Jin Ling fights to keep his attention completely on the Lan clan leaders (and whatever the hell his uncle was considered). He wants to look over at the disciples to see Jingyi and perhaps.. maybe.. see if Yuan is among those present. He can't though. He doesn't dare risk the embarrassingly transparent expression that might show on his face if he does. Even if he's standing in front of family, there are other spectators around- elders of the Jin clan, some gossipy nobodies who have come to watch the clans arrive, and then there were the other Lan disciples as well. He can't afford to show any weakness, least of all one from the heart.
But..
But that doesn't mean he is immune to longing for the sweet boy's face. That doesn't mean he isn't dying to hold him again. That doesn't mean he's even sort of telling the truth that he isn't still completely, hopelessly, pathetically in love with Wen Yuan.. whoever and wherever he is now.
"Please, allow my steward to escort you to your tables. Forgive me for not seeing to it myself." As important as these guests were, if he wanted to get through this day without trouble he had to hold back physically on some of his duties. Besides, once upon a time his grandfather had left such things to Jin Guangyao (and well, they were sort of family and 'in the know' of his condition. He doubts they'll hold this against him).
"Of course, Jin-zongzhu," Lan Xichen replies humbly and bows to him again with a gentle, understanding smile.
As the group starts to leave, he shifts just a bit to lean more heavily on his cane. He can't wait for the chill to be gone from the air. However, just as he does so, his gaze falls on the first two disciples. He knew to expect Jingyi and thought to sneak him a quick nod in greeting, but his focus zeroes in on the other disciple so fast and strong he is almost dizzy from it.
His breath catches with the softest gasp. His eyes widen and his pulse races as he stares. Could it be..?
"Jin-zongzhu? Are you alright?" One of the men around him breaks his trance far too quickly and he has to look away, nodding.
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chiming
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Date: 2022-06-18 06:53 pm (UTC)From:But..
But that doesn't mean he is immune to longing for the sweet boy's face. That doesn't mean he isn't dying to hold him again. That doesn't mean he's even sort of telling the truth that he isn't still completely, hopelessly, pathetically in love with Wen Yuan.. whoever and wherever he is now.
"Please, allow my steward to escort you to your tables. Forgive me for not seeing to it myself." As important as these guests were, if he wanted to get through this day without trouble he had to hold back physically on some of his duties. Besides, once upon a time his grandfather had left such things to Jin Guangyao (and well, they were sort of family and 'in the know' of his condition. He doubts they'll hold this against him).
"Of course, Jin-zongzhu," Lan Xichen replies humbly and bows to him again with a gentle, understanding smile.
As the group starts to leave, he shifts just a bit to lean more heavily on his cane. He can't wait for the chill to be gone from the air. However, just as he does so, his gaze falls on the first two disciples. He knew to expect Jingyi and thought to sneak him a quick nod in greeting, but his focus zeroes in on the other disciple so fast and strong he is almost dizzy from it.
His breath catches with the softest gasp. His eyes widen and his pulse races as he stares. Could it be..?
"Jin-zongzhu? Are you alright?" One of the men around him breaks his trance far too quickly and he has to look away, nodding.