It wasn't until the following day at lunch when he and Wei Ying saw each other. Granted, Lan Zhan was already there. He had Precalculus that morning. However, because it was Wednesday, latter was only scheduled for two classes in the afternoon.
They exchanged nods and smiles from across the cafeteria, but that was it for the time being. Wei Ying didn't want to bother him, as usual. It was mutual for Lan Zhan; Wei Ying appeared to be having a discussion with his brother and friends. Even from where he sat, it looked important. The last thing he would do was encroach on it. That he had no plans on joining them to begin with was beside the point.
And indeed, the conversation was significant. Nie Huaisang was talking about yet another party he was throwing at his house on Saturday night. (It seemed as if he was always having one.)
"We ought to celebrate the end of the midterms since they will be over after today. I'm going to invite our other friends too! It'll be so much fun, and that is what we need after all of the stress and hard work we've been through," he declared animatedly.
Jiang Cheng gave a huff. "We'll see how much fun you'll be having when your grades come back," he smirked.
Nie Huaisang pouted. "Oh, sure. Just bring up my impending grades as if I'm not already worried about them as it is."
"You know we'll be there, though. It won't hurt," Wei Ying remarked as he and Wen Ning laughed. "Not to mention the one you're probably thinking of having for my birthday in a couple weeks."
"Of course, especially since it's on Halloween! You know I would do something for that day anyhow."
"Halloween or not, you'd find any excuse to throw a party, or none at all. If Da-ge let you, you'd have one every weekend..." Jiang Cheng muttered.
Nie Huaisang didn't even bother to refute this.
"...But yeah. Like Wei Wuxian said, we'll come."
Clapping his hands together, Nie Huaisang beamed. "Great! I knew you guys would! Oh, and Wei-xiong, why don't you invite Lan Wangji to one of them, or both? We saw you nodding hello to him just now. I'm sure he wouldn't mind being your plus one." He winked at him.
Wei Ying snorted, trying not to blush. He secretly relished in the idea of it. "I'm sure he would, actually. Does he look like he even goes to parties?"
"To be honest, no. Not really," Nie Huaisang admitted. "He keeps to himself so much that I wonder why he isn't taking classes online instead. You should still ask him, though. It can't hurt."
"I'll think about it. And speaking of classes, I need to get to Education 101. It starts in ten minutes."
"Okay, but don't forget! I want to know his answer by the time we're in Art Theory later!"
Wei Ying rolled his eyes good-naturedly as he stood up. "Don't rush me, asshole. You'll get the answer when you get it."
Nie Huaisang chuckled. "Fine. And don't think you're off the hook. I know you're using the fact that your class is soon as an excuse to escape this conversation, regardless of it being true!"
"Shut the hell up, already. You talk too much."
This came not from Wei Ying, but from Jiang Cheng, who looked irritated. Wen Ning snickered behind his hand.
Wei Ying clapped his brother's shoulder with a laugh of his own. "Thanks, didi! I knew you cared about me!" He waved. "See you guys soon."
As he left the cafeteria, he noticed that Lan Zhan wasn't far down the hall from him. He must have finished eating right before he did. Adjusting his shoulder bag, he sprinted over to catch up with him and tapped his arm.
Lan Zhan jumped, but when he realized that it was Wei Ying, his scowl vanished. He thought that he was a person he didn't know at first.
Good afternoon, Wei Ying. I was not expecting to see you until we were in class. You startled me, he signed, looking amused.
Wei Ying grinned. Sorry. I did not mean to do that. I just saw you and wondered if it is okay if I walk with you. I will leave you alone if you want, though.
No, it is fine. We are going to the same place, after all. Lan Zhan took another glance at him. You seem excited about something.
Yes, I am. Huaisang is having a party this Saturday to celebrate the end of the midterms. He will be having one on my eighteenth birthday too.
"Oh?" When is it? Your birthday?
The Tuesday after next, on Halloween. I will likely do something at my place with my family first, then go to his house after that.
Lan Zhan gave a tiny smile and nodded. "Mmm." I see. I hope you enjoy yourself. It sounds like your friend's parties will be fun. I actually do not know anyone who was born on Halloween. I can imagine it is an interesting topic.
It is when I talk about it with people. They find it funny.
Chuckling quietly, Lan Zhan hummed. I believe you.
They arrived at Education 101 at that moment. Wei Ying was just about to ask him if he would be interested to going to either one of the parties, but decided to wait until the next opportunity to.
And the wait wasn't long. Once everybody else was there, Mr. Robertson announced that he wouldn't be having a lecture today. He was letting them spend the hour on their projects with their partners instead. They could either stay in the room or go to the computer lab. However, if any of them chose the latter place, he wanted them to give him their names and return before the class was over.
Wei Ying actually did need to head to the computer lab. Not only had he finished his poster last night, but his essay and the information on Chagall as well. But he had been too sleepy to revise and proofread them by then, and this was good time to do that. It shouldn't take the whole hour; they were only a few pages altogether.
Lan Zhan had no trouble with joining him when he told him this. They could talk things over, and he could give him the papers with the information on Anne Sullivan there.
Oh, Lan Zhan? I had a question I wanted to ask you, Wei Ying signed after they were back in the hall.
Raising an eyebrow, he inquired, Yes? What is it?
Wei Ying fidgeted. Suddenly, for what seemed like no reason, he was nervous. "Ah..." Would...would you like to go to the parties? Or maybe just one of them? You can if you want, but you do not have to. I noticed that you do not hang around a lot of people, so I understand if it is not your thing.
Lan Zhan blinked in surprise. It had been years since a classmate of his invited him to one (and he was sure they did on a dare.) The only festivities he ever attended were the important work-related events Shufu's company had, and Xichen would also join. He hadn't even bothered to go to his junior or senior proms. Social gatherings of any kind didn't really interest him.
Nevertheless, he was secretly flattered that Wei Ying asked him. This was due, in part, to the latter being aware that they didn't. So, he knew that he wouldn't be too disappointed if he refused.
He thought all of this over before pursing his lips. I will see if I can make it to one of them, yes. I may have things to do. But I can always postpone them if I am able. If I do come, I will not be able to stay very late. You are right; I do not like parties much. However, that does not mean that I am completely against them either. Thank you for the invitation.
He honestly wouldn't mind going to the party he would have on his birthday, at the very least. But as mentioned before, he would have to see.
Joy lit up Wei Ying's expression. No worries, Lan Zhan! Like I told you, I get it. But I still hope you have fun if you go. The last thing I would want is for you to be miserable. I will give you Nie Huaisang's address soon, in case you need it.
"Mn." Thank you.
"Oh, hello!"
Wei Ying's abrupt pause at this greeting caught Lan Zhan's attention. The latter - not having heard it, of course - turned to see why and came face-to-face with Xichen, who was smiling at him pleasantly. It was a good thing Wei Ying stopped, or he would have bumped into his brother.
"Hello, Wangji. I was not expecting to see you here. Are you all right?" he queried in concern.
Lan Zhan inclined his head. "Mn. I am fine."
"Excellent. And who is your friend?" he asked next, glancing at Wei Ying.
The young man in question beamed. Unlike Xichen, it only took him seconds to figure out who he had to be. Lan Zhan resembled him so much that he couldn't believe it!
"I'm Wei Wuxian. You must be his brother. Lan Zhan told me about you. Nice to meet you!" he exclaimed while holding out his hand.
"Ah!" So, *you* are the partner for the project who Wangji mentioned! Xichen signed after he shook it. I should have known; I noticed you two speaking to each other in sign language just now. It is nice to meet you as well. My brother has also told me about you.
Yeah, that is me! And I hope what he told you was not terrible.
No, no. Not at all.
That is good!
Lan Zhan cleared his throat. I am afraid that we cannot stay and talk more, Xiongzhang. Wei Ying and I need to go to the computer lab.
Yeah. We have to do a few last things for our project, and we cannot be there long. Our teacher wants us to go back to his room before two o'clock, Wei Ying pointed out.
Oh! I understand. You only have about forty-five minutes, so I will not keep you here. I am on my way down to lunch myself. I will see you at home, Wangji, but let me know if you need anything beforehand. And again, it is a pleasure to meet you, Wei Wuxian. I was hoping to one day.
Same here, and you too!
"Mn." Good-bye for now, Xiongzhang, Lan Zhan added.
Xichen nodded, then winked at him and sauntered away.
Lan Zhan's ears reddened. He knew what that gesture meant.
Wei Ying turned to him with another smile. I agree with what you said about your brother. It is no wonder you two get along. He seems pretty cool.
"Mn." He is.
The computer lab was packed, but they managed to find somewhere to sit next to each other. Wei Ying uploaded his essay from his flash drive and showed it to him.
"It is very good," Lan Zhan commented after reading it. This didn't take long; he was a fast reader. "There are errors, but not many. And unlike your text messages, the grammar is perfect in this."
Wei Ying nudged him playfully at his teasing and laughed. "Don't start that again! I meant it when I said my papers get high marks!"
"Mn. And I believed you," he remarked in earnest while chuckling himself.
"I know. But let me correct the mistakes. It should just take a few minutes."
Lan Zhan kindly showed him where they were, helping him take care of them quickly. The same was done with Chagall's information, and everything was printed out in no time.
There we are! All finished! Wei Ying signed with enthusiasm so as not to cause a disturbance.
"Yes. And here is Anne Sullivan's information. I did not forget," Lan Zhan said while handing him more papers.
"Oh, thank you! I was just about to ask you for it." He looked over what was mentioned on them. "Huh. I had no idea about that."
"About what?"
"This," He pointed at a certain fact. I never heard of Polly Thomson, or that she was Helen Keller's companion after Anne died. And then there is this, he added, gesturing at another.
Lan Zhan read it. "Mmm. There were some details I had not been aware of either. Not until recently, that is."
Wei Ying looked up to say something and immediately noticed that their foreheads were practically touching. His right hand was also grazing his left. And was that...sandalwood cologne...?
His musings were interrupted then by Lan Zhan clearing his throat and shifting away. He did too once he came back to Earth and smiled awkwardly. They were both flushed.
"S-Sorry. I didn't realize I was that close," he mumbled.
Lan Zhan nodded. "Do not worry. It is fine," he assured him. Then he peered his watch to distract himself from the aroma of lotus he had similarly caught a whiff of. It was quite heavenly... "We should leave now. Mr. Robertson will be looking for us soon."
"Yeah, yeah. H-Heh. We don't want to get in trouble with him."
"No."
"And I'll check out the rest of Anne's information at home," Wei Ying stated, remembering what he was going to tell him before...whatever that was happened. "I want to learn more about her."
"Mn. Perhaps we can discuss it sometime. And about Chagall. But only if you want to."
"Okay! I'll let you know."
They collected their belongings after that and rushed back to class. Since it was nearly over already, though, they were leaving it again within minutes.
Good luck on your exam! Wei Ying signed as they headed in opposite directions. Call or text me if you need anything. Oh, and thank you for helping me proofread my essay.
You are welcome. And thank you for wishing me luck. Please contact me if necessary as well. I will see you tomorrow morning, Lan Zhan returned.
He grinned and waved.
Lan Zhan nodded good-bye and continued on to Business Ethics. He had just turned into another hall when something struck him out of the blue.
When Xichen asked him who his friend was earlier, Wei Ying never denied that he was. Not even once.
And neither did he. Nor had it occurred to him to do so either.
Warmth bloomed in his chest as he came to this realization. The idea of Wei Ying seeing him as such filled him with joy. Because although he hadn't been aware of it until recently, he had already began to think of him as one, too.
He wasn't sure if Wei Ying had caught on to Xichen's question yet himself, but if he did, he secretly hoped that he wouldn't be opposed to it.
Lan Zhan decided to put this in the back of his mind for a while, then. He would be late for his exam if he stood there ruminating, or worst of all, miss it entirely. And that was the last thing he needed to happen.
Fortunately, he arrived at Business Ethics with time to spare. Jiang Cheng noticed him as he sat down and inclined his head stiffly. Ever since Wei Ying introduced him and his friends to Lan Zhan, that was how he greeted him if they were in one another's vicinity. Lan Zhan did likewise in return, but other than that, had no further interaction with him.
He completed his exam that was handed out minutes later without trouble. After that, he left, as there wasn't a need to stay there. He couldn't help but sigh in relief while driving out of the parking garage. All of his midterms were now over with.
There wasn't much for Lan Zhan to do at home besides his Precalculus assignment. Mr. Robertson hadn't given the class any, knowing that some of them still needed to finish wrapping up their projects. He would have made dinner, but Xichen texted him before he had the chance to, offering to bring down what he was cooking. He wanted to speak to him.
That in itself was not unusual, as they had meals together occasionally. However, he had an inkling of what the subject of the pending conversation would be about. He knew his brother's wink from earlier that afternoon held significance.
Xichen came at six o'clock on the nose. Lan Zhan invited him in and kindly took the pot he brought from him. The food was able to be served immediately, as the table was already set. They ate without communication; that was one of Shufu's rules that stuck with them. It was only broken when necessary. The only time Lan Zhan did was when he had lunch with Wei Ying. Other than that, he never had a reason to.
They went to the living room after the dishes were cleaned and put away. Xichen sat near him on the couch before smiling gently.
"How was the rest of your day at college, Wangji? Did your exam go well?" he queried.
"Mn, it did," Lan Zhan replied, nodding once. "And the rest of my day was fine."
Xichen pursed his lips thoughtfully. "That is good. And what about your project? Has it been taken care of?"
"Yes. All that is left is the presentation. Wei Ying and I finished and gathered what we needed in the computer lab."
Another smile spread across his brother's face. "You two must have gotten close during these past few weeks, didi. You never allowed anyone to refer to you by your childhood name before, except for Shufu and I when you were younger. And I noticed that you do the same with him."
"I know, Xiongzhang. I...I requested him to when we formally met," Lan Zhan murmured, putting slight emphasis on the 'formally'. "Wei Ying quite literally bumped into me on the first day of college. But he only spoke to apologize. He said nothing else besides that. And I did not speak at all. Even in the few times we passed each other afterwards, this was the case.
"It was only when he introduced himself to me weeks later did we actually talk. And he did not mind when I used his childhood name. I am sure that he would have corrected me otherwise."
Xichen was surprised at this. "Is that so? That makes everything even more interesting. And the fact that you requested him to when you introduced yourselves especially is."
Lan Zhan could not think of what to say to that.
His brother peered at him knowingly then. "You like Wei Wuxian."
It was not a question.
"...Mn. I admit that I do. Enough to consider him as a friend. But I am not sure if it is entirely mutual for him."
"I see, but I personally believe it is. It looked as if he enjoyed your company earlier. And you both seem to get along very well. If you did not, it would be obvious. However, that isn't quite what I meant just now."
Lan Zhan rose an eyebrow questioningly.
"What I mean," Xichen continued in response to this gesture, "is that you have a crush on him, at the very least. Perhaps you have since the day he bumped into you, or shortly after. If you didn't, he would only address you by your courtesy name. And you would be doing the same with him."
"..."
"However, even it this was the case, there is also the fact that your ears turned red the afternoon I ask if your happiness had something to do with him. I remember it clearly."
"..."
Xichen patted his shoulder. He was aware that he was likely making him uncomfortable. "I am not teasing, Wangji. Nor am I trying to upset you. I am only telling you what I have noticed. You know I would never be against this, unless I had a reason to be."
Lan Zhan nodded slowly. "Mn, I do." There was no need to confirm or deny what he said. His brother always saw right through him. "But...there is a problem."
"And what would that be?"
"...I do not know if...if Wei Ying himself is attracted to men, Xiongzhang. But even if he isn't, I do not mind being his friend."
"Ahh. I understand, didi. You can always ask him, however, if an opportunity arises. That is the only way you will find out. After that, you will know where to go from there."
Lan Zhan pursed his lips. "Mn. I just hope he will not be offended if or when I do."
He rubbed his shoulder again. "So do I, but Wei Wuxian seems very friendly and kind. I don't think it is likely that he will be."
"We shall see. I want to give it more time first."
"I understand," Xichen repeated. "You should do what you feel is best."
After that, he stood up. "I will come down to visit and have lunch or dinner with you soon. And please keep me updated on this."
Lan Zhan did the same. "I will. And...Xiongzhang...there is one more thing."
"Yes, Wangji?"
He shifted. "Wei Ying invited to go to two different parties. One of them will be for his birthday," he stated.
Xichen blinked as shock took over him once again. "Oh? But you do not like them very much. You do not prefer to be around many people," he pointed out.
"Mn. And he is aware of this. Due to that, he said he will understand if I choose not to attend."
"You seem as if you may be leaning towards going, though."
"I am not sure I will, to be honest. If I do, it may only be one of them. I am still thinking about it."
Xichen nodded pensively. "Well, if you decide to, I truly hope you enjoy it and stay safe. But I think Wei Wuxian will make sure you are looked after. And let me know if you are going beforehand, in case you would like me to take you."
"Mn. I think I can manage, however. But thank you."
"You are welcome, didi."
After that, they say good-bye to each other, and Lan Zhan saw him out. He then went to get lost in a novel for the remainder of the evening, the conversation with his brother lingering in the back of his mind.
If nothing else, at least he was now completely honest about his feelings for Wei Ying. But what would happen in the future remained to be seen.
xXXXXXXx
Thursday passed by without a hitch. It was another short day, as again, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan only had two classes each. They managed to talk some in English, but didn't have the chance to at lunch. Lan Zhan went home afterwards; both of his classes had been in the morning.
Nie Huaisang asked Wei Ying if he invited him to the parties while they were eating. He was shocked when the latter told him that Lan Zhan would consider going to one of them. However, Wei Ying added that he wasn't promising anything. Nie Huaisang was further taken aback, and so were Jiang Cheng and Wen Ning. They had expected Lan Zhan to turn him down.
"He must really like you if he didn't say no automatically. I bet he would have if anybody else invited him," Nie Huaisang snickered.
"Knowing him, yeah. But he could still decide not to come. He didn't say yes either," Wei Ying remarked, ignoring his first comment.
"The fact that he said he'll think about it is as good as a yes, though. If he truly didn't want to, he wouldn't have."
"Yeah."
Wen Ning spoke up then. "Your project is due tomorrow, right? I love your poster."
Wei Ying nodded with a grin. Not only did he send pictures of it to him and Nie Huaisang after calling Lan Zhan on Tuesday, but he also showed it to his family. They thought it was very well done. Even Madam Yu was unable to criticize it. However, she didn't say anything nice about it either. Not that this bothered him; that was just the way she was.
"It sure is! I almost can't believe it. These three weeks have gone by fast," he noted.
"Mmm, they did."
Wei Ying started to feel the beginnings of excitement as he did some final touch-ups to his poster that evening. By the next morning, he was vibrating with it, especially at lunch.
Lan Zhan, who had agreed to meet up with him then to discuss several things before their Education class, pointed this out. You look restless, Wei Ying. Anxious? he questioned, the corners of his mouth lifting.
Yeah, but it is a good anxious. Don't you feel the same way? he returned.
"Mn," Lan Zhan grunted in the affirmative. Yet, he seemed so calm and collected that it was nearly impossible to tell. However, his eyes showed it.
Wei Ying smiled back. I guess nobody would blame us, though. I am sure everyone else in our class does too, or they are really nervous. Today is the big day, after all. But anyhow! Let's talk about what we were going to talk about.
"Mn."
How do you think we should do our presentation? Would you like to go first, or should I?
Lan Zhan pondered on this, then signed, You may, if it is no trouble. I do not mind.
Sure! That is okay. I know it would be more comfortable for you if you went after me.
Yes, but it would still have been fine either way. And for my part, I was thinking of using sign language, as well as speaking.
Wei Ying beamed. You definitely should! It would help our classmates understand you a little more.
"Mn." And perhaps they will learn something. And for some, more awareness will be raised about other deaf and/or blind people.
That is true. And if that happens, it would be great!
Yes.
I would have interpreted what you were saying if you wanted me to, though. But I still like your idea.
Thank you. I appreciate that. You can, however, still show everybody that know sign language too. That would also interest them, especially because they will see that we are able to communicate with one another, by that and by speech.
Yes, you are right.
Lan Zhan looked down at his food, then gazed at him. "Wei Ying?"
He turned to him. "Yeah?"
Lan Zhan rose a hand before pausing. After a moment, he lowered it and slightly shook his head. "Nevermind. If I can, I will bring it up at another time."
Wei Ying shrugged, thinking nothing of it. "Okay. Just let me know."
"Mn."
Once they had eaten their lunches, they decided to go to their class early. Wei Ying took his poster out of a large portfolio bag after sitting down, but kept it closed. He didn't want it to be seen yet.
Mr. Robertson called for everyone's attention when the all of students were there. Due to how many of them there were, the entire hour would be spent on their presentations. None of them were to last more than ten minutes apiece. They had the option to take their posters (if they had one) home or keep them with him. He had a storage room to place them in. If they chose the former, he would take pictures of them with his digital camera instead. After that, they were to hand in their essays. Everything would count as thirty percent of their grade.
Wei Ying and Lan Zhan's presentation would be near the end of class. This was preferable for the latter. It gave him time to collect himself mentally. Furthermore, he secretly believed that - with Wei Ying's poster - it was like saving the best for last.
They watched the others' quietly. Some were nervous, but did well regardless. They learned captivating things about various famous people that were mentioned. Two classmates had picked Stephen King and Mr. T, neither of which anyone expected. Of course, it wasn't much of a surprise that the former taught English, and that the latter was a gym instructor. They could easily see that.
"Could you imagine either of them being your teacher? I wouldn't want them to be! Stephen King would creep me out, and I bet Mr. T was more like a drill sergeant," Wei Ying muttered to Lan Zhan, who chuckled quietly in agreement.
Before they knew it, it was their turn. Wei Ying set the poster on the desk once they were standing in the front of the room and beamed.
"Hello! I am Wei Wuxian, as I'm sure you all know by now! Today, I will be telling you about Marc Chagall, the artist. I will be presenting first," he declared. He signed this too, so that Lan Zhan would know what he was saying. Because he was facing the class, the latter wouldn't be able to read his lips.
"And I am Lan Wangji. Good afternoon. I will be talking about Anne Sullivan," Lan Zhan added while doing the same.
There was a huge intake of breath then as Wei Ying opened his poster with a dramatic flourish. Everybody - who had perked up with high interest at them using sign language - was further stunned by the illustrations on it. Several of their classmates' jaws had practically dropped to the ground. Mr. Robertson himself even adjusted his glasses a few times.
"Marc Chagall - originally named Moishe Shagal - was born to a Jewish family on July 6, 1887, in Vibetsk, Belarus," Wei Ying said next, continuing to sign. "But back then, the country was a part of the Russian Empire. He was introduced to art by a fellow classmate, who inspired him to become a painter, as well as by a local painter named Yehuda Pen. Chagall's Jewish roots were one of the inspirations for his art. Another was his first wife Bella Rosenfeld, who he married in 1915.
"Chagall eventually wanted to become a teacher because wanted help people have access to art education if they wanted it. He also wanted to open people's minds to other ideals and mentalities artistically. That eventually happened in 1919, when he became the director of the Vibetsk Art School. It was open to everyone, no matter what their ages were, and it was free of charge. The year before that, he was also appointed the Commissar of Arts.
"He wasn't the director there for long, though. Some of the staff didn't approve of the bourgeois individualism that was taught through his art because they preferred the Suprematist style instead. And because they stood against him, he eventually resigned.
"Chagall didn't let that stop him from painting, of course. He went on to host several exhibitions and create many famous works. One of them is La Mariée, as you can see here on the poster. There's also The Fiddler and Paris Through the Window, to name a couple others. Some of his art styles included Expressionism, Cubism, Modernism, and Fauvism. He lived a long life, and eventually died on March 28, 1985, at the age of 97. His childhood home in Vitebsk became the Marc Chagall Museum in 1992.
"The reason why I wanted to do my project on him is because Art and teaching are passions of mine too. It has been since I was about seven or eight. Learning about Chagall also reminded me not to ever give up, and to never stop expressing myself through art, even if other people may be against it."
Everyone gave a brief, resounding applause at this conclusion. After setting down, they turned to Lan Zhan, who took that as his cue to start his presentation next.
"Once again, good afternoon. The person I had chosen is Anne Sullivan," he began, signing as he spoke. "She was born in the village of Feeding Hills, which is located in Massachusetts, on April 14, 1866. Her birth-name was Johanna Mansfield Sullivan. Her parents were Irish immigrants, who left their home country and came to America during the Great Potato Famine.
"Because her family was poor, they often struggled with health problems. Anne Sullivan herself contracted a bacterial eye infection known as trachoma when she was only five years old. It eventually impaired her vision, and this affected her for the rest of her life. She learned about schools for the blind while she lived in Tewksbury Almhouse, where her father Thomas sent her and brother to live when she was eight. However, it was not until October of 1880 when she was enrolled in the Perkins Institute.
"Anne was able to receive eye surgery while there, which improved her sight. She did not do well in school at first, due to her upbringing, but her determination led her to excel within two years. She graduated from Perkins as a valedictorian in June of 1886. Shortly after that, the Director of Perkins, Michael Anagnos - requested her to be the teacher of Helen Keller, a blind and deaf girl from Tuscumbia, Alabama. Anne went there in March of 1887 after learning teaching methods from Laura Bridgman, a friend of hers from the institute who was also blind and deaf.
"She had difficulties teaching Helen at first. But after Helen learned to connect words to objects after being taught the word "water", they bonded. Anne became her companion for most of her life thereafter. Even when she married John Macy in 1905, she never left Helen's side. She joined her at Perkins Institute and Radcliffe College when she attended both schools. They met famous people together. She helped Helen publish her autobiography and other works. Throughout the years, Anne never stopped teaching her. And Helen was always eager to learn.
"Anne Sullivan eventually passed away at the age of 70 on October 20, 1936. Helen Keller held her hand as she did. But even death did not separate them. When Helen died at the age of 87, on June 1, 1968, her ashes were placed alongside Anne's at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Helen's other companion after Anne, Polly Thomson, was also buried there in 1960.
"My reason for choosing Anne Sullivan for my project is that I have admired her since I first knew of her as a child. I was born almost completely deaf, and knowing about her taught me that my impairment does not have to truly impair me. I can do anything in spite of it. And so can anyone else."
Wei Ying himself had to clap along with everybody else in the room. The way Lan Zhan concluded his presentation actually made him a bit teary-eyed. It was so moving.
Mr. Robertson smiled widely. "You two did a stupendous job, especially with you both also using sign language! Very good! And the artwork on the poster is marvelous! Which one of you did it?" he inquired.
"Me, sir," Wei Ying responded.
"Ahh, I see. You are a quite a talented young man! Your pursuing Art is definitely not going to be in vain. I would like to keep it, if you do not mind? I believe that others would love to see it."
Wei Ying pursed his lips. "I wanted to take it with me, to be honest. But I'm really flattered that you like it. Thank you."
"I understand. That's not a problem," Mr. Robertson assured him. "But please, I must at least get a few pictures of it, and of you and Lan Wangji. Would that be all right?"
"Sure, that's fine."
Lan Zhan nodded.
"Excellent. And how do you know sign language, Wei Wuxian? Did you learn it at school? Or from Lan Wangji?"
Shaking his head, Wei Ying replied and signed, "No, my adoptive grandmother taught me not long after we met when I was seven. It wasn't hard for me to learn, but then again, I'm a pretty fast learner. It really helps in certain situations. And it's the reason why Lan Wangji and I became acquainted with each other before the project. Working with him was easy, and also it was a pleasure to."
"That is good! Knowing and learning different languages can be a tremendous benefit. And I am happy that you two get along."
Mr. Robertson took pictures of them and the poster after this, along with several other students who wished to. After that, Wei Ying had one more thing to say.
"Oh, and here is a fun fact about Gene Simmons! Even though he doesn't seem like it, he was a sixth grade teacher at P.S. 75 in New York City's Spanish Harlem. But he quit in less than a year and eventually formed his rock band Kiss in 1973. And it is still famous today!" he exclaimed.
Everyone chuckled, Lan Zhan included, and gave a final round of applause. He and Wei Ying bowed and shook each others' hands. Then they gave their essays to Mr. Robertson and sat down to watch the last of the presentations.
They left the room together once class was over. Wei Ying turned to him in the hall and beamed brightly.
Oh, man! Wasn't that great? I am sure that we will get an A, especially with how you ended your part of the presentation! I almost started to cry because it was so beautiful, he admitted.
He raised his hand for a high-five. Lan Zhan's ears were pink as he gently slapped his own against it. He was now the one who was flattered.
Thank you. I liked yours very much as well. But I think your poster in itself will be the reason for why we will receive the A. Mr. Robertson was clearly quite impressed, the latter signed.
No way! Your presentation definitely took most of the cake.
I disagree, as yours was just as outstanding.
I am going to agree to disagree on that.
Very well. Noted. However, I still stand with my opinion.
So do I with mine.
They laughed, and Lan Zhan gave him a small smile afterwards.
It has been a mutual pleasure to work on the project with you. As you have with mine, I have also learned things from your presentation that I would never have imagined. I hope after this, we will continue to talk to one another, and perhaps become friends someday.
There was something else he wanted to add, but he decided not to. He didn't feel that it was the right time to yet.
Wei Ying blinked. But you already *are* my friend, Lan Zhan! I have considered you one for a while. If I did not, I would have told your brother otherwise on Wednesday!
Lan Zhan froze at this revelation. Not only in surprise, but with happiness as well.
He inclined his head. Thank you. So do I.
Smiling, Wei Ying shook his hand again. Do not mention it. We should probably get going, though, before we are late for our last classes.
"Mn." You are right. I will see you next Monday then, Wei Ying. But if you want to call or text me, I will have no problem with that.
Okay! And do not forget that you can do the same.
They nodded and said good-bye to each other. Just as they were about to go their separate ways, however, Wei Ying thought of something and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Lan Zhan turned to him. "Yes?" he queried.
Much to his astonishment, he held out the bag containing his poster with another smile. "Here," he said.
He shook his head. "No, Wei Ying. I cannot accept this. It is yours. You have worked very hard on it. It is only right that you keep it."
"I know...but I want you to have it. I enjoyed working on it, but I know how much you like it, and that makes it even better. I have pictures of it anyway. So here, please take it. That way, you can look at it whenever you want."
Lan Zhan hesitated, then consented with a nod. "Again, thank you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I will be sure to take care of the poster."
Wei Ying beamed. "You're welcome. I know you will. But we really should go now, or else we'll definitely be late," he said, quickly checking his phone.
"Mn. Good-bye again, Wei Ying. And as I said before, please contact me if necessary."
"I will. See you soon, Lan Zhan."
And on that note, they headed to their classes in earnest this time.
Author's note: Here we are! The next chapter, as promised. I know this one was long, but I still hope that you enjoyed it. The sources I used for the information on Anne Sullivan, Polly Thomson, and Marc Chagall are from the websites Times of Israel, Musée National, Perkinsdotorg, Biographydotorg, and Wikipedia respectively.
As always, thank you for reading. Until the next update! See you later!