Mistaken Love And Hate

11. Searching for Redemption

Lan Wangji's search for Wei Wuxian had become an obsession. Every moment of his day was consumed with trying to piece together where Wei Wuxian might have gone. His mind raced constantly, replaying their last conversation, their history, the things left unsaid. The Lan family estate felt emptier than ever, each empty room a stark reminder of his failure.

He reached out to every contact, every acquaintance, anyone who might know something, anything. He combed through records, read through old letters, and even sought out the most unlikely of places. His hands were shaking, his eyes tired from sleepless nights, but he couldn't stop. He couldn't rest, not while there was still the smallest chance to find Wei Wuxian and right the wrongs he had committed.

Then, one afternoon, he found himself standing before the tall, imposing doors of the Jiang Enterprise. The cold, glassy exterior of the building mirrored the chill that settled in his chest as he walked up the steps, each one feeling heavier than the last. This was his last hope, the last place where Wei Wuxian might have been.

He was met by a familiar, unwelcome face. Jiang Cheng stood in the entrance, his arms crossed tightly across his chest, eyes narrowing the moment he saw Lan Wangji. The tension between them was palpable, thick enough to suffocate anyone who dared to break it. Lan Wangji opened his mouth to speak, but Jiang Cheng was quicker, his voice a low, furious growl.

"You have no right to be here," Jiang Cheng said, each word cutting through the air. His glare could have burned a hole through stone. "After everything your family put him through, you expect me to tell you where he is?"

Lan Wangji felt the sting of those words, the weight of the accusation sinking deep into his chest. But he stood his ground, even as his heart pounded heavily in his ears. "I just want to make things right," he said quietly, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Please."

Jiang Cheng scoffed, his expression hardening, and for a long moment, it seemed like he might turn away. But instead, his eyes sharpened, and the anger behind them was clear.

"Make things right?" Jiang Cheng repeated, as if the words themselves were foreign. "You think an apology is enough? You think you can undo years of suffering with a few words? Wei Wuxian doesn't need you. He's finally building a life for himself, one where he's respected and valued. Don't ruin that for him."

The words hit like a punch. Lan Wangji flinched, but he refused to look away. He had spent so long running from the truth, ignoring the evidence that was right in front of him, but now, it was too late to run. He had to face the consequences of his inaction, of his blind pride. He had to make amends, even if it meant facing the wrath of those who cared for Wei Wuxian.

"I don't want to ruin anything," Lan Wangji said, his voice soft but firm. "I just need to find him. Please."

Jiang Cheng's face twisted in a mix of anger and sorrow, and for a moment, Lan Wangji thought he might turn him away completely. But instead, Jiang Cheng sighed heavily, his shoulders dropping with resignation.

"You don't understand," Jiang Cheng said, his voice quieter now, but still laced with bitterness. "Wei Wuxian has been through enough. He's been hurt by your family, by your father, by all of you. He doesn't need your guilt, or your apologies. He needs peace. And he's finally found it."

Lan Wangji swallowed, the weight of Jiang Cheng's words like a heavy stone lodged in his throat. "I know... I know I can't undo the past," he said slowly, his voice tight. "But I have to try. Please, tell me where he is."

Jiang Cheng's gaze softened for a moment, and Lan Wangji saw the flicker of something beneath the surface—perhaps pity, perhaps something more—but it was gone as quickly as it had come.