"Can I have that?" 

Taking a seat next to Jeff, who was smoking into oblivion, the other man simply raised his eyebrows and asked, "I assumed you didn't smoke. Why start now?" 

With a shrug, Xian sighed deeply and answered, "True. I don't. At least not recently. But back then, before joining this team, as a young boy, I did all sorts of sh*t."

Taking a deep drag, Jeff held out his cigarette for Xian, and when he was within its reach, Jeff pulled his hand away and, with the other, hit the back of Xian's head. 

"Ow! What was that for?" Xian glared while Jeff smirked at the younger man's antics. "That's what you get when you do something foolish." 

"But you're smoking!" Xian pointed like a petulant child, and Jeff shook his head. "Yeah... and you're a kid." 

Snuffing the cigarette out, Jeff popped a mint into his mouth, and this one he offered to Xian as a truce, and the latter gladly accepted it. 

"Aren't you going home?" Placing his elbows on the step behind him, Jeff leaned and admired the stars above. 

Xian placed his elbows on his knees and said sadly, "No." 

"Why not?"

"Because Az..." Correcting himself, Xian continued, "Wangji is there."

Raising his eyebrows once again, Jeff inquired, "And that's a bad thing?"

"No no..." Raking his fingers through his hair, Xian answered, "He's the only person who can give me solace at this point of my life, and to be honest, right now, I do not wish to be placated. I need wrath coursing through me to get by tomorrow. I fear that if I meet Wangji now, I will want to feel his warmth. So much so that it would make me want to quit feeling this horrible." 

"I have known Ji forever. You know how he has helped me in the past. Xian, you don't need me to tell you that Ji is by far the most genuine and generous soul you'll ever meet. He has his flaws, but his heart is precious."
Jeff's statement was straightforward, and even though the underlying implications were steadfast, Xian knew what the other man was trying to imply.

"I respect Wangji. I adore his friendship. I probably will never meet someone like him. But at this point in my life, my heart is shrivelled up. My soul is crushed, and my entire existence is not in any position to commit to anyone at this moment, Jeff."

Jeff was quiet, and Xian thought that would be the end of their nightly talk, but that was far from it.

"You're strong, Xian. A lot stronger than me. You chose to fight this head-on, and there's nothing more courageous than that. You didn't try to hurt yourself the way I did. Every time I see you, my heart swells with pride. Don't let that spark diminish. You don't need anyone, but at the same time, it's lovely to lean on that one soul when the world comes hard on you."

Subtly wiping the corner of his eyes, Xian grinned and said, "Someone today is acting like a big brother."

"That's because I never had a younger brother. From this day onwards, you are my younger brother. Chris is your family." Turning to face Xian, Jeff nudged his shoulder and declared, "And now you're a part of our family."

As much as this day had been a whirlwind for Xian, those words brought hope and love into his heart. He didn't have to say any words of comfort; his tears were open for his brother to see.

With a grunt, Jeff pulled himself up to stand and held out his hand for Xian to follow his pursuit. Just as they were about to head inside, the former narrowed his eyes and threatened mildly, "Don't you dare tell Chris about me smoking here."

Xian wanted to laugh. He had never expected this and had never experienced such a display of filial affection.

"I won't tattle on my brother." Giving Jeff a salute, Xian pushed him lightly and ran away with Jeff right on his heels.

"Mr. President, Mr. Lan Wangji is here to see you?"

President Xiao was surprised to hear the name of the elusive son of his two dear friends. How long has it been since he met young Wangji?

"Please see him in my tea room."

Standing proud and tall, President Xiao was taken aback by the uncanny resemblance Wangji had as compared to Lan Furen.

"Uncle." Wangji greeted President Xiao with the utmost respect, and the latter reciprocated the same.

"Please have a seat. How long has it been since we met?" Pouring a cup of tea for Wangji, President Xiao gestured him to take the first sip. "All these years I have been asking after your well-being from Qiren and Chen. I am glad you finally came to see your old Uncle."

"I apologize, Uncle Xiao."

"Don't apologize. After Furen and
Qingheng passed away, and their void has been deep in my heart. Not only were they my bestfriends and confidantes, but they each held an important position in the cabinet. One was a foreign minister and the other an education minister."

Wangji smiled at an old, fond memory. He remembered how they all used to meet for brunch. Indeed, his parents and uncle Xiao were close and held the highest respect in their hearts.

"To what do I owe this pleasure, Wangji? If you have decided to come out of your recluse life, I assume it is for a purpose."

Wangji admired the tenacity of Uncle Xiao.

"Are you aware of Mr. Wei Wuxian's case?"

Taking a sip from his own cup, Uncle Xiao acknowledged, "Yes. The young man has taken the country by storm. Not only is he the youngest player and first Asian to be scouted for the prestigious NHL, but his scandal has taken over every nook and cranny of social media."

"He is someone who is extremely important to me."

Uncle Xiao's gaze met Wangji's, and there were many questions in them. Though none were asked, he probably received a few answers for those.

"What do you need from me, Wangji?"

"I can vouch for whatever has been stated, they are all true. Tomorrow is his trial, and he'll be amidst that storm. Our country is powerful and as wonderful as she is, but there isn't any law to protect those who aren't defined under a certain category.

"Flaws and loopholes are in plenty. The weak have few laws to protect them and minorities even fewer. In your tenure and with the upcoming elections right around the corner, this would be an apt moment to win the hearts of the younger generation by protecting their national hero."

Uncle Xiao smiled inwardly. Wangji was a shrewd man. Without asking for a favour, he smartly played his moves.

"You should think about joining politics, Wangji. Like your parents, you have a knack for it."

With a small bow, Wangji smiled as he answered, "I am a man who simply loves to play. Great minds like yours and my parents' are quite rare, uncle Xiao."

Both men knew a lot was at stake. For one it was probably about bringing a revolutionary change and for the other it was all personal. He unlike others had just one agenda and that was to bring back his Wei Ying safely into his arms.

"We'll be escorting you into the courtroom Mr. Wei. Are you ready?"

At Ryan's question, Xian took a deep breath and nodded, "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's get this over with."

Power Move:

The act of using speed and strength to cut to the net. Sometimes done by moving towards the boards before taking a sharp turn towards the net.

(A/n: I know this chapter is short but I hope you liked the underlying message. I am in awe with Lan Zhan, for his shrewdness and sheer tenacity to go to lengths to protect his Wei Ying.

I also love Jeff. That man silently is a pillar to our Xian. They might have not known each other for long, but in many ways they are a family.)