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Chapter Text

        Wei Ying clicked the ‘UPLOAD VIDEO’ button and then slumped in his chair. He sighed. He finally finished the game and it had been stressful.

        When Wei Ying first heard of the game, he immediately bought it. With a title like “Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation”, who wouldn’t? His subscribers had also enthusiastically requested he play the game and critics rated it highly. Wei Ying had been excited.

        Keywords: had been.

        He hadn’t actually read the description, and he avoided reading or watching anything that had to do with it so that he could avoid ‘spoilers’. There were only two things he knew about the game: that the MC was a necromancer (how cool is that?!) and that it was an ARPG (Action Role-Playing Game).

        When the intro to the game started and a busty faceless beauty showed up surrounded by hot men, that’s when he realized. ‘Oh, it’s an Otome game.’

        It being an Otome game was not what got him down though (it’s not like he’s gay, but there was just something about that ‘celestial being’ looking character), it was that somehow, Wei Ying had made terrible decision after terrible decision. And so he got the Bad End, with his character losing her sect and her adoptive parents, losing her golden core, accidentally killing her sister, losing a second sect, her shidi leading a siege on her, and she hadn’t even ended up with Lan Wan  a partner before dying from a backlash.

        Wei Ying closed his eyes. ‘The creator is such a sadist!’ he thought. After a few minutes, he took a peek at the loading bar. 5%.

        ‘I need alcohol.’ Wei Ying got up and stretched for a bit. ‘After a drink or two I’ll restart the game’.

        Wei Ying exited his apartment and headed in the direction of the nearest convenience store. Before he could cross the street, a kid ran past him tripped in the middle of the road. It took all of Wei Ying’s self-control not to laugh out loud. When the kid finally sat up, a speeding car suddenly appeared and was heading towards the kid. It didn’t show any signs of slowing down.

        Before he realized what was happening, Wei Ying had already scooped up the kid and tossed him out of the way.

        The last thing he remembered was immense pain.

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        ‘Ugh, my back hurts. It’s like I slept on the ground or something...’

        ‘Wait a minute.’

        Wei Ying’s eyes snapped open. What greeted him was the open sky. He was… outside? Then he remembered something. Wasn’t he hit by a car? Was he dead? No, his back hurts, he can’t feel pain if he’s dead, right? He sat up and rubbed his back. He was sitting on dirt. Dirt. Not concrete. He took a good look around. He was in an alleyway and the surrounding buildings somehow looked old. Not old in the way that they looked like they were about to collapse, but in a way that they looked like they were taken straight out from a historical drama.

        Wei Ying took a sniff of the air and recoiled in disgust. ‘Where is that stench coming from?’ He took a couple more sniffs before realizing, ‘Shit. It’s me! Why do I smell so bad?!’ Not far away from him were scraps of rotting food. ‘Could the smell have latched on to me?’  The thought of food, despite it being rotten, made his stomach growl. Wei Ying doubled over. He’d never felt so hungry in his life. Another growl filled the air.

        It hadn’t come from his stomach.

        It was as if someone poured ice water all over Wei Ying. Slowly, his gaze shifted to the open end of the alley. Dogs. There were dogs. He stood up. Maybe if he was fast enough he could- …was it him or were the dogs bigger than him.

        The leader of the pack barked loudly. Wei Ying flinched and started to hyperventilate. It felt like the surrounding walls were closing in. It was hard to breathe, hard to move, hard to think.

        ‘Someone…’  

        He took a step back, the dogs took several steps forward.

        ‘Anyone!’

        There was another bark, and Wei Ying answered with a piercing scream.

        Not even a moment later, Wei Ying was lifted up while a gentle, yet commanding voice shooed the terrifying creatures away. Someone wiped away his tears and comforted him in a soothing voice. When he was calm enough, the situation struck him as odd. ‘I’m a grown man! How is this person able to carry me? Why are they carrying me anyway?!’

        “Wei Ying?”, a deep voice asked.

        ‘How does he know my name?’

        The mystery person set him down and kneeled in front of him. Wait, kneeled? Was this person gigantic or did he somehow shrink?

        Wei Ying squinted his eyes. Why is it so bright behind this person? He couldn’t see his face! Also, he was sure the sun was in the other direction?

        The mystery man pulled out a piece of melon out of nowhere and offered it to him. “Are you hungry?” ,the man asked kindly.

        There was a saying about accepting things from strangers, but this man had saved him from those awful terrifying creatures , and despite how this person suspiciously knew his name, Wei Ying decided to trust him and took the offered melon.

        Suddenly, the light started to lose its brightness, and in correlation, Wei Ying’s face started to lose color.

        “My name is Jiang Fengmian, a friend of your parents. Would you like to come back to Yunmeng with me?”, suddenly their surroundings darkened , and everything seemed to freeze. ‘JIANG FENGMIAN’ was written in large violet font and underneath it said : ‘Sect leader of the YunmengJiang Sect’. The darkness receded, and now above the man’s head were his name, his power level, his hit points, and a meter with a violet heart beside it.

        ‘Shit.’ Wei Ying thought as he numbly said “yes” to the sect leader’s question. ‘I’m in the game.’

Chapter Text

     Under the bright afternoon sun, two figures flew across the sky at a leisurely pace. Jiang Fengmian concentrated on flying back to Yunmeng while Wei Ying pretended to be asleep in his arms.

     ‘Am I seriously trapped in this game? Or is it a dream?’ Wei Ying subtly pinched himself. ‘I felt pain, so I’m not dreaming? Is it possible that dreams work differently when you’re in a coma? I’m at least 95% sure I got hit by a car…’

     Wei Ying released a slow breath and curled up on himself some more. Jiang Fengmian glanced at him for a moment. His eyes softened before going back to concentrating.

     ‘Well, whatever! Whether it’s real or not, the fact remains that I’m already here. There’s no choice but to move forward!’  He snuck a peak at the sect leader’s stats. Power Level at 51, full Health bar, and the one with the violet heart said level 2. ‘I’ve always wondered what the colored hearts meant…’

     Would the player like to make an INQUIRY?

     Wei Ying flinched. Jiang Fengmian looked at him worriedly.

     ‘Where did that voice come from?! Am I going insane?! Wait, player?’

     Would the player like to make an INQUIRY? , the voice repeated.

     ‘So it is the game! …. Yes?’

     The relationship meter determines the closeness a character feels for the player. The color of the heart determines the type of relationship: violet for familial relationship, yellow for friendly relationship, red for romantic relationship, black for antagonistic relationship.

     Would the player like to make an additional INQUIRY?

     ‘…This is incredibly useful! Disembodied voice, where were you when I was still alive?!’

     The system does not have an answer to your INQUIRY. Would the player like to make another?

     ‘That was a rhetorical question!’ Wei Ying thought amusedly. ‘Oh! System, what are MY stats?’  he asked excitedly.

     PLAYER NAME: Wei Ying

     PLAYER COURTESY NAME: CURRENTLY LOCKED

     POWER LEVEL: 1

     HEALTH POINTS: 20/100

     SPECIAL SKILLS :  NONE

     ITEMS: NONE

      Would the player like to make another INQUIRY?

     ‘…What the hell?! I’m so weak!’ Wei Ying silently cursed himself.  ‘So I have to start from square one again…’

     Would the player like to make another INQUIRY?

     Wei Ying took a while to think. At the moment he didn’t really have other questions since he’d already played this game. He can always just ask in the future right?

     Before he could reply, Jiang Fengmian suddenly dived down. The sky and clouds blurred together into one color, the wind strongly hit his face and he had to shut his eyes from the force, but not before noticing the rapidly approaching ground.

      Before they could crash, the sword stopped about a foot off the ground.

     “A-Ying, we’re here.” The sect leader called kindly.

     Wei Ying looked at him with wide eyes and a green face.  

     ‘Why is it that this gentle person is actually the type to be so reckless?!’

     Jiang FengMian frowned, “A-Ying?”

     “I-I’m fine Sect Leader Jiang! Please put me down!” ‘Or else I might throw up on you!’

     “Uncle Jiang.” Said Jiang Fengmian as he helped Wei Ying steady himself.

     Wei Ying blinked in confusion.

     “There is no need for formalities. You may call me Uncle Jiang.”

     “Okay… Uncle Jiang.”

     Familial Relationship with Jiang Fengmian has increased to level 3!

     Wei Ying smiled brightly.

     “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! “

     As soon as he walked into Lotus Pier, he caught sight of a young boy walking three dogs.

     He scrambled away and hid behind one of the practice dummies. Despite being on the verge of tears and suffering from hyperventilation, he chanced a peak to see whether the dogs had chased him. The boy and his dogs were nowhere to be seen.

     Jiang Fengmian went toward Wei Ying’s hiding spot and picked him up. In a few years, Wei Wuxian would hang his head in shame when reminded that he had refused to come down from his adoptive father’s arms for the rest of the day.

     When the sun had begun to set, Jiang Fengmian’s arms had also begun to get tired. He was about to apologize and put the child down when his daughter appeared.

     “Hello!” she greeted the child brightly.

     Again, the world darkened and the words ‘JIANG YANLI’ hovered in the background.

     “My name is Jiang Yanli and from today onwards, I’ll be your shijie!”, and the darkness receded.

     Due to JIANG YANLI’s natural kindness, your Familial Relationship has now jumped from LVL 1 to LVL 3.

     Wei Ying was moved.

     “Shijie, this one’s name is Wei Ying.”

     Jiang YanLi opened her arms in invitation, and Wei Ying willingly let himself be transferred. Jiang Fengmian sighed in relief.

     “While you both get to know each other, I’ll need to talk with A-Cheng and Ziyuan. A-Ying, be good for A-Li okay?“

     “Yes, Uncle.”

     When Jiang FengMian was out of sight, he immediately looked at the space above Jiang Yanli’s head. Power Level at 5.

     Jiang YanLi giggled and looked up as well. “What are you looking at A-Ying?”

     Wei Ying grinned and replied, “You have really pretty hair shijie!”

     “Thank you! Mother helped me with it!”

     Suddenly, Jiang Yanli seemed to remember something important. She started walking the opposite direction of where Uncle Jiang went and started whispering to Wei Ying. “A-Ying, Mother is very strict and intimidating, but she’s actually really nice and kind! But… you can’t meet her right now. At least until Father convinces her to let you stay!”

     “Oh…”

     ‘That’s right! Uncle Jiang’s wife, my character’s adoptive mother…. Hated her guts! Now she probably hates mine. If only I could remember why…’

     Due to Yanli’s thin and weak frame, after a few meters she was already struggling with Wei Ying’s weight. Wei Ying’s body slid down a few inches, and in his panic, he shouted and clung tightly to Yanli’s neck.

     Yanli found it slightly difficult to breathe , but did not dare to point it out. “A-Ying?”

     There was a muffled reply.

     “What was that, A-Ying?”

     “D-dogs. Don’t let them get me, please!”

     Wei Ying’s voice was so full of desperation and fear that Yanli regained newfound strength to lift him onto her shoulders and continue walking.

     Achievement Unlocked: Awakening Yanli’s motherly instincts.

     If Wei Ying hadn’t been as terrified as he was, he would have felt embarrassed for looking so pitiful that he had awoken a 12 year old’s motherly instincts.

     “A-Ying, did you know I have a younger brother? He’s about your age, maybe younger? My brother has a habit of saying things he doesn’t mean, so not a lot of kids his own age want to play with him… so I hope you two could become good friends. Ah, he really loves dogs though, it’s a shame A-Ying is terrified of them.”

      Wei Ying knows that he knows what’s going to happen next, but he can’t remember what. He only knows that things will become troublesome very soon.

     After a while, Yanli and Wei Ying finally reached their destination. It’s a place by the docks with a beautiful view of the lake.  Under the shadow of a large tree is a well-crafted table with already prepared tea.

     Wei Ying decided that he will worry about it later.

     Wei Ying didn’t think ‘later’ would be so soon.

     Jiang Fengmian gave his son’s puppies away.

     “I HATE YOU!!!” a shrill voice shouted at Wei Ying with all the vehemence it could.

     Again, the surroundings darkened and ‘JIANG CHENG’ floated behind the child. Power Level 2, full health, but instead of violet, the heart was yellow, and it was at level 1.

     Wei Ying attempted to apologize to Jiang Cheng. Jiang Fengmian and Yanli had even tried to help, but Jiang Cheng proved to be stubborn. However, Wei Ying could also be quite stubborn. No matter how harsh the words thrown at him or how coolly he was treated, he continued to tail Jiang Cheng in hopes of forgiveness.

     After a few days, the fruits of his labor were starting to show. Jiang Cheng was less cold and would reply to Wei Ying’s calls with less anger. Jiang Fengmian, who wanted to strike while the iron was hot, suggested that the two boys sleep in the same room so that they could grow even closer.

     Jiang Cheng wanted to disagree, but with both his father, his sister, and Wei Ying looking at him pleadingly, he felt as if he had no other choice but to agree. Filled with joy, Jiang Fengmian picked up Wei Ying.

     Wei Ying watched as Jiang Cheng’s face went through shock, then sadness, then anger.

     There was a bitter laugh from behind them. There was a flash of purple from the corner of Wei Ying’s eye, and when he turned to look, the surroundings darkened once again.

     ‘YU ZIYUAN’

     Standing underneath the name was an intimidating woman in expensive purple clothes with a power level of 60. The heart above her head was also purple, although….

     Achievement Unlocked: The player’s relationship with the character is so low that it has now reached the negatives!

     ‘System! This isn’t an achievement!!!’

     Yu Ziyuan looked like she wanted to argue with her husband, but they had important matters to attend to and needed to leave in a hurry.

     Jiang Cheng also left sulkily with Jiang Yanli chasing after him with words of comfort.

     Alone with his thoughts, Wei Ying finally remembered some parts of his previous gameplay.

     Wei Ying put a finger on his chin with an intense look of concentration ‘Because of how different Uncle Jiang treated my character and Jiang Cheng, it caused a lot of fights between him and his wife and caused Jiang Cheng to become insecure. It also made his wife hate my character and also treated my character differently to her own child. This type of family dynamics hindered Jiang Cheng’s and my character’s relationship enough that my own shidi led a rebellion against me.’

     “I need to do something, but what?” he muttered.

     One idea popped into his head.

      His face paled and he tried to think of other alternatives, but none would be as effective as what he was about to do.

     Jiang Cheng sat on his bed, glaring at the door. He had already locked it and had been waiting for Wei Ying to come knock so that he could yell at him some more. He looked at the burning candle that had once been a foot long, but had since become less than half its size.

     He waited some more.

     And some more

     And then some more.

     Unable to help it, he hesitantly opened the door a crack and took a peak.

     No one.

     He quickly grabbed his candle and ran to his sister’s room. He knocked softly and fidgeted as he waited. Finally, the door opened.

     Jiang Yanli rubbed her eye and yawned. “A-Cheng…?”

     “Shijie! I think Wei Ying got kidnapped!”

     Yanli blinked.

     “I-I haven’t seen him all day and then it was bed time and he didn’t go to my room and now it’s past bed time and-and he’s still not here! Shijie, what if he’s hurt?!”

     Yanli took a second to process. “Wait here A-Cheng.” She went back into her room, and a few moments later, now had a lantern with her. “Come on, let’s go and look for A-Ying.”

     When they reached the exit of Lotus Pier, she had clamped onto Jiang Cheng’s shoulder to keep him from running ahead.

     “A-Cheng, you get the others first so that they could help us search for A-Ying. I will go ahead.”

     Jiang Cheng’s face contorted into a nervous expression, and just as he had opened his mouth, he had quickly shut it and focused his gaze somewhere to the west. He had on an intense look of concentration, and his ears twitched every now and then.

     ‘Like a puppy.’ Yanli thought in passing.

     “Do you hear that?”

     “Hear what A-Cheng?”

     Jiang Cheng did not reply and started running.

     “A-Cheng?!”

     Yanli followed after her younger brother. After running for quite a while, faint screaming could be heard, as well as… dog barks?

     ‘Oh no.’

     Jiang Cheng seemed to have had the same thought since he had run faster towards the ruckus.

     As they neared the screaming, they also spotted the source of the barking.

     Jiang Cheng slowed down, slack-jawed.

     “Princess? Jasmine? Love?”

     The three puppies turned in unison, and started bounding towards their master, all the while yipping happily.

     “PRINCESS! JASMINE! LOVE!”

     Now, instead of screaming, laughter filled the area. Yanli spared a quick smile for the cute scene before approaching the tree the puppies had once crowded on.

     She looked up, but the lantern light could not reach the tree tops.

     “A-Ying?” she called out.

     There were a few answering sniffs and a hiccup.

     “You can come down now. Let’s go back.”

     “But the d-dogs!”

     Jiang Cheng had heard the distressed shout and started shushing the puppies.

     “We’ll-“, she glanced at Jiang Cheng “We’ll send them away.” It had come out softly, and had sounded more like a suggestion rather than a statement.

     “NO!”

     Yanli had reeled back in surprise, because it wasn’t A-Cheng who answered.

     “But, A-Ying, aren’t you terrified of them?”

     “I am!”

     “Then why..?”

     “Because Jiang Cheng loves them!”

     Jiang Cheng’s eyes widened and he stared at the top of the tree with a mixture of emotions that Yanli could not yet identify.

     “Aren’t you mad at me?!” Jiang Cheng shouted, voice strained. “I shouted at you, I ignored, and I-I was even going to lock you out of our room!”

     There was a rustle of leaves, and then a quiet voice rang out. “I would have been mad too, if something I loved had been taken away….”

     Jiang Cheng’s eyes filled with tears, but he quickly rubbed them away.

     “Then…then!” Jiang Cheng stood back up, puffed up his chest, and rolled back his shouders, just as his mother taught him to do. “I, Jiang Cheng, future sect leader of Yunmeng Jiang, swear that I will protect you from every dog in the world! A-Ying, I’ll chase away every dog that comes near you!”

     “…except Jasmine, Love and Princess! They’re good boys I swear!” Jiang Cheng had hurriedly added.

     Wei Ying’s laughed softly, though it sounded a bit hoarse. “Okay, A-Cheng.”

     Yanli looked on, misty eyed. She had never felt this warm before.

     Relationship with Jiang Cheng has now increased to Level 2!

     Relationship with Jiang Yanli has now increased to Level 4!

     Yanli and Jiang Cheng had locked eyes, and seemed to communicate something. Jiang Cheng directed his puppies to go ahead to Lotus Pier and hide. Afterwards, Jiang Cheng stood next to his sister. Both the Jiang siblings simultaneously opened their arms wide.

     There was a beat of silence, then warm joyous laughter.

     Wei Ying suddenly jumped from the tree branch he sat on, and the Jiang siblings scrambled to catch him. The force of the fall brought all three of them sprawling on the ground.

     They laid still and had spent a few moments just basking in the comfort of each other’s presence.

     Wei Ying, of course, was the first one to break the silence.

     “Thank you.” ‘For worrying about me, for caring, for a lot of other things.’

     Yanli giggled and moved closer to squeeze his hand.

     Jiang Cheng let out an annoyed huff of air and looked away. Wei Ying looked back up to the star-filled sky.

     There was a rustling of clothes from beside him, and then warmth.

     Wei Ying smiled at Jiang Cheng.

     The space between them seemed closer now.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 3

Moonlight spilled through the windows as footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway.

The dogs yipped happily and snuggled closer into the arms of one of their masters.

“Shhhhh. Be quiet.” Muttered a gentle voice.

They stopped in front of their destination: the kitchen. 

From beyond the door, a muffled voice could be heard.

“… should hide the dogs before-”

With a loud ‘BANG!’, Madame Yu slammed open the door.

“Hide what?” Jiang Fengmian asked as he smiled and lifted the three dogs further up in his arms.

Jiang Yanli spilled some of the soup she was eating, Jiang Cheng shouted in pain as Yanli’s freshly cooked incredibly hot soup was spilled onto him, and the Wei Ying was already in the other side of the room, eyes wide and not once looking away from the dogs in Jiang Fengmian’s arms.

While Madame Yu looked on with a glower as the chaos unfolded, Jiang Fengmian placed the dogs outside the room and shut the door.

The sect leader sighed.

 Madame Yu waited for her husband to scold the children for disappearing for hours , without telling anyone , in the dead of night! No parent should have had to deal with that kind of stress!

Jiang Fengmian looked towards Jiang Cheng, his gaze heavy, and Jiang Cheng felt shame spread throughout his whole body.

"A-Cheng, you know A-Ying is afraid of dogs.” 

Next, he moved his disappointed gaze to Yanli. 

“A-li, I thought you'd be more responsible."

Yanli, who rarely got into trouble, felt as if someone had lain a heavy boulder upon her.

Madame Yu could feel her blood boiling as she watched her two childrens’ shoulders slump. 

‘That idiot! Where are his priorities?!’

  She gave a quick glare to the Sanren spawn and was about to tell off her husband, when the child spoke up first.

"It was me Uncle Jiang!"

"A-Ying, you don't need to take the blame-"

"No! It really was my idea! I brought them back!"

Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Fengmian had matching expressions of incredulousness, but Ziyuan was quickly filled with doubt.

“Why?” 

This was the first time Ziyuan addressed Cangse Sanren’s child directly. 

She watched the child flounder for a moment. "Jiang Cheng shouldn't have to be the one to accommodate my problems!"

 ‘ Hmph! At least this brat knows his place!’

"Aren't you terrified of dogs?" Ziyuan brought up.

"Then I'll…"  he racked his brain for answers. "I'll find a way to get over it!" his voice cracked at the end. He flushed as Yanli patted his head. 

"You don’t have to force yourself, A-Ying" said Yanli.

Ziyuan’s opinion of the child increased, though only a little. She noticed the child glance up briefly, before looking at her in shock, then happiness.

‘ This child is definitely as weird as his mother! ’

Yu Ziyuan scoffed. "If the boy wishes to get over his fear, then who are we to stop him?"

"But my lady," protested her husband, " this isn't just a simple fear, it's a phobia. It's not as easy as it sounds."

Yu Ziyuan eyed the Cangse brat, and an idea suddenly came to her. Her mood lifted, and her glee must show on her face, because the child turned pale and her two children looked on in apprehension.

"Then I will personally train it out of him!"

She looked at the child, "Do you agree, boy?!"

"…yes ma'am."

Screams with an occasional accompaniment of cackles resounded as a young child was chased around the training grounds by one of Jiang Cheng's pets.

Yu Ziyuan’s son stood by her side. He shifted from foot to foot and couldn’t keep his eyes away from the scene.

"A-Cheng, a sect leader should not be visibly nervous!"

Her son immediately stood still.

"And you! The goal is to pet the puppy, not out run it!" 

"I'm trying!" Cangse’s child screamed back in distress. 

"Try harder!" 

Begrudgingly, she was very impressed by his speed, as well as his stamina. Most of the new disciples would have collapsed after 10 laps, bust this boy was almost finished with his 15 th .

Madame Yu held her chin in thought. ‘ This type of fear based motivation is quite effective. Perhaps I should incorporate it into the disciples’ training?’

"Mother…"whispered Jiang Cheng.

"Speak up A-Cheng!"

"Mother, maybe we should just try again tomorrow!"

Ziyuan scoffed. "Nonsense! If we continue to coddle him, he will never improve."

"But what would father-"

"What does your father have to do with this ah?!  Can I not do anything by myself? Do I need your father supervising my every move?"

"No, mother." Jiang Cheng had been sufficiently cowed.

Ziyuan pursed her lips guiltily and looked away. "…I know what I am doing. You do not need to worry for your… friend."

In that exact moment, Wei Ying collapsed to the ground. 

Ziyuan had a clear view of Jiang Cheng’s building panic. She had never seen her son care for anyone like this besides his dogs and immediate family. ‘ Maybe this brat isn’t too bad...’

The puppy trotted over to Wei Ying, close but not quite touching him. With a shaky hand, WY lightly touched the puppy's head with a finger.

Seeing this, Jiang Cheng quickly whistled, and the dog came running back to his master.

"You did it!" Yu Ziyuan's grin was too sharp to be kind.

The only answer was a muffled groan.

“Training for today is over!” She looked back at her son “Go to the dining hall. A-Li said that she has cooked something for the both of you.”

“Yes, mother!”

Ziyuan watched her son try and lift his unconscious friend for a short while, before turning around and leaving.

In the dining hall, Jiang Yanli had already peeled a pile of lotus seeds, when her brother came in with Wei Ying passed out on his back.

Startled, Yanli stood up and helped her brother put Wei Ying into a sitting position.

"Shijie~ I want to eat~ I've suffered so much~~", Wei Ying whined.

Yanli sighed in relief.

"Hmph! You've suffered? What about the people who had to hear your screams! I swear my ear drums almost bled!" Jiang Cheng complained as he pushed the bowl of lotus seeds closer to his friend.

Wei Ying didn't reply as he shoveled a handful of seeds into his mouth.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the doorway.

"Hello children." greeted Jiang Fengmian. 

"A-Ying, I heard your training went well…?" he trailed of hesitantly.

"Yes! I've already pat a dog's head!"

"Really?" the sect leader looked quite impressed.

"Liar! You barely touched Jasmine's head with your finger!" retorted Jiang Cheng.

"That counts as a pat!"

"Does not!"

Fengmian chuckled, "Well I suppose there's nothing to worry about then. But A-Ying, if-"

"If I can’t handle it anymore, I'll tell you. Yes, uncle Jiang, I will."

"Good." 

Jiang Fengmian patted Wei Ying’s head, then ruffled it for good measure.

Jiang Cheng looked away sulkily.

"…Jiang Cheng also helped me with the training! He made sure the dogs weren't being too rowdy, and that they wouldn't be near me when they didn't have to be!"

"I see." 

Jiang Cheng looked on hopefully. 

"Good job son." Fengmian smiled at Jiang Cheng.

"I'll be taking my leave now. Good luck with training, everyone." He then exited the dining hall.

Jiang Cheng visibly deflated.

Yanli had her sleeve cover her frown, though the sadness can still be seen in her eyes.

"Jiang Che-"

Jiang Cheng stood up.

“It’s fine, Wei Ying. I also need to go. Excuse me.” 

Jiang Cheng walked out without meeting anyone’s gaze.

Yu Ziyuan was rarely happy.

Now, she is beyond upset.

Her son had barely spoken a word all morning, and then Yanli told her what happened.

It’s that damn Sanren spawn’s fault! 

When her husband finally found Cangse’s and Wei’s child, she thought he would finally be able to move on and focus on more important things! Like their children! ( and her.)

She didn’t think she would put all his focus ( affections ) into a child that wasn’t even their own!

‘Cangse Sanren you’re already dead! Why is it that you are still causing me trouble?!’

(Why is it that he still loves you?)

Yu Ziyuan gritted her teeth.

“Cangse brat! You better run!”

He looked at her confusedly.

She let Zidian transform. 

“GO!”

She whipped Zidian, and then all three of Jiang Cheng’s dogs charged at him.

The child let out an unearthly scream, then started running for dear life.

Ziyuan felt her mood lift. She looked at her son, hoping that it would lift his mood as well.

Jiang Cheng kept his gaze firmly on the ground in front of him.

ZIyuan’s mood plummeted once again.

When she looked back towards Cangse’s brat, he was almost out of the field.

“Where are you going?! Come back here!”

“NO!” he screamed back.

Purple lightning sparked around her as she watched his figure shrink into the distance.

“DO YOU THINK MY TITLE AS THE VIOLET SPIDER IS A JOKE?! WHEN I FIND YOU CHILD, YOU WILL REGRET IT!”

Yu Ziyuan searched almost the entirety of Lotus Pier, yet she still couldn’t find that brat!

She was so angry, the electricity from her lightning made her hair and clothes float slightly, making her look like a demon out for blood.

One of the servants, terrified and clearly forced to talk to her by the other servants, called for her attention.

“Madame Yu…”

“ What.”

The servant opened her mouth to scream, but Ziyuan’s glare made her swallow it back down.

“W-we saw the child enter the sect leader’s office!”

‘ The nerve!’ she thought angrily. ‘ How dare he use my husband as some sort of shield?!’

“ BRRAAAAATT!!!! ”

She made her way quickly to her husband’s office, and then kicked it open. 

She only managed to see the tail end of Wei Ying’S ribbon disappearing out the window.

She clicked her tongue and made to leave, but spotted her husband rooted to the spot and staring into nothing.

“Fengmian?”

Jiang fengmian snapped out of his daze, and looked at Ziyuan. He had a panicked and lost sort of expression on his face. Yu Ziyuan frowned. 

“What’s wrong?”

“…have you ever been so obliviously insensitive that a child had felt the need to lecture you? And be totally correct?”

“…Are you sick?”

Fengmian shook his head. “Nevermind. It’s nothing.”

 He was about to say something else, paused for a moment, and instead took Ziyuan’s hand in his.

Ziyuan felt her face turn red. 

 “My lady, have I ever told you how much I care for you?”

Fengmian lifted his hand and cupped her cheek. He slowly went in for a kiss, but Ziyuan pushed him away.

“My lady?”

“You really are sick. You’re never this affectionate! I’ll go call the healers right away-“

“Wait!” Jiang Fengmian had on a heartbroken and guilty look. “I’m not sick. Just,” he struggled to say the right words. “..a horrible asshole.”

ZIyuan gasped. This was the first time she heard her husband curse.

“I can’t believe that child was right.” Fengmian muttered quietly.

‘Child?’

“My lady, I must leave for a very important business. Until I return, Lotus Pier in your hands.”

“When will you be leaving?”

“Now.”

“Right now?! How serious is this business of yours?!”

Jiang Fengmian looked her straight in the eye. “It’s something that I should have done a long time ago.”

It was said with so much resolve that Ziyuan didn’t have the heart to retort.

“Hmph! Go on then! Just don’t get yourself killed!”

The next day, Madame Yu spent her morning disciplining the insufferable brat.

She made him stand on top of a wooden pole, placed a jar of water on his head, and then made him carry a wooden staff with two more jars of water on each end.

“If even a single drop of water is spilled, you will face the wrath of Zidian, got it?!”

“Yes, Madame Yu! …Ah but how long do I have to stay like this?”

“After I finish my duties, I will come back.”

“B-but that will take all day!”

“Then you should have thought twice before running away!”

“I was being chased by dogs!”

She glared at him. “Are you talking back at me?”

“…No, Madame Yu.”

She turned to Jiang Cheng, “Make sure he doesn’t leave.”

“Yes, mother!”

As she walked away, she could hear a bit of her son’s and his friend’s conversation.

“Where were you yesterday?”

“Were you worried?” 

“Who would be worried about an idiot like you?!”

“You of course!”

“Like hell!”

Today, her son’s mood seemed better. Although it seems that she will be having a very important conversation regarding curse words, the fact that her son was happy also made her mood lift some.

Contrary to what that brat said, it only took half a day for Yu Ziyuan to finish her duties. Coincidentally, JInzhu and Yinzhu, her trusted maids, informed her that her husband had already arrived and was waiting for her at the pavilion.

With how serious he was yesterday, she thought it would take him a week before he would come back.

As she made her way towards the pavilion, she noticed a single purple Hyacinth on the floor. She picked it up and noticed another one a few more feet in front of her. 

‘ Who would dare litter in Lotus Pier’s halls?’, she thought angrily.

As someone who would rather do things herself than wait for somebody else to, she picked up the flowers. 

When the trail had stopped, she had gathered a dozen Hyacinths in her arms and was already by the gate that lead to the pavilion. 

As soon as she stepped through, she spotted something small and white drifting slowly downwards. She held out her hand and caught it.  

“A Daffodil petal?”

Suddenly, hundreds of petals fell from the sky. It was as if it had suddenly snowed in Lotus Pier.

Yu Ziyuan watched the scene with wonder and amazement, when a soft voice called out to her.

“My lady.”

She turned.

Jiang Fengmian stood amongst the falling petals, holding a bouquet of red Chrysanthemums.

“Recently, someone had helped me realize that I’ve been a horrible father and a terrible husband.”

He started walking closer to her.

“While this cannot erase the past, I promise to do better in the future.” He held out the Chrysanthemums.

In a daze, she took the offered flowers. 

“Yu Ziyuan. “, he took out a small elegant wooden box from his robes, “I’m sorry for having neglected you and our children. I’m sorry that I’ve made you doubt our love. “

He opened the box. Inside was a beautiful jade hair pin.

“Please accept this gift as a sign of my apology and a symbol of new beginnings.”

She stared at the jade pin, then back at Fengmian.

Jiang Fengmian waited for her answer nervously.

Ziyuan looked away, then turned her back to him. 

Jiang Fengmian felt as if the world had come crashing down. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. 

He understood, of course. It would take more than a few flowers and a hair pin to remedy the past. But even so, he was willing to beg, kneel, grovel-

“What are you waiting for? My hands are full, I can’t put it on myself.”

Jiang Fengmian noticed that the tips of Yu Ziyuan’s ears were slightly pink.

“My lady…!” Fengmian felt his eyes tear up.

For the rest of the day, Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan spent their time in the pavilion. There, they talked about anything and everything. Ziyuan noted, distantly, that not only was this the longest time they spent together since they were married, but that they hadn’t known much about each other at all. Later, she will thank every god she knows ( and maybe a small brat) for helping her husband reach an epiphany.

When the sun had begun to set, Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan walked back to their home. She looked at their joined hands, and felt like she was floating. She squeezed his hand and he squeezed back. 

She smiled.

Jiang Fengmian, for the first time since his teens, blushed then tripped.

Yanli was happy for them.

She really was.

This was, after all, the happiest she had ever seen them.

But.

Were they really too busy flirting to notice that her two brothers were missing from dinner?

“Mother… Father…”

 “Yes, Yanli?” asked her father, never once looking away from her mother.

“A-Ying and A-Cheng… “

Her mother let out a small giggle, off in her own world. Yanli was not creeped out. She was definitely not. At least, that was what she was telling herself.

“I haven’t seen them since this morning…”

Yu Ziyuan’s whole demeanor changed, as if someone took a pin and popped her bubble of happiness.

“Shit!” she exclaimed as she stood up. She raced out of the room, her husband and child calling after her.

‘They couldn’t still be there, could they? How could I forget?!’

As Yu Ziyuan neared the training grounds, she could spot two small figures by the wooden pole she had the disciples put up.

 “A-Ying, come down. Mother isn’t coming back.” Jiang Cheng hissed. 

“No.”

“A-Ying why are you so stubborn?!”

 It seemed as if the conversation had been going on for quite a while. Ziyuan decided to conceal her presence for the time being.

“If I can't even do something like this, how am I going to be by your side in the future?”

Jiang Cheng was stunned silent, and so was his mother.

“You're going to be sect leader right? As your right hand, if I can't even do something like this, am I really worthy to stay beside you?”

“...who said you'll be my right hand?” 

“If I can’t be your right then, I'll be your left. If not, then even if my title is just your toe, I don't mind!”

“You!” Jiang Cheng tried to keep the smile off his face, but failed.

The child laughed, and his eyes flickered to look at something above Jiang Cheng’s head. 

‘ This child…’ Yu Ziyuan couldn’t help but also feel touched.

Suddenly, a look of shock passed over his face, followed by a bright blush. He was so flustered, that he fell from the pole.

He sat up, completely drenched, then he looked in Yu Ziyuan’s direction. 

“Madame Yu! How long have you been there?!”

“Eh? Mother? Mother is here?!”

‘The Wei child is sharper than I thought.’ She stepped out from where she had hidden. “Hmph! Long enough!” 

 Again, the child looked at something above her head in astonishment. He whispered under his breath, “…not in the negatives!”

What a weird child.

“Boys, go and quickly take a bath. It’s time for dinner.” She turned around and started walking away.

“Yes, mother!”, Jiang Cheng quickly answered, before grabbing one of Wei Ying’s hands and dragging him after his mother.

“A-Cheng, be more gentle!”

“Shut up! The faster we leave, the faster I can eat!”

When the boys finally arrived, fresh and clean, Jiang Fengmian stood up to greet them. 

“A- Ying, I heard that you lasted the whole day on top of that wooden pole? Amazing!”

Fengmian ruffled the child’s hair.

It did not escape Yu Ziyuan’s notice that the child subtly gestured to her son.

Fengmian smiled and called over his son. “A-Cheng, you stayed by A-Ying’s side the whole time, right? That takes an incredible amount of dedication and self-discipline. I’m proud of you!”

He grabbed his son’s shoulders, and then pulled him in for a hug.

At first, Jiang Cheng didn’t move. 

Slowly, he brought his arms up and clutched at Fengmian’s robes. When they finally pulled away, no one commented on how wet both of their eyes were.

When everyone had finally gotten back to their seats, Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Fengmian continued flirting. Soon, half of the table was filled with hand holding, giggles, and shy glances.

Yanli kept her eyes on her food, though her smile was considerably tighter.

Jiang Cheng fake gagged every five seconds, while Wei Ying, who at first was completely dumbfounded with the sudden 180 in their relationship, now found it hilarious and was trying to hold in his laughter.

Yu Ziyuan had now learned not to let her emotions cloud her mind and so, she noticed that the Wei child had not taken a single bite of his food.

“Is the food not to your liking, Wei Ying?”

“no, ma’am,  it's… not that”

“Then why aren't you eating?”

“…my arms”

“Arms?”

“I can't lift them.” 

To prove his point, Wei Ying tried to lift his arm to pick up his chopsticks, but it wouldn’t leave an inch further from his body.

Yu Ziyuan was, by now, completely aware that this child had something to do with Jiang fengmian's sudden onslaught of affection.  So, she scoffed, then exclaimed, ”It can't be helped! Yanli switch with me.”

Yanli was confused, but wordlessly did what she was told.

Yu Ziyuan took Wei Ying’s chopsticks, picked up some food, and held it towards him.

“...eh?”

“Are you going to eat or not?”

Wei Ying finally realized what was happening and blushed. “M-madame Yu! It's fine I can do it myse-“

“Would you rather me, or Fengmian?”

Fengmian smiled at him.

Wei Ying blushed harder and was forced to eat.

Yu Ziyuan spotted Jiang Cheng’s longing stare from the corner of her eye.

“A-Cheng.”

“yes, mo-“ a piece of meat was suddenly stuck into his mouth.

“If you want something, just say it!”

“Then, mother me too?” Yanli playfully joined in.

“My lady, what about the husband?” Jiang Fengmian pointed at himself.

“What about the husband?!”

This kind of playful banter continued on for quite some time.

The whole dinner was filled with joy and laughter; a loud cry from their previous dinners filled with nothing but silence and tension.

Yu Ziyuan had thought that Wei Ying would be the catalyst to a broken family.

She had never been so glad to be wrong.

Chapter Text

Yu Ziyuan was out in the field supervising Wei Ying’s training when her husband and her children approached her.

“My lady, the kids have invited me to watch A-Ying’s training with them since Sect Leader Ouyang cancelled our meeting for today.”

Her children looked at her with wide tear filled eyes. She looked at her husband suspiciously. She is very sure that she had never taught her children a trick as lowly as puppy dog eyes.

Jiang Fengmian only smiled back.

“Fine.” she huffed.

Jiang Fengmian watched on curiously. He had wondered what kind of methods were used since he heard the training had been going well.

Jiang Fengmian was horrified. This was not the proper way to get rid of someone’s phobia!

“My lady! Please stop the training!”

Yu Ziyuan was about to tell him to mind his own business, but her husband was willing to extend an olive branch wasn’t he? Perhaps it was her turn to reciprocate.

She sighed, then let out a loud whistle. “Sit!”

The dog sat down immediately.

Wei Ying did too.

Yu Ziyuan’s eye twitched. “Not you brat! Come over here!”

Wei Ying coughed then started to walk over to the group.

“Ziyuan that is not how to handle phobias!  It will just make his fear worse!” Jiang Fengmian stated angrily.

Yu Ziyuan raised a brow mockingly. “Oh? You still remember my name?”

“Ziyuan! This is not the time!” Jiang Fengmian hissed.

Just as Wei Ying reached the group, he managed to witness Yu Ziyuan’s scathing glare. ‘Oof. What did Uncle Jiang do this time?’  he thought.

Wei Ying sat down alongside his siblings to watch the show, though he was ready to intervene if need be.

“Do you know what my title is Fengmian?” she stated coldly.

Jiang Fengmian looked confused for a moment, blindsided by the sudden question. He was about to answer but Yu Ziyuan cut him off sharply.

“It is the Violet Spider.”

Wei Ying could hear some sort of faint music but he couldn’t figure out where it was coming from.

Yu Ziyuan continued, “Do you know how I got it?”

Jiang Fengmian frowned. He did not know where this was going, but he will humor his wife. “When you were younger, assassins managed to infiltrate your home and-“

“No. That is how my title became widespread. I am asking you how I got my title.”

The music was getting louder and, Wei Ying thinks he might be going crazy, but it seemed to be coming from Madam Yu. It was very intimidating and sort of… sad? Wei Ying did not know if he should be worried or not. It seemed to be building up to something.

Jiang Fengmian looked to Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli for support. They shrugged their shoulders, but their eyes held an accusation-‘You’re her husband aren’t you? Why don’t you know?’  or maybe Jiang Fengmian was just projecting.

 Yu Ziyuan clicked her tongue in disappointment. “You do not know?”

The music finally reached its crescendo and Wei Ying braced for whatever was about to come.

“Then I shall tell you.”

Everything surrounding Wei Ying suddenly started to fade.

“S-sytem! What is happening?!”

Player has activated Easter Egg: The Origin of the Violet Spider, the mechanical voice stated.

Wei Ying gasped excitedly. “Holy shit they have backstories?! There are easter eggs?!”

The system did not answer as the surroundings faded back into focus. In front of Wei Ying is a younger Yu Ziyuan wearing her former sect’s colors of blue and grey. She was practicing her calligraphy under the shade of a very large tree.

Wei Ying also tried to lean on a tree but fell through it instead.

Player is experiencing a MEMORY. All objects in a MEMORY are intangible.

 “Wow! Thank you for warning me system!” he said sarcastically.

“…”

“How can silence be so smug.” He muttered angrily.

“I used to be afraid of spiders.” Yu Ziyuan’s disembodied voice echoed throughout the clearing.

Something small and black slowly descended from the top of the tree.

“ When I was a child, a particularly poisonous one had bitten me. ”

The scene cut off right before the arachnid landed on Yu Ziyuan.

Now the scene showed Yu Ziyuan laying in her bed. Her face was flushed from fever and tears continually streamed down her face. No one was at her bedside.

“ My body was not only paralyzed, but any sort of physical contact was so painful that even a single poke would have sent me bawling. It had lasted for a week. ”

Wei Ying pursed his lips. Just because they can’t touch her doesn’t mean they can’t be near her. Where were her parents? Her siblings?

“Afterwards, every small shadow would make me jump. I was afraid to go outside, especially back to the forest. I couldn’t even sleep without Yinzhu and Jinzhu by my side. I was afraid that another spider would bite me in my sleep.” Yu Ziyuan sighed.

The younger Yu Ziyuan could be seen hiding under her blankets in her room. Then her bedroom door opened. She peeked out from where she was hiding. It was her father.

“Unfortunately, my father was far from pleased. Ironically, Meishan Yu sect’s motto is ‘Conquer all fears’. He said that my ‘ridiculous fear’ was getting in the way of my cultivation.

Madam Yu’s father pursed his lips in disappointment, then grabbed his daughter’s arm.

“So, he locked me in a room full of spiders.”

Wei Ying was now inside of said room and watched as Yu ZIyuan was pushed into the room, the door was quickly locked behind her.

“He refused to let me out until I ‘stopped crying and got over it.’ “

Yu Ziyuan was curled up in front of the door.  Wei Ying determinedly tried to avoid looking at the spiders that were in the room with them (he didn’t need to get arachnophobia on top of his cynophobia okay?).  He headed towards Yu Ziyuan’s huddled form and crouched down. He bit his lip in thought, then hesitantly reached his hand out.

It passed through.

He frowned at his hand. He forgot that he was only in a memory right now.

Madam Yu scoffed. “What’s with those looks? Don’t worry, my father wasn’t that heartless. The spiders weren’t poisonous at all.”

“Madam Yu! That’s not the problem at all!” Wei Ying cried. But alas, he could not be heard.

“No matter how much I screamed or begged, no one would let me out. I stopped crying after the fifth hour.”

Something suddenly dropped in front of Wei Ying. He screamed and scrambled away.

“I happened to look up and a spider was hanging directly in front of me.”

Everything happened in slow motion. Purple lightning suddenly started sparking around Yu Ziyuan. Wei Ying started backing away further.

“ I don’t remember much of what happened next, but what I do remember is the rush of emotions. I was so tired of being afraid that all my fear turned into…”

“A N G E R.”

There was an explosion of white and suddenly they’re in the middle of a dining room.

He looked around for Madam Yu. He spotted her seated at the dining table with Yinzhu and Jinzhu by her side. She was nursing a cup of tea and a blanket was wrapped around her shoulders. She looked dazed.

“The next thing I know, I was already outside and far, far away from that room with Jinzhu and Yinzhu right beside me.”

The scene suddenly changed again and now Wei Ying was in the middle of a hall way.

Wei Ying clutched his head in agony. “System! Can’t you make the transitions between scenes smoother? I’m so dizzy I could puke!”

Apologies dear player, it said in a non-apologetically, that is not within my abilities.

Wei Ying grumbled and sighed.

Yu Ziyuan was walking towards him, then stopped at the door to his right. She opened it.

Wei Ying ducked under her arm to get a peek inside.

His jaw dropped in awe.

Black lines spread throughout the whole room. From the floor to the ceiling were beautiful jagged patterns that originated from the point they were standing on.

“ Apparently, all the spiders in my room were fried to death by my Qi.  The scorch marks I left were reminiscent to a GIANT SPIDER’S WEB.”

Everything faded to black, and then suddenly Wei Ying found himself back to his original sitting position.

Still a little dizzy from disorientation, he barely took note of the System’s announcement.

End of ‘The Origin of the Violet Spider’.

Wei Ying snapped out of his daze when Madam Yu had suddenly glared at him.

“I learned that I can never stop being afraid, but I can channel it into something else. Wei Ying, to conquer your fear…”

She grinned menacingly. “…you become it.”

She tilted her head in the direction of where the puppy had, apparently, still been patiently waiting.

“What will you do now, child?” she taunted.

Wei Ying knew what she wanted him to do. And he really did not want to do it.

He stood up and started walking.

But.

Madam Yu was able to conquer her fears, when she was only a child! If a kid could do it, then so could a grown man.

Right?

The puppy, noticing his approach, wagged its tail and barked a few times.

He flinched but continued to soldier on.

“IamthealphaIamthealphaIamthealp-“ he muttered continuously under his breath.

He stopped within arm’s reach of the puppy.

He looked the puppy dead in the eye and inhaled.

“WOOF!”

The sound echoed throughout the silent field.

Wei Ying could feel his face heat up.

‘Fuck! Shit! This is not what I imagined would happen! System aren’t I the protagonist? Why didn’t you make something cool happen?! Like a sudden explosion of Qi!’

System: …

The puppy blinked, tilted its head, then trotted away.

It was still silent as everyone watched the puppy disappear into the distance.

Wei Ying was just thinking of digging a hole and burying his head in it when Jiang Yanli came up to him and gave him a big hug.

“A-Ying you did great!”

Jiang Cheng also came over and punched his shoulder. “You definitely showed him A-Ying!”

‘Ahhh I definitely don’t deserve you guys!’

Wei Ying dragged Jiang Cheng closer to make a group hug.

He  glanced in Madam Yu’s and Jiang Fengmian’s direction.

Jiang Fengmian had his hand cover the lower half of his face. His eyes twinkled with mirth. Yu Ziyuan on the other hand…

Her expression was a mix of pained and unimpressed.

‘I’m sorry Madam Yu, not everyone can have a badass and cool origin story like you!’

Madam Yu noticed him looking at her and made and effort to smooth out her expression. She coughed into her fist. “…You did well.”

It was spoken in such a monotone and sarcastic way that anyone would have thought that she was only saying it in pity. But this was Madam Yu. If you were shit, she wouldn’t hesitate to tell you to go back up into the ass you came from.

Wei Ying felt giddy all of a sudden. Is this what getting a carrot after being beaten with a stick (multiple times) felt like?

Jiang Fengmian was also quick to compliment him. “Good job A-Ying. This calls for a celebration. What would you like to eat?”

A pop up menu floated in front of Wei Ying.

Q: What would you like to eat?

     A. Pork Rib and Lotus Root Soup

     B. Nine Rings of Hell Fried Rice

     C. Tanghulu

‘Why am I getting choices?’

The player’s choice will affect the rest of the gameplay.

‘Wait, shit, I remember now. I picked tanghulu last gameplay. No one was too happy about it, nor were they very upset. I guess that makes it a neutral choice? That means that the only one left is a bad choice and the good choice.’ Wei Ying frowned in thought.

‘I would like to make an INQUIRY. What is Nine Rings of Hell Fried Rice?’

Nine Rings of Hell Fried Rice is a dish which main ingredients are the top 9 spiciest peppers in the world, one of which is Ghost peppers.

‘That sounds delicious! I love spicy food! The Yunmeng people love spice right? So maybe this is the right choice. System I choose-‘

Wei Ying shifted his weight and accidentally stepped on Jiang Cheng’s foot. “Hey!”

‘-A.’

Wei Ying froze.

‘NO WAIT! I meant B! B! System!’

Wei Ying’s mouth opened by itself. “Shijie’s Pork Rib and Lotus Root soup, please. “

Jiang Yanli was moved to tears. “A-Ying…”

       Relationship with JIANG YANLI has now increased to Level 5!.

       BONUS REWARD activated: Domino Effect.

      ‘ My sister’s happiness is my happiness’. Relationship with JIANG CHENG has now increased to Level 4!

      ‘My children’s happiness is my happiness’. Relationship with JIANG FENGMIAN has now increased to Level 5!

      ‘Stop reminding me that I have a heart’. Relationship with YU ZIYUAN has now increased to Level 2!

Wei Ying, “…”

‘Thank you for not listening to me System! This one is eternally grateful! Eh? Was that a sigh?’

Jiang Yanli clutched Wei Ying’s hand and started dragging him away excitedly. “I’m going to make you the best soup ever!”

Jiang Fengmian chuckled and followed after.

Jiang Cheng made a move to follow, but Yu Ziyuan held Jiang Cheng back before he could take another step further.

He looked at her apprehensively. “Mother?”

Yu Ziyuan raised a brow. “Did you think that I wouldn’t notice you signalling your pet to walk away?”

Jiang Cheng flushed and tried to stammer out an excuse.

Yu Ziyuan sighed and pat her son’s head. He looked up at her in pleasant surprise.

She was silent for a moment.

“Be there for your siblings.”

She paused awkwardly then coughed.

 “Now, off you go! Help your sister with the cooking.” She made an impatient shooing motion. There had been too much feelings shared today.

“Yes, mother!” Jiang Cheng hurriedly jogged after his siblings.

She took a moment to just watch her family.

Her lips upturned briefly.

Yu Ziyuan followed after them at a more sedate pace.

Chapter Text

Wei Ying tried to muffle his laughter as Jiang Cheng tried to quietly round up his dogs.

It had already been one year and Wei Ying could confidently say that he was now more comfortable being near Jiang Cheng’s dogs. Of course that meant the other dogs still terrified him, but baby steps y’know?

He had also gotten more used to the weird being that lived in his head that called itself system and this new xianxia world he now lived in. He had also established his place in the Jiang family when they finally adopted him a few months back, though he requested to keep being called Wei Ying instead of Jiang Ying in honor of his original parents (the ones back from his world). Fortunately, the Jiangs were very understanding.

And so, with a loving and supportive family at his back, he now felt more comfortable to be himself.

Which is why he and Jiang Cheng, with the help of a very complex plan and Jiang Cheng’s dogs, snuck into the kitchen that Wei Ying was permanently banned from (you burn through one pan and suddenly you’re not allowed to cook for the rest of your life?) to dump all of the kitchen’s available spices into this afternoon’s lunch (taking care to avoid shijie’s and Madam Yu’s portion of course).

Side Quest: Nine Rings of Hell Fried Rice [COMPLETE]

+50 EXP

[ADDITIONAL BOOST] for Special Skill: SPICE IMMUNITY [ACQUIRED]

[ADDITIONAL BOOST] for Special Skill: SPICE IMMUNITY [ACTIVATED]

They made it into the dining hall and waited for the food to be served. Wei Ying relaxed and started talking to Jiang Yanli, as innocent as can be. Unfortunately Jiang Cheng was the opposite. He kept snickering to himself and kept glancing around the room, and Wei Ying wanted to be annoyed because they are going to get caught if he keeps this up but also it was so cute so he let Jiang Cheng be.

Madam Yu of course, noticed, and accusingly raised an eyebrow in Wei Ying’s direction. Wei Ying grinned back.

The food was served and she eyed the suspiciously red tinged food on Jiang Fengmian’s plate and compared it to the rest of theirs (she doesn’t bother with Wei Ying’s portion because his food was always colored a dangerous red). When she finds that her own portion and Yanli’s were untampered with, she quietly began to eat.

Soon enough, scattered sounds of coughing were heard throughout the hall, and then chaos.

“W-WATER!”

“I CAN’T FEEL MY TONGUE!”

“MY SOUL IS SWEATING OUT OF ME!”

Fights broke out over the very limited pitchers of water, there were people rolling on the ground, others sat in a daze wondering if hell relocated into their mouth.

Meanwhile, it was very peaceful in the Jiang clan table, save of course for Jiang Cheng’s muffled laughter. Jiang Fengmian, surprisingly, could handle the spice well, Yanli ate peacefully, and Yu Ziyuan just looked incredibly done.

“Help the servants bring in more pitchers of water. You will not stop until everyone recovers. Afterwards, kneel in the Ancestral Hall and wait for me there.” She said after she finished eating. She got up and left presumably to somewhere furthest away from there. Jiang Fengmian got up and followed but not before winking at his sons. Yanli offered to help them but they declined and insisted that they were responsible and they should be the ones to “clean up their mess”.

After all was said and done, Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng kneeled for about 20 minutes before Yu ZIyuan came in. She looked at them both sternly and tapped her foot.

“Almost all the disciples are out of commission and all the bathrooms are occupied.”  She said drily.

Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying lowered their heads, not out of shame, but to hide their smiles. Madam Yu must know anyway because she sighed heavily.

“You are assigned to the infirmary for the next three days.”

 “Yes, mother.”

“Yes, Madam Yu.”

Madam Yu narrowed her eyes. “What was that, Wei Ying?”

This time, Wei Ying lowered his head in embarrassment.

“Yes… Mother….” Even after months, Wei Ying still felt shy calling Madam Yu “mother”, but something warm always filled his heart whenever Madam Yu took the initiative to remind him that it was okay to.

“Hm.” She hummed in an approving tone. Madam Yu allowed a few seconds of silence to fill the hall. “The Jins will arrive in three days. I expect you both to be on your best behavior. Especially, to A-Li’s betrothed.”

“What?!” said Jiang Cheng.

“Betrothed?!” Wei Ying shouts in shock.

“Best. Behavior. Got it?”

“Yes, mother.” They replied, though Jiang Cheng said it with gritted teeth.

“Good. A-Cheng will tell you all about Jin Rong*.” Then she left with sweeping violet robes.

Wei Ying was still in shock. “Shijie’s engaged?!” She’s only 13!

Jiang Cheng shrugged with a sour look on his face. “Mother and Madam Jin had an agreement. If their first borns were of the same sex they’d be sworn siblings, if not then they’d become betrothed.”

Wei Ying hummed in acknowledgement. “And why do you look so sour?”

“Jin Rong ”Jiang Cheng says with vehemence, “is a big old butt.”

Wei Ying laughed loudly, “What did he do to piss you off?”

Jiang Cheng tried to say something but kept cutting himself off, which made himself more irritated with each try. “He doesn’t treat shijie right.” He finally grumbled.

Wei Ying was amused. Sister complex much? (though he doesn’t have any right to say that as well). Something must show on his face because Jiang Cheng scowled at him.

“You’ll see when he gets here.”

“Well, if he’s that annoying we’ll just put him in his place.”

“Mother said to behave.”

“We will! But it isn’t on us if somehow the young master slips and falls into the lake now, is it? Just an unfortunate… happenstance.” Wei Ying winked at his brother.

Jiang Cheng smiled –finally mollified.

[THREE DAYS LATER]

The Jiang family watched as the Jins stepped off their boats. Everyone greeted each other respectfully except the youngest of the Jins.

The world darkened around Wei Ying and the names of the characters appeared before him.

Madam Jin cleared her throat and pushed Jin Rong towards Jiang Yanli.

Jiang Yanli saluted. “Hello A-Rong.”

Jin Rong did not even spare her a glance.

“You-!” Wei Ying could see what Jiang Cheng meant now, but Madam Yu sent him a particularly stern glare so he reluctantly shut up.

“A-Rong,” said Madam Jin –also giving Jin Rong a stern glare, “greet your fiancé.”

Jin Rong sighed, saluted, and then gave a shallow bow while remaining silent.

Yu Ziyuan can see her boys eyeing Jin Rong and the water. She had half a mind to just let them do what they wanted to the rude brat, but she terribly hated upsetting her best friend. “A-Li, introduce A-Rong to your new brother. Madam Jin and I will be catching up at the pavilion.”

“Yes, mother.” Replied Yanli.

Madam JIn linked arms with Yu Ziyuan and walked away while Jiang Fengmian and Jin Guangshan trailed behind them.

“A-Rong this is Wei Ying.  A-Ying this is Jin Rong.”

Wei Ying forced a polite smile on to his face and saluted. “It is a pleasure to meet you young master Jin.”

The grey heart meter activated and turned yellow.

Jin Rong stared for a few seconds, then turned away with a scoff. “Yes, I know. Mother already told me about the Jiangs taking in the son of a servant.”

Jiang Cheng immediately took a threatening step forward. “What was that?!”

“A-Cheng!” Jiang Yanli gripped her brother’s sleeve.

Jiang Cheng grit his teeth and stepped back again. Jiang Yanli smiled at the Jin’s young master, but it was noticeably colder.

“That’s not nice A-Rong. We may not be related by blood, but he’s still my brother. Treat him with due respect.” The temperature seemed to drop even further and Jin Rong shifted uncomfortably.

Jiang Cheng looked proudly at his sister, while Wei Ying subconsciously superimposed an image of Madam Yu over his sister. Note to self: do not cross Jiang Yanli’s bottom line.

Jin Rong frowned and reluctantly gave a proper salute towards Wei Ying.

Jiang Yanli could see that Wei Ying still wanted to argue so she hastily proposed a stroll around Lotus Pier.

Jin Rong crossed his arms and sighed through his nose. “Fine.”

They started walking at a moderate pace. The engaged couple at the front while the remaining brothers lagged behind to better keep an eye on the rude peacock. Jiang Yanli tried to keep the conversation going between her and her betrothed, but the young master merely looked around indifferently –completely ignoring her. Yanli’s smiled turned more and more strained as time went by.

Wei Ying tried to telepathically send an apology to Madam Yu because he definitely couldn’t restrain himself any longer.

“Young master Jin! This one heard that the young master is very good with the sword and also in archery. If the young master would give the honor of gracing his expertise and knowledge with this lowly one, this one would be incredibly thankful.” Wei Ying grinned “innocently”.

Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng looked incredibly disturbed with his way of speech, but Jin Rong was flattered and preened haughtily. “Hmph! I suppose I could, since I’m in the mood.”

        Relationship with Jin Rong has now increased to Level 1!

‘Isn’t this kid too easy to please?’ thought Wei Ying.

Jiang Yanli shot Wei Ying a worried look. Wei Ying winked back playfully.

Yanli sighed, “Then I suppose we’ll head back.” She started walking back in the direction they came.

Wei Ying laughed mischievously.

They arrived at an empty training field. Wei Ying and Jin Rong grabbed a couple of practice swords and then went into position.

“Young master, please go easy on this one~.” Wei Ying called out playfully.

“Perhaps.”

The little peacock didn’t seem to notice that he was being teased. Wei Ying raised his eyebrows in amusement. Before he could open his mouth to yell “Let’s start!”, Jin Rong had already made the first move.

Jin Rong swung his sword in an inverted arc towards Wei Ying. Wei Ying immediately tried to block the attack. However, the attack turned out to be a feint, and Jin Rong suddenly aimed for Wei Ying head. Wei Ying reacted quickly and leaned out of the way while he simultaneously flicked his sword upward to block. The swords made a high pitched screech as the weapons grated against each other. Jin Rong took advantage of Wei Ying’s surprise to quickly pull back his arm to strike again. Wei Ying couldn’t handle the force and lost his footing.

As he stumbled back, a stream of ‘Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!’ was scrolling through his brain.

Jin Rong jumped and aimed another strike but Wei Ying was still unbalanced and was forced to flip to avoid the attack. The young master definitely did not make it easy on him. When Wei Ying landed he immediately had to defend himself from a flurry of strikes. However, by now Wei Ying was over his initial panic and was able to parry all of his opponent’s attacks. As he got more and more used to Jin Rong’s pace and movements, he was able to implement a series of counter attacks.

Jin Rong grit his teeth as he was forced back step by step. Spotting an opening, he caught Wei Ying’s hand that was holding the sword and swung his sword. Wei Ying bent over backwards to avoid it, then he copied Jin Rong and also caught his opponent’s hand.

They were now, essentially, holding hands in the middle of the field while looking at each other with heated gazes.

A soft feminine gasp woke Wei Ying up from his reverie. He immediately tried to dislodge the weapon in Jin Rong’s hand. Jin Rong had to let go of his opponent to step back, and Wei Ying immediately followed up with a roundhouse kick. JIn Rong raised his arm to block it, but it turned out to be a feint! Wei Ying used his sword to strike out at the young master and hit him in the arm. Jin Rong let out a brief hiss of pain and struck back with a series of sword swings.

A breeze picked up and a leaf floated in Wei Ying’s peripherals. An idea formed in Wei Ying’s head. He let the young master “force” him back towards a nearby tree.

There was a fire in Jin Rong’s eyes as he determinedly tried to defeat Wei Ying. Wei Ying was forced to repeatedly bend over backwards to just to avoid the strikes. Jin Rong was taught to fight since he could walk –therefore he has more experience, stamina, and strength than Wei Ying.

Wei Ying grunted in pain as he got hit on the shoulder. Jin Rong was very heavy handed. Blocking all his moves directly made Wei Ying lose stamina more quickly. And so, in order to win, he would have to use a bit of unconventional means. When Wei Ying was an arm’s length away from the tree, he put all his remaining strength and power on his legs to jump and land heavily on the tree’s trunk. The sudden force caused many leaves to fall –obscuring Jin Rong’s vision. This momentary blindness was all Wei Ying needed. He leaped from the trunk and aimed a tornado kick at Jin Rong’s arm. The sword flew out of Jin Rong’s hand.

The all the leaves finally fell to the ground, Jin Rong found a sword pointed at his neck. At the other end of the sword, Wei Ying stood with shaky legs while heavily panting. He grinned at Jin Rong, “I suppose I won, young master?”

Young master Jin frowned but his bright eyes betrayed his enthusiasm and admiration.

        Relationship with Jin Rong has now increased to Level 2!

        [Achievement Unlocked: Gained Young Master Jin’s Respect]

Wei Ying did not want to admit it, but this kid was pretty good.

“You cheated!” accused Jin Rong.

“But young master, this one was simply using what was available to one’s self. After all, Uncle Jiang has us that not all battles will happen on a supervised training field.”

Out of pride, Jin Rong was still unwilling to concede, so Wei Ying decided to turn to his siblings.

“What do you guys think?”

Jiang Cheng stared at them, mouth agape. His first thought was that he was angry that his brother held back on him! His second thought was, begrudgingly, if he were the one to have fought the peacock, he would have lost in the first five seconds. Jian Yanli in the meanwhile was seemingly lost in her own world. Occasionally, her dazed eyes would glance between Wei Ying’s and Jin Rong’s hands.

Neither responded properly, but Jin Rong didn’t care. “Then how about another match?”

“….another?” Wei Ying asked, voice strained. While Wei Ying was winded, Jin Rong barely broke out a sweat.

“This time in archery.”

“Oh.” Wei Ying let out a relieved sigh.

“To the archery range then.” Jin Rong strutted away as if he was in his own home.

Wei Ying was indignant, but didn’t voice out his thoughts.  Wei Ying woke up his siblings from their stunned stupor and then quickly caught up with the peacock.

When they reached the range, Jin Rong made a bee line towards to the equipment to inspect them. He clicked his tongue and muttered something unintelligible. His face showed his open distaste and disappointment. Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying looked on with dark faces.

“If young master needs his “special equipment” this one would not object.” Wei Ying was smiling politely and was also using a polite tone, but this sentence definitely hit a nerve.

Young master Jin scoffed, “Why bother. I suppose a handicap is needed.”

Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying wanted to roar in outrage. But Jiang Yanli held the back of their necks like a pair of unruly cats.

Jin Rong took 10 arrows and two bows, then tossed the extra bow and half of the arrows to Wei Ying. “Five shots. The closer to the middle of the target, the higher the points.”

Wei Ying hummed then nodded.

“Since you “won” earlier, you may go first.”

‘You MAY go first. This kid is too stuck up! He definitely needs some spanking.’  Wei Ying didn’t reply and silently got into position.

He raised his bow and carefully took aim. One shot, two shots. Three –all five landed in the middle circle!

Jiang Cheng cheered loudly and Jiang Yanli clapped enthusiastically.

Jin Rong had his arms crossed and his chin up high, “Not bad.” He said airily.

‘Not bad your face!’ thought Wei Ying angrily.

JIn Rong walked over and stood at the same distance as Wei Ying but at a different target. He took in a deep breath, aimed, and then released all five arrows in under three seconds. The sound of the arrow hitting the target could be heard followed by consequent sounds of wood splitting. A lateral totem pole of arrows stuck out from the middle of the target. He actually managed to split arrows four times in a row!

“….”

Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng were dumbstruck. Jiang Yanli didn’t seem surprised.

Young master Jin looked at Wei Ying directly –smugness oozing out of every pore in his body.

Wei Ying’s lips twitched. He couldn’t refute this landslide victory…

Jiang Cheng didn’t want his brother to lose to the peacock. “So it’s a tie right? How about a swimming race in the lake? Whoever is fastest wins.”

This was terribly biased towards Wei Ying who spent almost every day swimming in the lake.  Jin Rong also felt it was unfair and frowned.

Jiang Cheng scoffed. “What? You chicken? No wait, you’re a peacock.”

“A-Cheng!” Jiang Yanli reprimanded.

Jiang Cheng stuck out his tongue for good measure.

Of course, Wei Ying always had his brother’s back. “If young master doesn’t know how to swim, this one would be honored to teach you.”

Jin Rong’s face slowly turned red from anger. “Fine!” he spat out. Then he stomped off towards the direction of the lake.

        Relationship with Jin Rong has now decreased to Level 1!

Wei Ying’s eyes almost bugged out in surprise.

‘System! The points aren’t set?!’

Feelings do not remain stagnant.

‘Well whatever! I don’t want to be friends with him anyway.’

The system would like to advise the player to keep the number of antagonistic relationships to a minimum.

‘You worry too much system. I’m lovable! uwu ’

System: ….

At the side of the lake stood the group of preteens. Wei Ying stretched leisurely while Jin Rong glared at the lake. When Wei Ying finished his stretches, he immediately started stripping his clothes. Jin Rong choked and his face turned completely red. “What are you doing?!”

Wei Ying looked at him as if he was an idiot. “Young master, This one does not know much about Lanling, but here in Yunmeng we do not swim fully clothed.”

Jin Rong pursed his lips in embarrassment.

The two removed their clothes and accessories until they were left with only their trousers. Jiang Yanli, the angel that she was, took their clothes and neatly folded them.

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat. He then pointed at the lake. In the middle, there was a floating wooden platform that was usually used by the kids to rest on when they swam.

“Swim to there and then back. The first one to reach the shore wins!”

Wei Ying rolled his head and shook his hands in anticipation. In the last life he took swimming lessons and in this life he frequently played around in the lake with his fellow disciples. If he doesn’t win this, he will definitely change his last name!

Jiang Cheng cupped his hands around his mouth. “Ready! Set! Go!”

They both dove in at the same time, but Wei Ying picked up speed as if he was born to be in water. Wei Ying reached the platform first then swam back. Jin Rong was a couple feet behind him. Wei Ying grinned at him cheekily as he swam back.  Jin Rong hated losing, so he pushed himself to go faster. After he reached the platform, he hurriedly tried to twist his body. Suddenly, Jin Rong felt pain in his calf.

        [Route Changer] encountered!

Wei Ying was already half way to the shore when he heard his siblings shouting at him.

Q: Will the player save the drowning young master of Lanling Jin?

[Accept]      [Decline]

The system advises the host to think carefully. The player’s choice will determine future interactions with this character.

Wei Ying was startled and turned back to look. Jin Rong’s hands were flailing around endlessly.

‘Shit! Why are you even asking me? Of course I’m going to save him!’ Wei Ying immediately headed back. Just as he reached the drowning young master, Jin Rong suddenly sank underwater. Wei Ying dived after him and dragged his unconscious body towards the platform.

Wei Ying checked his pulse and then let out a sigh of relief. But the relief was short lived because he noticed that Jin Rong was not breathing. He looked back at the shore in panic. Jiang Cheng was still removing his clothes, and it would take too much time to get to their position.

Wei Ying’s jaw tightened. ‘Fuck. How do you do CPR? Aside from mouth to mouth, they hit their chest or something right?’

Wei Ying raised a fist.

Bodily damage is not recommended! , hurriedly cried the system.

Wei Ying paused, then lowered his fist. He scrunched his face in thought while eyeing Jin Rong’s attractive face. Wei Ying leaned over –his warm breath splayed over young master Jin’s face.

“Someone cooked your precious dog into a delicious meat bun.” He whispered.

Jin Rong immediately coughed out the water in his lungs along with some black blood. His eyes flicked around wildly. “Who dares?!”

His gaze landed on Wei Ying’s smiling face. His wet hair clung attractively to his face, water droplets slid down his bare upper body, and Wei Ying’s eyes were curved and bright with amusement.

Jin Rong’s heart skipped a beat.

The player has chosen to accept. Route has now been changed!

The yellow heart in Jin Rong’s heart meter turned red.

‘Hm? System, what does red mean?’

        [Achievement Unlocked: Acquired First Member of the Harem]

‘What.’

…The player can draw his own conclusions.

‘Fuck! How could I forget that I’m in an Otome game!’ life had been so peaceful that Wei Ying let his guard down. ‘System, he’s a fucking 11 year old! I can’t have him part of my harem!’

The system would like to remind the player that he is also an 11 year old .

…The system has a point, but it still doesn’t feel right! Then, Wei Ying thought of something important.

‘What would have happened to Jin Rong if I declined?’

Either of the choices would not lead to the character’s death.

‘I should have declined!’

The consequences of declining would have been dire.

‘ Oh? Like what?’

Since the player has already avoided it and has been cooperative, the system is allowed to reveal one possible route: Lanling Jin would have declared war on Yunmeng Jiang for attempted homicide.

Wei Ying shivered. His hero complex finally became useful for once.

Jiang Cheng finally arrived at their location with a green face. He couldn’t look at either of them in the eye. He helped Wei Ying get Jin Rong back to shore. Jin Rong remained suspiciously quiet.

Jiang Yanli stared at them with an unreadable look in her eyes and her sleeve covering half her face. Jiang Cheng still refused to look at him and even looked slightly angry.

Wei Ying was confused. “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Yanli didn’t beat around the bush. “A-Ying, why did you kiss A-Rong?”

Wei Ying reeled back in shock. From far away, his earlier actions did indeed seem ambiguous! Even more so if CPR hasn’t been invented yet.

Jin Rong looked at him in pleasant surprise.

‘No! Don’t look at me like that!’

“I-I didn’t kiss him! I just told him to wake up!”

Jiang Cheng was finally able to look at him and even looked a bit relieved. Jin Rong showed some slight disappointment before it was covered up by an indifferent mask. Jin Rong also seemed confused with his reaction. Jiang Yanli did not believe him. She smiled and said, “Oh, I see.”

Jiang Yanli turned to Jin Rong. “I’m glad you’re okay A-Rong.”

Jin Tong only nodded in reply.

Jiang Yanli handed him his clothes while Jiang Cheng helped Wei Ying with his. Jin Rong snatched his clothes back and then hastily dressed himself. Once he looked decent, he walked off without saying even a single thank you.

“Could he be even ruder?” Wei Ying muttered angrily.

Jiang Yanli called out worriedly, “We should take you to the infirmary.”

Jin Rong’s mind was still a mess and her words didn’t actually register in his brain. He instinctively replied, “Shut up!”

 “You can’t talk to her like that!” shouted Jiang Cheng.

“You ass!” joined Wei Ying, “Can’t you show even a modicum of respect? She’s your betrothed!”

Jin Rong scoffed and turned back to face them. He will not admit his inattentiveness. “I didn’t ask to be engaged to someone like her.”

Jiang Yanli sagged in sadness. Jiang Cheng hurriedly went over to hold her hand. He glared at the peacock with all the hate he could muster.

Wei Ying narrowed his eyes dangerously, “What do you mean by ‘someone like her’?”

“She’s not at my level.”

“That’s because she’s wayyyyy above yours!” retorted Jiang Cheng. Yanli was touched and rubbed his head.

“What exactly do you consider ‘at your level’?” Wei Ying really wanted to punch the kid in the face, but the kid was only eleven. Punching kids is a no-no. He needed to be the mature one here.

Jin Rong hummed in thought. “Someone with high cultivation, has good looks, is well-read, and comes from a good family.”

A sudden glint sparked in Jiang Yanli’s eyes. If Wei Ying had seen, he would have said that it had this sort of…. rotten feeling. “Ah! It almost sounds like you’re describing A-Ying! Too bad he wasn’t born a girl.”

Suddenly, it was like a light switch turned on in Jin Rong’s brain. He looked a Wei Ying from top to bottom. Wei Ying shivered and crossed his arms over his chest. Jin rong started muttering lowly, but Wei Ying could only catch a few words. “-son of servant but since he's been adopted by the Jiangs-”

        [Bonus Reward Activated]: Increase in goodwill due to life-saving event.

        Relationship with Jin Rong has now increased to Level 3!

“You!” Jin Rong suddenly pointed at Wei Ying.

“Me?” Wei Ying asked warily.

“You will marry me instead!”

Everyone was stunned silent.

Jiang Cheng was the first to respond, “Did the lake water get into your brain?!”

“Are you crazy?!” shouted a pale Wei Ying, “I’m a man!”

Jin Rong was stubborn, “I don’t care!”

Wei Ying gestured to his sister, “And what about shijie?” Jiang Yanli’s face was red with wide watering eyes. She was trembling and had a tight grip on her clothes. “Look, you made her upset!”

Jiang Yanli really wanted to correct him, but she was afraid that if she opened her mouth, some unholy sound might come out.

Jin Rong felt guilty but he still determinedly stared at Wei Ying.

Wei Ying really wanted to beat this kid!

“You’re just experiencing the suspension bridge effect!”

Jin Rong furrowed his brows in confusion. “What bridge? There aren’t any bridges here.”

Wei Ying hissed through his teeth. He wanted to explain the term, but Jin Rong cut him off.

“Didn’t you guys say that I would never deserve Yanli?”

“No one will ever deserve shijie.” Wei Ying said seriously. Jiang Cheng nodded along.

“Then why don’t we switch the engagement instead? That way everyone would be happy!”

“’Everyone’ you say?” He once again gestured to his shijie and then to himself.

Jin Rong took a stance. He looked like a lawyer that was defending his client. “Mother only wishes to make an alliance with the Jiangs, and since you're officially adopted then that officially makes you part of the Jiang family. Jiang Yanli and I were forced to be engaged, so now she'll have a choice with who she wishes to marry.”

‘It makes sense, but why do I have to be the sacrificial pawn? I don’t want to marry you!’

“And what about me?” Wei Ying cried. Jiang Cheng nodded vigorously with a scowl.

Jin Rong sniffed haughtily, “You'll get a handsome, rich, and capable husband.”

Jiang Yanli involuntarily grabbed Jiang Cheng’s arm and squeezed. Jiang Cheng winced in pain.

“Y-you peacock! This is a prank right? You’re just getting back at me?” The bright red heart above JIn Rong’s figure was the only refute needed to Wei Ying’s words.

Jin Rong came closer and took a hold of Wei Ying’s wrist. Goosebumps spread all over Wei Ying’s hand and he hurriedly tried to take it back. It was no use, Jin Rong had an iron grip.

“Rest assured, I will definitely make mother and father agree.”

“No, I don’t need that!”

“There is no time to waste. I will go find them right now!” Jin Rong let go and ran off to find his parents.

Wei Ying stretched out his hand, “Wait! What about my opinion?!”

Either the young master was too far to hear, or he was deliberately ignoring Wei Ying.

Wei Ying felt an incredible amount of distress. Then he remembered someone who would be even more distressed than him. He turned to Jiang Yanli and found that his sister had hidden her face even further into her sleeves.

“I'm sorry shijie! I don't know what came over that idiot but we'll fix this. Don't worry!”

Jiang Yanli did not respond. He knows intellectually that it wasn’t his fault, but Wei Ying still felt immense guilt. He already bent his knees, about to kowtow, but Jiang Yanli stopped him in time.

“Shijie…?”

“I’m not upset A-Xian.” Although her face was still red and her eyes were still shiny.

Jiang Cheng pat his sister’s hand. “You don’t have to pretend.”

Jiang Yanli laughed in amusement. There was unmistakable gentleness and love in her eyes and in the slight upturn of her lips. Jiang Cheng called down immensely while the guilt weighing down Wei Ying’s heart lessened slightly.

“You’re really not upset?” Wei Ying had to make sure.

“Nope!”

“But your engagement will be cancelled!” Jiang Cheng brought up.

Jiang Yanli shook her head, “There’s no point if they don’t like you back A-Cheng.”

“So you do like him?” The guilt rushed back with full force.

Jiang Yanli blinked in surprise. “Yes, I like him. But I wouldn’t go so far as to say I love him. It’s just a crush A-Ying. I would still be satisfied if A-Rong and I remained friends.”

“But…”

Jiang Yanli cupped Wei Ying’s face in her hands, “There is a little hurt, that is unavoidable, but A-Rong has made it clear that he does not wish to marry me time and time again. Either the engagement would be broken off in the future or we would spend the rest of our lives with each other unhappily No one would wish the latter upon themselves.” Yanli pressed their foreheads together, “You could say, A-Ying, that this is actually freeing. So don't be upset. Because I'm very much not.”

Wei Ying melted in relief. He still felt a bit of guilt, but he would choose to trust his shijie.

“Then why did you grab me so hard.” whined Jiang Cheng as he rubbed the finger nail marks left on his arm.

Jiang Yanli giggled, “Ahhh you could say that I was very... hmmm excited?”

Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng looked at her in disbelief, “Excited? For your engagement to be broken?”

She gave a mischievous smile then changed the topic, “Come on, we have to run after A-Rong.”

Madam Jin smiled beautifully, “Could you repeat that, A-Rong?”

“I wish to marry Wei Ying instead of Yanli.”

“Do you perhaps mean… become sworn brothers?”

“No, mother.”

Yu Ziyuan closed her eyes and rubbed her temple. Jiang Fengmian was in a daze.

Jin Rong forged on despite the tense atmosphere, “Wei Ying and I are very compatible.”

JIn Rong expected shouting and a lecture from his mother –maybe a bit of violence as well. Surprisingly, Madam Jin seemed thoughtful. The Jiang couple chose to remain silent and waited. Jin Guangshan’s eyebrow twitched.

“What about having children? You will be taking over the sect, you'll need an heir one day.” Jin Guangshan tried to reason with his unruly son.

Said son frowned and declared imperiously, “We’ll cross the bridge when we get there!”

Jin Guangshan inhaled, closed his eyes, counted to five, then opened his mouth to say-

“Okay.” Said Madam JIn.

Everyone was dumbfounded while Jin Rong lit up like a lantern.

“Really mother?!”

Madam Jin hummed, “It still depends on the Jiangs. Ziyuan?”

Yu Ziyuan and Jiang Fengmian had silently communicated with their eyes.

“We will have to ask A-Li first.”

“Oh I’m fine with it.”

Speak of the devil, Jiang Yanli walked over to their pavilion.

“And what about A-Ying?” asked Jiang Fengmian.

“I’m not okay with it!” said person jogged over to his sister along with Jiang Cheng. The three siblings then politely saluted to the adults.

Jin Rong tried to glare Wei Ying into submission. Wei Ying glared back.

Jin Guangshan looked pleased. He clapped his hands, “Well there you have it! Yanli will still-“

“Then let’s break the engagement.” Madan Jin suddenly declared.

Jin Guangshan looked at his wife like she was possessed. He wanted to argue, but one look from Madam Jin made him lower his head sullenly.

“A-Rong, I’m still holding out hope that you will choose Yanli. But, if you're so serious, then I will allow you to start from the bottom.”

“From the bottom?” asked Jin Rong.

“You must court Wei Ying and get him to reciprocate your feelings. If he rejects you or your “infatuation” fades away and you choose another person, you will again have to court them. You’ve told us countless times that you want to marry someone you like. Then your father and I will try our best not to meddle. No more arranged marriages. This will be a sort of life lesson. A-Rong, work hard for the people you like and for the things you want.”

Jin Guangshan raised his head in alarm. Madam Jin glared at him. He lowered his head again.

Madam Jin continued, “We will still maintain close relations with the Jiang sect. Breaking the engagement is just a way to reduce any scandals that come out of this. Courting someone else while engaged is after all much more scandalous than just breaking the engagement in the first place.”

A hundred invisible arrows seemed to pierce into Jin Guangshan.

“All in agreement?” asked Madam Jin.

“Agreed.” Said Madam Yu.

“Agreed.” Said Jiang Fengmian.

Everyone pointedly looked at Jin Guangshan.

“…Agreed.” Said an extremely reluctant Jin Guangshan.

“Then that takes care of that.” Madam Yu looked at her children with an expression that was a mix of "we're going to talk about this later" and "how did I raise such troublesome kids".

The adults shooed out the kids to continue their gossiping sect business.

Jiang Cheng who was suspiciously silent finally spoke up, “I'm not letting you steal my brother!”

Jin Rong rolled his eyes, “I'm not stealing him to be my brother anyway. I'm going to make him my wife.”

“Husband!” Wei Ying protested, “No wait, I don't want to be your anything! I did not agree to any of this!”

Jin Rong frowned at Wei Ying dejectedly.

Jiang Yanli went to console him, “We still have one more week before you leave A-Rong. You have plenty of time to change A-Ying's mind.”

Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng spoke at the same time, “Shijie?!”

Jin Rong’s expression morphed from dejected to determined.

Jiang Yanli smiled at him in encouragement.

Jiang Yanli had always wanted to become closer with Jin Rong, but the forced engagement had soured his view of her. Now she finally had a chance to make friends with him. Though, she won't deny that there was also a tiny part of her that was a little happy that Jin Rong will have to face constant rejection and rebuttals just as she did.

Chapter Text

[DAY 1]

Wei Ying did not know why he agreed to this.

Just kidding, he did. The first word was “Jiang” and the second was “Yanli”. Enough said.

Currently, he was walking around the Yunmeng market with the Jin sect heir, Jin Rong, and his siblings were acting as chaperones. However, Jiang Yanli was acting more like a leash trying to prevent Jiang Cheng from picking a fight with Wei Ying’s unwanted suitor.

It was very quiet. Jin Rong and Wei Ying refused to look at each other, though Jin Rong’s was due to shyness. Jiang Cheng kept glaring at said young master and Jiang Yanli kept spacing out from time to time. When she finally noticed the awkward silence, she pulled Wei Ying aside to have a little talk.

“A-Ying…”

“I don’t want to talk to him, shijie!”

“Can’t you give him a chance?”

“No!”

Yanli sighed, “Then just do it for me okay? I just want all of us to get along for once.” She emphasized her point with sad puppy dog eyes.

Unlike with Madam Yu, it was very effective on Wei Ying. Wei Ying figured he owed his shijie. Stealing her fiancé and all (which he never intended to do in the first place!). But also, he could definitely imagine all the past meetings between the Jiangs and the Jins. He’d bet his entire allowance that every meeting ended with Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng having a screaming match and throwing playground insults while shijie sighed in the background.

Jiang Yanli knew that she got her brother to agree and then sent him back to Jin Rong’s side with an encouraging smile and slight push on the back.

Wei Ying huffed. If shijie wanted him to talk, then he’ll talk!

And he did. Non-stop.

He pointed to this and that stall, talked about which vendor was nice or not, which stuff was high quality, which food was good and which was the absolute worst –basically anything that popped into his head! Jiang Cheng had even stopped glaring at Jin Rong and switched it onto his brother, willing him to Just. Stop. Talking.

Surprisingly, Jin Rong was a very good listener. He didn’t zone out like most people do in the first 30 seconds. He looked and listened to Wei Ying with full focus and even asked questions himself, further expanding the topic. Eventually, Wei Ying started to genuinely enjoy himself. Rather than forcing himself to talk, the conversation just flowed between them naturally. He was so comfortable, that he didn’t notice himself wrapping his arm around Jin Rong’s. It was a habit that he formed since he would often go on walks like this with his shijie.

When they passed by one of the stalls, his attention was caught by a white fan with beautifully painted blue clouds on it. He spared it a few seconds of appreciation before continuing on. He only noticed something wrong when he looked back at his suddenly silent siblings. Jiang Cheng was glaring at their linked arms in betrayal. Wei Ying flushed and immediately jumped away from the Jin heir. Jin Rong frowned in disappointment.

Jiang Cheng stopped glaring. He was satisfied to know that his brother hadn’t fallen into this peacock’s clutches! He looked at Jiang Yanli then frowned.

“Shijie? Do you want to sit down for a bit?”

“No. Why? Are you tired A-Cheng?”

“It’s just that your face is red. Do you feel sick?”

Jiang Yanli coughed in embarrassment, “I’m fine. Probably just the heat.”

Wei Ying heard the conversation and decided to steer them to the watermelon vendor. They’ve been walking for a while now and needed to rest anyway.

“This is the best place to get watermelons! They sell the biggest and the sweetest in the whole of Yunmeng!”

The vendor heard him and laughed. He ruffled Wei Ying’s hair, further messing up his already messy pony tail. “Kid, your mouth gets sweeter every time you come by!”

Wei Ying laughed and retied his ponytail, “But how else will everyone know?”

The vendor narrowed his eyes, “You just want me to cut the price.”

Wei Ying grinned, “Did it work?”

The vendor was amused and couldn’t help messing up Wei Ying’s hair again. “Half-off then. How many?”

“Four please!”

“You got it kid.”

Not long after, they received four cool and fresh watermelon slices. Jin Rong looked at Wei Ying in awe.

When it came time to pay, Jin Rong volunteered immediately. Wei Ying raised his brows and didn’t argue. The Jin sect was so rich that Jin Rong’s allowance was probably more than all three siblings’ allowances combined. Well, if the kid was willing to pay then…

Wei Ying (un)subtly kept passing by food stalls. Whatever he pointed at, Jin Rong bought. Whatever he looked at for more than three seconds, Jin Rong bought. Wei Ying and the others were stuffed full with delicious food. Wei Ying felt that the brat was more likable now. Ah, the stomach really is the way to a man’s heart….

Meanwhile, Jin Rong grew concerned. He couldn’t help but comment, “Wei Ying, you’re gonna get fatter.”

Wei Ying froze in the middle of eating a sweet bun. Jiang Yanli placed her hand on her forehead. Jiang Cheng almost choked on his own sweet bun from laughter.

“Is there something wrong with the bun? Why is your face so twisted?”

“…”

“Wei Ying? Why aren’t you answering?”

“…”

“Eh? Ah wait! Why are you speeding up? Wait for me!”

Wei Ying took a vicious bite of his bun then poked at his stomach. It was completely flat, what was the brat talking about?! Is it my cheeks? He then pinched his own cheeks. It’s just baby fat! He’s got some too! That damn kid…

               [SCENARIO PUSHER: Whoopsie Doopsie!] [ACTIVATED]

What?

Suddenly, Wei Ying noticed that he stepped on a huge patch of slippery mud. Which was weird, considering that it hadn’t rained for a couple of days now.

Wei Ying lost his balance and fell backwards. Luckily, Jin Rong was there to catch him. He wrapped his arms around Wei Ying’s torso and pulled him flush against himself. Jin Rong couldn’t help but notice the scent of Wei Ying’s hair as it pressed up on his nose and how nice it was to hold his soft waist.

They didn’t move out of the embrace for a couple of seconds out of shock. When they finally came to their senses, they jumped away from each other. Wei Ying rubbed his neck and looked at the ground while Jin Rong coughed and looked everywhere but at Wei Ying. Both of their faces were red.

                [ROMANTIC] Relationship with Jin Rong has now increased to Level 1!

System, what the fuck was that?!

The player has activated a SCENARIO PUSHER. It helps to further cultivate a couple’s feelings.

I don’t need that! Also, we’re not a couple! Don’t activate anymore in the future!!!

The system has no control over whether SCENARIO PUSHERs activate or not. It just so happened that the player stumbled upon one…

Then how do I avoid it?

You can’t.

…Are you saying that this game is basically a mine field of romantic clichés?

And more.

Wei Ying: ……

Wei Ying really wanted to bang his head on a wall.

“You! How dare you take advantage of my brother!” Jiang Cheng screamed in outrage.

Jin Rong frowned, “I did no such thing!”

“You think I’m blind?! You definitely took the chance to grope-“

“Okay stop!” Wei Ying cut in. This was too embarrassing! “There was no groping involved. None. I repeat, none! I slipped and Jin Rong caught me, that’s all.” Why is he even playing peacemaker?! Isn’t this shijie’s role? Where is she?

Jiang Yanli was off to the side, trying to hide her red face behind her sleeve. Perhaps she should invest in a fan? It would definitely have more coverage than a sleeve. Her eyes twinkled in amusement. After that scene, some ideas started floating around her head…

[DAY 2]

Wei Ying walked towards the glassy clearing that his shijie told him they’d have a picnic in. When he arrived, Jin Rong was the only one there.

“Young master Jin, have you seen shijie and Jiang Cheng?”

Jin Rong didn’t reply and carefully examined his manicured nails.

“Young master Jin.” Wei Ying called a bit more forcefully.

Jin Rong coughed pointedly.

Wei Ying’s brow twitched. “…Jin Rong.”

Jin Rong stuck his chin out proudly. Fucking peacock. Then with a haughty tone he said, “I don’t know.”

“Okay. Bye then.” There was no reason for Wei Ying to stick around.

As Wei Ying turned to leave, Jin Rong panicked and lost his arrogant air. “Wait wait wait! Wei Ying!”

“Hm?” Wei Ying turned to look at him.

Jin Rong hurriedly uncovered one of the dishes from the carefully laid out picnic. The scent of extremely spicy dumplings filled the air. Wei Ying felt his mouth water.

“I had my servants buy them from the best restaurants in town!” Jin Rong uncovered the rest and Wei Ying was surprised that they were all his favorite dishes.

“How do you know what my favorite foods are?”

“Yanli told me.”

‘Ah! To be betrayed by your own sister!’ Then, Wei Ying’s stomach growled. ‘…Which sane person would put all this food to waste?’ So he sat down and had lunch with Jin Rong without any fuss. They ate peacefully. In fact, it was so peaceful that Wei Ying got bored. And a bored Wei Ying is not something you want on your hands.

Wei Ying observed Jin Rong and found that he kept picking at the milder types of dishes. An evil idea formed in his head.

“Jin Rong~!” Wei Ying called out coquettishly.

Jin Rong froze and felt his face flush, but he could also feel some sort of dread building up in his stomach.

Wei Ying pushed the spiciest dish towards Jin Rong. “Here, try this.”

Jin Rong silently stared at the dangerously red piece of meat.

Wei Ying fought off the grin that was threatening to appear on his face. “What’s wrong? Ah I get it. You just want me to feed you, don’t you? Say ahh~” Jin Rong’s flushed face turned even redder.

Wei Ying cackled internally. There was no way this stuck up young master would-

Jin Rong looked him dead in the eye and ate the offered piece of meat from Wei Ying’s chopsticks. Wei Ying couldn’t help but be stunned. To actually eat that kind of dish- even Jiang Cheng, who was the only one who could almost match him when it came to spice tolerance, had to down three jars of water! Was this kid suicidal?

As expected, Jin Rong’s eyes immediately started to water. He retched and started hiccupping with some coughs interspersed. He rushed for the jug of water and chugged with unparalleled speed, some water even spilled out and drenched the front of his robes. As he reached for a second jug, he finally noticed Wei Ying’s laughter ring throughout the clearing. Jin Rong felt both indignant and embarrassed. He was tricked! He gave Wei Ying the stink eye, which only caused Wei Ying to laugh even harder.

At that moment, sunlight spilled through the gaps in the leaves of the tree they were under in, bathing Wei Ying in an ethereal glow. With his flushed face, misty twinkling eyes, and bell like laughter, Wei Ying seemed like a mischievous fairy. Jin Rong felt his heart soften.

                [ROMANTIC] Relationship with Jin Rong has now increased to Level 2!

Wei Ying choked in the middle of his laughter.

Jin Rong huffed and reached for a third jug. Let Wei Ying laugh at him then! Anyway, it was only the two of them. No one else would know just how much he embarrassed himself. He can get back at him in the future.

Unfortunately for Jin Rong, they were not at all alone. Hiding in the bushes, Jiang Yanli covered Jiang Cheng’s mouth in order to muffle his laughter.

[DAY 3]

Jiang Yanli regaled Jin Zixuan with stories of Wei Ying’s past antics as they headed towards where her brothers were waiting for them. She was so happy. She was finally getting along with Zixuan!

Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying waited in front of the entrance to the forest in Lotus Pier with three sets of arrows. They were going to hunt some pheasants and were planning to make it into a competition. Jiang Yanli was the one assigned to keep track of the score.

When the hunt started, the three boys’ competitive sides reared its ugly head. Everyone was trying to one up each other. Jiang Yanli had a hard time keeping up with them and was almost left behind a few times. After a while, Wei Ying started to feel left out. Why? Because the supposed to be three-way competition turned into a competition between Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng. In fact their competition didn’t seem to be limited to hunting pheasants.

Wei Ying executed a complicated maneuver and hit two pheasants with one arrow.

“Brilliant!” praised Jin Rong and clapped his hands.

“Amazing!” shouted Jiang Cheng and clapped his hands louder.

Jin Rong glared at Jiang Cheng and clapped even louder. “Truly the best!”

 Jiang Cheng glared back and clapped as hard as he can. “Yeah, much better than a certain peacock!”

Clap clap clap clap clapclapcLAPCLAPLCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP-

Jiang Yanli hooked her arm through Wei Ying’s and giggled into his shoulder. Wei Ying sighed. This happened every time he took a shot. He decided to just drop out and accompany his shijie to count the score. Somehow, this made the two even more fire up.

Jin Rong let loose two arrows, “Wei Ying, add two to my score!”

Jiang Cheng fired three arrows, “Add three to mine!”

“Four!”

“Six!”

“SEVEN!”

“NINE!”

“STOP! AT THIS RATE THE PHEASANTS WILL GO EXTINCT!” Wei Ying screamed at them. Jiang Yanli was still giggling into his shoulder. She had long stopped keeping track of the score. Wei Ying also stopped and caring and just wanted to go back home, he already gained enough EXP from the hunt. Plus, Jin Rong taught him some useful tricks that he wanted to practice in a more controlled environment. And by controlled environment he meant where neither his brother nor Jin Rong were. Wei Ying was thinking about just leaving the two and sneaking away with his amused shijie, when suddenly the system’s voice announced a bit too enthusiastically.

                [SCENARIO PUSHER: Sudden Downpour] [ACTIVATED]

As the name suggested, the previously clear sky was suddenly covered by large grey clouds. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. The rain started to pour down heavily and the four of them took cover under a tree. Wei Ying cursed the system heavily.

Jiang Yanli rummaged around the pack she was carrying and brought out an umbrella. “We only have one umbrella, and it’s rather small too…” she muttered.

Wei Ying felt enlightened. So the game thought he’d share an umbrella with Jin Rong huh? Well too bad! It’s a good thing that Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli were with them. He didn’t hesitate, “Jiang Cheng, you share with shijie.”

“What about you and A-Rong, A-Ying?” asked Yanli.

Wei Ying grinned, “Me and Jin Rong are big boys! What’s a bit of water going to do?” he pushed the opened umbrella into Jiang Cheng’s hands and made a shooing motion. Jiang Cheng grumbled a bit but dutifully shielded his sister from the rain. Wei Ying was mentally psyching himself up to get drenched when yellow obscured his vision. He lifted the end of the cloth up and found Jin Rong without his outermost robe. Jin Rong refused to look at him.

Wei Ying was touched and smiled at him, “Oh my, young master Jin is such a gentleman!” he teased. He held the robe back towards Jin Rong. “Unfortunately, I am no fair maiden. I don’t need it. Thank you though.”

Jin Rong looked at the robe that was being offered back. He took it and then gently draped it back onto Wei Ying. He even tugged it down a few times to make sure that it was secure. Wei Ying couldn’t help but take note of the scent of chamomile and peonies. Jin Rong’s face was once again very red. His mouth kept twitching as if he wanted to say something, but was too nervous to do so. He could only look at the ground and avoid Wei Ying’s eyes.

Wei Ying huffed a soft laugh. This kid seemed a bit cute. He felt like humoring him.

Jiang Yanli, who witnessed the whole thing, pretended that she didn’t and draped her arm across her fuming brother’s shoulders to keep him from going up to them and ruining the moment.

“But, shijie!”

“Shush A-Cheng! Let them be.”

When they reached back home, Yanli and Jiang Cheng were only a bit damp, Wei Ying was mostly dry, and Jin Rong was completely drenched. Wei Ying laughed at Jin Rong’s drowned rat appearance. The wet outer robe slipped from Wei Ying’s head to drape on his shoulders and Jin Rong thought that Wei Ying looked exceptionally good in gold.

Jiang Yanli quickly ushered Jiang Cheng to immediately take a bath so he wouldn’t get a cold. She led her brother away as he protested that Wei Ying and Jin Rong needed the bath more than him. Soon, only Wei Ying and Jin Rong were left. The hallway was filled with awkward silence.

Soon, a servant walked up to them and presented a couple of towels. Shijie must’ve informed the servant. She really was the most thoughtful person in the world!

Wei Ying thanked the servant and then dismissed him. He then got one of the towels and threw it straight onto Jin Rong’s face. Jin Rong let out a muffled curse and removed the towel from his face. He was met with Wei Ying’s bright grin. “Dry yourself up then go take a bath. Don’t want the young master getting sick now do we?”

Jin Rong clutched at the towel. Wei Ying was concerned for him? Jin Rong scoffed but couldn’t hide his pleased smile.

Wei Ying also waved the sopping wet outer robe. “I’ll have this cleaned before giving it back to you.”

“Whatever.” Mumbled Jin Rong, then he quickly walked away.

Wei Ying didn’t notice before, but it seemed that Jin Rong walked with the same hand swinging simultaneously with the same foot? Weird.

At the other end of the hallway, just around the corner, Madam Jin had her hand over Jin Guangshan’s mouth. He was too scared to protest. Madam Jin stared at Wei Ying’s back and hummed in intrigue.

[LAST DAY]

Unfortunately for Jin Rong (and Yanli), The Jins’ visit was cut short because of an emergency back in Lanling. Before they left, Jin Rong wanted to give a few gifts to the Jiang siblings. He first went up to Jiang Yanli.

“Here.” He gave Yanli a beautifully wrapped parcel. “Open it.”

Jiang Yanli opened the present. It was a beautifully made violet umbrella with a lotus motif. The handle was made out of gold.

“I noticed that you seem quite weak to the heat, your face is always going red, so I thought that this might be more useful.”

Jiang Yanli, “…”

“The carvings on the handle repel low to midlevel spirits. So this also doubles as a weapon.”  Yanli couldn’t help but run her fingers through the delicate carvings. “Also… I’msorryforhowItreatedyouinthepastandthankyouforhelpingmeinmycourtship.” Jin Rong coughed loudly at the end.

Jiang Yanli heard every word clearly. She smiled, “All is forgiven A-Rong.” But not forgotten, a tiny part of her viciously stated.

Next, Jin Rong went up to Jiang Cheng and dropped something into his hand. It wasn’t even wrapped. It was a wooden figurine of a lotus flower. It wasn’t very high quality. In fact, this kind of thing was sold in every souvenir shop in Yunmeng. Jiang Cheng’s eye twitched.

Finally, Jin Rong nervously walked up to Wei Ying. Wei Ying was sort of excited. He hoped it wasn’t as bad as Jiang Cheng’s. Jin Rong presented him with a slim and elegant box. “Here. I saw you eyeing this the other day.”

Wei Ying raised his brows curiously. He didn’t remember eyeing anything besides food.

“But that’s not all.”  Jin Rong cleared his throat dramatically. “I, Jing Rong of Lanling Jin, invite Wei Ying, Jiang Yanli, and Jiang Cheng to my 12^th birthday celebration to be held next month.”

The player knows the drill.

Q: Will you attend Young master Jin’s birthday party?

                        [A] “Of course I’ll go.”

                        [B] “Fuck off peacock!” *throws gift into the lake*

                        [C] Kiss him on the mouth

‘System, what the fuck is that last choice?!’ Wei Ying was horrified.

The system remained suspiciously quiet.

Wei Ying sighed in annoyance. ‘Then what would happen if I don’t pick any of the choices?’

Your answer would be defaulted to [C].

‘Fuck! Fine. Jin Rong already apologized to shijie and shijie forgave him. Hm, and he did show that he really was a decent human being these past few days.’ Wei Ying sighed.

“Of course I’ll go.” Wei Ying smiled.

Jin Rong blushed, “Good. Great. See you there. Goodbye. Everyone.”

Jiang Cheng frowned, “Where are you going?”

Jiang Yanli looked at him worriedly, “A-Rong, your boat’s the other way…”

Wei Ying laughed loudly.

In his room, Wei Ying decided to open up Jin Rong’s gift for him. It was the beautiful white fan with blue clouds.

“…” Wei Ying was embarrassed.

The kid bought him something that reminded him of another man. Did he inadvertently make the kid wear a green hat*?

No wait, what the fuck? What green hat?! We're not together!

Wei Ying huffed but carefully displayed the fan on his bedroom wall. Now, he needs to think of a proper birthday gift…

Chapter Text

Wei Ying chewed on a piece of tanghulu as he walked around the streets of Yunping.

They were on their way to Jin Rong’s birthday party, but mysteriously the five carriages of the Yunmeng envoy suddenly broke down simultaneously. Madam Yu was so livid that no amount of placating from either Jiang Fengmian or Jiang Yanli could keep her from shouting at the coach men for an hour. And so, they decided to make a brief pitstop in Yunping while the carriages were being fixed. It was estimated that they’d be able to leave by tomorrow. Apparently, Madam Yu making them leave three days early came in handy.

Wei Ying observed some children playing as he passed by and sighed. He would’ve taken Jiang Cheng out with him so that his little brother could play around like other children if Wei Ying didn’t sneak away from him. Ever since they started on their journey to Lanling, Jiang Cheng became snippy about any topic related to Jins and stuck to Wei Ying like glue. It was so suffocating that he left without even informing his shijie, which he’s prepared to hear a lecture from later.

Suddenly, Wei Ying heard a commotion just a street away. Wei Ying finished off his tanghulu in two quick bites and hurried over. There was a crowd that formed around the disturbance, but he made use of his small stature and slipped in between their legs. It was then that he witnessed a man throw a naked woman down roughly. Wei Ying flushed and averted his gaze from the woman’s body.

The man spat on her body, “Hags do nothing but haggle—an old whore thinks she’s fresh meat!”

The woman curled up into a tight ball -scared and ashamed.

“Hey!” Wei Ying shouted. He shoved his way through the rest of the crowd to stand in front the man. “Is this anyway to treat a woman?!”

“She’s a whore!” the man defended, then realized that he shouldn’t have even had to defend himself to a child. “Scram kid! This is none of your business!”

“Well, I’m making it mine!”

The man’s face darkened. Wei Ying fingered the edge of a talisman hidden in his sleeve, ready to fight if need be. The man was about to make a move, but then he noticed the kid’s robes. Yunmeng Jiang colors, and it’s high quality too! Shit. He can’t offend this young master any further!

The man sneered then left without another word.

Wei Ying took off his outer robe and held it out towards the woman. Then he realized the it was too small for her to fit into. Luckily, a woman squeezed through the brothel doors and took off her gauze robe, attracting more than a few stares.

She spat out, “Keep on looking, you bastards! Do you have the right to look at someone like me? With each look you gotta pay—where’s the money?! Come, where’s the money?!”

The crowd dispersed at that. She tossed her robe onto the woman before turning to Wei Ying. “You’re a pretty brave kid.”

“It’s my duty to help!” Wei Ying said in response.

The lady scoffed good naturedly before helping the now less naked woman to stand up. The woman kept whispering “A-yao…A-yao…”. The fierce lady sighed in irritation then gestured her head towards the direction of the brothel doors. “If it’s not too much trouble, how about helping out a bit more?”

“Sure!” Wei Ying agreed easily.

As they made their way inside the brothel, the fierce lady loudly reprimanded, from what Wei Ying observed, her friend. “It’s been so long since I’ve told you to change things up. What’s the pride for? You’ve had your lesson, huh? Remember it next time!” 

The woman only kept muttering the same name in response. The lady was starting to get angry. They walked to the end of a staircase where Wei Ying could see the prone form of a young boy. “Help him up, would you?”   

Wei Ying nodded and crouched beside the boy. “A-Yao?” he called. He figured this was the child’s name. “A-Yao, can you stand up?”

The boy groaned and grit his teeth. He looked at Wei Ying with a pained face, but otherwise made no other move. Wei Ying nodded in resolution, “Okay. Got it!”

He gingerly helped the kid onto his back to give him a piggy back ride while the boy’s mother watched them worriedly. The fierce lady was looking at a whispering couple and her eyes narrowed in displeasure. She then turned to Wei Ying and give him a sharp grin. “Meet me on the second floor. Third door to the right!” she said before she left in a flurry of robes.

Wei Ying held out his hand to the nervous woman and gave her his best smile. Her tight shoulders loosened slightly. She looked at her son, who was nestled safely on the back of this surprisingly mature child, then unhesitatingly took the child’s hand. As they climbed the stairs, loud voices were shouting at each other from where the fierce lady disappeared to. Wei Ying instinctively turned to the noise, wanting to go back down, but the arms of the boy on his back tightened around him at the same time as the mother shook her head. Wei Ying sighed through his nose. The lady could handle herself and he had other priorities to focus on.

Once they were inside the said room, Wei Ying placed the boy gently on the bed while his mother went behind the screen to put on some clothes. Wei Ying and the boy locked eyes. Wei Ying grinned and kneeled on the floor so he was at eye level to the boy who was lying down, still clutching his stomach. “Hello! My name is Wei Ying. What’s yours?”

Suddenly the room darkened, leaving only the small boy visible.

“…My name is Meng Yao, young master Wei. Thank you for the help.”

The kid’s name floated above his head as well as other stats. Wei Ying stared incredulously at the small child in front of him. He was an important character? Wei Ying took note of the yellow heart and the surprising fact that this kid’s power level was surprisingly high for someone that wasn’t in any sect. Was he a prodigy or something?

The mother exited from behind the screen while smoothing down her robes. “Young mast Wei, this one’s name is Meng Shi. I-I don’t really have much to give you but-“

Wei Ying cut her off with a wave of his hand. “Meng-jie, you don’t have to worry about that! I didn’t even do much anyway.”

“Even so…” it was then that she noticed the color of Wei Ying’s robes as well as the bell hanging on his waist. “You’re in the Yunmeng Jiang sect?”

Wei Ying proudly puffed up his chest. “Yeah!”

Meng Shi’s eyes sparkled, “Then-then could you-“

“Mother.” Meng Yao cut in.

“I-If you need payment, I’ll figure out a way-“

“Mother!” Meng Yao shouted helplessly.

Meng Shi glared angrily at her son, “A-Yao! This is an opportunity!”

“But we’ve troubled young master Wei enough!”

“Whoa, hey.” Wei Ying said in a soothing tone, “What’s this about?”

“Meng Shi wants you to teach him how to cultivate.” The fierce lady entered suddenly while she rubbed at her scratched-up arms. The victorious grin on her face turned in to a scowl that was directed to Meng Shi. “Didn’t I tell you to give up on that? If he hasn’t come for you then, he’s never going to come for you now!”

“You don’t know that!”

“Meng Shi, you’re wasting away!”

“I am investing my time-!”

Wei Ying’s eyes moved back and forth as he watched the two bickering women. Based on what was said, he was starting to get the picture. A scum man impregnated Meng Shi and promised to take her and her son in but never came back. Tsk! If Wei Ying ever meets that man… A soft tap on his back made him turn around to see Meng Yao’s apologetic face.  

“I’m sorry for the trouble, young master Wei.”

Wei Ying smiled, “Don’t call me master Wei! I was born the son of a servant, so that makes us equals! Just call me Wei Ying!”

Men Yao looked at Wei Ying in surprise. If Wei Ying had the chance to rise above his station, doesn’t that mean he had a chance as well? “Okay. Wei Ying.”

Wei Ying grinned happily, then tilted his head in confusion as he stared at Meng Yao’s face.

“Young- Wei Ying?” Meng Yao asked questioningly.

“Have we met before?” Wei Ying rubbed his chin,”You seem familiar.”

Meng Yao shook his head. Wei Ying hummed and dropped the topic. At that point the two women were finished arguing. Meng Shi pouted at the side while the fierce lady smiled at him, “Hello. My name is Sisi. What’s this brave young warrior’s name?”

Wei Ying was slightly annoyed at the condescending tone, but smiled back anyway. “My name is Wei Ying.”

“Wei Ying! What a cute name. What do you want as a reward?”

Wei Ying ignored the “cute” comment and hummed exaggeratedly. He then pointed at the, now able to sit, Meng Yao. “I want to spend the day with Meng Yao!”

 Meng Yao’s eyes widened.

Sisi raised her brows doubtfully, “Not even cookies?”

Wei Ying frowned. How old did she think he was?! “I want a friend!” he shouted childishly.

Meng Shi put a hand to her mouth and her brows furrowed, as if she was trying to remember something. “A-Yao’s never had friends before…”

Meng Yao’s face flushed red, “Mother!”

“I could even give him a few tips in cultivation.” Wei Ying threw in.

“Really?” Meng Shi asked enthusiastically.

“Don’t encourage her.” Admonished Sisi, though it sounded less harsh.

He turned to Meng Yao, “Will you accompany me today?”

Meng Yao looked at the hopeful face of his mother and realized he didn’t really have a choice in the matter. “Okay.”

Meng Shi stood up excitedly, “Come, A-Yao! We have to get you ready for your first outing with a friend!” she said as she stared at the boot print on her son’s stomach.

“Mother!” Men Yao cried helplessly.

Sisi sighed and rubbed her forehead. “I’ll go get some snacks while you wait.” She said to Wei Ying.

Wei Ying chatted with Sisi as they ate snacks. They found they got along quite well. Wei Ying could make her laugh with all his stories from Lotus Pier and in turn Sisi gave him helpful life advice. Though he doesn’t know why Sisi is teaching him how to determine scum men from the good ones. It’s not like he’s taking a man in as a lover. Shouldn’t she be giving him advice on girls?

After a while, Meng Shi presented a freshly clean Meng Yao.

“Wow, Meng Yao!” said Wei Ying around a mouthful of biscuits “You’re actually good looking!”

Meng Yao smiled and thanked Wei Ying. Sisi and Meng Shi sent them out with big smiles and a cheery wave.  

“So, Meng Yao,” said Wei Ying as they started walking away from the brothel, “How much do you know about cultivation.”

“Not a lot.” Replied Meng Yao.

“Mind if I test you? I need to gauge where we’re at.”

“I don’t mind.”

Wei Ying asked Meng Yao all sorts of questions about the cultivation world; its history, its sects, even some techniques, and Meng Yao was able to answer them all perfectly!

“Not a lot.” Teased Wei Ying, “You know more than most cultivators your-our age!”

Meng Yao was relieved to know that he wasn’t falling behind like everyone else was telling him, but he didn’t let it show. “Thank you.”

“I guess this means we don’t need to worry about the knowledge aspect! Meng Yao, how long have you lived in Yunping?”

“Since I was born.” Meng Yao replied.

 “Great! That means you know all the best spots!”

Meng Yao did not like the look in Wei Ying’s eyes but he smiled anyway. “The best spots for what?”

Wei Ying grinned and crossed his arms behind his head, “Our lessons, of course!”

“Lesson one!” Wei Ying declared as they sat at a table of a highly rated restaurant. “Discipline!”

Meng Yao stared at the bright red horror that Wei Ying shoved in front of him. “Um.”

“Cultivators need to have lots of discipline! If someone offends you, you can’t show them you’re affected! If your sect leader asks you to do something you don’t want to, you need to suck it up and do it!” Wei Ying explained. “Come on! Just a bite! Once you survive-cough-manage to keep a straight face, I’ll buy whatever food you like.”

Meng Yao smiled but didn’t make any other movements. Wei Ying pouted.

“It’s not as bad as it looks. Look! I’ll take a bite.” Wei Ying scooped a spoonful into his mouth and then made hummed happily. “Delicious!”

Doubtful but convinced, Meng Yao hesitantly brought not even a tea spoon’s worth to his mouth. Immediately, his face turned red and his eyes watered. He started coughing non stop until Wei Ying passed him a glass of water. Then another. And another.

Meng Yao glared hatefully at him -pleasant mask broken.

Wei Ying laughed and clapped his hands. “You’ve passed! Now, let’s order more food.”  

Meng Yao spitefully ordered everything on the menu. By the end of the meal, Wei Ying regretfully shook his now empty money pouch.

Meng Yao smiled unapologetically but frowned at the amount of left overs they left. “I want to take some back to my mother, but..” there was just too many to carry!

Wei Ying laughed softly, “Don’t worry, Meng Yao. I’ve got this” He then brought out a small black and red pouch covered in lotus designs. “Tadah!”

Meng Yao tilted his head in confusion.

“It’s a Doraemon pock-“ Wei Ying coughed into his fist, “I mean a Qiankun pouch! It can hold up to 10 kg of weight, objects of any size, and it wouldn’t weigh a thing!”

Meng Yao watched interest as Wei Ying managed to fit all 10 bags of left overs in that tiny little pouch. Meng Yao imagined his mother being able to fill her stomach and eat lots of food that they’ve never had the chance to taste before and a small smile formed on Meng Yao’s face.

“Lesson two!” Wei Ying gestured to a group of women, “charisma!”

Meng Yao gave him the side eye.

“You’ll need charisma if you want to reassure the common folk, get information from anyone, and to get on the spirit’s good side!”

“The spirit?” Meng Yao asked doubtfully.

“Dead people have feelings too, y’know!”

“Ah, yes. Of course.” Meng Yao smiled.

“Watch!” shouted Wei Ying as he made his way towards the group of women.

Wei Ying used all his flirting skills from back in his original world, but the women only giggled at him, patted his head, and gave him a bunch of fruit and flowers. They also called him “cute”, “adorable”, and “charming”. Wei Ying gave them a strained smile as he said goodbye and walked away with his loot.

Meng Yao looked at what Wei Ying brought back and commented, “Oh, that is useful!”

“Shut up!” Wei Ying muttered angrily. Meng Yao smiled back pleasantly.

He shoved Meng Yao towards another group of women. Meng Yao sighed, but headed towards them anyway. If he would be able to bring more back for his mother, that would be wonderful. Surprisingly, Meng Yao was a natural. The women complimented him, and pinched his cute little cheeks. Unfortunately, one of them lived around the area and finally recognized Meng Yao. She warned them about his unpleasant background and all their friendly smiles turned into sneers. Meng Yao was shunned and brought back nothing but resentment.

Wei Ying rubbed his neck as Meng Yao came back. “Ah, well. Better luck next time?”

Meng Yao smiled and didn’t say a word. His smile didn’t even reach his eyes.

Suddenly, the system cut in in a panic.

P-player! Please be careful with this character!

‘Eh, everyone fails! I’m sure Meng Yao will be fine!’ replied Wei Ying.

Player, I’m warning you for your sake…

Wei Ying ignored the system. He’d lost trust in it ever since the Jin Rong incident.

“Hey, you’re not mad at me, are you?”

Meng Yao’s smile turned more friendly and his eyes showed forgiveness, “Of course not.”

Wei Ying would have believed him if the system didn’t suddenly show him, in enlarged font might he add, the [Friendship Lvl.0]. Boy, could this kid act. Had he ever considered joining a theatre?

“One last lesson! I’ll make it up to you! Promise!” Wei Ying put his hands together and bowed.

Meng Yao hummed, and then nodded. “Fine.”

“Why are we here?” asked Meng Yao as they crouched under a window in an alley way beside a random house.

“Shh! He might hear us!” whispered Wei Ying.

“Who might hear us?” Meng Yao whispered.

Wei Ying ignored him and made a motion with his hand. A light smack hit the window from the inside, which startled Meng Yao. Then he watched in awe as a paperman slipped through the cracks and onto Wei Ying’s palm. Wei Ying brought the paperman to his ear and hummed intermittently as if the paperman was telling him something. Afterwards, he put the paperman back into his sleeve. He opened the window quietly and climbed. Be fore jumping inside he warned Meng Yao, “Be as quiet as you can!”

Meng Yao was already disliked by many, why would he add breaking and entering on top of that? But Meng Yao was curious as to what Wei Ying, this troublemaker, had planned. So, he followed him in.

Meng Yao landed as silently as a cat, which Wei Ying gave full points for. When Meng Yao looked around the room, his eyes landed on a slumbering form on top of a divan.

Meng Yao’s eyes widened in rage, “It’s him!” he hissed.

“Shh! Yes, it’s him! I planted a tracker on him this morning, figured someone might want revenge.”

Meng Yao started looking at Wei Ying in a new light.

“Meng Yao, the third lesson is stealth and the fourth lesson is how to properly get revenge.”

“There’s a proper way?”

“Of course!” Wei Ying exclaimed as he pulled out his Qiankun pouch. He opened it and put his whole arm in, trying to find something. “Normally, if you want revenge, most people would want the person to know who got back at them. And I admit that I am personally that kind of person. However, with your circumstances, it’s better to not let them know who did it.”

“But then, how would I let them know not to mess with us again?”

“You don’t.” Wei Ying finally found what he was looking for and brought out a jar of powdered chili and a couple of brushes. “The only way people would stop messing with you is if you’re strong.”

Meng Yao frowned, “But I’m not strong.”

“Not yet.” Wei Ying corrected. “Meng Yao, when your mother wanted you to learn all six arts and cultivation, she wasn’t doing it for herself. She was doing it for you. She wants to get out, but more than anything, she wants to get you out.” Wei Ying found some water and mixed it with the powdered chili.” I could tell, y’know, that despite your knowledge and your surprising level of cultivation, you weren’t really taking things seriously. You’re never going to get acknowledged like that, Meng Yao. Cultivation takes dedication.” Wei Ying hummed, “It’s because it was your mother’s dream and not yours, right?”

Meng Yao stared speechlessly at him.

When Wei Ying was done mixing, he presented the other brush to Meng Yao with a grin. “You should have more faith in yourself Meng Yao. Basing your actions on what others want is tiring! Do things for yourself sometimes. Like making this asshole believe in divine intervention!”

Wei Ying then turned around and started painting all the available surfaces with spicy hell in a jar. Meng Yao clutched at the brush in his hand and brought a hand up to the place where the man kicked him. For the first time in a while, Meng Yao let out a genuine smile.

            Relationship with Meng Yao has now increased to Level 1!

            [Achievement Unlocked: Gain Meng Yao’s Respect]

Chapter Text

Wei Ying was supposed to leave today, but mysteriously both the horses and the coachmen got sick. Wei Ying tried to press the system for answers, but the system remained silent. Madam Yu was kind enough not to shout at the sick people and decided to rant to her husband. Nobody wanted to be in Jiang Fengmian’s place right now.

Wei Ying also didn’t want to be in his place right now. Because currently, his shijie was giving him the silent treatment for his previous disappearing act.

“Shijie,” Wei Ying called pitifully. “I’m really sorry. I won’t do it again!”

Apparently, shijie’s disappointed silence was on par with Madam Yu’s deadly glare. Wei Ying wished he’d never had to find out.

“You deserve it, you idiot,” said Jiang Cheng as he squeezed Wei Ying’s hand reassuringly.

“Shijie~” Wei Ying tried again, but even more pitifully.

Jiang Yanli sighed and finally turned to face her brother.

Wei Ying didn’t dare stop and continued his apology. “I‘ll always inform someone before I go out on my own. I’ll come back before dark. And I realize that I’ve made you all sick with worry.”

“Not me!” protested Jiang Cheng, who was still holding his brother’s hand tightly.

“And ummm,” Wei Ying ran out of things to say.

“Okay. I know you’ve learned your lesson, A-Ying. Now come here and give me a hug!”

Wei Ying ran into his sister’s arms and they embraced each other tightly. Jiang Yanli didn’t forget to pull her youngest brother into the hug, despite his weak protests. Jiang Yanli, surprisingly, was the first to break the hug, just so she could pinch Wei Ying’s cheeks with a bit of force.

“Ow! Shijie?” Wei Ying asked in a muffled voice.

“Are you going out to meet with your friend again, A-Ying?”

Wei Ying broke out from his sister’s hold. “Eh? How did you know?!”

“Friend? What friend?!” Jiang Cheng asked accusingly to Wei Ying.

Yanli smiled mysteriously. “I went looking for you, A-Ying.”

“Oh,” said Wei Ying guiltily.

Jiang Cheng shook Wei Ying’s arm. “What. Friend!”

Wei Ying tugged back his arm and tried to ruffle Jiang Cheng’s head. “A friend I made here in Yunping.”

Jiang Cheng dodged. “You’re not answering me!”

“What?” Wei Ying feigned confusion. “But I just did!”

“Did not!”

“A-Ying. A-Cheng,”Yanli admonished.

“Sorry shijie,” they both said at the same time.

“A-Cheng, could you let me talk to A-Ying alone? I have something important to talk to him about.”

Jiang Cheng pouted and stood his ground. “Why can’t I hear it?”

“A-Cheng,” pleaded Jiang Yanli.

Jiang Cheng scowled and threw his hand up into the air. “Fine! See if I care!” he then stomped away.

Jiang Yanli waited for her youngest brother to be out of earshot before giving Wei Ying a kind smile. “You want to visit Meng Yao but you can’t hang out with him with A-Cheng sticking to you.”

Wei Ying’s eyes widened. His sister was scarily accurate! Jiang Yanli sighed and put something in Wei Ying’s palm.  Wei Ying looked at it.

“A perfume pouch?” he asked.

“It’s more than that, A-Ying. It’s filled with medicinal herbs. It’s a ‘just in case’. Keep it with you okay?”

[Obtained: Jiang Yanli’s Medicinal Herbs x1] [RARE]

[Description: These herbs are not just any herbs! They are filled with pure love and care. And everyone knows love conquers all! The item can only be used once, so use wisely! Also, they smell really good.]

Wei Ying nodded and took a whiff. Wow, they do smell really good! He slipped it into his robes. “Got it!”

“Now go!” Jiang Yanli made shooing motions. “Have fun with Meng Yao. I’ll keep A-Cheng distracted.”

Wei Ying grinned and hugged his sister again. “You’re the best shijie!” Then Wei Ying ran to the direction of wherever Meng Yao was at.

Yanli sighed. It seemed like A-Rong would need even more help from her in the future.

Meng Yao sat on a crate while he played Go on another. He leaned forward to move a piece.

A passing couple of women whispered loudly to each other. “Did you hear? I heard that Wang Yong guy received divine punishment!”

“What do you mean?”

“He woke up screaming that he was burning!”

“Was he?”

“No, he wasn’t! He jumped into the river and stayed for hours until he felt the ‘burning’ go away.”

“It’s that easy to resolve divine punishment?”

“No! Once he got home, he started screaming again! He hasn’t left the river since yesterday!”

The chatter of the women faded as they walked farther away.

Meng Yao moved a piece from the other side of the board with an ominous smile.

Meng Yao’s ear twitched as he heard distant calls of his name.

“-ao! Meng Yao!”

Meng Yao looked up in surprise. “Wei Ying? I thought you were leaving today?”

Wei Ying stopped on the other side of the Go board. “Yeah, we thought so too,” he said pointedly to the system, who still remained silent. “Who are you playing with?”

“Myself.”

“What? That’s boring! Say, how about I play with you?”

Meng Yao looked doubtfully at the Go board and his friend.

“What are you implying?” Wei Ying asked lowly.

Meng Yao smiled and shook his head. “Nothing. Have a seat,” he gestured vaguely. Wei Ying grinned and picked up another empty crate and sat down across Meng Yao. He cracked his knuckles while saying, “Let’s go!”

Wei Ying was… starting to doubt his intelligence. Meng Yao smiled at him just a bit too smugly for Wei Ying’s liking.

“I swear, I am the undefeated champion at Go in Lotus Pier!” Wei Ying couldn’t help but defend himself. Wei Ying felt restless and subconsciously shook his leg.

“You’re a good opponent.” Men Yao said placatingly as he captured three of Wei Ying’s stones.

Wei Ying made a move to jump up, but his leg hit the crate and scrambled the pieces. Meng Yao stared at Wei Ying.

“I didn’t do it on purpose!” Wei Ying hastily said. “.. Though I guess we’ll have to start over huh?” Wei Ying was secretly relieved. He still had a chance to win!

“Not necessarily.” Meng Yao then rearranged the pieces back to its original place.

Wei Ying watched in awe. ‘System,’ he called. ‘Is Meng Yao placing them correctly?’’

 The system scanned the board. It’s completely accurate!, the system said -impressed.

‘Thanks, system!’ Wei Ying looked at his friend. “Meng Yao! You have such good memory!”

Meng Yao suddenly felt the need to boast. “I only need one glance and I won’t forget it.”

“Whoa! That’s so cool!” Wei Ying said, appropriately impressed.

Meng Yao’s face flushed -feeling gratified.

“Hey, do you mind if I test you?” Wei Ying didn’t wait for an answer before scrambling the board again.

Even though Meng Yao knew that Wei Ying just didn’t want to continue a losing game, he still went along with it.

Wei Ying placed the stones in different places on the board, gave Meng Yao five seconds to memorize, then scrambled the board. Meng Yao would always be able to perfectly replicate Wei Ying’s placements and this went on for 10 rounds. Wei Ying eventually got bored of using the Go pieces and decided to recite poetry instead.                       

“I live upstream and you downstream,
From night to night of you I dream.
Unlike the stream you are not in view,
Though both we drink from River Blue.
When will the river no more flow？
When will my grief no more grow？
I wish your heart will be like mine，
Then not in vain for you I pine.”

Wei Ying grinned at Meng Yao. Meng Yao smiled and repeated it word for word. Wei Ying narrowed his eyes and recited another poem.

“I want to be your love for ever and ever,
Without break or decay.
When the hills are all flat,
The rivers are all dry.
When it thunders in winter,
When it snows in summer
When heaven and earth mingle,
Not till then will I part from you.”

Meng Yao, to no one’s surprise, recited it back to Wei Ying perfectly. Wei Ying pouted and decided to exhaust all his knowledge of poems to Meng Yao. They continued reciting poetry for the rest of the day.

Meng Yao was surprised to find that he was actually having fun. His heart beat faster at every poem Wei Ying would recite (Meng Yao wondered why Wei Ying only recited love poems). For every smile, pout, or frown that Wei Ying gave, Meng Yao could feel his own answering smile grow. Meng Yao rubbed at his sweaty palms. It’s been so long since someone realized and appreciated his intelligence, if ever. It felt like adrenaline was coursing through his body. Perhaps this is the feeling of having an equal?

… a friend?

Wei Ying smiled loudly and dramatically. He raised his arm sin surrender, “Okay, I give! Your memory is fool-proof!” Wei Ying crossed his arms. “If only I had your memory!”

Meng Yao frowned in confusion. “You didn’t seem to have trouble reciting all those poems.”

Wei Ying rubbed at his nose. “Okay, I may have selective memory. But I swear, when it comes to people, like their names and faces, I really have a hard time remembering!”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

“Aiya! You have too much faith in me Meng Yao, which I appreciate by the way. But I’m telling you, I might forget what you look like after a few days of not meeting. Oh! Speaking of!” Wei Ying dug around his robes. Meng Yao watched amusedly as Wei Ying stuck his tongue out in concentration. “Aha!” he finally shouted. He then brought out the perfume pouch his shijie gave him. He presented it to Meng Yao. “Here take it!”

Meng Yao was startled. “What? Why?”

Wait! Player?!, the system shouted frantically.

“I have a feeling we’ll be able to leave tomorrow.” Meng Yao involuntarily frowned at what Wei Ying said. “If-, no, when we meet again and I don’t recognize you, just show me this pouch and I will!” he said to Meng Yao while ignoring the system.

Player! Why are you wasting such a precious item?!

‘Precious? We have tons of these at home!’

Player… this is a [RARE] item! [RARE]!!! This pouch of medicinal herbs was soaked in a person’s pure love and care for a night! And the person had to be constantly thinking of you the whole time! Using it can put you back to full health even when you’re on the verge of death!!

‘Are you saying shijie doesn’t love me enough to be able to give a second pouch of these so called ‘rare’ medicinal herbs?’ Wei Ying asked angrily.

No- I- , the system seemed to have come to a realization. … She loves you very much. There is a chance you will be able to encounter such a [RARE] item a second time., the system said resignedly.

Wei Ying mentally pointed at the system. ‘Never doubt my shijie!’ he admonished.

Meanwhile, Meng Yao stared at the purple perfume pouch with beautifully embroidered lotuses. “…You do know what giving someone this means, right?”

Wei Ying tilted his head. “That you care about them?”

“Well, you are not wrong.” Meng Yao said evasively. He sighed and shook his head, “Still. I cannot accept this.”

Wei Ying pouted. “Why not?” he shook the pouch in front of Meng Yao. “Just think of it as a ‘thank you’ for keeping me company! I know that I can be a bit too,” Wei Ying snickered,” much to some people. Anyway, it’s got medicinal herbs inside! Very useful for a cold or something!”

The system let out a strangled screech from its virtual throat. If such a rare item was ever used to treat such an inane thing as a common cold, it would delete itself.

“Come on!” Wei Ying encouraged.

Meng Yao, not being able to withstand the power of Wei Ying’s stubbornness, decided to just take it. Meng Yao felt the tips of his fingers tingle when their hands brushed.

“Thank you, then,” Meng Yao said as he bowed.

[Jiang Yanli’s Medicinal Herbs x1] [Dropped]

 The system wept silently.

Wei Ying laughed and clapped Meng Yao on the shoulder. “Alright, I better get going. I still have a cute little brother to placate.” Wei Ying sighed at the thought of a sulking Jiang Cheng. “See ya Meng Yao!”

Meng Yao smiled as he rubbed his still tingling fingers. “See you next time Wei Ying.”

The next day, the Yunmeng Jiang envoy was finally able to depart towards Lanling.

A day after, Meng Yao’s mother suddenly collapsed with a dangerously high fever.

With every passing day, Meng Shi’s breath grew weaker and she could barely stay awake for a few minutes. Meng Yao did not leave her side for the whole time. He helped his mother change her clothes, brewed her medicine for her, cooked for her, and more. On the third day of her worsening sickness, Sisi called on a third doctor.

The doctor sighed and stood up from kneeling at Meng Shi’s side. Meng Yao took note of how the doctor disdainfully wiped the hand he used to examine his mother with. Meng Yao’s smile flickered for a brief moment.

“How is she doctor?” Sisi was too worried to be angry at the rude doctor.

The doctor sniffed. “I cannot identify the illness. Perhaps try some fever medicine and then see what will happen.”

Sisi’s face grew red from rage. She took a broom that was lying in a corner and brandished it at the doctor.” Useless! What kind of doctor are you?! Out! Get out!” she swatted the broom with all her strength.

The doctor brought his hands up in defense from the onslaught of broom attacks as he staggered backwards towards the door. “What about my payment?!”

“Payment? Payment?! Here’s your payment!” Sisi threw the broom that, if Meng Yao remembered correctly, which he did, was used to sweep a stray dog’s pile of shit earlier this morning.

Sisi slammed the door in the useless doctor’s face. She clutched at the door frame as she breathed heavily to try and calm down. With one final breath, she turned to face the mother and son. “I’ll go find someone else.” That was already the third doctor with the same answer. Perhaps the fourth time is the charm?

Meng Shi coughed. “No. Don’t,” she said weakly. She eyed the dark circles’ under Sisi’s eyes. Sisi had been around her bedside just as much as her son. Was Sisi even still entertaining customers? She shouldn’t have to sacrifice her livelihood for her. “Sisi, it’s okay. Go and rest. I will still be here in the morning.”

Sisi frowned and wanted to say will you? But then remembered that little Meng Yao was still there. Sisi could also tell that Meng Shi wanted to have some privacy with her son.

Sisi hesitated for a moment. “Call me if you need me,” then she walked out of the door.

Meng Shi patted at the space beside her. “Come here, A-Yao.”

Meng Yao hurriedly sat at the empty space. Meng Shi stretched out a quivering arm and cupped her son’s cheek. “A-Yao. My darling. You know that mother loves you, right?”

Meng Yao frantically clutched at his mother’s hand. “Mother, don’t speak like this!”

Meng Shi coughed a couple more times. “A-Yao. The doctors can’t find what’s wrong with me. And the medicines so far haven’t been working…” she trailed off.

“No!” Meng Yao clutched tighter at his mother’s hand.

“A-Yao. In the bottom dresser, there is a small wooden box. Inside it is a beautiful pearl. When you travel to Lanling, show it to your father. He will take you in.”

“No! I don’t want to!” Meng Yao sobbed.

Meng Shi startled. For the first time in her life, her son refused to do what she said. He eyes softened. “Oh, A-Yao…”

“No. No. No. NO. NO. NO! NONONO-“  Meng Yao repeated over and over as he cried while he clutched at his mother’s pale and shaking hand. His mother will not die. His mother will definitely not die! There must be a way. There must be. There must be! Please, if any god out there is listening, please-!

The image of a purple pouch and an embroidered lotus suddenly flashed through his mind.

…could it be? Would that really work?

It wouldn’t hurt to try.

Meng Shi watched in confusion as her son suddenly stilled, wiped his face with his sleeve, then stood up with determination. “A-Yao?” she called.

“I’m going to make you some medicine.”

“Oh A-Yao…”

“Please. Just do this for me.” He pleaded.

Meng Shi felt her heart constrict. “Okay A-Yao.”

Meng Yao quickly looked for the purple pouch and brewed the herbs in it. He gave it to his mother and watched as she drank the concoction to the last drop.

Meng Yao took back the cup. “How do you feel?”

Meng Shi chuckled weakly, “It certainly tastes better than the other medicines. Where did you get it?”

“A friend.”

Meng Shi smiled. Her son only had one friend. She was about to tease her son when her vision suddenly started to swim. She let out a loud groan.

Meng Yao’s eyes widened. “Mother?”

Meng Shi’s eyes dilated, and her shallow breaths turned into big heaving ones. Her skin flushed incredibly red and she started sweating through her robes. “A-yao-!” she called through her gasps.

“Mother?!” Meng Yao quickly put his hand on his mother’s forehead and had to immediately take it back. Her forehead as scalding hot!

Meng Shi’s eyes rolled to the back of her head then she fainted.

“No!  No!  Mother! Mother wake up!” Meng Yao cried.

She was fine before! How could she- …was it the medicine? Did the herbs Wei Ying gave make everything worse? Meng Yao hung his head. He barely took notice of Sisi slamming open the door and running towards them. He clenched tightly onto the purple pouch until his knuckles turned white.

“Wei Ying…” he muttered darkly.

[Friendship] with [Meng Yao] has turned [Antagonistic]!

[Achievement Unlocked: First Antagonistic Relationship]

Wei Ying felt a full body shiver at the same time as the system started to shout at him hysterically.

PLAYER! PLAYER I TOLD YOU! I TOLD YOU TO BE CAREFUL!!! WHY DIDN’T YOU LISTEN?! PLAYER PLEASE LISTEN TO ME AND PACK EVERYTHING YOU OWN AND RUN!!! RUN AS FAR AS YOU CAN!! NEVER LOOK BACK!! PLAYER,YOU ARE IN-

The system suddenly went silent.

Wei Ying blinked. ‘System? Are you okay?’

System: …….

Meng Shi’s fever broke.

Meng Yao only realized this when he heard Sisi loudly shouting, “Your fever’s going down! Meng Shi you’re gonna be okay!”

Meng Yao looked up sharply and scrambled towards his mother. Meng Shi was still unconscious, but her breathing returned to normal, her red face diminished into a healthy flush, and as Sisi said, her temperature went back to normal.

Meng Yao suddenly felt weightless and collapsed onto the floor beside his mother’s bed. His shoulders started to shake, and then-

“Hahahaha!”

Meng Yao started laughing.

Sisi stopped wiping the seat from Meng Shi’s face and looked at Meng Yao worriedly. “A-Yao…?”

Meng Yao didn’t reply and continued laughing until his laughter turned to loud sobs. Tears streamed down his face and dripped on to the floor.

Sisi’s eyes softened. She crouched down beside Meng Yao and pulled him into a hug. She rocked them both as Meng Yao buried his face into her shoulder and clutched at the back of her clothes.

When his sobbing subsided, he pulled away from Sisi and then stared at the now wrinkled purple pouch he was clutching.

“Wei Ying, thank you!” he whispered as he pressed the pouch to this forehead and sniffled.

System: …..

‘System? Are you malfunctioning or something? Do I need to turn you on and off?’ Wei Ying joked.

…I should have trusted you more player. Ahh I didn’t know systems could have headaches. Perhaps I should take a rest as you’ve suggested.

‘Wait! I don’t get what just happened!’ he exclaimed.

[Antagonistic Relationship] with [Meng Yao] has turned to [Friendship]!

[Achievement Unlocked: Meng Yao’s Gratitude!]

[Bonus Reward: Life Debt Effect] [Activated]

[Friendship] with [Meng Yao] has now increased from Lvl.1 to Lvl. 5!

Wei Ying’s jaw dropped.  Was Meng Yao Bipolar or something?! What just happened?!

Chapter Text

When Meng Shi woke up, the first thing she did was to plant kisses onto her son’s tear streaked face while Sisi watched fondly.

The second was to request a private conversation with Meng Yao.

“A-Yao,” she clutched her precious son’s hand, “As I was drifting between consciousness – drifting between life and death,” Meng Yao gasped and Meng Shi patted his hand gently, “I’ve come to realize many things. One of them was that my biggest regret would have been leaving you to fend for yourself.”

Meng Shi sighed tiredly. ”Another is that we shouldn’t wait for your father anymore.”

Meng Yao perked up. Did his mother finally come to her senses?

“No,” she said as she took a deep breath, “We’ll be going to him!”

 Meng Yao froze and stared at her with wide eyes. “Mother, that-that’s not necessary…”

“Oh, A-Yao, but it is!” she brought her son’s hand to her lips as she murmured, “We were lucky this time. But…”

‘What about next time?’ went unsaid.

Meng Shi and Meng Yao locked eyes. Meng Yao could see steel in her gaze that he had never seen before. Meng Yao pursed his lips sullenly, and Meng Shi knew she had convinced him.

“We travel to Lanling as soon as possible.”

A few days later, Wei Ying drank from a stolen liquor jar while he hid in the rafters of the week long birthday celebration, because of course the Jins can’t help but be extra!

It was not a good week at all, hence the underage drinking.

The Jins pretty much invited every sect they knew to Jin Rong’s birthday party. Wei Ying was excited because this would mean making friends with kids from other sects, which would mean more connections! Wei Ying had a bad memory but not enough to forget the tragedy that would await him if he manages to fuck up somewhere along the way. For a brief moment, Wei Ying looked decades older, but then his sunshine like grin reappeared back on his face.

Wei Ying scanned the party but found that most kids around his (physical) age were stuck up and obnoxious. The peacock was like that too, but, and Wei Ying would never say this even in his death bed, it was kind of charming.

Wei Ying only really remembered four sects from the game: Yunmeng Jiang, Gusu Lan, Qinghe Nie, and Lanling Jin. He figured he might as well start with the major players. He was disappointed when he found out that the Nie clan did not bring their second young master because he was grounded. Something about wanting to wield a brush rather than sword? Nie Mingjue was too intimidating, so Wei Ying didn’t even bother.

He frowned as he eyed the somber air around the Lan clan. Compared to the other sects they had the fewest people to attend, not by arrogance, but from Wei Ying’s observation, and what he heard from a few gossiping cultivators, that Madam Lan died. The twin jades were left behind to mourn their mother’s passing.

Wei Ying sighed and once again eyed the various young masters and young mistresses from each sect and decided that he’d just make friends some other time.

Ah but that wasn’t the reason why Wei Ying was pushed to drink. No, it was Jiang Cheng and Jin Rong’s fault!

On the first day of the party, Wei Ying was tasked to present Yunmeng Jiang’s birthday gift to Jin Rong. As he passed the gift to Jin Rong, the peacock tried to (keyword: tried) hold Wei Ying’s hand. Jiang Cheng, who kept an eye on Jin Rong ever since they arrived, charged up and slapped the gift away from their hands. Fortunately, Wei Ying managed to avoid causing some sort of diplomatic issue by swiftly catching the contents, which were priceless gems, that spilled midair and juggled them to the best of his ability. When he finished, he bowed lowly and spouted some bullshit about giving Jin Rong a performance as well as a gift. Jin Rong didn’t buy it, but was pleased enough to not dwell on the incident any longer. The rest of the audience seemed to have found his performance entertaining as well, fully believing that his bit with Jiang Cheng was an act. When they retired to their rooms, Madam Yu gave Jiang Cheng a severe tongue lashing that made Jiang Cheng lower his head. Though Wei Ying was quite sure his brother wasn’t the least bit remorseful.  

The second, third, and fourth day was for activities such as archery, horseback, sword fighting, etc.  There was supposed to be a competition, but everyone knew that it was just the Jins’ excuse to show off Jin Rong’s abilities. And that would be fine, because it is Jin Rong’s birthday.

But.

Wei Ying hunched his shoulders as he felt the weight of what felt like a thousand gazes as Jin Rong finished a complex maneuver and turned to him with a winning smile. Every time. For three days.

Jiang Cheng was not at all amused. He tried to cover Wei Ying’s eyes the whole time, which almost turned into a wrestling match multiple times, which made Madam Yu hiss at them just as many times. Jiang Fengmian did not seem at all bothered and Jiang Yanli giggled as she hid her rosy cheeks behind her sleeves.

The rest of the week was for feasts and for the sects to catch up with each other. Wei Ying had to endure eating more than he could handle because Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng kept piling onto his plate -wanting to be the last one to put food on it. He had to eat it all because it’d be a waste otherwise. It was inevitable that he would have a stomachache the next day. Jiang Cheng guarded his room like a feral guard dog and only let their family in. Wei Ying could hear his brother’s and Jin Rong’s screaming match through the door as his beloved sister helped him drink his tea before she intervened.

For the final day, he suffered from the pain of sore arms and an almost dislocated shoulder from his brother’s and the peacock’s human tug of war. Various people intervened, but no matter who tried, even shijie, these two were too stubborn to back down!

Wei Ying dangled his legs from the rafters as he rolled up his sleeve and poked at the many finger shaped bruises. Today is the last day of the celebration and he will be spending it by himself please and thank you.

He took a swig of wine and idly watched one of the guards passing below him that had a sneer on his face.

“WEI YING!” shouted two voices filled with outrage.

Wei Ying choked and wiped away the wine he spit out from his face. He looked down in dread, then sighed in relief as he found no one. Though with how clear he heard them, they were probably too near for his liking. Time to skedaddle!

Wei Ying made a hasty get-away through the nearest window and landed in the bushes below. He waited. Hearing no other noise, he crawled away from the window. Just as he turned a corner, he witnessed the sneering guard talking to some kid. Wei Ying couldn’t really hear anything clearly, but the tone was filled with disdain and arrogance. He saw the guard push the kid and was filled with dread as he realized that the kid was about to roll down 10 flights of stairs.

[Route Changer] encountered!

And then Wei Ying was filled with a different kind of dread.

Wei Ying took a breath as the world slowed down and then froze around him. Wei Ying poked a leaf that was frozen midair.

Q: Will the player save him?

 [YES]                     [NO]

Wei Ying glared up into the sky to where he thought the system would be. ‘The last time I saved someone, they ended up being part of my harem!’

Wai- You- are you not planning to save him?!

Wei Ying raised a brow. ‘Am I supposed to?’

T-This system would never presume to make a decision for the player! …But this system would like the player to THINK VERY  CAREFULLY. VERY VERY CAREFULLY. PLEASE. The system pleaded.

‘But if I save him,’ Wei Ying pronounced each syllable very slowly, ‘Will he be a part of my harem?’

The system was silent.

[Route Changer]s aren’t just for gaining harem members. It can switch between three relationships: [FAMILIAL], [FRIENDSHIP], and [ANTAGONISTIC]. It said eventually.

Wei Ying hummed. ‘So he WON’T be part of my harem?’ challenged Wei Ying.

….Will knowing even affect your answer?!  The system finally snapped.

Wei Ying frowned as he looked at the frozen form of the young child about to fall to his, probably, untimely death. ‘You got me there system.’

He slapped the hovering [YES] button as he ran full speed towards the small figure.

As Meng Yao’s feet left the solid ground and his stomach dropped, his sight filled with purple as he engraved the man’s face into the darkest part of his heart along with his dear old father.

Wait. Purple? Wasn’t it supposed to be red?

The scent of wine and lotus filled his nose and he was tucked into a warm and secure hold.

The night was filled with pained grunts as they rolled down and down and down and- how long was this staircase again?

 Meng Yao only realized that they reached the bottom when he could no longer hear pained grunts. It took Meng Yao another minute or two to sit up because he was so dizzy he couldn’t tell up from down. Meng Yao’s hand pressed down on something firm and then he found that he was lying on top of someone. Meng Yao immediately scrambled away.

The mystery someone groaned and turned his head to Meng Yao’s direction. Meng Yao froze.

“Wei Ying?!” Meng Yao wasted no time to go near Wei Ying’s side and cupped his face. He tilted Wei Ying’s head, trying to see whether he had some sort of head wound.

“Ah?” Wei Ying mumbled dazedly, “Who are you?”

Meng Yao raised his hand in front of Wei Ying’s face. “how many fingers am I holding up?”

“Four,” Wei Ying immediately answered.

Meng Yao sighed. He didn’t have a concussion. Then he frowned. “Wei Ying, we met a week ago.”

“…?” At Wei Ying’s blank gaze, he grudgingly brought out the purple perfume pouch.

Meng Yao watched as Wei Ying’s eyes flashed in recognition.

“Meng Yao!” Wei Ying hurriedly tried to sit up but then hissed as his back started to sear in pain.

“Wei Ying! Don’t move!” Meng Yao helped him to lie back down. Meng Yao bit his lip as he tried looked for help.   

“Meng Yao, I didn’t think we would meet so soon!” Wei Ying sent him a bright grin as he laughed. “Were you cursed to keep falling down staircases or something? This happened the first time we met as well!”

Meng Yao gave a wry, wobbly smile then kowtowed – his bow so low his forehead pressed into the dirt.

“Meng Yao, hey- what are you doing?!” Wei Ying stared wide eyed at his friend.

“Wei Ying, thank you! Thank you so much! You don’t know how much I-!” Meng Yao took a deep breath to calm himself. “My mother and I are both indebted to you. Without you my mother would have-! And earlier I almost-!” Meng Yao’s tears started to fall and he thought in wonder about how he cried more in the past week than the in the past few years. He buried his forehead deeper into the ground.

“Hey, Meng Yao, look at me.” He said gently. When his friend refused to move, he painfully turned over to lie on his side. He brought his hand on top of Meng Yao’s head. “Meng Yao, if you don’t look at me, I am definitely going to try and sit up.”

Meng Yao knew that he was serious and lifted his head. He was greeted with the sight of Wei Ying smiling at him softly. His heart skipped a beat.

Wei Ying used his fingers to wipe away Meng Yao’s tears. “You don’t have to owe me anything Meng Yao. This is what friends are supposed to do! Help each other.” He dreads to know what happened to Meng Yao’s mother, but at the very least he knows she’s still alive. Maybe he’ll ask Meng Yao later, when he’s calmed down more.

Meng Yao stared at Wei Ying. Wei Ying was too kindhearted. He’d never met anyone who’d given precious resources away and expected nothing in return. And earlier, Wei Ying didn’t even know it was him but was willing to suffer the fall anyway. Meng Yao, despite being young, knew that this type kindness would be easily taken advantage of. He’d seen it all the time on the streets and even in his own house (because he would never call that place home).

His eyes darkened to a frightening degree.

He will protect Wei Ying at all costs.

Wei Ying shivered but didn’t know why.

 [FRIENDSHIP] Route has now changed to [ROMANTIC] Route!

\[Player has acquired second member of the harem!]

Wei Ying closed his eyes. ‘System,’ he called out in a resigned tone. ‘You are dead to me.’

The system didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The player will never understand what kind of bullet he had dodged!

Meng Yao slapped Wei Ying’s face.

“Ow! Meng Yao what was that for?!” Wei Ying rubbed his stinging cheek.

“Wei Ying, don’t sleep.” He said – voice strained with worry.

“Oh, I’m not dying! Very far from it actually!” Thanks to the system’s health buff, he managed not to break any bones. Probably.

Meng Yao frowned then hovered his hands hesitantly above Wei Ying’s body. “May I?”

“I don’t really mind.”

Meng Yao set work. He poked and prodded. Occasionally, Wei Ying would let out a hiss. Just as he was patting down Wei Ying’s leg, Wei Ying suddenly pulled him down onto his body. Meng Yao’s face blushed as he was pressed tightly into Wei Ying’s chest and the scent of lotus and wine once again filled his nose.

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Meng Yao] has now reached Level 1!  

Meng Yao’s joy was short lived as he heard a sharp whistle in the space where his head used to be and a dull thud on the ground a few feet away. He turned his head towards the sound. His eyes widened. It was an arrow!

“WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!” Wei Ying shouted angrily to someone before he released Meng Yao from his hold.

Meng Yao quickly turned around and spotted two young boys. One was in Jiang robes while the other was in JIn robes. He eyed the cinnabar on the center of the Jin’s forehead, then he warily eyed the tightly clenched bow and the bag of arrows strapped to the Jin’s side. Meng Yao smiled disarmingly. So this was his half-brother?

The boy in Jiang robes stomped over. Meng Yao refused to move. Jiang Cheng’s hand went to the hilt of the practice sword strapped to this waist. “Step away from my brother,” he said – as low and dangerous as a 10-year-old could sound.

With a smile still on his face, Meng Yao moved to get up, but Wei Ying held onto his sleeve. Wei Ying scowled at Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng. “Stop bullying Meng Yao!”

“Bullying?” muttered Meng Yao as he glanced once again at the arrow that was supposed to hit him directly in the head.

Jiang Cheng scowled at his brother. “Why are you defending your molester?!”

Meng Yao’s smile twitched briefly into a frown, but it was back up again before anyone could notice. Meanwhile, Wei Ying spluttered. “M-Molester?”

Jiang Cheng shoved Meng Yao away when Wei Ying’s grip loosened from shock.  Meng Yao landed on the ground but managed to keep his smiling façade intact. Jin Rong nocked another arrow into his bow and pointed it at Meng Yao. “Don’t move,” he threatened. Meng Yao narrowed his eyes slightly and remained silent.

Jiang Cheng kneeled beside his brother, but Wei Ying slapped away the hand that was supposed to help him up. “What part of Meng Yao looks like a molester?!” he shouted at Jiang Cheng.

Jin Rong cut in. “Look at him! His clothes are rumpled, his face is red, and his eyes are bloodshot from lust!”

“You-! He was crying!” Wei Ying said through gritted teeth.

“Then he was crying from lust!” Jiang Cheng amended.

Meng Yao was about to put them in his blacklist but decided that they were just idiots and didn’t deserve to be acknowledged.

Wei Ying pinched Jiang Cheng’s thigh out of anger.

“Ow!” Jiang Cheng rubbed at his thigh. “We literally saw him groping your defenseless body!”

“Who’s defenseless?! And he was checking me for injuries, you dumbasses!” Wei Ying’s face was red from both embarrassment and anger.

“Injuries?!”

“What injuries?!”

The two boys forgot all about Meng Yao as they scrambled over to Wei Ying’s side.

Wei Ying started to calm down when he saw their earnestly worried faces. “It’s fine, I just fell down some stairs.”

Jin Rong’s and jiang Cheng’s faces paled as they looked back at the staircase.

Jiang Cheng whipped his head back towards him. “You’re much too skilled to fall down some measly stairs.” There wasn’t enough time for Wei Ying to be flattered before jiang Cheng followed up. “It must’ve been because of him!” He glared at Meng Yao as he and Jin Rong transferred spiritual energy to Wei Ying.

Wei Ying sighed. He was about to defend Meng Yao, once again, when Meng Yao himself spoke up.

“Yes, it was because of me.” Meng Yao said in a neutral tone, as if he was talking about the weather.

“You!” Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng glared at him.

Meng Yao continued as if he didn’t notice the death glares sent his way. “Because of me, Wei Ying had to use his own body to shield me because my father’s guards threw me down the stairs.”

“Why were you thrown- wait,” Jin Rong abruptly stopped – his eyes slowly filling with horror, “your father?” he asked in a strained voice.

Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying looked at each other with wide eyes.

Oh no.

So this was why Wei Ying thought he was familiar! Now that he was looking for it, he really did look a bit like Jin Guangshan.

Jin Rong pointed a shaking finger at Meng Yao. “Y-you’re lying!”

Meng Yao continued to smile pleasantly. “Are you sure that I am?”

And that is what hurt the most because Jin Rong wasn’t sure that he was.

Wei Ying eyed Meng Yao’s clenched fists and Jin Rong’s horror-stricken face and felt the urge to strangle Jin Guangshan.

Jin Rong stood up shakily.  “I- I-…” he ran back towards Koi Tower.

Wei Ying gasped because he knows what that peacock was going to do. “Jin Rong! Come back!”

Wei Ying cursed. And asked Jiang Cheng to help him up. “You’re injured!” Jiang Cheng tried to hold him down.

Wei Ying clutched at his brother’s arm. “We have to stop him before-“

There was a loud crash and then a mighty roar. “JIN GUANGSHAAAAAANNNNNNN!!! YOU SHAMELESS FUCKING BASTARD!”

Oh no.

Wei Ying winced as Jiang Cheng finally helped him stand. At least it wasn’t as painful as before, since Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng healed most of his injuries.

They both rushed towards Koi Tower, then Wei Ying stopped as he remembered something. “You’re not coming, Meng Yao?”

Meng Yao eyed Koi Tower, just in time for another scream to resound, “JIN GUANGSHAN DON’T YOU DARE TRY AND MAKE UP EXCUSES!”

“…I believe that would be unwise at the moment.”

Wei Ying cringed. Yeah, he could totally see Madam Jin killing Meng Yao on the spot. “Stay here. We’ll be right back,” he said instead.

Meng Yao nodded and Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng continued on their way.

Jin Zixuan, Madam Yu and Jiang Yanli tried to hold back Madam Jin. Actually, that was quite inaccurate. Madam Yu didn’t seem to be trying and was only holding on to her friend’s sleeve with her finger and thumb.

Madam Jin brandished a serrated knife and looked pointedly at Jin Guangshan’s crotch. Jin Guangshan shivered and discreetly tried to cover his private area. He stepped back and bumped into someone. He looked back and was greeted with Jiang Fengmian’s smiling face.

Jiang Fengmian looked as if he was watching a cockroach about to be crushed.

Jin Guangshan gulped and stepped far, far away from him.

The cultivators crowded around the scene whispering and pointing (except of course the Lan sect cultivators).

When Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying arrived, Jin Rong let out a sigh of relief. “Wei Ying! Jiang Cheng! Help me-“

At the mention of Wei Ying, madam Jin pointed the knife at him. “Tell me, A-Ying, Is it true?! Did a bastard come to this tower?!”

Madam Yu frowned then lowered Madam Jin’s hand that was holding the knife.

Wei Ying hesitated for a moment. “Yes, but-“

Madam Jin suddenly threw the knife at Jin Guangshan’s crotch. Jin Guangshan startled and jumped out of the way. It missed his very important part, but cut through his robes, exposing him for all of the cultivation world to see.

Wei Ying immediately covered Jiang Cheng’s eyes.

Jin Rong covered Yanli’s.

Madam Yu made an effort to reach over and cover Wei Ying’s eyes, but by then the horrifying sight was already seared into Wei Ying’s brain.

Somewhere among the gasps of the cultivators, a voice said unabashedly, “It’s smaller than I thought.”

Immediately, the hall was filled with laughter and jeers. Yu Ziyuan looked at her suspiciously innocent-faced husband.

Jin Guangshan red and shamefaced gestured to one of his subordinates. The subordinate removed his outer robe and offered it to Jin Guangshan. The Jin Sect leader hastily tied it to cover his front.

Jin Guangshan glared at everyone in the room. “The celebration is now over! You may retire to your rooms!”

No one listened and kept laughing at his expense. With one last glower, Jin Guangshan walked away.

“This is not over Jin Guangshan! THIS IS NOT OVER!” Madam Jin screamed after him.

Jin Guangshan, though he would never admit it, started running away.

Madam Jin turned her seething glare to the crowd of unruly cultivators. “All of you! BACK TO YOUR ROOMS!”

The cultivators quickly tried to flee for the exit or else their private parts would be endangered.

Madam Jin breathed heavily amongst the tense silence. With one last inhale, she fixed her disheveled robes then smiled sweetly at her son. Jin Rong shivered. “A-Rong~” she called in that sickly-sweet tone. Jin Rong slowly walked over to his mother. She caressed his messy hair – tucking an errant strand behind his ear. “A-Rong, my dear, sweet, baby boy,  if I ever see any of your bastard siblings, I’m going to kill them, kill Jin Guangshan, and then myself. So if you meet them, make sure that they never ever come near me, okay?” She said with a smile that did not reach her eyes.

“Y-yes, I understand mother.” Jin Rong stammered.

Wei Ying gulped. Meng Yao had amazing foresight.

Madam Jin patted her son’s head and then turned towards Yu ZIyuan. “A-Yuan, my dearest friend, I suddenly have the need for a girl’s night. Oh, and have I mentioned that I was recently gifted some Emperor’s Smile? I heard it was the best in the land.”

Madam Yu made eye contact with her husband. Jiang Fengmian smiled at his sons, “Looks like we’re having our own little sleep over boys.” He looked at Yanli. “You are welcome to join as well A-Li.”

Jiang Yanli smiled brightly.

Madam Jin latched onto her friend’s arm and dragged her away while muttering, “That bastard can’t run away forever. Once I catch him I’ll….” Madam Jin’s voice trailed off as she and Madam Yu walked further and further away.

Wei Ying glanced the door leading to the entrance.

“A-Ying?” asked Jiang Fengmian.

“Ahhh Meng Yao is still outside.”

“Meng Yao?”

“Meng Yao, he’s-“

“My brother,” Jin Rong said tiredly.

Jin Rong called Meng Yao ‘brother’. Wei Ying looked at him in surprise.

“A-Rong, are you comfortable meeting him?” asked Jiang Fengmian.

“No.” Jin Rong replied honestly. He tiredly scrubbed at his face. “Father and mother refuse to take responsibility. But someone has to.”

Everyone’s opinions of Jin Rong rose – even Jiang Cheng’s.

Meng Yao stood in the same spot as he stared at the starry sky. He heard footsteps and looked at the group of people headed towards him. He looked at Wei Ying with confusion in his face.

Wei Ying grinned at him. “Let’s all introduce ourselves properly! Meng Yao, this is my beloved, wonderful, best in the world shijie, Jiang Yanli.” Yanli bowed politely.

“My f-father, Jiang Fengmian, sect leader of Yunmeng jIang.” Fengmian nodded at Meng Yao.

“My cute little brother, Jiang Cheng.” He rubbed jiang Cheng’s head.

Jiang Cheng slapped his hand away. “Who’s cute?!” then he crossed his arms and glared at Meng Yao. Jiang Fengmian softly cleared his throat. Jiang Cheng begrudgingly gave a salute.

“You already know him, but-“ he gestured to wards Jin Rong who was standing rather stiffly. “he’s Jin Rong, the peacock.”

“Wei Ying!” Jin Rong grumbled, but it had the effect of easing Jin Rong’s tense form. Jin Rong then gave a proper salute to Meng Yao.

“This one’s name is Meng Yao. It is a pleasure to meet you.” He gave his own low bow.

Jin Rong looked at his feet and shuffled awkwardly. Jiang Fengmian placed his hand on Jin Rong’s shoulder and gave him his patented fatherly smile. Jin Rong blinked and then sighed. He walked towards Meng Yao, firm resolution in his eyes. Meng Yao involuntarily straightened up.

“…brother.” There was a flash of surprise on Meng Yao’s face before it was replaced by his usual disarming smile. Jin Rong cleared his throat. “Brother. Currently, I do not have the power to take you in. Yet. But what I can do, for now, I will provide anything that you need. Property, money, education, whatever!”

Meng Yao stared at him. “You give your word?”

“I swear over my golden core!”

The tension in Meng Yao’s body loosened. “First of all, my mother and I live in a brothel.” There were resounding gasps, but Meng Yao only continued to stare at his half-brother. “We want out. Second, I want my mother to live a comfortable life. Third,” he glanced at Wei Ying. “…I want to learn how to cultivate.”

Wei Ying smiled at him and Meng Yao smiled back.

“That can definitely be arranged!” Jin Rong said. “Find a plot of land or house that you and your mother like and just tell me, I’ll deal with it. I can’t let you inside Koi tower, but I can send tutors to your home. We’ll also send monthly child support, along with the compensation starting from when you were born. How old were you again?”

Meng Yao pursed his lips. “I’m 12-years-old.”

Oh no.

Jin Rong stared at him. Meng Yao stared back.

“But… But I’m 12…”

Meng Yao said nothing.

“…When is your birthday?”

“…seven days ago.”

Oh nooo.

Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying stared with mouths agape.

Jiang Fengmian clenched his fists tightly and Jiang Yanli patted her father’s hand to soothe him- despite her own horror.

Jin Rong reached into his robes and staggered over to Meng Yao. He pushed something onto Meng Yao’s chest. Meng Yao flinched, expecting a knife, but was surprised to find that he was given a full pouch of money. He looked inside. It was all gold – not a silver or copper in sight.

“Happy belated birthday.” Jin Rong said shakily.

“…to you as well.”

They stared awkwardly at each other.

“Ahh Meng Yao. Where are you and your mother staying? At least, I’m assuming you came to Lanling with your mother?”

“Yes, there’s an inn nearby.” Meng Yao replied absently.

Wei Ying pointedly tilted his head at Jin Rong’s shaken figure.

“Ah yes! My mother is waiting for me. It’s best if I go. Right now.”

“Safe trip Meng Yao… write to me okay?” Jin Rong said listlessly.

Meng Yao sort of pitied his half-brother. “Of course.”

Everyone said their goodbyes to Meng Yao. After Meng Yao left, Wei Ying and Jiang Yanli immediately accosted Jin Rong. Wei Ying slung his arm over Jin Rong’s shoulders and Jiang Yanli held his hand. Wei Ying waited for a reaction. But not a single blush was in sight. Wei Ying winced. This was serious.

“Do you want to sleep over with us?” Wei Ying asked tentatively.

Jin Rong blinked. “Yes please.” He sounded like a sad little bird.

Wei Ying’s and Yanli’s heart softened and dragged him away to their room.

Jiang Cheng scowled at the arm thrown over Jin Rong’s shoulder. Jiang Fengmian placed a hand on his son’s back and pushed him along. “A-Cheng, be good.” He murmured. “He’s gotten a big shock today.”

Jiang Cheng pouted. “I’m not heartless, father!”

Jiang Fengmian laughed gently.  

Chapter Text

Wei Ying sighed as he watched Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng compete with each other. Again.

It was one of those ridiculous types of matches (then again, most of their matches were). This time, the two were trying to see who could steal more lotus seed pods before getting caught. Honestly, Wei Ying was just glad that he would be able to benefit from their weird posturing this time.

Wei Ying sighed.

“Shijieeee,” he whined.

Jiang Yanli giggled from beside him. She was shielding them both from the sun using the umbrella Jin Rong gifted her. “What is it A-Ying?”

The boat rocked slightly as Wei Ying slumped. “I’m hungryyyy.”

“A-Cheng and A-Rong are already picking lotus seed pods.”

“But shijie, it’s so hot! Let’s just get watermel-“ Wei Ying sat up straight as he spotted the old man who guarded the pond pass by. He quickly released a butterfly messenger to warn the two of the old man’s arrival. Afterwards, he rowed the boat away from the scene of the crime.

“A-Ying, what about A-Rong and A-Cheng?”

“Don’t worry about them, shijie. They’ll be fine,” he said as shouts were faintly heard from the direction they escaped from. “….mostly.”

“A-Ying,” shijie admonished.

Wei Ying laughed. “I was just joking shijie!”

Wei Ying paddled for a while more before he had to suddenly grab Jiang Yanli’s elbow to keep her from going overboard when Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng’s shared boat sped past them. They were paddling so fast, Jiang Yanli had to use her umbrella to shield them from the giant waves they were making. They were so in sync that if you didn’t know them, you wouldn’t think that they were constantly at each other’s necks!

When the waters stilled, it was disrupted once more when the old man’s boat sped past them with an unusually fast speed. Wei Ying’s eyes almost bugged out when he realized the old man wasn’t even paddling. Were motorboats a thing here? How was he doing that?!

When he saw that the old man’s boat was going to catch up with Jiang Cheng and Jin Rong, Wei Ying paddled after them. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make it in time to stop the old man from whacking their heads. As he paddled closer to the other two boats, he ignored his shijie sweet talking the old man into giving his forgiveness to scrutinize the suspicious black shadow under the old man’s boat. Wei Ying leaned closer. Was that a water ghoul? Should he exterminate it?

The old man huffed and threatened the two young masters once more before tapping the side of his boat. The water ghoul cheekily looked at Wei Ying and winked before sticking to the underside of the boat and zooming away. Wei Ying looked on in awe while shijie checked the other two over for injuries. That was ingenious! A water ghoul powered boat? Time spent travelling could be cut in half! He’ll definitely try it out sometime in the future.

Wei Ying grinned at Jiang Cheng and Jin Rong, future ideas still whirling in his head. “How many were you able to get?”

Jiang Cheng and Jin Rong both flushed and looked away. Jiang Yanli coughed and looked pointedly at the very empty boat. Wei Ying raised his brows, “You two… Did you drop them?”

“You try getting chased! See if you don’t drop any!” Jiang Cheng snapped.

“Hmph! Who says I’ll get caught? Next time, you three can watch while I pick a whole sack!”

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “Fine. We’ll watch as you get beat up too.” Jiang Cheng tried to sound irritated but couldn’t quite keep the exasperated fondness from his tone.

“We could just buy a sack in the market. We’re sect heirs. Why are we stealing? It’s so troublesome.” Jin Rong frowned at them.

Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying both scoffed at the same time, which made shijie giggle.

“Ah, but peacock-“

“Stop calling me that! I told you to call me A-Rong.”

“But peacock,” Wei Ying continued. ”The trouble is what makes it more fun! Besides, it’s a good show of skill if you manage to escape the old man.”

“Which you failed,” Jiang Cheng smugly said to Jin Rong.

Jin Rong frowned at him. “What, like you didn’t?” he pointed out angrily. “And mucking around under the sun searching for plants isn’t very fun. “

“I could’ve sworn A-Rong was smiling the whole time,” Jiang Yanli pointed out “innocently”.

“A-Li!” Jin Rong shouted, betrayed. Then he sighed wistfully. “Too bad my parents came with me. If A-Yao were here, he’d probably be able to get away with it.”

“Yeah. Yao-ge would, wouldn’t he?”

“A-Yao and I are the same age. Why aren’t you calling me gege as well? Call me Rong-ge!”

 “He will not be calling you that,” Jiang Cheng said viciously.

“Did I ask you?” Jin Rong replied coolly.

Wei Ying sighed as they delved into another argument. Shijie was laughing softly at their antics so Wei Ying thought he’d just let them be instead of playing mediator like he usually did.

Jiang Yanli stopped laughing when she spotted all their parents waiting for them at the docks with grave expressions on their faces. She tugged at Wei Ying’s sleeve. “A-Ying, I think we need to go back.”

The three boys looked in the direction she was staring at and wordlessly paddled back. When they arrived at the docks, Madam Yu wasted no time in informing them.

“The sect leader of Qinghe Nie died,” she said somberly. “We are to depart immediately.”

When they arrived at the Unclean Realm, the whole of Yunmeng Jiang wore dark violet instead of their usual purple. The Jin sect also wore a more muted version of their yellow robes. The siblings and Jin Rong were the ones assigned to carry the white flowers while their parents would give the white envelopes (a white chest in the case of the Jins). As they walked towards the newly crowned sect leader Nie Mingjue, Wei Ying observed the clans that attended the funeral.

The Wen clan were nowhere in sight, and if the rumors of Wen Ruohan’s involvement in the death of the former sect leader were true, then it may have been for the best or else there would’ve been a bloodbath. Wei Ying spotted the plain white robes of the Lan clan and noted that while young master Lan Xichen was currently talking to sect leader Nie, the famed second young master Lan was nowhere in sight.

When they reached sect leader Nie, they all cupped their hands and bowed. “Condolences, sect leader Nie.”

Nie Mingjue nodded in acknowledgement as he gestured for the servants to take the offerings. As he turned to Wei Ying, the surroundings faded to black, leaving only the figures of Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen illuminated with their names and status hovering above them.

“You must be the Jiang’s adopted son. It’s nice to finally meet you,” Nie Mingjue said. His voice sounded rough with fatigue, but his eyes held barely controlled grief, resentment, and… worry?

“I’ve heard of the accomplishments of Yunmeng Jiang’s first disciple,” said Lan Xichen. At this, the Jiang family swelled with pride. “My brother, Wangji, would have loved to meet you.”

Nie Mingjue cocked his head towards Lan Xichen. “Is Lan Wangji still in seclusion, Xichen?”

Lan Xichen sighed. “Wangji has not taken mother’s passing well. Though he cannot be here, he asked me to send his condolences.”

Nie Mingjue grunted. “At least he isn’t causing you too much trouble, unlike my little brother.”

Ping!

A large exclamation mark hovered above Nie Mingjue’s head. Exclamation marks meant important tasks. If Wei Ying completed a task, depending on how difficult it was, he would get a certain amount of EXP and a reward of some sort.

“Is everything alright with Nie Tengfei?” Jiang Fengmian’s brows were furrowed in concern.

Nie Mingjue sighed. “Tengfei ran away this morning. None of the servants or disciples could find him, though I’m sure he’s still in the Unclean Realm.”

[Task: Find Nie Tengfei]

[Rewards]:

<<150 EXP>>

<<Head pat from Nie Mingjue>>

 

[Accept]               [Decline]

Wei Ying blinked. A… Head pat? He snuck a look at the very intimidating Nie Mingjue and then at Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng who were not so discreetly hiding behind him and Jiang Yanli.

Wei Ying would very much like to have that bragging right.

Wei Ying pressed accept and then grinned brightly at Nie Mingjue. “We could find your brother for you sect leader Nie!”

Nie Mingjue rubbed his chin. “Tengfei does need friends around his age.” He looked at the Jiang couple and the Jin couple, as if asking what they thought.

“It would be very good training for them to be able to track someone.” Yu Ziyuan said, ever the spartan.

Madam Jin patted her son’s shoulder. “As long as these troublesome children promise not to be a nuisance, then I’m fine with it.” She does not need to mention the political advantages if the children manage to befriend the second young master of Qinghe Nie. Jin Guangshan remained quiet. He had long learned not to interfere with his wife’s decisions when it came to their son.

Nie Mingjue nodded. “Alright. I’ll leave it to you then,” he said to Wei Ying’s group.

“Good luck,” Lan Xichen said with a smile.

The group of preteens immediately separated and converged in another corner.

“Let’s split up,” suggested Wei Ying. “We can cover more ground that way.”

When no one protested, he continued on. “Shijie, you take north. Peacock, you take south. A-Cheng, you’re east. I’ll take the west. We’ll meet back here once one of us finds him or if we’re finished with our respective areas.”

“Why don’t we just notify each other with a butterfly messenger?“ asked Jin Rong.

“Ooh! Good idea peacock!” praised Wei Ying.

Despite the rude nickname, Jin Rong preened from the praise. Jiang Cheng scowled at Jin Rong and Jiang Yanli had to hold her brother’s arm to hold him back.

“Okay!” Wei Ying said as he clapped his hands once, far too used to his brother’s and friend’s bickering. “Let’s start looking!”

Wei Ying wandered around the Unclean Realm’s many… rocks. Honestly, there wasn’t really much to see in the Unclean Realm. How was Nie Tengfei able to hide from everyone? Wei Ying was about to give up when his surroundings started to darken. He took a step back in surprise and his surroundings lightened again. He blinked. He took one step forward. His surroundings darkened. He took one step back. His surroundings lightened. Wei Ying grinned and played ‘hot and cold’ with the game mechanics. The darker his surroundings became, the nearer he was to Nie Tengfei.

Eventually, he was led to a rather unassuming boulder that was in front of a larger rock formation. He circled around the boulder and then scratched his head when he still couldn’t find second young master Nie. He was about to climb the boulder, just so he could have a higher view, but when he touched it, he was surprised to find that it was made of paper mache!  Wei Ying was amazed. It looked so real!

That said, he easily moved the fake boulder to the side and his surroundings fully darkened. Behind the fake boulder was a small cave where Wei Ying found Nie Tengfei staring at him like a deer caught in the headlights while clutching a fan to his chest. Nie Tengfei’s name hovered above his head along with his stats.

When the surroundings faded back to normal, he tapped the paper mache boulder with a grin. “Did you make this?”

Nie Tengfei continued to stare at him silently.

“It’s pretty good,” Wei Ying added.

Finally, Tengfei snapped out of his daze. “How did you find me?!”

Wei Ying rubbed his nose. “Luck, I guess.”

“Luck,” Tengfei said doubtfully.

“Skill then, if you won’t believe me.”

Tengfei pouted. “Did Da-ge send you?” Before Wei Ying could reply, Nie Tengfei continued on. “If he did, then go away! Leave me alone!”

Wei Ying twisted his mouth to the side, then proceeded as if he didn’t hear him. Tengfei squawked as Wei Ying went inside the cave, mindful of the candle, and sat down as he pulled the boulder back to its original position.

Nie Tengfei unfurled his fan in front of his face. “Why did you come in?!”

Wei Ying grinned. In the candlelight, the shadows emphasized his handsome features and turned his grin slightly roguish. Tengfei blushed slightly behind his fan.

“My name is Wei Ying,” he said. “First disciple of Yunmeng Jiang.”

“Nie Tengfei,” he grumbled. “Second young master of Qinghe Nie.” He curled in on himself more.

Wei Ying sighed through his nose. He couldn’t take Nie Tengfei back to his brother if he didn’t befriend him first. He tried to think of something they might have in common.

“Young master,” Wei Ying said. “Your fan is very well painted. The way the bamboo and leaves are painted remind me of Zheng Xie. Oh! And I see that the, mogu style was used to paint to paint the flowers; they’re very pretty! And the way the bird is painted– inspired by Xu Wei, right? Ahhh so many different styles, but they blend together so beautifully!”

Nie Tengfei uncurled, his mouth agape. “Y-You can recognize them?!”

Wei Ying laughed boisterously. “Of course I can! I wouldn’t be First Disciple otherwise. So where did you buy it? I want to give one to my shijie!”

Tengfei’s chest puffed up proudly. “I made it!”

“You did? Young master that’s amazing! Ah, you know,” Wei Ying rubbed his nose haughtily, “in Lotus Pier, I’m considered a pretty good artist. I can only do portraits and flowers though. Landscapes are really difficult…”

Nie Tengfei laughed in delight. “I’m the opposite! Whenever I draw faces, I can’t get the eyes to be the same size. And the hands! Don’t get me started on the hands.”

“Ugh, the hands!” Wei Ying could relate on a soul-deep level.

“Now that I think about it, It’s like I’m Guan Tong and you’re Hu Yi!”

“Hmmm are you suggesting a collaboration?”

Wei Ying could tell that Nie Tengfei was starting to calm down and open up, so he tried to keep the conversation going. In fact, it wasn’t too difficult since Wei Ying was having fun as well. Back in Lotus Pier, nobody really shared his interest in art. It’s nice to finally make a friend he could talk about his hobbies with.

[FRIENDSHIP] with [Nie Tengfei] has now reached Level 1!

When Nie Tengfei seemed more comfortable with him, Wei Ying found an opening to ask, “Nie-xiong,” because Tengfei insisted that “young master” was too formal, “ How come you’re hiding from your brother anyway?”

Some of the gloom came back and Tengfei scowled. “I hate him!”

Wei Ying blinked in surprise, “Why? What’d he do?” He’d heard about how much the older Nie doted on his younger brother. How could he hate him?

Tengfei huffed and fluttered his fan vigorously. “Ever since father passed away, Da-ge kept insisting that I learn the saber! he’d always drag me to the training grounds and force me to learn!”

Wei Ying perched his chin on his hand. He could tell that wasn’t what Nie-xiong was upset about.

“How come he keeps pushing? Father never forced me before!” tears started gathering in Tengfei’s eyes. “Father never made me train if I didn’t want to! Father used-used to just laugh and ruffle my hair!” Tengfei sobbed as the tears finally fell. “He-he painted with me even though he didn’t know how! When I gave him a- a fan or a p-painting, he’d show it off to his subordinates. H-he’d always say, “Isn’t A-Fei amazing?”  Tengfei roughly scrubbed at his eyes. “And now I have to train because he isn’t here! He isn’t here! Why isn’t he here?!”

Ah. So it wasn’t really about Nie Mingjue.

Wei Ying got up and sat beside Nie Tengfei as Tengfei curled up and sobbed out all his grievances that he kept bottled up before. Wei Ying didn’t try to hug him and just listened. Occasionally, he would brush their shoulders together just to remind him that he was still there and listening.

Eventually, when Nie Tengfei’s heaving sobs turned into sniffles, Wei Ying produced a handkerchief and handed it to him. Tengfei took it gratefully and dabbed at his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Wei-xiong,” Tengfei said in a nasally voice. “You shouldn’t have had to see that.”

Wei Ying patted his back comfortingly. “No need, Nie-xiong. Do you feel better now?”

Wei Ying winced when Tengfei sniffled and blew loudly into the handkerchief. “Yeah, I think I’m good now,” he said in a slightly less nasally voice.

Wei Ying smiled in relief. “That’s great.”

Nie Tengfei unfurled his fan and covered his face, “Ahhh so embarrassing! I can’t believe you’ve seen me in such a state. “

“Nie-xiong, what are you worried about? We’re friends! I wouldn’t make fun of you just because of this.”

Tengfei peeked his large watery eyes over his fan. Wei Ying couldn’t help but think: Cute!

“We- we’re friends?” Tengfei asked, astonished. “ I’ve… I don’t think I’ve ever had friends before…” he whispered.

[FRIENDSHIP] with [Nie Tengfei] has now reached Level 2!

‘Ack! My heart! System, do you have anything to prevent me from dying of cuteness?’ he asked the system.

The system sighed. Player, please stop using ‘INQUIRY’ for frivolous purposes.  

“What? Aren’t you the second young master of Nie? How come you don’t have any friends?” Wei Ying asked Tengfei.

Tengfei bit his lip. “That’s the problem,” he played with the handkerchief in his hands. “I have weak cultivation, so a lot of the other disciples bully me. They told me that I don’t live up to the Nie name. When I told Da-ge, they bullied me even more. “

Wei Ying huffed in indignation. “Assholes.”

Tengfei snorted as he fluttered his fan to dry his face. “Assholes.” He agreed.

When Nie Tengfei managed to fix himself enough so that he didn’t look like he didn’t just have a breakdown, Wei Ying bumped shoulders with him and pointed at the cave entrance. “Wanna go back?”

Tengfei frowned in thought then shook his head.

“That’s fine,” said Wei Ying. “Want to paint instead? We’ve still got plenty of time anyway.”

Tengfei hesitated before he gave a small nod.

Wei Ying suddenly remembered something. “Do you mind if more people join us?”

“Uh. No…?”

Wei Ying grinned. “Good! You’re gonna love my shjiie!”

Five figures huddled over a low table with papers strewn around them.  

“This is so stupid!” Jin Rong grumbled.

“You’re only saying that ‘cause you’re bad at it,” Jiang Cheng replied absently.

“I’m not bad at painting! Tell him A-Li!”

Jin Rong held up his painting of… something. It was probably a peony, but it could also be a grievously deformed fierce corpse.

“I like it!” Jiang Yanli said. “The style feels very…” she stared at the abstract shapes.”…free.”

“Free of talent, you mean,” mumbled Jiang Cheng as he put the finishing touches on his own painting.

Jin Rong slammed his painting onto the table and everyone had to scramble to prevent their ink wells from spilling onto their work.

“I’d like to see yours!” Jin Rong growled at Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng scoffed and held up his own work.

“AHHHHHHHHH!!!” Wei Ying screamed and scrambled onto Yanli’s lap. “ShijiE SHIJIEEEE!!!!” he looped his arms around her shoulders and buried his face in her neck.

  “IT’S A FUCKING PAINTING!” Jiang Cheng shouted as he shook his surprisingly realistic portrait of a Shiba Inu.

“It’s okay A-Ying. Shijie’s here,” Jiang Yanli said as she rubbed circles on her brother’s back.

“Jiang-xiong, you’re surprisingly good!” Nie Tengfei exclaimed, thinking that Wei Ying was just kidding around

“Thank you,” said Jiang Cheng. Then he turned to Jin Rong. “Hear that peacock?”

Jin Rong scowled back at Jiang Cheng. Wei Ying, after calming down, climbed out of his shijie’s lap.

“Don’t compliment him Nie-xiong. He can only paint that one picture,” Wei Ying said sulkily.

“At least I’m a master of one,” Jiang Cheng retorted.

“The full quote is “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”” Wei Ying teased.

 “What a clever quote! From which master did it come from, Wei-xiong?” Tengfei asked while he grinded more ink.

Wei Ying laughed awkwardly. He forgot that the phrase came from his world. He should really just shut up sometimes.

“Oh, I forgot. I’ll tell you when I remember,” Then, he decided to switch topics. “So what did you paint, Nie-xiong?”

When Nie Tengfei slid his painting closer, Wei Ying leaned over to take a look. It was a beautiful landscape painting of a waterfall surrounded by different kinds of blooming flowers. Wei Ying whistled in appreciation. “Nie-xiong, at this rate it’ll only take a few years before you beat Lan Xichen.”

“Wei-xiong, what are you saying? I’m still far from Xichen-ge’s level,” though he protested, he still had a pleased smile on his face.

“I’m done!” said shijie. She held up a cute painting of a black rabbit with a red ribbon around its neck.

Wei Ying gasped dramatically. “Shijie, it’s so cute! Can I have it? Pretty please shijie?”

Yanli smiled at Wei Ying. “Hmmm I don’t know, A-Ying. You’ve always told us that art doesn’t come free,” she said teasingly.

Wei Ying grinned back. “Then how about a trade?” he asked as he held up his own painting.

“A-Ying-!” she whispered wide eyed as she held up her sleeve in surprise.

It was a portrait of Jiang Yanli. However, Wei Ying painted her as a celestial maiden in long flowing robes and a complicated hairdo that was sitting on a large lotus leaf while lotus flowers danced around her.

Yanli carefully took the painting with both her hands. “A-Ying, it’s beautiful. Thank you!”

Wei Ying winked as he took the rabbit painting. “Only the best for my jiejie.”

Jiang Cheng huffed and glared at the far corner of the room.

“I can make one for you too A-Cheng,” Yanli said placatingly.

Jiang Cheng visibly brightened, then looked expectantly at Wei Ying for a second before looking away. Wei Ying couldn’t help but ruffle Jiang Cheng’s hair.

“My didi is so cute!” Wei Ying teased.

Jiang Cheng blushed angrily, “Who’s cute?!”

“Wei-xiong, can we exchange paintings too?” asked Nie Tengfei with a glimmer in his eyes.

Jin Rong cleared his throat. “I, too, would like to exchange paintings.”

Jiang Cheng gave him the side eye.

Jin Rong narrowed his eyes at Jiang Cheng. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Before Jiang Cheng could retort, Jiang Yanli quickly cut in. “Why don’t we all exchange paintings? That way, we could all have something that would remind us of each other.”

“Great idea, shijie!” Wei Ying agreed enthusiastically.

Jiang Yanli had painted everyone animals that reminded her of them. Jiang Cheng was a kitten (which  made  Jiang  Cheng sulk), Nie Tengfei was a sparrow, and lastly, Jin Rong was a hawk. Jiang Yanli was rather bashful as she gave the last painting and Wei Ying had to look away or else he’d spiral in his guilt again.

Wei Ying wasn’t sure what Jin Rong painted and judging from the confused faces around him (except Jiang Cheng because he and Jin Rong wordlessly decided not to exchange anything), neither did they. Something must’ve shown on his face, because Jin Rong blurted out, “It’s you.”

Wei Ying blinked then looked down at the mass of black and red. He couldn’t tell if the red lines were supposed to be his ribbon or if Jin Rong secretly wanted him dead. “Oh. Thanks. It really captures…” he struggled for a word. “…my energy.”

Jin Rong smiled, blush high on his cheeks. “I’m glad you liked it.”

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, but otherwise said nothing.

Unnoticed by everyone, Nie Tengfei’s eyes sharpened, taking note of the exchange, before going back to its usual guilelessness. And then he had to unfurl his fan to hide his surprise when the Jiang sect heir presented them all the same exact copy of his original portrait.

Wei Ying snickered at Tengfei’s expression while he carefully folded the portrait without looking at it. “I told you.”

“…The consistency is rather impressive.” He couldn’t help but comment. Wei Ying snickered again when Jiang Cheng huffed haughtily.

Tengfei had given everyone a different landscape painting – each one not losing its quality despite having only a short time to do them. Wei Ying couldn’t help but let out a string of compliments while Jiang Yanli would occasionally interject with her own. Tengfei shifted closer to Wei Ying and hid behind his fan when he found himself the target of two jealous(?) glares.

Wei Ying laughed himself silly when he presented his own paintings. Jiang Cheng and Jin Rong both had the same twitch in their eye when they received theirs. Jin Rong’s portrait would have been beautiful if Wei Ying hadn’t drawn a large fan of peacock feathers behind his back and Jiang Cheng just received a highly detailed portrait of Wei Ying with his tongue sticking out while giving him the middle finger (Although, he didn’t know what raising the middle finger meant, he still knew that his brother was making fun of him). Nie Tengfei turned bright red when Wei Ying presented him a portrait of himself, his fan clutched demurely in front of him with wide glistening eyes. He didn’t know why there were orbs floating in the back ground or what the words “onii-san daisuki <3” meant, but the reminder that Wei Ying saw his most vulnerable state not 10 minutes since they’ve met made him want to bury his head in the ground.

However, Nie Tengfei did not back down. He fluttered his eyes at Wei Ying. “So this is how Wei-xiong sees me?”

Wei Ying was taken aback for a second, slightly embarrassed, before he grinned mischievously. “That’s because Nie-xiong is adorable,” he said in a sing-song voice. “No wonder his Da-ge loves him so much.”

Nie Tengfei had to admit defeat and hide behind his fan once again because his face had turned a brighter shade of red. How shameless could Wei-xiong be? To call a man “adorable” without batting an eye!

He was so embarrassed that he didn’t notice the two glares that were once again aimed at him while Yanli giggled in the background.

Wei Ying stretched and leaned back on his arms. “What time is it?” he asked as he yawned.

Jiang Yanli looked out the open window, then hesitated before saying, “I think it’s about time we head back. It’s almost time to start burning offerings.”

The room collectively looked at Nie Tengfei who was fluttering his fan slowly – seemingly in deep thought. Then he abruptly shut his fan and looked at them all with a slightly sad smile.

“Do you mind waiting just a bit more? I promise it won’t take too long,” Then he looked at Wei Ying. “Wei-xiong. We were talking about a collaboration earlier. Do you mind if we do it now?”

Wei Ying blinked then agreed. “Of course not, Nie-xiong! What will we be painting?”

The others wordlessly moved to the other side of the room so that the artists wouldn’t be disturbed. They felt that this piece was very important and distracting the two wouldn’t be very good. The two huddled so closely together that their foreheads were almost touching. Tengfei felt his face heat up, but his hand remained steady. When they finished the painting, Wei Ying couldn’t help but grin proudly while Tengfei had the softest look in his eyes.

Jiang Cheng couldn’t hold it in anymore, “What did you two paint?” he asked.

Nie Tengfei flipped the painting around and showed it. It was a portrait of all of them huddled around the low table with big smiles on their faces as they painted.

Jiang Yanli cooed and Jiang Cheng and Jin Rong were also pleased, if not a bit embarrassed.

“That’s a very good painting to hang up in your room,” said Jiang Yanli.  

“Ah, I’m not going to hang it up Jiang-jie,” His head did a little tilting motion that Wei Ying likened to cute little birds. “I’m going to burn it.”

“Huh?!” the room collectively shouted.

“Why are you burning it? That’s such a waste! If you don’t want it, I’ll have it!” Jin Rong said angrily.

Tengfei clutched it protectively to his chest. “No!” he shouted back. “I’m going to offer it to my father!” Tengfei couldn’t help but glance at the painting again. “I want him to know that he doesn’t have to worry about me anymore.”

That he has friends now, Wei Ying sadly thought.

After that, the room quietened down and started to make their journey back. To get there faster, the group took a shortcut through a hallway that was wide enough for only two people to walk comfortably side-by side. At the front was the Nie Tengfei and Wei Ying, in the middle was Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli, and last was Jin Rong.

From around one corner of the intersection at the end of the narrow hallway, Wei Ying could hear footsteps and a couple of voices.  They stopped to let them pass, but unexpectedly, the two Nie disciples also stopped when they noticed them.

Currently, Wei Ying and Nie Tengfei were tall enough to cover the people in the back, so thinking that it was only the weak second master Nie and a servant from the Jiang clan, they didn’t feel the need to hold back their words.

“How fitting for you two to become friends!” one of them said with a sneer.

Wei Ying tucked his hand behind his back and signaled for the others to be quiet. They had no choice but to bite their tongue, trusting that Wei Ying will handle things.

Tengfei trembled slightly and would have taken a step back if Wei Ying hadn’t put a steadying hand on Tengfei’s back.

“And what do you mean by that?” Wei Ying asked with narrowed eyes.

The other disciple who was holding a full set of tea laughed coldly, “Does a servant have any qualifications to talk to me?”

While Tengfei carefully did not look at the tray the disciple has holding, Wei Ying crossed his arms as he pointedly stared at it.

The disciple’s face reddened with embarrassment and rage while his friend snickered at him. Then, he grinned while his eyes looked maliciously at Wei Ying.

“it’s good that you’re here then. Here, take it from me!” the disciple said before he threw the whole tray at Wei Ying. The disciple must not have good aim, since most of the tea set was going to hit Nie Tengfei. When the lid from the pot opened and tea started spraying out, Nie Tengfei’s eyes widened in horror and dread as he clutched pitifully at his painting.

When the world started to slow down, Wei Ying breathed a sigh of relief.

Q: Will the player take the hit?

    [YES]                      [NO]

Player… the system called out but then trailed off.

‘What?’ Wei Ying asked.

Nothing, nothing. Don’t mind me. At this point, the system had already learned to trust the player’s decisions and felt that it didn’t need to remind him about the importance of this singular moment.

Wei Ying did as the system said and ignored it. If he didn’t take the hit, the painting they worked hard on to offer to Nie Tengfei’s father would be ruined. If he pulled Tengfei aside, his brother would be the one that was hit. Wei Ying sighed. Why were they even still bothering to give him choices?  

Wei Ying pressed [YES], then his body moved on its own. He stepped forward and turned his back just in time to be hit. Nie Tengfei had a front row seat to Wei Ying’s pained face as the freshly boiled tea splashed onto his clothes and bare neck.

‘System, why didn’t you warn me?!’

I also didn’t know! The system said – sounding wronged.

Luckily, Wei Ying acquired a buff a few years back that reduced the amount of pain he would be in by 50%. Though it did not lessen the damage he would receive, it did increase his stamina.

[-20 HP!]

[HP : 80/100]

“A-Ying!” Jiang Yanli shouted worriedly.

“What? What happened?!” Jiang Cheng shouted as he pushed Nie Tengfei aside.

Jiang Yanli, using the strength that only her brothers knew she had, manhandled Wei Ying into turning around, knowing that asking about his injuries would be useless.

Jiang Yanli gasped in horror.

“It’s not that bad. It’s just tea.” Wei Ying protested.

Jiang Yanli frantically scrabbled for her medicine pouch, completely ignoring Wei Ying’s statement. Seeing the reddened patch of skin that was starting to get blisters, Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng’s eyes lit with fury.

Realizing that there were actually more people there, and those with an incredibly high standing at that, the pair’s faces turned white and they immediately tried to run.

Jiang Cheng and Jin Rong did not let them get too far.

As shouts of pain resounded somewhere beyond their vision, Nie Tengfei stood slightly dazed as he watched Jiang Yanli apply healing salve. Seeing Tengfei’s wide and watery eyes, Wei Ying couldn’t help but ask, “Hey, you okay?”

Nie Tengfei fiercely clutched at Wei Ying’s sleeve, “You didn’t have to do that! Wei-xiong!”

“What do you mean? Of course, I do!”

“I could have handled it!”

Wei Ying gave Nie Tengfei a “look”. “ Nie-xiong, don’t take this the wrong way, but with my cultivation it’ll only take a few days before everything heals without leaving a trace.”

Nie Tengfei pursed his lips in frustration. He understood. If Tengfei had gotten hit, he would have probably gotten burn scars. Suddenly, his thoughts started to spiral and his eyes slightly darkened. He was weak. Why was he so weak? If he had been stronger, he would have been able to protect himself.  

As Wei Ying let out a hiss of pain, Nie Tengfei had an epiphany. All those talks of training wasn’t for him to protect himself, it was to be able to protect what was his.

Tengfei looked once again at the now slightly wrinkled painting of their happy faces.

His father and his older brother had always been people he looked up to. He’d never had to worry for them, except during night hunts. But now, he has more to protect. People who would get hurt more easily than his brother or his father.

People who he couldn’t protect because he was too fucking weak.

Nie Tengfei unfurled his fan and covered half his face as he gazed ominously in the direction of the pained shouts.

For now, he will find other ways to protect them.

[Achievement Unlocked: Hidden Shrike turns black]

[FRIENDSHIP] with [Nie Tengfei] has increased to Level 10!

Wei Ying choked slightly at the announcement. Wasn’t it just tea? How did it go up by 8 levels?!

The system only sighed resignedly.

When Jin Rong and Jiang Cheng came back with matching sharp grins and bloody knuckles, Nie Tengfei clamed down slightly. By then, Jiang Yanli had already started wrapping Wei Ying’s neck with gauze who was protesting noisily.

“Shijie, is this even necessary? It’ll make it look worse than it is.”

“It’s as bad as it is, “ Yanli corrected with a hint of steel in her voice.

Wei Ying sighed dramatically. “What will mom and dad say?”

Yanli smiled at the comfortable ease that Wei Ying called their parents. “First, mother will shout at you in worry. Then, she will shout at the rest of us, also very worried. Then she will shout at Sect Leader Nie and Madam Jin will join her,” she hummed in thought. “Madam Jin might be waving around something sharp. Then Madam JIn will shout at Sect Leader Jin. Sect Leader JIn will look very upset but he probably doesn’t know what he’s supposed to be upset about. Father will not say anything, but he gets this very scary look in his eyes sometimes.”

Everyone looked at her incredulously while she started treating Jin Rong’s and Jiang Cheng’s knuckles.

Jiang Yanli only smiled back.

Let it be known that you must never doubt Jiang Yanli.  

“WHAT HAPPENED?!” Madam Yu’s shrill voice echoed through the hall once she saw the bandages wrapped around Wei Ying’s neck. She quickly made her way and shouted some more as she gently examined the bandages. “AREN’T YOU THE FIRST DISCIPLE OF YUNMENG JIANG? HOW COULD YOU GET HURT LIKE THIS? DO YOU NEED MORE TRAINING?? HUH???”

Wei Ying tried to protest, but she quickly turned to her other children. When she caught sight of the wounds on Jiang Cheng’s and Jin Rong’s hands, she shouted some more. “A FIGHT?! DID YOU WIN? IF YOU DIDN’T, DON’T DARE TO SHOW YOU FACES IN FRONT OF ME AGAIN! NOW, WHO WAS IT?! WHO DARED CAUSE TROUBLE WITH THE SECT HEIRS OF YUNMENG JIANG AND LANLING JIN?”

 “They were a couple of Nie disciples, mother, “ Jiang Cheng said. He was calm in the face of a storm.

Madam Yu’s face darkened and she slowly turned to face Nie Mingjue. “NIE MINGJUE!”  she hissed.

Nie Mingjue unashamedly hid behind Lan XIchen. Lan Xichen, due to his close relationship with the man, was confident enough to step away and leave him to his own devices. Nie Mingjue gave him a betrayed look, but Lan Xichen only smiled back helplessly.

Madam Jin brought out the same serrated knife she had waved around during Jin Rong’s party. Apparently, she had grown attached. “WHO DO I HAVE TO CUT?!” she shouted after she was done fussing over her own son’s bruised knuckles. “AND YOU!” she whirled towards her husband. “CAN’T YOU BE MORE WORRIED!”

“I am! But it’s just some bruised knuckles! A fight builds character.” Sect Leader Jin defended.

A vein throbbed on Madam Jin’s forehead. “THAT IS NOT THE POINT!”

Throughout the whole thing, Jiang Fengmian was smiling. It felt neither warm nor cold, which was infinitely more terrifying.

Nie Tengfei stared at Jiang Yanli in awe. When their eyes met, she winked at him.

“Madam Yu, Madam Jin, we will definitely punish those disciples accordingly.” Nie Mingjue placated. Though, judging by the self-satisfied smirk that was curling on the youngest Jiang heir’s face, there was probably not much to discipline anymore.

While Madam Yu pulled Jiang Yanli over to explain the situation to Sect Leader Nie, the others huddled together as they watched Nie Tengfei burn his offering. When Tengfei was done praying, he turned to them with bright eyes. Nie Mingjue, who was coming over to them to apologize, saw that his younger brother was the happiest he’d seen since their father died. The hand that was supposed to land on Wei Ying’s shoulder, landed on his head instead.

“Thanks for bringing back my brother, kid,” he meant it in more ways than one. “Why are my disciples causing so much trouble today?” he lamented.

[Task: Find Nie Tengfei] [COMPLETED]

[Obtained 150 EXP!]

[The Player has leveled up! Player is now Level 20!]

[Obtained Nie Mingjue’s head pat!]

<< Nie Mingjue does not give out head pats easily! Even to his own brother! Everyone now knows that Nie Mingjue holds you in high regard. You have now gained the respect of other cultivators.>>

[FRIENDSHIP] with [Nie Mingjue] has increased to Level 1!

[Bonus Reward: My baby bro’s first friend] [ACTIVATED]

[FRIENDSHIP] with [Nie Mingjue] has increased to Level 3!

[FRIENDSHIP] with [Lan Xichen] has increased to Level 1!

[FRIENDSHIP] with [Nie Tengfei] has increased to Level 11!

[FRIENDSHIP] with [Jiang Cheng] has increased to Level 30!

[ROMANCE] with [Jin Rong] has increased to Level 12!

[ROMANCE] with [Meng Yao] has increased to Level 15!

[FAMILIAL] with [Jiang Yanli] has increased to Level 30!

[FAMILIAL] with [Madam Yu] has increased to Level 30!

[FAMILIAL] with [Jiang Fengmian] has increased to Level 30!

Wei Ying’s eyes almost bugged out at all the notifications that filled his vision. Tengfei was right. Nie MIngjue really did give good head pats!

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!” Twin screams of pain resounded from the healer’s room.

“It hurts! It hurts!” one cried.

The other could only sob loudly.

The healer looked at them both with pity as she applied salve to their wounds. Not only were they beaten until their faces were unrecognizable just a week earlier, now they had burns across their whole body – bad enough to scar. She shook her head. She can’t tell if these fellows were just stupid or unlucky. Maybe both.

Outside the room, a figure cloaked in shadows fanned himself slowly before snapping his fan close and leaving.

Chapter Text

Seasons passed as Wei Ying continued to navigate through the otome game; increasing relationship levels and learning new skills. By the time Wei Ying and the rest started going by their courtesy names, they also had their spiritual swords forged.

Jiang Fengmian handed Jiang Cheng his sword. Jiang Cheng bowed then smiled as he unsheathed it. He ran his fingers over the engraving.

“Sandu? That’s a surprisingly good name,” exclaimed Wei Wuxian as he leaned over Jiang Cheng’s shoulder to look at the sword.

Jiang Cheng sheathed his sword and frowned at his brother. “What do you mean by “surprising”?”

Wei Wuxian took a step back and smiled teasingly at Jiang Cheng. “Nothing! It’s a cool name. It fits you perfectly.”

“Hmph,” Jiang Cheng looked away, trying not to look pleased. “Of course it does. Mother helped me name it.”

No wonder! Way to go Madame Yu!

As if knowing what was running in Wei Wuxian’s head, Madame Yu gave a small secretive smile that only Wei Wuxian caught before her face went back to its stoic state.

Turning back to Jiang Cheng he said, “Really? I asked Dad for help with mine.”

Hearing that, both Madame Yu and Jiang Yanli stared at him with twin horror, though Wei Wuxian did not notice.

“And now, A-Ying,” called Jiang Fengmian. There was a mischievous smile on his face.

Wei Wuxian almost skipped over from excitement. He couldn’t keep the bright grin off his face. Wei Wuxian made a list of names for his spirit sword but couldn’t decide. In the end, he just told Jiang Fengmian to just name it whatever.

When Wei Wuxian took the sword, he admired its well-crafted handle before slowly unsheathing the blade – eyes brightly shining with excitement.

Once the engraved characters were visible, his smile froze unnaturally.

Written on his sword was Suibian.

Suibian as in Whatever.

Jiang Fengmian when I told you to name it whatever I didn’t mean it literally!

[Suibian] x1 ADDED TO INVENTORY, the system announced – sounding rather strained.

Jiang Yanli had a hand on her forehead and looked both fond and defeated. Madame Yu glared at Jiang Fengmian as if wanting to wring his neck. Jiang Cheng took one look and snorted before he covered it up with a cough. What a hypocrite.

“Well?” Jiang Fengmian asked. Wei Wuxian could almost see a tail wagging behind him like a giant dog looking for praise.

Wei Wuxian looked up at Jiang Fengmian.

“Not bad!” Wei Wuxian grinned. After thinking it over, it’s really in-line with his type of humor. He could definitely use this to trick boring fuddy-duddies!

Jiang Fengmian looked pleased (and slightly validated) and Madame Yu looked less likely to murder her own husband but was now looking like she was contemplating the sanity of the men in her family.

“Your swords are both beautiful,” called Jiang Yanli.

“Thank you, jie!” Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian said at the same time.

“Strangely, it fits you,” Jiang Cheng begrudgingly complimented as he turned to his brother.

“Aw,” Wei Wuxian clapped a hand over Jiang Cheng’s shoulder. “Thank you, A-Cheng.”

Jiang Cheng slapped his hand away. “Stop calling me that. We’re not kids anymore.”

Wei Wuxian’s brows shot up. “Whatever you say, Wanyin.”

Jiang Cheng’s face scrunched up in distaste.

Wei Wuxian sighed in exasperation. “Fine. Jiang Cheng, then?”

“That’s better, Wei Ying.”

This time, it was Wei Wuxian’s face that scrunched in distaste.

“I preferred it when you called me “Ying-gege”.”

Jiang Cheng blushed and shouted, “When have I called you that?!”

Wei Wuxian sighed dramatically and Yanli giggled in the background. “You used to climb into my bed saying “Ying-gege, I had a nightmare. Can I sleep with you?””

Jiang Cheng squawked and blushed a darker red. “You-! Shut up!” he hissed as he pounced towards Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian laughed loudly and began rough housing.

“Enough, boys! Your father has something else to say,” Madame Yu said sternly.

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian immediately got up and rearranged their disheveled robes and hair. When both boys looked presentable and calmer, Jiang Fengmian started to speak, “Seeing as you are old enough now, you will be sent to the Cloud Recesses to learn from the Lan Sect next year.”

Jiang Cheng looked calm, but his eyes betrayed the excitement he felt at being able to learn from a prestigious sect. Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian had to fight to keep his face neutral. Why did he have to go to school again?!

Jiang Cheng bowed, “Thank you for the opportunity, father! We will sure enjoy our time there.”

Press (x) to doubt. That wasn’t what Huaisang said in his letters from Cloud Recesses.

Despite his own opinion, Wei Wuxian still bowed.

Late at night, Wei Wuxian stared at the ceiling of his bedroom. Now that he was thinking about it, he must be near the end of the first Arc. He could clearly recall the Cloud Recesses Arc as being a generic school arc. The female protagonist, having lost her way in Cloud Recesses, ended up in the male section. Wei Ying has always wondered how she was able to wander in there when the Lan disciples were supposed to be strictly guarding the border between the male and female classrooms. Anyway, the protagonist first met Lan Xichen who helped her find her way to the classroom. Then, when the female disciples saw how the number 1 bachelor “favored” the protagonist, started to bully her. That’s when Lan Wangji, his brother, stepped into save the day. Then the rest of the arc continued on as if the protagonist was in some xianxia version of “The Bachelorette”.

Now there were a few problems. First, he’s already met Lan Xichen. Second, he’s male so he won’t be attending lessons in the female classrooms. Basically, he hasn’t even been to the Cloud Recesses yet and he’s already fucked up the plot. Once he gets there he was going to go in blind. If so, then what was the use of transmigrating if he can’t even use the knowledge he gained from his previous playthrough?!

Wei Wuxian rolled over and huffed. Perhaps he should interrogate his system? Maybe it could give him some clues about the plot.

And then between one blink and the next, Wei Wuxian suddenly found himself sitting on the balcony of a tea house; a cup of steaming tea was already in his hands. In front of him was a low table and behind it was a person hidden behind a curtain of gauze. Wei Wuxian studied the silhouette but could not gauge their age or gender. The silhouette leisurely fanned themselves with one hand and drank tea with the other.

“Hello player,” a clear voice sounded.

Wei Wuxian blinked. “…System?”

“Hehe,” the system laughed haughtily. “Yes, it’s me. Surprised?” Before Wei Wuxian could ask what was happening, the system continued on, “I was promoted recently so now I can manifest in your dreams.”

“Why are you hiding behind a curtain? Are you ugly?” Wei Wuxian teased.

“I’m not hiding and I’m not ugly!” the system angrily shut their fan.

“So what? You’re just acting mysterious?”

The system grumbled, “It’s so I don’t have to worry about rendering useless details.”

Wei Wuxina hummed. He ran his finger around the rim of teacup and felt each small crack and chip. He eyed the wood grain on the table in front of him and found no repeating pattern. Even the gauze curtain, should one look closer, had pores of varying sizes.

“Okay,” Wei Wuxian eventually said. “I believe you.”

The system was quiet for a moment before Wei Wuxian watched the system’s silhouette raise a fist to their mouth and cough loudly.

“Anyway,” the system once again opened their fan and began to fan themselves, “congratulations! You’ve almost finished the first Arc. After you master the use of your sword, you will move onto the next Arc.”

Wei Wuxian leaned back into a more comfortable sitting position.

“Can you tell me what I’m supposed to expect for the next Arc?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“The usual; earning relationship points, exploring the plot, levelling up, etc. Oh, I guess you can play mini games now.”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened, and he sat up straight. “Games imply the existence of a reward. What prize do I get?”

“Sharp of you, player,” the system sighed. “You get to earn points depending on the difficulty of the game. The points can then be spent in the Shop.”

“There’s a shop?! Where? Show me!”

The system loudly smacked the table with their fan. “Calm down! You can’t use it yet since you haven’t finished the first Arc.”

Wei Wuxian pouted, “I just want to look at the items.” He fluttered his eyes, “Pleeeaasseee?”

“…You’re gonna be annoying about this if I say “No”, aren’t you?” The system paused then let out a long-suffering sigh, “Fine.”

Suddenly, a large transparent screen blinked into existence in front of Wei Wuxian. He excitedly perused the store. There were clothes, accessories, shoes, make up, and then Wei Wuxian reached the end of the items list. He blinked. No way, there has got to be more right? Wei Wuxian spent a few more minutes looking frantically for other items inside the shop.

“System,” he called – sounding bewildered, “Where are the weapons? The potions? The cultivation manuals?!”

Wei Wuxian could not see the system’s face, but he could imagine them grimacing.

“…Sorry, player. Although there is fighting involved, the game is still primarily an otome.”

“Then what’s the point of the shop?!”

“Different outfits and accessories will increase your relationship points with certain targets.”

“I don’t need that!”

“… Are you sure?”

“Yes!” Wei Wuxian was very adamant.

The system scratched their cheek. “Well, I have to run it through management, but maybe we can add the option of converting your points into money.”

Wei Wuxian was immediately placated. “Yes, please!”

“Don’t get your hopes up,” the system pointed their fan at the player. “The higher ups barely have a heart.”

Wow, Wei Ying thought, There must be a story there huh?

 The system refilled their teacup and took a sip as the Shop window blinked out of existence. “I don’t have any other news to tell you. If you have any other questions, just continue to call on me like always.”

“Will do, system!”

“Goodluck player.”

And then Wei Wuxian woke up to Jiang Cheng shouting in his ear about oversleeping and being late for training.

For the following months, both Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were subjected to harsh training on how to fly on a sword and fight with it until they reached Madame Yu’s standards. They frequently went out to night hunts, which Wei Wuxian used to level up his stats. By then end of the training, despite their young age, Wei Wuxian and Jiang are now able to match an average adult cultivator. Madame Yu was so proud of them she even gave them a rare compliment.

Jiang Cheng had even teared up a little despite being so sore he, Wuxian, and the other disciples were unable to get up from the training field.

Jiang Yanli walked over to them while struggling to carry two large watermelons. She set the watermelons on top of the table with a heavy huff. She wiped the sweat from her brow and smiled at them all.

“Would anyone like some watermelon?”

Groans echoed out throughout the training field, but none made the move to get up. Jiang Yanli giggled.

“I was hoping one of you could cut this for me,” Yanli said.

Jiang Cheng made an effort to roll over and kick Wei Wuxian in the shin. “You do it.”

Wei Wuxian raised two shaking fingers. Suibian flew out of its sheathe, dove into the waters of Lotus Pier, shook off the water like dog, and then zoomed to the watermelons to slice it. Afterwards, it flew back into the water to wash itself, shake off the water, then returned to its scabbard.

Jiang Cheng wrinkled his nose, “Is that sanitary?”

Wei Wuxian shrugged as best as he can while lying down.

“I washed it, so probably?” Wei Wuxian said indifferently.

A chorus of “Da-shixiong, that’s gross!” resounded.

“I can eat them by myself then,” Wei Wuxian replied.

The complaints stopped abruptly.

Jiang Yanli laughed softly as she distributed the slices to the disciples who were still sit up.

“You all did well,” she said.

Variations of muffled “Thank you, shijie” was muttered through a mouthful of watermelon.

“A-Cheng, A-Ying, Mother and Father told me to tell you that you both will be leaving to Cloud Recesses in a week,” she said as she handed them their share of slices.

Wei Wuxian managed to sit up and spit out a seed.

“Already?” Wei Wuxian grumbled.

“Don’t sound so excited now, Wei Ying,” Jiang Cheng said sarcastically then sat up and spit out a seed.

“But Jiang Cheng!” Wei Wuxian whined. “What if jie starts to miss us?”

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and Jiang Yanli giggled into her sleeve.

“Jie won’t be lonely if you write to her every week,” she said as she patted both her brothers’ heads.

Wei Wuxian hit his chest, “We’ll write to you every day. It’ll be so detailed, it’s like you were there with us!”

Jiang Yanli smiled fondly, “I’ll be looking forward to that, A-Ying.”

FAMILIAL] with [Jiang Yanli] has increased to Level 48!

Two weeks later, Wei Wuxian breathed in the fresh breeze as his ponytail swayed in the wind. He looked up at the gate leading to Cloud Recesses that was beginning to be painted in sunset colors and smiled.

Jiang Cheng clapped his shoulder as he passed by to enter the gate, “What are you daydreaming about? Come on!”

Wei Wuxian grinned and started running.

“Jiang Cheng, you’re too slow!”

“Wha- Wei Wuxian, are you five?!” Jiang Cheng cursed as he tried to catch up to Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian looked back and grinned as he passed through the gate, “Xianxian is three!”

[ACT I: LOTUS PIER] [END]

[ACT II: CLOUD RECESSES] [START]

[SHOP] is now [UNLOCKED]

Once Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng reached the top of the steps and entered Cloud Recesses, they immediately met Nie Huaisang and Jin Zixuan who were waiting for them.

“Jiang-xiong! Wei-xiong!” Nie Huaisang waved enthusiastically.

“Took you long enough,” Zixuan scoffed as he pointedly looked at the setting sun.

“Aww,” Wei Wuxian cooed when he reached them. “You guys were waiting for us? How sweet!”

Jin Zixuan turned red and spluttered, “I wasn’t waiting for you!”

Huaisang fluttered his fan, “Jin-xiong, he said “us”.”

Jin Zixuan blushed darker and glared at Nie Huaisang. Huaisang squeaked and hid behind Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian who shook their head and laughed respectively.

Wei Wuxian looked around and frowned, “Yao-ge couldn’t come?”

Jin Zixuan sighed sadly, “Unfortunately, only certain Jin disciples were allowed.”

“Yes, how unfortunate,” said Huaisang – slightly monotone.

Wei Wuxian squinted slightly at Huaisang who blinked at him innocently. Honestly, Wei Wuxian couldn’t figure out if Huaisang and Meng Yao actually got along. Whenever they all hung out, Huaisang and Meng Yao could be seen having pleasant conversation. It was just comments like these, while the other wasn’t around, that had Wei Wuxian doubting. Wei Wuxian then decided not to touch this issue with a ten-foot-pole. If they had issues with each other, he was sure the both of them could solve it by themselves. They were two of the most civil people he knows after all!

“Now that we’re here, how about giving us a tour, Huaisang? Since you’re already so well acquainted with Cloud Recesses,” Wei Wuxian teased.

“Wei-xiong, it’s not funny! Da-ge almost bit off my head when he found out I had to repeat a year!” Huaisang whined.

“That’s your own fault,” Jin Zixuan and Jiang Cheng said simultaneously. When they realized what happened, they glared at each other.

“Well,” Wei Wuxian rubbed his nose, “Luckily you get the spend the year with us, right Huaisang?”

“Right,” Huaisang said slowly. There was a flash of a smug smile before Huaisang raised his fan to cover the lower half of his face. “I’m very lucky to spend my repeat year with you guys, Wei-xiong.”

“Uh,” Wei Wuxian started to feel awkward from the intense eye contact. “Then the tour?”

Huaisang shook his head sadly, “I’d love to give you guys a tour, but it’s already seven.”

“Yeah, and?” Jiang Cheng asked with furrowed brows.

Zixuan huffed and explained, “There’s a curfew here. If you’re not in bed by nine, you’ll be punished.”

“What!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed – outraged.

“It would be better for you both to eat dinner and unpack. I’ll give you guys a proper tour tomorrow,” Huaisang said apologetically.

Jiang Cheng nodded. “Then at least show us the rooms.”

“Alright. Follow me!” Huaisang said.

They chatted and caught each other up with their lives as they walked towards their rooms and ate dinner.

Later, sometime after curfew, Wei Wuxian laid wide awake on top of his bed. For some reason he couldn’t sleep. No matter how much he tossed and turned or how long he closed his eyes, sleep just wouldn’t come.

Wei Wuxian made a decision as he sat up and put on his outer robe and shoes. He was going to go out and find some Emperor’s Smile! Surely some fine alcohol would help him sleep.

He just put his foot on the windowsill when a notification sounded out.

[Mini Game: Evasion]

[Rules: Reach the outside of Cloud Recesses without getting caught.]

[Reward: 500 points]

Wei Wuxian grinned and jumped out of the window and landed into the bushes just in time to avoid being seen by the patrolling disciple who just rounded the corner. For a brief moment a red exclamation mark appeared on top of the disciples head as the disciple paused and looked around. Hearing nothing and seeing no movement, the disciple continued on his patrol. When the red exclamation mark disappeared, Wei Wuxian popped his head out of the bushes.

Wow!  How convenient.

Whenever there was a red exclamation mark on top of a disciple’s head, Wei Wuxian made sure to hide. After a while, he managed to safely hop over the wall.

 [Mini Game: Evasion] [CLEARED]

Player has earned 500 points!

Wei Wuxian called out to the system, ‘System, about the points conversion…’

Ah, yes. The higher ups took note of your suggestion, the system said with slight disbelief, It has already implemented in the shop. The conversion rate is 2 points = 1 yuan.

Wei Wuxians eyes lit up happily.

‘Now I have enough to buy three Emperor’s Smile!’

…Yes.

The system wanted to add you drunkard but decided not to for fear of retaliation from its host.

Wei Wuxian excitedly made his way to Caiyi and bought the three jars. He happily drank the first one on the way back. He planned to drink the second one in his room and the third one he was planning to give to Jiang Cheng.

Just as he was climbing back up the wall, the clouds covered the moon, casting the area into darkness. Wei Wuxian had to rely on what little moonlight spilled through to see. He squinted his eyes trying to will himself into developing night vision. What rotten luck!

Wei Wuxian managed to put one leg over the wall.

“Take your foot back,” said a masculine voice from somewhere below him.

Wei Wuxian froze. Damn you Murphy’s law!

“But I already have one foot in. It’s fine if I followed it up with the other, right? It’s just a foot after all!” Wei Wuxian tried to reason.

With that, Wei Wuxian continued to climb up until he was standing on the wall. The figure jumped and landed near him.

“What do you have in your hands?” the Lan disciple asked coldly.

“Oh this?” Wei Wuxian grinned and held the jars up. The clouds started to move away, and moonlight started to slowly fill the area. “It’s Emperor’s Smile! If I share a jar with you, can you pretend you never saw me?”

Wei Wuxian watched the as the moonlight dramatically climbed up, first revealing the disciple’s shoe and then revealed the lower half of his robes as it inched up. In the back of his mind, Wei Wuxian commented on how the moon wasn’t a spotlight. Why was the light moving like that?

The disciple sees Wei Wuxian’s face at the same time Wei Wuxian sees his.

The surroundings darkened, leaving only the beautiful figure bathed in moonlight. ‘LAN WANGJI’ hovered above his head.

Hah! So it is that fuddy-duddy!

Wei Wuxian quickly read over Lan Wangji’s stats and almost whistled with appreciation. As expected of a prodigy!

Lan Wangji’s mouth twitched, and he opened his mouth to reply.

Wei Wuxian wasn’t able to hear what Lan Wangji said because at the same time the system decided to announce:

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

Wei Wuxian froze.

Chapter Text

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

Wei Wuxian froze.

Suddenly, the notification was overlapped by another.

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!, it rang out instead.

Wei Wuxian breathed a sigh of relief. So, it turned out to be a bug. For a second there, he thought Lan Wangji would become a part of his unwanted harem.

Wei Wuxian took a second to admire the Lan disciple. The first time he had seen Lan Wangji’s character design, Wei Wuxian did not think for another second and downloaded the game without reading its plot.  He had seen Lan Wangji’s stoic face so many times while playing the game that he had already become accustomed to its striking appearance. But standing here, with the moonlight bathing Lan Wangji’s body in a soft ethereal glow, Wei Wuxian could feel his palms sweat a little.

He did not want Lan Wangji to dislike him, but –

“Why don’t you tell me exactly what isn’t forbidden in your sect?” Wei Wuxian’s grin curled slightly into a haughty smirk.

 - He had always thought Lang Wangji’s angry face was particularly handsome.

Lan Wangji’s mouth twitched slightly, and his eyes seemed to burn through Wei Wuxian. He pointedly directed his gaze to the far right. Wei Wuxian followed his gaze and found that he was looking at the wall that spanned several meters, filled with thousands of rules written in a language that Wei Wuxian could barely read. He clicked his tongue. Yeah, he will not be reading that.

“Okay how about this?” Wei Wuxian uncapped a jar of Emperor’s Smile. “Technically, I’m not standing in Cloud Recesses, right? So, I’ll just drink everything here and there won’t be any problem,” then he tipped his head back and drank.

Lan Wangji’s eyes latched on to a drop of wine that slipped out from the corner of Wei Wuxian’s mouth. It gleamed brightly as if telling Lan Wangji not to take his eyes off it. His breathing picked up speed as he watched the drop slowly make its way down Wei Wuxian’s long neck. It paused at Wei Wuxian’s adam’s apple, and Lan Wangji watched it bob with each gulp of wine. Lan Wangji’s teeth itched, wanting to bite. He clenched his jaw and his fingers twitched. He wanted to grab something – though he did not know what. As the drop resumed its slow descent, Lan Wangji felt himself grow warmer and warmer. The drop disappeared somewhere beneath Wei Wuxian’s inner robe and Lan Wangji licked his lips.

He ached to taste.

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

Wei Wuxian choked and suddenly, Lan Wangji was pulled out of his reverie. Lan Wangji’s blood boiled.

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

He unsheathed his sword while Wei Wuxian had a coughing fit. Just as Wei Wuxian stopped, Lan Wangji struck. Wei Wuxian instantly unsheathed Suibian and parried.

The clanging sounds of metal rang through the night as the two fought each other. They rapidly blinked from one roof to the next until Lan Wangji managed to dislodge the Emperor’s Smile from Wei Wuxian’s grip. Wei Wuxian cursed and attempted to reach for it but was blocked by Lan Wangji’s sword.

He and Wei Wuxian stared heatedly at each other. Wei Wuxian’s eyes glinted like a freshly polished sword while Lan Wangji’s glowed like amber in sunlight. The sound of breaking clay rang distantly, and Wei Wuxian was the first to look away. He turned around and ran as the low murmurs of the patrolling Lan disciples grew nearer.

Wei Wuxian looked back to check if Lan Wangji was following just as he jumped towards a tree.

Their eyes met one last time before Wei Wuxian’s vision was obstructed by bark and leaves.

The next day, soft laughter can be heard as Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, Nie Huaisang, and Jin Zixuan walked towards their classroom.

“Wei-xiong,” Nie Huaisang called. “Listen to my advice, okay? There’s one person here that you shouldn’t ever provoke.”

“Huh? Why are you singling me out?” Wei Wuxian asked in mock offense. Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and Jin Zixuan muttered something under his breath while shaking his head. “Anyway, Jiang Cheng already told me not to make trouble for Lan Qiren.”

“No, not him,” Huaisang replied. “I’m talking about his proudest disciple, Lan Wangji.”

Wei Wuxian couldn’t keep the amused smiled from appearing on his face. “The Lan Zhan from the Two Jades of Lan? Lan Wangji?”

Jiang Cheng squinted at him with eyes full of suspicion.

“Is there any other person named Lan Zhan, Wei-xiong?” Huaisang huffed. “He’s around our age but acts like he could be one of his clan’s elders. He’s even more strict than his uncle!”

“Oh?” Wei Wuxian put a hand on his chin and hummed “thoughtfully”. “Is he someone who looks quite pretty?”

Jiang Cheng sneered, “Is there anyone who looks ugly in the GusuLan Sect?"

“GusuLan doesn’t accept disciples with – “ Jin Zixuan raised his hands to make air quotes, “ – unclean features.”

Wei Wuxian elbowed Jiang Cheng playfully, “Luckily you weren’t born in GusuLan.”

Jiang Cheng raised his fist threateningly, “And what do you mean by that?”

Wei Wuxian laughed and turned back to face Huaisang. “Very pretty,” he corrected. He pointed to the top of his head, “Wears white from top to bottom, wears a forehead ribbon, and carries a silver sword on his back. Good-looking but so stoic he looks like he’s mourning.”

Nie Huaisang waved his fan excitedly, “That’s him!”

After a pause, Huaisang spoke again, “Lan Wangji’s been in secluded meditation for the past few days. You just got here yesterday; when did you meet him?”

“Last night,” Wei Wuxian replied.

At that the whole group paused as the horror slowly began to sink in.

“…There’s a curfew. We told you that,” Jin Zixuan said in disbelief.

Before Wei Wuxian could reply, Jiang Cheng gripped his shoulders tightly and turned Wei Wuxian around to face him.

“Explain. Now,” he said with gritted teeth.

Wei Wuxian recounted his first meeting with Lan Wangji and was met with mixed reactions. Huaisang nervously fanned himself, Jin Zixuan was slightly awed from the pure audacity of Wei Wuxian’s actions, and Jiang Cheng, used to his brother’s antics, simply rubbed his temples.

Wei Wuxian continued walking while he put his arms behind his head, and the rest of the group followed suit.

“Wei-xiong, you’re gonna die!” Huaisang said anxiously. “Although Lan Wangji isn’t our classmate, he’s in charge of punishments in the Lan Sect!”

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes and waved his hand, “What’s there to be scared of? Lan Wangji’s a prodigy, isn’t he? He’s probably so smart he already learned everything he needs to. Why would he bother to come after little…. “

The group paused at the door of the classroom where they stared at Lan Wangji, who in stared back at them coldly.

“…old me?” Wei Wuxian finished glumly.

The rest of the students had quickly occupied seats that were the furthest from Lan Wangji. Huaisang quickly claimed a seat and sent the rest an apologetic smile. He really did not want to sit near Lan Wangji.

Jiang Cheng patted Wei Wuxian’s shoulder and whispered, “He’s after you. Good luck.”

Jiang Cheng gave him a reassuring squeeze but still sat beside Nie Huaisang. He shrugged his shoulders when Wei Wuxian pouted at him.

Now, there were only two desks left: one directly next to Lan Wangji, and the other diagonally behind him.

Jin Zixuan looked at Wei Wuxian, Wei Wuxian looked back, then they stared at the two remaining seats. It was half a minute before someone moved. With a loud gulp, Jin Zixuan stiffly made his way to the seat beside Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian felt his heart go warm. Jin Zixuan was such a good guy!

Lan Wangji sensed someone coming near and looked up at the person. Jin Zixuan went still then suddenly made a U-turn to the seat diagonally behind Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian took it all back. That asshole!

Jin Zixuan lowered his head and looked everywhere but Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian sighed. Whatever, it’s just Lan Wangji. What’s the worst he could do?

With that, Wei Wuxian plopped himself next to said person. Lan Wangji didn’t even look at him despite his improper posture. So, Wei Wuxian took the chance to study Lan Wangji’s features closely. His lashes were long and delicate and with every blink, swept across his cheeks elegantly. His lips looked soft and pink, like petals on a flower that had just bloomed. His hair was dark and shiny; If Wei Wuxian touched it, would it feel like silk?

Wei Wuxian opened his mouth to start a conversation, but Lan Qiren suddenly walked into the room.

The room darkened and the name Lan Qiren floated regally above his head along with the rest of his stats.

[ANTAGONISTIC] with [Lan Qiren] has now reached Level 1!

Damn, they haven’t even properly met yet. Did Lan Wangji tattle on him?

Lan Qiren was tall, imposing, and wasn’t as old as others make him sound like. He looked a lot like Lan Wangji, actually. Wei Wuxian can slightly understand why a small part of the fandom simped over Lan Qiren, but that goatee and seemingly permanent frown really wasn’t doing him any good.

Lan Qiren held a scroll in one hand and when he opened it, the scroll reached the ground. He cleared his throat and started to recite each one of the Lan Sect rules in a bland voice. From the corner of his eye, Wei Wuxian could see some of his classmate’s faces turn gloomy.

After a while, Wei Wuxian became bored out of his mind. He turned to look at Lan Wangji. Surprisingly, despite already knowing all the rules, Lan Wangji was listening attentively. Wei Wuxian wondered how he hasn’t yet died of boredom like the rest of them.

Suddenly, Lan Qiren slammed the scroll onto the ground with a bitter smile, “I was reading it one by one since none of you seem to want to read it yourselves. That way, no one would be able to use ignorance as an excuse. However, there are still people who are not paying attention. Very well, I will proceed to the next topic.”

Wei Wuxian’s mouth twisted to the side. He had a feeling Lan Qiren was talking about him.

And to none of Wei Wuxian’s surprise, Lan Qiren called him out, “Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian raised his hand, “Here.”

Lan Qiren turned to fully face him then a notification rang out.

[Mini Game: Quiz Bee]

 

[Rules: Pick the correct answer before the timer runs out]

 

[Reward: 700 points]

Wei Wuxian perked up with interest.

In front of Lan Qiren, several semi-opaque rectangles hovered in front of him, with one bigger than the rest that spanned from one side to the other of Wei Wuxian’s vision.

“Are yao, demons, ghosts, and monsters the same thing?” asked Lan Qiren.

As Lan Qiren spoke, the question wrote itself on the largest panel. When Lan Qiren finished speaking, a timer appeared and so did the three choices:

A. Yes

B. No

C. Maybe

Though it was nice of the game to take it easy on him, he didn’t need to read any of the presented answers.

Wei Wuxian smiled, “No.”

[Question 1: Correct!]

“Why not? How are they differentiated?” asked Lan Qiren once again.

The panels had not finished changing text before Wei Wuxian answered, “Yao are formed from living, non-human beings; demons are formed from living humans; ghosts are formed from dead humans; monsters are formed from dead, non-human beings.”

Wei Wuxian grinned winningly, and Lan Qiren narrowed his eyes in challenge. Lan Qiren asked question after question with increasing difficulty, and Wei Wuxian answered so quickly, the mini game stopped loading.

Wei Wuxian’s classmates were watching their exchange with extreme nervousness. They prayed that Wei Wuxian would be able to answer everything so that Lan Qiren wouldn’t have to call on them.

“As a disciple of the YunmengJiang Sect, you should have already been familiar with these questions. Therefore, I will present to you a different question: there is an executioner with parents, a wife, and children, but before he died, he executed more than one hundred people. He suddenly died in public and, to punish him for his deeds, he was left on the streets for seven days. With the repressed energy of resentment, he started to haunt and kill. What should be done?”

This time, Wei Wuxian didn’t answer quickly. He looked to the side – thinking. The game finally had a chance to load and presented him with a range of possible answers, but Wei Wuxian ignored it. He was still thinking even when the timer went out.

[Mini Game: Quiz Bee] [CLEARED]

 

[HIGH SCORE: 6/7]

 

Player has earned 600 points!

“Wangji,” Lan Qiren called. “Answer this question.”

Lan Wangji stood up and did not look at Wei Wuxian as he answered, “First, liberate; second, suppress; third, eliminate.”

Lan Wangji further explained his answer for the benefit of everyone in the class, but all the while, Wei Wuxian remained lost in thought.

Lan Qiren nodded with satisfaction, “Excellent.” Then he continued, “No matter in terms of cultivation or as a person, one needs to be as solid as this. If one becomes complacent and proud just because they defeated a few simple mountain beings in their home and hold some empty reputations, one would definitely bring disgrace upon themselves sooner or later.”

Wei Wuxian raised his brows and looked at Lan Wangji. That old fuddy-duddy called Lan Wangji into class just so he could show him up. Well, Wei Wuxian wasn’t going take this lying down.

“I have a question,” said Wei Wuxian.

“Oh no,” someone whispered. Most likely Jiang Cheng.

“Although liberation comes first, it is often impossible,” Wei Wuxian continued. “ ‘To grant his dying wish’ sounds simple – it would be easy if the wish was a new piece of clothing, but what if the wish was to kill lots of people for revenge?”

Lan Wangji answered once again without looking at him, “Thus, suppression assists liberation. If it is necessary, elimination would also follow.”

“But that’s such a waste,” Wei Wuxian said. “I wasn’t able to answer not because I didn’t know it, but because I was thinking of a fourth option.”

“I have never heard of a fourth option,” Lan Qiren said resolutely.

Wei Wuxian spoke while trying to tamp down the shit-eating grin that was threatening to bloom across his face, “Because the executioner died in such a way, it is only natural that he turned into a ferocious corpse. Since he executed more than a hundred people before he died, why not…” he waved his hand as if off handedly talking about the weather, “….dig up the graves of these people, arouse their energy of resentment, collect the heads of those hundred people, and use them to fight with the ferocious corpse…”

Lan Wangji finally turned around to look at him. His brows were furrowed but otherwise, he remained impassive. On the other hand, Lan Qiren was bright red with rage.

“How dare you!” Lan Qiren shouted.

[ANTAGONISTIC] with [Lan Qiren] has now reached Level 3!

Everyone in the room was stunned, even Lan Wangji. He had never heard his uncle shout like that.

“You are ignoring ethics and morality!” he continued his rant.

Wei Wuxian shrugged, “Energy is energy. If we can control Spiritual energy, why not Resentful energy?”

Lan Qiren hurled a book towards but he managed to dodge. Unfortunately, the person behind him didn’t.

“Then let me ask you again! How would you make sure the Resentful energy listens to you and does not harm others?”

Wei Wuxian scratched his cheek, “I haven’t though of that yet.”

“If you thought of it, the cultivation world would not allow your existence! Get out!” Lan Qiren raged.

Wei Wuxian didn’t waste a second and quickly made his escape.

Frankly, Wei Wuxian was surprised that Lan Wangji’s antagonistic level didn’t increase like his uncle’s. Could it be? Did Wei Wuxian still have a chance to make Lan Wangji his friend?

Wei Wuxian took the time to explore Cloud Recesses and all the parts that wasn’t shown in his previous playthrough.

When Jiang Cheng, Nie Huaisang, and Jin Zixuan finally found him, he was lounging on the roof of a tall wall.

“Wei Wuxian! Come down here!” shouted Jiang Cheng.

Oh no. Courtesy names. Jiang Cheng must be pissed at him.

He jumped of the roof and landed in front of them.

“I can’t believe you did that, Wei-xiong!” Huaisang exclaimed. “I have never seen his face so red before! And you actually went out when he told you to get out! Hahahaha!”

Jin Zixuan’s mouth twitched up to a brief smile before he elbowed Huaisang then tilted his head in Jiang Cheng’s direction.

Yeah, Jiang Cheng really does not look pleased.

Nie Huaisang coughed, “Why does it seem like old man Lan has it in for you? I always felt like all his scolding were meant for only you.”

“That’s because it is,” Wei Wuxian replied at the same time Jiang Cheng said, “It serves him right. What sort of answer was that? It’s fine if you spout this nonsense at home, but not in front of Lan Qiren! That’s suicide!”

“No matter what I answered, he still wouldn’t like me, so I thought I might as well have my fun,” Wei Wuxian replied.

Nie Huaisang had a thoughtful look on his face, “To be honest, Wei-xiong’s theory was quite interesting. If one would be able to wield resentful energy successfully, even a talentless dog like could keep up with the rest of you.”

“Okay, let’s stop talking about it,” said Jin Zixuan.

Jiang Cheng cut in, “It’s fine to talk about it,” he said just to be contrary. “but don’t even think of doing it!”

Jiang Cheng really seemed worried about this, even Jin Zixuan looked a little uneasy with the topic.

Wei Wuxian clapped both Jiang Cheng’s and Jin Zixuan’s shoulders, “If it was that easy, people would have already done it.”

Wei Wuxian didn’t want to make any promises. While he’s not thinking of becoming a demonic cultivator right now, who’s to say about the future?

“Oh hey, are you guys busy? Since it’s not curfew yet, let’s go hunt pheasants,” Wei Wuxian said abruptly.

“There aren’t any pheasants here,” Jin Zixuan said as he tried to “sneakily” raise his hand to hold Wei Wuxian’s own.

“You can’t,” he said as he slapped Jin Zixuan’s hand away while never taking his eyes off Wei Wuxian. “Lan Qiren said you have to copy the Virtue section of ‘Righteousness’ three times.”

“Three times?!” Wei Wuxian shouted. “I’d die if I have to copy them once!”

“I’m not from the Lan Sect and I don’t intend to marry into the Lan Clan, so why should I copy the sect rules of his sect?” Wei Wuxian continued to complain.

Jiang Cheng glared at Nie Huaisang and Jin Zixuan when they looked suspiciously pleased.

“Wei-xiong, I can copy for you,” Huaisang quickly offered.

“…What do you want, Huaisang?”

Huaisang laughed sheepishly, “Well, you see, Lan Qiren has this bad habit of…”

Huaisang coughed and hid his face behind his fan. Jin Zixuan and Jiang Cheng stood rigidly while looking at something behind Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian turned around, and sure enough, it was Lan Wangji.

With the way Lan Wangji stared at them, they all might as well turn to ice.

Were they talking too loudly? How much did he hear from their conversation?

Wei Wuxian didn’t care about that and put on his brightest and most friendly smile while heading towards Lan Wangji, “Wangji-xiong!”

 [ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

Lan Wangji turned around and immediately walked away.

Wei Wuxian gaped. Another bug? He needed to inform the system ASAP.

“He ignored you,” Jin Zixuan said, sounding like Lan Wangji had just stepped on his virtue.

“It looks like he really hates you, Wei-xiong,” chimed Huaisang. “Lan Wangji is usually never so… impolite.”

Yeah, Wei Wuxian already knew. He could read, after all.

“I just wanted to apologize,” Wei Wuxian pouted.

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms, “After consciously ruining both your first and second impression, do you still think he would want to talk to you?”

“Well…”

Okay, maybe Jiang Cheng had a point. But he should also know that Wei Wuxian can be as stubborn as a rock when he wants to. He’ll get Lan Wangji to talk to him somehow!

Chapter Text

It didn’t take long for Wei Wuxian to find out what Lan Qiren’s infamous bad habit was. Apparently, not only were his lectures long and boring, but he also liked to give out long tests after each lesson.

Wei Wuxian watched with amusement as Nie Huaisang slaved away copying Virtue two times for him. Honestly, Huaisang should have just asked him to help him study if he was working this hard anyway.

But Huaisang had begged, saying, “Please, Wei-xiong, if my grade is lower than yi, my brother would really break my legs!”

Well, whatever. At least he only had to copy Virtue once now.

…Actually, maybe he should be a bit more concerned that Huaisang was able to copy his chicken scratch-like handwriting perfectly.

On the day of the test, Wei Wuxian had strips of paper hidden in his sleeves. For every odd number on the test, he would write down the answer, roll the paper into a ball the size of a bead, then toss it at different students discreetly.

[Mini Game: Pass the Message]

[Rules: Pass the answers to the questions without getting caught]

[Reward: 1000 points]

He managed to pass around five answers before a hand reached out and intercepted his sixth one.

Lan Wangji pulled his hand back and opened the ball of paper. His eyes scanned the strip of paper for a moment before his brows furrowed and he burned it to dust.

[Mini Game: Pass the Message] [FAILED]

[Reward: 0 points]

Huaisang and him shared a glance. Fuck.

Lan Qiren was so livid he wrote several scrolls worth of letters detailing their misdeeds before sending it to the clans of each student that was caught. Lan Qiren’s Antagonism level increased just thinking about the time before Wei Wuxian arrived; although the disciples couldn’t sit still, they at least did not cause trouble! Now, the originally well-behaved (at least in front of him) disciples started drinking liquor and sneaking out at night. And now, this!

Lan Qiren’s blood pressure rose when he read the reply from Jiang Fengmian, “Ying has always been like this. Please take care to discipline him. : )”

Lan Qiren did not know what “: )“ meant and why Jiang Fengmian was suddenly incorporating dubious symbols in official letters, but he had a feeling that menace had something to do with it!

This time, the amount Wei Wuxian had to copy increased. Normally, Wei Wuxian had people to copy for him in exchange for test answers, but suddenly his most valued customer, Nie Huaisang, backed out.

“Wei-xiong, even if I want to help you, I can’t anymore. You’d have to endure it on your own,” said Huaisang mournfully.

Wei Wuxian’s brows rose. He doubted Huaisang was turning over a new leaf.

“What happened?” he asked.

“Old— uh… Lan-laoshi said that you have to copy both Virtue and Conduct,” Huaisang winced with sympathy. Conduct was so long that you only have to copy it once to lose all interest in life. “He also said that, for the duration of your punishment, nobody is allowed to fool around with you or copy for you.”

“How would he know if someone was copying for me? It’s not like he’s going to make someone watch me while I copy texts, right?”

Huaisang remained silent.

“…right?” he asked as he looked at Jin Zixuan.

Jin Zixuan averted his gaze.

“That’s exactly the case,” Jiang Cheng spoke up.

“…” Wei Wuxian took a deep breath. “Please tell me I heard wrong.”

Jiang Cheng barely kept a smug smile from appearing on his face, “He said that you’re not allowed to go outside and have to go to the Library Pavilion to copy, and also to face the wall and reflect upon your mistakes. Naturally, someone will be there to watch you.” Finally, Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but smirk as he said, “I don’t need to tell you who he is, do I?”

Wei Wuxian pouted. When did his little brother become so mean to him?

Inside the Library Pavilion, Wei Wuxian laid face-down on his desk after copying ten pages, while Lan Wangji sat in the desk next to him, a book in one hand and a brush in the other.

Wei Wuxian sighed and turned to face Lan Wangji, still sprawled over his desk. Lan Wangji, for some unfathomable reason Wei Wuxian would like to learn the secret to, had not even a single speck of dirt on his body. Wei Wuxian tapped idly on his desk with ink covered fingers as he took in how ethereal Lan Wangji looked under the afternoon sunlight. Lan Wangji’s fingers suddenly tightened on the book.

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

Wei Wuxian blinked in surprise.

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

Wei Wuxian continued to stare with fascination as Lan Wangji’s ears slowly turned red.

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with—  

‘System, I thought you said there weren’t any bugs!’ Wei Wuxian called out to the System.

There aren’t!, the system replied. I’ve scanned everything multiple times already.

‘Then why is he glitching?!’

Wei Wuxian could barely hear himself over the barrage of notifications.

The system took a moment to think.

This is just my guess, but perhaps the character, Lan Wangji, is experiencing unstable emotions.

‘Okay, so how do I stabilize him?’

I have heard that communication is the key to most human problems.

‘So I just… talk to him?’

More or less.

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips, then sat up to face Lan Wangji.

“I like your handwriting,” he said lamely.

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 1!

Wei Wuxian listened for a while, but no other notifications came. Oh, wow, that worked? But the relationship was romantic and Wei Wuxian didn’t need anymore ‘harem members’. He needed to turn it into friendship somehow. He needed to lessen Lan Wangji’s favorability, but not to the point of antagonism. Maybe if he annoyed him like how he annoyed Jiang Cheng?  

Wei Wuxian leaned forward and whispered, “Wangji-xiong.”

 “…”

Maybe he should try again?

“Wangji,” he called.

“…”

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now decreased to level 0.5!

Wei Wuxian gasped slightly. It worked!

“Lan Wangji,” he called a little louder.

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now decreased to level 0.1!

And now, for the finishing blow.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian said with a grin.

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now increased from level 0.1 to level 5!

[ACHIEVEMENT: Soaring Love] [UNLOCKED]

“Fuck!” Wei Wuxian cursed.

Hearing the profanity, Lan Wangji finally turned and stared at him with narrow eyes.

“Uh, you can call me Wei Ying to be even?”

Lan Wangji’s mouth twitched, “Sit properly.”

Wei Wuxian rearranged his legs immediately.

…Lan Wangji was still staring – glaring? – at him.

Shit. With how tightly Lan Wangji was holding his brush, it felt like he was about to stab Wei Wuxian, but he was also at romance level 5? Does Lan Wangji hate him or not?! He’s had enough of this.

“I’m gonna be frank here,” Wei Wuxian suddenly said.

“Who is “frank”?” asked Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian, caught off-guard, opened, and closed his mouth several times before rephrasing his sentence.

“I mean, I have something to ask you. Can you answer me truthfully?”

Lan Wangji’s face didn’t show it, but Wei Wuxian could feel his apprehension when he answered, “Mn.”

“Do you hate me or not?” Wei Wuxian asked, straight to the point.

Lan Wangji stilled, then averted his gaze. He set down his brush. It was a long time before Lan Wangji answered with a quiet, “No.”

“Well,” Wei Wuxian said, “you look like you do.”

Lan Wangji visibly frowned, “I do not.”

“Then does that mean,” Wei Wuxian glanced briefly at Lan Wangji’s relationship level then grinned mischievously, “you like me?”

This time, Lan Wangji’s face did a funny little spasm that Wei Wuxian would have laughed at if it weren’t for the sudden barrage of notifications.

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan –

[ROMANTIC] Relationship –

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wan—

The status was changing so fast, the notifications weren’t even able to finish their announcement.

Player, please make it stop! The system practically begged. I am experiencing extreme whiplash. I do not know if systems can vomit, but I think I am about to find out.

“Hey! Uh-! I want to apologize!”

There was silence as the barrage stopped completely.

“I shouldn’t have broken the rules the night we met and made you fight me. I swear I wasn’t trying to antagonize you! I really didn’t read your sect rules and we just arrived that day. If I knew, I wouldn’t have done that!”

In front of you at least.

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with Lan Wangji has now reached level 6!

Oh shit. Abort! Abort!

“But then again, you were the one who attacked first. If you didn’t attack me, we would have been able to resolve things without any violence. I only fight back when someone hits me first –"

His mouth suddenly slammed shut.

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 2!

Oh no. He overdid it.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened. Wei Wuxian tried to talk to Lan Wangji, but his jaw wouldn’t move. He let out a series of muffled grunts and noises before hastily snatching a piece of paper and writing on it.

“Lan Wangji, I’m sorry!” was written with barely legible characters.

It took a moment for Lan Wangji to understand the message.

“You do not feel any remorse,” Lan Wangji said coldly.

Another note, “Don’t be like this! Have mercy, please.”

“Copy Virtue one more time,” Lan Wangji replied.

And with that, he turned back to his work and ignored Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian hastily wrote another message and tossed it at Lan Wangji. Lan Wangji crumpled the paper without even reading it.

“Pathetic,” he said.

Angry, Wei Wuxian kept tossing paper balls at Lan Wangji, but he remained unruffled. Eventually, Wei Wuxian lost steam and worked on finishing his quota of copying for the day. Once he was done, Lan Wangji finally unsealed his lips.

Wei Wuxian sulkily got up and walked away. He sighed as he walked out of the Library Pavilion. Man, why is Lan Wangji so difficult?!

Throughout the duration of Wei Wuxian’s punishment, Wei Wuxian kept trying to get into Lan Wangji’s good graces. Most of the time it felt like he was taking two steps forward and one step back since Wangji continued to rapidly change relationship status.

At night, just before he would go to sleep –

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan –

[ROMANTIC] Relationship –

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wan—

[ROMANTIC] Relatio—

Which was surprising, considering that Lan disciples were supposed to be asleep by nine and Wei Wuxian usually sleeps at one.

During class, while Old man Lan continued to drone on –

“And so the core will gather a large amount of –”

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wang–

“The first of head of the clan of –”

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji–

“ – the inventor of the talisman’s ideals were – “

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wan–

While talking to Jiang Cheng –

“I think we should –”

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now–

“ – attack from above. So, do you think you can design a talisman that will –”

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has—

“What was that?” Wei Wuxian interrupted.

Jiang Cheng clicked his tongue, “I’m asking if you can –”

[ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now rea–

“What?”

“If you can –"

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reac—

“Can you say that again?”

“THIS ISN’T FUNNY WEI WUXIAN!”

However, what Wei Wuxian did notice was that as the end of his punishment grew nearer, Lan Wangji’s emotional state started to stabilize. The notifications were able to finish their announcements and there was usually more than an hour distance between each notification.

By the second to the last day, Lan Wangji only changed his emotional status 15 times for the whole day. This was a considerable change since last week averaged at about 50 notifications a day.

Slowly, but surely, Lan Wangji was coming to terms with whatever he was feeling.

So why doesn’t Wei Wuxian help him out and speed things up for him?

On the last day of Wei Wuxian’s punishment, Lan Wangji noticed said person behaving suspiciously.

Instead of leaving it wherever in the Library Pavilion, Wei Wuxian placed his sword on top of his desk. Then, he started writing without a single word to Lan Wangji.

Lan Wangji’s mouth twitched slightly. He felt strangely irritated.

From time to time, Lan Wangji would steal glances at Wei Wuxian. He did not believe Wei Wuxian had finally reflected on his actions.

Disappointed, but not surprised, Lan Wangji looked at the piece of paper Wei Wuxian had slid onto his desk. At first, he expected it to see lame jokes or even the weird doodles that Wei Wuxian drew sometimes that he called “memes”.

He was supposed to throw it away as usual, but accidentally glimpsed at the contents. He froze. It was a beautiful painting of a young man. The lines were confident, the anatomy accurate, the folds on the person’s clothes were incredibly realistic, and the expression on the person’s face was so vivid, it was as if the painting would suddenly turn to him and speak.

This person… was himself. But that cannot be. This person that Wei Wuxian had painted was like an untouchable immortal – graceful and otherworldly. Was this how Wei Wuxian saw him?

Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian curled his lips and raised his brow with a wink.

Lan Wangji’s heart skipped a beat.

Then, Wei Wuxian startled lightly before looking somewhere above Lan Wangji’s head. Wei Wuxian had such peculiar habits.

Lan Wangji spoke slowly, “You should stop wasting time on scribbles and focus on your texts.”

Wei Wuxian waved his hand nonchalantly, “I already finished, so I won’t be coming tomorrow.”

Lan Wangji was in the middle of turning a page in his book and paused briefly. He… did not like the thought of that. Why did he not like the thought of that?

“Ah!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed. “I forgot to add something.”

He took back the paper and picked up his brush, and added a few strokes. With a mischievous grin, he gave it back.

He glanced at the paper and felt his mouth twitch. Wei Wuxian had added a flower on the side of his head.

“I know, I know, ‘Pathetic’, right? How about saying something else?” said while still grinning.

Bemused, Lan Wangji said, “Extremely pathetic.”

“Thank you!” Wei Wuxian said sarcastically.

Lan Wangji decided to ignore his antics and picked up the book he was previously reading. He opened the book and immediately hurled it to the other side of the room.

Wei Wuxian laughed hysterically and started rolling on the floor.

“Wei Ying--!” Lan Wangji roared.

“Present!” he could barely talk from laughing too much.

Just as Lan Wangji reach for his sword, Wei Wuxian froze and looked somewhere above his head in horror. Hastily, Wei Wuxian reached for his own sword and raised it between them like a shield.

“Wait, second master Lan!” Wei Wuxian said, a little panicked. “If we fought here, do you think the Library Pavilion would still be standing?”

Lan Wangji still unsheathed his sword and pointed it at him, “Shameless!”

Wei Wuxian smiled teasingly, “What? Don’t tell me you haven’t read something like this before?”

With a glare that could freeze, Lan Wangji spoke, “Go outside. We shall fight there.”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes flickered somewhere above his head again before saying, “Young master Lan, fighting without permission is prohibited in the Cloud Recesses!”

Wei Wuxian inched closer to the – to the --- porn book and picked it up.

Lan Wangji quickly snatched it away.

“Oh, did you actually want to read it?” asked Wei Wuxian. “I borrowed it from someone just for you!”

Lan Wangji felt his jaw clench tighter.

Wei Wuxian continued, “Now that you’ve seen my porn, we are now officially friends! If you want some advice or want to read some more, you can just ask me—”

 Lan Wangji summoned his spiritual energy and burned it to ashes.

Wei Wuxian clicked his tongue and with fake regret and said, “What a waste! That was one of the best ones, you know?”

Lan Wangji couldn’t take it anymore.

“Get lost!” he thundered.

“Yes, sir!” Wei Wuxian saluted and hurriedly hopped onto the windowsill and jumped down the Library.

Lan Wangji could hear a few voices conversing excitedly somewhere outside the library. He paid them no mind and closed his eyes to continue focusing on taking deep breaths. Once he has sufficiently calm, he walked back to his desk to sit down.

On top of it was the painting Wei Wuxian did of himself. He felt a spark of irritation and gripped it in both hands. Just as he was about to rip it, he stopped. He stared at the painting for a long time. Eventually, he sighed deeply then tucked the painting carefully between the pages of the book – the real one this time – that he was reading.

When Wei Wuxian landed safely, he ran towards the edge of the forest while laughing.

Nie Huaisang was the first to come out of hiding.

“Wei-xiong, that was my first time hearing Lan Wangji shouting ‘get lost’! How did you do it?”

Wei Wuxian rubbed his nose “Well, let’s say I shared with him a little yellow book…”

Jiang Cheng came out and scolded, “What the hell is wrong with you?!”

“What? Don’t friends share their porn? I just wanted Lan Zhan to be my friend!”

He wasn’t lying. He really did want Lan Zhan to be his friend. But either he hated Wei Wuxian or l-loved him. There was no in-between and Wei Wuxian had finally accepted that. Now, Wei Wuxian just wanted to be able to sleep at night without getting woken up by constant notifications.

Huaisang mouthed ‘Lan Zhan’ from behind his fan with furrowed brows.

Next to come out was Jin Zixuan who was frowning, “I don’t think that’s a normal way to make friends.”

Wei Wuxian scoffed, “How do you think Huaisang and I got so close?”

Huaisang squeaked and hid behind Wei Wuxian to hide from Jiang Cheng’s and Jin Zixuan’s twin glares.

“Knock it off,” Wei Wuxian said as he rolled his eyes. “Like you two haven’t read any before.”

Jiang Cheng huffed, and Jin Zixuan spluttered indignantly.

Jiang Cheng moved closer and poked Wei Wuxian’s chest, “You’ve seriously offended both Lan Qiren and Lan Wangji.”

It was punctuated by a notification ringing out:

[ANTAGONISTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 4!

“Just wait for your death tomorrow,” Jiang Cheng said. “Nobody’s gonna bury your corpse!”

“I would!” Nie Huaisang piped up from behind Wei Wuxian.

“No! No corpses! Especially Wuxian’s!” Jin Zixuan shouted.

Wei Wuxian put his arm around Jiang Cheng.

“You’ve already buried my corpse so many times,” he pinched Jiang Cheng’s cheek. “What’s one more time?”

Jiang Cheng slapped his hand away with a red face. “Whatever! Next time you do something like this, don’t let me know! And don’t ask me to watch either!”

“So you’ll leave me to cause chaos unsupervised?”

“…”

“Hehe.”

“Don’t ‘hehe’ me!” Jiang Cheng said as he raised his fist threateningly.

Wei Wuxian made placating motions, “Relax, Jiang Cheng. It’s not like I can get close to him anymore, since he hates me now.”

An then he was proven wrong when a notification rang out:

 [ROMANTIC] Relationship with [Lan Wangji] has now reached level 6!

What?! What happened while Wei Wuxian was gone?!