Disclaimer: I do not own the characters and art used in the story. OOC and AU.

Premises: Modern AU. Everyone knows Wei Ying is a passionate photographer and loving husband. Only a few know his secret identity as Yiling Laozu – a top grade designer and inventor. He often travels, pursuing the beauty of nature, but always comes back home to his Lan Zhan. Despite the odds, they have been happily married for nearly five years. Everything seems perfect till he realises that he is living in a broken dream.

****

Sometimes you are so content with your daily life that you miss small changes. Signals that things aren't as they used to be. Sometimes you just want to believe in your dream. You are too afraid to see the cracks of shattered hope. You take a few shaky breaths and smile, convincing yourself that you are fine. That your precious dream is still fine. But there is only so much one can take before they break down.

****

They have been inseparable since their first year in college. They got married during their graduation trip to Canada. They were together despite the odds. It seemed like nothing could get between them, nothing but life itself.

Wei Ying was more than aware his husband's uncle hated him and disapproved of their relationship. He would often rub their esteemed linage in Wei Ying's face and treat him like a stain on the family honour. But Wei Ying didn't mind. He was in love with Lan Zhan, not his family or their wealth. Lan Qiren saw him as a greedy orphan, and no matter what Wei Ying did, the old man wouldn't change his mind. Not even prenup or the fact that Wei Ying provided for himself and equally contributed to their household finances. Every meeting with his husband's family felt like an uphill battle. But he didn't mind.

His parents died in an accident when he was 5 years old. Yet he was never alone. His uncles took him in and raised him as their own. He was loved and provided with the best schools. They gave him a place to call home. He never lacked anything. Uncles taught him self-worth, and he would never let some old goat bring him down.

Wei Ying had a secret. Something only his uncles and two childhood friends knew. He inherited his father's brilliant mind and his mother's wild imagination. Since his early teenage years, Wei Ying would disappear to the garage to work on various inventions. Before anyone noticed, he made several groundbreaking discoveries in technology and started selling blueprints to major companies and the military. To hide his young age, Wei Ying and Wen Qing came up with a nickname, Yiling Laozu. Now worldwide, sought designer and creator.

****

A small corner lamp illuminated an elegant living room. Slender fingers swiftly moved over the keyboard while silver eyes followed a chain of complicated programming codes. Wei Ying massaged his neck, shifted his legs to a lotus position and balanced the laptop on his knees. He was so absorbed in his work that he lost sense of time and missed the dinner. "I guess he's working late again," muttered, scrolling the takeaway app.

Recently, Lan Zhan came back home late. He felt distant, but Wei Ying would always explain it with tiredness. He could not remember when last time they had dinner together. He could not remember when last time they were together. Between his trips and Wangji's work, it didn't leave much time for a relationship, but they were fine until the last few months. Always having dinner together or going out on weekends. What changed?

"I'm ordering Thai. Do you want something?"

Wei Ying waited several minutes, but there was no response. It made him feel uneasy. Anxiousness crept in and refused to let go. Was there a reason why Lan Zhan was so distant? It started after their last visit to Lan Manor, where Wangji had a private conversation with his uncle. Did something happen? Wei Ying took a deep breath and shook off his negative thoughts. Wangji must have been busy with work. There is nothing more to it.

****

The atmosphere in the taxi was so tense that the driver was sweating profusely. He encountered many fighting couples, but not something like this. Heavy silence and two pairs of icy cold glares looking outside. It felt like he was transporting a glacier on the back seat.

"Uncle would let go if you would get a real job."

His eyebrow cocked. Silver eyes looked like they could freeze lava. "I have a real job."

"Freelance photography it's hardly a job."

"And somehow I contribute my share, don't I?" Wei Ying hissed with annoyance. He tried many times to tell Wangji about his real job, but there was never a right moment. How could he admit that Lan Enterprise depended on his newest designs after being disrespected in front of everyone again? He wished Wangji accepted him as he was and stood by his side. But today, he learned it was impossible.

"It wouldn't hurt if you stopped playing around and considered your position as my husband."

"Position as your husband?" Wei Ying repeated slowly, his voice icy cold. "Oh, please do enlight me. What does it mean?"

"Prestigious families must live up to social expectations and standards, but someone like you probably doesn't understand the pressure."

The driver swallowed hard as the temperature in the car dropped to subzero. Part of him wished to die instead of being part of their conversation.

"Someone like me, huh?"

Lan Wangji hesitated. There was something dangerous in Wei Ying's voice. He didn't mean to argue with him, but his uncle was wearing him off thin. He kept pushing his friend's daughter on him, forcing Wangji to go out with her in the evenings to build a good relationship with their company. He didn't even notice when he and Wei Ying grew distant. When his uncle's words took over his mind. "Wei Ying, I..." started off and reached towards his husband, but his hand was painfully slapped away.

He was bound to snap at some point. Wei Ying signalled to stop the car and left, then leaned inside and looked at his still husband with disgust. "My lawyer will be in touch with you. You will learn soon what someone like me can do," he said coldly, then slammed the door and walked away.

Wangji remained in a stupor until someone rang the bell two days later. Hoping it was Wei Ying, he rushed to the door to find seething Wen Qing and a young man in an expensive suit.

"We came to collect his belongings," Wen Qing said, showing him an official letter from Xiao&Song.

"You can't just...."

"We can," Xue Yang took over, handing him his business card. "According to the prenuptial agreement, in case of separation, you have no right to withhold any items belonging to our client. Mr Wei appointed us to deal with divorce proceedings as he no longer wishes to see – quoting – this judgemental asshole. That would be you, Mr Lan," Xue Yang added with his professional smile.

Wangji's heart dropped at divorce proceedings. Was Wei Ying going to divorce him over one argument? He couldn't believe it. Did their marriage mean nothing to him? Annoyed, he pulled out his smartphone to send his soon to be ex-husband a message and give him a piece of his mind. His eyes widened at the sheer amount of texts he never replied to. Lan Zhan was so busy making his uncle happy that he completely ignored the most important person in his life.

"You screw up big time," Wen Qing hissed, passing him and leading the moving company inside. Then she looked over her shoulder and added, "I will fucking kill you if you show yourself in front of A-Ying."

His fingers clenched on the letter from the law firm, then he noticed the address. Xiao&Song was registered in Shanghai. Wen Qing lived in Shanghai. How did they get here so fast and manage to organise paperwork? Did Wei Ying consider divorce sooner? No, impossible. Just before the unfortunate dinner, they had fantastic sex. Wei Ying loved him. Then he remembered that Wei Ying was from Shanghai. He moved to Beijing to finish his studies and then stayed with him. It would mean Wei Ying returned to his hometown. "H-how is he?" Wangji asked, looking at Wen Qing desperately.

"Mr Wei does not wish to disclose information about his wellbeing or location," Xue Yang answered instead, looking up from the list of items to collect.

Not a single item was missed. A few hours later, there was no trace of Wei Ying in their house. As if he never existed, as if their marriage never existed.

"To speed up proceedings, Mr Wei foregoes his rights to the house. If you have any questions, please contact Mr Wei's representative and partner at our company, Xiao Xingchen."

It finally sunk. Wangji only met Wei Ying's uncles twice due to their busy schedules and distance. They were both renowned lawyers. Neither of them will go easy on him. They didn't have their own children. They adopted Wei Ying after his parents died and still doted on him. They would crush anyone who dared to hurt their precious son.

Wangji dropped onto the sofa with a heavy sigh, allowing tears to flow. Wei Ying was supposed to be his forever. With trembling fingers, Lan Zhan sent a message.

"I'm sorry. Can we please talk?"

Unfortunately, the response never came. The message bounced back, and the system informed him that the recipient had blocked his number.

****

When Wei Ying showed up without notice in a messy suit in front of a modern house in an affluent district of Shanghai, no one asked him questions. His adoptive fathers pulled him inside and prepared his old room. Wei Ying lifeless body dropped to the bed, and he slept till the following day. Finally, he dragged himself to the kitchen.

Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan looked at him questioningly while Wei Ying sat at the island sipping his coffee. They were worried about his sudden arrival and somewhat depressed state.

"Baba, can you handle my divorce?"

Xingchen nearly dropped the plate of pancakes and stared at his son, speechless. Seeing his shock, Song Lan stepped in.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, A-Die," replied, then told them everything that happened during the last year. He even showed them photos of Wangji and Qin Su.

They were furious, ready to bring Lans to their knees for treating their son like this. "Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"We were happy for many years, then Wangji started to meet with his uncle more often and began to change. We were both busy, and I was travelling a lot, so I didn't notice for a long time. Maybe I didn't want to see it. But there is only so much one can take. I wouldn't care about that old goat if he stood by me."

"What about her?" Song Lan asked, pointing at photos. They looked ambiguous but not enough to prove anything.

Wei Ying sighed. "He didn't do anything. Just dinners, but you can use it as you wish as long as I don't need to see that judgemental asshole. I'm leaving it in your capable hands, Baba."

Xiao Xingchen nodded. He was the best divorce lawyer in Shanghai, and he would always get his clients what they wanted. By midday, Xue Yang was on his way to Beijing with a set of documents. Wen Qing decided to accompany him and possibly permanently remove the problem.

"What are you planning to do about contracts? I spoke with Wen Xu. Three are under negotiations, and several are soon for renewal. He still doesn't know it's you?" Song Lan asked while Xingchen was busy with the remaining documents.

"No, I never told him. Tell Wen Xu to cancel everything and contact his father," he replied, eating his pancakes. "Damn, A-Die. Your pancakes are the best!"

Song Lan beamed. "Did you hear that, A-Xi?"

"A-Ying is distressed. He doesn't know what he's saying," Xingchen argued back without looking from his laptop.

Song Lan and Wei Ying looked at each other and burst out laughing. Since he could remember, his fathers had battled over who makes better breakfasts, desserts or dinners. It reminded him of a happy childhood. The decision to come back home was the best he had made in a long time.

"How are you doing, A-Ying?"

"I don't know, A-Die," he replied honestly. "It hurts like hell. I trusted him, loved him... I thought he was my forever like you and Baba. Is it okay if I will stay with you for a while?"

"Of course, as long as you need."

"Thanks, A-Die."

****

Days turned into a blur. Regrets were eating him up from the inside. His new reality was worse than hell. He could survive hell, but he could not live without Wei Ying. Wangji tried to contact him multiple times, but his calls never went through. Wei Ying was gone. Wangji clutched their wedding photo, letting tears flow.

Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng have been worried about the couple since dinner Qiren harshly attacked Wei Ying. The latter was beyond pissed off, especially when Wangji just sat silently and watched. Ever since Lan Zhan did not show up in the office. Fearing the worst, they decided to visit.

After several minutes of ringing the doorbell, Wangji opened the door. An immense disappointment flashed in his red-rimmed eyes. His face was deadly pale.

"Didi, what happened?" Xichen asked, gently embracing him and leading him to the living room.

Meanwhile, Jiang Cheng watched the house wide-eyed. It looked different. Something was missing. "Where is Wei Ying?"

"Left."

"I can't say I am surprised," Jiang Cheng muttered. He saw how Qiren verbally abused Wei Ying many times, and Wangji would never defend him. Then a couple of months ago, Wanyin bumped into Wangji and Qin Su in the restaurant. They looked pretty intimate for business dinner.

"A-Cheng!"

"What? Are you going to defend him?" he asked, but Xichen only shook his head. "How long did you expect Wei Ying to bear with your uncle with no support from you whatsoever? Did you ever consider how Wei Ying felt when you were fooling around with your little whore?"

"H-he knew?"

"Of course he did! Do you think he is stupid? He decided to let it go since you didn't cross the line, but you never appreciated him. You spent more time with her than your own husband. And for what?! To appease his worst enemy?! I'm surprised he didn't leave you sooner."

"Wangji, I must agree with A-Cheng. How could you let this happen?"

"Uncle was constantly nagging. I just wanted for it to stop. I thought that if I did what he asked me to, he would leave Wei Ying alone. I don't know when I lost myself and started to accept his words. Now Wei Ying won't even talk to me. His uncle is handling the divorce."

"Divorce? I thought you just decided to take a break to calm down," Xichen muttered in disbelief, then he noticed Wangji's face. "Didi, what did you do?!"

"On the way from the party, I told him to get a real job and that someone like him doesn't understand the pressure of prestigious families."

A loud slap rang through the room. "How could you say that?!" Xichen yelled at his brother. "If uncle would treat A-Cheng like you allowed him to treat Wei Ying, I would cut ties with him. Not follow his every whim! Have you lost your mind?!"

Wangji had never seen his brother so angry. His cheek was burning, but it was Xichen who hit the mark. It was his own fault Wei Ying left, and he lost the only person he ever loved.

****

Wangji turned into a lifeless shell of a human. He would spend most of his time in the office, trying to escape the overwhelming emptiness of the house without Wei Ying. Unfortunately, here problems were also pilling up. Suddenly, Yiling Laozu broke negotiations on new inventions and sold everything to Wen Ruohan. Uncle accused his representative Wen Xu of sabotage, but renewals met the same fate. For years cooperation with Yiling Laozu benefited them greatly and allowed them to dominate the competition. What caused the sudden change? Before giving it more thought, his secretary announced Xiao Xingchen's arrival.

"Greetings, Mr Lan," Xingchen said with cold professionalism. "I'm here to finalise divorce proceedings."

Wangji could feel pure hatred and disgust under a professional-looking expression. Xiao Xingchen looked like someone in their early forties but still incredibly handsome. He couldn't help but wonder how young they were when they adopted Wei Ying. It also made him realise how little he knew about his husband's family. He never made efforts to learn more and took Wei Ying for granted.

Xiao Xingchen explained to him the nature of the proceedings. Since their only joined asset was the house and Wei Ying had already foregone his rights to it, divorce was a pure formality. It was down to one more signature.

"I would like to see him."

Xingchen's expression hardened. His son was putting up a brave front, but they could see how hurt he was. They lost count of how many times they caught him blankly staring at the laptop screen or blinking away tears. "Mr Wei foregoes compensation for your ambiguous relationship with Miss Qin Su. I suggest you sign the papers now, or you will learn why I never lost the case," he said harshly, tossing a bunch of photos on the desk.

Photos must have been taken by a professional PI. The angle was perfect, showing her every touch and making it look more suggestive than it was. It could easily be interpreted as an affair. "I never cheated on Wei Ying."

"It doesn't matter. This is enough to drag you through the mud. I'm pretty sure prestigious families have high standards and expectations to uphold. I can't imagine someone like you tarnishing it with a messy divorce."

Wangji learned where these dangerous notes in Wei Ying's voice came from. Xiao Xingchen's innocent look and calm demeanour made it much worse. Left with no choice, he signed the divorce papers. Stinging tears threatened to leave his eyes. His hands were trembling as he pushed the documents back to the lawyer.

"For the second part of our conversation, I need you to sign NDA."

His eyebrow cocked in surprise. Divorce was already done, so why do they require a non-disclosure agreement? Wangji skimmed the document. The fines for breaching it were something Lan Enterprise could not afford. It picked his curiosity even more, and he signed it.

"I will be frank with you, Mr Lan. Corporate law isn't my speciality, but my client wishes to sort out everything during one meeting," he started, opening another case with documents. "As my associate Mr Wen Xu informed you, Yiling Laozu cancelled ongoing negotiations and upcoming renewals. I'm here to convey his message that there will be no further cooperation between Yiling Laozu and Lan Enterprise. He no longer wishes to associate with the prestigious Lan family but sincerely wishes you good luck."

Wangji looked at him with confusion, trying to process everything. Why was Wen Xu associated with Wei Ying's uncle? Then he realised that Wen Xu always introduced himself as Yiling Laozu's representative and never mentioned the law firm he worked for. A sudden feeling of dread took his breath away. What has he done?

Xiao Xingchen smirked. "I admire your guts Mr Lan to tell Yiling Laozu to get a real job."

****

After a few months in the slow-motion, Xiao Xingchen decided to put his foot down. He barged into his son's bedroom and pulled the curtains open. The sudden outburst of light filled the messy room. It was worse than they thought. Two laptops on the bed besides sleeping under covers man, two on the floor and one on the desk, barely visible under a pile of documents and designs. The floor was covered in pages with various ideas and drawings, accompanied by several empty bottles of whisky. Xingchen sighed heavily, then mercilessly pulled the cover.

Wei Ying winced at the sudden brightness and pulled the pillow over his head. It was promptly stolen from him as well. Half asleep and maybe still a little drunk, he glared at his dad.

"How long are you planning to mop around?"

"I'm working," he muttered, trying to find his t-shirt.

"You are still in your mid-twenties; there is more to life than work and whisky. You have two hours to get ready for the black-tie event, and I don't want to hear any complaints."

"Huh?"

"You need to go out and meet new people, forget about that judgemental asshole and move on. I know it's hard, but you can't go on like this," he added, pulling his son into a hug. Then glance at loose sweatpants and visible ribs. "You even lost weight. Come, I will make you the best lunch ever."

Despite an immense heartbreak, Wei Ying chuckled. The last few months were the darkest time of his life. He would throw himself into the work to stop thinking. When it wasn't enough, he would mute his feelings with whisky. His fathers must have been worried. Unfortunately, deciding to leave was easy, but the leaving part was hard. Despite everything, he missed Wangji and still loved him. But they reached the point with no return. Lan Zhan made his choice. To lose with family obligations and prejudice hurt more than his lack of support or dinners with Qin Su. Maybe it was all combined? It made him wonder if Wangji truly loved him. Maybe once? "It hurts like hell," he whispered, letting his tears flow.

"I know, A-Ying," Xingchen replied, drawing circles on his back. "It's okay to cry when it's hard. We are here for you."

All he ever wished for was to have a relationship like his fathers. They finished their law degrees and worked towards the bar exam when his parents died. Yet, neither of them hesitated. The beginning was hard. Wei Ying would often wake up screaming and crying for his parents at night. One would always stay with him, allowing the other to rest. Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan supported each other on every step. Neither cared when people scrutinised them for being gay and raising a child. They focused on their marriage and son. They defended their little family with everything they had. At first, when Wangji stood up to his uncle and fought for their wedding, Wei Ying believed that he would always be by his side. He couldn't be more wrong.

"What happened here?!" Song Lan exclaimed, walking in. His son always kept his bedroom and work areas spotlessly clean. Now it looked like a victim of a hurricane combined with a tornado.

"Sorry, apparently I got carried away in my moping," Wei Ying replied sheepishly.

****

As promised, he came with his fathers to the charity auction, but he didn't feel like interacting with anyone. After standard greetings and short exchanges with old friends, Wei Ying sat in the corner of the banquet hall, blending into the surroundings with a glass of whisky. 

He wasn't ready to move on, to put himself out there. It felt stupid to miss someone who hurt him, but it couldn't be helped. Then he remembered all these times he waited for Lan Zhan at home or all these messages without answers. He was alone waiting when Lan Zhan had fun with his little mistress. It made him realise their marriage ended a long time ago. Sometimes love isn't enough to keep going. They just weren't meant to be. Once he understood that, the burden on his shoulder lessened.

To shake off his sombre mood, he visited the bar and grabbed another drink. Then he wandered to the second floor of the art gallery to find a more peaceful spot to get him through the night. Unfortunately, a young lady in a rather revealing dress had different plans. She walked towards him as if she owned the building, yet Wei Ying couldn't look more disinterested.

"Hi, you are the heir of Xiao&Song, Wei Ying, right?" asked, looking seductive.

His eyebrow cocked, while silver eyes turned into a definition of indifference. Regrettably, the woman did not get a clue and leaned on his arm. Her strong perfumes irritated him, and her chest rubbing on his suit jacket irritated him. Her existence irritated him.

"I'm Yang Chao," she started throwing in some big family names, yet he couldn't care less. "Do you want to ditch this party and have some adult fun?" she asked while her finger caressed his chest.

Wei Ying grabbed her hand and leaned closer as if he was about to kiss her ear. "I have no interest in bitches who spread their legs upon first meeting. You would pique my interest if you acted scared before getting devoured," he said with a handsome smile.

The woman staggered backwards, revealing an amused pair of brown eyes. Sitting in the corner man hid a slight smile behind his index finger and stared right into his silver irises. Mischievous sparks in his eyes were alluring, allowing Wei Ying to forget his heartbreak.

"Did I intrude on your hiding spot?" Wei Ying asked without taking his eyes off his handsome face.

"I can share."

****

Paradise Manor was an elegant bar in the centre of Shanghai. Dark wooden furniture and dimmed light created the perfect atmosphere. As soon as Wei Ying walked inside, Hua Cheng gave him an amused smirk and nodded his head towards the end of a long bar. He rolled his eyes, then walked towards his... friend? It has been a half year since he met Bai Jue at the charity gala. They would meet a few times a week for drinks or have a long conversation at the beach. Things were friendly, a little too friendly if someone asked him. He felt an irresistible pull towards the writer. Small touches and suggestive looks. It made him wonder how it would feel to be with someone again. Entrust his broken heart to him.

Bai Jue was more than aware of how Wei Ying's marriage ended. He could not understand how someone could choose anything else over him. Since their first meeting, Bai Jue could not get Wei Ying out of his head. He was enchanting, intelligent, handsome, witty and determined. Bai Jue enjoyed discovering different layers of his... friend? He could exactly name this thing between them. There was unspoken tension between them, small touches and hungry looks. He wished to pull Wei Ying close and kiss him senseless but was worried it was too soon.

"Sorry, I really got into a new project and lost time track," Wei Ying apologised, ordering two glasses of whisky. "Do you mind going somewhere to grab a bite? I'm famished."

Bai Jue looked at him suspiciously. "When did you eat last time?"

"Huh? Maybe yesterday..."

His eyebrow cocked. Bai Jue knew how it was to get lost in work, but Wei Ying would push it to extreme levels. It was pretty worrisome and triggered all his protective instincts. "Maybe yesterday?"

Sensing trouble, Wei Ying gulped down his drink and shot him an innocent smile. "Dinner two days ago? Remember we were talking about a deficit in programs for writers. Something that could pull your books and ideas together and crossreference them to check for potential conflicts in events or timelines? Something advanced enough to run proofreading with little effort from you? Here," he added, pushing a small flash drive towards his shocked companion.

Moved by the gesture, he caressed the crimson YL engraved on the device. It looked custom made. Did Wei Ying go on for two days without sleeping and eating properly to solve his inconvenience. Damn, he really loved this idiot. Suddenly his thoughts stopped. He glanced at Wei Ying. Despite visible tiredness, silver eyes glimmered with unusual warmth. Maybe there was a chance? Bai Jue grabbed Wei Ying's hand and pulled him towards the exit. "Come, I will cook something for you."

The warmth surrounding his hand felt like a promise to never leave, never hurt him. A simple gesture, but it felt right. Wei Ying smiled, wondering when did he fall in love with him.

Bai Jue's apartment was modern, decorated in shades of grey. Massive windows overlook the river, creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere. Wei Ying sunk into a soft sofa with many cushions while his companion disappeared into the kitchen. His eyes landed on a bound manuscript of Bai Jue's newest book. Looking at a set of pencils and fineliners beside it, he must have finished it recently, and it was in the middle of proofreading. He picked up and flipped through a few pages.

When half an hour later, Bai Jue entered the living room. He found Wei Ying asleep with his manuscript in his hands. "Why do you need to be so handsome?" muttered, covering him with a blanket. He was about to walk away to let him rest when Wei Ying suddenly grabbed his hand. Left with no choice – not that he complained – Bai Jue sat beside him and opened the laptop using his free hand. The program was copyrighted by Yiling Laozu. Suddenly, the symbol on the flash drive made sense. But why the pseudonym? After a quick search, his eyes widened. Elusive Yiling Laozu was the most sought after programmer and inventor. Tech companies and the military paid a fortune for his work. Yet, here he was asleep on his sofa.

Wei Ying stirred a few hours later, feeling familiar warmth surrounding his hand. His head seemed to rest on someone's shoulder. Instinctively he moved closer. Cedarwood and cypress surrounded him, luring him back to sleep... back to the dream when he had the courage to take it a step further. Half-asleep and possessed by an irresistible urge, Wei Ying shifted his head and nibbled on his earlobe.

Bai Jue was typing some corrections when he felt a slight movement on his side. His fingers froze above the keyboard when delicate lips brushed over his ear. It sent a shiver down his spine. Unfortunately, Wei Ying seemed to be asleep. He tried not to read much to it, but each tiny bite was like agony. Bai Jue wanted more. He wanted Wei Ying. But he could not take advantage of his semi-conscious state. "A-Ying," called, gently patting his cheek.

Wei Ying jolted awake while an immense wave of regret washed over him. What did he do?! How could he lose control like this? His mind was in shambles. The brown eyes looked at him with unspoken feelings. "I'm sorry. I don't know what..." he trailed off, noticing a slight change in Bai Jue's expression. He looked dejected. It gave Wei Ying the courage to take another step, to trust someone again. "I would rather do it when we are both fully awake."

It started slowly as if trying to convey their feelings and tell how much they needed each other. Their lips moved in perfect sync, and their tongues danced together in harmony. Then the kiss grew deeper, more urgent. The world disappeared, leaving only the sensual wetness of an intense kiss.

****

Ever since Wei Ying left him, Wangji changed. His personality softened, and despite never-ending pain, he smiled more. Lan Zhan blamed himself for the divorce. If only he would stand up to his uncle and defend Wei Ying or cut ties with him and move away, he wouldn't be so lonely now. Wei Ying would be by his side. He would often wonder where Wei Ying was now and what his life looked like but did not dare look for him. Shortly after the divorce, Qiren tried to force him into marriage with Qin Su. Wangji finally snapped and refused. After a huge fight, he quit Lan Enterprise and cut ties with his uncle.

It took him a couple of years to bounce back, but he was now in a much better place. He went back to his old dreams. When they were in college, Wangji was enchanted by Wei Ying's passion for photography and ability to show a different side of life. He never questioned why Wei Ying studied science and technology while his passion lay in arts. It made sense now. A year ago, Wangji opened an art gallery and scholarship programs for young artists.

He was currently in Shanghai on a business trip, visiting a potential partner. Wangji wandered around admiring different paintings and photographs when he stumped on an enchanting black and white portrait. His eyes drifted to the plaque and widened.

"Life" by Wei Ying

"Beautiful, isn't it?" a sudden voice beside him asked. "It's simple but captures A-Ying's message perfectly. Sorry, I have kept you waiting, Mr Lan," he added, extending his hand. "Xie Lian."

"Lan Wangji, pleased to meet you," replied, shaking his hand. "Message?"

"A few years ago we organised an exhibition themed: life. I asked A-Ying for several photos, but he only gave me this one and said: He's my life. Afterwards, I decided to keep it as a testament to true love," he added with a soft smile. "Funny story, they met in this exact spot during the charity auction. They both escaped to the second floor to avoid people. Who knew they would find their purpose for living."

His heart threatened to fall apart. While he was still trapped in the past and his own mistakes, Wei Ying picked up the pieces and moved on. It hurt like hell... like a broken dream finally turning into a cloud of dust.