Chapter Text
In hindsight – it had seemed like a good idea at the time.
Everyone knows that Huaisang is ‘weak and feeble’, so fainting during that god-awful excuse for a class (seriously, if he had to look at Wen Chao’s ugly ass face for five more minutes, he was gonna Qi Deviate) seemed to be a good idea. How was he supposed to know everyone else would get the opportunity to escape on a nighthunt?? Also: what the hell is a murder tortoise??! Why does that exist? Regular ones are bad enough!.
So now he was the last Clan heir in Qishan. He was alone… with the Wens
...
Shit.
Well, at least he’s just under house arrest. They haven’t thrown him in a cell or anything, although considering the décor in this pathetic excuse for a guest room it might as well have been. Well, let’s put the general fear, panic and resentment for being left behind aside (seriously, was no one going to come back for him?!), he needed an escape plan.
Huaisang knew his room was being guarded. Even Wen Chao wasn’t that stupid. The guards would need to change every now and then, so the best opportunity would be to sneak out during a shift change. Huaisang proceeded to sit in front of his door and listened.
Silence. Birdsong. Shuffling – the guards have been out here for a while. More silence. More birdsong – a crow, or maybe a raven? Eh. Carrion bird for sure, there seems to be an abundance of them lately. More silence.
This was going to be a long wait. Fortunately, unlike his brother, Huaisang has patience in spades.
Oh! A sneeze. Hayfever?
Man, those crows(?) are loud. Is there a cat nearby? No, probably not, its doubtful anyone here owns one. A bird of prey maybe? There are plenty of those in the region.
Ok. Just because Nie Huaisang was patient, it does not mean he was entirely focused. His mind is allowed to wander a little, ok?
Nie Huaisang remained like this for a couple hours (yes, his butt and legs went numb, but it was for a good cause!), and made the following conclusions:
- it was definitely a bird of prey.
- One of the guards definitely had hayfever.
- The guards had a shift change every half hour.
- There were 5-minute intervals during changeover where his room was completely unguarded.
He could work with this. Huaisang peeked out the windows, he wanted to double check a few things just in case.
When he’d been taken to his cell – I mean, guestroom – Huaisang had noticed a few things:
- His room was situated a bit further away from everyone else’s, presumably to make sure no contact was made with the other inmates - I mean, clan heirs.
- There were no significant structures in the vicinity, so the only thing being guarded was him.
He could work with this.
Huaisang promptly began to survey his surroundings as discreetly as he could. He needed to be absolutely sure he was completely unguarded during those precious 5 minutes. He was relieved to find out that the two guards by his door were the only ones assigned to him.
Which led him to these conclusions:
- They clearly believed Huaisang was too cowardly and weak to try and escape (ahh, prejudice truly is the curse of the arrogant).
- They had seriously underestimated him because Ming Guang’s balls that is terrifyingly low defence.
- Wen Chao was an idiot. Huaisang already knew that, but he didn’t think his incompetence was this bad.
Seriously, why did Wen Ruohan let him run this operation?! Has using resentful energy truly turned his brain to mush?
Regardless, he wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Thankfully, Huaisang had the foresight to bring a Qiankun pouch, so packing all his things wasn’t a big deal, and since the pouch is so small it made sneaking around so much easier. Truly, whoever invented these things was a genius. After gathering all his things (and stealing the 3 pieces of good décor he could find, plus the towels and soap out of spite), Huaisang crouched by the door to wait.
…Yeah, that guard definitely had hayfever.
Yes! They’re leaving! Just need to wait a moment for them to get out of eyesight… now!
Huaisang quickly darted out the window (he wasn’t risking the door). Luckily, while he lacked most of the brutish strength his clan was known for, he made up for in being artfully scrawny. Or as Da-ge oh so kindly put it: helpfully pint sized.
Huaisang did not like being called that, but he didn’t really have grounds to deny it either.
Ducking behind a statue, he began mapping out stage two of his great escape, because circumstances wouldn’t let him lay out a fully-fledged plan like he normally would, so he was making this up on the fly, much to his utter dismay.
Ok. Best thing he could think of right now, is steal someone else’s uniform, find a relatively unnoticeable escape route, and pray. Huaisang couldn’t remember if there was a god of clever (and successful) escapes. Ling Wen was normally his go to, but she’s for academics not for life and death situations. The Wind Master? Uhh… probably not a good idea. General Ming Guang? Heck no, escaping marriage maybe. Generals Nan Yang or Xuan Zhen? Nah, not their area. What was that one called… Qi Ying? That might be inviting mayhem based on that one’s reputation. Tai Hua? Uh, this doesn’t seem like a Crown Prince’s area… wait, crown prince...?
Ah screw it, Huaisang decided Xianle was his best bet. That dude has gone through absolute hell and back and has managed to stay in one piece, and managed to bag the most terrifying spirts out there as a husband, which Huaisang considers an absolute win.
Ok, hope for the best: oh, please Dianxia, watch over my dumbass while I attempt this absolutely insanely dangerous escape and not let the Wens chop me into little pieces and if I do die please don’t let Da-ge find my porn stash!!
Huaisang checked the coast was still clear, before sprinting out from his hiding place and into the nearest building. He was honestly hoping that it was a cloakroom or a storage room, but this just seemed to be another prison cell masquerading as a guest room like he had. Damn, more bad décor…
Looking around quickly he searched for a blunt object that he could bash over someone’s head and knock them out, since mugging someone appeared to be his best bet at the moment. Porcelain vase? It’s a really ugly design, so likely won’t be missed… ah, but would it be enough for a cultivator? A normal person maybe, but cultivators can take way more of a beating. Iron pole? Uhh, it’d be effective, but also very likely be lethal as well. So no on that one, Huaisang wanted to try and keep his hands clean for the time being thank you very much. C’mon c’mon c’mon! there has got to be something good for head-bashing in here somewhere!!
Just at that moment, Huaisang heard footsteps outside the room. Oh crap. Crapcrapcrapcrap pleeeease walk past…
Huaisang stubbed his toe on a vanity cabinet.
“Huh? Is there someone in there??”
SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIIIIIIT
The Wen Soldier promptly opened the door and waled inside the room.
“Aiyah, Wu I swear if you are trying to prank me again, I’m gonna kick your a—"
CRACK
The unfortunate Wen Soldier crumpled to the floor in the middle of the room. Huaisang had emerged from his hiding place while his back was turned and hit him with the first thing he could grab. Which… just happened to be a table.
…well, that works, I guess…
Huaisang might not be particularly strong by the Nie clan standards, but that didn’t mean he was weak by any other standards. Huaisang put down the table (now with a human head shaped dent) back down and checked the guard. Phew, he’s not dead, he’s just unconscious.
Huaisang promptly got to work. He shut the door, and then began removing the guard’s clothes (ugh, that sounds so inappropriate out of context!). Changing into the guard’s uniform (which was miraculously his size! Thank You Xie Lian!!) and shoving his own into his Qiankun pouch. Huaisang then began tying the guard up using some ripped up curtains, because god dammit those things were an affront to interior design!!
After a minute of deliberation, Huaisang quickly did his hair to match the customary style of the Wen Clan (which was: tight enough to give you a massive headache and feel like its ripping your brain out). He also grabbed the guy’s sword for good measure, he’d likely look out of place without one.
Ok, that should do it, disguise complete!
Now, onto getting the hell outta here!
Huaisang peeked out from behind the door. The coast seemed to be clear. He darted out of the room and hurried down the corridors; his best bets for getting out of here were:
- Finding an unmanned exit. Likelihood? Tragically low.
- Finding an unguarded slice of perimeter that he could duck out of. Likelihood? Also low, because the Wen ancestors had decided to build the burau on a freaking magma field! Huaisang could see the tactical advantages of that, especially in his situation, but come on! Overkill!!
- Hiding in one of the supply wagons going out of the bureau. Likelihood? Low again! Thanks to the others escaping, the Wens were probably on high alert. Because of course they’d be!!
Ugh, Huaisang facepalmed with a groan. All of his options were shit. Dammit, why couldn’t he have just grinned and bore Wen Chao’s lessons? He could have escaped with the others! Damn you, Jiang Wanyin! Damn you, Wei Wuxian! How could you leave me behind?!!
In a cave a few miles away, Wei Wuxian let loose a really loud sneeze. Weird… Where did that come from?
Alright alright, enough self-pity and complaining now, Huaisang has gone too far to give up now. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing this whole time: improvise. Just Wei Xiong your way out of this and you should be fine. Hopefully.
Wei Wuxian sneezed again, much to his confusion. Was he getting a cold? Craaaap this was not a situation where he could afford to get a cold!
Ignorant to his friend’s distant dilemma, Huaisang peeked around a corner to check for more guards. There didn’t seem to be any.
“Ok.” He said in a low voice “All clear. You can do this A-Sang…”
“Nie Gongzi??”
JU YANG’S BALLS!
Huaisang whirled around in a flash and came face to face with none other than Wen Qionglin. Shiit, he had forgotten Xie Lian was still the God of Misfortune.
There was a moment of silence. Well, external silence. Internally Huaisang was screaming. Shit shit shit Wen Qionglin was Wen Ruohan’s bloody nephew!! He was so going to rat him out to his shitbag cousin and Huaisang was going to die, and Wen Zhongzhu was going to cut him up into little pieces and then send them to his brother, and Da-ge was going to Qi Deviate AAAaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!
Wen Qionglin then glanced around, before tugging Huaisang into one of the vacant guest rooms. Oh crap, was Huaisang about to get taken advantage of?! He knew Wen Chao would be the type for that, but he didn’t think Wen Qiongli—
“Y-you’re trying to escape right?” Wen Qionglin said, shaking Huaisang put of his panicking spiral.
“Uhh, no? just out for a little stroll is all! Heh heh heh…” Huaisang laughed awkwardly.
“…Wearing my clans robes???” Wen Qionglin said, tilting his head to one side, clearly not buying Huaisang’s nonsense.
“Uhhh…”
“I take it you need s-some help?” Wen Qionglin smiled.
“Huh?” was he… not going to rat him out? “You want to… help me escape?”
“Uhh, yes??”
“Why?” Huaisang deadpanned. In fairness, it wasn’t very beneficial for Wen Qionglin strategically speaking.
“W-well, all the others escaped o-on the hunt with young master Wen Ch-Chao, so when I s-saw you I assumed y-you were t-trying to escape as well and p-probably needed help s-so I-I-I thought I s-should…” Wen Qionglin trailed off awkwardly.
“No, I mean, why help me? Why not rat me out to your cousin and uncle?” Huaisang folded his arms.
“Oh. Oh! Um, well ah… h-how do I put this…” he stammered “I-I’m not exactly on their s-side? I don’t approve of what Wen Zhongzhu is t-trying to do, a-and it’s not like y-young master Wen has ever b-been all that kind to me…”
Huh. Looks like there is some good hidden in Qishan Wen after all. Huaisang breathed a sigh of relief and slumped a little, gad to have found an ally. Actually… there was a few things that felt off with what Wen Gongzi said just now…
“You… how come you refer to Wen Chao and Wen Ruohan so formally? They’re your family, aren’t they?” what was the deal with that? he knew even Wei Xiong referred to Jiang Zhongzhu as ‘uncle’, and they aren’t even blood related! And that last line about Wen Chao…
Huaisang saw Wen Qionglin’s face darken, which caught Huaisang off guard, as it didn’t fit the guy’s rather sweet demeanour.
“They are not my family. Never have been, never will be.” Wen Qionglin spat. He so looked offended by the concept.
Ah. Ok. So that’s how it is…
“Ok ok! Totally get it, I wouldn’t want to consider them family either” Huaisang laughed, hoping to clear some of the tension. Wen Qionglin deflated with a relieved sigh, looking very grateful. Huaisang had a bad feeling Wen Gongzi has gotten in a lot of trouble for saying things like that in the past. “So, you really want to help me get outta here? You’re not afraid of getting in trouble??”
“O-oh no, I am absolutely terrified, b-but if I don’t do something, I’ll probably r-regret it, y’know??” Wen Qionglin laughed awkwardly. Huaisang smiled.
“You’re braver than you first appear young master Wen” Huaisang punched the younger boy on the shoulder. Wen Qionglin’s eyes went wide, and he started flapping his hands in a panic, face red.
“B-b-brave?! Oh no no no, I-Id hardly c-call m-myself t-that, I’m j-j-just t-trying to do the r-right thing is all, hahaha, yep nope…” the younger boy stammered comically, looking everywhere except Huaisang’s face. Ok, Huaisang decided that this guy was absolutely adorable. “A-also...”
“Hmn? What is it?” Huaisang asked.
“You… you don’t have to call me ‘young master’ Nie Gongzi, you can just call me Wen Ning” he said quietly, maintaining eye contact with his shoes and little else.
“Oh? Seriously? So informal? I don’t mind, but that’s a surprise.” Huaisang raised an eyebrow.
“Y-yeah, I kind of prefer it that way” he said sheepishly. Ughhh, he’s so shy!! This guy is so freaking adorable!
“Alright then, Wen Xiong! Lets get my butt the heck outta here then!” Huaisang grinned. Wen Ning’s eyes widened, clearly having not anticipated the friendliness, before smiling in return. Oh, may the Heavenly Emperor help me, if this guy gets any cuter, Huaisang was going to melt.
Wen Ning went to the door and checked outside. “Ok, we’re all clear, f-follow me!” he said, opening the door and waving Huaisang over.
“So uh, where we going?” Huaisang followed the younger buy out, glancing around as the tension began to return (the cuteness had distracted him from the impending doom).
“I k-know a spot where y-you can slip out unnoticed a-and has some g-good forest c-coverage. If you can m-move quickly enough, you should be able t-to get to either Jinlintai or Qinghe within a few d-days” Wen Ning explained, keeping a brisk pace that Huaisang had a bit of trouble keeping up with (Huaisang’s legs were quite long, but Wen Ning clearly won in that department). “I-it’s not the best escape route out there, b-but it’s better that n-nothing I g-guess.” Wen Ning said, leading Huaisang down a set of corridors.
“Ah, what a relief! Glad to know it’s not just endless rock and magma here… wait a second, have you… done this before?”
“No, b-but I’ve got most of the escape routes in N-nightless City and here at the bureau planned out. J-just in case” Wen Ning shrugged. As if making escape routes where you live is a normal thing that all people do.
“Um, if… if you don’t mind me asking, i-if it’s not too rude to ask… why??” because Huaisang had a very bad, no-good feeling about this, and he had to know.
“In case Wen Ruohan decides to kill and/or torture me to force my sister’s compliance” Wen Ning said, looking straight ahead, not even stuttering. Based on his expression, you’d assume he’d just made a casual comment about the weather, not the threat of murder at the hands of his uncle!!
“WHAT?!”
“Shh!! N-not so loud!!”
“Sorry sorry, but seriously… why… why would that even be a poss—” Huaisang sputtered, horrified.
“He’s threatened Jiejie with it hundreds of times. I’m used to it. I p-pretend I don’t know for Jiejie’s sake, b-but I’m not stupid.” He sighed.
“Wen Xiong… how… how long has he…” Huaisang looked at the by beside him, feeling his chest tightening and his eyes stinging.
“Don’t know really, it’s b-been like this f-for as long as I c-can remember. At this p-point, it doesn’t really matter when i-it started. C-can’t afford to waste t-time thinking about it”.
“Wen Ning, you do realise this isn’t normal, right?” you realise how awful this kind of life sounds right? Huaisang couldn’t take it anymore, it was too much.
‘Yeah, I know, b-but that’s just how things are in Qishan. You’re either strong or your weak. If you aren’t useful, you’re disposable. It’s the c-case for everyone, from servants t-to the high-ranked disciples like Wen Zhuliu. That’s j-just how it is; I d-don’t have time t-to feel sorry for myself” Wen Ning sighed. Huaisang thought, in that moment, Wen Qionglin was one of the strongest people he knew, coming close to even Da-ge. To go through all that, to survive in an environment like this without snapping, without becoming another monster… to still remain kind and gentle… that took strength.
“I… I guess you’re right” Crap, Wen Ruohan was really worse than scum, Wen Ning is a blood relative! Wen Xiong had to walk around with the knowledge his own uncle, had no qualms about killing him in cold blood. “let’s ah, lets change the subject”.
Wen Ning shot him a grateful look. “Thank you, Nie Gongzi”.
“Ah? How come you’re still so formal to me?” the guy had given Huaisang permission to call him by his birth name, and had trauma dumped on his unprepared ass. What gives??
“O-oh, I-I’m like this w-with everyone, e-even W-Wei Gongzi. J-just habit I suppose”. Ah. The stutter has come back in full force then…
“Wei Xiong?? Right, he’s close with you and your sister, isn’t he?” Huaisang remembered the interactions he’s seen while they were at the Lan Lectures. Ahh, good times. Wen Ning had trailed after Wei Xiong like a little duckling a few times, and while Wen Guniang had been a bit frostier towards him, it wasn’t in an unfriendly way. It had been more reminiscent of a grumpy cat. Like Jiang Xiong.
Wen Ning directed through a courtyard with tragically spartan decoration and into another building. The scent of smoke and oppressive heat was lessening, so Huaisang guessed they were leaving the magma field territory. Marvellous.
“Y-yeah. I like him, he’s nice t-to me, even though I’m a little w-weird” Wen Ning laughed a little. Huaisang personally felt you couldn’t get much weirder than Wei Xiong, so he didn’t blame Wen Xiong for feeling right at home with the guy. “He kinda reminds me of Jiejie, b-but less strict a-and more… uh…”
“Goofy? Chaotic? Or as Lan Er-Gongzi like to put it, shameless and ridiculous?” Huaisang snorted.
“Pfft, yeah, let’s go with that” Wen Ning laughed.
Once again in that distant cave, Wei Wuxian once again let loose an almighty sneeze, much to the mutual stress of both himself and Lan Wangji, who agreed with the sentiment that now was really not the time to get a cold!
Suddenly, Nie Huaisang and Wen Ning heard the sound of voices down the end of the corridor. Crap! What if they recognize him?! He’s only wearing the uniform and the hairdo! There’s nothing disguising his face at all! He’s an heir to a gentry clan damnit, he might be able to go unnoticed from a distance, but he’d get recognised instantly is someone got a close look at his face!! Shitshitshit!
Wen Ning immediately snapped to attention and into action. He turned towards Huaisang and hissed into his ear. “Head down, walk behind me. They’ll think you’re my escort.”
“Right!” Huaisang did as he said, internally praising Wen Xiong’s quick thinking ...and thinking that Wen Ning sounded quite nice when he’s being bossy and commanding in all honesty. (Huaisang was only human, don’t judge him). Two Wen soldiers then walked out from the adjacent corridor a few paces ahead of them. Huaisang ducked his head down, while Wen Ning raised his and straightened his back. Huaisang quickly tuned into the conversation.
“…left them in that cave to rot, but some of ‘em still got out, despite the enormous firkin Yao beast! In one piece I might add!” Wen Dude A said, apparently mid rant.
“Yeah, but ain’t there still some in there? Based on what I’ve heard, they’re important ones? ‘Least, they are to Young Master Wen Chao” Wen Dude B grunted.
“Oh, yeah. Lan Wangji and some mouthy bugger from the Jiang Clan who Young Master really seems to hate. Dunno how long they’ll last though” Wen Dude A shrugged.
“Yeah, I know Lan Wangji is pretty tough, no clue ‘bout the other guy, but he’s still got that buggered leg” Wen Dude B huffed “saw Young Master Wen Xu snap it myself. Nasty that was…”
“I dunno who the Jiang kid is, but Young Master Wen Chao has a serious grudge against the dude for some reason—oh! Young Master Wen Qionglin! We didn’t see you there!” Wen Dude A startled, both he and his companion quickly bowing. How do you miss someone who is six foot tall…
“Good afternoon!!” Wen Ning said cheerfully, not slowing down at all and continuing to walk past them. Huaisang followed suit. Keep your head down, keep your head down, keep your head down, please don’t look up, please don’t look up…
…And they were past them. Huaisang let out a little breath. When they were a reasonable distance away, he heard the duo muttering.
“The hell is he so chipper about??” A grumbled
“Who knows mate, he’s a huge weirdo. Best to not waste your time on that on that one, eh?” B sighed
Wow... harsh.
Huaisang had been listening to shit talk for years. A lot of it about him (he had a carefully crafted reputation to uphold, so he couldn’t do much about that), but damn, just… writing the guy off as a waste of time? Unnecessarily cruel. Especially when said person is still in earshot.
“I know w-what you’re thinking. I’ve heard far worse that that, t-trust me” Wen Ning told hm, when they were finally out of range of the two guards. Huaisang quickly sped up next to him, indignant.
“That doesn’t make it ok.”
“I know I know, but I c-can live with it” Wen Ning flapped his hand dismissively “I d-don’t really like confrontation anyway. N-now c’mon, we’re almost there”.
Music to Nie Huaisang’s ears!
Wen Ning pushed a door open and gestured for Huaisang to go through. After exiting, he could see the forest edge not too far away. It was at the bottom of the hill they were currently on, with only a small stone wall separating them: one that Huaisang could easily vault over.
Mercifully unguarded. Huaisang was eternally grateful for Wen Chao’s idiocy.
I’m so sorry I ever doubted you, Xie Lian! I swear I will build you (and your Husband) the prettiest shrine when I get home to Qinghe!!!
Wen Ning closed the door behind them, letting out a small sigh of relief. Huaisang could see the poor guy’s hands shaking. He couldn’t blame him; this was a stressful experience. And based on their earlier conversation… the risks for the kid were a lot higher than Huaisang initially thought they were.
“Oh, out of c-curiosity Nie Gongzi…” Wen Ning turned to him, frowning, seeming to have realised something unpleasant “h-how long ago d-did you b-break out of your r-room?”
“Uhhh, I guess about… almost half an hour ago?” Huaisang shrugged.
“Uh oh” Wen Ning grimaced “they’ll b-be bringing you f-food shortly! They’re g-going to find y-your room empty! We n-need t-to move!” Wen Ning quickly began dashing down the hill, hitching his robes up so he wouldn’t trip (a very practical move, which told Huaisang this kid probably had a country upbringing that the gentry lifestyle hadn’t beaten out of him).
Huaisang hastily jogged after him, once again cursing the fact Wen Ning had longer legs than him. He quickly wheezed out a “wait for me I got little legs!” as he went.
“Quick quick!”
“I’m going… huff…quick!! Again, you just have… hah… longer legs than me!!” Huaisang whined.
“Once the g-guards find your r-room empty… hah… they’ll sound the alarm! Y-you’ll n-need to move fast and s-stay hidden once y-you’re b-beyond the boundary!” Wen Ning advised, reaching behind him to haul Huaisang along (which hurt his dignity a little).
“I hope that… huff… guard I stole the uniform from… is gonna be ok…” Huaisang said, glancing down at his stolen sword. It felt wrong to take it, but the Wen Clan’s soldiers tended to carry mundane blades as they were easy to mass produce, so it wasn’t like he was separating a spiritual sword from its master.
“Uh, probably not.” Wen Ning gave him a rather awkward grimace that spoke volumes about the fate of that poor guard.
Huaisang’s first indirect kill. Yay.
Quickly vaulting the border wall, they finally reached the forest edge. Wen Ning finally let go of him… and doubled over gasping for air, gripping his knees and drawing in huge gulps of air.
“Uhh… you… hahh… ok?” Huaisang had a weak body and core, he was allowed to be out of breath, why was Wen Ning in a worse condition than he was?
“S-sorry… huff… not used to… wheeze… g-going that fast… not g-got a very …healthy c-constitution… or core r-really” Wen Ning wheezed out, looking almost pained (whether physical or emotional, Huaisang couldn’t be sure).
Huh? Seriously? Ahhh, now things make a little bit more sense. If Wen Ning had a health condition that was inhibiting him physically and spiritually, or in terms of his stamina, in an environment like this…
Shit. And Huaisang thought he had it bad in Qinghe…
“You… ok?”
“Y-yeah. M-my lungs hurt a little, b-but that’s p-pretty much normal. F-for me a-anyway” Wen Ning straightened up, coughing a little. He gestured towards the woods. “I’m afraid this is all I can do for you right now, it’s up to you from now on” he said, face serious.
“Thank you, this is more than enough” Huaisang grinned, looking out into the woods beyond.
“I-I’d do more, but I don’t wanna die” Wen Ning gave an apologetic smile/grimace.
“Trust me, I’m more than grateful for this much as it is” waved away the younger’s concern. He dropped his arms, a deep ache in his chest. He turned to his friend “I… I wish I could take you with me”.
Wen Ning’s eyes widened momentarily, before his face fell. “I… I wish you c-could too”. But they could both hear the unsaid ‘but we both know why that wont work’. It didn’t matter how badly Huaisang wanted to help his new friend, it didn’t matter how badly Wen Ning wanted to run away from this living hell. There were so many reasons why they couldn’t. Huaisang reached out and squeezed the younger boy’s arm, Wen Ning reaching over and squeezing his hand in reply. Huaisang wanted to cry at how unfair this was; they were both way too young for all this.
At that moment, they both heard gongs going off in the distance, snapping the both of them back to reality.
“Aaand they’ve f-found your empty room.”
“Yep, that would be my cue!” Huaisang squeaked, letting the other boy go. “Farewell Wen Xiong, I wish you luck” I’m so sorry.
“T-thank you, I wish the same t-to you. Now run!” Wen Ning promptly shoved Huaisang and began shooing him towards the woods. Huaisang quickly started running, and Wen Ning vaulted back over the world’s worst perimeter wall and back to the Indoctrination Bureau.
Huaisang felt like he was about to choke on the misery. He wanted to bring the boy with him so badly, and he kept having to remind himself that it was impossible over and over. He supressed the urge to cry.
It didn’t feel right.
It didn’t feel right.
It didn’t feel right.
Huaisang stopped and whipped round.
“WEN QIONGLIN!! I PROMISE I’LL PAY YOU BACK FOR THIS ONE DAY! I SWEAR I WONT FORGET THIS!” Huaisang screamed as loud as he could from the tree line.
Wen Ning turned around. Huaisang could still make out his face.
His face lit up with a smile that would burn itself into Huaisang’s memory with its brightness. Its warmth akin to sunlight. Wen Ning waved at him, with all the enthusiasm and innocence of a small child waving at their playmate. It was… it was beautiful.
Huaisang was momentarily stunned. People really undervalued this guy’s beauty, inside and out. Both parties turned around and began running once more, although Huaisang mourned the loss of the moment.
But poetic beauty aside, Huaisang had to get home to Qinghe.
He can paint it later.