[ His own actions a mirror to Wei Wuxian's as they so often are, Lan Wangji chooses to do the same, putting all of his focus into staring at the blooming flowers before them instead of at the man by his side.

He listens in silence, waits patiently as the explanation is offered to him, but the more that comes out the more he stills, posture becoming more rigid as his grip on the fingers interlaced with his own begins to tighten, gripping the warm hand in his as if it may dart away and be lost to him forever if he lets it go. ]

Such careless words should not have been spoken. Wei Ying's life is not worth less than that of a Jiang. You did not owe recompense.

[ It's probably been a while since Wei Wuxian heard this particular tone of voice, the one where Lan Wangji is pissed and the pronunciation of words have a particular cutting edge to them. Veiled anger, but not for Wei Ying. He understands perfectly, the words shared with Jiang Cheng in the temple about what was owed making so much sense.

He turns then until they are face to face, and he will stare Wei Wuxian down until he feels that his words have been sufficiently heard. ]

In this life, do not forfeit it for others.