t care to pull away like he normally would. His heart beats wildly against his chest as they make their way towards their destination. “Wei Wuxian,” he mutters as if feigning displeasure. “Make this worth my time. It’s late!”