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Wei Wuxian
Jiang Cheng barely resisted the urge to scream, choosing instead to take a deep breath to calm his raging temper. It wasn’t as if his parents’ reactions were unexpected, but Jiang Cheng had still held some hope that they felt some kind of love and kindness towards their own son.
“I’m not going to change my mind.” He gritted out, gripping onto the table like it was his only lifeline.
He refused to look at his siblings, choosing to maintain steady eye contact with his father. The man hadn’t said a single word since Jiang Cheng had made known his refusal to take over his father’s position in the company.
Meanwhile, his mother had kicked up a huge fuss, alternating between screaming at Jiang Cheng for his foolishness and glaring at his father for his continued silence. Jiang Cheng pursed his lips, awaiting his final verdict.
“Are you crazy? What are you going to do if you’re not taking over your father’s position?” She lamented, spinning around to glare at Wei Wuxian as if it was his fault that Jiang Cheng was rebelling against the family now.
His brother merely shook his head silently. It was probably understandable, since Jiang Cheng hadn’t discussed his decision with anyone. For once in his life, he wanted to make a decision on his own, without anyone else’s influence.
“Are you going to be a botanist? Just study plants all day? Is that your grand plan for life?” She scoffed, rolling her eyes when he shrugged in reply. “You’re being stupid. Why on earth would you want to be a botanist when you could be the CEO of Jiang Holdings?” She questioned with a raised eyebrow.
“I want to do something I like. I’m sick and tired of living my life on yours and Father’s terms, Mother.” Jiang Cheng whispered softly. His voice echoed around the quiet room, and he swallowed as his father’s eyes narrowed in anger.
“You are useless to the Jiang Family, if you’re not going to take over my position in the company.” His father finally spoke up. Jiang Cheng’s heart dropped to his stomach, his shoulders slumping at his words.
He had known that it was close to impossible, but he still held hope that his parents would express support or in the very least, acceptance for his choice. The silence in the room was overbearing, and not even Wei Wuxian had any jokes to break the tense atmosphere.
“I’m sorry…” He trailed off, unable to complete his words at the venomous look his mother shot him.
“The Jiang Family no longer welcomes you. I expect to see you gone from the house by tomorrow morning.” His father intoned, his voice hard and his eyes cold.
“Uncle Jiang!”
“Father!”
Two voices cried out in outrage, and Jiang Cheng shot his siblings a thankful look. His hands were trembling as he forced out a nod in his father’s direction.
Of course. He should’ve expected this scenario to occur. His parents were unable to accept their failure of a son. It was better for them to pretend that their son never existed, than to accept him doing something he loved.
His father’s love only extended to him as long as he was useful.
“It’s alright. I’ll move out.” He forced a smile onto his face. “Thank you for the 18 years of care, Mother, Father.” He bowed shortly. No matter what, he would not let them see the tears threatening to well up in his eyes.
“Uncle Jiang! Please reconsider. Jiang Cheng is still your son!” Jiang Cheng wanted to tell Wei Wuxian to not bother, because Jiang Fengmian was not a man to change his mind once he had decided on something.
“Keep your mouth shut, Wei Wuxian. Jiang Cheng is no longer our son.” Yu Ziyuan had finally sat back down, a mask of cold indifference on her face.
More than anything, Yu Ziyuan’s reply made his heart hurt the most. All his life, he had tried to be the best he could in an effort to be good enough for her. Everything he had done, he had done it for her sake.
He had come to resent Jiang Fengmian as he had grown older, but he had loved Yu Ziyuan dearly. Jiang Cheng knew that no matter how hard she pushed him, she still loved him to a certain extent. He hadn’t known how small that extent was.
“Mother…” Yanli spoke up as well, a pained look appearing on her face. Jiang Cheng simply shook his head.
“I’ll be much happier once I’m out of this toxic family.” He couldn’t help but say, letting a sliver of bitterness slip into his words.
“How dare you! You useless piece of trash!” Yu Ziyuan raised her hand, and Jiang Cheng flinched, closing his eyes in preparation for the hit to land, just like the countless times this had happened.
The hit never landed, and Jiang Cheng opened his eyes to see Wei Wuxian holding onto her arm, fury burning in his eyes.
“Enough. I won’t let you hurt A-Cheng.” He snarled. “He’s no longer your son. You wouldn’t hit a stranger, would you?” He continued before throwing her hand down. She clenched her fist, but didn’t bother to reply.
“Do us a favour and leave now. You’re disturbing a family dinner.” Jiang Fengmian spoke up calmly, as if they were having a simple disagreement, and not that they were disowning and throwing out their 18 year old son.
Jiang Cheng nodded stiffly, turning and leaving through the front door. He refused to let Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan see the tears rolling down his face.
The door clicked behind him.
Wei Wuxian was kind enough to pass him all the things he had salvaged from his room before Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan had thrown everything that had ever been his away, erasing any evidence that suggested that they ever had a son.
“Thank you, Gege.”
---
Jin Zixuan
Jiang Cheng paced up and down the corridor, wringing his hands in anxiety. He was alone, his steps echoing down the hallway as he waited for his turn to face the kraken.
No, he meant his guidance counsellor.
She had asked him to come down for a meeting, and he had a feeling he knew what it was about. It didn’t take a genius to put two and two together. First, he had been disowned, then he had been called in for a meeting.
It was far too coincidental.
“Jiang Cheng.” He glanced up when he heard someone call his name, only to come face to face with his sister’s boyfriend, Jin Zixuan.
Jin Zixuan was the heir of the Jin Family, one of the richest in China. Yu Ziyuan had been over the moon when Zixuan had come to their house, announcing his intention to court Yanli.
Personally, Jiang Cheng approved of their relationship, but he still had to play the part of an overprotective brother. He had to let Jin Zixuan know that if he bullied his sister, he would be hunted down by the Twin Prides of Yunmeng.
“Hey. What’re you doing here?” He raised an eyebrow in question.
“I’m here for you.” The man replied simply. His answer did nothing to relieve his question.
He was about to question Jin Zixuan further, when the door to the office opened to reveal his guidance counsellor. He swallowed, turning to Jin Zixuan and bowing in apology. After all, he was still his senior.
To his surprise, Jin Zixuan followed him inside. His guidance counsellor didn’t say a word, probably far too afraid of offending the Jin Family. Jiang Cheng shrugged his presence away, knowing that he would tell his sister of this meeting, and she would tell him anyway.
It didn’t matter if Jin Zixuan was the one who heard of the news first.
After all, Jiang Cheng was almost one hundred percent sure why he had been called here.
“I’m sorry, Jiang Cheng. Your parents have sent a letter to the school, announcing their intent to stop funding your education. Unless you can continue to pay for it on your own, you will be expelled from the school.” Jiang Cheng’s blood ran cold at her words.
He had been expecting it, but he was still surprised at their cruelty. He knew that they were trying to force him to return home and beg for their forgiveness, but he also knew that he didn’t have the strength to do that again.
The problem was that he didn’t have the money to pay for his own education. He hadn’t worked before in his life, and it was unlikely that he would come across a sudden sum of money to pay off his school fees.
But, he needed the education. Without the help of his family name, he basically amounted to nothing in this school.
“I-” Jiang Cheng didn’t even manage to form a sentence, before Jin Zixuan coolly interrupted him.
“I’ll be paying his school fees.” Zixuan stepped forward, a black card in hand. “I have enough money in this card. You may complete the transaction right now.” He frowned when she didn’t move to take it immediately.
Jiang Cheng turned to Zixuan with wide eyes, gasping in shock at the man’s actions. He had been expecting Zixuan to be a silent spectator in his humiliation, when he had to tell the guidance counsellor that he didn’t have the money for his education.
Zixuan had stepped it, and offered to pay for his school fees without blinking an eye. He sat there in shock, unable to comprehend the man’s actions.
“You will bring any further financial issues directly to me, won’t you?” It was phrased as a question, but it was definitely anything but that. Jiang Cheng watched as the guidance counsellor nodded quickly.
He followed when Zixuan pulled on his arm, pulling him out of the office.
“Why’re you helping me?” He couldn’t help but ask. Did Zixuan want something from him? Would he have to pay Zixuan back after graduating and finding a job in the future. “I can go find a job if you want me to pay you back soon. Or… I can work for you?” He suggested, frowning when Zixuan merely shook his head in reply.
“You’re Yanli’s brother, which makes you my brother as well. Family helps each other. You don’t have to pay me back.” Zixuan smiled, putting his arm around him. Jiang Cheng tried to pretend that his actions didn’t warm some part of his aching heart.
“Thank you, Gege.”
---
Jin Guangyao
Jin Zixuan wasn’t the only Jin brother that Jiang Cheng interacted with regularly. Jin Guangyao was one of Lan Xichen’s best friends, and visited their shared apartment almost everyday.
Xichen had taken him in after he had been chased out of his home, claiming that Jiang Cheng’s presence would help chase away the loneliness of living alone.
He didn’t see it, but whatever floats Xichen’s boat.
He only shared one class with Jin Guangyao, but they could be considered friends with how much they interacted with each other outside of class. They had bonded over their mutual exasperation about Xichen’s living habits, as well as the man’s ability to cook, or lack thereof.
Jiang Cheng had taken over the cooking almost as soon as he had moved it, witnessing first hand Xichen’s disastrous attempt at cooking. It was lucky that he had intervened before the kitchen had caught on fire.
He pointedly ignored the way his heart pounded at the thought of Lan Xichen.
Back to Jin Guangyao, Jiang Cheng spun around when he felt someone tapping his shoulder, almost backhanding Jin Guangyao in his haste. He let out a soft yelp when the man shook his head and poked him on the cheek.
“Mr Jiang? Is there a problem?” Their teacher came up to them, and Jiang Cheng quickly shook his head, missing the smirk that appeared on her face. “Wait a second. I can’t call you Mr Jiang anymore. Madam Yu made sure that all of us teachers knew that you are no longer part of the Jiang Family.”
Jiang Cheng’s eyes snapped up at her words, and he swallowed loudly.
“I gave you plenty of opportunities in the past, because you were the heir of the Jiang Family. I don’t have to be so nice to you anyway, since you’re basically nothing.” She continued, letting out a snort of laughter.
Jiang Cheng was sure that his fingernails left imprints on his palm.
He didn’t know what to say in reply to her. What could he even say? Everything that she had said was true. The university he was attending prided prestige over everything else. As the heir of the Jiang Family, he had enjoyed many privileges that normal students did not have.
Now that he wasn’t even part of the Jiang Family, he was simply another normal student. The teachers would’ve felt like they had wasted their attention on him. It was like an investment without any returns. Of course, there would be some sort of anger and retaliation on their part.
“You really are quite useless. Your work is awful.” She commented, sneering at his report. Jiang Cheng simply nodded, unable to stand up for himself.
“Do you have any constructive criticism? Or are you going to just insult his work simply because he’s no longer part of the Jiang Family?” A bored voice spoke up from beside him, and Jiang Cheng turned around to see Guangyao looking at his nails in boredom.
“Excuse me?! What did you say, Mr Jin?” Her angry voice echoed around the silent classroom as everyone turned to watch the drama unfolding.
“It’s good that you know that I’m part of the Jin Family. How dare you speak to me and my friend like that.” Guangyao replied simply, raising an eyebrow mockingly.
“I would like to remind you, Mr Jin, that I am your teacher. Furthermore, I have heard rumours that you are barely part of the Jin Family, Mr Jin.” She snapped back, her voice dipping into a growl.
“Oh, they aren’t rumours. It’s true. However, I’ll have you to know that my brother is paying for my education, just like he is paying for Jiang Cheng’s. You would do well to extend the respect you show me to Jiang Cheng as well. After all, you wouldn’t want to offend the heir of the Jin Family, would you?” Guangyao smiled, although Jiang Cheng could see that it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Why are you helping me?” Jiang Cheng whispered the moment their teacher stomped off in anger.
“I’m helping you because I know what you’re going through. It’s hard, and you’re so incredibly strong for still being able to stand here. I understand your plight.” He smiled sadly, patting Jiang Cheng on the arm. “If you ever need someone to talk to, you can come to me.”
“Thank you, Gege.”
---
Nie Mingjue
Jiang Cheng finished washing his hands quickly, wanting to make his way out of the toilet. It smelt foul, and he would rather not let Lan Xichen continue waiting for him for so long.
They had grown closer after Jiang Cheng moved into Lan Xichen’s apartment, often spending evenings watching their favourite TV shows together. It was a true testament to their friendship that Jiang Cheng let Lan Xichen see him cry while they were watching ‘the notebook’ and Lan Xichen letting Jiang Cheng see him drunk in one incident.
Either way, their friendship was going great.
Secretly, Jiang Cheng wanted more than just friendship. It was an impossible thought, and Jiang Cheng strived to keep it in the back of his mind as much as possible.
He had plans for lunch with Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue. Nie Mingjue was Huaisang’s older brother, so Jiang Cheng had some sort of experience with him. It just so happened that Nie Mingjue was also one of Lan Xichen’s best friends.
Jiang Cheng had just met the two older boys in the cafeteria, excusing himself to go to the washroom while the two of them chose what to eat for lunch. He trusted Lan Xichen to order something that he would like.
He was about to exit the toilet after washing his hands, when the door slammed open to reveal Wen Xu and his younger brother, Wen Chao. Jiang Cheng had only interacted with them when necessary, back when he was still part of the Jiang Family.
He was honestly beginning to take his exile from the family much better.
He made to push past the brothers, when he felt a hand grab hold of his shoulder. Before he could come to his senses and push their hand off, he was slammed bodily into the sink.
Letting out a groan, he stumbled to his feet, already feeling a dull ache from his head. Nothing seemed to be broken, but he would have a hell of a bruise.
He didn’t get a chance to reorientate himself before he felt someone drive a fist into his stomach.
“You’re so fucking weak. No wonder the Jiang Family doesn’t want you anymore.” He looked up through blurry eyes to see Wen Xu sneering at him.
“You’re right, brother. Look, it’s so easy to beat him up!” Wen Chao cried out in glee, before delivering a swift kick to his stomach. Jiang Cheng curled up on the floor, letting out a soft whimper.
He wasn’t usually so weak, but the first hit on his head must’ve done a number on him. He felt quite disorientated, and the room was spinning around him. He could barely hear Wen Xu and Wen Chao talking. Thank god for that, or he’d be subjected to the bullshit spewing from their mouths.
“I bet that the Jiang Family wishes that you were dead. Wen Xu, should we help them fulfill their wishes?” Wen Chao rubbed his hands together in glee, taking the opportunity of Jiang Cheng rolling over to drive another foot into his stomach. He coughed, his eyes widening at the fresh red blood that trickled onto the floor.
Jiang Cheng saw Wen Xu raise his leg in preparation, and closed his eyes. However, the final blow never came. Instead, he heard the door to the washroom open, and several grunts as someone rushed his attackers.
His eyes snapped open to come face to face with Mingjue fighting Wen Xu and Wen Chao, if you could even call it a fight. He was basically wiping the floor with them, holding off Wen Chao while delivering several punches in Wen Xu’s direction.
Jiang Cheng swore that he could hear the sound of bones snapping.
At last, Mingjue seemed to come to his senses, throwing Wen Xu and Wen Chao out of the washroom, before coming to kneel next to Jiang Cheng on the floor.
“Shit! Are you okay?” He asked, wrapping his arm around Jiang Cheng and pulling him into a sitting position. “Fuck, that’s such a stupid question. Of course you’re not okay.” Mingjue slapped himself on the head.
Despite his general disorientation, Jiang Cheng reached up and rubbed the spot where Mingjue had hit himself. “It’s not a stupid question. I’m fine. Just a little dizzy.” He groaned when Mingjue jostles him in order to pick him up.
“Right. Now you’re the stupid one, if you think that I’m going to believe that you’re fine.” Mingjue shook his head in exasperation. “Xichen was worried about you. Rest now. We’ll take care of you.” Jiang Cheng gave in and laid his head down, missing the look of pain that crossed Mingjue’s face as he carried him out of the washroom.
“Thank you, Gege.”
---
Lan Xichen
Jiang Cheng felt rather disorientated when he woke up, the bright lights of the hospital room temporarily blinding his vision. The last thing he remembered was Lan Xichen shouting out his name, before he blacked out in Mingjue’s arms.
He could tell that he was in a hospital, at least.
Turning to the side, he startled at the sight of Lan Xichen resting his head on the bed beside him. Lan Xichen looked like he had seen better days. The dark eye circles under his eyes looked awful, like he had gone through finals week ten times in a row.
Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but run his hand through Lan Xichen’s hair, his heart breaking when the man moved to nuzzle into his hand.
He had always hated the way the Lan Family brought up their children, deprived of any kind of family warmth. Although, he wasn’t one to talk, seeing how the Jiang Family brought him up to become a brash, unlikable man.
He had been lucky to have Yanli and Wuxian in his life, bringing to him all the family warmth that his parents hadn’t given him.
“You’re awake!” In his musing, he hadn’t noticed that Lan Xichen had woken up from his slumber. He nodded, blushing slightly as Lan Xichen’s eyes roved over his body, as if to make sure that he was still in one piece.
“I’m alright. You on the other hand…” He trailed off as he watched Lan Xichen rub his neck sheepishly. “I didn’t know that you cared so much about me.” He pursed his lips in thought, missing the way Lan Xichen’s face twisted in horror.
“Of course I care about you!” He exclaimed, taking Jiang Cheng’s hand in his own.
“Why? I’ve been nothing but a burden to you. You have to pay for my living fees, and now my hospital fees as well. You have to keep me company, and cheer me up when I’m sad. You have to answer to your family whenever they ask you why you’re helping the disowned son of the Jiang Family.” Jiang Cheng listed off a whole list of reasons about why Lan Xichen would be stupid to care about him.
People who cared about Jiang Cheng didn’t have a good end. He brought way too much baggage with him for someone to care about. Maybe they would care for a week, or a month, but they would easily get tired of his family issues.
Furthermore, his personality wasn’t something to write home about. He was prickly, and it took someone with guts to see past his hard exterior, and see the boy who hadn’t grown up.
He was all bark and no bite.
“You’re not a burden, and everything you said is not true! I’m happy to do these things for you, because I love you. You bring so much joy to my life, just by being yourself. You have no idea how much I cherish having someone care enough to cook for me, to watch TV with me, to diss my relatives when I get too overwhelmed with them.” Xichen rattled off his own list of reasons, looking affronted at Jiang Cheng’s words about himself.
Instead of looking relieved, Jiang Cheng gaped at Xichen.
“You love me?” He replied, eyes wide with wonder.
“I wasn’t going to tell you like this, but now is as good a time as any. I do love you, Jiang Cheng.” Xichen shrugged, looking as if admitting that he loved Jiang Cheng was the easiest thing he had ever done.
“You don’t have to reply to me right now, but I wanted you to know that someone here loves you very much, even when your own parents don’t. No matter what, I’ll be by your side.” Xichen said determinedly when Jiang Cheng’s eyes began to well up with tears, his grip on his hand tightening.
“Thank you, Gege.”
---
Jiang Cheng
Jiang Cheng had been released from the hospital a few days later, much to the relief of the people in his life. He had never felt so loved and cherished before in his life.
He was used to licking his own wounds, but he didn’t have to now.
He had Xichen for that now.
During his recovery period, he had gone through a lot of thoughts whenever he was alone, although that wasn’t very often. His friends seemed to have taken up shift work, and they took turns to visit him to make sure that someone was always by his side.
His parents hadn’t appeared throughout the entire ordeal. Their son had gotten a concussion, and suffered from mild internal bleeding, but they hadn’t found it in themselves to forgive him. However, Xichen had made it clear that he was glad that they hadn’t tried to come.
He agreed with Xichen. He had lost his family for the sake of being himself, and if they couldn’t accept him for who he was, they shouldn’t be called his family.
Besides, the important members, Yanli and Wuxian, had come to see him daily. He didn’t need Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan. His brother and sister were enough for him. They had made it clear that he was still their brother, even if he wasn’t part of the Jiang Family anymore.
He was incredibly grateful for friends like Jin Guangyao, Nie Mingjue and Jin Zixuan, who had only known him as Xichen’s friend and Yanli’s brother, but still stepped up to defend him when they could’ve just closed both eyes and pretended that nothing had happened.
He wouldn’t even blame them for it.
Most of all, he was grateful to Xichen. Xichen had supported him through everything. He had been steadfast in helping him, in pushing Jiang Cheng to see his true worth. He had shown Jiang Cheng that there was always a path through hard times, and that he had a chance at happiness, just like everyone else.
He was going to take that chance at happiness.
“Xichen-Gege? I love you too.”
Jiang Cheng smiled as their lips met in a kiss.