#nhs is innocent 😇 he would never manipulate his er-ge because he knows that even if lxc fancies himself to be in love with jgy

[i-will-cry-you-a-river]

"Er-ge, oh, Er-ge!"

Lan Xichen had no patience for Nie Huaisang's little troubles, not at that place and time, but the younger man sounded and looked so distraught and unconsolable that he felt obligated to help him. Even his tears looked real and honest, not just the dramatic ones he conjured when he was too lazy to bother with sect things.

"Yes, Nie Huaisang?" The younger - and smaller, weaker, his conscience whispered - man threw himself in his arms, tears flowing without his unnecessary sobbing noises.

Lan Xichen had a soft spot for his sworn brother's didi, his didi. And maybe helping him with whatever trouble he found himself in this time, he could hopefully pretend that the love of his life wasn't getting married to his beloved bride.

"Er-ge..." Nie Huaisang sniffled. "I'm in trouble."

"I already guessed that. What happened, A-Sang?" He asked, his hands buried into the soft locks of his younger brother.

Nie Huaisang pulled away, his eyes big and teary, tugging on his heartstrings. "No, Er-ge. I'm in trouble."

It took Lan Xichen more time than he would like to admit to finally understand the meaning of those words. Nie Huaisang was in trouble.

Oh, the irresponsible man!

"Who? Is it somebody in our status? Is there anybody who knows this? You need to get married immediately." He went into problem solving mood, his questions coming like rapid fire.

Nie Huaisang just cried.

"Nie Huaisang, this is serious!" He wanted to shake the boy. How could he be so- "Who is the father?!"

The answer came like a slap in the face. "Da-ge."

Oh.

Oh, the poor boy.

"I..." A sharp inhale. "I will help you. Nobody has to know."

His heart beats for Jin Guangyao, but he always had a soft spot for Nie Huaisang. It wouldn't be love, not the way it should be, but he would take care of the younger man and his unborn child. Da-ge's unborn child.

"Th-Thank you," Nie Huaisang stuttered. Tears were still gathering in the corner of his eyes, but he looked relieved.

Lan Xichen was glad he could be helpful. He was glad he could offer a good solution for his- his betrothed?

"I knew I could count on Er-ge's help," Nie Huaisang said, his usual fan fluttering in front of his face.

"You can always count on me," he promised. It was a promise he was intended to keep.