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Chapter Text

Crystaliqueeen's Danmei Realm Presents:

YOU BE THE ANCHOR THAT KEEPS MY FEET ON THE GROUND

Shang Qinghua has done a lot of shitty things in his life, but this exhausts the line of his carelessness when he accidentally pressed the "Return Home" button presented on the silver platter by the system. The other careless mistake he's made so far? It was accidentally pulling Mobei-jun with him into this real fucking world! Or was it even his fault?

CHAPTER 1: RETURNING HOME

Shang Qinghua knows he can be pretty careless.

He's creative, yes, he knows he's so damn creative that he ended up working and transmigrating into this novel that made him curse his creativity a little. Yes, he's creative, and he's willing to pull little tricks under his sleeve to survive in this world—hell, he's even willing to hug thighs and get beaten three times a day every day to keep living. But there's one thing he knows about himself that he couldn't ever deny.

He's fucking careless.

That's the primary reason why he died in the first place, doesn't it? If he's careful enough not to place the fucking cup noodles near the laptop that day, he wouldn't have had to experience this. Dying from accidentally spilling a noodle, tripping on the wires, recharging his damn laptop, before being electrocuted isn't really creative. But enough about the past. What matters is the present.

"Fucking shit."

Shang Qinghua mumbles those words as he wakes up weakly, only to find himself laying down on a soft hospital bed. There's an apparatus beside him and a dextrose connected to the back of his palm. His entire body feels painful, throbbing even, and he couldn't help but groan in this shitty situation.

Did he get beaten up yesterday that he ended up like a vegetable in this place—oh wait. Wait. Fuck, wait a minute.

Instantly, he recognizes this place.

There's no way in hell an actual hospital with hospital apparatuses exists in Proud Demon Immortal Way's setting when he can just heal himself through his cultivation!

NOW WHERE THE FUCK IS HE!?

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck—" Shang Qinghua tries to sit down but fails as his body aches again. He realizes that he's not, in any way, inside his novel anymore. He exhales heavily and grits his teeth, "What the hell happened."

He tries not to panic as he digs his brain out for what he did last night. Well, uh, he receives a magical grape-wine gift from cucumber bro with a note telling him that it is his novel's anniversary. He's surprised because even he can't remember when he started writing this novel of his; he's glad a true fan transmigrated with him. Having someone remember the little things in your work is very impressive and heartwarming. Although he knows Shen Qingqiu would deny the fact that he's a fan.

Anyway, he ended up writing an entire logistics report afterward, and around evening, he drinks the wine to treat himself to good stuff. Ah! Cucumber bro has a taste in things like this! Shang Qinghua happily indulges in the wine until he's tipsy. Until he's braver. Until he got the courage to knock on Mobei-jun's room shamelessly while chugging the bottle in his hand.

He remembers the way Mobei-jun's cold glares penetrate through his soul and the way Mobei-jun's entire body freezes even more when he tiptoes and pinches the Northern King's cheeks giddily.

Shang Qinghua's face turns red from the realization of what he did last night. He tries not to yeet himself out of the window from embarrassment as he squeezes his brain for more memories.

The temperature inside Mobei-jun's room is cold, but Shang Qinghua has already mastered the cultivation to control his body's response to low temperature. Anyway, he finally chugs all the wine that he's holding, and he's very brave to slam Mobei-jun's door locked and push the king against the wall.

Aha! Look at that! He's so strong that he can feel the power to manhandle this sexy, massive, packing man without effort. Mobei-jun is now staring at him with sharp daggers, but he didn't do anything other than follow his lead.

Shang Qinghua can tell his face is red from drunkenness, and he's a little thankful Mobei-jun didn't raise his fist to slam him on the floor. Well, it's been a year since the Northern King made him noodles, and since then, he was not being beaten up, so maybe the king has graced him with mercy.

He didn't let Mobei-jun's cheeks go as he laughed like a villain.

"My king, look at you, you're so fuckable with these—these squishy cheeks." He hiccups and laughs. Mobei-jun's expression didn't change. The man is still staring at him with his usual cold but glaring gaze, "I want to bite it. Can I, my king, can I?"

"What have you been drinking?"

Shang Qinghua rolls his eyes but laughs again as he realizes how good he is at rolling eyes, "The blood and tears of my readers. Ha ha! Kidding! My king, come on, you're always so sturdy it makes me want to backflip from here to Cang Qiong! Smile a little with these—these cheeks—holy shit, these cheeks are so soft!"

Mobei-jun glares at him even more, still coldly impassive while letting his cheeks get squished and squeezed repeatedly.

"Damn it! Why did I write you to be so tall! It's hard to just tiptoe, you know? You know!? My feet are now aching. My king, why don't you kneel? That way, I can reach your cheeks without doing much effort!"

"You..." Mobei-jun grits his teeth, lengthening his patience, but Shang Qinghua stares at him drunkenly without a hint of shame.

"Kneel. Come on, don't make me repeat it! I want to squish your cheeks. If you won't, I'm getting out of here and leave and drink and whatever shitty stuff I could do! Or I can squish others' cheeks so I could spare yours!" He's getting impatient, and Mobei-jun's glare intensifies.

Shang Qinghua's expecting the man to push him away, beat him up from such an outrageous request, and throw him out of the room, but all his words get stuck in his throat when Mobei-jun sighs in mild exasperation before kneeling in front of him without any hesitation.

Shang Qinghua freezes, and his eyes widen.

"My—My king, why are you kneeling!?"

Mobei-jun looks at him like he wants to crush him into pieces, but he didn't, good grief, thank god he didn't.

The man silently replies, "Do it."

Do what!? Do what, huh!? Shang Qinghua's eyes widened in realization. Did Mobei-jun really kneel for him to reach his cheeks better? Instantly, his face flushes so bad that he immediately kneels down, too, and holds Mobei-jun's broad and sexy shoulders.

"My king, ha ha! I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Please stand up. You don't have to kneel in front of this lowly servant. Please, my king, come on, stand up. I can tiptoe longer, or you can carry me so my feet won't hurt. You don't have to literally kneel. I mean—yeah, you can kneel, and you look fucking hot kneeling for me like that—but—but it feels so wrong to make a king kneel for me!"

"Fuck!" Shang Qinghua stops himself from reminiscing about what happened last night as embarrassment flows into him so intensely that he feels he's going to have a heart attack and another version of his death!

So, uh, he did squish Mobei-jun's cheeks, and after that, what happened? It's all a blur, and he couldn't remember what he did next. But there's a small, important memory that arrives in his brain cells.

He's lying on the bed while hugging a huge and cold popsicle, still drunk. He was wrapped in a comfortable blanket, and the popsicle in question is breathing comfortably beside him. Shang Qinghua smiles as he hugs the popsicle tighter, resting his head on the popsicle's firm chest.

While indulging in such, a system's message is plastered on his eyes.

Stay. Return Home.

Ah! There's no way in hell that he wants to return home right now, at least not right now when he's having the night of his life hugging a freezer. With a lazy and drunk gaze, Shang Qinghua pressed the "Stay" button happily. He smiles and nods in satisfaction.

Then another message pops up.

"Are you sure?"

Confirm. Deny.

He pressed the "confirm" button mindlessly. He wants to sleep again for Pete's sake!

"Are you super sure? You can't change your answer anymore. Is that your final answer? Think this through and don't blame me if you regret your decision."

Confirm. Deny.

Jeez! What a pain in the ass! Shang Qinghua waves his imaginary hands dismissively before pressing the confirm button multiple times. He needs to sleep and thank cucumber bro tomorrow for the wine. It's been so long since he indulged in such a drink! Highly recommended.

Then another final message pops up.

"Congratulations, you are now returning home."

What the fuck!?

"Ah!" Shang Qinghua groans and slams his head on the imaginary wall multiple times as he realizes how he accidentally (and carelessly) pressed the "Return Home" button because of his drunkenness. Damn it. Damn it!

Okay, he doesn't mind returning home at all. It's not like the world will change once he gets back to this world; it's just that he also doesn't mind staying in his novel. He's honestly considering returning home, really, really considering it, but he doesn't know why he didn't press it back then. But now that he did, accidentally, he feels a little... empty? He isn't satisfied at all with his choice. Being in both worlds didn't matter to him.

But he did—maybe he feels a little ache in his chest knowing that he left someone important in that world.

He wasn't even able to say goodbye to Mobei-jun!

But maybe returning is a good thing. After what he did last night (squishing the king's cheeks shamelessly and making the king kneel in front of him), he's pretty sure Mobei-jun would kill him. Or at least torture him first before killing him. Holy shit, this is the completion of him being killed by the Northern king! Maybe the system helps him stay alive? But no, he's just too fucking careless for his own good.

Now, he feels empty. He feels like—like shedding tears of joy? Tears of sorrow? Whatever that shit is. He feels empty knowing he won't be seeing his king again. He's now in reality.

It feels surreal.

Shang Qinghua closes his eyes and lets his electrocuted body rest for a while.

How the fuck did he feel even more alive in the world that is far from reality?

It feels like everything that happened to him is a fever dream.

It took him a week before he was finally discharged.

It turns out that after his electrocution, all the electricity in the whole apartment building was affected for some reason. One of his neighbors knocks on his door to ask if they can borrow his power bank, and he was found unconscious and was immediately brought to the hospital. Thankfully, his health insurance helps pay for the hospital bills, and when he walks back to his apartment, he is extremely messed up. A little. Maybe.

He couldn't walk properly because a bone on his feet was fractured when he fell unconscious, and now, he's using a cane to walk. Great. How can he attend his part-time job with this? He remembers his stay in the Northern Kingdom where injuries like this can easily be recovered. Whenever he gets beaten up, his energy was able to heal his wound. As time passes by, whenever danger comes to him and he's injured, it is Mobei-jun who would help him and open a portal to find him a healer. His king is very considerate sometimes. Plus his muscular chest and big tiddies inspire Shang Qinghua to live a healthy life.

Fuck, he missed Mobei-jun. Argh, shit, stop getting distracted! Shang Qinghua sighs and slowly unlocks his apartment door.

With a weak and lazy retort, he sees how messy his place is. There are piles of books and paperwork on his main table (a very similar view to his time in An Ding Peak), and his laptop is still open but shut down on his smaller secondary table (similar to a bedside table). Some unclean clothes are hanging on the chair, and there are unthrown garbages piling in the corner.

He mumbled a gentle, "fuck my life," before he slowly cleans his place.

Being an An Ding Peak lord and being the Northern King's trusted assistant made Shang Qinghua a better person. A much more organized person who wants to promote cleanliness and an organized workplace. And so, he ended up cleaning his small but slightly comfortable apartment.

Despite his aching ankle, he manages to finish tidying up after some hours, and he slumps on his bed tiredly afterward. He also carefully charges his laptop (this time, determined to not accidentally kill himself because being electrocuted hurts like shit) and makes himself a cup of noodles to alleviate his hunger.

While eating on his bed, he couldn't help but wonder what happened to the place he left behind. To the people he left behind. It's worth it to name a character after his own name, Shang Qinghua, but he didn't realize he would transmigrate as the man himself! He even uses his own face's description for the character for a web novel’s fun fact idea but—but it backfires entirely when he gets within it!

One more thing, everything that happens, it feels so real, and shit, he feels like tearing up again. Absolutely not because he missed his life there.

It's just that, now—there's no longer thrill in his life. No dangerous experiences except for the late payday. No King who is always cold and glaring at him. No enormous responsibilities like logistics and finance management. Right now, he's no one. He's just Shang Qinghua.

Or maybe, he's back to being the pitiful Airplane Pointing Towards the Sky who has nothing to do except his job to write half-assed porn while watching his fans and anti-fans argue in the comment section all day.

He slurps the noodles. Mobei-jun's cooking is tastier than this because the man personally asked Lou Binghe's recipe just to make the perfect noodles for him.

He sighs again. No matter how shitty his experience with Mobei-jun, he's still the person whom he spent almost half of his life with in that novel. It feels kind of depressing to not have anyone who would listen to your nonsense babbling. Mobei jun may be firm and dangerous, but he's manageable enough to deal with Shang Qinghua's talkative attitude.

Now that Mobei-jun's not here, Shang Qinghua no longer feels like talking nonsense. He's back to using his active mind through written works. He slurps the noodles again. It's been a week. Everything still hasn't sunk in for him.

His mind is still processing everything.

He woke up at almost midnight, unable to sleep again due to the aching in his ankle. He has no choice but to walk to the kitchen and drink some medicine. He uncharged his laptop and sat on the chair to check the current status of his novel.

"Oh, wow," he whispers mindlessly when his notifications are bombarded by tons of new comments. The community dedicated to PIDW is in chaos, and he wonders why. Without thinking, he clicks on the community, and his jaw drops when he finds something out.

LouBinghe'sMonsterCoke: I can't believe the author wrote an entire AU of the story! It's fucking gay, but the plot makes sense this time.

Jijiramen: I honestly think this AU is better than the original story. Thank god, Airplane did justice to their work!

Holymacaroni: Just finished the SVSSS (PIDW's AU) and it's fire! The devil works hard, but the author works harder for us!

There are a lot of comments in that thread. Positive. Negative. Praises. Criticism. Shang Qinghua's brows furrow in confusion because first, what the hell is PIDW's alternate universe? He didn't write an entire AU for PIDW. After finishing the novel some months ago, he dedicated himself to writing side stories for additional chapters and additional money. He wouldn't write an AU because that fucking means he has to start from the start!

Second—wait. Wait. It means every change that happened in the novel was published in the real world?

"Oh shit, this is fucking cool." Shang Qinghua's drowsiness vanishes instantly as he starts checking his profile's works.

As expected, there's a newly published work entitled "Scum Villain's Self Saving System: A Proud Demon Immortal Way's AU," and it's gaining intense popularity. His heart beats fast in excitement and anticipation. He couldn't believe his eyes. Without waiting any longer, he checks chapter one, and his jaw drops when the novel is narrated from Shen Yuan's point of view. Now, he can read cucumber's mind, and it's so fucking chaotic. He laughs and nods approvingly.

He decides to read the novel later as he immediately checks the latest update. His heart skips a beat when it is narrated in the third person's point of view.

The recent chapter is about Shang Qinghua's death.

If he's holding a cup of noodles, he's sure he'll drop it on his clothes. He freezes for he doesn't know how long. His eyes are fixated on the special chapter of the book where the Northern King's trusted assistant suddenly died.

Shang Qinghua's character died in his sleep.

His lips trembled as his heart beats painfully inside his chest. Ah, that's him. That's him. So he died in his sleep, huh? System, you're fucking unfair. Why did you suddenly ask those questions when you know I'm drunk? He sighs and reads the entire special chapter.

It started when the character Shang Qinghua received wine, got drunk, did shameless stuff to the Northern King, fell unconscious because of drunkenness, Mobei-jun carried him to the bed and gently wrapped him in a blanket to avoid waking him up, slept beside him, and died.

What the actual fuck.

Being carried and gently wrapped in the blanket sounds so domestic and romantic! Why wasn't he awake at that time!? That's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

And what the fuck?

He just died like that!?

There's even no aftermath of what Mobei-jun did when he found out that he died. The last sentence in the special chapter is:

"In his sleep, Shang Qinghua died."

Like how fucking bland is that!? At least write a creative description of how his heart slowly stops beating and all that shit. As an author, he feels very disrespected by how his death is narrated. It could've been better. But nothing will change anyway.

He's dead.

And he has returned home.

All his personal connections in his novel are finally cut. He can't ever go back. He couldn't ever see Mobei-jun again or even his friend, Shen Yuan. He won't be able to live with cultivation again. He won't be able to kick other demon's asses indirectly. He won't be able to fly on his sword. He won't be able to witness the beauty of the Northern Kingdom. He won't be able to see his son Lou Binghe and his other children in that novel. He's back to where he belongs.

This real world sucks.

And he sucks for proving himself that he's lucky in acquiring another dumb way to die charm.

While reading the chapter, he feels his cheeks getting wet with all those realizations. Ah, shit. Why the fuck is he crying again? Shang Qinghua tries to stop his tears, but nothing works. It's midnight anyway; he can just indulge in these emotions. Tomorrow, he can move on and start a new life. He can do that. He can always do that. He had done that multiple times.

He didn't read the comments, nor did he read the first chapter. He just silently turns his laptop off and walks to his bedroom to continue his silent turmoil. He lies down, covers his eyes with his arms, and lets his unspoken emotions stream down his face in silence. His heart aches painfully, and he wishes he could just tear his chest open and throw it away.

He lets his frustrations out.

Like what he's been doing for the past days since he returned home.

>>>

Chapter Text

Crystaliqueeen's Danmei Realm Presents:

YOU BE THE ANCHOR THAT KEEPS MY FEET ON THE GROUND

Shang Qinghua has done a lot of shitty things in his life, but this exhausts the line of his carelessness when he accidentally pressed the "Return Home" button presented on the silver platter by the system. The other careless mistake he's made so far? It was accidentally pulling Mobei-jun with him into this real fucking world! Or was it even his fault?

CHAPTER 2: WHO IS SHANG QINGHUA?

His life resets to normal even if he doesn't want it to— as expected.

"Qinghua, the packages!" He hears his boss shout those words, and he sighs heavily before carrying the heavy boxes of packed soaps into the cart. He almost trips but stops himself immediately and tries to breathe to gain more energy.

It's been a month since he came back to this world.

Only he and his laptop know how he screams and kicks the air every night for the system to show itself and offer him an option to transmigrate back into his novel. If he were to be honest, he genuinely wants to go back. It’s not because of the cool flying swords or the fact that his existence makes sense in that world, but simply because he wants to see— holy shit, get a fucking grip!

Unfortunately, the system no longer exists in this world. It doesn’t pester his mind for survival purposes anymore and as much as he appreciates the peace, it also makes him crazy. It is exactly as it says, it's final, and he can't turn back time to get to where he should— wants— to be. Okay, first, fuck you, system, for showing me the option when I'm drunk! That's fucking unfair! You planned this! I swear, if you planned this, I'm going to wrestle you!

After seeing the full cart, Shang Qinghua starts pulling it out of the warehouse towards the truck waiting outside. He's silently cursing the system and himself for all the shits that he's experiencing.

It goes without saying. After he got discharged from the hospital and healed a little, he came back to the university. He's actually a fourth-year finance management student who relies on his web novel's subscription for his tuition fee. Aside from being a student, he's also a part-time factory worker where he'd pack, carry, and transport soaps and such. Okay, okay. That's familiar, isn't it?

In PIDW, Shang Qinghua (yep, he literally self-inserted his real name, yes, thank you very much) experienced heavy and stressful tasks when he's in An Ding Peak. It's actually based on his experience here in the factory, and it's very indulging to write and rant about how crappy the loads are. Shang Qinghua’s life in his novel is basically just him keyboard smashing his rants about how tiring and stressful his real life job is! If he knew that he'd transmigrate into his web novel counterpart, he would've made An Ding Peak the most relaxing peak! Okay, that's another thing to blame himself for.

That being said, Shang Qinghua arrives in his apartment with an exhausted body and aching heart.

It's been a month, but he can't move on from his carelessness yet. It's normal, isn't it? He lived an entire lifetime in that novel; of course, it will be hard to suddenly just say, "sike, yeah, I already moved on, kiss my ass!" and forget whatever he'd been through in that world. Forgive and forget? He can forgive the sexy person who beats his ass three times a day but there’s no way in hell that he’d forget him.

Shang Qinghua's eyes are half-lidded in exhaustion, and he wants to write a 10 thousand-word porn on his laptop tonight because he deserves that. Writers need an outlet to relax, and porn without plot is the key to that relaxation.

When he opens the door, he gasps as he feels a familiar cold sensation inside. It feels so long since he last felt that. His apartment feels extra colder, and he can feel his heart drop (yes, seriously) on the floor. He doesn't have an air conditioner so what the heck!? And that— that kind of coldness— there’s only one person who can make him shiver like that.

Shang Qinghua's mind is in chaos as he dramatically drops his bag on the couch and not on the floor because there are important things that shouldn't spill from there. He immediately runs towards his room, where the temperature is a lot colder, and when he opens his door, his knees weaken inevitably.

What in the name of healthy tiddies is this?

Mobei-jun is lying on his bed, bleeding.

"Holy shit," he whispered to himself before mindlessly running towards where Mobei-jun is. It's a kind of reflex, and he immediately checks his king's condition to check what the heck is happening, "My king, my king, holy shit— how did you get here!? What the heck, why are you bleeding? Wait, my king, please, please hold on, I'll— I'll suck you—no, I mean, I mean I’ll manhandle you— shit, I mean, I'll find something to stop your bleeding. Hang in there, my king."

Mobei-jun didn't say anything, but he lowly growled in pain.

Shang Qinghua runs to get a basin of cold water and a clean towel. He has some pain reliever medicine due to his recent injury but doesn't have any first aid kit in his house. His salary is barely enough for a month-long supply of noodles, and he knows first aid kits aren't that necessary for him, so he chooses the noodles and doesn't invest in health-related products!

Now, it's backfiring on him.

He's panicking. Really panicking. But he can postpone his panic and stop the bleeding for now. When Mobei-jun gets better, he'd talk to him and ask him how he was able to defy the laws of danmei novels with system tags to get transported here. That's just so OP and badass; I'm so proud of you, my king.

Shang Qinghua pulls a chair and sits beside his bed. His bed isn't that small, but it looks inadequate with Mobei-jun lying on it. Shang Qinghua immediately puts a cold towel on Mobei's forehead. Mobei-jun prefers that— he knows it by heart. After that, he checks the wound on Mobei-jun's side. It's bleeding profusely but it’s not showing any signs of being healed through his demonic prowess.

Shang Qinghua's face falls.

It's not healing by itself at all.

Mobei-jun... Mobei-jun is powerless in this world.

"Fuck!" He immediately gets his phone to contact an ambulance. With all his surface-level knowledge about stopping blood (he used this in writing for the wives of Lou Binghe after stabbing each other), he waits and paces around the room while almost pulling his hair.

As he waits for an ambulance, he looks back at the unconscious Mobei-jun. As usual, he looks extremely handsome, too handsome to even exist in this world. He's also wearing his elegant blue robe as the king of the Northern Kingdom, although the clothes on part of the stomach are torn open with a huge bleeding wound.

Aside from that, Mobei-jun looks pale. For the first time, he looks pale due to the blood loss.

Shang Qinghua did his best to not fall weak. He needs to be strong for his king. If Mobei-jun were to die here in his apartment, he won't ever forgive himself. His king deserves to die in a more extravagant place, definitely not his apartment, but that’s not the point. He won’t let Mobei-jun die. He walks back to where the man is and gently holds the man's hand. He doesn't know how he'll help since his cultivation is useless in this world, or how he'll show he's there, but he wants to be there for Mobei-jun.

It's the least he can do after suddenly dying in another world and leaving his king without bidding his farewell at all.

Thankfully, the ambulance arrives a moment later.

Mobei-jun was unconscious for three days straight.

After paying the medical bills (rest in peace to his savings) and giving an absolute statement that he didn't assault Mobei-jun, which ended up with him bleeding like that, Shang Qinghua steps into the man's room. It's almost midnight. The operation three days ago was a success, and the doctor even told him how this particularly handsome patient has the anatomy of a god—not entirely because of his muscular abdomen and sexy chest, no—but because his body can miraculously withstand such blood loss.

For the past few days, he would go on with his life: university and factory work before directly going to the hospital to stay and watch over his king. He's extremely exhausted today. He wasn't able to sleep properly for the past days as his anxiety for his king's well-being is too much, and right now, he had an overtime in his job to make sure he'll be able to temporarily provide for them.

He put the food and fruits that he bought for Mobei-jun on the side table before letting himself slump on the chair beside the man's bed.

It's odd to see medical apparatuses on Mobei-jun's body, but as long as it will help his health, he has no complaints.

He watches Mobei-jun's peacefully sleeping face, and Shang Qinghua can't stop the warm feeling embracing him. He's not dreaming. His king is really here, face to face, in this world. He still doesn't know how that happened, but he's glad to see the man again.

With a huff, Shang Qinghua moves the chair closer to Mobei-jun's bed and holds the man's hand again. His huge hand is icy cold and pale. Shang Qinghua feels guilty for some reason.

He leans forward and lets his head rest on the space of the bed beside Mobei-jun's hand, not letting the man go. Drowsiness overwhelms him, and he finally falls asleep.

Shang Qinghua is awakened shortly when a nurse injects anesthesia into Mobei and pain reliever medicines. He falls asleep again after that, and as the morning comes, his sleepy and still-tired-as-hell brain meets Mobei-jun's dangerous gaze directed at him.

He shrieks, wide awake, and almost jumps away from Mobei-jun's bed. He realizes that he's snuggling the man’s arm like a pillow, and he's a bit scared that he drooled on it! Okay, that's so shameless. He definitely should do that again sometime.

"My king!" Shang Qinghua exclaims. That's a bit inappropriate in this modern context, but he doesn't fucking care! "You're awake."

Yes, no shit Sherlock.

Mobei-jun doesn't move from where he is laying, and the man is looking at him with those cold and dangerous eyes. Shang Qinghua felt his breath stuck inside his throat, and he was unable to speak. Mobei-jun is staring at him with utmost unfamiliarity. His gaze is blank and emotionless.

"You're— uh, haha, I'm glad you're awake. You've been unconscious for three days, and you haven't eaten anything yet. The doctors informed me last night that your body will heal in a few days but you have to stay here for a week just to monitor your wounds if they open up or something." Shang Qinghua rumbles. Even his usage of words is different from what he uses in the PIDW universe. Right now, he can be more like himself. No more third person's point of view in his dialogue, yes, go fuck yourself, system. Mobei-jun's face remains impassive, "I... I wonder how you got in here. What happened, my King? Who hurt you? Was it the Western Arachnid Demon Clan? I knew it! I've prepared some reports about their weakness in my chamber, but it sucks how my assistants don't seem to see it. My king, does it still hurt? I have prepared food for you to regain your energy; by then, you can finally stand up and—"

"Where am I?" The deep, baritone voice asks, and instantly, Shang Qinghua feels horny in the morning. He slaps himself internally. Horny begone!

"You're, uhm, you're..." How will he explain a hospital to someone whose self-regeneration healing doesn't even need a doctor!? "... you're... you're in here."

Instantly, an even deadlier glare is thrown in his direction.

Shang Qinghua wants to cry and kneel for forgiveness, but he realizes that they're now in this real world. If Mobei-jun were to kill him, he'd be imprisoned. A prison cell doesn’t suit his king so it will be easier to convince the man to not kill him through the power of the law!

"My king, please, don't make me explain it to you right now. It's— it's hard for me to explain it— but I will explain it eventually, just— just not now. Though, I must ask you. Do you remember how you got in here?" Shang Qinghua asked, "Do you remember what happened for you to get in here?"

"I can't use my power." Mobei-jun ignores him, and Shang Qinghua nods in understanding.

"Ah, yes, I— I think I can explain that as well when I form a proper explanation for whatever is happening. You have to stay there, my king, and get better. That's our priority right now. You must get better so we can— we can deal with this together. However, I really, really need your answer. What happened to you and how did you... end up in this place?" In this world.

Mobei-jun looks at him as if he's someone who can't be trusted.

"My king, please—"

"Who are you?"

Shang Qinghua feels his chest deflate with that question. He knows the face that he's using now is the same face he gave to his character Shang Qinghua. Why would Mobei-jun suddenly ask that? Is he really uglier in real life than in the novel? He feels his ego and self-respect torn, crushed, and shattered into pieces.

With a shaky breath, he whispers, "This is me, my king. Shang Qinghua."

Mobei-jun's facial expression remains cold and emotionless.

"I— I don't know if my face is really different right now, but you can trust me. It's me! Here, look, see? Believe me, it's me, your advisor! Look, look in my eyes, I'm not lying. I'm—"

Shang Qinghua thought that Mobei-jun not recognizing his face is disheartening until he hears the next words from his king's lips.

"Who is Shang Qinghua?"

>>>

Chapter Text

Crystaliqueeen's Danmei Realm Presents:

YOU BE THE ANCHOR THAT KEEPS MY FEET ON THE GROUND

Shang Qinghua has done a lot of shitty things in his life, but this exhausts the line of his carelessness when he accidentally pressed the "Return Home" button presented on the silver platter by the system. The other careless mistake he's made so far? It was accidentally pulling Mobei-jun with him into this real fucking world! Or was it even his fault?

CHAPTER 3: OVERTURN

"Who is Shang Qinghua?"

Have you ever felt like you're in an empty desert with no one to run into? You're slowly dying, and your flesh is rotting in a miserable way. The only taste of escape and salvation is death and nothing more? Shang Qinghua feels exactly like that, except he's not in the desert and he's not rotting, but he can feel all the exhaustion inside his body falling mercilessly into him. His head also aches a little—fuck you, system, this is all your fault.

"Ah, haha... hahaha... hahahaha!" He mumbles and starts laughing. He laughs so hard that his stomach aches and small tears glisten in his eyes. Mobei-jun's still glaring at him, so he wipes the upcoming tears from his eyes immediately, "Now, what the fuck is this amnesia AU, system? You really want me to regret my choice so much that you bring him here just to forget me? Is destroying me once not enough? That's fucking foul!"

Mobei-jun looks like he wants to kill him anytime soon. His patience is probably on edge. Shang Qinghua stares at him, letting his curve into a small smile.

Don't cry, don't cry. You can cry later in the bathroom, not here. You'll freak him out.

"I'm Shang Qinghua," His voice almost breaks as he continues, "I'm your—” advisor in the Northern Kingdom, but it seems like you've forgotten about me, my King. It's alright. No, no. I’m no longer relevant, that should be alright. "—Nevermind. You don't have to remember me. Just, ah, just stay healthy for now and don't go anywhere. I'll be your... your guide and companion in this world—place—whatever. I'll make sure you're safe. This place is odd, and you won't be able to use your powers, but you have to trust me."

He stands up and checks the clock hanging on the wall. He needs to stop by his apartment to fix himself before going to university today. It sucks that his time is limited to properly talk to Mobei-jun.

"Where are you going?" Mobei-jun asks as he stands up. Shang Qinghua knows that his king's body is somehow paralyzed due to anesthesia, so it's probably frustrating to be alone here, in a place he knows nothing about.

He smiles to comfort Mobei-jun, "My king, I have to stop by my apartment to get some of my things for the university. I'll drop by here for a while after an hour to make sure you've eaten well. After that, I'll be gone for an entire day because of school and work, but I promise, I'll immediately go back here once I'm done with my responsibilities. Don't worry, my king, the nurses will assist you if you need anything."

Mobei-jun's eyebrows furrow as if he doesn't understand the terminologies that he's using. It's an understatement.

"I'll be back later, I promise."

Those are his words before he walks outside of the room, not showing his face to Mobei-jun at all. The man doesn't need to see his exhaustion and his helplessness. As he closes the door, Shang Qinghua’s smile falls. Movie-jun doesn’t need to see his genuine pain. Not now. Not ever.

Shang Qinghua never thought that he would ever buy healthy food and clothes larger than what he's meant to wear.

His savings are literally on its edge. After making sure that Mobei-jun has eaten for the morning, he skips from attending the University for the day. He’ll catch up on the lessons that he's not able to listen to next time. He had other important things to do. He ended up buying healthy food and other necessities instead. It's a luxury for him.

He can't remember the last time he did his groceries, but after seeing Mobei-jun again, he thinks—no, he knows—he needs to do this. Aside from his job in the factory, and the penny he gets from writing porn (thank you, Lou Binghe, my bank account is grateful), his divorced parents would also give him his monthly money to pay for his rent and such. Though he never uses that money due to it being like a bribe for him to accept his circumstances. Being left alone after your parents separated isn't exactly the best feeling, but he’d be lying if he'd say that he still remembers the feeling of grievance like the first time.

For fuck's sake, he lived another life for the second time all over again. At this point, he can barely remember what it feels like to be alone, silently begging for a whole and loving family. He had forgotten it. He had forgotten what it felt like back then. But that's not something he could control. He’s doing fine without them. They're living their lives separately, and that's better than staying suffocatingly in one roof with such grudges over one another.

The thing is, the money his parents gave him had come in handy today. He paid for his own medical treatment and Mobei-jun's medical expenses with his hard-earned savings, but right now, the money from his parents that he hadn't touched ever since he got to University was being used conveniently for something other than himself.

After all, his king deserves the best.

Mobei-jun may not have treated him that kindly in the novel (being beaten thrice a day is fun haha, who the fuck would believe that!?), but Mobei-jun isn't entirely cruel as well. He is...considerate in his own ways. Shang Qinghua knows it, although their relationship as master and servant never changes its dynamic. Maybe that particular dynamic is what's pushing him to do all of these things for Mobei.

And maybe, maybe he kinda wants to give his king the best experience in this world while he can. All because he wanted to. Without any other intentions other than to make Mobei-jun feel at ease.

And so, he ended up buying lots of groceries and stuff for them (for Mobei-jun). After buying everything he needed, he walks back to his apartment to clean the place up. His place isn't that big, but it's comfortable enough to make him feel warm while writing his novels cozily.

He cleans the place, does his laundry, throws all the piling bags of garbage at the corner, rearranges his kitchen utensils (that he rarely uses because cup noodles are enough to keep him alive), he changes his bed sheet, changes the curtain, vacuums the floor, and literally cleans everything. He arranges the stocks of groceries, and he sighs silently upon seeing just one room in his apartment.

He can't help but remember those times when Mobei-jun would sneak into his chamber in An Ding Peak, and mercilessly sleep on his bed. His fucking bed. And him? He's curled up on the cold ground of his room.

Now I have to experience that kind of mistreatment again. Bye, bed. I'll meet you someday.

It took him a lot of hours to make sure his apartment is livable and passable for his king's taste. He even contacted an air conditioner installer services to install an A/C in his room (soon to be Mobei-jun's temporary room) because he knows his king won't be able to take the heat in this world. He also changes the look of his room into Mobei-jun's preferences to make it look even more accommodating. He later goes to his job. He can't take another leave in this fucking economy.

It was almost midnight when he arrived at the hospital to check on Mobei-jun's condition. He's incredibly exhausted from his job and from literally turning his apartment upside down, as he holds a paper bag with his newly bought clothes for Mobei. He made sure to buy some takeout and drop by a clothing store after work to prepare clothes Mobei-jun could wear.

Not that he's complaining about the luxurious royal robes that show Mobei-jun's chest—nope, absolutely not—but they're in the real world now. Mobei-jun could easily attract lots of eyes for himself. It's fine with Shang Qinghua, but he couldn't be held responsible if people were to suddenly ask them if they're going to a cosplay event!

When he enters the room, he almost drops the bags he's holding when he sees Mobei-jun sitting elegantly on the edge of the bed, eyes as cold as ice darted towards him. It made Shang Qinghua feel the sudden nervousness in his veins. Mobei-jun's gaze is silent but dangerous, like that of a predator who finally found his prey. It made his knees weak.

Mobei-jun looks like he wants to slam him against the wall and break his neck mercilessly.

And Shang Qinghua instantly feels horny.

Fuck my life and fuck this man.

"My king!" He exclaims, trying to sound energetic despite his blood pressure rising to his face and his aching back from carrying tons of packages earlier, "How's your tiddies— I mean—body? I'm sorry it took me so long. I did overtime, and I brought you clothes you can use. I would've greatly let you wear my clothes, but it might be too tight for you, so here—here."

He puts the bags down on the corner of the room.

The man doesn't say a word, but his eyes remain the same as a silent killer. It makes Shang Qinghua's lungs contract from the lack of oxygen. He tries to lower his head and avert his gaze. Holy shit, I should have bought him a phone so he could contact me if he ever needs anything!

Advance rest in peace to the remaining savings in my account. It's good 'til it lasts.

"You."

He almost flinches when he hears that cold voice. His eyes immediately snap back to the handsome face looking at him with the scary intensity of gaze, "Yes, yes, me. Ah, what is it, my king?"

"Qinghua." Mobei-jun repeats slowly, this time, Shang Qinghua's heart skips a beat as he hears the man speak his name in a velvety and baritone voice.

"Yes sir!"

"Qinghua."

"Hmmm?"

"Shang Qinghua."

It’s more deliberate and dangerous. It made Shang Qinghua shrink further. Why is Mobei calling his name like he’s memorizing every syllable and vowel in it?

"Yep, that's me, haha! Is there anything you need, my king?"

Mobei-jun pauses for a bit, his eyes narrowing calmly. Shang Qinghua blinks in confusion. He doesn't know what happened and how Mobei-jun beats the system and gets teleported to this world. Not that he's not glad to see his king here, but he does feel a little guilty for something he doesn't know about yet.

He looks down and inhales, "I don't know where to start, holy shit, I didn't even know it's possible!" He looks at Mobei-jun and inhales again, "My king, I will tell you everything, but you have to promise me that you— you'll trust me."

"No."

"Okay, got it. Have a good day!" He was about to turn around when he heard a deep growl from Mobei-jun. Shang Qinghua freezes instantly, "Ahaha! I'm kidding, my king. Very well. Sit down and relax. I'll be there, sitting, and talking. You just have to listen, okay? But uh, first, you need to eat."

His eyes land on the untouched food on the side table. Mobei-jun hasn't seemed to eat anything since the morning. The man is probably too confused and lost in this world, and Shang Qinghua's author instincts are telling him to be patient with this handsome looking man or else he'll die a painful death.

"I bought some takeout on my way. I wasn't able to cook anything earlier, and it's been a long time since I used a stove and microwave so, yes. My king, here, eat while we're talking." He gets the fast-food takeout from his bag and gives it to Mobei-jun before he runs a safe distance from the man, "You need energy. I know you can't use your powers in this... world... but ah, you have to eat to maintain your energy, or else you'll feel weaker."

"I'm not hungry." Mobei-jun states.

"How come? Dude, you haven't eaten for hours and for the entire time you were in a coma!" Shang Qinghua sighs and slumps on a chair in the corner of the room. He feels extremely tired, and his muscles are aching from his job earlier, "It's shitty to have an ulcer from not eating properly. It'll be a pain in your ass to deal with that! Just, just eat, okay?"

"You dare to talk to me like that?"

Shang Qinghua internally yelps from such murderous intent behind that sexy voice.

"Look, I'm just concerned..." Shang Qinghua mumbles and leans on the chair. Mobei-jun hasn't touched the food laying beside him, "...I don't honestly know what's going on and how to...to give you the proper royal treatment you deserve. Not in this fucking economy where I can't even prepare a damn feast for you, my king. I'm broke as fuck, you know? All I can afford today is takeout. It's already midnight, you haven't eaten, and I will tell you what you need to know once you eat. Okay?"

"I don't need a feast."

"I know, my king, I do know that. But still. Ah! Nevermind. Go eat, come on, I'll just change my clothes for a while. I still reek of liquid soaps from the factory. I'll be back."

He slumps a bag on his shoulder and walks to the comfort room to change. He also washes his face and groans tiredly while looking at how shitty he looks. He needs to do a lot of things, but he has a little time. Nothing changes. Even in this world, in the real world, he's still busy as fuck. Shang Qinghua sighs and wash his face with water. He stays for a longer time in the comfort room to calm himself down and organize his thoughts.

As promised, he walks out again after fixing himself. Mobei-jun seems to have eaten the burger and fries he brought. That's good. He cleans the trash and slumps on his chair once more. Now, Mobei-jun is looking at him, waiting for him to talk.

Shang Qinghua wants to fucking sleep, but that can wait. This is more important. After all, he'll be busy again tomorrow, and he'll find little time to properly talk to Mobei-jun. The system is also nonexistent right now. It only means one thing. He can tell the truth to Mobei-jun and move on while figuring out how to bring his king back to the novel where he belongs.

His heart is beating fast from the lingering anxiety in his veins. He'd rather tell Mobei-jun the truth about all of this and be killed than exert energy in hiding and averting the truth from the man's knowledge. He doesn't have time for all that drama. He just wants to rest and be done with this rather than be a main character in a slow burn with lots of miscommunication in the tags! Plus the author's too damn lazy and tired to write miscommunication as the conflict in this story.

"Speak."

His internal monologue stops when Mobei-jun says that. Shang Qinghua nods and holds his hands together, trying his best not to stutter stupidly.

"My king, the thing is— ah, shit, this is harder than I thought," He chuckles nervously and flinches when Mobei-jun glares at him further, "Okay, okay! Fine. Well, uh, you see, we're buddies in another world. I'm your accomplice, my king, in dealing with human cultivators and deadass demon villains. I'm sorry for the way I speak; after months in this world, I feel more comfortable using this kind of tone. Anyway, as I was saying, we— we have a history. Not the best. Nothing important. You might not recognize me and that's understandable but I used to serve you in the Northern Kingdom, and you beat the shit out of me. Every fucking day. Oh, no, no! I'm not holding grudges, no worries, my king. What I'm saying is, we have a past together. And uh, and I died in that past. Probably? Yeah, I definitely died—" because of my own carelessness and because the shitty system showed me that damn notification while I'm drunk as hell! "— and I got back here. Haha. Fucking annoying, right? It's not consensual, though. I didn't consent to die! I was drunk!"

Mobei-jun's gaze narrowed, but he didn't intervene, so Shang Qinghua continues.

"This is basically another world." He waits for the system to give warnings and exhales in relief when there aren't any, "I'd say, at least for me, it's the real world. This is the world I came from. You, my king, are from another world. Now, I don't have any idea how you ended up in my world, but that's really fucking awesome and confusing as well. That's the reason why I kept asking you what's the last thing you remember so we can figure out how to get you back to your world."

“I don’t remember how I got here.” Movie-jun stated and Shang Qinghua automatically facepalms. Of course, of course!

“Shit, I knew this would happen,” He starts fidgeting in panic. They have no clue nor basis on how Mobei-jun ended up in this place, and the man can’t remember anything. There’s a huge possibility that he’ll stay longer than Shang Qinghua meant due to them figuring out what’s happening. He looks at Mobei-jun helplessly, “My king, I don’t want to be pessimistic but it’ll be harder for me to figure out how to bring you back to your world from now on.”

"Another world..." Mobei-jun whispers. He's still impassive as if Shang Qinghua didn’t just drop a ‘hey bro, you’ll stay longer here haha good for you’, but he seems to have a myriad of thoughts inside his mind, "I can't use the portals."

That’s definitely not our main priority here, my king!

"Ah, that's an understatement." Shang Qinghua nods, "You're in your human body. Powers don't exist in this world—"

Shang Qinghua froze when he saw how Mobei-jun paused upon hearing him. He's so sure that if his king has his powers, ice spikes would fill the room, killing him in the process. Thank God there are no ice spikes for now.

"... a human."

"Yes," Shang Qinghua's voice lowers in sympathy, "Ah, yes, a human. That's the reason why I kept pestering you to eat, or else you'll get sick from the lack of food in your stomach."

He saw how Mobei-jun's fist clenched tightly until his knuckles were white. Shang Qinghua remains silent for a moment. He knows it's hard for Mobei-jun to accept the fact that he's a human being right now. He despises humans more than anything else. It's partially Shang Qinghua's fault for writing that backstory for Mobei-jun, but right now, he wants to pat his king's shoulders to assure him that everything's going to be fine.

Hopefully.

Mobei-jun remained silent.

"I'm also clueless, my king, believe me. I have no idea how you ended up here, but... but I promise you I'll do everything to figure out a way to bring you back... home."

A sudden ache plastered on his chest. Shang Qinghua ignores it and tries to focus, finding a way to comfort his king. This isn’t about him. This is about Mobei-jun. So what if they suddenly find a solution to bring the man back to his kingdom, making him alone again in this world? That would be shitty as fuck (for him) but at least Mobei-jun’s somewhere he finally belongs. That’s what matters the most.

"When you get better, I'll bring you to my apartment. You won't have to worry about anything. I'll take care of you, my king, and make sure you're fine. But I need you to cooperate with me. You don't have to trust me if you don't want to; it's okay, but you have to believe my intentions are not of the things that will harm you. I will never harm you."

"Then why did you leave?" Mobei-jun asked out of nowhere. It's enough to make Shang Qinghua's brain cells stop functioning.

"Uh, what?" He blinks, "Oh. Oh! I, uh, I really need to work earlier, or else I'll be fired. I need to work harder now and finish my studies for me to give you more than I can provide, my king. But rest assured that I'll always be back and—"

"Shang Qinghua."

"Yes!"

"Hmmm."

Dude, what does that 'hmmm' supposed to mean!?

"My king—"

"This one shall rest." Mobei-jun stated calmly. His clenched knuckles loosened, and he lays down on the hospital bed with that position that is used to lay in the coffin. He still looks incredibly handsome.

"Ah, yes, please rest, my king. I will talk to the doctors to check about the progress of your condition. You need to rest. I'll go just outsi—"

"Stay."

"—and figure out how— wait, what!?" Shang Qinghua blinks rapidly.

"Sleep."

"But—"

"Silence."

"Ah, fine, fine."

Shang Qinghua watches as Mobei-jun closes his eyes. He looks extremely beautiful and manly like that. The hospital gown made Mobei-jun's skin look creamy and soft. His black hair is flowy against the pillow, and his face, damn fucking shit, his face can make any straight man gay!

No doubt the nurses, male or female, are always excited to take care of Mobei-jun's monitoring. The doctors are excited to give Mobei-jun an x-ray and he doesn't even need an x-ray! He was also informed that a doctor checked the well-being of his king’s abdomen and tiddies. What the fuck was that!? He also hears the nurses talking about the extremely handsome and sexy patient in this room. He can't blame them. Mobei-jun is indeed too godly and beautiful for this world.

He sighs and positions himself uncomfortably on the chair. It's hard to sleep like this. With a tired groan, he lays down on the cold floor and sleeps with his bag serving as his pillow. This is much better. It's still uncomfortable, but at least he can sleep a little.

He finally dozes off.

Unbeknownst to Shang Qinghua's sleeping and snoring body on the floor, Mobei-jun stands up to wrap a blanket around the man. He stares at Shang Qinghua's face and exhales gently before walking to his bed, resting.

>>>

Chapter Text

Crystaliqueeen's Danmei Realm Presents:

YOU BE THE ANCHOR THAT KEEPS MY FEET ON THE GROUND

Shang Qinghua has done a lot of shitty things in his life, but this exhausts the line of his carelessness when he accidentally pressed the "Return Home" button presented on the silver platter by the system. The other careless mistake he's made so far? It was accidentally pulling Mobei-jun with him into this real fucking world! Or was it even his fault?

CHAPTER 4: THE WORLD OUTSIDE THE BOOK

Mobei-jun was finally discharged from the hospital.

His body is still weak, but he is consistently recovering. For the past few days, Shang Qinghua would make sure Mobei-jun eats breakfast before he goes to university and work. He'd come before midnight due to his shift schedule and freak out whenever he finds Mobei-jun waiting for him (and also hasn't eaten anything as well except for breakfast).

That's why he decided to not have dinner at work and just join Mobei-jun in their midnight snack (dinner) every day.

Right now, it's past midnight. He has papers about Mobei-jun's health and other additional payments to the hospitals. The taller man is standing beside him while they're waiting for a train. Shang Qinghua is planning to bring his scooter and drive them home with that, but with Mobei-jun's wounds, it would be uncomfortable for him to ride in such a vehicle.

It's easy to describe the things around objectively but not what he feels inside. The wind is cold. The skies are dark without any stars or moonlight. It's 12:57 am. Shang Qinghua wraps himself in his hoodie and shiver slightly. His human body had gotten used to the warm temperature which he is thankful for because he will never be able to cultivate again. He lowers his gaze and sigh to calm his breathing. Their bags are laying on the floor. Shang Qinghua got bored staring at that so he tilts his head up and look at his king instead.

Mobei-jun is wearing modern clothes, just a shirt and pants, and thankfully, Shang Qinghua's nose isn't bleeding like it did the first time he saw Mobei-jun in clothes that aren't from PIDW. He even shamelessly whistles when he sees Mobei-jun's muscular biceps peeking from his tight shirt before loudly exclaiming, "How does it feel when you fell from heaven? Because damn bro, you're hot as hell!"

Mobei-jun ends up glaring at him, and because of that indescribable sexy glare, his nose starts bleeding.

Good old days.

"My king, are you feeling cold?" he whispers.

"No."

"Good, good. Uh, do you want some hot chocolate?" he whispers again.

"What's that?"

Hot chocolate isn't really a thing in PIDW, so he understands why Mobei-jun doesn't know what it is. He just grins and walks towards the stand selling hot coffee and hot chocolates to buy two cups. He walks back to Mobei-jun and hands him one cup. Since he's no longer an ice demon who hates hot stuff, Mobei-jun can enjoy this drink.

"Don't worry, it's not poisoned," Shang Qinghua grins, and Mobei-jun suspiciously stares at the warm drink in his hand.

He eventually drinks it, and his eyes widen a little when he drinks a large amount at once. Of course, hot chocolate isn't meant to be drunk in one go because it is hot for a reason!

"Oh fuck!" Shang Qinghua immediately looks at Mobei-jun's glistening and slightly teary eyes. The man looks bullied! He's emotionless, but having your tongue burnt is painful, "My king, are you okay!?"

"Stupid question."

"Oh, sorry! You— you shouldn't drink it in one go! It will fucking burn and grill your tongue, aiyaaaa," Shang Qinghua slowly drinks from his cup, "Like this. Take a sip slowly. Does it still hurt? Come on, show me your tongue."

Mobei-jun freezes.

"Like this," Shang Qinghua licks his lips and opens his mouth to show his soft tongue. It makes Mobei-jun's jaw tighten, "I'll check if you wounded yours."

His king's eyes narrow dangerously. Tension suddenly wraps around Shang Qinghua's neck, and he almost gasps for air from the intensity of Mobei-jun's eyes on him while his tongue is still out.

"So shameless."

"Hey, that's such an accusation!" Shang Qinghua's cheeks puff before he looks back at the empty rail, "I just want to make sure you're not hurt, that's all."

"This one's not hurt."

"Yeah, yeah, that's good, my king." Shang Qinghua sips his drink as they continue to wait for the train.

Mobei-jun doesn't flinch as the loud honks and the rapid train stops in front of them, but he looks like he's suspecting sudden danger. Shang Qinghua reminds him multiple times what a train is and what it does, and it's enough to convince Mobei-jun to enter inside and sit on the vehicle.

Since it is past midnight, there are fewer passengers inside. Mobei-jun is stoic-looking and tense as the train moves. Shang Qinghua also catches the eyes of some passengers turning into hearts whenever they look at Mobei-jun. It doesn't make his blood boil because he knows what it feels like to simp at someone this handsome. He does sympathize for them.

Mobei-jun is staring outside as the train passes through the city with lots of establishments. There are tall buildings with lights, and it screams modern civilization. It's entirely different from the world in his novel. Shang Qinghua feels a gentle feeling inside his chest to show it all to Mobei-jun, who seems to be drawn to the lights and the new scenery in front of him.

His face might look cold and impassive, but there's a glint of delight in his eyes like that of a kid who first saw an amusement park. It made Shang Qinghua proud.

When they walk out of the train, Mobei-jun is drawn by the vehicles running around, people walking in the crowd. Shang Qinghua holds his king's wrist since it's scary to lose Mobei-jun in a crowd like this. Thankfully, the man didn't complain as he lets himself get dragged by Shang Qinghua.

While walking, they see tall buildings with tons of other establishments, huge billboards everywhere, lots of lights, and lots of white noise. They walk through intersections and stop by a 7-11 store to get some snacks while walking. Mobei-jun follows Shang Qinghua as the man takes multiple snacks at once, too preoccupied checking the products that he doesn't realize how he's handling everything to Mobei-jun.

It's only when Shang Qinghua pays that he realizes how Mobei-jun is following him like his personal guard with lots of food in his arms. He shrieks and apologizes for such disrespect to his king, but Mobei-jun doesn't seem to mind it at all.

After paying for all the snacks, Mobei-jun is the one carrying those plastics since Shang Qinghua is already carrying their bags. They continue to walk and ride in a bus. Mobei-jun is beside the window, and he's also drawn by the new things he's seeing.

Shang Qinghua keeps on talking and describing whatever it is that they pass by while munching a bag of nachos. Mobei-jun listens to his wisdom in silence, eyes still fixated on the bus window.

"That, my king, is a grocery store where people buy stuff. That's IKEA where people buy stuff. That's a mall where people buy stuff. That's a technology store where people buy stuff," he narrates and munches, "And that's the central park. There's a lot of good things there, when I'm not busy, I'll bring you there. That's the department store, that's the way to the amusement park, that right there is the way to the zoo, that—"

"What about that one?" Mobei-jun suddenly asks, and Shang Qinghua sees the huge structural building that the man is pointing at. There's a huge billboard beside it with a fish.

"That's an ocean park, my king."

"Hmmm."

He keeps enlightening Mobei-jun until they walk out of the bus. Since it's no longer crowded, he doesn't have to hold Mobei-jun's wrist and drag the man. Mobei-jun follows him as they walk on the silent road. There are barking dogs around and lots of lights until they stop at an apartment building.

"This is where I live." Shang Qinghua smiles widely, and Mobei-jun relaxes.

"It's huge."

"No, no, ah! Haha! I live in a portion of it. This is what we call an apartment. It is made up of lots of rooms, and you know rent is fucking expensive, but who am I to complain, right? Come here, my king."

They enter inside, and Shang Qinghua guides Mobei-jun to the elevator. His room's on the 9th floor, so it will be a pain in the ass to use the stairs with a recovering man with him. When the elevator moves, Mobei-jun tenses again, and Shang Qinghua pats his shoulders to calm him down.

"Breathe, my king."

It only makes Mobei-jun more tense, and Shang Qinghua realizes how he just touches his king without permission!

I love my hands, I'd fucking haunt you, Mobei, if you were to cut them!

"Sorry!" He yelps and sprints to take a step away from the man, "I was— I was— ah! By the way, this is an elevator. This, uh, this transports people upwards so we won't tire ourselves walking up the stairs. It will open in three... two... one!"

There's a ding, and the elevator opens.

They walk out, and Mobei-jun says, "You can use your cultivation."

"Ahaha, no, that's because of electricity."

"Electricity?"

Shang Qinghua starts rambling about electricity while opening his apartment's door. Mobei-jun doesn't make him shut up, and his eyes linger around while examining the place. Shang Qinghua pats himself internally for cleaning the place and making it livable and organized. Without saying anything, Mobei-jun sits stiffly on a couch.

"It's—" He started, but Shang Qinghua cuts him off immediately.

"Small, isn't it?"

"—warm." Mobei-jun added, his voice calm and a little more relaxed again. He closes his eyes and leans on the couch.

"Oh! It's because there's no A/C in the living room. My king, I prepared the bed for you. You can sleep there."

"Hmmm."

Mobei-jun walks towards the room, and his lips press calmly when he sees that the room resembles the color of his room in the Northern Kingdom. It's filled with blue curtains, blue and white bedsheets. It isn't huge like his room, but it's comfortable enough. It's also colder because of the air conditioner, as Shang Qinghua told him.

"Qinghua."

Shang Qinghua, who starts charging his laptop in the living room, immediately runs to the bedroom, "Yes, my king? Is there anything you need?"

"There's no room left for you to sleep."

Shang Qinghua smiles awkwardly. Of course, there's no other room, my king. I'm broke as fuck that I can only afford a one-room apartment.

"It's fine, it's fine. No worries. I'll sleep on the couch—"

"No." Mobei-jun stated, "This is your place. You must sleep where you are meant to."

Shang Qinghua waves his hand dismissively while smiling, "I'm okay, my king. This is your room now, and you can sleep here. I hope it isn't uncomfortable for you. I bought a mattress to make the bed softer, but I don't know if you'll like it—"

"Qinghua hasn't slept properly for days."

Shang Qinghua stops at those words. That makes sense. His sleep schedule is so fucked up because of his responsibilities and the uncomfortable hospital floor.

"I command you to sleep."

"But— but I do sleep, my king, and honestly— whoa! Hey, what!? Hey! What the fuck, dude!" Before Shang Qinghua knew it, his body was thrown like a rug onto the bed. He yelps as he bounces on the bed, oh, it's indeed so soft haha good job, and he almost faints when Mobei-jun wraps him in a blanket like a burrito!

"Shang Qinghua." Mobei-jun stated dangerously.

"My king, why did you— oh, good grief. I don't want to disturb your rest like this. This room is meant for you, as my guest and king, I have no place here. I have to go outside."

"Don't move."

Instantly, Shang Qinghua's body froze. He certainly looks like a burrito. It's warm and comfortable, really, and it's tempting him to literally sleep right now! He wants to marry this bed and sleep forever, ah!

Mobei-jun seems to look satisfied upon seeing him unmoving and not planning to get up. The man lays down beside him without hesitation, and Shang Qinghua's eyes widen. His heart beats faster, and his mind is twirking, screaming, beatboxing, and gay panicking.

"My king is very considerate..." Shang Qinghua yawns. His body is stiff, but he's starting to feel comfortable on the bed, "...to share this bed with his lowly servant."

"You're not."

"Huh?"

"You're no longer my servant."

Oh. Oh. Yeah, that also makes sense. In this world where they are both the same (humanity and such), Shang Qinghua is no longer bound by duty to his king. Mobei-jun is not even his responsibility anymore. However, it doesn't mean that he'll see Mobei-jun any less. So what if he has the choice to treat Mobei-jun differently? That won't happen.

He genuinely admires this man and treating him like his king made Shang Qinghua feel better.

But being fired by Mobei-jun is still painful, aiya! Does Mobei-jun hate him so much that he doesn't see him as his servant anymore? It's not like he wants to die in the PIDW world anyway. His death is accidental. Plus, he's drunk, and he ended up playing with his king's cheeks like it's some squishy slime. That sucks, okay? Sucks a lot!

If Mobei-jun's memories were to come back to him, the man would certainly kill him for doughing his way out of his cheeks! It's fucking scary, holy shit.

"My king, I still want to serve you and follow you for the rest of my life." He whispers. His eyes close, and he sighs, "It's a promise I made when we first met."

Though you probably don't remember that.

Mobei-jun stayed silent beside him, and Shang Qinghua slowly feels his consciousness drifting away. He's so tired and sleep-deprived that he didn't hear Mobei-jun's almost inaudible response after some time.

"Qinghua must keep his promise this time."

>>>

Chapter Text

Crystaliqueeen's Danmei Realm Presents:

YOU BE THE ANCHOR THAT KEEPS MY FEET ON THE GROUND

Shang Qinghua has done a lot of shitty things in his life, but this exhausts the line of his carelessness when he accidentally pressed the "Return Home" button presented on the silver platter by the system. The other careless mistake he's made so far? It was accidentally pulling Mobei-jun with him into this real fucking world! Or was it even his fault?

CHAPTER 5: RANDOM TALK

There are no fucking updates for the extra chapter.

It's Sunday. Shang Qinghua's happy day because there's no class, and it's his day off. Right now, he's slumped in front of his laptop while scrolling for any additional chapter, but there's none. The last chapter was the same, the one about his death. Nothing changes.

He can't even write an update for the Scum Villain's story. He tried writing a 10k BDSM porn without any additional plot extra chapter for Shen Qingqiu and Lou Binghe (you must thank me, cucumber bro), but when he posted it, it instantly got deleted for no reason! It's frustrating, and he’s grieving for the death of his draft, okay? He could've used the draft for PIDW's extras, but anyway, what's done is done.

And so he decided to not write anything for the SVSSS novel and just let it be. He ended up scrolling through the comment section of the recent chapter instead.

BrainlessDickRider: HOW TF DID SHANG QINGHUA JUST DIED!?

Mingyan'swifey134: I have nothing against this special chapter, but I seriously ship Shang Qinghua and Mobei-jun!!!!!????? And Shang Qinghua just died so wtf!?!?

Mobei'stesticlee: LMAOOO THE WAY SHANG QINGHUA SQUEEZES MOBEI-JUN'S CHEEKS! WHY NOT HIS TITS!?

Shang Qinghua almost spit his coffee after reading that comment, but he nods in agreement, "Yeah, I wonder why, too. Regret is always at the end."

Loubinger: I want more Bingqiu special chapters!!!

Skyflakescrackers: Y'all. I'm going to go kms. This is so shitty, tf. I thought PIDW was shitty, but the author suddenly killing a character without proper explanation whatsoever will be the end of me.

Crystaligay: I'm screaming, shouting, throwing up when I read Shang Qinghua's death, oh god!? I mean, what what the fuck is wrong with the author for killing an important character's future husband!? Asdfghjkl, I'm not crying, you are!

 

Mobeijunscheekbones: It would've been more dramatic if Mobei-jun was the one who killed Shang Qinghua.

 

Crystaligay: @Mobeijunscheekbones OH GOD YES! MOBEI-JUN WOULD BE SO DEVASTATED, AND CAN YOU IMAGINE THE DELICIOUS ANGST, WTF!?

 

Shang Qinghua snorts and puts his coffee on the table before loudly exhaling, "You guys seriously want Mobei-jun to kill me for the angst!? As if there will be an angst! He'd probably kill me and move on with his life like the badass that he is, duh."

"Why would I kill you?"

"Oh fuck me hard!" Shang Qinghua screams when a deep voice suddenly appears from behind. He almost jumps, but he stops himself to protect his cup of coffee from spilling. He's already traumatized by accidentally spilling stuff on his desk, which caused his death the first time it happened.

"Fuck you hard?"

"No!" His face starts to flush as he immediately stands up and covers his laptop with his body to prevent Mobei-jun from reading the comments. "My king, you startled me!? You're awake!"

"I am."

"Good, good. Did you sleep well? Good morning."

"Hmmm." Mobei-jun responds before his eyes land on the device behind Shang Qinghua, "What are you reading?"

"Ah, some random comment section," Shang Qinghua replied and gulped, "You know? People's thoughts and all that stuff haha!"

"Why did you say they want me to kill you?"

"Oh! Well, that's—" He stopped and facepalmed. He promised himself that he won't lie and will just honestly answer all of Mobei-jun's inquiries about this world and the truth, but why is this so hard!? "—a long story."

"Hmmm. How long?"

"It will take us a whole day! So don't mind it, my king—"

Mobei-jun ignores Shang Qinghua as he walks to the kitchen to make himself a hot chocolate.

It's been a month since Mobei-jun lived in his apartment, and Shang Qinghua's been so patient in teaching the man the modern things in this world. When he first taught Mobei-jun how to make a coffee, the man ended up almost burning his apartment. After more practice, Mobei-jun can do that by himself. It's very convenient, especially on those days when Shang Qinghua needs to leave his house early for his classes and Mobei-jun is left alone to serve himself.

Before Shang Qinghua knew it, Mobei-jun was already the one making drinks for himself, and he specifically liked the sachet of chocolate drinks more than coffee, so he bought lots of stocks for his king. On some weird days, Movie-jun would wake up earlier than usual and make hot chocolate for him to chug before his daily classes.

"A whole day." Mobei-jun mumbles while stirring his drink carefully. He calmly nods in understanding before comfortably sitting on the couch like the way he sits on his throne.

Shang Qinghua watches everything, and his breath hitches when Mobei-jun looks at him with an extremely serious facial expression, waiting.

"My king—"

There's a beat. 

"Spill the tea."

"Prft— HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Shang Qinghua couldn't stop himself from laughing hard at how serious Mobei-jun says it. What the fuck!? He almost spills his coffee while hitting his desk from laughter. Tears are in his eyes, and he keeps on cackling nonstop until his stomach aches.

Mobei-jun watches him without interrupting his laughter. Shang Qinghua’s too busy laughing, so he doesn't see the glimpse of amusement in the man's eyes.

"I—prft—you learn well, I'm so proud of you! Yes, yes, my king, that's how you do it."

Well, his lessons paid off. He once told Mobei-jun about a mechanism they will use when talking. Since they're in the real world without any dynamic chains in communication, Shang Qinghua told the man to be direct to the point if he wants to ask anything. In return, he would also be honest with everything. Whenever he tells the truth to Mobei-jun, he would always say it as, "Fine, fine, I'll spill the tea," and Mobei-jun seems to adapt that.

Because he was entertained, he gets his laptop, faces his chair on the couch to face the gorgeous man, and he grins.

"Remember when I told you how your world is inside the Proud Demon Immortal Way's novel, my king?"

Yep. As promised, he'll be so fucking honest that he ended up telling Mobei-jun the truth. It's so easy as Mobei-jun remained calm throughout the process. His apartment just ended up having multiple holes in the wall afterwards, but that's already fixed. At least he's still alive.

"Yes."

"Well, there's this alternate universe that occurs when the system throws me back into this original world. You remember what the system does, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Awesome! So, as I was saying, there's an alternate universe that suddenly appears and, uh, in that alternate universe, it is written how I died in the novel's world, our world, the place where you came from. The readers are saying that it would've been better if my death was caused by you for angst purposes. You know? They need the drama, and it'll be more dramatic if I died in your hands—"

Shang Qinghua stops talking when Mobei-jun's eyes narrow sharply. His lips are tightly pressed. "That would never happen."

"I know, my king! I know. But anyway, since I already died in that world, they're all freaking out saying it's shitty how I died—"

"I agree. It's truly shitty."

"I know, right? I agree, too! Hey—wait! Did you just say shitty? Pfft—my king, you're learning so well from me. Say fuck ."

"Fuck."

Shang Qinghua's eyes get teary with genuine pride for the man. Mobei-jun's learning at lightning speed, "Great, my king! Say holy shit. "

"Holy shit."

"Say motherfucker ."

"Motherfucker."

"Say never give up, never what! " He says that with conviction. 

"Never give up, never what." Mobei-jun replied flatly. Shang Qinghua beamed with so much pride!

"Yeah! That's right! Who lives in a pineapple under the sea!? Say SpongeBob SquarePants! "

"No." Mobei-jun replied with a deadpan, before leaning on his chair with sassiness, "Continue what you are discussing."

Shang Qinghua groaned. He wins the battle but loses the war. "So uh, they said it's shitty, and you agreed it's shitty, and now—wait. Hold up. Did you just agree it's shitty without knowing how I died!?"

"I know how you died."

"Oh my god, my king, your memories are back! Holy shit, since when!?"

"A day after I saw you."

"Holy shit."

"Indeed."

"But you didn't kill me yet after I squished your cheeks!?"

Which should have been your tiddies—

"Hmmm. Not a big deal."

"Dude, seriously, your character development is amazing!" Shang Qinghua almost stands up and hugs Mobei-jun, but he stops himself. "Alright, that's nice. It's so cool you don't know how happy I am. Wow. Okay, uh, as I was saying, yeah. That's basically it. I died, they rant, and that's what it is. Unfortunately, I can't find a hint yet on how to bring you to your world yet. I'm trying, really trying, but I have no idea what to do. Please be patient with me."

"Hmmm." Mobei-jun sips his hot chocolate, this time with caution. 

"You don't seem bothered by it, my king." Shang Qinghua mumbles, and Mobei-jun remains calm.

"As long as you're there." The man answers, and Shang Qinghua freezes. His heart nearly dropped, and he nearly fell from his chair from unmoderated simping.

"Hey, that's unfair! Don't just say words that will stop my heartbeats!"

"It... it will stop your heartbeats?" Mobei-jun's eyes now widened again like a kid who was betrayed. Shang Qinghua immediately feels guilty.

"No, my king! Uh, it's a figurative speech! I'm very much alive and healthy. Enough to climb you without mercy, ahahaha! Anyway, since it's Sunday, and I've been busy for most days making you almost imprisoned in my apartment, let's go somewhere."

"It didn't take us a whole day."

Shang Qinghua grins, "I told you the summarized version. If you want, we can look into the comment section together after we get home. I'm so tired of hiding things up. Not in this damn economy where proletarians like me are being exploited like shit. We'll have a comment section reading marathon once we arrive. How about that?"

Mobei-jun didn't say a word, but he hummed in agreement and visible satisfaction. Shang Qinghua knows he's excited through his instinct, and he's so glad he decided to be more open and transparent to the man. Mobei-jun is unbelievably very adaptable and considerate in his own ways.

It's a breath of fresh air to talk to the man without fearing for his life.

Maybe being brought here is somehow a blessing in disguise.

Shang Qinghua smiles to himself. Mobei-jun would certainly love the oceanarium. 

>>>