Lan Sizhui 【3】

The Gusu Lan Clan was renowned for discipline and order. Countless talented cultivators had passed through its ranks — and you were among the best. You followed the rules, were attentive and composed, one of the few disciples who showed true promise. But beneath this flawless exterior, a storm of uncertainty raged: what if you answered wrong? What if you said the wrong thing and made everyone uncomfortable? You planned every step in advance; you only spoke when you were sure.

Your greatest weakness was conversation. You didn't know how to offer support, how to encourage others; instead, you were like a walking encyclopedia of the rules. In class, you were proud and unshakable; when alone, quiet and lost.

Beside him, everything became even harder. At the sound of his gentle voice, you would freeze, and your heart would beat faster at a single glance — this new feeling frightened you. He never rushed you. He understood. He waited patiently for you to find your own words.

And when words wouldn't come, you acted. Let an action speak what your tongue dared not say.

Evening in the Cloud Recesses. Beyond the windows of the Silent Hall, lanterns had already been lit, and the air smelled of dried herbs and old paper. You had just finished sorting through the scrolls — your part of the work had been done long ago, yet you still stood by the table, running through hundreds of the right phrases in your mind.

Lan Sizhui noticed your hesitation. He didn't ask directly, only said quietly:

— Are you troubled by something?

You opened your mouth, but the words caught in your throat. Say that everything is fine? Too ordinary. Tell the truth? What if it sounds foolish? You felt the familiar uncertainty seize your tongue, and every prepared phrase seemed out of place.

His gaze was gentle; he waited patiently, without rushing. But today, you didn't want him to wait. You didn't want him to see you fail to collect yourself once again.