Chapter Text
Jiang Cheng rememberers why he has never attempted to start any conversation at these kinds of functions. It was a rare moment when someone approached you without some political intention behind it. Jiang Cheng didn’t enjoy juggling through conversations with other soon to be leaders of the cultivation world. The fake laughter and unnecessary praises he would get from suck-ups and when they weren’t trying to please him they were making snide remarks with polite decorated sentences. Tonight was crazier than ever with Nie Huaisang hanging off his arm. The news of their engagement had spread like wildfire among the sects. There were those who didn’t take it as a means of celebration, the Jiang sect already had a sister married into the Jin sect and a sworn brother who they treated as their own blood married into the Lan sect. Both husbands not only having great power and influence in their respective sects but also well known for their love for their spouses (One more than the other). Even if it was truly a coincidence having such connections made others wary and then to hear news of Jiang’s heir engagement to the younger brother of the Nie Sect Leader. To top it off, Nie Mingjue the most feared cultivator of their generation has given his approval.
With so many powers behind the young heir, it’s no wonder so many of them are just waiting to curry favour with him with exception to few jealous bastards. He’s glad to have Nie Huaisang by his side. He was a master at juggling and redirecting conversations.
“I must say I’m was a little surprised about your engagement,” Jiang Cheng was so close to punching this no-name cultivator in the face. “Sandu Shengshou is so stern like his mother I would never guess he would pair well with a gentle creature like you.” Jiang Cheng was going to punch this guy in the face. Stern like his mother? It wasn’t a secret what rumours went around about Madam Yu, the violet spider. He was obviously calling out to Jiang Cheng’s temper known to be dangerously similar to his mother’s. Despite his famous temper this cultivator didn’t seem to fear it as he was obviously flirting with his fiancee.
Nie Huaisang flicked his fan open, “A-Cheng has actually been rather kind and gentle towards me.” This caught a number of people ear’s especially those who were previously potential suitors for Jiang Cheng. “He indulges my shopping and socializing despite having reservations towards those things. He even allowed me to drag him to this party.” Nie Huaisang leaned closer to Jiang Cheng.
“I-Is that so?” That was enough to shut the man up to Jiang Cheng’s pleasure. He wasn’t going to take any chances of them finding some other snarky comment to make about him or worse, Nie Huaisang.
“Sorry, to cut this short but it’s getting late,” Jiang Cheng spoke for the first time in the conversation. “We will retire for the evening.”
“Yes, yes, I -,” Jiang Cheng left before the cultivator could say anything more dragging Nie Huaisang with him. He needed to leave this place before someone lost their head from his sword. He hadn’t had to deal with this many nosy people since Wei Ying got engaged to the famous Second Jade, Lan Wangji. Truthfully that was easier to manage since Wei Ying and his husband have never found it necessary to keep any of their affections away from the public eye. Bless that child who is currently being raised by such shameless parents.
Jiang Cheng turned his eyes down to Nie Huaisang by his side. He kept his head down away from most curious gazes. He moved effortlessly with grace across the floor despite his nervous look.
“You’re beautiful it’s a waste to hide your face like that.” Nie Huaisang stopped pulling Jiang Cheng to a stop with him and snapped his head up to stare at Jiang Cheng with wide eyes. Jiang Cheng had just wanted Nie Huaisang to stop looking down so the words slipped out of his mouth without much thinking when it dawned on him the words he said he stood there staring wide-eyed at his fiance too. There were gasps and whispers among them. With their recent popularity, of course, someone had to be listening to their conversation.
He had to say something to break this awkward situation with such a huge audience studying them but nothing came to mind.
“A-Cheng,” Nie Huaisang spoke with a soft voice that rung on everyone’s ears.“Could you please not carelessly say such things,” Jiang Cheng breath hitched when Nie Huaisang’s cheeks were flushed in a light red, “my heart may not be able to handle your words.” The room filled with busy, nosy cultivators, went silent entranced by Nie Huaisang’s words. Jiang Cheng didn’t think of a reply as he rushed out of the hall with Nie Huaisang beside him.
“Please, forget that I said that,” Jiang Cheng said when they were a good distance away from the hall or any people that could be eavesdropping.
“It’s hard to forget such bold words, A-Cheng.”
“I said it without much so please forget it.”
“So, you don’t think I’m beautiful,” Nie Huaisang pouted at him. At this point, Jiang Cheng couldn’t tell if Nie Huaisang was teasing him or genuinely sad.
“Y-Y-you... You are beautiful,” he managed to say but not without a red face and a need to not look Nie Huaisang in the eye. He could hear the small chuckles from beside and damn it all. He already had Wei Ying but now he was the source of entertainment for Nie Huaisang too. How many times since their engagement has he been subjected to clever taunts and teases? He couldn’t manage to get angry at Nie Huaisang as he did with his brother. One he was afraid of making the young Nie cultivator cry. There was something in him that terrified him of seeing tears leaving those big eyes. Two, even if he tried he couldn’t muster a feeling of anger. He was too busy feeling flustered under Nie Huaisang’s laughter.
“I’m happy to find that I’m A-Cheng’s type,” Nie Huaisang leaned closer into his space.
He needed to dig himself out of this hole somewhere away from any teasing material Nie Huaisang could use, “Are you heading back to Qinghe tomorrow?”
“Yes,” Nie Huaisang nodded. “Why? Are you going to miss me?” Jiang Cheng choked on air if that was even possible. Of course, Nie Huaisang found opportunities in even the blandest conversation. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to write as soon as I arrive and I’m sure you can visit me in Qinghe.” Jiang Cheng had visited Nie Huaisang and his sect often. He’s sure Nie Huaisang has shown him all his favourite spots and restaurants in Qinghe but he’s never returned the favour.
“Why don’t you stay by the Lotus Pier for a few days?”
“What?” Nie Huaisang stopped in his tracks.
“You should visit me at the Lotus Pier for a change,” Jiang Cheng repeated. “It’ll be your home soon. You should see what it’s like; I’ll show you around.”
“Really?”
“You don’t want to?”
Nie Huaisang shook his head, “I want to.”
“Good, I’ll inform my parents about your visit then.” Nie Huaisang nodded and they continued the rest of their walk back to their quarters in silence.