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Chapter Text

It had been a blissful and peacefully uncomplicated time after the many events from previous years. Shen Qingqiu was living a life he never knew he wanted, until it had revealed itself to him.

It was the daily routine of waking up to the mouth-watering congee being placed on the desk in his and Luo Binghe’s quiet home (as quiet it could be while bouncing between the demon headquarters and Qing Jing peak).

Luo Binghe would greet him like the morning sun and with a permanent smile. Shen Qingqiu would simply nod in approval of his hard work, but they had long since unveiled the loving sentiment behind it.

Shen Qingqiu loved the tranquil simplicity and calm of their small every-day actions, but he even grew to enjoy the drama of what their lives also brought.

The way Liu Qingge would come flying through their door to announce an immediate problem, that needed Shen Qingqiu to come back. This action could only result in a few different reactions from Luo Binghe.

He would either stare him down until he imagined Liu Qingge had turned to smoke and wave him away with a short “fuck off”, or he would mock him for being too weak to handle the job himself and then turn sour at Liu Qingge need to disturb his shizun’s breakfast.

At both options Shen Qingqiu would pat his little Bingmei on the head, until he was back to looking like a puppy. Luo Binghe was too possessive and protective for his own good, that even though they were together most hours of the day, he still found it in him to cry every time Shen Qingqiu went somewhere he couldn’t follow.

The sects were still wary of Luo Binghe even if it had been years since Luo Binghe had acted out. Shen Qingqiu knew the only way to please both sides and the two angry cultivators (who’s seconds away from another duel) is to go with Liu Qingge with the promise of coming back to Luo Binghe as quickly as possible.

When Mobei Jun would show up to discuss matters of the southern region with Luo Binghe, Shang Qinghua would pop up from behind him ready to fill Shen Qingqiu’s ears with empty complaints and nonsense.

Shen Qingqiu always hit Shang Qinghua on the head with his fan, when he would ramble on and on about how well his side endeavors (writing smut about Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe’s juicy romance) was gaining a devoted fanbase.

Shang Qinghua would always comment how they should get along as “brothers from another realm” or whatever, but Shen Qingqiu inwardly appreciated that he didn’t have to filter himself as much around him.

Things were good, but he had forgotten about his old friend of birthing chaos whenever it showed up. And this friend in particular likes to remind Shen Qingqiu that the ending of something doesn’t mean the fun stops there.

[System rebooting]

“...Fuck”

Shen Qingqiu knew he had forgotten about something, but he didn’t want to remember now that he had woken up to the familiar sound of a notification ding in the middle of the night.

“Shizun? What’s wrong?” Luo Binghe asked, tugging Shen Qingqiu closer into his embrace.
It had been so long since Shen Qingqiu had talked to the system that he forgot to internalize his response.

“Nothing. Just go back to sleep.”

“Did I cause shizun to have nightmares again?”

Shen Qingqiu unconsciously smiled in the dark of their bedroom with the sweet scent of Luo Binghe’s hair from where it had tangled into Shen Qingqiu’s own hair.

“No, this isn’t your fault. This one wouldn’t blame you for doing nothing wrong. Now sleep.”

As they dozed off again Shen Qingqiu could still hear the system loading in the background, but when he focused his attention on Luo Binghe’s steady breathing the warmth against him he fell asleep, momentarily forgetting his problems would follow him into the next day.

-

[♡( •ॢ◡-ॢ)✧˖° ♡]

[System finished rebooting（〜^∇^ )〜]

[System has updated its protocol and guidelines to further improve performance and satisfaction points]

Shen Qingqiu had only just taken his first spoonful of congee, when the system woke up eager for attention.

“Ugh, I was hoping it was just something I imagined.. Let’s just get this over with. What are the changes?”

[Classified (☞⌐▀͡ ͜ʖ͡▀ )☞]

Shen Qingqiu sighed. “Fucking perfect!”

[Will you accept the request for the next mission?]

“Let me guess. It’s not going to leave me any choice as I can either accept or lose 50.000 points and die.” It wasn’t a question, but rather a reality check that this was again a part of Shen Qingqiu’s life.

[Incorrect. You can accept or reject, which makes it a choice ( ✧≖ ͜ʖ≖)]

Shen Qingqiu pretended to meditate as he ate, but he was visibly fuming as he changed to subject.

“So what is this plot-altering badass mission?”

[Tell the truth]

Shen Qingqiu nearly spat out his mouthful of perfect breakfast and then nearly choked three times when swallowing it.

“How will telling the truth farm b points?!”

[The purpose for this mission isn’t b points]

“What truth are you even talking about?! Should I just blurt out everything on my mind or is it something specific?”

[Reveal your true identity and your transmigration to Luo Binghe]

“…”

Haha. No thank you.

“…What’s the other option?”

[End your relationship with Luo Binghe and go back to your old life]

His old life? He hadn’t been Shen Yuan in years after being forced to perform a careful act, and now he could just go back?

“If I went back to my real dead body, wouldn’t I still die?”

[No, this function is now available due to the update of the system. You would come back alive and well]

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t believe it. He was for once not yelling and complaining for the system to make sure the options are scaled fairly and leveled.

“H-how long do I have before I have to make a decision?”

[Unlimited, but sooner than later]

Shen Qingqiu sat for a while lost in thought just staring at his now cold breakfast, when Luo Binghe approached him with worry.

“Is the congee not to your liking, shizun?”

When Shen Qingqiu didn’t reply Luo Binghe sat down next to him and took his hand, which had been frozen midair.

“Did something happen, shizun? Is everything okay?”

Shen Qingqiu got out of his trance and looked straight into starry eyes.

“Uh..This one apologizes. I lost track of time.” Shen Qingqiu said with a wavering firmness and aloof tone, which used to be one of the biggest OOC dangers in his life. A way of speech Shen Jui wouldn’t be caught dead speaking if he could help it. Luckily Shen Yuan had perfected the stern and elegant manner of speech instantly being familiar with the character and all.

However, he had just slipped up and the look on Luo Binghe’s face changed to panic like he just discovered his shizun isn’t actually the Shen Qingqiu he met, when he first joined the sect.

“Shizun, should I stay home?” Luo Binghe hesitantly asked.

He was supposed to go down south with troops and for once put an end to the chaos ravaging there today. It had been planned out over many months with Mobei Jun, and even the sects had been tolerant enough not to interfere in order to unite the north and the south.

“No, there’s no need for you to do that. I’m not sick. You have already planned to go, so you’ll do what you set out to do.”

Luo Binghe reluctantly agreed after a lung-puncturing embrace and crying out fat maiden tears. Shen Qingqiu ended up in his lap wiping his cheeks, so they wouldn’t trickle down his neck, until his stomach growled embarrassingly after never having finished his breakfast.

-

Mobei-Jun and Shang Qinghua came later in the day to go through a portal the overpowered Xin Mo sword would cut into the air, and conveniently drop Shang Qinghua off at the demon palace. When they were alone Shen Qingqiu wasted no time telling him about the System’s reappearance and endless torture.

“So you can just go back to your old life and you’re sure it wouldn’t kill you?” Shang Qinghua asked as he poured them tea.

“No, of course not! It’s not like that’s exactly what it said!” (Sarcasm overload, because calling someone stupid is Shen Qingqiu’s love language)

“Ha. Ha. Very funny, but wouldn’t you miss it?”

“Miss what?” Shen Qingqiu sipped his tea and already missed the way Luo Binghe brewed it.

“Your life here? I mean, Cucumber-bro, I can't say I know what you left behind before transmigrating, since you never talk about it, but was it better before”

“Like you have anything to say!”

“I didn't think there was a point, when it’s been like 20+ years since I transmigrated!” Shang Qinghua spat defensively, and maybe he did have a point. “But didn’t you have friends and family at home? Don’t you miss them?”

“I liked to stay home and my family wasn’t as close as it used to be.” If it ever had been close in the first place. They sat in silence sharing the mutual remembrance of their lonely and pathetic lives with neither being much better than the other.

Shen Qingqiu knew he loved his family, because that’s what family represented, but perhaps it was only an obligation he had taken for being in the same blood pool as others. They rarely saw each other after his siblings and himself grew up and became busy in different aspects.

Shang Qinghua had been productive and a workaholic with a burning passion, but his early work didn’t sell, so it quickly became about satisfying the audience more than Shang Qinghua himself.

“So..will you do it?”

“…” Shen Qingqiu knew he wanted to stay. That wasn’t the difficult part. In reality the mere thought of speaking any unprompted and earnest truth directly and plainly terrified him. He had always kept his words to himself, because it’s often hard enough to admit certain truths to himself.

It’s not like he didn’t express these truths in other ways through actions and round-about ways of saying the same thing. Shen Qingqiu was raised to observe and speak after thinking, so the fact that he still found ways to unconsciously and consciously express gratitude, love and compassion after transmigrating was a win.

He had come a long way with especially Luo Binghe, considering how long they had kept their walls up and completely misunderstood each other. Shen Qingqiu loved everything about Luo Binghe, and he couldn’t imagine being as close with anyone else.

Which led his train of thought back to the request. How the fuck was he supposed to explain he isn’t the real Shen Qingqiu?! Would he just casually mention it the moment Luo Binghe arrives home, like it isn’t a world-shattering-info-dump-grenade?!

Could he calmly explain why he has done certain actions like idk kicking him to the endless abyss and it wasn’t his intention to hurt him?! Was it really possible to say this and more without sounding absolutely insane?

-

Luo Binghe was resting in his designated tent, or at least he was supposed to be, after tearing through the rebellions. He was however anything but calm and relaxed, as he had slowly spiraled into a panic. Mobei-Jun walked in on the familiar sight and immediately sighed internally, because there was nothing he could do when Luo Binghe got into his head.

“Mobei-Jun, have you ever noticed how Shang Qinghua and Shen Qingqiu act differently when they’re together?”

“Not really.” Mobei-Jun said flatly.

“Don’t you find the way they speak to each other strange? Like they have some kind of secret language?”

“Like what?”

“Like how they call each other “brothers from the same hometown” and when they suddenly add “fuck” at every other word!”

“Shang Qinghua says that all the time, so I doubt a reclusive thing between them.” Mobei-Jun was usually not very emotive when talking, so Luo Binghe immediately noticed when he had turned his face away.

Was he hiding his face? Why would Mobei-Jun have any reason to do so now? Oh..Had he also heard Shang Qinghua say “fuck” while they were alone behind closed doors...

Luo Binghe remembered when Shen Qingqiu said it for the first time when they were in bed together. At first Luo Binghe thought he had been too rough at that moment, but he quickly realized Shen Qingqiu’s repeated use of the word was a good thing.

He couldn’t help but feel his persistent jealousy smooth over, as the unfamiliar words and phrases were no longer just shared with Shang Qinghua. Though it seemed Shen Qingqiu wasn’t the only one to use a different vocabulary in bed…

Luo Binghe shaked his head trying to get the images of his imaginary shizun out of his head, before the only way to solve his growing issue was to seek out the real shizun…

“When did they become close in the first place? I never heard about them growing up together, or did they instantly develop a close bond the first time they met?”

“I don’t see why you’re asking me. It’s not like I know what they’re thinking.” Mobei-Jun shrugged with a slight flush still present on his pale skin.

Luo Binghe had wanted to ask the moment he had noticed all those years ago, but at the time he didn’t care about getting the answer. He was just happy to have his shizun (who even willingly chose to stay) by his side.

However, with time passing and the same questions still sitting in the back of his mind he started to ask them again. Was his shizun still keeping things from him? Hadn’t they been together long enough for secrets to be shared between them? Hadn’t they been married and chosen to leave behind acts of repressing their feelings?

Was he not good enough? Did he lack something that he needed to prove before Shen Qingqiu would willingly share? Shen Qingqiu wasn’t the type to openly say word for word what he thinks, but Luo Binghe didn’t wanna force him into a corner like he used to, when he wanted answers. He had long learned that method never worked and led to worse outcomes, like when Shen Qingqiu had self-detonated.

Maybe it wasn’t for him to ask in the first place, and should just let it be. The most important thing was that his shizun was happy and content, so if shizun didn’t feel the need to explain, then perhaps Luo Binghe didn’t need to worry. Shizun was after all smart and fair, so Luo Binghe could trust his shizun and eventually convince himself he didn’t need to know.

-

It had been a few days of little to no contact from Luo Binghe. Only one letter had made it to Qing Jing peak (thanks to the inconsistent lore of communication in “proud immortal demon way” because a certain Airplane-bro never came up with a good communication method).

Shen Qingqiu was starting to feel itchy under his skin, as Luo Binghe was usually good at finding any excuse to run home to him. Oftentimes he would start writing letters, like a middle schooler drawing hearts in their diary with a pink-glitter gel pen and send them in rose scented letters, seconds after slaughtering the masses in the battlefield.

Now it seemed as if Luo Binghe wanted to talk as little as possible. His letters would usually ramble on and on about how well he did (just fishing for compliments). However, the letter Shen Qingqiu got was a short statement about the current situation and progress, and if not for the “dear shizun” he would have thought it was sent to the wrong person.

Shen Qingqiu had gone to the Bamboo House to stay in the meantime, as it could keep him distracted by checking in with the sects and his other disciples. Ning Yingying was coming along well and far superior in her cultivation level then in the original. Ming fan had also proved himself to be a good and noble person and dedicated to faithfully fight for the right things.

Hearing their progress brought out a sense of pride in his chest, whenever he looked at them. They had also made sure to welcome him back with enthusiasm each time, and Shen Qingqiu had ended up enjoying his role as a teacher much more than he had expected.

Yue Qingyuan had as expectedly welcomed him with a warm gentle smile, and asked how he’d been. Mu Qingfang had also passed by and asked the same thing, except he was still trying to get Shen Qingqiu to reveal what the antidote to the no-cure disease was.

(Shen Qingqiu couldn’t have other people seeking treatment by defiling his student-white lotus-husband, so he kept the heavenly pillars powers to himself…literally)

Liu Qingge was busier these days as he had taken more students and often traveled around the borders to the demon realm. He made sure humans didn’t get caught in the crossfire between the demons from the north and south. Shen Qingqiu would still somehow run into him soon after the word got out that he was visiting again.

He would sometimes tease Liu Qingge that he must miss him, since Liu Qingge always seemed to stay close to Shen Qingqiu's whereabouts. Liu Qingge would most often huff and cross his arms with the tiniest bit of color on his cheeks.

Shen Qingqiu was perfectly capable of going about his day without problems, but when Peak Lord responsibilities faded and the sky had turned dark he started to miss looking at a certain pair of starry eyes.

Being in the same place as when they spent countless hours together (before stabbing his beloved student and kicking him down into the endless abyss). Something ached in him whenever he remembered all the things he had been forced to do.

If it wasn’t bad enough hurting a child, then it was made worse by his own less remorseful actions. For many years he was dead set on remaining distant and only observing what was around him, but he had failed to realize that this world he came into and its people were as real as the world he left behind.

Luo Binghe wasn’t just the trope reduced stallion main character or abused child. He had feelings, opinions and even love and respect for his shizun. Guilt stormed in his chest and by the time Shen Qingqiu realized, it was too late to come up with a way to avoid Luo Binghe’s suffering.

Shen Qingqiu sighed and closed his fan abruptly into his palm. He looked up at the open tab flying around his head and clicked accept. He was tired and wanted to rest before spilling the last of his secrets, so he moved towards his bed.

[Mission has been confirmed and will start in 10, 9, 8-]

“Wait!! What do you mean?! WHY ARE YOU COUNTING DOWN???!!” Shen Qingqiu’s sleepy eyes quickly opened wide with alarm.

[4, 3, 2, 1, GO! (/¯◡ ‿ ◡)/¯ ~ ┻━┻]

“I CAN’T BELIEVE I GET SURPRISED EVERY TIME!! WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAP-” Shen Qingqiu was yelling at the fading text bubble and turned around in frustration. When he rubbed his temples with a growing headache, he noticed someone standing in front of him.

It was Luo Binghe. As handsome and beautiful as usual, but looking genuinely worried at him, as if he’s watching the one he loves lose their sanity… Which he kinda was.

“Shizun, wha-. Are you okay?“ Luo Binghe cut himself off like he had accidentally made a rookie mistake.

Shen Qingqiu’s already trembling heart couldn’t take this. Was Luo Binghe holding back for his sake and then blaming himself for their old game of deceit still being played between them?

It made him both wanna whack him over the head with his fan and pat the top of his head. He did neither and instead smiled, which only seemed to make Luo Binghe worry more.

“Why did you come and visit me so suddenly? We can’t let the sects find out you sneaked in again.” The only one who would still get worked up about Luo Binghe’s appearance at Cang Qiong peaks is Liu Qingge, but Yue Qingyuan only advised against it out of principle.

“I don’t know… I guess I just wanted to see my shizun.” Luo Binghe beamed with no faults, but Shen Qingqiu knew it was a mask. If he had said it on any other day, Shen Qingqiu wouldn’t have bothered to see through it.

“Come sit. You must be tired.” Shen Qingqiu fanned himself from the nervous sweat gathering on his brows. They sat at the table like they usually did with both sitting at the same corner. It would be uncomfortable and inconvenient if it was anyone but Luo Binghe.

Luo Binghe never invaded his space while eating (that was not to say they didn’t sit as close as possible or Shen Qingqiu never ended up in his lap).

It had always been in Luo Binghe’s best interest to please his shizun, so when he had moved into the Bamboo House he became the perfect maid. When Luo Binghe was anxious he became desperate in the pursuit, even if making Shen Qingqiu happy wasn’t the answer.

“Binghe, there’s something we should talk about. I haven’t been fully honest with you.” Shen Qingqiu said while closing his fan and placing it on the table. There was no point in taking off his mask only to hide behind something else.

“If shizun doesn’t wanna say, then I don’t need to know. This one won’t ever ask. I apologize if I made shizun feel the need to explain.” Luo Binghe was trying not to pout, but forgot to not cave in on himself.

Luo Binghe must have noticed his behavior lately, or perhaps his lotus had known things didn’t add up for years.. That made Shen Qingqiu feel even more guilty. He was still harming the petals of his favorite flower and forcing him into a corner of obedience.

“Binghe, you’re allowed to ask anything that’s on your mind, even if it’s about me.”

Luo Binghe was not looking at him like a wounded little lamb, he was pouting at the table.

“Shizun, if I don’t care about the answer, why should I ask?” Luo Binghe looked up with both stubborn and pleading starry eyes.

“Binghe, I failed you first in not telling the truth from the beginning, and you should stand up for yourself.” Shen Qingqiu sighed, as he had not calculated Luo Binghe to purposely ignore something like this for many years.

“Ask me now.”

Luo Binghe studied his face for a moment before sighing and sitting up straight again. (Typical two-faced bingmei)

“How did you know how to navigate through the mausoleum?”

Shen Qingqiu coughed. (Wtf why was that his first question??!! Shen Qingqiu had expected him to ask a broader (and arguably more important) question first, like idk “WHO ARE YOU??!!”)

“Most of what I know comes from a book, but it doesn’t exist here.” Shen Qingqiu had only worried about explaining his identity, as it would personally affect his relationship with Luo Binghe.

He had completely forgotten that he also had to drop the massive-existential-bomb of everything Luo Binghe knows and everything that has happened to him is made up by his friend's boy-toy-secretary.

“This book detailed many things from this world and centered around your life specifically.”

Shen Qingqiu glanced up to try and get a read on where Luo Binghe’s reaction was so far. He looked relatively calm, but there was a frown between his (very handsome) brows.

“Is shizun saying there are other worlds?”

“I am.”

“And this other world is where you originated from?”

“…yes.”

“Do you want to go back?”

Shen Qingqiu was once again not expecting that to be his first question about his alien other world.

“No, of course not!”

“Not even once?” Luo Binghe was pouting again and clenching his fist into his robes. “I know I shouldn’t, but I want you to stay.”

Obviously he didn’t wanna die, so the option of going back to his old life was never there, but if he had the chance years ago would he still not want to go back?…

“It might’ve been easier, but I’m happy here.”

Luo Binghe stared at him teary eyed, and Shen Qingqiu didn’t know whether to laugh at his Bingmei or cry with him.

“Come here.” Shen Qingqiu smiled and Luo Binghe moved so he could lay his head on Shen Qingqiu’s lap, and cling onto his shizun for dear life. Shen Qingqiu petted his soft hair with practice and felt too much in a single moment.

“How- *sniff* how did you get here and for how long?” Luo Bingmei was robbing his snot into Shen Qingqiu’s robes, but he would probably promise to wash it off himself later, so Shen Qingqiu paid it no mind.

“Not long after you joined the sect I died in my world and transmigrated into this one.”

“You died?!” Luo Binghe looked up with a wet face like it was the most horrible thing that could happen.

“I did, but not for long.” Shen Qingqiu joked before wanting to take the words back immediately, remembering the five years Luo Binghe had thought he was indeed dead. “Forgive me.”

“It’s okay. I know you’re not dead anymore.”

Shen Qingqiu could laugh at or point out the childish wording, but moved on instead.

“Do you remember the first time I gave you medicine?”

Luo Binghe was quiet in thought for a while.

“I do.”

“That was the day I transmigrated into Shen Qingqiu’s body.”

“I always thought it was weird how shizun started treating me differently from earlier.” Luo Binghe sat up and wiped his face. “But that was before...“

“Before I sent you into the endless abyss…” This conversation was opening old wounds and Shen Qingqiu could still see the expression on his little white lotus as he stabbed him.

“Did shizun not like me? Why- why did you do it?” Luo Binghe said, bleeding out as if they were back to standing at the cliff over the fires raging beneath.

“There were things that were forced upon this master, and some things were my own actions.” Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes, not being able to bear the thought.

“What forced you?!” Anger was now present in Luo Binghe’s voice, but Shen Qingqiu couldn’t tell if it was directed at him or not.

“Certain things from the book about this world had to happen or else I would be sent back to my original body and die.”

“…”

Luo Binghe was quiet for a long time before Shen Qingqiu got the courage to look at him again.

“Binghe, this master ha-“ Before Shen Qingqiu could say anything more he was embraced so tightly he could barely breathe.

“Shizun! I never knew! I could’ve helped, shizun-!” Luo Binghe rambled on. Perhaps things would have been different if Shen Qinggiu had told him before the Immortal Alliance Conference that he had to go to the endless abyss and train, and maybe Luo Binghe would even go without resistance simply because he was told to do so?

Still Shen Qingqiu didn’t think too much about it as it was all in the past, so Shen Qingqiu hugged him back. Shen Qingqiu made soothing motions over his broad shoulder blades in hope it would make Luo Binghe remember to let him breathe. It worked and Luo Binghe let go.

“What things were shizun forced to do?”

“Binghe some actions are my fau-“

“What things, shizun?!! The endless abyss?! Was it you or were you forced?!” Luo Binghe was nearly yelling to the point where he might wake up the rest of the sect.

“The endless abyss was always supposed to happen, but I hurt you in the process!” Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but get worked up himself, because the system wasn’t responsible for everything that went wrong between them.

“WHAT ELSE?!! WHAT DID YOU DO??! SHIZUN, YOU HAVE TO TELL ME!!” Luo Binghe’s dangerous tone reminded Shen Qingqiu’s fear of the time he had near anxiety attacks at the sight of Luo Binghe, even if it was not the original Bingge in front of him.

Luo Binghe must’ve noticed Shen Qingqiu flinching back when he reached out for him, and his anger broke as soon as Shen Qingqiu’s face changed.

“Shizun, this one apologizes… Did I do something in the book for you to fear me?” Luo Binghe asked with his head lowered, but somehow hitting the nail on the head.

“Binghe, I know you wouldn’t hurt me.” Shen Qingqiu didn’t think it was what they should be focusing on.

“But shizun was often afraid of me in the past..I remember when the other Luo Binghe was here. That was the Binghe who had done something to you, had he not?”

“...”

“He must have, since I couldn’t find you when I was stuck in the other Cang Qiong Mountain”

Shen Qingqiu took Luo Binghe’s hand and traced his thumb over one of the scars done by Shen Qingqiu’s own doing.

“In the book the original Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu were enemies. Shen Qingqiu was the villain of the story and Luo Binghe got his revenge...”

Luo Binghe closed his fingers on Shen Qingqiu’s and held his hand gently.

“I’ve never wanted revenge, shizun.” Luo Binghe pressed a kiss to his hand.

“I know.”

Shen Qingqiu spent the moment admiring his lotus’s long dark lashes casting long shadows down his radiant skin.

“Shizun?”

“What?”

“What’s your real name?”

Shen Qingqiu felt his heart beat irregularly like it lost its rhythm all of the sudden.

“Shen Yuan.”

-

A few days later Mobei-Jun shows up unannounced with a deep wrinkle between his brows, while carrying Shang Qinghua under his arm.

Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe were currently staying in the DIY cottagecore bamboo house, since Luo Binghe had insisted on spending every minute with Shen Qingqiu (intimately known as Shen Yuan). Shen Qingqiu had insisted on not being chased out or interrupted while indulging Luo Binghe’s eager attention seeking tendencies, so they had left without notifying anyone of their whereabouts.

They had done this often enough for no one to worry or panic about their abrupt disappearance, and looking for them would not only be pointless but also plain stupid for seeking their own suffering. The few who did (read Liu Qingge) had been either fanned out by teasing and reassuring or faced with an aggressively petty demon.

No one knew how to stay away or respect of privacy better than Mobei-Jun (and Shang Qinghua knew better than to go on a suicide mission). So Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe exchanged a look of surprise with their sudden appearance.

Shang Qinghua was thrown in a chair with a huff, but Shen Qingqiu knew Mobei-Jun wasn’t truly rough with him or the furniture, so he didn’t spare Airplane-bro any sympathy or pay it any mind. Still Luo Binghe was utterly offended as it was a chair he had made especially for his previous shizun.

“Ask your questions.” Mobei-Jun demanded irritably at the terrified hamster.

“My king...I told you it could wait.” Shang Qinghua laughed awkwardly.

“Didn’t you say it’d be bad if you didn’t?”

Shang Qinghua stayed quiet and Shen Qingqiu figured what might be happening. Since the System had woken up from its slumber for Shen Qingqiu, it must have stretched its rested gears and begun to pester another transmigrater.

Though it seemed that Mobei-Jun was not only in the know of the System’s curious power over Shang Qinghua, but also had forcibly gone out of his way to help Shang Qinghua. Or maybe the demon simply still wants his punching bag to stay by his side(?)

Luo Binghe seemed to be having his silent conversation with Mobei-Jun, but one where Mobei-Jun didn’t back down. It was easy to see demons fight over something so trivial, but it wasn’t welcomed in this house.

“Let’s just get it over with.” Shen Qingqiu sat down as well, posing with immortal grace. Luo Binghe backed up to stand behind Shen Qingqiu like he was still holding a loaded gun at their visitors. (Good boy, Shen Qingqiu thought as he nodded in approval of his guard dog.) “Airplane-bro, start with whatever questions you have.”

“More questions, but the ones we got last time were inappropriate at best!” Luo Binghe complained, but with a little reassurance and pets Luo Binghe was back to his obedient little lamb.

“Cucumber-bro, this matter can be resolved later. Surely we can reschedule?”

Now all three faces were unanimously in agreement; No, we will not reschedule.

“Okay okay, I get it! The first question is “does Shen Qingqiu wish to know what has become of the modern world?” Shang Qinghua pulled out a piece of paper and a pen conveniently, like he was scribbling whenever inspiration struck.

“I don’t feel the need to know.”

“Bing-ge, do you want to know about the modern world?”

Shen Qingqiu stiffened slightly at the question. They had talked more about it since that day, but Luo Binghe hadn’t even insinuated anything about it since.

“No, it doesn’t sound like shizun liked it much, and talking about it would upset him.” ("Like you are right now" could be heard whispered darkly in the tense air)

“How do you address him now that you know his real name?”

At this question both Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe flustered. Shen Qingqiu was pained by an embarrassing memory from the same night he had revealed his name. Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu had grown tired from the subject and had seeked…comfort in each other.

In the midst of Shen Qingqiu’s being hazy and distant Luo Binghe had whispered the name like it was the most beautiful lullaby, but hearing it so suddenly after having forgotten their earlier conversation it was like a bucket of ice had been poured over his head.

The only people who had addressed him this way was his family, and that association hadn’t worn off, until Luo Binghe traced it along his skin. Shen Qingqiu had been too exhausted and strung up simultaneously to stop Luo Binghe.

Then as Luo Binghe kept tasting the syllables and working on both of their completions a thought had brushed away any complicated feelings and left Shen Qingqiu nearly coming undone.

Only Luo Binghe knew him as Shen Yuan, and only he at the moment could say it at such an intimate level that it felt like it was their little secret, that belonged only to them.

“Shizun will always be shizun, but I like any name if it’s my shizun’s name.”

“What is Shen Qingqiu’s real name?!” Shang Qinghua asked with an eager gleam in his eyes, that instantly infuriated Shen Qingqiu. Luo Binghe wore a bashful expression, but Shen Qingqiu intervened.

“Pass.”

Shang Qinghua looked utterly disappointed. Luo Binghe was a little stunned and confused. Mobei-Jun didn’t even bat an eye at the drama soon to follow.

“But I don’t even know your name!”

“You never asked.”

“YOU NEVER ASKED FOR MY NAME EITHER!! HOW THE FUCK IS THAT ANY BETTER THAN ME?!!”

“I DON’T CARE WHAT YOUR FUCKING NAME IS!!! A PASS IS A PASS!!!”

“YOU’RE SUCH A DICK, YOU KNOW THAT RIGHT?!!”

“I DO, SO IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS YOU KNOW WHERE THE DOOR IS!!!”

Shang Qinghua’s anger suddenly vanished like he just remembered something else entirely, and grew anxious while slowly turning towards Mobei-Jun.

“M-my king…would you believe it if I told you that I created everything in this world including you and everyone in it?” Shang Qinghua purposely avoided eye contact with anyone in the room.

Shen Qingqiu was flabbergasted, since he hadn’t even revealed this part to Luo Binghe, as it truly wasn’t something Luo Binghe would care about in the first place. He was however also berating the “Great Master Airplane's” shitty word choice with zero subtlety. This would distract Shang Qinghua and end up in another argument.

Luo Binghe had raised an eyebrow like he didn’t believe a snarky pathetic hamster was capable of that. Which would severely wound Shang Qinghua, as he was of his made up son, even though Luo Binghe had grown out and deviated from his initial idea for the main character.

Shang Qinghua was most afraid of Mobei-Jun’s reaction, as his emotional range was often limited to simply cold indifference or violent aggression. Shang Qinghua also had more on the table with the icy demon, since they had come this far in their respective lives together.

“No. I wouldn’t believe you.” Mobei-Jun said.

Everyone looked at him confused, but didn’t speak. Shang Qinghua didn’t know how to continue his questioning with such an answer to something so existential. Just down right plain rejection of reality or curiosity. Mobei-Jun grew uncomfortable with all the attention on him, and it got too much for him, so he turned around towards the door.

“…I don’t care either way.” Mobei-Jun said over his shoulder with a visible flush to his skin. “Are you done?”

“Ah, no, my king, but we can leave.” Shang Qinghua jumped out from the chair.

Luo Binghe mumbled "finally" under his breath, but Shen Qingqiu couldn’t stop the small unconscious smile briefly passing over his features, as he tugged Luo Binghe outside to bid them farewell.

In the distance Shen Qingqiu could hear Shang Qinghua ask more questions as they both got up on the Airplane’s sword to shoot towards the sky. They were both in a better mood than when they had arrived, so Shen Qingqiu figured the System might be satisfied for now.

“Why didn’t you want me to say your name? Was it wrong for me to tell others, shizun?” Luo Binghe asked with big wet puppy eyes.

Bingmei is back at last. Shen Qingqiu laughed fondly to himself. Shen Qingqiu casually tapped his fan against his lips, as he slowly leaned in close to Luo Binghe’s ear.

“Only you are allowed to call me Shen Yuan.”

This flirty tone and mannerisms would have severely damaged and threatened his dignity just a few years ago, but Shen Qingqiu had learned that he rather liked to rile up his black lotus in private.

Luo Binghe had however not grown used to these actions from his shizun yet, so he always got shaky and flushed bright red. He liked to trailed his fingers along Luo Binghe’s perfectly sculpted and delicate face, before pressing his lips to Luo Binghe’s.

Shen Qingqiu appreciated how every time he initiated Luo Binghe was more sensitive to his touch, as he pant at the hand tugging on his hair.
Shen Qingqiu felt like he was the possessive, powerful and petty demon for once and relished in it.

“Husband, say my name.”

Luo Binghe’s had grown weak and was extensively beautiful up close where their eyelashes could brush.

“Shen Yuan, could you do it today?”

Luo Binghe looked destroyed before they had even done anything, but who was Shen Qingqiu to deny his beloved husband anything he asked for??

As they continued the System could be heard celebrating in the background.

[Relationship status has deepened. Love +10.000 points! Congratulations! Protagonist satisfaction points +5000! Please continue to work hard! ヾ(☆▽☆)]

Chapter Text

Luo Binghe couldn’t stand to be without his shizun, if he could help it, but on certain nights after Shen Qingqiu had “let” further exploration happen, his shizun would fall into such a deep sleep, where Luo Binghe didn’t usually follow after.

This was the part of each person's dream realm that was filled with cloudy, faded or nearly forgotten memories. It was considered taboo to venture that deep into someone's memories, but most of the time there was nothing to explore or discover from these memories.

Most memories were those from early childhood and the everyday small moments people wouldn’t care to remember in the first place, like taking your first steps or how you made your breakfast 5 years ago.

Luo Binghe never wanted to intrude on his shizun no matter how minuscule, especially since Shen Qingqiu rarely brought up anything from the past in general…But now that Luo Binghe laid awake at night holding onto to his shizun, who’s past and real name is revealed…

He knew his shizun would answer his questions (but only because Shen Qingqiu had offered it). Luo Binghe had a feeling that bringing up the past would upset him in some way (and that’s the worst thing that could ever happen!), so he refused to ask him directly.

Shen Qingqiu hugged him closer, and a dull feeling brought Luo Binghe back to reality. (Shen Qingqiu would often be too sore to be the little spoon, but Luo Binghe didn’t mind the pain when laying in that position, since anything shizun made him feel would follow with his heartbeat going *doki doki*)

Luo Binghe nuzzled up closely with a satisfied smile, and decided to enter the dream realm himself. He wanted to see for himself why his shizun was okay with living away from his home in the first place.

Entering Shen Qingqiu’s dreams was second nature to Luo Binghe, even when Shen Qingqiu was too exhausted to actually be there to greet him in the dream Bamboo House. Luo Binghe sighed at the lack of his 24/7-daily-dose-of-shizun, but didn’t spend much time pondering before walking out the door to his desired destination.

Luo Binghe was met with a nearly colorless landscape. The sky was cloudy and there wasn’t a green tree in sight. There were premature sticks planted in the ground between flat rocks covering the ground. The buildings were crammed together in lines and outlined the skyline in blocky squares until they reached heaven.

It was similarly crowded with a mass of faceless dreary walking in a hurry. The only color brightening the area was flat moving smiling people plastered onto the buildings, but it didn’t seem to have a positive effect on the people walking by.

"Monotonous and uncomfortable" were the words that came to mind when Luo Binghe, and he didn’t want to look at it any longer. It made the absence of his shizun starker and more unbearable. Did his shizun feel this way constantly when living here?

Luo Binghe looked for the nearest door, but the first few ones he saw opened on their own and were made of glass. It frankly weirded him out, so he decided not to bother with those. He had to turn down a few roads to reach an area that had appropriate doors.

There was scribbled lettering on walls and random stuff was left out to the elements to take. Luo Binghe didn’t remember what it was like for the air not to smell funky and of smoke coming from the wheeled things on the road.

He walked through the door and was met with the interior of a home. Much like the outside it was mostly without color. Luo Binghe couldn’t tell if the furniture was nice or not, since the sunlight was blocked off by curtains.

Luo Binghe found what seemed to be the kitchen with charred and burnt pans and dirty dishes not yet washed and put away. Instinctively he wanted to help out and do it for his shizun and cook him something nice, but then someone walked into the room.

It was a young man with short hair, that would be in his tired eyes, if it wasn’t for the steel frame sitting on his nose. The man sighed heavily looking inside the big metal box that was lit up when he swung the door open. “Take-out it is.”

Luo Binghe studied the pale and fine features of the face, and realized he could vaguely recognize it from when his shizun had come back after five years in a different body. This must be his shizun’s real appearance.

With this realization he was instantly saddened, as his shizun was far too frail and skinny to be eating well. Luo Binghe held himself back from actually trying to cook something for him here, where his shizun wouldn’t be able to taste it. (He silently swore to make a feast for his shizun as soon as he’d wake up the next day!)

Luo Binghe was about to open another door, when he noticed a framed picture on the wall. A family with 4 kids, Shen Yuan appeared to be the youngest of the three sons with a younger sister. They were dressed in a similar manner and sat or stood with a meticulous straight back.

It was probably a nice picture, since it was the only one he had seen so far, but the small smiles didn’t reach the rest of their faces. It was hung up in a hallway where light didn’t reach, so it was probably out of habit or obligation to display such a picture.

In the next room Luo Binghe was met with a scene of the same family sitting nonverbally at a dinner table. Shen Yuan was quite young at this point, but he didn’t have the aura of a child. He sat stiffly looking at nothing. It was only when his little sister poked him, that he briefly brightened up.

The father was cold and stern and didn’t once look up from his plate. The mother was distant, but her razor sharp judgment was loud and clear enough to make Shen Yuan and his sister stop playing around.

Luo Binghe had quite enough of this already and left soon after. This was a small dark room like earlier, but it was lit up by a single source on the table against the wall. Like a white square lamp it lit up Shen Yuan’s face, which was twisted into a scowl. He was shouting out in frustration at the words on the square.

“AIRPLANE-BRO!! COULD YOU NOT AT LEAST TRY AND WRITE A COHERENT STORY WITH NO PLOT HOLES??!!!”

Luo Binghe couldn’t help but soften at the familiarity of his berating against “Airplane-bro”. This is the Shen Yuan he knows and loves. His shizun. When Luo Binghe got closer he noticed something hanging on the wall, and when he noticed what it was he froze.

It was a picture with big text spelling out “Proud Immortal Demon Way”. This must be the name of the book his shizun had mentioned, because Luo Binghe recognized the face in the picture…It was his very own face.

Luo Binghe then realized that he wasn’t just in this one picture, but nearly the whole wall was plastered with his face like wallpaper…but not just his face was on display…

Luo Binghe blushed at the thought of Shen Yuan proudly hanging up images of him with open robes past his navel…The sweet and bashful laugh Luo Binghe was suddenly sour and tasted like vinegar.

The “Luo Binghe” Shen Yuan had on his walls was not him. It was the bastard, who had shown up years ago…Luo Binghe’s anger was growing at an alarming rate, but it immediately faded away the second he heard Shen Yuan choke.

Luo Binghe could not interact with these memories, and he knew this, but he couldn’t help but reach out to try and help his shizun…

“NOT AGAIN!!! DON’T MAKE HIM DIE AGAIN!!” Luo Binghe yelled out desperately, but it didn’t stop Shen Yuan being unable to breathe and eventually fell limply onto the floor.

-

Shen Qingqiu woke up to a pathetic sound of sniffling. Luo Binghe was crying out “shizun” repeatedly in his arms, clinging on to him tightly. Shen Qingqiu intuitively started patting and petting his head in an attempt to comfort him.

“What’s wrong, Binghe?” Shen Qingqiu asked with worry growing worse as he registered slowly in his drowsy mind just how upset Luo Binghe was.

“Shizun! Don’t die ever again!” Luo Binghe’s eyes were spilling stars in the moonlight and they shot right into Shen Qingqiu’s heart like they were ninja-stars.

“I’m not planning on dying anytime soon.” He smiled trying to cheer him up.

“No, shizun! Please don’t joke about this!” More stars fell out and now it really hurt to look at. Perhaps joking was inappropriate when comforting someone.

“This one apologizes. Tell me why you are worried about that now?”

Luo Binghe didn’t answer and instead snuggled up into his chest, the dark hair tickling Shen Qingqiu’s chin. Shen Qingqiu hummed so Luo Binghe knew they would talk about tomorrow, and they drifted off into sleep again.

The next morning Shen Qingqiu woke up to an empty bedside. The last time this had happened it had been Bing-ge, so Shen Qingqiu was immediately alarmed. However Shen Qingqiu kept his usual posed expression and called for Luo Binghe…but he didn’t come running obediently or even answer.

Shen Qingqiu got out of bed with no white or black lotus, little lamb, Bing-mei or Bing-ge in sight for the first time in years. Surely Luo Binghe would continue to cling onto him and cry for at least the next few days after crying like that?

There were unusual sounds coming from the kitchen. Unusual in the sense that something was sizzling on a pan other than the steaming congee.

“Binghe?” He called again, but still received no response.

Shen Qingqiu stepped into the kitchen and was met with the sight of the back of a sweaty Luo Binghe kneading dough surrounded by more beyond Michelin star worthy food already plated to perfection. Luo Binghe had a tendency to start cooking or cleaning when he gets anxious, hurt or feeling insecure in some way.

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t see why Luo Binghe would have any reason to feel such a way, as all he could see was his black lotus Bingmei sulking with a kitchen knife or a broom in his hands, until Shen Qingqiu would say “no one could do better than you. Now come and help shizun with whatever”.

He had a theory that Luo Binghe’s way of cheering himself up was doing something good and productive, which just happened to inadvertently please his shizun, but Shen Qingqiu never called it out and instead comforted him.

(It also meant that their different homes always stayed clean and tidy, and their pantry was stocked full of spell preserved food, which was not something Shen Qingqiu would ever complain about)

“What are you making?” Shen Qingqiu asked as he opened his fan in the steamy room, and hid his flush from the mouth-watering scent of deliciousness in front of him (Luo Binghe included).

Luo Binghe startled slightly and looked immediately wounded.

“This one apologizes if I woke you up.”

“No need.” Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes affectionately before asking again. “What are you making?”

“It's meant to be a surprise, so shizun will have to wait.” Luo Binghe turned fully smiling brightly, and Shen Qingqiu hadn’t noticed that his robes were open like they had been lazily put on without Luo Binghe bothering to close it properly, so his flawless skin was exposed in a scandalous manner.

Shen Qingqiu remembered when a similar display was put on in Proud Immortal Demon Way a thousand of women would show up and ably for a spot in his growing harem. This thought along with the vinegar souring his blush he nearly reached out and closed it himself…

Something made him not commit to the act and instead pressed his palms against Luo Binghe’s chest. His thumbs unconsciously stroked the exposed skin.

Luo Binghe was silently enjoying this reaction from his shizun too well, but it was cut short when Shen Qingqiu heard a familiar robotic voice.

[Satisfaction points +200!! Keep up the hard work!]

“WTF I THOUGHT YOU HAD TURNED OFF BY NOW?!!” Shen Qingqiu complained internally, as he was brought back to reality and retreated his hands as if they were on fire. (They might as well have been!) He left with fidgeting hands trying to straighten his own collar, and said he’d wait by the table.

It didn’t take long before congee was brought out, but Shen Qingqiu was again met with the sightful sin of Luo Binghe’s chest popping out. Shen Qingqiu had to close his eyes for a moment to recover and prepare himself.

“Binghe, you’re far too old to be excused for not knowing how to dress properly. Don’t let others see you like this.”

“There’s no one but us, so why should I stop? But shizun…seemed to like it.” Luo Binghe shamelessly said oh so innocently. Little lamb Bingmei wouldn’t intentionally show skin to tease, since he didn’t have a harem to expand, but it seemed he still found someone he wanted to impress…) Shen Qingqiu’s brow twitched at the suggestion.

Of course no one was actually here to see such a thing. They were still staying at their diy bamboo house, but Shen Qingqiu would drown in vinegar if anyone ever did lay eyes on his black lotus flower…And perhaps he appreciated the effort his husband put in for him…

“It’s irrelevant whether we’re alone or not, you know better and should act on it!” Shen Qingqiu snapped his fan shut and started to somewhat calmly eat his breakfast.

Luo Binghe did as told, but considered the experiment an overall success, as a blush dusted darkly over his shizun’s face.

“This one will go finish up shizun’s surprise! Remember to take small bites!” Luo Binghe said sweetly as he planted a kiss on Shen Qingqiu’s forehead, before running off leaving a stunned Shen Qingqiu. (What the hell was up with him today??!)

-

Hours had passed and Shen Qingqiu was meditating quietly in his usual spot under a tree. Luo Binghe had joined him earlier but only briefly before running off again. Shen Qingqiu wanted to ask what had happened for Luo Binghe to act differently, but he seemed so enthusiastic and busy that Shen Qingqiu decided to wait.

In the air a distinct scent permeated the air. Shen Qingqiu found it strangely familiar but foreign at the same time, so he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was. It made him unfocused and slightly frustrated that he couldn’t for the life of him remember what the smell came from.

He was so distracted by this that he had failed to notice his beloved lotus setting down a tray in front of him.

“Surprise!” Luo Binghe said excitedly, and Shen Qingqiu opened his eyes and looked down and saw…pizza? Luo Binghe had made pizza? Shen Qingqiu stared at the pizza like it was a long lost treasure that had made it back to him.

Shen Qingqiu looked repeatedly between the modern day favorite food of western origin and Luo Binghe’s handsome face. (SINCE WHEN DID LUO BINGHE KNOW WTF PIZZA IS??!!)

“Please, try it, shizun.” At this point Luo Binghe had grown shy under his shizun’s intense stare. “Tell me if you like it or not.”

Obviously he would LIKE it. It wasn’t just any pizza! It was his very-specific-hard-to-order-with-ingredients-no-one-would-ever-think-to-pair-together favorite pizza!!!

Shen Qingqiu pulled back his long sleeves and it was like he was transported back into old habits of slouching in his office chair, because his legs went from being crossed to being supporting his chin. He took a piece and the cheese stretched and it was like heaven had blessed him.

Shen Qingqiu was lost in the transient flavors that were expertly made to his liking. So lost in fact that he hadn’t noticed the pleased sound he was making. Luo Binghe was happy to make his shizun happy, but the moaning was nearly too much.

[Satisfaction points +300!! Keep going like this and the System would be forced to double the amount 10 fold!! (ᵒ̤̑ ₀̑ ᵒ̤̑)wow!*✰]

Shen Qingqiu choked when he heard the notification, and Luo Binghe was there to gently pat his back until it stopped. Shen Qingqiu’s voice was rough and he was still coughing.

“It’s good. I forgot how much I missed it…” Shen Qingqiu looked pointedly at Luo Binghe, who pouted knowing he’d been found out.

“Didn’t this one promise to answer any questions you might have, and avoid spending unnecessary energy on old matters?” Shen Qingqiu raised his eyebrow as he started on another slice.

“I-I might’ve-“ Luo Binghe looked as guilty as one could be, but Shen Qingqiu simultaneously smiled as Luo Binghe couldn’t keep his eyes off of him. “…Looked into your memories and found the recipe..”

“What else did you see?” Shen Qingqiu asked nonchalant. “Not anything interesting I imagine.”

“Shizun…”

“What?”

“It was really lonely, wasn’t it?”

“...It was.”

Shen Qingqiu knew he didn’t actually live an exciting life or anything, but he had always thought he was content with life he had…He knew now when thinking more deeply about it that it wasn’t the truth.

“Shizun?…Are you lonely here as well?”

“Of course not!” At this Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but laugh fondly at the ridiculous idea. To think his lotus husband would think him to ever be lonely, when they did nothing but spend each second of the day together.

Luo Binghe was pouting and about to ask him again not to joke around when talking about something serious, but Shen Qingqiu didn’t let him get so far.

“Binghe, you don’t have to worry about this matter. I am happy here in your company.” Shen Qingqiu said softly as his Bingmei cried despite the good news.

“I was afraid shizun still preferred his home world, so I thought I could bring some of it here, so you wouldn’t want to go back” Luo Binghe sniffled.

“And I appreciate the thought, but I’m not going anywhere.” Shen Qingqiu smiled openly and wiped tears from Luo Binghe’s delicately sculpted cheek.

“Do you want to try?” Shen Qingqiu offered a slice to an eager Luo Binghe. (He liked to be fed for some reason). Luo Binghe took a bite and tried not to make a face.

“Shizun, I don’t think I like it.” Luo Binghe looked like he was ready to cry again, but Shen Qingqiu was quick to soothe his glass heart.

“That’s okay. Then there’s more for me! You made it for me after all.” Shen Qingqiu grinned widely like the sun itself.

This was one of those moments Luo Binghe was jealous of the other world’s ability to capture an image in a split second, because this was a rare moment of his shizun not posing or masking his feelings for anyone.

This side of his shizun in some way only belonged in these short moments between them, and Luo Binghe wanted to be reminded of that every day. For now Luo Binghe simply smiled back just admiring his shizun.

“How did you get the ingredients?” Shen Qingqiu suddenly asked, looking at him intensely. “Did you actually go there?!”

Luo Binghe was now caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to do and feared the worst punishment possible.

Chapter Text

“Binghe, I thought we agreed that it was too dangerous to keep around.” Shen Qingqiu groaned, staring at the magically repaired Xin Mo lying shining innocently on the table. If only the sword knew the drama it had caused for the people sitting by the table.

“This one knows I shouldn’t have done it, but I couldn’t find the things needed to make shizun’s favorite bissa…” Luo Binghe should at this point rename himself to Bingmei with the face he was making.

Shen Qingqiu had already used his fan to wack his disciple over the head, because this was one of the times he truly felt lost of what to do.

(How could his lotus go recklessly against his word, yet be so adorable that it made Shen Qingqiu even more infuriated when he said “bissa” instead of “pizza”!!!)

“You should’ve discussed it with me or someone else before restoring it. It needs to be destroyed without the possibility of mending it back together!” Shen Qingqiu couldn’t stop the twitching of his brow, even as he continually massaged his temples.

“But shizun, then I can never make any of your favorite meals!” Bingmei was crying as stubborn as ever. “I have never seen some of the ingredients, so we must not have them here, so I need to be able to go back and forth to get it for you!”

“Binghe!” Shen Qingqiu rarely ever raised his voice at Luo Binghe these days, but what else was he supposed to do when Luo Binghe was acting like a brat?

“Listen to me, whatever you make is my favorite! I haven’t needed or wanted anything else since!”

“...Shizun likes my cooking?” Luo Binghe’s eyes were the night sky lighting up full of stars, and it was unbearable for Shen Qingqiu to look at.

(His perfect little white lotus disciple was staring at him in genuine wonder and hope! How was he supposed to stay on topic, when guilt was eating him up!!!)

“Of course, this one has not liked anyone else’s cooking since trying yours.” Shen Qingqiu said meaningfully, but with a defeated sigh.

Shen Qingqiu had to be as direct and as honest as possible when “white lotus” showed up, so it was always embarrassing to do as it was the purest and best way to soften Shen Qingqiu’s heart.

“And shizun isn’t just flattering to please me?” Luo Binghe was back to crying. Shen Qingqiu patted him on top of the head.

“No, this one truly can’t eat anything without thinking of yours…” Shen Qingqiu inwardly cringed as it was beginning to sound more and more like they were in a cheesy romance, where no other dick could ever satisfy the needs of the love interest…

Luo Binghe had in the meantime recovered from their unnecessary fight about what food Shen Qingqiu preferred. (Shen Qingqiu wanted to bang his head into the table to knock some sense into himself again.)

Luckily, it was Luo Binghe who brought them back on track. “So shizun truly doesn’t wanna go back, even when he has the option?”

Shen Qingqiu looked again at the demonic sword with a thought. Was there nothing he wanted to see or experience before locking the door and throwing away the key?

-

“CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHY WE ARE DOING THIS AGAIN???!” Shang Qinghua was staring at the looming cut splitting open reality; a portal to be exact.

“Because shizun said so!” Luo Binghe said not so kindly, but it was nice in the sense that Shen Qingqiu wouldn’t have to explain in full why they were all going.

(It’s a double date, and Shen Qingqiu hated the idea as much as he wanted to do the silly and cliche things and that wasn’t ironic at all!)

At least Luo Binghe had also earned a kiss for this, so everything was still right in his head, right?

“So we’re just walking into the modern world dressed like this??! Cucumber-bro you can’t be serious!!”

“Of course not. Binghe has made disguises for us.” Shen Qingqiu said, fanning himself like an aloof immortal next to the swirling smoke of the portal.

“Does Luo-shixiong even know how modern day people dress?!” Shang Qinghua raised his eyebrows in disbelief.

“Surely, you know better than to doubt Binghe, Great master Airplane” Shen Qingqiu teased, and before Shang Qinghua could complain any further, Luo Binghe had snapped his fingers and they were instantly in foreign attire.

Shen Qingqiu had never cared much for fashion or clothes in general, as it was often uncomfortable to dress formally, and he was used to staying at home in his pajamas anyway. In this moment however, Shen Qingqiu couldn’t wait to see what Luo Binghe had picked out for each of them.

He was (obviously) looking most forward to seeing his husband in a different style.

(Totally not because he used to fantasize or try to imagine the characters in different aesthetics, and Luo Binghe always came out looking the best. Totally not a biased opinion! Anyone would agree that his black lotus demon husband was the most handsome of all!!)

So Shen Qingqiu eagly looked to his side first.

“...” *Shen Qingqiu’s brain has melted* (FULL ON ANIME NOSE BLEED)

Luo Binghe wore a brown tailored jacket over a black turtleneck with a shorter and layered hairstyle…and he looked good..more than good…that’s all that needed to be said.

(Shen Qingqiu might’ve complained about his luck in the past, but he certainly wasn’t anymore XD)

It seemed that Shen Qingqiu wasn’t alone in his plan of looking at their husband, because Luo Binghe stood just as visibly stunned as Shen Qingqiu, if not more so.

“You..you..uhm..” Luo Binghe repeated over and over again, until he simply walked over and hid his face in Shen Qingqiu’s shoulder. “You look really good, shizun.”

(Shen Qingqiu is so fucking hot and pretty, it takes a year off my life every time I look at him *author speaking in full agreement with Luo Binghe*)

Shen Qingqiu blushed at the compliment. He could take compliments on his cultivation, knowledge, wit or charm without problem. He was however completely unused to one's appearance, and whenever Luo Binghe had done so he usually got a whack from the fan.

In this instance Shen Qingqiu was however too starstruck to do so. (To be called attractive in any sense of the word by the most handsome and gorgeous man ever would fluster anyone!)

Instead he coughed awkwardly a quiet “thank you..you do as well..” as he gently pushed Luo Binghe off away from him.

They weren’t even alone at this moment (and Shen Qingqiu was not the type to make out in the school hallways!!), so Shen Qingqiu instead turned his attention to the other people in the room.

Mobei-Jun stood with his arms crossed in a classic leather jacket. It was nice and simple, so Shang Qinghua’s outfit couldn’t be far off in style. Luo Binghe had subtly made himself and Shen Qingqiu match, so Shen Qingqiu assumed it was the same for the other couple…

He assumed wrong…Shang Qinghua was wearing a spongebob squarepants tie-dye t-shirt like what a 12 year old would wear at summer camp playing with water guns…

Shen Qingqiu quickly opened his fan (he wasn’t going anywhere without his fan, duh) and hid his laugh as best as he could before Shang Qinghua exploded.

“WHY THE FUCK AM I THE ONLY ONE DRESSED LIKE A KID???!!!” Shang Qinghua continued to yell nonsense and empty threats, as no one took him seriously.

Luo Binghe was too busy looking at Shen Qingqiu, who was now audibly laughing, to care about anything else.

“STOP LAUGHING AT ME!!! LUO-SHIXIONG, PLEASE CHANGE IT TO SOMETHING ELSE!!!” Shang Qinghua was well on his way to attempt to cling on to his makeshift son, but he was suddenly grabbed by the collar.

“My king?” Mobei-Jun held him up as Shang Qinghua instantly obediently stopped thrashing and yelling.

“Shut up. You look fine. Let’s go already.” Mobei-Jun put Shang Qinghua under his arm and walked through the portal. (Which didn’t help Shang Qinghua look any less pathetic or make Shen Qingqiu stop laughing.)

Luo Binghe was staring lovingly at his shizun trying to calm himself. When Shen Qingqiu noticed the doe eyes he immediately coughed and collected himself.

“This master is ready to go as well.”

“This one will accompany you!” (NO SHIT SHERLOCK!!) Luo Binghe kissed Shen Qingqiu’s cheek and before he could react he was pulled through the portal with Luo Binghe.

They were immediately met with a chilly strong wind, practically slapping Shen Qingqiu in the face and blowing his hair in all directions.

Shen Qingqiu had taken the fictional wind, which is limited to aesthetically appealing breeze for characters to look badass and cool or conveniently lift up skirts for fan service, for granted.

Still Luo Binghe managed to still pull off the messy hair look (because of course he did!) But when Shen Qingqiu remembered where they were he quickly shrugged off Luo Binghe’s grip on him.

“We can’t be too close here.” Shen Qingqiu explained vaguely to a confused Bingmei, but Shen Qingqiu didn’t want to explain the complexities of homophobia. “Where Shang Qinghua and Mobei-Jun?”

Luo Binghe understood what he meant enough to follow along his shizun’s direction and walk with an appropriate distance between them, until they found their friends. (Or rather heard them)

Shang Qinghua was loudly squealing like a schoolgirl, whose crush just said they like them back. Mobei-Jun was noticeably missing his jacket, which now was drowning Shang Qinghua’s small frame.

(It seemed being dressed in a cringy outfit had its perks.)

When Shang Qinghua noticed the others he smirked with satisfaction. “Who knew the real winner in romance would be me, huh?”

Everyone ignored him to not let it get to his head and give him false confidence. “So what are we actually doing here?”

“Consider it a present from me to you after all the writing the shittiest novel ever.” Shen Qingqiu said with a lofty expression as cars were driving by.

“Oh shut up! Didn’t you also get a hot boyfriend out of it?!”

“Only because I fixed it!” Shen Qingqiu, instead of opening his fan, gave Shang Qinghua the middle finger and walked off with Luo Binghe tailing him. “We’ll meet up here in a few hours or we’ll leave without you! Enjoy your vacation!”

Shen Qingqiu was now taking in the changes from his memory of the city. It didn’t seem like much had happened since he transmigrated, so he figured time must not have passed at the same speed.

Cars were more or less the same driving around and not flying around. Buildings had been constructed and taken down like it was nothing, but that was an ordinary thing. People were still walking with their faces down in their phones, and not some future high tech thingy.

“What did shizun wanna do first?” Luo Binghe asked sweetly like the sun shining solely in space.

Shen Qingqiu had one thing planned but he wanted to end the trip with it, so he was going to wait with suggesting it. But he hadn’t actually thought of what else he wanted to do..

“..What would Binghe want?” Shen Qingqiu asked opening his fan to hide his awkward tone, but the wind was proving it impossible, so he closed it immediately. (Coming across as even more of an awkward mess)

“This one doesn’t care as long as it’s with shizun!” Luo Binghe blushed with a flashing smile. People who walked them either took a second look or started to whisper comments into their friends ear.

Shen Qingqiu noticed and suddenly came up with an idea to get away from the crowd (and the cold).

There had been stores filled with crane games that Shen Qingqiu had always wanted to try just for the sake of it. In the past he’d found an excuse to not go every time like “I’d rather stay home” or “the prices aren’t even that good”.

Now he didn’t care in the slightest about any of those things, because he found the image of the black lotus badass protagonist concentrating on making the claw grab the fluffiest and cutest plush too irresistible.

Shen Qingqiu watched with excitement as the store still existed and had grown in size by a floor or two from what he could remember.

Beside him was Luo Binghe powering up in pure awe having never been in a room full of fluorescent lights and strange noisy robots playing ear-piercing music.

“S-shizun, what is this place?!” Luo Binghe looked like a child on an overstimulated sugar rush already.

“It’s a place where you can win toys through games.” This was Shen Qingqiu's attempt to make up for Luo Binghe’s tragic childhood by letting him have this moment.

They looked around for which crane game to play first, but Shen Qingqiu didn’t recognize many of the characters, until one caught his eye. A familiar face was plastered onto the side of it. Several familiar faces actually..

Luo Binghe also stopped and followed his line of sight, until he saw it as well. On the crane game Luo Binghe was front and center surrounded by some of his notable harem members and other characters from Proud Immortal Demon Way.

It was a mystery box game with a different plush in each and Shen Qingqiu felt a heavy need to use all their magically forged money on it. (mY PrEciOUs *nasty gremlin noises*)

Luo Binghe noticed the minuscule change in Shen Qingqiu’s expression, and noted how he had never seen this unhinged and greedy side of his shizun. This made him determined to win no matter what!!

Shen Qingqiu played the first few rounds explaining the mechanics of it to Luo Binghe, who looked more and more serious, as they kept losing and accidentally dropping the box further and further away from the shoot.

“I think I understand. Let this one try now!” Luo Binghe looked confident and battled ready for anything, as he pushed the claw side to side with precision.

Shen Qingqiu wasn’t worried as whatever Luo Binghe put his mind and attention to would be a success in the end. Surely enough to claw seemed to have a good grip on the box, until it suddenly let go..

Perhaps Shen Qingqiu was too used to his black lotus having a golden finger in everything (*cough* including Shen Qingqiu *cough*), so Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help the surprise and disappointment fall over his face.

Luo Binghe was quiet…too quiet. Shen Qingqiu patted his shoulder lightly, afraid of ticking off whatever was troubling his little lotus.

“This one failed shizun…” Luo Binghe said with way too much self deprecation to be justified, so Shen Qingqiu slapped him over the head with his fan.

“Oh hush, none of that is necessary. The game is also a game of luck. Sometimes the game only rewards you when it wants to.” Shen Qingqiu comforted Bingmei.

“That isn’t fair! Why is the best I can do not good enough?!” Bingmei pouted looking two seconds away from crying louder than any sore loser, but Shen Qingqiu knew he still struggled to see himself as good enough.

“Binghe, no one can do better than you. This master will go ask for help.” Shen Qingqiu was beginning to find it hard to be limited in his ability to comfort through just shoulder pats.

Physical affection must be something he had grown accustomed to over the many years with Luo Binghe. (And Shen Qingqiu couldn’t think any implication of their usual head pats or intimate gestures looked like to modern cishet)

Instead he tried to give his Bingmei a gentle smile hoping it would pay him enough time to go ask staff for help. Luo Binghe blushed and obediently stayed behind trying again on his own.

Shen Qingqiu found a staff member down a different aisle. It was a young cheerful woman greeting him politely, but Shen Qingqiu had completely forgotten at that moment to talk modern Chinese.

The staff lady looked confused at the overly formal and flowery manner of speaking, but luckily chose not to comment on it.

When she was helping position the boxes in a better placement for them to easily grab, she kept double glancing at them weirdly.

(Who wouldn’t feel crazy when two identical people to the gorgeously handsome characters on the machine showed up in front of them??)

She left while rubbing her eyes repeatedly, as Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu finally got into a winning streak.

The first character they won was Liu Mingyuan, and Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help the excitement escape him at the good quality of his favorite female character.

Luo Binghe was less enthusiastic, but despite the vinegar he was determined and willing to bear it for his shizun. Even his protagonist halo had shined light upon his luck once again and now nothing could stop him.

They powered on winning a Mobei-Jun, Liu Qingge, Ning Yingying, Sha Hualing and at last Bingge plush himself.

Shen Qingqiu had since found them a big bag to carry them all, but he couldn’t help but admire the handsome plush with an embroidered smirk.

“This one is satisfied with today’s catch, let’s-“

“I want shizun’s doll as well..” Luo Binghe said shyly, still drowning down vinegar. Shen Qingqiu couldn’t object to something so simple, so they continued winning Yue Qingyuan, white lotus Bingge (*cuteness overload*), the rest of the original cast from the book.

Shen Qingqiu was opening the box hoping to get perhaps his own Shang Qinghua to bring home and beat up whenever he felt like it, but instead when he pulled out the plushies head he was met with his own face…with the eyes missing…

It was a cute and wholesome plush of the human stick version of Shen Qingqiu…totally not something that sent a cold shiver down his spine at the memory of his limbs being torn off…

“What is it, shizun?” Luo Binghe obviously couldn’t recognize who this was, having never executed this revenge plot.

“It’s..uhm nothing.” Shen Qingqiu tried to stuff it back in the box, but then Luo Binghe gently stopped him and took it out again to get a better look.

There was a little tag on each of the plushies with the characters name and such. Shen Qingqiu could tell when Luo Binghe read it, because a myriad of agonizing emotions came over his face.

“..This is what he did to you?” Luo Binghe asked, staring unblinkingly at the crossed out features.

“..It is.” Shen Qingqiu confirmed with a sigh. “We’ll throw this one out later. For now let’s just use the last of the coins and move on?”

Luo Binghe didn’t say anything but nodded softly. The game was now more of a dread than a good time, but they did eventually get Shen Qingqiu with a lofty expression, along with a few extras and the rest of the cast

They last the place with four full bags of cute merchandise to the worst (read; his favorite) book Shen Qingqiu had ever read. They had spent much more time there than he had expected but it was fine.

-

They walked to the long awaited last and only planned destination. Shen Qingqiu prayed that this place still existed, as it was where his favorite milkshake was.

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t explain why it was his favorite thing ever, but the first time he got one was when his sister gave one to him as a treat.

At that time it was his birthday, and he was the type of person to not wish for anything, but his sister had insisted on giving him something small.

Shen Qingqiu figured the fondness for the drink was more of a byproduct of his affection towards his sister’s sweet gesture, but they nonetheless made it a tradition to go every so often together.

Walking in was not exactly the same experience however. There had been a total rebrand of the store. Not to anything worse, but it just didn’t hit him with the nostalgia like he wanted it to.

Shen Qingqiu told Luo Binghe to find a drink he wanted on the menu behind the counter. Looking at the different options Shen Qingqiu couldn’t find the special milkshake, and felt his excitement deflating.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU NO LONGER SELL IT???!!!” The young woman seemed to have the same problem as Shen Qingqiu. “YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS!!!”

“Isn’t there a-any other flavor you like?” The poor part time worker behind the counter was helplessly shaking. “There’s also f-freshly pressed juice?”

Suddenly the woman lost all her energy and mumbled, slouching over the counter. “But it’s for my brother..”

..It was his sister??!! He hadn’t looked too closely at her face, but it definitely was his little sister! She had changed and grown a lot from the last time he saw her.

Her hair was shorter and died a fire-y red and she was wearing an oversized blazer with paint splatter on it, so gone was her slicked back ponytail and frilly dresses.

She was not the type to yell, so he wasn’t accustomed to her voice at that volume, and it didn’t help with identifying her either.

“Ugh..sorry I’ll just iced Americano instead.” She finally said, picking herself up. When her order was ready and she was about to pay Shen Qingqiu stepped in.

“I’ll pay for her order, and add two muffins.”

Chapter Text

His sister and Luo Binghe both sat patiently at the cramped table, but didn’t warm up much to each other by the time Shen Qingqiu had gotten his lotus and himself coffee.

Every other table was taken or sticky from the last teenage liquid-food-fight, so the small table in the corner would do.

Shen Qingqiu sat down closely next to Luo Binghe, aware of the pleased look on Luo Binghe’s face, as any further distance between them would be too far.

“It’s such a shame we couldn’t get the milkshake.” Shen Qingqiu said with his fan ready to block Luo Binghe’s thank-you-kisses or blushing smiles, as he handed over the coffee.

(Luo Binghe couldn’t decide if he liked it or not, but he drank it anyway as anything his shizun presented him was good)

“And they even just took it off the menu!” She whined, reminded of the tragedy. “What will I get for my brother now?!”

“Your brother?” Shen Qingqiu asked, genuinely confused. Their older brothers had both never liked sugary drinks, so it wouldn’t make sense for it to be for either of them.

“He loves them,” She smiled softly to herself. “It’s the only way to get him outside.”

“Are you meeting with him here soon, then?”

It wasn’t like Shen Yuan was skipping around alive and well (..right?) Or had his body become a zombie who’d eat brains, unless it was on a steady diet of milkshakes??!

“Oh, no my brother had been in a coma for many years, but the doctors pulled the plug recently.” She joked awkwardly. “I guess, I still haven’t gotten used to it.”

Shen Qingqiu froze…He had been in a coma this whole time??

She had been sitting by his bedside hoping that someday Shen Yuan would wake up. Having no way of finding closure like she could have, if he had died like Shen Qingqiu thought he had.

That must mean the System wasn’t lying. He really could’ve gone back, but he chose to leave his sister behind without thinking she would still be waiting for him.

Shen Qingqiu didn’t know what to say, but Luo Binghe was surprisingly sincere and honest with her.

“You have our condolences.” Luo Binghe sympathized with his own pained expression. “Sometimes the worst part is the hope that comes with not knowing.”

Shen Qingqiu was immediately reminded of the five years Luo Binghe had clung desperately to his corpse, while fixing it for the mere chance Shen Qingqiu would come back.

Shen Qingqiu held Luo Binghe’s hand and rubbed his thumb over the scar he’d made so long ago, as if to say ‘I’m here now. It’s all in the past’.

This action shouldn’t have been taken out of context, since talking about something so severe often led to people being more touchy than usual.

But with growing silence Shen Qingqiu had a feeling that he had miscalculated, and retreated from touching.

To the ever so clingy Bingmei this was a betrayal and a denial of any future comfort and touching, so he predictably started whining ‘shizun!’.

But Shen Qingqiu shut him up with a quick whack on the head and soothed the glass heart by placing his other hand down between them, discreetly caressing Luo Binghe with his knuckles.

Luo Binghe didn’t exactly hide how easily he was pacified. His sister was quietly observing their interaction with interest and mirth, while drinking loudly.

“You two actually remind me of him.”

Shen Qingqiu coughed and nearly spat out his sip of coffee (which had entirely lost its appeal after years of not having it regularly).

How could she have found out that her brother was actually in front of her?? Had he said anything alluding to it or let old habits slip?? But why was Luo Binghe included in this remark??

“Did you know you look almost identical to characters from his favorite book series!” She chirped, leaning forward slightly to study their faces further.

“I was the one to go through his stuff, and his office was practically covered with posters with your faces on them.”

Shen Qingqiu wanted to hide behind his fan (but couldn’t because that would make it even more obvious!) or slam his head against the wall for his cringy obsession had been found out!!

But what could he expect?! Of course his family had to sell his apartment and get rid of his stuff! Had he not always purposely closed the door to his office every time someone came over, how could he think no one would think to open it after he was gone??

“You also look familiar to a book series I’ve been reading recently,” She laughed shyly. “But I’m sure you guys wouldn’t know it.”

Shen Qingqiu knew many things about his sister (and about books obviously), but he thought she had never picked up a book ever since it wasn’t
a requirement after school.

“What book are you referring to? I might know it, so no judgment.” Shen Qingqiu said with a schooled expression.

“Oh..it’s uhm..” She leaned closer with a hand cupping her mouth, so she could whisper it to Shen Qingqiu. “Regret of Chunshan: Song of Bingqiu”

Horror washed over Shen Qingqiu like a bucket of ice water.

(HOW THE FUCK DID THAT FANFIC TRANSEND MORTAL BARRIERS AND SPACE???!! WOULD IT FOLLOW HIM TO HIS DEATH???!!)

“It’s kind of a spin-off of the book series my brother was into, and after seeing his dedication for it I got curious.” She explained with an awkward laugh.

But no one could’ve died harder from embarrassment than Shen Qingqiu. His SISTER of all people was reading fanfiction about HIS and Luo Binghe’s enthusiastically made up sex life.

(Shen Qingqiu stopped working *the sound of a MACbook turning off*)

“Are you okay?” She asked when she saw the crack in Shen Qingqiu expression.

“Shizun?” Luo Binghe was quick to find an excuse for putting an arm around Shen Qingqiu and caressing his waist.

(Nope. NO. Absolutely not!! Do not give his sister any more material or reminders of the taboo teacher-student relationship!!!)

“I’m fine,” Shen Qingqiu slapped his hand off of him. “Don’t call me that!”

Luo Binghe was at a loss. Usually his shizun only disliked being addressed this way during sex, but they were not at the moment, but surely he couldn’t address by his real name, so he just sulked quietly.

“I wasn’t trying to insinuate or expose you guys!” She fluttered her arms around apologetically. “I shouldn’t have said anything!”

“Expose?” Shen Qingqiu asked dumbfounded, until he understood. She already suspected them to be gay..

They must have not been subtle enough or maybe his sister had already hardwired her brain to look for any intimate moments between men to squeal about internally?!! (Shen Qingqiu couldn’t decide which was worse)

“I’m so sorry! I don’t mean to upset you guys!” She got up about to run off in shame (forgetting her coffee in the process, of course).

“No no, you didn’t,” Shen Qingqiu swallowed his anguish immediately at her distress, and tried to calm her down like he used to. “I’m just not used to people talking openly about that.”

“So you don't want me to leave?” She asked genuinely.

“No, we don’t,” Shen Qingqiu smiled.

“I’m sorry,” She sat down again, but she was still visibly worried. “I should've known better than to just blurt it out to strangers.”

“Where did you get those books from?” Luo Binghe asked, suddenly interested in the conversation.

“Uhm..I just buy them wherever I find them first,” She laughed to herself. “Even though I really shouldn’t. My wallet is practically empty because of it!”

Alarm bells went off in Shen Qingqiu’s confused head. There was no way their family was struggling financially, so how come his sister can’t afford anything she wants?

“Can’t you ask your family for help?” Shen Qingqiu asked not seeing how it could’ve ended up this way.

“Ah, no. I can’t. I don't talk to my siblings much anymore and my parents are out of the equation.” She brushed it off. “But it’s okay.”

“How come?” Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but ask, despite it not being socially acceptable to ask a stranger, but she didn’t seem to mind.

“We had a falling out when my brother got sick. They didn’t show much concern and I just couldn’t take anymore, so I cut them off.” She sighed. “It had been a long time coming, honestly.”

Shen Yuan might’ve been the older sibling, but she had always been one to stand up for him to their parents, when Shen Yuan didn’t want to stir up trouble.

He had never spoken up or voiced a different opinion to their parents, as it was pointless. They were never going to change.

She had struggled to understand why Shen Yuan had given up for a long time, but it seemed she had come to learn the same thing eventually.

“It doesn’t make it any easier.” Shen Qingqiu said vaguely.

Chapter Text

They talked for a while until they had finished their respective drinks and snacks. She thanked them again for paying and the good company before saying goodbye.

Shen Qingqiu did the same and watched her leave, as Luo Binghe gathered the bags of plushies.

This would be the last time he would ever see her, but at least this time he got to say goodbye.

“Are you ready to go back, shizun?” Luo Binghe asked behind him.

“Let’s get a few more things,” Shen Qingqiu turned around and smiled softly at his little black lotus. “Then we’ll go home.”

Poor Bingmei had been deprived of attention from his shizun for so long, that this simple gesture was enough to fluster him red and send a bashful smile back.

They went to a bookstore and browsed through the cook and farming section to find nostalgic recipes and instructions for growing the produce, which couldn’t be found back home.

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but admire from behind a book the black lotus defining the definition of the look of a book-boyfriend. Luo Binghe was surely making a knee-weakening impression on inspectors and book lovers alike.

Shen Qingqiu wondered what tropes Luo Binghe would fulfill of what a modern setting could bring, like the classic “oh let me help you get the book on the highest shelf, but we ended up pressed against each other”. (*sigh* he totally would be)

Luo Binghe, always honed in on his shizun, noticed the slanted eyes in his direction and felt heat crawl up his neck. His shizun was prone to get lost in thought sometimes, which had confused him in the past.

Now he not only knew it was often a result of talking to the “System” (who should fear for their life if Luo Binghe ever got his hands on the piece of shit who threatened to kill his shizun for years and make their lives hell!), but this clearly had nothing to do with that.

This was a look of an amusement tangent spiraling into some conclusion, which ended up in both of their favors. Luo Binghe wouldn’t complain about this ever, but why must his shizun have this reaction at a place he himself had ordered them not to be overly affectionate?

Shen Qingqiu noticed the flushed and confused face on his husband, and instantly turned away in embarrassment. He was all too familiar with the color of Luo Binghe’s skin when the System would “congratulate him on his hard work” ever since the System woke up a few weeks ago.

At times Shen Qingqiu would develop a headache from all the notifications (which especially plagued him during sex), and would continue a vicious cycle of pleasing Binghe, to be comforted by his lotus, to pushing him away and having to piece his glass heart together.

Luckily, it seemed that the System hadn’t followed them here, so he was safe for now. However, Shen Qingqiu knew better than to not be surprised if the System decided to go off all at once when they’d return.

Shen Qingqiu sighed, but cheered up by checking out what else the store had to offer. There was a shelf for top sellers and he was horrified to find the infamous smutty BL fanfic “Regret of Chunshan” front and center.

(Did people have no shame anymore?!! Was it even allowed to display BL publicly like it wasn’t ILLEGAL in China??!) It didn’t seem to be the case anymore, as it was surrounded by other BL novels.

Shen Qingqiu totally didn’t thoroughly inspect all the different books with a pair of curious eyes looking over his shoulder.

He totally didn’t buy two whole series, where one was about a demonic cultivator and the other was about a silly god with the silent encouragement of his husband putting them in their basket.

Luo Binghe started looking on his own on the other side of the display table. Something had caught his eye, and Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but wonder what it was, so he looked.

His ever-so-skilled lotus was too quick and stuffed the basket full of books, but not before Shen Qingqiu read the last part of the title…

“White cat shizun”… Great, fantastic, amazing! More shizun-fucking to feed Luo Binghe’s fantasies until they become reality!! Shen Qingqiu just hoped the material wouldn’t be too much of a pain to recreate and lit a thousand candles for his ass…

By the time they had stacked a copy of each BL book the cashier was hidden behind a wall of angsty-ass-gay-smut.

“Are you making a home library?” The cashier asked jokingly awkwardly.

Shen Qingqiu suddenly felt embarrassment blocking his voice, as this was absolutely an unusual and blatant show of interest in lewd inappropriate material…

Luckily Luo Binghe was so familiar and keenly observant with anything with his shizun, that he stepped in as soon as he noticed an uncomfortable reluctance on his shizun’s face from behind his fan.

The cashier was awe-struck as the handsome pair were slowly revealed from behind the books, and how one was stuffing the scanned books down a bottomless bag…were they magicians playing a trick or were they secretly filming a prank video?

Shen Qingqiu had forgotten to tell Luo Binghe these types of things were not a normal occurrence before he had already diligently taken the qiankun pouch out for convenience, so they could actually bring all their souvenirs home.

Still it was too late to tell him to stop, and scolding him for being smart and considerate was out of the question, so Shen Qingqiu could only fan himself erratically.

Luo Binghe was, however, happy to buy new inspiration for what they should try out next, and to carry it all for his shizun. Even if it broke the minds of the people around them.

-

Their actual last stop was a plant shop to buy all the seeds for their future garden. From between flowers and houseplants could gasps be heard of all ages and genders.

Broke lesbians and cheap grandmas alike were struck dumb with the immortal beauty of the two men picking out which tomato seeds they liked.

Even the young part-timer that was usually focused on his work was caught staring at the corner of Shen Qingqiu’s eye.

Shen Qingqiu hummed with satisfaction from behind his fan. His black lotus was too stunningly handsome for this world.

(Shen Qingqiu failed to understand that people thought the same looking at him)

-

Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe had waited a while in a light drizzle before Shang Qinghua and Mobei-Jun showed up.

“HA, I knew you weren’t going to leave us behind!” Shang Qinghua smirked.

“It wasn’t supposed to be a test,” Shen Qingqiu said, noticing how Shang Qinghua had a stain on his shirt. “What have you two been up to?”

“Oh, wait until you hear this!” Shang Qinghua rubbed his hands together sleazily. “I’ve come up with a brilliant idea of how to unite the north and the south!”

Shang Qinghua paused for dramatic effect and waited for the suspense to build, but no one was waiting for him to continue.

“Surely, any idea you have can’t be a good one.” Shen Qingqiu said.

“Right, you read my work because you hated EVERYTHING about it, huh?” Shang Qinghua said, pointing out the man next to him.

“How many times do I have to tell you?! You can’t take credit for this one!!” Shen Qingqiu spoke through gritting teeth. “Just spit it out already!”

“Okay fine!” Shang Qinghua rolled his eyes before finding his greedy smile. “I want to open an ice cream company!!”

“…” Mobei-Jun kept his eyes closed as Luo Binghe asked his shizun what ice cream was, and Shen Qingqiu had a disappointing look on his face.

“Isn’t it great?! Nothing brings people together like food!!”

(YOU MEAN CAPITALISM, DON’T YOU AIRPLANE BRO??!! WHY WAS IT ICE CREAM??!! ARE YOU ADDICTED TO ALL THINGS ICY AND COLD??!!)

“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Shang Qinghua found their reaction to be lacking and turned to cling on his favorite thigh. “My king, tell me what you think!”

Luo Binghe was reasonably growing bored and tucked on Shen Qingqiu’s sleeve to say ‘where should I open the portal?’.

“mY kInG!” Shang Qinghua clung pathetically to his favorite popsicle. “You weren’t against the idea earlier!”

They all found an empty alleyway while dragging Shang Qinghua along. Luo Binghe let Shen Qingqiu go first, so he could tell Mobei-Jun to make the rodent ‘shut up’ before returning.

Mobei-Jun sighed, as his patience had also worn off, so he spoke quietly “I’m still not against it.”

This perked up Shang Qinghua enough to make him not just walk on his own again but also jump around the pavement.

“I knew, I could rely on you in the end!” Shang Qinghua jumped high enough on his little hamster legs to press a kiss to a cold cheek. Mobei-Jun melted into a red flush and followed his skipping servant through the portal.

The System was going off on a rampage of both giving out points in random made-up categories and being a little brat about it.

[Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! You’ve unlocked the function of transmitting items! Enjoy them to the fullest with your demon husbands!]

Though it was rather counterintuitive when they were planning on destroying Xin mo for good as soon as they would get back.

[500+ sympathy points for bonding with the protagonist's sister in law! 300+ points for flirting in public! 700+ points for introducing the protagonist to more material for mission “shizun fucking”!]

(Shen Qingqiu pretended he couldn’t hear a thing as he was visualizing how he should display all the plushies and books)

[50+ points for suggestively eating ice cream to melt the protagonist’s right hand man! 100+ points for clinging desperately while having sex in the bathroom of a random restaurant!]

(Shang Qinghua was smug the whole way home, as he was blissfully unaware of the unfair rating of points for his explicit efforts, but he didn’t mind working harder on this matter!)

-

Liu Qingge had a bad feeling, as Shen Qingqiu hadn’t stopped smiling since he arrived. Shen Qingqiu noticed his fellow Peak Lord brother hovering around the newly planted garden.

It hadn’t been there the last time, but it was already abundant in bloom and produce. A foreign array of plumb and ripe fruits and vegetables.

“What is all of this?” He asked as Shen Qingqiu was wordlessly tugging the stubborn cultivar along with amusement, Liu Qingge couldn’t help but add. “Since when were Peak Lords farmers?”

“It’s only for amusement, Liu-shidi, we don’t need to make a living off the land,” Shen Qingqiu laughed softly in a way that made Liu Qingge look away. “Now come along, I’ve prepared something in case one of you were to stop by.”

Liu Qingge stood patiently waiting outside the self made structure, as he’d never been successfully invited in…

(It had been recently redecorated with added shelving with all the plushies lined up on display and an expansion to the bookcase)

A certain someone always seemed to make something so simple as stepping over the threshold as criminal as stripping down to nothing and hiding in Xian Shu Peak’s bath house.

Aligned with the usual ruckus of what was socially acceptable the snotty brute of a bodyguard stood with his arms crossed eyeing Liu Qingge’s every move.

Shen Qingqiu had luckily arrived in time with baskets of a colorful harvest before Liu Qingge would scoff and a fight could break out. The duo quickly took their hands off the hilt of their respective weapons.

Luo Binghe was more than ready to beat him up with the trusty shovel he’d been using to dig holes to transplant the fast growing fruit trees for his shizun.

“The garden has proven to be more productive than I had estimated, and has produced more than what we can eat,” Shen Qingqiu explained clueless to his effect on the two men, as he handed basket after basket to a confused (read: flustered) Liu Qingge.

Luo Binghe swooned with the praise of his hard work and studying, going beyond his shizun’s expectations.

Meticulously learning of each seed, plant and tree’s needs throughout the growth process and making up spells to meet those requirements but also speed up the development.

He had made sure his shizun could taste his favorite food without delay! A goofy and yet self-satisfied smirk appeared quickly to mock his shidi (*rolling his eyes to see his brain*), as if to say “I bet you couldn’t do that”.

Liu Qingge held the comically stacked up baskets and food boxes without strain, but he still looked constipated, as Shen Qingqiu went on gracefully handing him more.

“This one thought it would be better spent shared with the sect’s Lords and disciples,” Shen Qingqiu said, as he realized it wouldn’t be possible to bring all that back on sword, and found a qiankun pouch instead.

“Why not store it for later?” Liu Qingge asked while Luo Binghe walked over in an attempt to help, but he was waved off by his shizun. “If you don’t want too much, then don’t grow too much.”

That earned Liu Qingge a glazier look from the brat and he sent a brief but stormy one back. Shen Qingqiu caught this exchange while giving the pouch to the other Peak Lord, and switched to open his fan.

“Then consider it a gift from the demon realm, as a peaceful exchange of truce in hope of many years to come without conflict.” Shen Qingqiu fanned his face with a graceful pose. “We’ve been at each other’s throats enough and it’s high time we stop.”

Liu Qingge and Luo Binghe couldn’t argue against that fact. With the wars between the North and the South demons being brought to an end and the cultivation world keeping a passive stand throughout there wouldn’t be a good excuse to stir up drama for drama’s sake.

One of the reasons for Liu Qingge visiting was to figure out if the war had settled for good. He knew it had as soon as he saw how ridiculously the brat had taken up new hobbies to cheaply earn favor.

The other reason was to see if Shen Qingqiu was alive after not hearing a word from him in a while. Worry had gotten of Yue Qingyuan and Mu Qingfang and they kept voicing their concerns so much it was making Liu Qingge anxious.

Liu Qingge didn’t understand why Shen Qingqiu chose to leave with Luo Binghe (or even trust the demon in the first place!), but it was obvious to anyone that Shen Qingqiu hadn’t regretted his decision.

Shen Qingqiu, who used to be so uptight and full of himself, had softened and proved his intelligence again and again, and somehow managed to guess correctly on what the next step of action should be…and Liu Qingge wasn’t going to stand in the way of that.

“..I’ll be leaving then.” Liu Qingge said after a while failing to find any words. He was well on his way to leave in his usual swift hurry flying quickly over the sky, when Shen Qingqiu quickly added.

“I’ll visit the sect soon with Shang Qinghua with further details on the situation, as we have found a couple of possible methods of unifying the demons,” Shen Qingqiu smiled with humor. “So there will be no need for you to bother seeking me next time.”

With that Liu Qingge couldn’t hide his flustered face and turned around and jumped on his sword to flee the scene, before vinegar would meet vinegar in battling waves and his defeat.

Chapter Text

Luo Binghe couldn’t settle on what he was feeling or thinking, as they walked up the steps of Cang Qiong mountain. A place of many memories, both fond and cruel ones.

An old home with people, who at times respected and cared enough for his well being or ruthlessly abused him, but all had soured opinions on him after he had been forced out by unseen forces pressuring his shizun.

Many familiar faces shifted between a mix of emotions, as if they couldn’t decide if they should yell at Luo Binghe’s audacity to shamelessly walk through the front gate, or take a step back as he had shown up in tow with a respected Peak Lord.

Most ended up scoffing and walking off to not accidentally start a fight and deal with the punishment waiting for them, if they had offended the Peak Lord’s favorite disciple. The rest ignored his existence after the first glance, and so did Luo Binghe.

He didn’t care ultimately what anyone thought of him or bothered to get close with anyone (except obviously his shizun). These people had opinions on him, but he couldn’t say he had many opinions on them now.

When Luo Binghe was young he did feel pain and anger slowly seeping into his heart, when his fellow sect members pushed him around and trampled him in the dirt. It was unknown to him whether or not it still weighed him down, but most things pale in comparison to what his shizun makes him feel day to day.

Luo Binghe sneakily glanced over at his shizun walking slightly ahead of him. Why bother with other people’s opinions when the only important one was the person he loves?..

His shizun, who’s hair softly swayed in the wind behind him, was walking gently with his fan open. Luo Binghe was keenly aware of the slight awkwardness in his steps from their entanglement the night before.

Luo Binghe wanted to blush and cling onto him to express his gratitude for his shizun enduring everything and still choose to stay and love him. Sometimes he felt he was more work than what he was worth and was more trouble than good for his shizun, so he was going to hold back for now and simply admire him from afar.

Like a magnetic pull to prove him wrong Shen Qingqiu looked back at him with a knowing look and moved to hold Luo Binghe’s hand. His precious lotus tended to get anxious (and/or jealous) around people, so a little comforting open affection would help ease him.

“Ugh…cut it out!” Shang Qinghua said from behind them. “Do you have to shove it down everyone’s throats?!”

Shen Qingqiu raised an eyebrow at him. “You’re just jealous because you can’t do the same.”

“And yet you’re more shameless about it!” Shang Qinghua spat back.

“You of all people shouldn’t talk about shamelessness!!” Shen Qingqiu’s face twitched and this was Luo Binghe’s sign to step in.

Even if he himself didn’t care about the upcoming meeting, he knew it was important not only for his shizun but also for the world, so Luo Binghe unsubtly blocked Shang Qinghua from walking up the stairs.

Luo Binghe didn’t need to do anything but give the pathetic errand-boy a glacier look for him to shut up. Luckily for him he was both under Mobei-Jun and Shen Qingqiu’s protection, so he couldn’t simply slap him into tomorrow.

“Welcome back, we hope your journey here was without trouble,” The group was greeted by Yue Qingyuan, who was always courteous and polite. Yue Qingyuan smiled softly at Shen Qingqiu with a certain fondness.

It was something Luo Binghe respected about him, but his favoritism towards his shizun was not appreciated. Perhaps this was something he should be asking his shizun (like he kept telling him to do)?

A practiced but perfectly respectable welcome to Shang Qinghua. There was however an awkward edge to his approach to the former-disciple-exposed-troublesome-Heavenly-Demon with a not so good track record in his past run-ins with the sect.

Luo Binghe scanned the different reactions as they entered the assembly hall, searching specifically for any hostile intentions. He was not going to let anyone stir up trouble or get anywhere near his shizun!

He found none, as they all sat by their designated tables. Usually any one of authority like Peak Lords would have a table to themselves, but knowing the clingy context of the relationship between Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe, it would’ve been rude and inappropriate to separate a married couple.

(For once they could respect their relationship and got it right!) Luo Binghe was satisfied for now sitting closely to his shizun in a way that showed how they were tied together.

While Shen Qingqiu was greeting Mu Qingfang and catching up, Luo Binghe couldn’t help but let his hand wander under the view of the table. He wouldn’t dare touch him too much with the risk of being pushed away, but he let his palm rest on his thigh.

“Martial brother Shen, it delights me with your perfect recovery of “Without a Cure”, but knowing the antidote would be beneficial for future cases.” Mu Qingfang insisted politely to a reluctant Shen Qingqiu. “Why do you withhold information on this topic?”

“..There’s no need to worry about old matters,” Shen Qingqiu coughed and conveniently hid half his face with his fan. There was the slightest tremble to his voice, that only Luo Binghe could notice.

Luo Binghe hadn’t paid the conversation or topic any attention, until his shizun’s reaction warranted on keeping his mouth shut about the matter. Now with the subject brought up he himself didn’t actually know either how his shizun had escaped the disease.

“Shizun, this one would like to know as well.” Luo Binghe leaned closer to say it quietly enough so others wouldn’t hear, but when he shortened the distance between them, he noticed the slightest hint of color on his shizun’s face.

Why would his shizun be flustered and avoidant about something so seemingly trivial? He wouldn’t act like this usually, unless it was something uncomfortable or tied to his shyness when talking openly about sex…

Shen Qingqiu was avoiding eye contact like his life depended on it, as Luo Binghe tested him by kneading his thigh gently. (His shizun had said that Luo Binghe had improved greatly in this regard. This praise led to him being scolded for trying to rile his shizun constantly, so he knew this action would expose his honest trail of thought.)

Shen Qingqiu managed to mask 90 percent of his reaction, but a small gasp escaped him and his thigh muscles undoubtedly twitched under his hand…

Enough had slipped out for Luo Binghe to draw his conclusion; his shizun was indeed embarrassed about the antidote. Which was undoubtedly bringing up carnal memories of entanglements.

Luo Binghe wasn’t going to overstep his shizun’s boundaries or do anything indecent in public, but he couldn’t help but get a little excited with the torn expression on his shizun’s face. (Knitted brows like when he hits him with his fan, but the soft wetness in the corner of his eyes, and the added color indicating no actual anger.)

A look that was awfully similar to one he would have just before “giving in” to Luo Binghe’s needs, which only reinforced he wasn’t wrong in his assessment…

“Did it have to do something with this one?” Luo Binghe asked quietly out of breath. (How could he not be affected when his shizun was possibly thinking about sex?!) Luo Binghe failed to hold back his grin, as he teased his shizun further by whispering quietly. “Shen Yuan~”

Shen Qingqiu remained composed and yelled out in his head (because WHY DID BINGHE HAVE TO HIT THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD ON THIS MATTER??!). Still his agony and flustered reaction wasn’t completely lost on Luo Binghe.

“Binghe, behave,” Shen Qingqiu whispered angrily. “We will discuss it later! Now let’s focus on the meeting!”

Luo Binghe agreed, while smiling brightly and gave his thigh one last squeeze before his shizun could push him off. Just to feel his shizun twitch one last time before the meeting would start. It was after all the best motivation for Luo Binghe to power through it without getting too clingy again.

-

Meanwhile Shang Qinghua was arguing internally with the System, who for once is willing to talk to him!

“Why can Cucumber-bro bring back half the modern world, but I’m violating rules by selling ice cream to anyone who can pay?!!”

[Shen Qingqiu only brought back stuff for personal use, which doesn’t lead to outside suspicion of another world.]

“Bullshit!! Every time I visit I’m practically stuffed with vegetables to bring to the sects, and I might be a glorified assistant in this world, but I’ve never seen one with corn up their ass!!”

[Friendly reminder: No food has been up in any ass, except wine, which was also for personal use.]

Shang Qinghua was about to explode, but luckily he was sitting next to Liu Qingge, who was too occupied with glaring at a certain couple across from them. He had barely ever talked with Liu Qingge, but Liu Qingge wasn’t one to small-talk or notice his displeasure.

“HOW IS GIFTING OUT FRUIT BASKETS TO EVERY MAN HE MEETS DEEMED AS PERSONAL USE??!!”

[Shen Qingqiu is only sending out gifts to his friends, which makes it personal.]

“And me sharing the wonders of ice-cream isn’t the same?!”

[Correct.]

[Shang Qinghua’s plan to create industries across the world cannot be labeled as personal usage.]

“BUT I’M THE ONE WHO CREATED THIS WORLD, SO I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO WHATEVER I WANT WITH IT!!”

[Would you like to upgrade to Personal Usage?]

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT NOW?!!”

[It would allow access to loopholes and tips for not violating rules and without losing any points.]

Shang Qinghua calmed down enough to start eating the dishes laid out on his table. He noticed how they were all different from the usual bland dishes served at sect meetings, but he eagerly welcomed the change as the food tasted better for it.

“Fine, what do I need to do to unlock it? I’ll do anything as long as it isn’t dangerous.”

[Acquiring friends would make the best outcome, as it gives the most satisfaction points.]

“Ha, I only have time to cling to one pair of thighs and Cucumber-bro is already a pain in my ass, so I’m good! What else?”

[Downloading more options…]

[Download complete.]

[As the author you must be pleased to have influenced this option, that could earn you 400 satisfaction points!]

Shang Qinghua couldn’t stop the shit-eating grin on his face. How long had it been since he was validated as the god of this world?!

“Come on! Tell me what brilliant idea I had inspired!!” Shang Qinghua took a huge bite in celebration of his own satisfaction, but he was slowly beginning to re-familiarize himself with the flavors.

[Stuff a cucumber up your ass! (‿!‿)🥒]

(I’m sorry -author speaking)

At the same time as the System cheered this to come to fruition, Shang Qinghua nearly spat out his mouthful in frustration at the unfairness of this world.

Innocently cooked into the dishes were distantly familiar sights of modern vegetables and spices. Shang Qinghua wanted to flip the table, when he noticed the perfectly peeled oranges on a fine little plate to snack on later in the meeting.

Since the System had obviously shown no interest in stopping this all-you-can-eat western-delicacy edition buffet, which could only mean cucumber-bro was on friendly terms with EVERYONE in the sect!!

Of course Shang Qinghua got the short end of the stick, as he was the only one required to SIT on a CUCUMBER OF ALL THINGS!!! And why wasn’t he told all of this before coming to the meeting?! Respect for authors must at this point not exist anymore!!!

Shang Qinghua stubbornly stopped breathing to stop himself from stomping on nicely prepared meals and jumping to the next table to do the same. Instead he was alarmly red and pouting like a child the whole meeting.

Shen Qingqiu raised an eyebrow in question to him, but Shang Qinghua ignored it, as Shen Qingqiu was in full on arrogant-poser mode! Shen Qingqiu explained how he would give out advice to both human and demon realms for how to cook the different ingredients like he was the genius behind it!

(Is your name Gordon Ramsay?!! If not shut the fuck up!! His expertise was only in Proud Immortal Demon Way lore and turning men gay!!!)

Shang Qinghua did end up talking about starting up his own food related idea, but he didn’t specify what with the excuse of “it’s too early in the development process”. No one seemed excited for his idea in comparison to Shen Qingqiu, and it naturally did sour Shang Qinghua’s mood.

Really the two transmigraters couldn’t and shouldn’t be compared. Shang Qinghua’s act was one to keep other’s expectations low, so no one would demand more than he felt like doing (and somewhat keep his pride intact).

Shen Qingqiu however was a poser for egotistical reasons, who loved to doting attention, and he wanted to keep the inherited audience that comes from being a well-known Peak Lord from finding out that he was much less of a graceful immortal than led to believe..

Shang Qinghua didn’t want to deal with any of this any longer and just wanted this meeting to be over with, and go home to cool off on his icy boyfriend (who knows if they have actually defined the relationship or not).

When the meeting did finally end Shang Qinghua still had to wait for people to stop singing their praises for Peerless Cucumber to Cucumber-bro’s face. He started pushing his way through the crowd after he had had enough of watching the spectacle.

“Shen-xiong, I need a cucumber!” Shang Qinghua spoke a little louder than the rest and it earned a few looks. Luo Binghe was especially in a bad mood, but Shang Qinghua didn’t have the mental energy to fear for his life at the moment.

“This one has already given you plenty,” Shen Qingqiu said, confused as to what suddenly had angered Shang Qinghua. “Why would you need more?”

“I only need one. There’s no need to trouble yourself,” Shang Qinghua spoke through his teeth in the most polite manner he could muster. “If it’s not too inconvenient for you this one can collect it without any assistance.”

Shen Qingqiu sized him up with mirth gathering in what was visible of his expression from above the fan. “..Big or small?”

Shang Qinghua took deep breaths to not snap his most dedicated fan like a cucumber with his bare hands! There would be no ending if he answered or explained himself, so Shang Qinghua decided he’d be better off not discussing it.

“I’ll get going then, so I won’t be in your way!”

He left without a goodbye and flew quickly toward the local grocery-gift shop and picked out a REASONABLY sized cucumber.

Shang Qinghua finally arrived home at the cold fortress, where he had stayed more often than not. He was surprised to find that he was often treated better in the demon realm than at An Ding Peak, as he was still pushed around from errant to errant.

At Mobei-Jun’s side he still made himself useful, but not just anyone would command him around considering his intimate relationship with the bad-tempered and frost-giant of a powerhouse.

In the summertime he would leave for days on end having to be dragged back into the hustling heatwave. Even in the cooler months Shang Qinghua was unaffected by frostbite, as Mobei-Jun had an effective way of regulating heat to Shang Qinghua’s body.

As Shang Qinghua was offered additional warm robes, he also received the usual cold but familiar welcome; Mobei-jun suddenly appearing and demanding Shang Qinghua to report his day with his perfect yet arrogant face.

Shang Qinghua was again overcome with anger towards the unfairness of this world after he had calmed down on his flight home. How dare authors get the short end of the stick every time?!

“Excuse me, my king,” Shang Qinghua sighed in defeat as he still had yet to click on the button on the interface. “This one has been given another unfortunate task, and I’d like to see it done as soon as possible, so…I’ll go take care of this matter.”

Shang Qinghua had already stepped in the direction of the sleeping quarters, when Mobei-Jun without turning caught his wrist stopping him from taking another. “What’s in your hand?”

Shang Qinghua was hoping to avoid needing to give out the details of this mission, so he simplified his explanation but still obediently answered. “A-a cucumber.”

“Do I not feed you enough?” Mobei-Jun asked with a frown growing deeper between his brows. “Why bring it to eat in bed of all places?”

“No- I mean, of course, my king is sufficiently magnanimous in filling my stomach,” Shang Qinghua hadn’t complained about going on an empty stomach in recent times (for multiple reasons), and could only try and show his gratitude and get it over with. ”In fact, this matter has nothing to do with my king, but I promise to finish up quickly!”

Shang Qinghua tried to speed off, but a cold wind followed him in a specific direction all the way down the winding corridor. This was fine as Mobei-Jun most likely wouldn’t intervene and go find something better to do.

Still, Shang Qinghua being the crass person he is, did end entertaining the idea; what if Mobei-Jun was involved. The System hadn’t clarified anything of the sort, and he was just about to ask out of curiosity, when ice shards flew from Mobei-Jun’s rough voice freezing Shang Qinghua to the spot.

“Why are you going to my quarters, if it has nothing to do with me?” Mobei-Jun said darkly, approaching him slowly. “I do not want food in the bed I sleep in.”

Fuck. Truthfully, Shang Qinghua had walked without thinking of a destination, so he went to the bedroom he used when he stayed at the ice fortress; Mobei-Jun’s bedroom. He would’ve probably ended up there anyway as he was used to changing the sheets regularly anyway.

“Uh, my king, this one is merely borrowing it for a short while,” Shang Qinghua turned slowly to face the looming ice beauty behind him. “It’s easy and quick to clean, so my king wouldn’t even notice if I hadn’t told you.”

Mobei-Jun stared intently at Shang Qinghua to the point he grew agitated, until Mobei-Jun turned to face the door. “This task..is one given to you by the voice in your head?”

Shang Qinghua was taken aback, having almost completely forgotten that there had been several reveals to the characters in his story, but nothing had changed for Shang Qinghua’s everyday life, so he wasn’t thinking about it much.

“Ah, yes. My king understands that this is unavoidable and should be dealt with as soon as possible!” Shang Qinghua’s relief was beyond measure, as this would surely convince the pampered king to leave him alone to do his job and not ask further questions. “Now my king can leave me to it!”

“What is the task?” Mobei-Jun asked, looking at him from the corner of his eyes.

“Uh, my king doesn’t need to know or bother with such matters,” Shang Qinghua gently tried to push the icy demon away from the door, but he obviously knew he couldn’t, but he still had to try! “If you leave, I can finish the task swiftly and then report it to you afterwards?”

“No,” Mobei-Jun easily grabbed Shang Qinghua’s wrists with one hand and pried the vegetable out from his fingers, while pressing him against the door. “I will assist you in this task, so you have to tell me what it is.”

In this position Shang Qinghua had fallen into the age-old trap of being at the mercy of a strong willed beauty, who could (and has) thrown him around and pin him down with no escape. Mobei-Jun’s perfectly crafted features were so close it was mesmerizing, and the need to flee slowly disappeared with his heart rate rapidly rising.

“..Okay, this one will inform my king.”

[Hehe ( ^ิ艸^ิﾟ)]

[Secret Objective achieved ( ✧≖ ͜ʖ≖)]

Chapter Text

Shang Qinghua didn’t remember who started it, but a pair of cold lips had met his before he could explain the reason for the vegetable between them. Hopefully it wouldn’t get squashed by the force of Mobei-Jun’s movements to get further into his mouth.

“Mn-my king!” Shang Qinghua tried to save the cucumber by pushing on an icy chest, but talking with a hungry tongue in your mouth proved to be very difficult. Seriously, did Mobei-Jun want to hear the answer or not?! “The cu-cumber!”

Mobei-Jun didn’t stop his ministrations, but did pull away just enough for it not to turn to mush. Shang Qinghua was still caught up against the door, as he waited for Mobei-Jun to get a grip on himself.

This was not the first time something like this had happened (far from it). It would just happen out of the blue, like they were suddenly possessed with a certain kind of impatience, and the other was their only outlet.

Shang Qinghua excused himself by saying that it was simply because they were constantly around each other, and it was a good way to destress. Plus, he didn’t mind whatsoever when he would be forced to bend over a table to serve his king.

It also didn’t help that they slept in the same bed, and it was perfectly normal for Shang Qinghua to react to the perfect man next to him (After all, Shang Qinghua loved getting his hands on the perfectly crafted body). Shang Qinghua was happy with this development in their relationship, as it meant that they equally participated in helping each other out.

Shang Qinghua was brought back to reality when he choked on something. His eyes widened as he saw the fucking cucumber being lightly pushed in and out of his mouth! If he could speak he would’ve called Mobei-Jun a brute, but Shang Qinghua felt heated air crawl over his cheek.

Mobei-Jun was panting roughly, and starred with a slightly feral look in his eyes; pale but as dark as the bottom of the ocean..Well, thankfully Shang Qinghua had chosen a cucumber that wasn’t too scary in its size.

Shang Qinghua calmed his urge to fight back and bobbed his head to take it further back until it would hit his throat. This seemed to spur Mobei-Jun on enough for him to end his resolve to keep him trapped outside the room.

Mobei-Jun pulled it out and carried the pliant body into the bedroom and sat him down on the bed. Shang Qinghua was gathering his breath, as Mobei-Jun kneeled in front of him, and he couldn’t help but freak out at the sight.

(MY KING!! YOU CAN'T KNEEL LIKE THAT OR I MIGHT THINK YOU’RE PROPOSING TO ME!!)

Mobei-Jun ignored this and instead again asked after a moment. “What is the task?”

Shang Qinghua was asking the System similarly; “haven’t I already completed the task, since I was fucked with it already?”

[The mouth doesn’t count. The System was very clear in its instructions.]

Shang Qinghua complained out loud. “Why is it so unfair! Fucking System always playing favorites! I bet you haven’t ever asked Cucumber-bro to do anything like this!!! -Mhhf”

Mobei-Jun must’ve grown impatient again and shoved the vegetable into his mouth again. “Talk to me, not to someone else.”

Shang Qinghua gently pushed him back, and luckily Mobei-Jun let the cucumber slip out his mouth. “Fine, I need to fuck myself on the cucumber to be able to sell ice cream!”

He aggressively wiped the drool that had dripped onto his chin with his sleeve, and was too busy to remember to pay attention to the reaction from the pampered king in front of him. When Shang Qinghua looked he saw a small satisfied smirk.

“Haven’t you done worse?” Mobei-Jun asked, but Shang Qinghua didn’t understand what he was referring to. If it was size wise, was he bragging about his own popsicle? Or was he insinuating that Shang Qinghua had already masturbated on the whole green aisle at the grocery store?

Mobei-Jun had never forgotten Shang Qinghua’s words on the matters of love between men from years ago. Which was to act as pathetic as possible to attract the man you liked. The most pathetic person Mobei-Jun had ever met was Shang Qinghua, so Mobei-Jun was pleased to know that he was seen in such a way by his servant.

To Mobei-Jun, who hadn’t even made up his mind if Shang Qinghua even had a voice in his head (because he had a tendency to come up with wild ideas, so Mobei-Jun didn’t pay them any mind), this was just another attempt at acting pathetically to gain his attention. Mobei-Jun couldn’t help but reciprocate his most loyal servant’s efforts by fondly showing it the only way he knew.

Shang Qinghua knew nothing about this sentiment and was suddenly turned onto his stomach and face pressed into the bed. The thick warm cloak was peeled off and Shang Qinghua could feel the hands roaming over his hips better now that there was less fabric between them.

“My k-king..” Shang Qinghua called out when he felt his outer robes be hiked up over his back leaving only his pants covering his rear end. “Wha-what are you doing?”

In hindsight, it was a stupid and unnecessary question. Shang Qinghua had wanted things to turn out this way ever since…well, after he saw Mobei-Jun when arriving home…maybe even before that..

Shang Qinghua shivered when cold fingers slowly hooked underneath the hem of his pants. He couldn’t help the surprised gasp when they were suddenly pulled down with a loud tearing noise. He might have lost a perfectly good pair of pants, but he didn’t regret writing about demons' pursuit of pleasure as aggressive or beyond human prowess.

Mobei-Jun seemed to be in a good mood, after feeling the warmth of the now exposed skin, when he finally answered his question leaning closer. “I’m helping you finish your task.”

With this said Mobei-Jun groped appreciatively and spread Shang Qinghua to breathe shortly on the flushed skin. Shang Qinghua felt himself twitch under these ministrations, and it earned him a deep predatory hum.

Shang Qinghua wouldn’t complain about this, even if his life was on the line (he totally would), but he really wanted to see what expression was on his character’s face. Was it a cool and threatening expression, like right before killing off an enemy? Or was it one with an unexplainable emotion beneath the icy exterior?

All he could do was to twist his upper body to see behind him without moving his hips too much. (There was no way he was denying his king from devouring him wholly!) Mobei-Jun noticed this and looked at him darkly through his long eyelashes. Shang Qinghua had lifted his head just in time to see Mobei-Jun’s tongue peek out before disappearing over the swell of his ass.

Shang Qinghua moaned and relaxed the ring of muscles, driving the wet tongue to go deeper. It was wiggling and thrusting into him randomly with no rhyme or reason. Shang Qinghua panted, as he felt a drop of drool trickle down over his sensitive skin and eventually dripped off the tip of his dick.

It was at this point overwhelmingly slick and warm, and Shang Qinghua was moving his hips back to meet the cold violet-hued blush on his kings’ face, but Mobei-Jun steadied him with a cold strong grip on his ass and thigh. It was fascinating to experience ice demons’ hot and cold nature first hand; cold on the inside except when turned on.

Originally, Shang Qinghua had gotten the idea when Bing-ge was fighting some icy demoness, who liked getting rough with him to the point her blood had nearly boiled. Of course, they ended up fucking their way out of the dispute (by her joining the haram), but it hadn’t made it stand out enough in Shang Qinghua’s wringing for him to remember such a detail…

Until Shang Qinghua had felt it himself, when he and Mobei-Jun had gotten figurative and (surprisingly) literally hot and bothered. Their first kiss had started with one mouth being cold enough to crystalize the air coming into Shang Qinghua’s lungs, but it had suddenly turned scolding hot.

Later Shang Qinghua had personally inspected and tested the limits of this phenomenon like how Mobei-Jun’s outer skin didn’t ever defrost. Even now with the burning hot tongue between his ass cheeks the lips never fully thawed along with it.

Shang Qinghua would always be fond of calling Mobei-Jun’s dick “popsicle”, but it was anything but refreshingly cool! Rather, it was like it was melting from the fiery sun in the middle of a heatwave, and it was trying to keep its shape by plunging into Shang Qinghua!

In the midst of Shang Qinghua’s reminiscing, Mobei-Jun pulled away and prepared the cucumber with a conveniently-rubber-like-condom (wife-plot), while spreading Shang Qinghua further with his cold fingers.

Shang Qinghua squirmed and whined as digits curled slightly to press intently into his prostate. Shang Qinghua was so hard his dick had turned numb and he had lost sense of time for a while. He really wanted to skip the vegetable and just jump on his favorite scorching popsicle, but the blunt end of the cucumber was finally slipping its way in.

“Ah, my king~” Shang Qinghua pushed himself back to fuck himself on the cucumber (without the System telling him to this time). Mobei-Jun wasn’t much of a talker, since people rarely dared to risk their lives disturbing his peace of mind, and this was also how he was during sex.

Shang Qinghua didn’t mind much, since he was rarely coherent enough to reply. In a sense it was almost like weight was lifted off his shoulders, that he didn’t need to serve anything but his body. He just had to lay here and there or hold on to Mobei-Jun, and let himself overcome with pleasure.

Mobei-Jun forced the cucumber in and out at a steady pace, while twisting it to caress Shang Qinghua insides in a way that made his mind go white with pleasure. That was unusual. Why was he so worked up already? Surely, he wasn’t more into the concept of a vegetable than his favorite popsicle? No, that wasn’t it…Maybe, it was the twisting motion itself? No, that wasn’t it either..

Slowly, Shang Qinghua noticed something was different about his body. His heart was beating abnormally slowly, but his blood was flowing at an alarming speed through his veins, and he was burning up like he was fighting a poison…POISON?!

“My ah, my king,” Shang Qinghua asked with his mind set to pull away from the cucumber, but somehow unable to make himself do so. “Wha-what’s happening?”

“Shh..” Mobei-Jun shushed him by kissing and biting his lower back. “I thought, I’d make sure you enjoyed your task..”

That’s when Shang Qinghua noticed the floral scent in the air making it hard to swallow. (FUCK!! HAD MOBEI-JUN USED AN APHRODISIAC ON HIM??!!) Shang Qinghua weakly looked around to find the source, and surely enough off to the end of the bed laid discarded purple flower petals and sticky leaves..

But which kind of aphrodisiac was it?! (AND SINCE WHEN THE FUCK DID THE ICE KING START FORAGING PRETTY FLOWERS???!!!) The color of the petals wasn’t very helpful as his made-up magical flowers came in all colors of the rainbow.

The real indicator would be the color of the stems, as that would narrow down the location of where the flowers grew. The leaves were not particularly dark, so it couldn’t be from the demon realm, but the sticky substance coating the leaves was iridescent and shifted between colors.

It was mesmerizing and beautiful, which made it perfect to lure any young maiden into a trap, where her hero would be the demon protagonist to come (literally and figuratively) to her rescue.

This narrowed it down to a dozen, but the aphrodisiacs of each flower used a different method of poisoning their victims. All Shang Qinghua had to figure out was how he had ingested it.

He hadn’t eaten anything since the meeting (and that was all made of western produce, so it was ruled out by default). If the main method was by scent Mobei-Jun would’ve probably pressed the flower to his nose, but he hadn’t, so what was left of possibilities?

The only one left was by coming in direct contact with the sticky substance.. Then Shang Qinghua remembered how the slick between Mobei-Jun’s fingers had been cold as if it wasn’t from the saliva already wetting his hole.

That meant Mobei-Jun had been gently fingering it straight into his system. That’s when it clicked; Shang Qinghua wouldn’t have written any NORMAL condom-like-things into Proud Immortal Demon Way. It, of course, with the magic of fiction by anything he wanted, so he had given it a bonus power. (HOW COULD HE FORGET THE VERY RUBBER COVERING THE CUCUMBER??!!)

There was no use fighting it. In truth, Shang Qinghua didn’t even want to. He had always secretly thought it would be fun to try at least once, but that was obviously impossible. He couldn’t afford drugs in his previous life, nor did he actually want to do them, so he could only fantasize.

With this said, there was an added thrill running up Shang Qinghua’s spine sending him over the edge, as the aphrodisiac made his whole body hum with pleasure and a need to be filled. The edible dildo was thrust into him relentlessly, and Shang Qinghua sang its praises.

More. More. More. Was all Shang Qinghua could think (and say, but he didn’t realize that).

Mobei-Jun was admittedly also affected by the flower's potent poison, and struggled to not give in to Shang Qinghua’s demands of splitting him apart, but he held back afraid to truly hurt him (knowing how fragile humans were).

It was, however, only a matter of time before it felt like he was about to explode out of his own skin. Mobei-Jun could no longer sit back and not participate in seeking mind-numbing pleasure. He wanted to rip out the vegetable and tear it to pieces for taking his role of experiencing Shang Qinghua’s tight heat, but had to wait for Shang Qinghua too loosen up fully.

Mobei-Jun had never cared for sex in the past, as it was a way of lowering your guard around others, and trusting the other part not to take advantage of that was out of the question. It was until he had been around Shang Qinghua for a long time that he had found himself wanting to...

Shang Qinghua was unlike any ice princess or demon. He was small and pathetic, and most importantly annoyingly-selfishly-thigh-clingingly loyal. This servant had even saved his life a few times, which no one would ever do at their own free will, so Mobei-Jun took his words of loyalty as a promise.

“My king, please let me follow you for the rest of my life!”

When Mobei-Jun had almost lost him, it had been his own fault for not being pathetically obvious enough for Shang Qinghua to understand; Mobei-Jun was equally as faithful and devoted as Shang Qinghua (if not more so).

Mobei-Jun had never learned the full extent of what humans did to express this, but Mobei-Jun knew sex made you feel good, and he wanted that for Shang Qinghua more than anything.

Shang Qinghua suddenly felt something else moving in him. It must be the condom acting up, as it surely wasn’t the cucumber becoming sentient. He was being filled up with nectar from the flower. It’s liquid being endlessly pumped into him.

It was so strong it was as if he could taste the syrupy sweet taste on his tongue. This was when he noticed he had been turned onto his back, and Mobei-Jun’s fingers were moving and toying with the inside of his mouth.

Shang Qinghua tried to focus his gaze and find Mobei-Jun’s sculpted face like searching for the stars in the night sky. He reached out his hand like he was the god making them shoot across the Milky Way. Instead a cool hand held onto his in desperation to never let him go.

“My king..” Shang Qinghua squeezed the hand as hard as he could, but he was too weak to do anything else more than twitch slightly. He had to convey how he felt, but he wasn’t thinking clearly. He ended up finding a few words he had kept buried in him (words he had thought he would never get to say). “I love you..”

This was what broke Mobei-Jun’s resolve and Shang Qinghua’s memory for the rest of the night. Shang Qinghua struggled to remember more than overwhelming pleasure and the hot and cold, but he remembered whispering something so sappy it actually managed to make him embarrassed.

Surely, Mobei-Jun wouldn’t even think of it and forget he even said them. Demons didn’t care for that stuff anyway, (except Luo Binghe of course, but he must just be the exception anyway, right?). Shang Qinghua was anxious, but everything would return to normal tomorrow…

As Shang Qinghua fell into a deep sleep in Mobei-Jun’s arms, the System went off without him noticing it.

[Mission accomplished! Satisfaction points +400!]

[Unlocked Personal Usage function! Time To Ice Cream Everywhere!]

[Friendly reminder; Mobei-Jun doesn’t forget words easily…]

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu was nose deep in one of the new editions to his home literary (with no shameless kinks or has any sword-fucking whatsoever), when Shang Qinghua decided to crash-land in the branches above him. Not only did this cause the leaves to fall on Shen Qingqiu’s head painting an unflattering image on his poser act, but it also ruined his peaceful reading session!

Shen Qingqiu had purposely chosen specific times where Luo Binghe would be off and away slaying whatever monster or actually doing the bare minimum to be The Ruler of the north and (recently) south of the Demon Realm.

This alone had been a longer process of pushing and convincing the glass hearted half demon, as he would cry at the thought of leaving his Shizun’s side. Bingmei would cling and sniffle, but Shen Qingqiu had put his foot down. Even if he cared less about losing face these days (aka just being gay), he still wanted Luo Binghe to be a good disciple and a respectable leader.

Luo Binghe was perceptive enough to tell his shizun wanted “study time”, and he couldn’t possibly stop his shizun from learning about new things they could try together later, so he did leave in the end. (Never for too long, but enough for Luo Binghe to catch his shizun in the act.. and then join)

Sadly, Shen Qingqiu noted; this was not one of those days, when the plot had been tense and full of intrigue, or when the main characters were getting particularly intimate. Both flushed him with excitement and left him wanting more, but in different ways (Luo Binghe was the best company for both scenarios).

“I thought it was the “Airplane shooting TOWARDS the sky” not “falling FROM the sky!” Shen Qingqiu had slammed the book shot and held up his fan ready to hit the annoying hamster with. “What’s gotten into you this time?!”

“Ha, like you’d wanna know!” Shang Qinghua gave him a pointed laugh. Shen Qingqiu looked up unimpressed at a hamster imitating a monkey, so Shang Qinghua jumped down from the tree. “Nothing new except the cucumber, of course!”

Shen Qingqiu was stuck between barfing and laughing at the utter shamelessness. “Do I even wanna know?”

“Probably not, but it is related to my issue at hand.” Shang Qinghua said, while brushing off the leaves and sticks sticking to him, and blobbed down next to him. “And there’s no one better to vent to than my buddy from the same home town!”

Shen Qingqiu studied his fellow transmigrated “buddy” for a moment. “You’re avoiding him again?”

Shang Qinghua’s people-pleasing customer smile was immediately wiped off his face. “..How do you know?”

“Because you’re an idiot!” Shen Qingqiu hit him over the head with his fan.

“Stop hitting me!” Shang Qinghua instinctively lowered his head and raised his arms to block the beating. “Not even Mobei-Jun beats me up anymore!”

(EXACTLY!! The ice king is going easy on you because he for some reason likes you!! *internal facepalm*)

Shen Qingqiu stopped after cursing him out a little more, and then collected himself by fanning his face slowly. With gritted teeth he asked. “So WHY are you avoiding him this time?”

“Well, it’s a long story..” Shang Qinghua awkwardly smiled. “But essentially I was fucked so good on aphrodisiacs, that I…might have said something I shouldn’t have.”

Shen Qingqiu frowned, but chose to not comment on his crassness this time for the sake of keeping the conversation going. “What did you say?”

“I uh..might’ve said..you see..uhm..I mean..”

Shen Qingqiu snapped his fan shut in his palm with a loud snap to cut off the pointless rambling hamster.

“Haha fine, I’ll say already..” Shang Qinghua looked down at the ground. “I think I remember saying I love you. It’s not that I don’t have love for my king, but it might come across differently since his fingers were in my mouth. But he might’ve also not even heard what I said so it doesn’t matter, right?”

“You’re the biggest idiot I know!” Shen Qingqiu did facepalm himself this time and pinched between his eyebrows. “So what happened afterwards? Did he act any differently?”

“Mhm, I don’t remember. I haven’t paid much attention to him in the last few days,” Shang Qinghua put his fingers on his chin in deep thought. “Maybe it’s just because I feel weird around him now, knowing I might have said that out loud..”

So it would’ve been okay if you didn’t say it out loud?! Shen Qingqiu’s expression couldn’t stop twitching.

What Shang Qinghua didn’t know was that Mobei-Jun had arrived earlier to have a private CONVERSATION with Luo Binghe. Which was strange considering the icy demon doesn’t feel the need to talk often. Shen Qingqiu was coming to the conclusion that this and Shang Qinghua's sudden appearance were connected. Shen Qingqiu would ask Luo Binghe about it later..

“There’s no need to feel weird about it, if you didn’t mean it,” Shen Qingqiu said, looking out at nothing in a scholarly manner. “Unless… you did?”

From the corner of his eye Shang Qinghua opened his mouth to deny the claim but stopped himself. The poor dimwitted hamster was finally realizing that he loves his own creation an abnormal amount! Shen Qingqiu’s smirk was hidden behind the fan.

“Whatever, I don’t wanna hear your annoying voice talk anymore about your issues,” Shen Qingqiu stood up and waved away at Shang Qinghua. “Now go home, before Luo Binghe comes home early when he starts missing me.”

(Who are we kidding? Luo Binghe has missed him the second they were apart!)

Shang Qinghua’s face shifted between a myriad of expressions of anger, then frustration to then rolling his eyes at him. It was rare for Shang Qinghua to be speechless like this, and Shen Qingqiu found it very entertaining.

From all the shit “master” Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky has dragged Shen Qingqiu through, it was satisfying to see Shang Qinghua tormented by his own actions.

“Fine! I’ll take my leave then!” Shang Qinghua yelled like he had to force the words out and speeded away on his sword. In no doubt, in the line of thought that the ice king would come looking for him sooner than later.

-

Luo Binghe didn’t have time for whatever Mobei-Jun wanted to discuss in the assembly hall of the underground palace. He was behind on reading, since he had chosen the longer book series (because it would prove how dedicated and motivated he was in academics which would make his shizun proud, and because he wanted to let his shizun enjoy taking things easy).

Not that his shizun knew about his dilemma, as Luo Binghe was the only one making it more than it was. Luo Binghe’s plan was for them to finish the two different books separately and then share the interesting things and inspiration for future entanglements.

His time had instead been wasted on multiple small uprisings from the South, which usually wouldn’t be a problem as Mobei-Jun would take care of things. However, since Mobei-Jun was busy starting up the “cold cream” industry (Luo Binghe had tried it and was utterly unimpressed by its sweetness and temperature, making him wonder why anyone would want it), so Mobei-Jun didn’t have time to go beat up annoying demons.

All Luo Binghe wanted was to read about the fallen god and the ghost in crimson red, and now Mobei-Jun wanted to interrupt his hard work of hopefully getting new tips and tricks for pleasing his shizun!

Mobei-Jun stood stiffer than usual waiting for Luo Binghe to mark the page with the handwritten note his shizun had written years ago. It was a to-do list of what he should prepare the very first winter he had stayed in the Bamboo house on Qing Jing Peak.

If Luo Binghe had been older at the time he wouldn’t have the excuse of needing a note to remember what his shizun had instructed. He had secretly wanted to be gifted something small from his shizun, so he made up the excuse that he would forget something, just so he could keep his shizun’s handwriting with him at all times.

The ink was now smeared and faded from wear and tear from being folded into a small square he could hide in his ropes (in the same way he had kept his mother’s jade pendant), and a corner had been sliced off in the process of him ending up in the Endless Abyss.

Luo Binghe was crushed and confused about how to feel about his shizun, he still kept it. Even when he felt blinded by resentment and fear, he still came back to read;
One wool blanket (for the newly occupied room), three custom winter ropes (pick out the ones you like), more books (doesn’t matter what they’re about)..

Luo Binghe wants to smile at the indirect way his shizun has cared and doted on him, but Mobei-Jun was still here, now looking distinctly bored as if Luo Binghe was taking ages to get ready. Luo Binghe raised an eyebrow and asked with equal amounts of enthusiasm. “What did you want to discuss?”

“My lord understands humans well,” Mobei-Jun started, but then hesitated. “…this one seeks to know them better.”

Ah, his shizun had commented on Shang Qinghua’s marketing and ads being utterly “cringe”, “a dumpster fire” and “basically porn” (whatever any of that meant), which was probably unsuitable to use, so the role must’ve passed onto Mobei-Jun.

Luo Binghe had never sold or promoted anything himself before, but he could analyze the market and crane game place from the other world and base his advice off of that. Considering the extent of skin showing and excessive amount of detailed depictions of their counterparts’ abs, humans weren’t that different from demons in what appealed to them.

Even his shizun was no different and would sneak a glance towards Luo Binghe, when his ropes were more open in the front, so he felt could only draw one conclusion.

“There’s no need to hold back. Humans are easily influenced to like something the more they’re exposed to it,” Luo Binghe explained. “And they’re not so different from demons as you’d think, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to get the outcome you want.”

Mobei-Jun thought it over for a moment. Shang Qinghua was always following him around, so he was fairly confident that Shang Qinghua liked him. Shang Qinghua had even said that he loved him, but somehow it wasn’t enough for Shang Qinghua to understand that they are courted.

Mobei-Jun had even asked him about it directly, if there was enough money for a wedding, but Shang Qinghua had simply said that Mobei-Jun should at least find a suitable demon princess before announcing the wedding.

“What if they don’t admit it or take it seriously?”

Luo Binghe didn’t expect Mobei-Jun to be so anxiously invested in the business, that he would start to worry about others' perception of it and his reputation in the future. This actually made Luo Binghe pity him a bit, and said wisely with great confidence.

“They will, as long as you show how serious you are!” Luo Binghe stood up and awkwardly patted Mobei-Jun’s fur lined shoulder. “Just be confident and do whatever you want to do!”

Mobei-Jun was equally as disturbed by Luo Binghe’s affectionate and compassionate attitude, but it did end up making him feel a little assured in how he should approach Shang Qinghua. He was going to show Shang Qinghua just how serious he was by courting him in the most traditional and effective way demons would!

Both parties went away from the conversation re-energized with new energy. Luo Binghe went back to reading with an epiphany, that his very helpful advice could also be (and had already been) applied in seducing his shizun! Time to be bold and confident!

-

Shang Qinghua had spent all day in his office (wrapped in blankets) trying to figure out how to fund his ice cream business. Not only would he have to take the money from some other investments, and he wasn’t trying to start another war by giving less money to the bloodthirsty demons, who were already on the edge of another dispute.

(He would very much like to keep his head and not be left out to rot as a demon delicacy. Thank you very much!)

There was also stuff he hadn’t thought about like where the fuck is he supposed to get the milk from??! Luckily, his most devoted reader reminded him of a wife plot, where Luo Binghe had tamed a Scorpion Cow to make a cake with whipped cream for a wife with a sweet tooth.

The problem was that the Scorpion Cow not only lived in the valleys of the southern mountains, but also had a fierce temper, so relocating them was out of the question. This meant Shang Qinghua had to negotiate with the Southern demons to settle on an agreement, which proved to be pretty much impossible.

Demons came in all shapes and sizes, and so their demands were just as variable. Some demons wanted more human scraps and junk (so maybe opening a Bits and Pops store could be an option?). Others were more animals than human-like creatures and they mainly wanted human labor (slaves) to dig tunnels into the mountains for hibernation.

It was easy to say Shang Qinghua’s brain was overworked, so he hadn’t noticed the cold glance before Mobei-Jun had left to go do something (because Shang Qinghua was still partially ignoring the king). Shang Qinghua didn’t ask where he was going (he’s not looking for another beating!) and he was too busy to ask when his king would be back, but it didn’t matter.

Shang Qinghua had shoved enough melon seeds down to count it as a full stomach, as he had skipped dinner by accident, and left his office for the first time since that morning. He opened the door and immediately yelped and slammed the door shut, as he was greeted by quite the sight.

WHY WAS THERE A BLOODY CORPSE OUTSIDE HIS OFFICE??!!!

He hadn’t heard or seen anything or anyone!! Sure, he might’ve been too focused to notice, but HOW could you not notice a murder scene happening on the other side of a door??

With a shaky hand he opened the door and peaked out just in case the murderer wasn’t still around (not that hiding in his office would stop the killer from killing him, but at least it had worked so far). No one was there…well..no one alive, that is.

There were five plus more corpses of what looked like Fire Phoenix Lions, which were considered invasive pests in the North. They could melt walls and roofs to eat and prey on the demons' stored food supplies. They were resistant to the cold ice of the Mobei clan, and they were great in numbers.

Shang Qinghua was comforted by the fact that it wasn’t the staff or any familiar faces, who lay dead in a blood pole (where were the servants anyway?!). It could be beneficial to him, when he’d recover from the shock. (At least he would save money on rebuilding infrastructure this year and the funds could go to the ice cream factory instead!)

Shang Qinghua stepped slowly over the dead creature and avoided stepping into the blood (he was wearing his fluffiest pair of shoes and cleaning would be a bigger hassle than he wanted to deal with at the moment).

Slowly he made his way down the hallway and noticed twenty-plus more corpses littered around. Who had done this?! How had they done it?! Or had the Fire Phoenix Lions sneaked in after Mobei-Jun left and somehow gotten themselves killed?!

Was Mobei-Jun not home yet?! Would he blame it all on Shang Qinghua and then order him to clean it all up?! Shang Qinghua had to figure out what happened before Mobei-Jun would come home to prevent that at all costs!!

When Shang Qinghua made it to the main entrance he found lofty Mobei-Jun standing with a crowd of all the missing staff behind him. They were all holding sealed boxes and all had big and proud grins on their faces (except Mobei-Jun, of course, he just looked more smug than usual).

“Uh, my king?” Shang Qinghua said with an unstable voice. “What is this?”

“I have slayed all the Fire Phoenix Lions in the nearby nest and brought them here.” Mobei-Jun explained flatly. Shang Qinghua blinked, internally saying; great, but why the fuck did you bring them here and spread them throughout the castle?!!

When Shang Qinghua didn’t say anything, Mobei-Jun continued. “I’ve personally ripped out the hearts and put them in these display cases. Do what you see fit with them.”

The demon staff twisted their grins further as they giggled, as if they were watching a sappy declaration of love happen before their eyes. They then proceeded to make their way to open the lid for Shang Qinghua to see the torn out hearts, but Shang Qinghua stopped them.

His king must be proud and possibly a little full of himself (rightly so) for slaying them all on his own, so he wanted to take trophies. Mobei-Jun rarely felt the need for adventure and glory, so Shang Qinghua felt teary eyed like a proud father!

“My king has done an excellent service to the North. This will greatly help the ice cream industry be set into motion and the northern demons and people alike!” Shang Qinghua smiled brightly. “My king should keep them close to him, and I will gladly arrange a place for them, so my king can admire his hard work often!”

Mobei-Jun’s eyes widened slightly and his skin had faintly blushed light lilac, as the staff struggled to keep in their excitement for the epic romance unfold.

“So you accept it?” Mobei-Jun asked, sounding almost a little stunned.

“Of course!” Shang Qinghua tilted his head. “Why wouldn’t I accept my king’s efforts?”

Before Shang Qinghua could hesitantly ask Mobei-Jun to possibly not bring bloody corpses inside the crowd yelling out joyously an endless chaos of; Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! Their celebratory screams were so loud that Shang Qinghua completely missed the notification that said the very same thing…

[YOOOO~~~~ CONGRATULATIONS! CONGRATULATIONS! CONGRATULATIONS! Important things must be said thrice! What a thrilling proposal!!]

[Unlocked the “Hamster Wife-Plot” after completing “Filial Servant To Scary Popsicle Demon”]

Mobei-Jun picked him up and threw Shang Qinghua over his shoulder, and they were already on their merry way to the bedroom.

Whatever, Shang Qinghua thought. He couldn’t exactly expect demons to not be gory and wickedly exaggerated in every way possible. Shang Qinghua certainly couldn’t blame them for their behavior or lack of sanitary practices, as he had written this very thing into their race (then the only one he could blame was himself).

The thing was that this was an extremely archaic way of expressing “fonder feelings” between demons akin to a proposal. Usually it was an arrangement between demon nobles to marry off their kin to make connections (mainly to stop fighting over food).

The best way to show off the strength and prowess was obviously to slay the most troublesome beast the demon spouse could find. The body of the creature would then be placed for the other demoness to find, where the blood trail should lead them to the demon presenting the heart of the beast for the demoness to accept or deny.

In Mobei clan tradition it was customary and highly regarded to go for Fire Phoenix Lions, and the more the ice demon could kill the more respected and true was his ability and affection.

Mobei-Jun had looked for the best for the nest for the last few days, and taken down a whopping 200+ single-handedly. Though he hadn’t brought them all home, as he didn’t want to make Shang Qinghua worry about cleaning it up (so he had already ordered all the servants to clean up as soon as they’d leave).

Shang Qinghua fell asleep thinking positively about the development, and he figured there wasn’t a need to avoid his king after Mobei-Jun had helped him a great deal to make up for it.

Mobei-Jun possessively held on to his fiancé throughout the restless night. He was too happy to calm his cold heart to fall asleep, so he spent it softly looking at the drool dripping down Shang Qinghua’s face.

Mobei-Jun always loved to play with Shang Qinghua’s soft hair, whenever he was sleeping. In the cool but stark light of the moon his hair shimmered like fresh fallen snow against the pale skin of his torso.

Shang Qinghua always wore it up (which exposed his neck and Mobei-Jun wasn’t complaining about that), but because of it Mobei-Jun had a greater appreciation for when it was down.

Most people and demons wouldn’t look twice at Shang Qinghua as anything special (or anything but a toothpick), but Mobei-Jun knew that if they knew how he looked like this, they would take him for themselves.

Soon, Mobei-Jun thought eagerly. Soon, they won’t be able to take him away. Soon, no one will question their loyalty to each other. Soon, they’ll belong to each other forever…This was the last thought Mobei-Jun remembered after falling into deep sleep.

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu greeted Luo Binghe with a short faint (very soft) smile, when he came home. Luo Binghe always returned it with eyes shining like a refreshing sun, but it was evident that Luo Binghe’s mood didn’t match it from how he pouted.

Shen Qingqiu got up from his reading-nook (which was anywhere he could place his butt and read comfortably) and approached Luo Binghe to observe him a little closer. “What’s wrong, Binghe?”

“This one finished the book,” Luo Binghe leaned his chin on Shen Qingqiu’s shoulder and nuzzled closer into an embrace. “It was good, but this one had hoped for more.”

“Wasn’t it eight volumes long?” Shen Qingqiu petted his silky soft hair, but couldn’t understand the problem. He hadn’t read that book yet, and he was looking forward to it, but now he worried that the writing was full of plot holes! (Shen Qingqiu wasn’t going to commit the same mistake twice!) “Was the story lacking?”

“No, it was enjoyable,” Luo Binghe sighed. “But I expected to see the main couple do some exploring together , so this one could improve his technique, but they never did..”

Shen Qingqiu immediately paled in anger. Was this Luo Binghe’s first assumption of why they got the books in the first place?! Did he think Shen Qingqiu was eager to read BL smut, so they could get off and try it out together?!!

Shen Qingqiu had brought them back with him to ANALYZE the genre to better understand it, and see how the changes in the plot of Proud Immortal Demon Way would please the new demographic. A perfectly reasonable explanation for why Shen Qingqiu was curious and interested to know if he had done a good job within the genre!!

He didn’t want to explain this, because he had also been a tiny bit curious about the romance, since he was doing the whole gay thing (aka to improve his own technique). 

Shen Qingqiu would never admit to any of that, and he also didn’t feel like explaining censorship to the sensitive gay crybaby already sniffling into his collar. That left him with only one option; to comfort his emotionally fragile husband.

“I’m sure, it was good without it,” Shen Qingqiu patted Luo Binghe’s head, and swallowed the following awkwardness and prepared himself to compliment his students' efforts. “…Techniques are refined with practice any way, and Binghe has already shown improvement in this area..”

Luo Binghe blushed with shy glee at the compliment, but Shen Qingqiu was beet red in frustration for having to say such things out loud! Shen Qingqiu started lightly hitting his shameless disciple with his fan from how he could feel Luo Binghe’s growing excitement …

(No. No! There’s no way anyone should be able to get ‘pillar’ up after two seconds of just ONE compliment on his performance in bed!!) 

Shen Qingqiu turned around in an attempt to free himself from Luo Binghe’s clingy grip on him, but was instead caught from behind.

“Shizun…Shen Yuan,” Luo Binghe said weakly into Shen Qingqiu’s ear. “Could you please tell this one what you like?”

Shen Qingqiu froze (not just the question or use of his real name) from the distinctive way warmth was developing in his lower body. He ignored the strange sensation and was determined to avoid the shameless yet earnest question. 

Wasn’t it already enough that they fucked in the first place?! That Shen Qingqiu let Luo Binghe touch him and Shen Qingqiu spread his legs without a fight? Why should they need to word their desires when they were both able to successfully finish in the end?! 

Wasn’t it enough for Luo Binghe anymore? Had his harem-libido caught up to him and given him blue-balls, when Shen Qingqiu’s body couldn’t keep up with the Heavenly Pillar? What else could Luo Binghe have in mind to embarrass his shizun into his next life?

If they talk about what they’re into and the kinks they wanna try, then Shen Qingqiu wouldn’t be able to look in the mirror ever again!! It was too shameless to say such things out loud (since it’s super gay to admit you like bending over and becoming pliant in the hands of your male disciple)!!

“Binghe,” Shen Qingqiu said in warning, not able to get another word out. Luo Binghe squeezed around his middle. His hands gripping onto Shen Qingqiu’s ropes tightly. A heat spreading out slowly throughout Shen Qingqiu’s body, making him slightly out of breath.

“How come shizun is cured from ‘Without A Cure’?” 

WHERE DID THAT COME FROM ALL OF THE SUDDEN??!!

Shen Qingqiu sealed his lips and cried on the inside. (It had been a few weeks already! Why not just let it go?!) Shen Qingqiu had hoped Luo Binghe had forgotten about his conversation with Mu Qingfang about ‘Without A Cure’, but like the sudden change of weather in spring Luo Binghe had brought it up out of nowhere.

“Hadn’t shizun said he would be honest and all this disciple had to do was ask?” Luo Binghe asked in an ambiguous tone, as he started tracing circles on Shen Qingqiu’s slim waist.

Shen Qingqiu had said that, but he never thought this would be something to bring up! All Luo Binghe needed to know was that Shen Qingqiu is cured and won’t have any more flare ups (and not the fact that he’s Heavenly Pillar has magical healing powers!). It was too embarrassing to say anything close to the truth!

“..Binghe,” Shen Qingqiu said in the most coaxing voice he could muster, but Luo Binghe beat him to it.

“Shizun~, you promised!” Luo Binghe whined and hugged him tighter. “Please, I want to know!”

Shen Qingqiu faced him again, and was about to gently remove Luo Binghe’s arms from around his waist, careful not to shatter Bingmei’s glass heart, (there was no way he was talking about this with the Heavenly Pillar itself pressed against his ass!). But the warm tingly feeling grew stronger and it made Shen Qingqiu slightly dizzy.

Unconsciously Shen Qingqiu grabbed Luo Binghe’s arms to steady himself, as he had started swaying. It was like his blood had decided to simmer and move around inside him.

“Are you okay, shizun?” Luo Binghe asked, strangely calm… “Does it hurt?”

What?.. What would hurt? Why isn’t little Bingmei CRYING?? Usually he would sob and stop the reason for his shizun’s pain or discomfort! Even if it was only a mosquito flying too close for comfort, it would be sliced, beaten and smashed into oblivion, so HOW can he not be overly protectively/murderous right now??!! 

Then Shen Qingqiu recognized the crawling sensation… It was those damn blood mites!! Was Luo Binghe trying to use them as an aphrodisiac??!! When and where the fuck had he learn that??!!

“Binghe!” Shen Qingqiu gritted his teeth. Had Luo Binghe somehow found a copy of Proud Immortal Demon Way just laying around waiting for him to give him more techniques ?

He wanted to slap some sense back into his husband to remember the unspoken rule of consent , but the simmer quickly turned to boil, and Shen Qingqiu made a noise against his will.

“It doesn’t hurt, right,” Luo Binghe asked with some concern in his voice. “This one will stop and take punishment if shizun says so.”

Shen Qingqiu’s insides were toyed with by the blood mites going back and forth not too unlike how Luo Binghe had done the first time, but it.. didn’t hurt… When Shen Qingqiu didn’t say anything or protest, he asked.

“Shizun is too embarrassed to say,” Luo Binghe let his palms wander up and down Shen Qingqiu’s lean back. “Because the cure is related to this one, isn’t it?”

Shen Qingqiu’s breathing was labored and on the verge of coming out as whining. He slowly found his arms curled around Luo Binghe’s neck, and even found himself nodding.

“H-how did-?” Shen Qingqiu cringed at how the words came out breathy and weak, and he was completely unable to hide how riled up he was already. "-you know?"

“It was only a guess,” Luo Binghe became breathless, when Shen Qingqiu unconsciously started pressing himself forward and pulling Luo Binghe closer with a desperate grip. “This one assumed shizun wouldn’t say if it was related to subjects, that shizun is already reluctant to discuss.”

Shen Qingqiu’s heart was beating out of his chest and there was nothing he could do to calm it. His hands felt itchy, and they were only soothed momentarily when roaming over Luo Binghe’s shoulders, but would then grow agitated like they were trying to hold onto water.

It was like he lost control of his mind and body. Shen Qingqiu had barely caught up with his own thoughts of wanting to touch Luo Binghe, when his hands were already palming the soft skin under the black collar.

His mind was going into slight delirium, as he body felt like it was burning with need and craving to get off. Shen Qingqiu hadn’t even noticed how he was rutting his hard dick against Luo Binghe’s, and until he muttered: Please .

The next thing Shen Qingqiu knew, he was laying in bed with Luo Binghe pecking the corner of his mouth. Eagerly, Shen Qingqiu searched open-mouthed for their lips to meet. Shen Qingqiu could feel Luo Binghe’s excitement vibrate through the kiss.

Luo Binghe was just as eager to lick into his mouth and let their tongues slide against each other. Shen Qingqiu was being pushed and pulled in all directions by how he wanted to take off their clothes and simultaneously wasn’t willing to pull away.

“Shen Yuan?” Shen Qingqiu was letting out small whines, and they were both going insane, so Luo Binghe parted their lips. “Tell me what you want.”

A glimpse of coherence sparked in Shen Qingqiu’s mind. This was just another ploy for Luo Binghe to ask what he likes! Couldn’t Luo Binghe just fuck him already??!.. What the fuck was he thinking now??!! 

“Mhm, Binghe,” Shen Qingqiu whined in frustration, but it sounded painfully much like he was overwhelmed by pleasure (which he obviously was). “Just touch me, don’t talk.”

“Where?” Luo Binghe asked, looming over him with bright eyes, ready and eager to follow instructions. “And how do you want me to touch you?”

“Anywhere,” Shen Qingqiu turned his head away. When Luo Binghe was like his innocent little white lotus in moments like this, it was really too much for him to bear. “It doesn’t matter, just do something already!”

Luo Binghe looked and studied his features, no doubt saving the image in his head. Shen Qingqiu knew what he most looked like right now; hot and bothered. He could feel the flush high on his face and coloring the rest of his body blushing pink as well.

But Shen Qingqiu couldn’t wait for Luo Binghe to photograph him in his memory, so Shen Qingqiu got a good grip on Luo Binghe’s hair at the back of his neck, and pulled him down. Luo Binghe groaned right into his ear and the sound was intoxicating.

Luo Binghe came back to continue what they started, and kissed gently over Shen Qingqiu’s long neck. Which he appreciated over the aimless biting, but.. It was far too feathery and light for Shen Qingqiu to feel at the moment. It wasn’t enough. He needed more…

How dare Luo Binghe spike his body into a wanton state and then not help relieve it??!!!

Shen Qingqiu tugged roughly on Luo Binghe’s soft perfect hair, and Luo Binghe’s mouth opened with a moan over his waiting skin. Luo Binghe quickly understood and began caressing his tongue and lips over the sensitive pale skin.

Shen Qingqiu knew he was making sounds, but he chose to pretend like he wasn’t. Now that he was getting what he wanted, Shen Qingqiu loosened his grip on Luo Binghe's hair, but Luo Binghe immediately stopped him.

“No, please!” Luo Binghe said passionately. “Please don’t let go, Yuan-ge.”

Yuan-ge?!! Since when did Binghe call him GE??!!

Shen Qingqiu’s hand twitched instinctively and tugged on Luo Binghe’s scalp, earning the view of Luo Binghe’s face twisting in pleasure (like the masochist he is). Shen Qingqiu bit his lip, and with purpose pulled even harder so more gasps of his name and calls for him to do it harder would fall out from Luo Binghe’s mouth.

“Ge, please,” It was fascinating watching Luo Binghe’s handsome brows knit together and how his eyes darkened with lust at every twist. “ Please , let me touch you.”

“I haven’t prevented you from touching,” Shen Qingqiu was entranced with the most adorable and handsome face to ever grace the world, so he couldn’t stop himself from speaking shamelessly. “Have I?… Husband ?”

Luo Binghe’s starry eyes widened for a second before starting to pull at Shen Qingqiu’s ropes. Shen Qingqiu laughed fondly, as Luo Binghe had long ago promised not to rip any more of his robes (because one day he wouldn’t have any left), but it still didn’t stop Luo Binghe from attempting to get his ropes off without removing the belt.

Luckily for Luo Binghe his ropes were relatively loose, since Shen Qingqiu had only been cooked up inside from the rain outside. Usually, Shen Qingqiu would always make sure to give off an immortal air, but lately he allowed himself a lazy day (and get a rise out of his husband for showing a glimpse of a collarbone when he wasn’t home).

Luo Binghe was able to expose his bare shoulder and continued his ministrations with his mouth over the smooth skin. Both went without speaking for a while, as Luo Binghe’s mouth was too occupied to speak, and Shen Qingqiu arched and squirmed into the wet tongue.

Shen Qingqiu had forgotten about the rest of his body until Luo Binghe slowly thrusted between his legs, making both their dicks rub against each other through their clothes. It was like he was hit by a strong wave of fire, burning a path for him to lose himself in pure need . 

“Ah, Binghe..” Shen Qingqiu gasped continuously. “..Hurry up.”

“Help me, ge,” Luo Binghe looked at him with pleading eyes going red in the corners from holding himself back from stripping his shizun, until his ropes were just strips of fabric. “I can’t right now.”

“Of course.” Shen Qingqiu held out pity for him and kissed Luo Binghe’s face randomly. He sat up and removed his other ropes.

It was a little difficult undoing his belt sash, as his fingers were shaking from the blood mites, and Luo Binghe noticed this, so he focused his blood to other areas…

Shen Qingqiu’s nipples had been hard for a while, but they were mainly numb without much feeling when touched. He hadn’t noticed the change until he was struck with a mind-numbing feeling. White hot pleasure shot through him like stars, when Luo Binghe had busied himself with lightly pressed his fingers over the lonely exposed bud.

From his encouraging reaction Luo Binghe experimentally searched for the other over, still covered by a thin robe, and pressed against it. Shen Qingqiu arced away and towards the teasing fondling. He couldn’t decide if it was too much for him to bear, or if it was something he wanted to feel over and over again.

Quiet pants mingled between them, as Shen Qingqiu’s continued pursuit of removing his clothes. When he had made it to his pants Shen Qingqiu remembered that Luo Binghe was still fully clothed. Not only wasn’t it fair for only him to be bare, but his heightened sensitivity also called for skin on skin action!

“Binghe, take yours off as well.” Shen Qingqiu weakly reached out and began opening Luo Binghe’s belt sash. Luo Binghe blushed like a maidenly virgin, but it didn’t deceive Shen Qingqiu, as he was avoiding accidentally touching the hard weapon in his pants standing threateningly high.

Still, Luo Binghe continued to act shyly whenever Shen Qingqiu took the initiative. Shen Qingqiu suspected that he was afraid that his shizun would reject, if he reciprocated. It had certainly happened once or twice, but currently Shen Qingqiu was drunk on the buzzing heat going through him, so he wouldn’t stop it.

After they had gotten undressed Shen Qingqiu laid down on his stomach with his bare backside towards Luo Binghe. He evaded looking behind him to avoid wincing at the sight of the steaming, bulging and painfully erect pillar. It would result in Luo Binghe losing his confidence, and Shen Qingqiu didn’t have time to coax him.

Shen Qingqiu could only hope that in his next life the dick would actually fit comfortably, because it still hurt! There was nothing that could change the Heavenly Pillar from its “the bigger the better” size. All he could do was curse Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky and light a candle for himself.

Big hands tentatively found the back of his thigh and massaged him there. Shen Qingqiu was about to tell him to stop fooling around, when the pressure gave way to a strange feeling. Usually Shen Qingqiu’s body was cold and unfeeling to most soft touches (but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t get mad when they would occur!).

Yet, in this moment Shen Qingqiu felt a prickly itch, as Luo Binghe continuously kneaded in a specific spot, the sensitivity spreading in him wasn’t just from the blood mites…

It was quite similar to when Luo Bing-ge had done it, albeit with less sensuality. Was the technique carried over or was it something inherently shared between all “Luo Binghe’s”?

Shen Qingqiu was suddenly reminded of how Luo Binghe in the Holy Mausoleum had avoided angering the woman in the Hall of Fury by only stepping on her acupoints…Was this similar to that?

As Shen Qingqiu confirmed internally that there was in fact an acupoint where Luo Binghe was massaging him, he had started rocking with the movement and moaning softly into the bedding. Luo Binghe held his breath at the sight and started to more confidently massage over his slim body.

Luo Binghe made sure to move the blood mites simultaneously, as he moved up Shen Qingqiu’s lean back and attached his mouth to a point on his shoulder. Shen Qingqiu whimpered and squirmed when Luo Binghe sucked a bruise on his skin. Luo Binghe possessively licked over the mark and became determined to make his shizun react like that again.

Shen Qingqiu was a whimpering mess by the time Luo Binghe was opening him up with his long fingers. It was only then Shen Qingqiu noticed that he had been begging for more and his husband to hurry up. It was utterly horrifying, but Shen Qingqiu let himself continue, since he couldn’t (read wouldn’t) stop anyway.

Chapter Text

Shang Qinghua has missed something important at some point. It seemed like everyone knew something he didn’t. The staff he worked with every day couldn’t stop giggling in his direction and say things like ‘congratulations’ with twisting grins that came off as warm by demon standards.

This had been going on ever since the trophy-hunting-massacre a few weeks ago. At first he didn’t think much of it, as demons were cunning and mischievous by nature and he was often on the receiving end of that, but no punchline came or hidden prank was revealed.

He had even noticed a change in his king’s behavior as of late, like he was in a good mood or something. Shang Qinghua greatly benefited from this development as it meant lots of sex and free time. Mobei-Jun had handed most of Shang Qinghua’s paperwork to one of the few capable demons.

Shang Qinghua spent his time writing another shitty novel (think like ancient Chinese Wattpad) in his office or in bed when his ass was too sore. One morning he was nose-deep in a scene, where Liu Qingge’s tongue is battling for dominance with any person imaginable, when a servant arrived with a letter.

He was laying in bed post-cordial with his hair still down, but it was nothing servants hadn’t seen before, so he simply accepted the letter. Why would anyone be sending him a letter? Had someone finally taken more interest in his ice cream industry debut, or wanted to tell him how brilliant his writing was?!

He opened the letter eagerly like a child at Christmas time and started reading it, but he was bombarded with disappointment.

FUCK YOU AIRPLANE-BRO!!! YOU’VE REALLY DONE IT THIS TIME!!! HOW DARE YOU GET ENGAGED WITHOUT TELLING ME ABOUT IT!!! WAS YOUR ASS AND FACE TOO STUFFED TO GET YOUR LAZY ASS ON A SWORD?!! I CAN’T BELIEVE I FIRST HEARD ABOUT IT THROUGH MING FAN!!! MY OWN FUCKING DISCIPLES KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS THAN I DO!!! IF YOU WEREN’T PLANNING ON TELLING ME BEFORE THE WEDDING DON’T BOTHER WITH SENDING AN INVITATION!!!

Of course nobody had grown curious or invested in his endeavors! Only Peerless Cucumber would care about what he was up to and send hate mail!! Shang Qinghua was only left with one question; how did Cucumber-bro get the idea that he was engaged?

It wasn’t like he was chased around by beautiful men like Cucumber-bro was. Heck, Shang Qinghua didn’t even qualify as particularly attractive (to himself), so why would anyone want to bed, date or marry him?

Sure, Shang Qinghua was a cheesy fella, but he didn’t really want to get married, cause that meant spending time getting to know other people (which he didn’t have). Most days he was constantly attending to his spoiled kings’ needs (of any kind), and he didn’t have energy to do the same for someone else at the same time.

There was also just the matter of being exposed to Mobei-Jun’s perfectly constructed image daily to the point where no one could even try to compare in Shang Qinghua’s eyes. It would be a losing battle before anyone even stood a chance to catch Shang Qinghua’s attention away from his king.

Did Shang Qinghua sometimes daydream of being married to Mobei-Jun, sure, of course, who wouldn’t? Did he think it would ever happen realistically, no, not even slightly. Was Shang Qinghua still satisfied with his relationship dynamic with his king, absolutely!

Shang Qinghua took his time getting ready for his flight, because if Cucumber-bro missed him that much, he could just get up himself and visit him (and Shang Qinghua was definitely going to be petty about it)!

Anyway, he needed to explain and prove his single status once and for all (Even if it would make sense that he would be engaged with how everyone seems very happy for him lately).

Despite his expected visit, Shang Qinghua was still met with a usual “warm” welcome; an unimpressed comment and a boss level health bar appearing. Shen Qingqiu did eventually become merciful and tell Binghe to behave.

-

“How the fuck did you get engaged without knowing it?!!” Shen Qingqiu gritted his teeth around his words. “Seriously, how can anyone be so stupid?!!”

“I don’t know?! Maybe, it’s like when some women give birth without knowing they were pregnant?!!” Shang Qinghua counter-argued. “It’s not like I’m showing a bump and I’m not exactly wearing a ring either, so how would you know?!”

“Wha- no-. Ugh, just shut up!”

Shen Qingqiu gagged at the mental image of not just Airplane-bro at nine months pregnant ready to pop out an weird icy gremlin creature. The poor thing would not just have one emotionally distant parent but two, and who knows what it would learn from its immoral deprived caretakers?! If anyone shouldn’t raise kids it should be them!!

“You don’t necessarily need a ring to be engaged! Plus you’re fucking Chinese!”

“That’s where you’re wrong!..” Shang Qinghua immediately realized he just denied his own race, and quickly rephrased it before Cucumber-bro would go on a half hour tangent on just how stupid he was. “You see, I’ve always wanted a more western style wedding, and wearing rings is undeniably romantic and who wouldn’t want that?”

(The man had for some reason spent his school days watching ‘say yes to the dress’ instead of having friends)

Shen Qingqiu had too much to say, but decided he was better off going directly to the source to put an end to his suffering. He sent the oblivious, dense, pathetic, annoying, degenerate fucking hamster home, and started writing down instructions.

Luo Binghe came home from fishing in the nearby stream, and immediately wanted kisses and cuddles. (Which Shen Qingqiu gladly accepted)

“What are you doing shizun?” His sweaty husband asked while hugging him from behind. Luo Binghe squinted his eyes at one of the spare sketches and notes. “Rings?”

“For Qinghua.” Shen Qingqiu maintained his focus, as Luo Binghe studied his work with a familiar sour note of vinegar in the air. “They’re for his and Mobei-Jun’s to wear as a couple.”

“We’ve been married for years, and we’re not wearing rings..” Luo Bingmei instead of cheering up did the opposite; he pouted. “Does shizun not want to wear rings with this one?”

Now Shen Qingqiu was caught in a dilemma. Should he pick up the glass shards of his little lamb husband’s heart and glue them together by giving in, or should he deny such overly squishy romantic gestures of being tied together by wearing rings, since he had always been of the opinion that it was ridiculously dramatic and clingy. Ugh…

“This master found it unnecessary back then and doesn’t see any reason to get some now.” Shen Qingqiu patted Bingmei’s head from where he had ended up kneeling on the floor to grab onto his shizun’s robes. 

“How come they get rings?” Bingmei sniffled and fat tears fell from his wet eyes. “Does shizun not want…”

“Qinghua is too dumb to understand or realize the situation he’s in about his own relationship, so he needs help.” Shen Qingqiu had to cut in before Luo Binghe could complete whatever that sentence would lead to! “We are not dense like those two, so we don’t need it… unless.”

Shen Qingqiu was already regretting his actions and felt the need to pause.

“Unless what, shizun?” Bingmei scooted in closer with starlight coming back into his eyes. “Please tell me shizun!”

Shen Qingqiu gritted his teeth in embarrassment. 

“Unless…you want it.”

Luo Binghe was quick to embrace his shizun tightly with overflowing love, but it was like he couldn’t control his strength, so he ended up on top of his shizun, who was too mortified to open his eyes.

“This one has already said that this one wants everything with shizun!” Luo Binghe soft and perfect hair cascaded down framing in his shizun’s flushed face. “Why doesn’t shizun believe my words?”

Shen Qingqiu wished he had his fan to hide behind or the whack Luo Binghe away. It wasn’t like he didn’t believe Luo Binghe’s honesty in the sentiment, but rather that Shen Qingqiu found himself willing to comply with whatever Luo Binghe wanted… 

He was even more horrified to realize that he wasn’t actually against the whole thing when it was with the right person… and that is simply more than just doing gay with Luo Binghe… that is being gay with his husband, who he had loved and cared for long before he himself knew it (or acknowledge it).

“Shizun?” Luo Binghe seemed to sense a change, but patiently waited for his shizun to soften his expression. “Does shizun know I mean it?”

“Of course I know you mean it!” Shen Qingqiu meant to sound angry but he sighed softly instead. “I just…”

Luo Binghe was about to ask what, when he was pulled down into a kiss. His words were forgotten for now, but it’s safe to say that a pair of rings would soon appear on their hands.

-

Shang Qinghua had noticed something strange. It seemed that whatever the staff was preparing for was quite similar to a western and modern wedding decor. It was like they had been handed a booklet describing in perfect detail, but Shang Qinghua wouldn’t be surprised if he had simply forgotten that he wrote it into some wife-plot.

Plus there was no way any of the four people who visited modern China would write anything like that. Mobei-Jun didn’t care to write stuff down in the first place (which makes it Shang Qinghua’s job to write down everything). 

Luo Binghe only cares about his shizun and how he can fuck him 70 different ways until Cucumber-bro stops him.

And Cucumber-bro is too busy “letting” himself be defiled and too sore to sit down to write anything like that. (*insert John Cena meme* “Are you sure about that?”)

Anyway, Shang Qinghua was on his way to the kitchen (he had seen the baker looking very tired these days, which meant there should be a spatula or two for him lick clean), when he heard a crash from behind the kitchen door.

Had someone fallen while carrying the sweet custard or dropped it? Shang Qinghua would then have to decide if it was too weird for him to lick it off the floor (maybe just the parts that hadn’t been directly touching the floor). To his surprise he then heard a very familiar voice.

“I TOLD YOU TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS!” Mobei-Jun sounded like he was one second from permanently firing the chef and the kitchen staff from their lives. Shang Qinghua should probably stop it from happening, but then he wouldn’t know why his king was in the kitchen in the first place?

Shang Qinghua pressed his ear to the door to listen more closely, as his king went on a rampage.

“THE FONDANT IS SUPPOSED TO BE PERIWINKLE BLUE NOT CERULEAN BLUE!! AND YOU PUT SALT IN THE CUSTARD INSTEAD OF SUGAR, YOU FUCKING MORONS!!! DO YOU WISH FOR DEATH?!!!”

Shang Qinghua nearly laughed out loud at the absurdity of the image of his prideful king caring the specificity of not just the color of blue but also the names of each blue! He had to hold his hands over his mouth to not expose himself!

“EVERYTHING HAS TO BE PERFECT!! ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!! I WILL NOT TOLERATE LESS!!! IT WOULD NOT ONLY REFLECT YOUR LACK OF REASON TO LIVE BUT SHOW HOW LITTLE YOU RESPECT ME AND MY FUTURE HUSBAND!!!”

His king sounds awfully a lot like bridezillas, who are overly sensitive and aggressive about every little detail of their wedding, like one flower out of place would ruin their wedding day… (Shang Qinghua forgot to process the sentence until now) 

WAIT!! WHAT HUSBAND??! IS HIS KING GETTING MARRIED TO A MAN???!!!

(Well it shouldn’t be that weird from how often his king fucks him, but Shang Qinghua had always assumed his gender didn’t matter out of convenience. As long as he had a hole his king wouldn’t care for what hung in the front.)

HOW IS HIS KING GETTING MARRIED WITHOUT HIM KNOWING??!! AND TO WHO??!!!

Shang Qinghua suddenly lost his appetite and didn’t see the fun in raiding the kitchen anymore (plus he didn’t wanna get caught stealing by Mobei-Jun in broad daylight). It was like guilt and something sour replaced his hunger. How had he completely failed to notice his king being swept up in a romance?

The next day the royal dressmaker called for Shang Qinghua to overview and approve the wedding attire for the groom marrying into the Mobei clan. Shang Qinghua went with less enthusiasm and/or fear for his life than usual. 

When he saw the prepared and tailored clothing he was comforted by glee. There were three different over the top white dresses for him to choose from. Something in Shang Qinghua came to the surface with something he had never been able to act upon; revenge. 

(Don’t question why he uses the word “revenge”, because it’s not like he’s jealous or feel like this mysterious “bride” to be his stealing his king)

Shang Qinghua couldn’t stop the menacing smile from spreading over his face and rubbing his hands together like a super villain (a scum one, if you will), when he looked over the dresses. 

The first one was a bigger than life, a fabric store and a glitter shop ball gown with a hoop skirt and lots of tulle petticoats. It seemed like his king had chosen someone around Shang Qinghua’s height and build, so they would be swallowed up by the dress… perfect *evil laugh*

The second one was a slinky number with a deep v down to the belly button, with extra cutouts and even a high slit up the thigh. Most men would be embarrassed to be sexualized in such a manner, and it would please Shang Qinghua to see him be uncomfortable the entire day…

The third was a mermaid style dress covered in crystals and embroidery and had a very long train, which would only be painfully tight and hard to walk in. It could either lead to him tripping over the fabric or faint like a corseted Victorian woman (as the author I will correct him and anyone who says otherwise; corsets wasn’t always tightlaced and wasn’t actually painful to wear)

The demon dressmaker was still standing to the side waiting, and grew more and more desperate to know if the groom approved of his hard work and labor. He had waited for this wedding for years to finally make some earnings after dresses had been less requested. He needed this to go well!

Shang Qinghua went cross-eyed from the different options to execute his conniving plans of humiliation, when an idea struck him. 

“All of them will do nicely,” He clapped his hands together in resolution. “So let’s use them all throughout the wedding.”

“A-all of them?” The demon blinked in confusion. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, why not?” Shang Qinghua slung an arm around the demon's shoulder. “You worked so hard on all of them, that this one can’t pick a favorite!”

“Really?” The demon almost cried out of sheer joy. “Thank you so much! I shall get the last details in place for tomorrow!”

TOMORROW?! Shang Qinghua asked, bewildered. He hated not being in the loop of everything going on around here! Well, maybe it was better to get it over with, and then he could also meet this bride for the first time, while taking them down!..

If only it could take away the lingering pain Shang Qinghua felt every time he thought about his king marrying (someone else)…

On the same night Shang Qinghua found himself on a balcony overlooking the snowy landscape, as it was snowing softly. Surely, it would lead to a beautiful scenery of shimmering untouched snow to a perfect wedding, to a perfect man (whoever he was), to the perfect king…

In reality it was cold and the wind still bit at your bones whenever it swirled by, and Shang Qinghua couldn’t possibly sleep in the same bed as a king promised to another, and standing outside at night made more sense.

He didn’t want to intrude further and he would have to move back to his old room. Shang Qinghua had never officially moved out but most of his stuff had found home in the royal chamber. 

Or even better, move permanently back to An Ding Peak, so he could give his king some time for his honeymoon.. Shang Qinghua was really going to miss that Popsicle.. Shang Qinghua sighed full of grief and longing for was never his to begin with.

“Why are you here?!”

Shang Qinghua squicked with a jump, nearly falling over the railing. A strong arm grabbed his wrist as if expecting this hamster reaction. Now face to face with a haughty king, who looks like he wants to throw the shaking rodent off the balcony himself.

“My k-king?” Shang Qinghua couldn’t come up with any good reason as to why Mobei-Jun would be in a bad mood currently? Maybe it was wedding jitters? Or perhaps Shang Qinghua was now deemed useless to him, and was getting fired? 

“This one thought it would make it more comfortable for my king, if this one slept in a different room from now on?”

Mobei-Jun didn’t just look unimpressed, he looked almost offended, as he stared intently at Shang Qinghua. The poor rodent was too shaken by the piercing discontent on his perfectly sculpted face to comprehend why his king could possibly be angry with him?

“Ridiculous,” Mobei-Jun had had one of his well-read servants read out Shen Qingqiu’s instructions and insights into what kind of wedding traditions Shang Qinghua might like to follow.

Personally, Mobei-Jun thought that spending the night before the wedding apart was truly ridiculous. Especially considering that they had slept in the same bed for years already, so there was no reason to change that now.

“Just go to bed now, and you’ll be rested for tomorrow.”

Shang Qinghua understood this as his king insinuating that he would be working tirelessly hard away for the wedding, and this tipped Shang Qinghua over the edge.

“I HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR MY KING FOR A LONG TIME AND YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO PUSH ME AROUND!! BUT I HAVE STAYED BY YOUR SIDE AND I INTEND TO KEEP DOING SO, SO DON’T TELL ME TO STAY AWAY!!! LET ME AT LEAST SEND YOU OFF!!!”

Mobei-Jun stood speechless and just blinked trying to process being yelled at. 

“Why wouldn’t you be there?!” Mobei-Jun looked lost, but still managed to keep his outmost superiority of ‘you know/and are nothing, moron! Kiss my feet and eat shit!’

“Because my king doesn’t think I belong there! it would only be right for your creator to act in place of your father!” Shang Qinghua groaned in frustration. “Instead my king tricked me into thinking I had time off, only to dump it all on me, when my king is on his honeymoon with some guy!!”

“I did no such thing!” Mobei-Jun said as arrogantly as ever. “There wouldn’t be a wedding without you! Do you not want to be there?!”

“W-what?” Shang Qinghua was now the confused one. He studied Mobei-Jun’s scoffed face and found redness in his eyes; hurt.

Mobei-Jun willed himself to calm his temperament with a deep breath. “Are you forced to stay here?”

Shang Qinghua didn’t understand the question, and couldn’t say anything before Mobei-Jun asked again.

“Is the…thing in your head making you stay by my side?” Mobei-Jun practically rolled his eyes at the System, but only to mask his nervousness. Shang Qinghua had never seen this (or many similar emotions or states) before; agitation, vulnerability.

Why would Mobei-Jun care about Shang Qinghua’s reasoning to follow him everywhere? Sure, in the past it was not by choice to seek death by working under the king, but obviously that had changed years ago…

Shang Qinghua didn’t know why, but things had changed for the better (unlike how things usually went for him). His life within his own world was better than his life in the modern world, and Mobei-Jun had something to do with that…

“I..l, uhm,” Shang Qinghua couldn’t find the words to explain this. “I’m not currently..”

Mobei-Jun knew his fiancé was slow when it came to certain things, so he did the unnatural thing and practiced patience. Shen Qingqiu had mentioned that Shang Qinghua needed to be told more directly, so Mobei-Jun would just have to swallow his pride and remember to be pathetic.

Shang Qinghua struggled to process, as he watched in slow motion Mobei-Jun going down one knee, and held out a tiny crystal case. The image immediately sent out a numbing sensation through his body and he couldn’t think clearly.

“You’ve said you wanted to follow me forever, and that you’d stay loyal to me forever,” Mobei-Jun opened it and two matching sterling-like rings with subtle engravings. 

Shang Qinghua simply stared alternately between Mobei-Jun and the rings in complete disbelief. How was this happening? Was this a dream? Did he somehow fall asleep standing up and hit his head on something?? Surely, a reality where Mobei-Jun like him back didn’t exist?!

“I don’t care, if you didn’t always mean it in the past like others, but no one actually did expect for you,” Mobei-Jun took his freezing hand and sent him spiritual energy to warm him. “I want you to continue keeping that promise, and I’ll do the same.”

Shang Qinghua was nearly ugly crying and the chilling winds were threatening to spill out his tears. He stood there opening and closing his mouth a couple of times before finding any words.

“My king..wants me to stay?” Shang Qinghua’s world was turning upside down, but Mobei-Jun only nodded nonchalantly. “B-but what about the wedding tomorrow?”

“The wedding is for you.” Mobei-Jun said with what could almost be described as fond laughter. 

Shang Qinghua was not only speechless, but was also realizing that he had misunderstood the whole thing from the beginning. He had truly been an idiot for not only missing the clues and just writing things off, when something alluded to him being the mysterious groom.

(Even though he was literally told about it directly many times by Shen Qingqiu, but for something that wasn’t obvious enough… Shen Qingqiu would definitely beat him up, if his revenge wasn’t already planned out…)

Mobei-Jun gently pulled out the smaller ring and paused his movements in front of Shang Qinghua’s hand, asking the silent question.

“Yes, please,” Shang Qinghua was still going through everything in his brain, and struggled to keep breathing. But happiness overpowered everything and there was no stopping the goofy smile on his face. “Fuck yes!”

Mobei-Jun then tried to push it onto Shang Qinghua’s middle finger (totally not because he forgot which finger Shen Qingqiu had instructed it went on), so it only reached past the nail and the first knuckle.

Shang Qinghua didn’t dare correct his mistake, but was satisfied just the same. He doubted his king would react nicely to Shang Qinghua immediately taking off the ring under any circumstances, even if there was a faint smile present on his perfect face.

Shang Qinghua did the same with Mobei-Jun’s ring to confirm that his king had indeed made no mistake. (Even if it was an impractical place Shang Qinghua just had to find some spell or something that would help keep it on.)

It was safe to say they went to bed with added passion and tenderness between them. Shang Qinghua couldn’t stop spacing out, as Mobei-Jun touched him with new meaning; not just out of convenience but out of love.

Still as they dozed off Shang Qinghua felt like he had forgotten something important, but nothing was more important than clinging to his king (his future husband!!), so he ignored the nagging feeling.

Chapter Text

The sun sent rays of light through the crystal-like windows that slowly speckled over the bed before reaching Shang Qinghua’s face. He blinked awake like he usually did; early. Too early. His body had a built in alarm clock that woke him up before dawn had fully arrived. 

In wintertime he would wake up nearly four hours before the sunrise, and struggle to get up without dozing off while sitting up. Yet he didn’t have it any easier, since it would get brighter earlier, which made him unable to sleep any longer. 

Maybe it had something to do with his nerves and anxious tendencies, that made him inherently restless as a person? 

He tried to adjust into a more comfortable position, but was constricted by a heavy firm arm around his middle. His king was sometimes forceful to the point of being clingy in the morning, but today seemed especially difficult.

Mobei-Jun was not only pressed up against him with his nose in his hair, but also had a long muscular leg slung over his. Thank goodness Mobei-Jun had turned aggressively during the night or Shang Qinghua would have been minced meat!

Luckily, Shang Qinghua had dealt with this enough to know he could eventually wiggle out from his grasp without waking him up. All Shang Qinghua had to do was lift his arm off of his waist and then slide out. He only just lifted the lax arm, when a gravelly voice came from behind him.

“Where are you going?” Mobei-Jun asked, clearly more awake than Shang Qinghua had anticipated.

“I-I…” Shang Qinghua didn’t actually know why he was getting up. It was probably more out of habit than anything, but now he felt bad. Had he woken his king up for no reason? “This one apologizes for waking you.”

“Mhm, it’s fine,” Mobei-Jun hummed darkly behind Shang Qinghua’s ear. “As long as you stay.”

Shang Qinghua laughed nervously from how red his face turned. “My king, you’d surely have to let go of me at some point.”

“No I don’t,” Mobei-Jun breathed into his neck. “Not when you’re my husband.”

Shang Qinghua turned blue then white and then red. He had somehow forgotten about last night and the last few weeks lead up. Mobei-Jun had not only proposed but they were getting married today! He giggled like a gremlin with pure satisfaction and joy.

Mobei-Jun himself thawed and smiled, as he looked down at the other, who had promised to stay. The long wavy hair spread out around Shang Qinghua’s giddy face like the sun. Melting away the last of frost around his heart; he would try to be more clear in his intentions from now on.

Nothing could ruin this moment, except when they actually did have to separate (after a quickie against the wall of betrothal gifts) to get ready for the ceremony. Shang Qinghua had once again forgotten an important detail.

-

Shang Qinghua looked up for the first time into the mirror since slipping into the third dress. He had had his eyes squeezed shut for half the morning out of sheer frustration. It was just typical! Just when luck and fortune had knocked on the door, even more unfortunate followed with it!

The little revenge plan he had concocted for “the bride to be” had irreversibly fallen upon himself. And just to set fire to the bag of shit the idea wasn’t even his own. The culprit was currently lounging around fanning his satisfied smug face.

“Mph,” Shen Qingqiu sounded surprised. “It doesn’t look as bad as I thought.”

“Thanks, for the backhanded compliment, cucumber-bro!” Shang Qinghua said with as much sarcasm he could. “I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Apparently Shen Qingqiu had played a big role in all aspects of the wedding. Down to the wedding attire being dresses… Truly a dedicated friend! But Shang Qinghua was going to take what he could get, cause at least he looked good.

Shang Qinghua had never paid much attention to his appearance, but turning around and seeing how the low cut exposed his skin with beaded threads hung nicely against his skin. It almost made him think he was pretty! 

“My ass looks great in this! I didn’t know I was packing this the whole time!” Shang Qinghua posed, accentuating his hips and bending slightly. “Maybe I should bring it for the honeymoon?”

“Ugh, spare me,” Shen Qingqiu made a face at Airplane-bro twerking. “Also what honeymoon? I thought you were busy starting up your business.”

“I was, but my soon to be husband made sure too spoil me with vacation time, so I don’t actually know how far it’s progressed.”

“So you’ve just been doing nothing this whole time, and let everyone else do the work?!” Shen Qingqiu said with a frown of bubbling anger. “I have worked harder for your wedding than you have!”

“Hey, I never asked you to do anything, Cucumber-bro,” A servant was styling Shang Qinghua’s thick hair with different veil options as it was his turn to smile. “You could’ve just stayed out of it, but you couldn’t let your bestest friend have a bad wedding~.”

“Only because you were too dumb to realize that you were already engaged, and even if you knew, you’d fuck it up somehow! Like ketchup you’d have to turn you upside down and shake you twice, before anything sensible comes out!” 

“So you took it upon yourself because you are oh so smart and sensible.” Shang Qinghua dramatically put his hands over his heart. “I should be honored to have such a prestigious person helping this one out, and guiding this one towards a path of light.”

Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes, but then noticed something. “Why are you wearing your ring on that finger?”

“Oh, well my fiancé put it there, and I couldn’t disobey an order from my king, of course.”

“You guys are so dumb,” Shen Qingqiu absentmindedly opened his fan, when Shang Qinghua caught the glint of something on his Cucumber-bro’s ring finger. 

“What’s that?” 

“What?

“That, obviously.” Shang Qinghua pointed, stepping down from the little podium to observe it more closely. “Is that a ring? I didn’t know you liked jewelry.”

“None of your business!” 

It was unlike his and Mobei-Jun’s in style as it was thinner and more subtle. There was only one dainty red stone taking all the attention from how it greatly contrasted and complimented the green of his robes (not unlike a certain someone).

“I see,” Shang Qinghua grinned at the discovery. “Cucumber-bro’s brilliant ideas shouldn’t only be enjoyed by others, so he used one for himself.”

“Shut the fuck up and sit down! Your hair doesn’t style itself if you keep getting distracted!” Shen Qingqiu was losing more and more face by the second, but at least he could mask his embarrassment with anger.

“Is everything alright, shizun?” As if summoned by Shen Qingqiu’s distress Luo Binghe walked through the door staring down the white dressed hamster. “Should this one make shizun more comfortable, and get rid of the annoyance?”

Shen Qingqiu immediately activated his kindergarten teacher mode and patted Luo Binghe on the head. “No need, this master will leave the annoyance to figure out his own hair.”

“But Cucumber-bro, you’re the only person I can trust to tell me what looks good!” Shang Qinghua begged, despite his life being threatened by a manipulative master and dismissed simultaneously by his best friend. “Please, I know you wouldn’t want me to look dumb!”

Shang Qinghua then remembered that’s exactly how he ended up wearing wedding dresses in the first place. “Well, at least you would like a preview and the ability to form an opinion before anyone else.”

This did indeed play into Shen Qingqiu’s character; a most passionate commenter. Shen Qingqiu fanned his face, hiding some of the glee on his face. This development didn’t please the demon lord whatsoever, but with a few encouraging words and a gentle smile sent his way he left.

-

“This is really happening, isn’t it?!” Shang Qinghua felt like he couldn’t breathe. This was too much! He was standing just outside the entrance to the magically ice cathedral style building (similar to Elsa’s castle in Frozen). It was placed on a mountain peak surrounded by untouched snow that reflected the sun’s pale brilliance back onto the white of Shang Qinghua’s dress.

“Of course it is!” Shen Qingqiu said while holding up most of the train, so it wouldn’t get dirty before they even got inside. “I didn’t plan all this for you to back out now!”

“I know, but this- I never expected this could happen to me?”

“What do you mean? You don’t think that you deserve this or what?”

“Are you going to actually say something nice to me for once, Cucumber-bro?” Shang Qinghua smiled despite freezing to death with his bare shoulders exposed to the elements. 

Shen Qingqiu simply rolled his eyes.

“But I’ve only dreamt of something like this, that now that it’s happening, it doesn’t feel real,” Shang Qinghua hugged himself and traced his fingers over the lace of the dress. “I guess, I’m just used to coming up with things, and not when those fictional things become reality…”

(Which is deeply ironic, since he’s literally lived a second life in his own fictional world)

“You might be the worst author ever,” Shen Qingqiu coughed slowly (to mask his embarrassment) to get his attention. “But even you deserve a reality better than your writing.”

Shang Qinghua stared at Shen Qingqiu speechless and too emotional to say anything. It would not only ruin his makeup, but also be awful to have a runny nose during the ceremony. The look stretched on in silence, until it was too long for Shen Qingqiu’s comfort.

“Stop that!” Shen Qingqiu wanted to hit him over the head with his fan, but not only was his hands full of fabric, he also was too afraid of messing up the hair they had struggled to put up in a half up half down style, so he decided it was best to save his outburst for later.

Shen Qingqiu checked over the last details before leaving, so Shang Qinghua could gather his breath before walking down the aisle alone. He had jokingly asked if Shen Qingqiu wanted to ‘give him away’, but his dear Cucumber-bro declined with disgust.

It was simply funny to imagine Shen Qingqiu step in as his father, but Shang Qinghua did feel weird about it. If this was the modern world he did have a father to give him away, but Shang Qinghua found himself not wanting his father to do so. Did he even want him there? If he had the option right now to bring his family into this world and be present at his wedding, would he even take it?..

Shang Qinghua was an inconvenience for most of his life, and if they were here, he would still feel like one on his own wedding day. His parents wouldn’t want to be in the same room for more than five minutes of ignoring each other, only to inadvertently get into a fight… And that would be his fault for forcing them to acknowledge each other’s existence.

Maybe Shen Qingqiu was right? The wedding with his family present would make the experience less enjoyable and more traumatic, but the most important part was that it was fictional. They weren’t here to tolerate Shang Qinghua’s happiness. They were only in his head.

What was real is the fact that the crystalline building was built just for him and was full of people who valued, respected or loved him on some level. He had friends (he included the demon servants), who cared about him and what he was up to. He even had the most cool, handsome demon act pathetically just to prove how much he loved him… And he was waiting for him right now behind this door.

At that moment the doors opened and Shang Qinghua’s heart was about to beat out of his chest (and not out of fear for once). What struck him first was how bright the interior of this monumental building was. It reminded him of the early morning light shining through snowflakes.

He was met with a mixed reaction from both sides of the aisle; a respectable pleasant quiet from the fellow Peak Lords and disciples, and a more rowdy murmur of the demons who couldn’t help commenting.

As Shang Qinghua walked between the contrasting crowds he saw smiles on familiar faces. Most of the disciples were either in awe of the whole spectacle or confused by Shang Qinghua's choice of wedding attire. Shang Qinghua was quite willing to let them stare, as he knew the long cathedral train dragging beautifully behind him. 

Shen Qingqiu actually smiled towards him as when their eyes met for a moment. Everyone was dressed in their best and most formal attire. Shang Qinghua felt pride in his chest from how cool and handsome everyone looked at their fathers wedding! But no one could look better than his groom, his king!

When Shang Qinghua finally found the courage to look straight ahead he found himself unable to look away. He got tunnel vision from how decked out and haughty Mobei-Jun looked, but nothing could compare to the sheer warmth on his face. All the things Shang Qinghua had ever wanted were present in his eyes alone; care, want, affection and love.

Suddenly Shang Qinghua stood before Mobei-Jun, taken back by how gently his king offered his hand to help him up the stairs. The moment Shang Qinghua took it all the freezing cold melted away. It felt safe and toasty like not even a breeze could make him shiver.

Instead of listening to Yue Qingyuan talk (he was standing in as a makeshift priest) Shang Qinghua was caught under the spell of Mobei-Jim’s gaze; steady and comforting. They said their “I do’s” and the ceremony was over just like that, as the crowd gathered and the System cheered.

-

Luo Binghe looked skeptically at the hand-pulled noodles in front of him. It had been a long time since he had seen such poorly made food. Even in the Endless Abyss, where food was scarce and cruel, he was able to conquer up something passable. 

This was not that, despite looking like a plate of food from afar. It technically had everything; noodles, broth, fiber and protein, but it was all ill-prepared. The noodles were wonky and looked overcooked, bloated with too much of the murky broth, which was a strange coloring. Even the floating vegetables were cut too big, and the meat was similarly cut wrong and inconsistently.

“Shizun, isn’t this supposed to be fancy for the occasion?” He couldn't help but ask before taking a bite. After all, Luo Binghe had to check if it was undeserving of his Shizun, so he should be the one to try it first.

“This master tried to convince him otherwise, but he insisted on his own recipe,” Shen Qingqiu apologized with a sigh. “This master will take the blame for not trying harder.”

Luo Binghe took a bite and said tearfully. “It’s not Shizun’s fault.”

It truly wasn’t, since it was Mobei-Jun’s stubborn pride that had most definitely ruled this decision. What Luo Binghe had mistaken for a carelessly thrown together meal was meticulously planned and executed to perfection. That guy wasn’t good at taking failure first hand and instead doubled down; if his noodles were horrendous then everyone should make it the standard.

Luo Binghe felt anger rise in his stomach (it’s just as offended by food), but he wasn’t going to throw a fit or say anything. This event was after all one of his Shizun’s projects, so he ought to respect it.

Still he calmly moved the bowls for him and his Shizun, and replaced it with two buns from his qiankun pantry. It earned him a small smile and Luo Binghe’s own mood lifted along with it.

Shen Qingqiu complimented him on his practical preparation, as he took a bite and flavor burst into his mouth. Shen Qingqiu renewed his appreciation for choosing to stay in Proud Immortal Demon Way; all food was delicious and perfectly balanced (when you have a dedicated and passionate personal chef, of course).

While eating Shen Qingqiu had the feeling someone (other than Luo Binghe) was looking at him. Yue Qingyuan was staring at him with quite a stunned expression. Shen Qingqiu instantly felt guilt flooding over him.

Shen Qingqiu over the years he slowly had let go of the role he was playing. When he was angry; he didn’t torture others. When he was happy; he couldn’t keep a straight face. Whenever Yue Qingyuan looked at him like this; he mourned for him.

The person Yue Qingyuan was looking for isn’t behind this face anymore; Shen Jui is nowhere to be found. It wasn’t Shen Qingqiu’s doing that led to this, but he also didn’t keep up the persona to at least make it seem like he was still Shen Jui.

“Do you want one?” Shen Qingqiu asked politely, pointing at the juicy bun. Shen Jui didn’t pity anyone and especially not Yue Qingyuan. He would’ve given him the cold shoulder and avoided conversation. 

“No thanks, shidi” Yue Qingyuan came out of his shock and smiled that same way he always did; genuinely, but with sadness tugging at the corners. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

Shen Qingqiu knew that being nice could only comfort Yue Qingyuan so much, but by acting differently it did make Yue Qingyuan less likely to ask questions. It was the same way he distanced herself from Shen Jui (and Yue Qingyuan as a result) by refusing to go by the name.

Luo Binghe silently observed this interaction. Not only finding it unpleasant (and vinegar inducing), but also a little strange. Luo Binghe had noticed these awkward conversations for years, and thought nothing of it.

He had always assumed that the issue relied on his shizun’s relationship with demons. From what he knew his shizun didn’t have issues with the sect leader, but knowing what he does now he wondered if it was related. After all he only needed to ask to find out.

Chapter Text

The two crowds were placed interchangeably next to each other at the tables (only because Shang Qinghua insisted, and no one dared to offend the ice demons bride). How were you supposed to unite people if they couldn’t even sit at the same table?

It was easy to say it was a mixed reaction from both parties. Most cultivators sat stiffened in either fear, disbelief or disgust, but there were a few curious young disciples. For some of them it would be their first time being up close to demons, especially of this many. For others it was the first time meeting demons on friendly terms, and at a wedding between a human and a demon at that.

The other half were too unashamedly joyful to care for the ones who didn’t feel the same. They didn’t care for (or know) human etiquette, so when ice cream was served they all dug in mouths first, even if the cultivators stared with a burning intention to melt their ice cream.

Mobei-Jun knew humans were sensitive about stuff like cleanliness and crudeness, but he found that his mate stood out amongst those customs. Sure, his little human complained about doing bloody laundry, but he also often fell victim to similar judgments from his species. (Namely Shen Qingqiu yelling at Shang Qinghua to sit properly at the dinner table)

This abnormal behavior was rather attractive to the icy demon. Mobei-Jun couldn’t help but feel like his human was meant for him to bring into his family with his unbothered demon-like quirks.

Shang Qinghua just walked into the room in another white dress. It was so big that Shang Qinghua could barely make it through the door. If it been worn by anyone else Mobei-Jun would find it unappealing, but there had long been a strong pull on him. 

The earlier dress had covered most of his skin with dainty lace, but with this dress his collarbones were exposed, and Mobei-Jun felt the age old urge to lick them. A thing he hadn’t discovered until the first time he lost control and ripped off his clothes.

Back then Luo Binghe was still building a hut for him and Shen Qingqiu, so Mobei-Jun had to deal with pressing conflicts between the North and South demons. He was far from under qualified for the position, but the stress was slowly getting to him.

Shang Qinghua had only wanted to relieve some of that stress by saying “this one will do anything to please my king”. At this Mobei-Jun snapped and pinned Shang Qinghua to the nearest wall. He couldn’t find it himself to stop or care if others saw, as soon as he heard the moan from his human. 

That first sound of primal pleasure echoed in Mobei-Jun’s ears to this day. It was easy to say that, after sinking into Shang Qinghua’s warm body, he wanted to hear it again and again. 

Shang Qinghua didn’t seem to mind, as Mobei-Jun felt like his human was intentionally tantalizing him by arching his back in his direction. Or maybe he wasn’t aware of doing it, and it was actually some unspoken instinct to lure Mobei-Jun back into an embrace. Either way, it worked.

For the last few years they’ve been intimate Mobei-Jun had been convinced that they were exclusive, but learned that Shang Qinghua hadn’t taken any of the courting seriously, he had initially been mad. For something so obvious like his intentions, Shang Qinghua had simply understood it as nothing more than pleasing his king.

Mobei-Jun was determined to remind him every day of how serious he was, even though Shang Qinghua had come to realize with the (second) proposal. Which is why he had laid out a plan not just for the day but also the next coming week.

Shen Qingqiu had mentioned that vacation was often part of some human wedding related activities, and Mobei-Jun had eaten it up and immediately looked for nice locations to “honeymoon”. 

There was just one issue that Shang Qinghua wouldn’t be going anywhere anytime soon, as he was still stuck in the doorway. Mobei-Jun took matters into his own hands pulled his small husband out, causing the uppermost layers to rip.

“My king!” Shang Qinghua exclaimed in a way that was both shocked and annoyed from Mobei-Jun’s arms. “I only just put it on! You could’ve just made the doorway wider!”

The cultivators were rendered awkwardly speechless, as they watched the married couple’s first fight. The rest cheered and whistled in celebration.

This was part of an old demon tradition of undressing the bride and groom throughout the wedding to “show off what now only belonged to each other”. Shen Qingqiu had however stepped in to minimize the excessive nudity, knowing Mobei-Jun would soon agree from being rather possessive and jealous.

This drew the shock further as Mobei-Jun gently put down Shang Qinghua and kneeled down, only to rip off some length of the dress, exposing nothing more than his angles. 

Demons were used to walking around bare if they wanted to, so it was no wonder they waited in anticipation for more clothes to hit the floor. They had always been curious what exactly had entranced and compelled Mobei-Jun to exclusively have interest in only this little human.

Now this was something the cultivators had in common with the other. Neither could fully see the appeal of Shang Qinghua. He wasn’t particularly strong or unique in his skill, a simple cultivator servant boy. He wasn’t tall and handsome or particularly charming, a rather average face and frail figure.

But these facts were some of the reasons the Mobei-Jun fell in the first place. He himself had written off romance to be political and not some strange all-consuming thing, like in Luo Binghe’s case. However, the promise of loyalty to the end was the first offender in making Mobei-Jun fall, then the hunger set in and the rest was history.

Shang Qinghua was special in a way Mobei-Jun would never be able to fully pinpoint or explain. Mobei-Jun didn’t love anyone else loyal to him, so it couldn’t only be that. Maybe it was how he went from the average terrified servant to a more level headed mediator, even when he wasn’t particularly pleased with Mobei-Jun?

At some point the power had shifted slightly, so instead of Shang Qinghua being just a servant it became Mobei-Jun‘s  turn to live up Shang Qinghua’s standards.

Later, when all the quests had finished their ice creams, everyone was guided into an extravagant ballroom. With night fallen the room was equally moody and beautiful, as the crystal of every surface was glinting from the hidden light talismans.

The change of setting obviously called for a change of dress for Shang Qinghua, so everything waited in murmured silence in fear and anticipation of what’s to come next.

The two big doors finally opened and everyone turned around with an expectation Shan Qinghua was wearing. Their silent excitement was deafening at the sight in the shiny splendor. 

It was more form fitting, in a mermaid style, with sparkly beading, but the real show-stopper moment happened when he made it further into the room. His whole back was exposed apart from the dainty drape-like strings of diamonds. The sight alone was alluring as it dangled back and forth like a dance of giving glimpses to the audience. How teasing.

Shang Qinghua however felt rather different in this dress. The others had been nice and fun and all, but Shang Qinghua had wanted to hide as soon as he saw the dress again in the dressing room. Those dresses were meant to comically swallow him and make him look ridiculous.

This dress however was gorgeous and meant to show off the person wearing it, but he didn’t think there was anything enticing to see. It called for confidence and bad-bitch energy to wear something so scandalously daring.

He could be the class clown and the butt of the joke (like he was every day), but suddenly trying to be the center of attention to lift himself up instead of down… wasn’t something he had ever done before. 

In first life his looks didn’t matter, because he was just the author behind the handsome and beautiful characters. And in this life he was an errand boy with prickly bosses, a character meant for only some plot-relevance and worldbuilding. 

Sure he wasn’t ugly (he didn’t explicitly ever mention much of his appearance), but he was far from any of jaw-dropping, head-turning and out-of-this-world class beauties. So yes, wearing something revealing and boldy going center stage when he had always worked behind the scenes, did make his steps quite shaky with anxiety.

And if that wasn’t enough, the dress was actually the hardest one to walk in, since it was tight around the knees. He had to take a hundred small extra steps to make it into the middle of the room, where Mobei-Jun waited with the crowd standing around them.

Mobei-Jun simply smiled (at least Shang Qinghua could tell it was a smile), outshining everything in the room. He offered his hand for a dance. Shang Qinghua gulped, feeling short of breath at the thought of dancing in this dress and dancing in general.

His feet were good for very few things, curling in fear, running from A to B and escaping certain death, but it seemed he had forgotten one thing. Because of his nervous disposition his legs would either grow unsteady or uncoordinated, so he stumbled over himself and fell into his husband’s arms.

Shang Qinghua squicked when he felt a hand circling around his waist and landing directly onto his exposed back. In this horrific moment he looked up to see if Mobei-Jun found the touch inappropriate and would pull his hand away…

Wtf was he thinking?! When had he ever cared if something was socially acceptable (other than pleasing the horny masses with his writing)??! The answer was ‘never’ until he really wanted to avoid offending his king with his greedy possessive feelings.

Mobei-Jun answered the question by teasingly caressing his smooth skin, not caring if others noticed. Shang Qinghua had grown particularly sensitive in that area from the marks his king would leave.

However, as much as he enjoyed the suggestive nature of it, Shang Qinghua didn’t want to pop a boner, so he gently pulled the eager hand away only to hold it himself.

“My king,” Shang Qinghua looked up through his lashes. “Let’s save that dance for later, mn?”

Mobei-Jun agreed, and so they danced an actual dance. Or at least Mobei-Jun could follow the steps. As soon as Shang Qinghua struggled with a step he was lifted up by the waist (someone wasn’t satisfied unless skin on skin was achieved) and twirled around midair.

He had been helplessly scooped up, but he didn’t complain. This saved Shang Qinghua a great deal of sparring him from having to remember the steps. Shang Qinghua also felt like this was how he wanted to spend the rest of his second life.

Shang Qinghua couldn’t stop laughing in pure joy as Mobei-Jun never stopped looking at him with a smile. It melted away their resistance and gave way for a fire to consume them whole.

A part of the crowd watched with glee as the happy couple enjoyed themselves. The other half either didn’t care for romance or felt a hint of jealousy. But no one was disappointed to see the couple leave soon after their dance had started. After all, this was their day and they should make theirs entirely, and some people weren't willing to watch that dance.

-

Shen Qingqiu swayed slightly as he walked through the door of the bamboo house. His head might be spinning, but he smiled nonetheless since Luo Binghe was right there to steady him. Luo Binghe guided him to sit on their bed, so he could take his shoes off.

“I’m not tired,” Shen Qingqiu almost whined like a child.

“Shizun drank too much and should sleep it off,” Luo Binghe was focused on the task at hand. It always pleased him when his shizun got like this on the rare occasion he got drunk; pliant and soft tempered. “This one thinks it’s best to change clothes before laying down, so try and stay awake for me shizun.”

“Mhmn, but I already told you… I’m not tired whatsoever,” Shen Qingqiu’s head fell a few times before he landed on Luo Binghe’s shoulder amidst the hair. 

“Shizun?” Luo Binghe was momentarily surprised, but quickly felt compelled to pull him closer, but his shizun was quicker to wrap his arms around his neck. It was mainly to get some leverage to lift his head and look at Luo Binghe, but it made his heart race nonetheless.

“But… You could help me stay awake.” Shen Qingqiu leaned in, looking over Luo Binghe’s handsome features, making it clear what he wanted. He continued on this track by clumsily kissing over his face. 

“This disciple will help shizun any way he can, but..” Luo Binghe gently held Shen Qingqiu back by cupping his cheeks. “Could I ask you something first?”

“Of course,” Shen Qingqiu gazed hungrily at Luo Binghe’s lips. 

“Did the previous Shen Qingqiu have a closer relationship with Yue Qingyuan?” 

Luo Binghe saw his shizun instantly sober up at the question.

“Ah, that,” Shen Qingqiu sighed, moving slightly out of Luo Binghe’s grasp. “This master apologizes for not clearing that up earlier.”

“I don’t mind. I didn’t care about the answer until recently,” Luo Binghe took his hand and looked into his eyes. “But this one has wondered why he is always so lenient and devoted when it comes to you. It’s always been a little…strange.”

Shen Qingqiu smiled mildly at his jealous husband. Always picking up on whoever is giving too much attention to his shizun. He patted to top of his fluffy hair to make the crease between his husband’s handsome brows smooth over.

“This master also questioned his motives and didn’t know for many years. Airplane-bro didn’t include it in the novel, so I had to learn it by myself.” 

Shen Qingqiu lazily removed his outer robes as he continued explaining.

“You already know part of the story, of how he was bought, and quote on quote raised, by the Qiu estate as a respected slave. That wasn’t entirely accurate, as he was often beaten and abused.”

“Yue Qingyuan and him were both slaves and he's the reason why they suddenly gained an interest in him. Shen Qingqiu’s resentment only grew when Yue Qingyuan eventually escaped and failed to return, like he had promised, before Shen Qingqiu…you know the rest.”

“I see..” Luo Binghe pondered (after forcibly dragging his eyes away from Shen Qingqiu rolling around the bed to pull the robes out from underneath him). “It’s understandable to feel resentment in a situation like that.”

“Yeah.. and the guilt is still lingering behind Yue Qingyuan’s actions after all these years, because they were never able to resolve it.”

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but ably the same feeling to his and Luo Binghe’s dynamic in the past. One growing bitter from betrayal and one trying to make up for their mistakes for the rest of their life…

Based on how Luo Binghe’s head hung low, he was probably thinking something along those lines as well.

But at the end of the day they were not the same. Where Shen Jiu let his anger fester and become his whole being, Luo Binghe had been willing to discover other parts of himself. Where Yue Qingyuan was too afraid to confront Shen Jiu, Shen Qingqiu actually went through thick and thin to keep Luo Binghe in his life.

“Binghe,” Shen Qingqiu gently pulled Luo Binghe’s chin up. “Let’s not dwell on the past. There’s nothing we can do about that, so let’s focus on the present.”

“Mn,” Luo Binghe’s pout softened into a perfect image of a white lotus. “Shizun is right.”

“Now,” Shen Qingqiu was helpless to stop the bright smile on his face, as Luo Binghe looked at him starry eyed. “Didn’t you promise to keep this master company for the night?”

Luo Binghe instantly blushed like it was one of their first few hundred times. “Th-this one did indeed promise that.”

“And we keep our promises in this house, right?” Shen Qingqiu grabbed Luo Binghe by the lapels, so they were close enough that their breaths mingled.

“R-right,” Luo Binghe gulped, but nonetheless let his hands land on Shen Qingqiu’s warm body wearing only a single inner robe. “How do you want it t-today?”

Shen Qingqiu reveled in Luo Binghe’s shaky eagerness, and felt something akin to “cuteness aggression” take over him, and make him push Luo Binghe onto the bed and straddle him. He quickly admired Luo Binghe’s stunned handsome face before leaning in to whisper in his ear. 

“Fuck me until I can’t stay awake.”