The arrival of the guest disciples in Cloud Recesses fills Lan Zhan with an unfamiliar uneasiness. It wriggles in his stomach like a dying worm. And no matter how long or often he meditates, he can't ignore this unwelcome feeling.

No longer is his home peaceful and calm. Today, students from all the major clans and few of the neighboring minor ones have all invaded his world of order and discipline. Dressed in their colorful robes, they pass by him bowing their heads before continuing their excited chatter. Their bodies move erratically as they dart around, inspecting their new surroundings and classmates. The serenity of the main courtyard is shattered as their voices buzz like annoying insects around Lan Zhan's head.

After greeting him, all the young disciples ignore him, fearful of making eye contact with the Second Jade of the Lan Clan. None of them try to start a conversation with him or ask him how he is doing today. They keep their distance and move wordlessly out of his way as he walks regally towards the lecture hall.

If Lan Zhan was any other young man, their avoidance might have hurt his feelings. Instead, he finds great relief in the fact that he doesn't have to talk to them. Were someone to approach him and begin a conversation, he knows the polite thing to say would be how happy he is to have them attend the lectures. It's what his brother would say.

However, lying is forbidden in Cloud Recesses. It also makes Lan Zhan nauseous. Which means that if he opened his mouth, only the truth would be spoken. So, better to be ignored than scolded by his uncle for being rude.

This year, Lan Qiren has requested that Wangji also attend classes. Supposedly, it will be good for him although Lan Zhan doesn't see why, he already knows everything that will be taught to the visiting disciples. Even his brother encouraged him to participate, something about making friends.

But why does he need to make friends with other young cultivators when they'll only be here for a year? He has his bunnies to keep him company (okay, so they have to stay outside Cloud Recesses, but he visits them every day), and his shufu and gege to talk to. Practicing his guqin, honing his sword skills, and meditating to sharpen his mind do not require him to talk.

Speaking for no reason is also a misuse of precious energy. The Lan Clan rule about not being wasteful doesn't only pertain to food. It can be considered for many things such as water, time, necessities like clothes, money, and especially talking.

Which is why Lan Zhan can't understand why his brother is greeting each guest disciple with a personal welcome. He watches confusedly as Lan Xichen moves graciously amongst every visitor, bowing before them and offering his services. Why not just stand in front of the lecture hall with everyone seated and say what he has to say once? It would save so much time and energy.

Striding through the doorway with a quiet elegance, Lan Zhan takes his seat at the front of the class. He would much prefer to sit in the back and watch the other disciples to make sure they're behaving. He is the enforcer of the Lan rules, after all. But his uncle requested that he sit in the front so the other youth could see how a perfect student conducts himself.

As the students file into the classroom, Lan Zhan keeps his eyes forward, his back straight, and his hands in his lap. He listens as the other young men and women shuffle around to find their seats. Murmurs of expectations reach his sensitive ears but he remains as still as a statue. All the clans want their children to be like him. It's why they send their future heirs to the GusuLan Clan lectures every five years.

Lan Zhan sits motionless, his breathing calm and even, his body relaxed and mind focused.

That is, until he hears a tiny giggle that sounds like tinkling bells in the breeze.

"Hi! I'm Wei Wuxian. But you can call me Wei Ying. You're Lan Wangi, right? I can't believe I'm sitting next to THE Second Jade! This is so exciting. Would you like to be friends?"

Where did this rude boy come from? Lan Zhan doesn't recall seeing him in the courtyard. There's no way he could have missed him. Even if he hadn't seen him, he definitely would have heard him.

Without looking at the uncultured youth sitting next to him, Lan Zhan answers, "No."

"Are you sure? Lots of people like being my friend. I tell the best jokes and never cheat when I play games. I'm really good with my sword, too. No one can beat me back home in Yunmeng but I bet you would give me a run for my money. Would you like to spar sometime?"

Lan Zhan can't understand why Wei Wuxian is still talking to him. He told him he didn't want to be his friend yet this person remains sitting next to him. He closes his eyes and tries to block out the endless rambling of unnecessary conversation. Actually, he can't even call it a conversation. Conversation involves two people speaking in turn. Right now, Wei Wuxian is the only one talking and Lan Zhan has no intention of responding.

Even when the instructor begins the lesson, Wei Wuxian continues to whisper words right next to Lan Zhan's ear. How can this boy be so disrespectful? Wasn't he taught any manners growing up? And why can't he go bother someone else?

Lan Zhan tries to politely put more distance between the two of them yet Wei Wuxian doesn't take the hint. He scooches even closer and bumps shoulders with the reluctant young jade.

"I bet you already know all of this stuff, don't you Lan Wangji? What do you say we sneak out at lunch and go catch some pheasants? I bet I could catch two before anyone finds us."

With an angry side glare, Lan Zhan attempts to scare off the annoying boy. His infamous icy glare has never let him down before. It's been known to chase away anyone or anything that he deems irritating, insignificant, or unworthy of his attention.

It even works on girls.

So Lan Zhan is shocked when Wei Wuxian's smile grows even bigger upon seeing his notorious scowl. He is left speechless, not that he was going to say anything anyway, and turns back to listen to the lecture. Concentrating is impossible with Wei Wuxian sitting so close to him. He wants nothing more than to excuse himself from class and return to Jingshi. Unfortunately, his uncle would frown at his inability to handle such a simple distraction. So, he remains in his seat, determined not to embarrass his clan.

By the end of class, Lan Zhan knows more about Wei Wuxian than anyone he has ever met outside of his family.

This obnoxious boy, unbelievably, is the head disciple of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan. He loves spicy food and swimming. He stays up late and wakes up even later. And, for some reason, he finds Lan Zhan to be funny.

But it's what Lan Zhan sees on the paper next to his that convinces him that he and Wei Ying have nothing in common.

The head disciple of the Jiang Clan's handwriting is absolutely atrocious!

It looks like tiny chickens stepped in Wei Wuxian's inkwell and danced all over his paper.

How can anyone's handwriting be that bad?!

Lan Zhan can barely read any of the characters that have been thoughtlessly brushed across the page. Wei Wuxian has even drawn strange symbols that Lan Zhan has never seen before and the instructor never discussed in the lecture. Apparently, during his most bored moments, the Jiang head disciple scribbled little pictures of objects he saw around the room.

Someone who has no respect for their elders and learning is not a person Lan Zhan wants to associate with. If Wei Wuxian does not want to improve in his cultivation and mind, then Lan Zhan wants nothing to do with him.

Finally, it's the end of the day and the instructor dismisses the class.

"That was so boring." Wei Ying groans. "I hope we learn something more interesting tomorrow."

Lan Zhan stays in his seat as Wei Ying stands to leave.

"Aren't you coming, Lan WangJi?"

When Lan Zhan remains sitting silently, Wei Ying moves in front of him and crouches down. Silver eyes that sparkle like sunlit morning dew on a spider's web blink innocently, his smile softer but no less brilliant.

"I know I can be a lot, but I really do want to be your friend. I find you...fascinating."

With a wink and a smirk, Wei Ying stands, turns, and finally leaves him alone.

Dear Readers, 

It's been so long since I wrote a one shot! This one should be short and sweet and I will update as quickly as I can but I can't promise a regular schedule. This next week is a bit busy but I will do my best to not keep you waiting too long for updates. Thank you and enjoy!