It was a normal day in Ghost City: the markets were full of ghosts and a few mortals passing by, there was noise everywhere with everyone’s screams, a few heads rolled down the streets, blood was spilled here and there, and -

“Hey, Chengzhu is at the Gambler’s Den again!” A small ghost with a blue mask said excitedly as he took a seat on one of the chairs at the pig man’s food stall.

“He seems to be in a good mood today, doesn’t he?” A tiger lady commented next to him, as she stitched a piece of skin onto her arm.

“Do you think he just came back from visiting Grand Uncle?” The rooster man screamed from his boiling pot.

“What are you saying? What does that have to do with our lord’s mood?” Another patreon spoke up.

“What does it have to do? Everything! Didn’t you see how happy he looked with Grand Uncle the other day when they were walking around the city together?” The tiger Lady said.

“Yes yes! He was looking at him all the time!” 

“Oh, how I wish Chengzhu would look at me like that…” 

“You wish! No one has ever seen Chengzhu smile at someone genuinely! Grand Uncle must be special!” 

“Do you think…?”

“Could Chengzhu be…”

What had been a small group of 4 to 5 people, was now a large one with around 10-12 ghosts, all suddenly growing quiet as the realization slowly set in, and then…

“IS OUR LORD IN LOVE?!” They all screamed in unison, drawing even more people in on the conversation.

“But how could it be?”

“Has he known Grand Uncle for a long time?”

“How? He’s never brought him here before that time…”

“Do you think they’re together? Or is Chengzhu yet to confess?”

“What are you talking about? It’s Crimson Rain Sought Flower! He could have anyone he wants! Of course they’re together!”

“But they never touched that time, and Grand Uncle seemed very flustered all the time.”

“Maybe he’s shy and Chengzhu respects his boundaries?”

“But they were all over each other that time at the shore!”

“But didn’t you see how angry Chengzhu was back then? Maybe he wasn’t ready to confess then!”

“Then, do you think our Chengzhu is the romantic type?”

“Awww! Can you imagine? Our Lord taking his time to court Grand Uncle properly? Do you think he gets nervous?”

“HAH! How could our Lord be? He’s not afraid of anything!”

“But maybe we could help him… What if he hasn’t brought Grand Uncle again because he thinks Ghost City is intimidating. Grand Uncle is not a ghost for sure…”

“Then we can do something! We could make a grand event to show Grand Uncle Ghost City is very fun!”

“And we can help Chengzhu in the process to help him get his man!”

“A big event to celebrate their love!”

The group of now 30-or-so ghosts suddenly stopped talking once more, feeling the telltale cold shiver down their undead spines. 

Hua Cheng was close by. 

They all got into somewhat “normal” positions, scattering and talking as if nothing happened, making loud noises and a few screaming at each other.

Then, as Hua Cheng passed by them, they all noticed that he looked indeed happy, not with a clear smile, but with the way his eyes seemed to be unfocused, like thinking about something else, and how he walked with a little bit of a spring to his steps. His teenage form made him look all the more joyful, less intimidating than usual.

The large group of ghosts all tried to mind their own business, not really wanting to disturb their Lord’s good mood, but then, one of them spoke up.

“Chengzhu!” The rooster man called. 

Hua Cheng didn’t stop nor turn back.

“When is Grand Uncle coming back?” 

This was able to peak his interest, stopping on his tracks and slowly turning his head, but not looking at them. A few ghosts went to hide, but others decided to help the rooster man.

“You should invite him to Ghost City again!” The pig man said.

“Yes yes! We miss having him around Chengzhu!”

“We promise to clean up!”

“I can look for more recipes for mortals to eat!”

“And I will hide my human limbs souvenirs!”

While Hua Cheng was bothered to be chased around by this lot, he couldn’t help but feel pleased, seeing how his citizens grew to love Xie Lian in the small amount of time he spent in Ghost City. And he too wanted to bring him back. 

“I will invite him to come soon.” Was the only thing he said before he began to walk away.

After expecting their Lord to ignore them completely, or even tell them to get lost (some were ready to sprint), it took the ghosts a long time for the words to set in, but once they did, they all cheered loudly.

“OUR LORD IS IN LOVE WITH GRAND UNCLE!”

“THIS IS WORTHY OF CELEBRATION!”

“WE WILL MAKE THE BEST EVENT FOR OUR CHENGZHU’S BELOVED!” 

They were going to plan the best celebration that no one from the mortal realm or even heaven could replicate ever!

❀

The group of ghosts gathered everyone in ghost city to help. They were doing this for their Chengzhu after all! Even if he’s scary and mean, he gave them a home and chance to have a new life after death!

So, everyone was on a mission to make this the best it could possibly be: they had activities planned, recipes for multiple meals, performances, music… Everyone was ready to polish their skills to take part in this grand event, except… No one knew anything about Grand Uncle! 

They only knew he was a human man, that he wore white and a bamboo hat, and he couldn’t get it up…

Not much to work with. 

How could they make a big event for their Chengzhu and his beloved when they knew nothing about him!

Asking Waning Moon Officer wasn’t an option, they couldn’t risk Hua Cheng learning about this, lest he forced them to stop before they even tried to do it!

For a long time they were at a standstill, until one day…

“Guys, guys! Look what I found!” 

A group of ghosts gathered to take a look at the scroll the blue masked ghost brough,  murmuring as they read out loud.

“Crown Prince…”

“Flower Crowned…”

“Fought the Heavenly Emperor…”

“Ascended 3 times…”

They all read for a long time, even rereading up to 3 times, but most of them had to take a look at the picture at the end to understand…

“GRAND UNCLE IS A GOD?!”

“A forbidden love… How exciting!”

“As expected of out Chengzhu! It had to be a martial god, no less!”

“Only Grand Uncle could keep up with Chengzhu’s strength!”

“But how did you get this?” Someone asked, and everyone turned to the blue-masked ghost.

“I asked for help from a servant working in Paradise Manor! A few of them know about this plan and are willing to help too! They also said that a human has already made a play about Grand Uncle, so we can gather more information in the mortal realm too!”

“We should investigate then!!! We now have something to work with!”

“This event is going to be great!”

❀

After many stressful adventures with Xie Lian, Hua Cheng was happy to have a moment of peace in which they could just sit around Puji Shrine and not worry about anything else. 

Their last expedition together in Black Water’s territory wasn’t exactly “easy” to deal with, and even as they slowly got back to their usual routine in Puji Village, helping the villagers and tending to the shrine, Hua Cheng could tell Xie Lian was still worried about that mess. 

It didn’t help that Hua Cheng was also stuck on a few moments during that whole mission. 

When Xie Lian said he “admired him” and “envied the person who knew him before”  was something he replayed constantly in his head, the intensity in which he said it, and how his eyes shone when he spoke about Hua Cheng. 

There were also the kisses… The feeling of Xie Lian slowly cupping his face before trying to give him CPR, or when he tried to take spiritual energy to save Shi Qingxuan… Those were not real kisses, Hua Cheng knew, but god … It just felt… right .

His mind brought him back to those moments over and over, but then a horrible one would come back to him and take center stage.

“ Let’s get married? ”

How could he ask that?! 

He flinched every time he thought of that. What a way to ruin his chances with one simple, stupid question… 

“San Lang?” Xie Lian interrupted his train of thought before he began chastising himself for ever asking that. 

“Yes Gege?” Hua Cheng asked back.

“Would you like to eat some?” He asked as he held up the basket of fruit he was gifted by the villagers. 

“Sure,” Hua Cheng was about to take one before he suggested, “How about we eat as we watch the sunset?”

Xie Lian smiled at him and nodded, “Ok.”

Qi Rong was sent to the back of the cottage, with Gu Zi going after him. Then, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian took a seat on the shrine’s stairs, getting comfortable as they ate and talked about random things.

In moments like these, where Xie Lian and Hua Cheng were the most comfortable, living in this domestic life together and being close friends, Hua Cheng wished he could confess his love for the god; to be honest about his feelings and let it all out, reciprocated or not. 

But he couldn’t do it… This precious thing he had with His Highness was one he wanted to protect for as long as he could. And also, the fear of rejection ran deep within him. 

Xie Lian laughed at something he was talking about and leaned against his arm, not moving from there even after he was done laughing. Hua Cheng took his chance and rested his head over Xie Lian’s waiting for the prince to push away, but he never did, instead getting comfortable and keeping the conversation going as the sun set in the horizon. It was beautiful. 

The peace didn’t last long however, when Hua Cheng was called on the communication array. 

“Chengzhu.” Yin Yu called from the other side.

“What is it?”

“The ghosts… They require your presence here in Ghost City.”

“Who?”

“All of them…”

“What do they want?”

“They… Won’t say. They want you to come as soon as possible.”

Hua Cheng couldn’t help but groan in frustration.

“What happened?” Xie Lian called as he pulled back, noticing Hua Cheng’s fingers pressed to his forehead, “Was that the Waning Moon Officer? Is there trouble in Ghost City?”

“I’m not sure… He wouldn’t say what it is.” He sighed as he rested his head on Xie Lian’s shoulder instead, “I don’t want to go…” He pouted exaggeratedly as he looked at Xie Lian, making him laugh. 

“But you have to! What if something bad happened?” Xie Lian said in between giggles. 

It didn’t, Hua Cheng knew for sure; if it had, not only would Yin Yu not sound as hesitant as he did, but his butterflies and protection arrays would’ve alerted him of anything dangerous. He still tried to bring back the calm atmosphere by being a little playful.

“Do you want me to go, Gege?” He batted his eyelashes ridiculously, making Xie Lian blush a little. 

“No… I wish you didn’t have to, but if duty calls, you have to go.” Now Xie Lian was the one pouting.

Hua Cheng really didn’t want to leave, he was too comfortable here to leave it behind, even for just a few minutes. If only… 

Just then, Hua Cheng was struck with an idea. 

“How about you come with me?” He asked after he pulled back to look at Xie Lian.

“Huh?”

“I’m sure whatever it is, it could be fixed quickly, so how about we make the trip worth it by taking a walk around the city like last time?” 

“Oh.” Xie Lian seemed to think about it.

“Besides…” Hua Cheng leaned a little bit closer, seeing he was close to convincing Xie Lian, “Some of the ghosts there said they missed their “Grand Uncle”, and I promised I’d invite you soon. Now I have to make good on that promise, don’t I?” Of course, Hua Cheng didn’t really care about what they had to say, not really… But if it could be a good excuse to bring Xie Lian, then he’d always take it. He also rather liked the idea of his citizens giving Xie Lian things and making him feel welcome in his city.

This made Xie Lian laugh again, “But I’ve only been there two times! How can they miss me?” 

“You make a great first impression, Your Highness.” He said sincerely, making Xie Lian pause, then turn completely red. 

“Ah, San Lang you…” 

“Hm? I’m just telling the truth.” Hua Cheng said teasingly.

Xie Lian turned away for a moment, slowly breathing before turning back to Hua Cheng. 

“Let’s go then. I’ve actually been wanting to visit Ghost City again for a while now, Chengzhu.”

Hua Cheng grinned, slowly getting up and extending a hand to Xie Lian while he reached for his dice with the other.

“Shall we go then?”

❀

“He brought him! Everyone, get in position.” Was the first thing that Hua Cheng could hear as they crossed the array just in front of Ghost City’s gates. 

“ What are they doing? ” Hua Cheng groaned to himself, hoping it wasn’t something ridiculous. 

If it was a few ghosts, then he could easily stop them right then and there, but Yin Yu said it was “all of them”… He knows how many ghosts there are in Ghost City, how could everyone be in on whatever this is?

Regardless of what it is, he was ready to stop it if it made Xie Lian uncomfortable. 

Before they got close to the city’s entrance, Yin Yu came out with two female ghosts in tow. One of them was holding an outer robe, while the other held another piece of fabric and a small box. 

“Chengzhu, Grand Uncle,” The ghosts greeted them warmly, before turning to Xie Lian, “Daozhang, it would be an honor if you wore this. We made them specially for our Lord’s companion.” They said as the one holding the robe extended it to him.

“Oh… Ok. Thank you.” He said warmly - albeit confused - taking the piece of clothing and putting it on. 

As he did, Hua Cheng turned to Yin Yu, who stayed behind and tried not to move as if that would make him invincible. “What is the meaning of this?” He asked.

“The ghosts… They prepared a surprise for His Highness and my Lord.” He said, looking tense. 

“How long has this been going for?” 

“I’m not sure. They have been surprisingly secretive about this.”

And indeed they have, not even his butterflies were able to alert him of anything out of the ordinary going on… Even if he had been very distracted with other things lately to even care about what his citizens did. 

“A surprise? But what’s the occasion?” Xie Lian walked up next to Hua Cheng and… Wow .

The outer robe he was given was white, like his usual ones, but it was made with a much softer fabric than what Xie Lian usually wore; it also had red accents, with flowers and butterflies stitched on it’s long sleeves and the bottom of the robe, all made with a very thin and subtle golden thread, making it look very elegant, but not too stuffy for Xie Lian to be uncomfortable. 

The ghosts also seemed to have asked Xie Lian to change his usual blue belt for a red one, also adorned with a golden pattern, very similar to the one in Hua Cheng’s silver vambraces. His hair was pulled back to a half-ponytail as well, held up with a golden hairpin with the shape of a branch with flowers and red beads hanging on it. 

Hua Cheng was left speechless. Xie Lian looked so much like how he did back when he was a prince, but also not quite… As if this simple yet elegant look was more genuine to Xie Lian now, more himself . 

He looked stunning.

“Ah, San Lang…” Xie Lian looked away shyly as he blushed deeply, noticing Hua Cheng’s intense stare, “Is this too much? They insisted I wear all this, and I didn’t want to be rude…”

“You look perfect,” Hua Cheng said, feeling breathlessly, strange for a dead man who didn’t need to breathe. 

It took a moment for the words to set in, but when they did, Xie Lian grew even redder, and Hua Cheng could only smile at the prince’s reaction. The ghost girls giggled behind them, then scurried off when Hua Cheng narrowed his eyes at them. 

“Would you like to come see what they’ve planned?” He said as he extended a hand to Xie Lian, “I can always ask them to stop if it’s too much for you. I know they can be a disaster.”

“Oh no, it’s ok. I don't think that will be necessary,” Xie Lian said as he took Hua Cheng’s hand without hesitation, “I’m curious to see what they’ve done, and what the occasion is.” 

“Then let’s see what this lot is planning.”

They crossed the entrance to the city and a few steps in, they noticed the place was quiet. Too quiet in fact. It was surprisingly eerie how calm it was.

That didn’t last long however, because suddenly, bells were ringing and music was coming from all sides, accompanied with a shower of flowers and petals falling all around the pair. 

“Welcome back, Changzhu and Grand Uncle!” The ghosts chanted in unison as they all came out from their hiding spots, filling the streets with “life” once more. 

Xie Lian was mesmerized by all this, taking in the sight: the city was completely clean, everyone seemed to have given a bit of maintenance to their houses and businesses, the streets were lined with more lanterns than before, with flowers scattered all around. 

These ghosts, they did all this for them? He couldn’t help but smile as he thought of the effort it must’ve taken to prepare all this.

“Your citizens love you Chengzhu,” Xie Lian said teasingly to his friend.

“Hm, I think they fear me more than anything. It’s you who they love.” Hua Cheng teased back, making Xie Lian shake his head lightly and turn back to look at the city.

Seeing Ghost City like this, it reminded Xie Lian of how the Xian Le capital city looked during that fateful ceremony. He couldn’t help but feel nostalgic at this, but no, it wasn’t the time for that. Right now, he wanted to enjoy this event made for them with Hua Cheng. 

“Let’s go look around!” Xie Lian said as he pulled Hua Cheng along. 

They went from stall to stall, taking a look at all the things each ghost crafted or cooked. Xie Lian was once again surprised to see how there were a lot less guts and human bits being sold in the stalls, instead offering “normal” snacks and sweets too. 

While Xie Lian was busy admiring everything, Hua Cheng was furious. 

Everytime Xie Lian got distracted with something, the “passing” ghosts would gather up and bring up signs that all read “You can do it Chengzhu!”, “Tell him how you feel!”, “Kiss him!” or had illustrations of both Xie Lian and Hua Cheng hugging or kissing. 

What the hell were they thinking???!

Was this what all of this is about? Was this big event just a big match up game for them? Did they think he needed their help? What if this ruined everything instead of helping??? 

He gave them the coldest, scariest scare he’d ever given to anyone other than Qi Rong, not wanting to outright tell them to scatter lest he’d alert Xie Lian of this mess, but while they all looked absolutely terrified, they still stayed. It was only when Xie Lian turned that they moved around and hid their signs… 

So it was like that, huh?

While Hua Cheng was still mad and would probably find a way to punish them all later, he tried to keep calm and continue playing this little game; they all made this for Xie Lian after all, and if he could feel happy in Ghost City, then it would be like a dream come true. 

(And if he could pretend just for a little while that this was a real date, then it wasn’t so bad.) 

“Gege,” Hua Cheng called.

“Yes?” Xie Lian turned to him with big bright eyes. He was having fun.

“You can tell me if you want this to stop if you feel uncomfortable, ok?” Hua Cheng reassured, more for himself than for Xie Lian.

Xie Lian giggled and said, “I don’t think it’ll be necessary. It’s all lovely! I just hope your citizens don’t think they have to change who they are or what they do to make me feel welcome here. I still love your city the way it is.” 

Hua Cheng was stunned for a moment before he smiled brightly. The ghosts around them all seemed relieved as well.

“Thank you Grand Uncle!”

“We always welcome you here!” 

“My chicken soup made with myself will be waiting for you when you visit next time!”

“I will make the best human hand stew when you come to visit!”

“And I will make my lucky human toe amulets too! Especially for you!”

Xie Lian blanched a little the more the ghosts went on, and Hua Cheng couldn't help but laugh at the sight, with Xie Lian following right after, if a bit less cheerful and slightly unnerved. 

“But rest assured Gran Uncle! This event helped us work on and show off our talents!” The pig man said proudly while the rest agreed.

“Yes! I built and fixed houses when I was alive! I was the best carpenter in the north region 300 years ago!”

“I used to be a seamstress! I designed your robe!”

“I played the dizi beautifully!”

“And I was a great actor!”

Xie Lian smiled as everyone began to talk about their talents, then someone from the back spoke up, “But of course, our Chengzhu is the most talented of all!”

At this, everyone began to agree loudly, “Yes! He is the best at everything!”

“He can make gorgeous paintings!”

“He is a sculptor as well! His work is other-wordly!”

“I didn’t know you could sculpt?” Xie Lian turned to Hua Cheng with wide, curious eyes. Hua Cheng also didn’t know that they knew. Did Yin Yu really not have anything to do with this? 

“It’s nothing Gege, just a small thing I do every once in a while.” 

“I didn’t know our Chengzhu could be so modest!” Someone said and Hua Cheng had to fight back a heavy sigh.

“Will you show me some day? I bet your work must be perfect,” Xie Lian said with so much awe that Hua Cheng had a hard time looking away, making him calm down.

“Of course, it would be an honor.” 

Xie Lian beamed at him before pulling him towards the snack stalls, and once they deemed them edible, they got a few (for free, despite Xie Lian’s insistence). 

They walked side by side, with Xie Lian pointing at every little thing he noticed everyone did for them, and Hua Cheng looking at him with a soft gaze. As they walked, they could feel their hands brushing against each other’s, making Xie Lian’s heart skip a beat, and Hua Cheng to have to take deep, unnecessary breaths. 

Hua Cheng noticed the group of matchmaking ghosts were also still chasing them, poorly dissimulating. He had to be very discreet to turn and glare at them, so when he noticed at a glance that a few of them now even had hand puppets of them kissing, he was stunned by their boldness so much that he didn’t notice Xie Lian asked him something, and when he turned, their faces were a bit too close. 

Xie Lian gasped, and Hua Cheng’s eye widened. For a moment, it seemed like the air was filled with anticipation, as if the world stopped for everyone but them. The backs of their hands were also still touching.

“What was that? I didn’t hear Gege’s question,” Hua Cheng asked, his voice slightly hoarse. 

Xie Lian swallowed, “I asked if you wanted some,” He said quietly as he held out a stick of tanghulu. Hua Cheng only glanced at it before turning his gaze back at Xie Lian, slowly leaning in and taking a piece of the candy with his mouth. 

He pulled back after a bit and smiled, his hand now brushing against Xie Lian’s with intent, “It’s good.”

Xie Lian still looked at him with wide eyes, but now his cheeks were slightly pink. 

Before he could say anything, someone from behind them said “Chengzhu liked it!”, and when they turned, they found a small female ghost covering her mouth and hiding. It was then that the bubble was shattered. The music and chatter began once more, and the tension was broken. Xie Lian laughed before he took Hua Cheng’s hand and pulled him away. 

It was impossible to calm his racing heart, no matter how hard Xie Lian tried. While Hua Cheng was distracted a moment ago, Xie Lian overheard some ghosts whispering to themselves, “Do you think it’s working? Is our Lord’s and his beloved’s date going well?” 

Xie Lian was so flustered he quickly turned to offer candy to Hua Cheng in an attempt to hopefully distract him, only to accidentally make them be too close, and now… He couldn’t quite breathe. His heart was beating too fast and his mind was racing.

Was this really supposed to be a date?!

He knew Hua Cheng wasn’t in on this, because why would he? He had his own beloved and all, and he seemed genuinely surprised earlier, so he couldn’t… 

Before he could feel sad at the thought of this beloved person, a few ghosts approached Xie Lian. 

“Grand Uncle! Do you like our Chengzhu?”

“Of course! He’s the best!” Xie Lian said instantly.

“He is, isn’t he? He is scary but he is a great man!” Someone else said.

“We all love our Lord!” Another one that was holding something behind their back (it looked like a sign?) said. 

“Grand Uncle, do you love him too?” 

“I do, I do!” Xie Lian said once more, without hesitation.

There were giggles all around them before a few of them said, “He does! Chengzhu, did you hear him? He loves you!” 

“He loves you Chengzhu!” 

When said out loud like this, Xie Lian noticed how it sounded and blushed so much he felt like he could start sweating from how warm he was. 

He quickly turned to explain before he noticed Hua Cheng’s raised eyebrow and teasing grin… 

“Do you now, Gege?” 

Of course he does! That’s his friend! Best friend, in fact. Of course he loves him!

…

He loves him. 

He loves loves him… Doesn’t he? 

He likes Hua Cheng. He loves Hua Cheng.

This weird feeling at the mention of this “beloved”, the fear of losing Hua Cheng or seeing him hurt… How bad he felt when Hua Cheng said the marriage thing was a joke…

“Gege?” Hua Cheng asked as his smile morphed into a concerned frown, noticing Xie Lian’s stunned expression and how quiet he grew all of a sudden.

“Uh…” Xie Lian turned away and began to walk away, with Hua Cheng still in hand. He looked around to see how to change the subject before he spotted a big stage in the middle of the central plaza. 

“Oh, what’s this for?” He asked the ghosts around. 

“Oh! We’re glad you asked, Grand Uncle!”

“We have a very special play made for you and our Chengzhu!”

“We all worked on this, so we hope you enjoy it!” 

“A play? How wonderful! Let’s see it, San Lang?” He turned to find Hua Cheng still concerned, but quickly changed his expression to a softer one.

“Of course.” He said as he guided Xie Lian to the front seats. 

A large group of ghosts also sat behind them, making up a large crowd. 

As the last few things were prepared, Xie Lian turned to Hua Cheng next to him, with legs and arms crossed. looking very guarded. Xie Lian also looked away, his hands playing with his large sleeves. He steeled himself before saying, “I wonder what the play will be about. Do they make these often?”

“No, they usually do a few during special days and holidays.” Hua Cheng explained, his shoulders loosening a bit.

“Have you seen them before?” 

“Not really. I didn’t usually hang around the city during those days. I used to be busy with other things.” 

“And now?” Xie Lian asked, confused. Did he never take a break to enjoy a festival? Did Hua Cheng spend all these centuries completely alone? 

Hua Cheng from his part, smiled and playfully bumped his arm against Xie Lian’s, “I’m not so busy anymore, but it would be nice to have company next time.”

Xie Lian beamed at him and quickly took his hand, happily saying, “I’d love to! We don’t have to spend important days alone anymore, right?” 

Hua Cheng’s smile widened as he said, “Mn, we don’t.”

Again, a few of the ghosts sitting behind them began to whisper loudly between each other, making Xie Lian lean back, but feeling Hua Cheng tighten his hold on his hand, Xie Lian decided to keep it there as he moved a bit to the side, closer to Hua Cheng.

“ A date ”, the ghosts called it… Xie Lian wished for it to be real. It would be a perfect one if it was. 

The lanterns around the area dimmed, while the ones closer to the stage brightened up. The show was about to start.

“This play is now dedicated to our Lord, Crimson Rain Sought Flower, and his beloved, the Crown Prince of Xian Le, called “A love that lasts for centuries”” An announcer presented proudly as the music began. 

Both Xie Lian and Hua Cheng tensed, for different reasons, as they heard the announcer. 

Beloved??? 

Hua Cheng was afraid Xie Lian would feel uncomfortable, that he’d pull back and ask for all this to be done, to stop this little game the ghosts decided to make… But he didn’t. Hua Cheng turned slightly to look at Xie Lian’s expression, only to find him looking at the show with wide eyes, but otherwise, a carefully blank face. It wasn’t great, but not terrible either.

Xie Lian, from his part, was in shock. How did the ghosts come to that conclusion? Did he look so infatuated with Hua Cheng before even realizing what he felt for him? He tried not to show it, but he suddenly felt happy at the idea of being Hua Cheng’s beloved, even if it was impossible… 

But… What if he really was? For the ghosts to assume he’s Hua Cheng’s beloved, they’d have to see it from both sides, right? That would also mean Hua Cheng must’ve known him for a long time, like he’d suspected before. But how could he forget someone like Hua Cheng???

Before he could chase the thought any further, he was once again pulled back to the play as another thing took his breath away. 

He missed the narrator’s introduction, barely paying attention to the actors moving around, but suddenly, there was a shower of flower petals raining down on them again, the music becoming more intense, and the scream of a child breaking Xie Lian from his thoughts in an instant. 

The actor leaped down, and then, there it was… In a play produced by a group of ghosts, 800 years later, he was seeing the moment he saved that child from falling to his death, on that fateful Shang Yuan Festival. 

The play was really well made: the scenery was beautiful, the acting was good, the costumes were on point, and the music fit perfectly, but Xie Lian couldn’t focus on anything else but the scene, on the child. The actor looked very different from the real one: while this one had better fitting clothes and was younger, the one he saved had worn out, dirty clothes, and most notably, the bandage over one of his eyes. 

He felt the hold on his hand tighten, bringing him back to the present again, turning slightly to look at Hua Cheng, only to find him watching the play very seriously. His expression didn’t give anything away, but his hand… 

“Your Highness,” the voice of another actor came, and seeing the red robes, long black hair and silver jewelry, it was clear this was “Hua Cheng”. The disparities between fiction and reality seemed to start here. “Your kindness and your beauty are unmatched by anyone in heaven or earth. I will follow you wherever you go.” The “Hua Cheng” in the play said to himself, as the “Xie Lian” left the stage with the child still in his arms. 

There was then a scene of Xie Lian’s first ascension, becoming a powerful god loved by all. “Hua Cheng” was then shown in a temple, carving the last details of a Xie Lian statue, leaving fresh flowers on the altar, then lighting up a stick of incense. He then began to pray without kneeling down, “You made it to Heaven at such a young age. You never cease to surprise me, Your Highness.” The actor said with so much awe in his voice. He prayed some more then pulled out a red umbrella and walked out into the cold rain. 

The next few scenes were of “Xie Lian” on the battlefield, during the war with Yong’An, and “Hua Cheng” was there in the back, always taking care of “Xie Lian” but never getting close. Through all of them, “Hua Cheng” always offered flowers to his god, leaving them at the front of the stage. 

All this… While completely wrong, it had a lot of things right. The “Hua Cheng” praying on his temples reminded Xie Lian of Hong Hong Er asking him what he should live for, or him in the battlefield, just like that young soldier that helped him in Beizi hill. 

Xie Lian never really assumed they were the same person, but they all had one thing in common, didn’t they? They had bandages covering one eye… The right one.

The play moved on to the moment when he was first banished. “Xie Lian” was in one of his temples, the rain pouring down on him and he looked at his broken statues. “Hua Cheng” then entered the scene and said “Your Highness, I will fix this.” He then went down on one knee, extending a hand with a flower to the prince, “I promise you, I will make the most grand, most beautiful temple any god could ever have. I will fight against Heaven for what they did to you.” 

“I’m no god, and no prince. You should forget me.” The “Xie Lian” actor said as he began to walk away, but “Hua Cheng” took his hand and offered him the flower once more, “I could never forget you. You are my only god, my only prince, the only one I would ever follow,” he said with so much devotion it was impossible not to believe his words. 

“Gege, are you ok?” Hua Cheng asked, making Xie Lian almost jump in surprise as he was distracted from the play. 

“Huh?” 

“I can tell them to stop this. I don’t know why they did this, or how they came up with everything, but if you want them to stop…”

Xie Lian didn’t know at which point he began to tear up, but he did. The play was almost right in all but one thing: he never met Hua Cheng as he was now; if he did, he would’ve never forgotten him… But that was the thing, wasn’t it? He never truly forgot Hua Cheng, he was just different. He just didn’t know he was… 

“I’m fine,” Xie Lian said with a shaky smile, his eyes still shining with tears, “I think I understand now.” 

Hua Cheng looked confused, but before he could say anything, Xie Lian leaned against his arm and got comfortable there, still holding Hua Cheng’s hand tightly, like how they did when they watched the sunset together earlier, only now Xie Lian’s mind was clearer. 

The play kept going, with both of them getting separated after “Xie Lian’s” second ascension, then “Hua Cheng” going to Heaven, challenging and defeating those 33 gods, building Ghost City and looking for his beloved for many centuries, until they “met at Ban Yue pass”. The stage now had multiple flowers adorning it, from the ones “Hua Cheng” offered “Xie Lian”.

At the end, Xie Lian was happy, clapping and congratulating them all for their hard work, with the rest of the audience also cheering for them. 

From his part, Hua Cheng didn’t know what to do. Was Yin Yu truly unaware of all this? He wanted to ask, but based on his reaction earlier, Yin Yu seemed like he really didn’t know, and he would know better than to tell these ghosts anything about his search for Xie Lian, or anything about his god’s past life. These ghosts just made up a romantic story about them without knowing they got a few things almost right!

What’s worse is… If this was anyone else, he would’ve killed them all for even daring to have his character kneel in front of anyone, but this just so happened to be about him and Xie Lian. He would never deny his devotion and faith in Xie Lian, even if this would make him uncomfortable to find out, especially like this.

“San Lang?” Xie Lian broke him out of his reverie as he whispered quietly by his side. 

“Yes?” Hua Cheng didn’t dare meet his eyes.

“Could we go somewhere to take a break? I… Need a moment.”

“Of course,” Hua Cheng stiffly stood up, still holding Xie Lian’s hand as he helped him up too. He intended to let go of his hand, but Xie Lian’s hold was firm, not letting him pull back. 

“Grand Uncle, where do you want to go?”

“We have lots of edible things for humans! Don’t go!”

“We also planned a dance! There will be good music and everything!”

“Please don’t leave!” 

“Don’t worry, we’ll be back in a bit!” Xie Lian said as he pulled Hua Cheng away, with Hua Cheng’s murderous stare being more than enough to make them stop. 

As Xie Lian led them away, Hua Cheng’s mind was spiraling, not knowing where they were going. What did Xie Lian “understand” earlier? 

When Xie Lian let go of his hand, he finally realized where they were headed to: he took them to Qian Deng Temple.

Xie Lian walked around the temple, as if studying it. Then, he bent down and took a small flower from the grass, smelling it as he got close to Hua Cheng and took his hand again, pulling him down to sit on the temple’s entrance stairs. 

Hua Cheng obediently sat down next to him, his face not showing any of the turmoil in his head, but his whole posture was tense even if he tried to appear nonchalant as usual, taking a flower from around as well and playing with it absentmindedly. 

Xie Lian smiled, seeing Hua Cheng’s unusual demeanor, then commented, “I wonder how they came up with such a story. Your citizens are very creative! I have to admit I’m surprised by how much research they did.” 

“...” Hua Cheng was terrified, but he cleared his throat and said, “They like to do as they want, and sometimes they jump to conclusions. You shouldn’t mind them much, it’s just another game for them.”

There was silence for a long time, and Hua Cheng could feel Xie Lian’s intense gaze fixated on him. He still didn’t dare look at him. 

Xie Lian sighed, fiddling with the tiny flower in his hands. He then said, “Remember that night after the whole Ban Yue pass mission? When we talked about the embarrassing things I’ve said in my life? About that boy I told to live for me?”

“Of course,” Hua Cheng said with a small smile. It’d made him so happy to know Xie Lian remembered that moment, when he changed Hua Cheng’s life forever.

“Well… I always had trouble remembering things, especially now after so many years,” Xie Lian continued, “But that one boy, I could never forget him.”

Hua Cheng slowly turned to look at Xie Lian, noticing he was still looking at the flower. 

“There was also another boy too, a young soldier. He helped me on a… Complicated mission back then, during the war. He was very skilled, and loyal too. He took care of me and didn’t want me to get hurt, even if I couldn’t die. I didn’t remember him very well, but thinking back on it, I believe he was also a young man who later swore to never forget me.” Xie Lian smiled sadly, “He promised to build me temples, bigger and grander than anyone else’s. I didn’t really believe him back then, but at the time… I couldn’t believe in anything anymore.” 

Hua Cheng looked away briefly, only for Xie Lian to finally look up, forcing Hua Cheng to meet his gaze. It was bright and… Hopeful. If Hua Cheng could still breathe, he’d be breathless at the sight. 

“Your ghosts may not know the real story, but they certainly had a lot of things right, didn’t they?” Hua Cheng didn’t know how to respond to that, so he didn’t. As if expecting this, Xie Lian glanced away to look at the tiny flower in his hands, caressing its petals gently, “I guess they only missed the part about the nameless ghost…”

Hua Cheng gasped very quietly at this, and it would’ve fallen on deaf ears if this was anyone else, but Xie Lian heard, and he quickly looked back at Hua Cheng, carefully studying him. 

“Y-Your Highness…” 

“Crimson Rain Sought Flower” Xie Lian interrupted, leaning closer to Hua Cheng as the latter leaned back a little, still in shock, “Would you mind explaining?” 

“Huh?” 

“First, you ask me if I want to get married then tell me it’s a joke. And now, I have my world turned upside down by so many revelations and you tell me not to mind it? What did you citizens see so clearly that you’re afraid to tell me?” 

Hua Cheng looked away, not knowing what to say. How could he spill out the truth like this? Like it won’t change anything? Like it won’t be his biggest secret out in the open for the person he cared about the most to hear?

Xie Lian put his hand over Hua Cheng’s, the one now holding the flower with a tight grip. Instantly, Hua Cheng’s hold relaxed before he could damage the flower anymore. Xie Lian noticed this and caressed his hand, fiddling with the red knot on his finger. 

“Always offering me flowers, as a young boy, as a soldier, and as a ghost without a name,” He took Hua Cheng’s other hand and pressed the flower he was holding to his palm, offering it to Hua Cheng very gently.

“But the only flower I ever needed is you. My Hua Cheng, my San Lang.” Xie Lian whispered before he leaned in, their faces now so close, and Hua Cheng couldn’t truly process his words like this, not when… 

“My beloved.” And Xie Lian closed the distance.

Hua Cheng froze up and made a strained noise from the surprise. He instantly regretted it when Xie Lian quickly pulled away, his face growing extremely red in an instant. 

“S-Sorry! D-Did I get it wrong?! I- I just thought… Are you not-?!” Before Xie Lian could stutter anymore incoherent questions, Hua Cheng leaned in next this time, interrupting the prince. 

While the first kiss was shy, and a light press of lips, now it was firm, more intense. Where all the previous kisses were excuses, careful little things where his feelings had to stay contained; now he felt free, unrestrained. Now, Hua Cheng could feel himself pouring all that devotion and love he felt for Xie Lian into it and being unable to stop. 

They parted not long after, with both of them breathing heavily, overwhelmed with emotion. 

“My beloved” Hua Cheng whispered between breaths, “It was always you. Everything, my life, my love, was all for you.”

Xie Lian looked at him with wide, bright eyes, his cheeks pink and a small smile on his face. Hua Cheng smiled back, taking Xie Lian’s hand and giving him the small flower he was holding. It was nothing like the ones he usually offered him, being too small, not so fragrant and a bit frail from how tight he was holding the stem before, but he knew Xie Lian would still love it all the same. 

Xie Lian smiled at the small flower and tucked it behind his ear, with Hua Cheng doing the same with the one he was given too. 

“Thank you, for loving me. For believing in me.” Xie Lian said quietly.

“You say it like it’s hard, but Your Highness, for me, loving you is the easiest thing in the world.” Hua Cheng whispered back as he cupped Xie Lian’s face and brought him forward, kissing him once more. 

It didn’t last long when, in the distance, they heard loud cheers, pots and things being hit and making so much noise, and fireworks being set off. 

Now, paying attention, they could hear a few ghosts in the distance screaming, “It worked!” “They’re in love!” “They kissed!” They looked at each other and Xie Lian’s face grew red, making Hua Cheng laugh loudly, with Xie Lian shyly joining in. 

“How long have they been here? I… Didn’t notice them.” 

“Probably not long, or maybe from the start. Who cares? Let them know. I want the whole world to know I love you.” Hua Cheng said with a teasing smirk, making Xie Lian hide his face in his hands, willing himself not to squeal or make any undignified noises. 

“San Lang you…” 

“Hm? What? I’m not ashamed.” He said proudly. 

Xie Lian slowly put his hands down and said, “Me neither. Loving you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Hua Cheng was surprised for a moment before he offered a sweet, gentle smile, bringing Xie Lian in for a hug. 

“Do you want to leave?” He said as he caressed the back of Xie Lian’s head tenderly.

“Hm… I was hoping we could go back, actually. I was looking forward to dancing with you and… I want to enjoy this event they prepared for us, but as a proper date… If that’s ok with you?” Xie Lian asked bashfully. 

Hua Cheng smiled and tightened his hold on Xie Lian before slowly letting go, taking his hand and helping him up.

“Of course. Let’s go back then.”

Now, hand in hand, they entered the city once more, the crowd now louder than before, with even more flowers raining down on them, but as the music began and they slowly swayed with it, they knew no flower could compare to the one standing in front of them.

❀ FIN ❀