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Chapter Text

The Qing Jing Peak's Lord has, frequently, been the center of numerous rumors.

Being possessed or allying with the evil, visiting brothels or helping the poor, beating his disciples or being extra protective of them, Shen Qingqiu has been the center of them all. However, there’s one rumor that comes and go with every seasonal change, like a urban legends that floats around their peak, shared between disciples and Peak Lords equally.

About the strange change on his personality twice a year.

When summer turns into autumn and when winter blooms into spring, the Qing Jing Peak Lord changes abruptly. And, on the first day of autumn, it was no different.

It was hard for Liu Qingge to comprehend why the Shen Qingqiu who hide his smile behind a fan became an evil beast from night to day. They held a meeting to solve unsolved matters from yesterday’s meeting that morning, a bit too early for some, like An Ding Peak Lord, Shang Qinghua, who couldn’t keep his yawns to himself. There was an empty seat next to Shang Qinghua, one that, usually, belonged to Shen Qingqiu.

Usually, but not today, they would see.

Every peak lord was somewhat anxious as they waited for Shen Qingqiu’s arrival. Even though they had seen that strange phenomenon so many times before, it was, even to that day, a mystery they all shared.

And, as they anticipated, soon Shen Qingqiu arrived, staring at his fellow lords with disdain before sitting closely to Yue Qingyuan, far away from Shang Qinghua who didn’t even look surprised and just yawned again. Some people would’ve thought they fought, like Chu Qingwun’s new head disciple, who attended the meeting for the first time.

But the other’s knew better than that.

It was the beginning of autumn.

It was a turbulent meeting, as everyone expected to be, as Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge fought about every detail discussed, including Bai Zhan Peak new decoration.

“My peak doesn’t need a reform.”

“Liu-shidi should be the last one saying that.”

Their quarrel about Bai Zhan’s destroyed walls (thanks to his ogre disciples, as Shen Qingqiu put) and lack of elegance for a peak went on and on until, fueled by rage, Shen Qingqiu got up and left, not caring for whatever matters were left to discuss. Matters more important than Bai Zhan’s appearance.

Yue Qingyuan sighed while Shang Qinghua looked relieved.

Ming Fan, Shen Qingqiu’s disciple that accompanied him to the meeting, bowed and left after his master. Hah, Liu Qingge noted, yesterday was that Binghe kid, right?

“Oh my” Qi Qinggi commented, gesturing for Liu Mingyan to fill her teacup.

“Damn,” Zui Xian Peak Lord's whole body relaxed, finally allowing to show how drunk he was. And how better we became at hiding it, too. “I’ll never get that guy.”

Yue Qingyuan smiled politely.

Another peak lord interrupted, “Yue-shibo, do you have an answer for the Shen Qingqiu’s mystery?”

“What mystery?”

“His sudden change twice a year.”

“Change… I apologize, Wu-shidi, I don’t understand where are you getting at. From my view, Shen Qingqiu looks perfectly fine.”

The other peak lords glanced at each other; surely he was joking, right?

However, Yue Qingyuan kept smiling, showing no signs of laughing.

Qi Qinggi finished her tea and delicately put her cup down, “It’s almost as if Shen-shibo is two different people, one during the heat and other during the cold.”

Shang Qinghua choked a bit.

“Could it be a possession case… Shang-shidi, are you unwell?” Wan Jian Peak Lord, Wei Qingwei asked with some concern.

“I-I’m completely fine, thanks. B-But… Hah, two different people? No way. I mean, isn’t it perfectly fine for someone to dislike the cold?” as if he of all people could say something about that. “Yes, that’s right, his… Bad temperament comes from his disliking for the weather, haha, he told me about it once… How could I forget… Oh, I also forgot I have some documents waiting for me at An Ding’s peak… haha.”

Oh, well. With two peak lords dismissing themselves before the end of their meeting, they decided to leave the rest of the matters to another time, preferably when Shen Qingqiu becomes his other self, though they couldn’t wait that long. It would be a hell of a winter, hah.

Liu Qingge, however, refused to comfort himself with that. He didn’t need to be a scholarly to know the lies in Shang Qinghua’s explanation.

That afternoon, Liu Qingge, in all his glory as Bai Zhan Peak Lord, found himself in the middle of the bamboo forest, staring directly at Shen Qingqiu's residence. A few disciples passed by him and greeted their shibo with pale faces and anxious expressions. Ming Fan even begged, politely and discreet, for him to forget about today's fight and 'please don't fight our Shizun!' which, maybe, wasn't that discreet.

Liu Qingge frowned and headed to Shen Qingqiu's residence. He'd forgot about today's fight, if he were to be honest, and now just wished to inquire about the truth about Cang Qiong's most talked mystery: Shen Qingqiu's seasonal change. 

However, shadowed by the bamboos, Liu Qingge froze in place.

Shen Qinqiu was half inside half outside his door, with his back to Liu Qingge, feet touching the pale grass as he leaned his body inside, talking with whoever was there. A disciple? No, no, it couldn't be. Shen Qingqiu would never allow any disciple inside his abode, not even his trusty Ming Fan, the lovely Ning Yingying or... whatever Luo Binghe was. And, besides, the words that came out Shen Qingqiu's mouth... Would certainly not be directed at any disciple.

"Will you be fine alone?" Liu Qingge heard a mumble from inside, but couldn't decipher what those words were. "Don't open the door to anyone. Hah? Lonely? You will be fine being alone for two hours."

He heard him sigh.

"I'll be back soon, wait for me."

Was that... Softness in his voice? I mean, of course, Liu Qingge heard Shen Qingqiu's soft voice before. During summer. And spring. But, right in the beginning of autumn, was that Shen Qingqiu speaking in a soft voice? Who exactly was inside? Could it be...

Shen Qingqiu should save some face and leave such activities to brothels!

Liu Qingge, before he could even sort his thoughts, was been by Shen Qingqiu as soon as he began approaching his home. Pale green eyes, a mix of a jade and an emerald color, went wide as soon as he saw the Bai Zhan Lord approaching. 'Mongrel' appeared to be whispered by him as he closed the door shut with a bang and turned to face Liu Qingge, his posture changing immediately to the full Winter version, no traces of the previous relaxed and soft master.

"Who's inside?" 

Shen Qingqiu lifted one eyebrow, but didn't bother answering.

The Bai Zhan Lord reached out to open and see by himself when his wrist was hit by a closed fan. It didn't hurt, though Shen Qingqiu certainly had intention to, and Liu Qingge's own amber eyes flashed with rage. "Answer, Shen Qingqiu."

"I'm afraid I own no explanation to you..." he allowed his head to fall to the side, revealing a cocky smile on that ultra punchable face of his. "...Shidi."

Right when Liu Qingge was ready to jump inside the bamboo house and Shen Qingqiu was equally ready to defend his home, a voice was heard from the inside. "Gege, who's that?"

...Gege?

"Shut up!"

"Is it Qi-ge? Let him enter, you don't need to be so hostile, Jiu-ge..."

Busy holding Liu Qingge back, Shen Qingqiu was unable to block the door from being opened from inside. First, Liu Qingge saw pale, fragile, hands opening the door, revealing a bit of his wrist and pastel green robes, similar to the ones worn by Shen Qingqiu himself. Then, a face showed up. A straight nose, straight brows, small mouth and, in general, delicate features adorned with an air of elegance.

Two identical Shen Qingqius stared right at Liu Qingge, one with curiosity and one burning with rage.

Chapter Text

Having two Shen Qingqius inside the meeting room was the weirdest thing to ever happen with all peak lords.

“I’m not drunk enough for this,” Zui Xian Peak Lord, Xin Qingsu, muttered and was quickly handed another cup by his head disciple, a girl who, herself, didn’t look very well and took the initiative to pour herself a drink too.

One Shen Qingqiu, or Shen Jiu, had a scorn on his face and was accompanied by the restless Ming Fan, who tried his hard to not glance at his other master and failed miserably. Luo Binghe, next to the Shen Qingqiu with a calm expression, couldn’t stop glancing at Shen Jiu, and he was probably the reason why the older twin appeared to be madder with each second that passed.

“Shen Yuan, can you control your beast’s eyes?”

“My Binghe’s free to look at whoever he wishes to, Jiu-ge.”

“That’s your excuse for not knowing how to properly educate a child.”

“Oh, yeah? At least, Jiu-ge, I don’t…”

“Oh, please, mercy” Qi Qinggi was dizzy. “It’s weird enough having you fight yourself.”

“What the… Is he possessed?” Of course, Wei Qingwei.

“Can someone please explain what is happening here?”

All peak lords turned their necks to stare at the brothers intensely. Both Shen Qingqiu’s snapped their fans open at the same time, as if they were reflexes on a mirror, and said nothing, neither did they appear willing to explain themselves.

“So, is this one of Shen Qingqiu’s tricks?”

Shen Jiu scoffed behind his fan, “Idiot.”

Before the fight escalated, Yue Qingyuan coughed on his closed fist, attracting everyone’s attention. “There are two Qing Jing Peak Lords under the name Shen Qingqiu, Shen Yuan and Shen Jiu.”

Qi Qinggi frowned, she couldn’t remember seeing both when she was a disciple. “Since when?”

“Always. They both received the same education from their Shifu and were both chosen to represent their peak as twins. However, during their initial years as peak lords, only Shen Jiu attended official matters due Shen Yuan’s health issues.”

Liu Qingge finally connected the dots, “So they divide their duties throughout the year?”

“Oh, aren’t you a holy f-”

Shen Yuan interrupted his brother before he could insult the oh, great god of war, “Due my poor health, it’s a risk if I catch a cold, so we decided it would be better if Shen Jiu took the lead when the weather became cold while I stay at home. During spring and autumn, we change duties.”

“Yes,” Shen Jiu sound more bitter than ever. “And this ridiculous meeting is already compromising his health. Was that even necessary?”

Shen Yuan ignored, “We agreed to try acting the same as Peak Lords but, oh, I see that, apparently, it didn’t work out very well.”

Xin Qingsu laughed before collapsing to the table.

Qi Qinggi sighed, “Who knew about that, besides Yue-shixiong?”

Mu Qingfan’s hand was expected, as it was revealed about Shen Yuan’s poor health, and Yue Qingyuan too, as their leader. But Shang Qinghua also raised his hand, slowly, and attracted everyone’s attention.

Shen Yuan coughed, “It would be weird for my closest friend to mistake me as my brother and approached him to talk about… Personal matters” it happened once and Shen Jiu was very unsatisfied knowing about Shang Qinghua’s icy boyfriend and their intimate life. Shen Yuan prevented a killing from happening that day.

Or at least, Shen Jiu believes Shang Qinghua found out that day and not when writing a stallion novel with a scum villain whose twin brother died when they were kids. It was better that way; Shen Yuan wasn’t sure how long he could prevent Shen Jiu from killing his, somewhat, dear friend, even though Shen Yuan himself plans his homicide every weekend.

“Cucum… S-Shen Yuan, bro.”

Shen Yuan fanned himself. Shen Jiu turned his head with a 'tch' escaping his lips.

“So, what shall we do now?” Mu Qingfan spoke for the first time about the matter, as he always kept quiet whenever Shen Qingqiu’s strange behavior was mentioned. “Now that it is all clear.”

“We will continue the same way” Shen Jiu said with no hesitance. “I don’t care if you think A-Yuan must be present in every useless reunion. If you wish, I can be around Summer and Spring with him, but he’s prohibited from wandering around in the cold.”

No peak lord dared to say that they wanted Shen Jiu around during the warm seasons too, it was already an adventure dealing with his insults and scorns as cold as the weather. They all nodded and quickly agreed, “Yes, of course, we can’t compromise our Qing Jing Lord’s health.”

“Jiu-ge…” Shen Yuan sighed, fanning himself. No matter how many times he assured his brother he was fine and much better than he was a few years ago, Shen Jiu refused to listen and kept on treating him like a delicate flower who would die in the snow.

Of course, he may have fainted last week and ended up a whole day under Mu Qingfan’s care, but what about it? It didn’t mean he fainted all the time.

Meanwhile, Luo Binghe seemed ready to faint.

Two… Two Shizuns.

He wanted to cry. Kinda in a horny way too. But, like, cry until he fully wet his pillow. How could he not notice? He just… He just thought his beloved Shizun liked S-play, oh… B-But, two shizuns… He's the worst disciple ever for not noticing! Wait, the one that held his hand two days ago was...? H-He couldn't even wash his hand after Shizun touched it, but now...

“B-Binghe? Oh, Binghe, why are you crying? Binghe get… Get a hold of yourself! Stop apologizing! Binghe!”

The final hours of the meeting were spent with Shen Yuan trying to protect his beloved disciple from being murdered by his brother, Shen Jiu almost committing a crime since no one was allowed to get that close to his brother, Binghe apologizing for staining his Shizun’s clothes with tears and Ming Fan cheering for his Shifu’s attacks while the other peak lords walked away discretely.

Chapter Text

Liu Qingge always thought Shen Qingqiu was the biggest asshole he's ever met.

However, there were a few times where he wasn't that much of an asshole. By that I mean that, one or thrice, Shen Qingqiu made his heart throb with a hidden smile or a curious stare when he was called by his name, a stare different from the angry glare that always invited Liu Qingge to a fight. Whenever that happened, Liu Qingge would run away as soon as possible and, whenever he returned, Shen Qingqiu would already have the habitual scorn adorning his expression as he asked what the fuck was wrong with Liu Qingge.

And then they would fight, as always.

He remembers their time as disciples together, when Liu Qingge would look at him from afar and look away whenever Shen Qingqiu snapped open his fan when he was immersed in his own mind, looking too pretty for someone who's supposed to be a scum villain. Now, thinking about it... It was probably Shen Yuan, right?

Such graceful movements, it was surely Shen Yuan.

The difference between one brother and other is clear as day. Even though they were two halves of a mirror, one is a broken glass while the other is made with crystals. 

Shen Yuan is elegant, and graceful, and kind, and pretty. Shen Jiu is... Shen Jiu. Though Liu Qingge admits Shen Jiu is much more eloquent than Shen Yuan and participates much more as a Peak Lord than Shen Yuan, who tends to stay quiet and agree with everything being said (as if he didn't know much about the situation but did his best to hide his disinterest), Shen Jiu is an inferior version of the same man, in Liu Qingge's eyes. 

Also, Shen Jiu's beauty is more of an immortal, untouchable, while Shen Yuan is more of a graceful beauty, inviting. 

And thanks the sky they were twins, or else Liu Qingge wouldn't know how to deal with the feelings he's been nurturing.

"... Stop staring, mongrel."

Oh, the man himself.

When Shen Jiu loud steps are heard by the two, Shen Yuan doesn’t even flinch, but he does take the opportunity to spy on Shang Qinghua’s card when he freezes in place, visible scared. As usual.

“Jiu-ge,” Shen Yuan says before rolling the dice. “Welcome home.”

Shen Jiu, in all his magnificence, hums and angrily stares at both Shang Qinghua and their improvised monopoly made by Shang Qinghua with a ‘Cang Qiong Mountain’ thematic. The An Ding Peak Lord tries to force a trembled smile, hoping Shen Jiu didn’t hear their talk about how ‘Cucumber-bro, your brother is so fucking scary’ and ‘Nah. Shouldn’t you know your son is just a tsundere kitten, Author?’. However, Shen Jiu doesn’t force him to leave, neither he yells about ‘what the fuck you doing here?’, two situations that happened previously. More times than he, who deals with accounting all day, can count.

Instead, Shen Jiu scoffs at their ‘Monopoly’ match (he never understood how or why they played that, neither does he know why his brother looked so happy to see that but, well, if it makes him happy) and sits next to his brother, who runs a hand on Shen Jiu’s silky hair as a form of acknowledgment before moving his wooden piece forward.

“You look sad, Jiu-ge.”

Shang Qinghua almost choked. S-Sad? He just looks ready to kill a man!

Shen Jiu glares at Shang Qinghua and Shen Yuan hummed, understanding the silent meaning, ‘We’ll talk after you finish your… Game’. 

On his turn, Shang Qinghua trembled when he threw the dice but soon he forgot about his fear when he landed on the option of buying Qing Jing Peak. “Hell yeah, I’m buying it.”

Shen Jiu’s angry stare intensified.

A gulp. “Oh, well. I… I can go for Bai Zhan Peak later.”

Bai Zhan… That mongrel’s peak. Shen Qingqiu remembered the way Liu Qingge kept staring at him like an idiot that morning and how he even dared to yell back when Shen Qingqiu, who he clearly noticed it was Shen Jiu, shouted to ‘Get lost, ogre.’

Another gulp, Shen Jiu didn’t look very happy. “Oh… Hm. Qiong Ding Peak?”

Qi-ge.

“Oh, haha… I guess I don’t have enough money to, uh, buy a domain. Haha, funny, I thought I had” Shen Yuan lifted one eyebrow, watching his friend sitting on the fake money they painted together a few days ago. “Oh, uh. My king is calling, do you hear? Another win for you, Cucumber… Shen-shixiong!”

Shen Yuan smiled bitterly, leaning his head just a bit to the side while closing his eyes, “Of course I heard him. He must be angry, you must hurry to appease your king... Come back later to lose properly, Shang-shidi.”

Fuck, both twins were terrorizing.

Shang Qinghua ran away faster than when he and Shen Yuan were attacked by a group of angered bees.

After a while, the tea Shen Yuan made is ready and so he pour into two teacups, one for him and one for his brother, who drinks without ceremony. The only person Shen Jiu allowed himself to accept whatever was offered, as he knew his brother would never try to poison him. Though, if A-Yuan ever tried to poison him, Shen Jiu would accept his death proudly — he has thought about it before. Shen Yuan busies himself filling his brother’s cup whenever he reached the end and, after three cups, Shen Jiu started to complain.

“I don’t even know why you keep inviting that man over to play… Board games. Or did he invite himself? A-Yuan, you should respect yourself more and refuse to hang out with types like him” he extended his cup to Shen Yuan who poured some more without bothering with his words. “What was he even doing here? Shouldn’t he, who knows, be busy fucking that demon or doing his job correctly?”

“If brother thinks so, who should Jiu-ge recommend me to befriend with?”

Shen Jiu stopped with the cup midair. Liu Qingge… Hell no. He would never allow that mongrel to approach his lovely brother; who knows what that brute was capable of doing with his little brother? Qi-ge… No. Shen Jiu would have an attack if he ever found Qi-ge and A-Yuan chatting on his abode. Qi Qinggi… Not bad but her disciples giggled a bit too much around Shen Yuan for his liking. And the other were either brutes, dumbasses or simply not worthy enough to have his brother’s company, even Mu Qingfan (they already spent too much time together due A-Yuan illness, it was risky if they spent more time together than necessary. A-Yuan is lovely, after all).

As his brother frequently said, just a bunch of ‘cannon fodders’.

Shen Yuan knows he's won thanks to his brother's silence.

He fills another cup and waits for Shen Jiu to complain again.

"Liu Qingge wouldn't stop staring at me today," Shen Jiu started and 'isn't that the usual' was Shen Yuan's spoken thoughts. "And not just him. A few disciples too. And that... Pet of yours too."

"They were trying to spot the differences between you and me, probably."

"Tell me something I don't know."

"I rather not try, brother knows it all already."

Shen Jiu sneered, such a lovely words, are you trying to become someone's concubine? He wanted to avert his eyes at his twin's coax. "Don't they have eyes? I believe we already explained Autumn is my season, I don't understand what the fuss is about."

"They have eyes, Jiu-ge, that's why they can't be sure of which Shen Qingqiu is whenever they see us" he sighed and put down his own teacup. "Although they'd be able to find out as soon as you spoke. Jiu-ge has a very... Unique personality."

"Just say my personality is bad, you little..." Shen Jiu mirrors his movements and also puts his own cup down.

"They'll quiet down soon, Jiu-ge shouldn't worry about that."

The older twin sighed, but said nothing more about the matter. However, he could sense his brother was still stressed about the unwanted attention, even if he didn't show, Shen Yuan could read his brother perfectly after so many years. When he met Shen Jiu, he was already past ten, already on the Qiu's household. He woke up with a fever and a worried Shen Jiu in front of him; Shang Qinghua told him, many years later, about his plan on Shen Qingqiu's background and a twin brother who died thanks to a high fever. 

At first, Shen Yuan thought himself only as a transmigrator and not as the scum villain's real brother, but, as time passed, it was as if they truly became brothers by blood. Well, they were that already to Shen Jiu, who never heard the truth from Shen Yuan (and would never).

During the Qiu period, Shen Yuan was saved from the abuse and hard work from his brother, who insisted that, due his poor health, should be given the easier jobs, as taking care of the garden or organizing books and manuscripts, which ended up making Shen Yuan, later as Peak Lord, very interested in broth reading and gardening, while his brother still suffered from the shadows of the abuse.

No matter what was Shen Yuan's previous identity and life, Shen Jiu was his brother and they would die for each other at any time.

Even Shang Qinghua was scared by their bond.

Shen Yuan once again approached his brother with a comb and, without warning, took off the jewelry on his head to comb his brother's long, dark hair. Shen Jiu didn't even flinch, but he closed his eyes, allowing the gentle touches coming from his most loved person. While he cares for his brother, Shen Yuan hums a song, one he remembers from his time in the modern world, a generic american pop that, for his surprised, Shen Jiu liked.

He though the older twin was already asleep but, as soon as he stepped back from the bad, Shen Jiu opened his eyes to size him up, visibly more relaxed now. "You are a mess, let me do yours."

Opposite to Shen Jiu, Shen Yuan really did sleep with his hair being combed.

Chapter Text

For the first time in his life, the Bai Zhan Peak Lord hesitated.

Usually, Liu Qingge was the type to act and then think. Or just act and leave thinking to someone else. Like the time he killed a sacred beast by accident and left Shang Qinghua to deal with it. Or the time he fought a merchant 'by accident' and left Shang Qinghua to apologize in his place. There was also that day when he knocked out an An Ding disciple and left Shang Qinghua panicked. That time was not an accident, though.

Anyways.

The point is that never before in his entire life, Liu Qingge felt as insecure as now.

Insecure might not be the best word. It was more like... Uncertainty. A feeling that made him doubt all his past (and maybe future) and everything he had seen from a certain someone, which ended with him asking himself what he should do from now on, if he should approach or leave things happen naturally. Though he didn't know what 'naturally' implied and it made him kinda anxious whenever he thought about future interactions.

The origin of his uncertainty had a name (two, actually) and a (very pretty) face.

Shen Qingqiu.

The day before, he stared for too long at the Qing Jing Peak Lord. He did it too the day before that, and also the day before the day before. The first time, he almost approached, thinking it was the younger twin who was sitting near the lake, looking as beautiful as an immortal beauty should. However, after half an hour, the magic ended when the Shen Qingqiu got on his feet and angrily yelled at him to scram, which made him notice his mistake and yell back, as if he hadn't been staring for at least thirty five minutes.

The day after he was hit by a fan, and on the third day he was almost hit by a teapot. But, on the fourth day, he received a smile and a gentle greeting before Shen Yuan, finally not Shen Jiu, strolled away with that disciple of his.

So, of the fifth day, after the Peak Lord's meeting, Liu Qingge couldn't stop staring at Shen Qingqiu.

He had been quiet during the entire reunion, sipping on his tea and sometimes sending fan signals that Liu Qingge, though aware, couldn't comprehend.

His uncertainty came from the "Should I approach him or not?", as he, this time, was sure he was looking at Shen Yuan, the younger sibling.

The Bai Zhan Peak Lord's eyes suddenly flashed, shining with something often seen in his stare: determination.

And so, he approached the Qing Jing Peak Lord the moment he left through the door, walking next to him.

"Shen Qingqiu" he wondered, for a moment, if he should call him by Shen Yuan, or maybe something more respectful. However, that was still that bastard's face, he could only try his best.

Shen Qingqiu turned around, as if he hadn't noticed his shidi accompanying him — which he had, of course, — and hummed. "Liu-shidi."

"I will escort you to your peak."

Something changed in Shen Qingqiy's expression for a fraction of a second, almost unnoticeable, and so Liu Qingge failed to notice how the Peak Lord gritted his teeth before changing back to a neutral, indifferent and almost amused expression, which he hide behing his fan.

"Is there any reason for Liu-shidi's treatment?"

Liu Qingge kept quiet.

Shen Qingqiu glanced once more before he returned to his walk, followed closely by the God of War.

At the Shen Twins door, Liu Qingge waited until Shen Qingqiu was inside his home before turning around to leave with no unnecessary words. For a moment, Shen Qingqiu wondered if he would invite himself in and, seeing him leave so easily, he couldn't help relaxing a little.

The moment the door was closed, however, Shen Jiu couldn't help clenching his fist and swearing out loud.

Shen Yuan sipped on his tea calmly and elegantly, staring at his brother in silence with a somewhat amused face.

"Was that Liu-shidi?"

With no more words, Shen Jiu walked past his brother into a room, closing the door with the loudest bang he could.

Shen Yuan chuckled. "Binghe."

A teenager appeared from the kitchen, the place he was told to hide by his shizun, as he told Binghe he felt like his brother wasn't in a good mood as he saw him through the window. "Yes, shizun?"

"Come and sit with this master for tea."

Luo Binghe glanced at the empty tea cup placed in the small table, right in front of his shizun. The cup was placed there for his shifu, however, placed by Binghe himself. His glance went from the cup to his master, who didn't even look at him as he ate a small cake.

"Did you hear me, Binghe?"

"I-I did! I did... Just... This disciple feels unworthy of sharing this moment with shizun. It's better to wait for shifu to come out of his..."

Shen Yuan gestured for him to stop talking and poured the tea himself on the empty cup. "My brother is not feeling well. He will join me when he so wishes. But, for now, this master is lonely and wants his disciple's company."

Binghe stared at the hot cup and gulped.

"Sit down, Binghe."

He sat.

Shen Jiu was burning with rage.

Not on the qi deviation level, but almost. He felt as if would truly have a stroke if that mongrel appeared in front of him again.

Liu Qingge, that brute, wanted something with his dear, lovely, delicate brother.

What he wanted? Shen Jiu didn't care. The point was clear and there: Liu Qingge wanted something ti his brother. Wanted to escort him home. 

Hah, as if Shen Yuan needed his company.

Shen Jiu isn't dumb, neither Shen is, he noticed Liu Qingge was looking for his brother for some days. He could feel his doubtful stares whenever he walked around the peaks, going away the moment he noticed he was Shen Jiu and not Shen Yuan.

That's why he managed his temper when Liu Qingge approached earlier that day, to see what the beast wanted and deal with it so A-Yuan didn't need to.

Whatever that mongrel wanted, Shen Jiu would deal with it. No way he would allow him to come near his brother. No way in hell. Even if Liu Qingge had good intentions towards A-Yuan, he could save it for someone else. A-Yuan was too good for someone like him. Or anyone. 

Even if it was someone like Qi Qingqi looking for his brother, Shen Jiu would still investigate before allowing her to come close.

Once Yue Qi asked what would he do if Shen Yuan got married. Of course, Shen Jiu said he would first kill the once who dared dirty his twin. Then kill Yue Qi for even thinking about it, "Are you interested on my brother?" and then probably kill himself. 

When Shen Jiu came out of his room, he was greeted by his brother, alone, sitting on a table and waiting him for tea.

There was something that caught Shen Jiu's attention. He lifted one eyebrow, staring at the half full cup on the table, "Was someone here?"

Shen Yuan smiled, "I like using two cups."

To prove his point, Shen Yuan took a sip of his almost finished cup and then proceeded to drink everything on the other one.

Shen Jiu's face darkened.

Just where the fuck did that little beast hide.

Chapter Text

"Shen Qingqiu's love interests?" Shang Qinghua frowns. "Dude, there's no way I'd know at this point. I mean, the plot's already messed up since you appeared, how can I..."

Shen Yuan threw a plus two card on the table, where numerous UNO cards were scattered. Shang Qinghua previously had only two cards on his hands; grimacing, he buys a pair. 

"I just want to hear some thoughts from the great God of this world, Airplane" another plus two. Shang Qinghua sighs.

"I mean, I never thought too much into it. Like, yeah, I wanted to do a spin-off with all the villains, like, you know, a comedy thing. Like those drama animes with gakuen series? Anyways, you'd know that idea was left behind" yeah, at the time people were more interested in Luo Binghe's number 341 wife and her tail roleplay. "I wrote one chapter about Shen Qingqiu back on his disciple days and then I gave up. Fucking tail, I tell you. I'm really not into cow demons but, y'know, that shit won the 'Binghe's next wife' poll, so..."

Another plus two. 

Shang Qinghua went straight to the point, "I mean, you could say there's some vibes between Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan. I wrote them a few scenes before I trashed that idea. Not that I'd pair them up nowadays, though."

"Oh?" A red eight, finally allowing Shang Qinghua to play. "How would you pair him with, then?"

A dangerous question.

"Qi Qinggi is like, kinda of friends with him? I mean, she wouldn't die for him. But I've seen them talking peacefully before. Not something everyone can accomplish with him."

Shen Yuan places another plus two on the table. Damn, how many of those did he have?

"They have no chemistry, Airplane Bro. You wouldn't know, but that's important for a couple. Who else?"

"Uh..."

"What about Yue Qi?"

"Uh, yeah, they had a fling. In canon. I guess. All the 'wait for you' plot, I thought it was pretty romantic at the time. You know, when Luo Binghe sent Shen Qingqiu's limbs to Yue Qingyuan? Shit was pretty romantic. In a way. In a way like, oh God, I hope that doesn't happen to me, but damn that's depressing because he was probably the only person Shen Qingqiu ever cared about, like?" seeing his friend's smile, Shang Qinghua changed his rant. "Not anymore, though. Since you are here, haha. And since you are here I don't think there's any chance of Yue Qingyuan being that special for him. Haha."

"Yue Qingyuan is a no go. He'd do everything my brother asks and not what he needs."

"Yeah, he's pretty wiped, man."

Another plus two.

"In a brotherly way! Probably. Haha, there's no way, Cucumber Bro, no way they'd have something. Specially not behind your back. Hah."

"I've read some Liu Qingge and Shen Qingqiu's fanfictions before."

"Oh... Uh, ah" Shang Qinghua stumbled on his own word, trying to avoid letting out the confession hat he had too seen those. They were pretty neat, anyways. "Didn't know about those. Hah. You know, Cucumber bro, people shipp everything nowadays. I was a Drarry fan myself, I swear. Good days. But, hey, do you think there's any possibility of them having something? They can't even stand in the same room without fighting."

Shen Qingqiu lifted one card; Shang Qinghua cleaned the sweat on his forehead.

"Okay, alright, in the spin-off I may have implied something. Nothing happened, I swear! But, like, Liu Qingge did indeed think a lot about him when they were disciples. Not in a romantic way, though. More like... He may have — or not — seen Shen Qingqiu smiling and his heart went 'tump tump'. And also spotted him bathing one day. And then in the next he picked a fight because he couldn't take that off his mind and he was slowly dying because damn that was Shen QinqiuwhowassupposedtobehisbiggestrivalintheentirepeakandhewasikeOMGShenQingqiuisreallyreallyreallypretty" pause to breath. "And like, just a small... Wait, not crush. But kinda hypnotized by his appearance only? The moment Shen Qinqiu opened his mouth he'd snap out of it. And like, he's kinda right? I mean, your brother is kinda hot. For the scum of the earth and everything else."

"My brother is not 'the scum of the earth'. He's a white lotus, you were the one who failed him, Author."

"Hah, your tastes... You also think Binghe's the purest child in this Peak."

"My Binghe is lovely."

"I mean, yeah, he killed more people that I've seen in my entire life. And he probably didn't remember half of his harem. But go off, I guess."

Another plus two. Whatever. Do what you want, Cucumber Bro!

Before Shang Qinghua could place a card, he suddenly noticed something.

"You don't seem all that against your brother and Li Qingge together."

Shen Yuan hummed, organizing his hand. "You sure know my brother's future, right?"

He frowned, "Yeah. Sorry about that."

"I don't think anything will happen at this point but... Binghe hasn't fallen to the Abyss yet, there's no way I can predict what will happen and..." a sigh. "Even if I do my best to prevent him from pushing down Binghe, there's still a chance of things going wrong. If that ever happens, the person I trust the most to protect Jiu-ge is Liu-shidi."

Oh.

Shang Qinghua felt touched for a moment. It was kind of beautiful seeing his best friend caring so much for his brother, even if that 'brother' was the most cruel villain Shang Qinghua had ever written. Shen Yuan barely talked about his old life in the modern world, but he once vaguely commented about his brother and sister who he barely had the chance to meet. His sister would appear from time to time on the hospital with books he asked her to buy, however they didn't talk much. And his older brother appeared once a month before stopped visiting. Shen yuan casually commented he didn't even know if they attended his funeral.

Times like those made Shang Qinghua able to understand the reason why Shen Yuan was brought here.

"I'd have to plan Liu-shidi's death after, though."

Shang Qinghua froze.

"I'm kidding, Airplane. God, don't you get a joke?"

"Ah... Haha."

Shen Yuan placed his last card and rested his hands against the table. Of course, the last card was surely a plus two. Goddamn. Silence followed as Shang Qinghua began reorganizing the cards for another match — it was 1:1, the third would be the last. Probably. Not like they had better things to do around here... Shen Yuan pretty much stayed inside drinking tea all day, for all he knew.

"If you just want to marry your brother for safety," Shang Qinghua started without even thinking much about his own words. "Why not Luo Binghe? There's no one as powerful, I guess."

Shen Yuan's face darkened.

Luckily, his king did not ask the origins of the wounds he was icing that night.

Chapter Text

It happened after they left Qi-ge's house.

Technically, only 'he' left, as his brother was still inside, prolonging some random topic about, who knows, tea? An useless topic that Shen Jiu preferred to skip so he wouldn't need to stay inside more than he actually was obligated to (A-Yuan was pretty persistent about visiting Qi-ge, god-knows-why). Anyways. After an hour that seemed to last more than what actually lasted, Shen Jiu was finally freed and stepped outside, still not completely leaving Qi-ge's domain, as he waited for his brother to finish their talk.

It happened right there, as Shen Jiu, dressed in pale green under a blue-turned-pink sky, waited.

For a moment, he closed his eyes and fanned himself slowly, letting the artificial breeze swing his hair just slightly as the remnants of the sun caressed his side. However, what he thought it was only a short while ended up with Liu Qingge right in front of him when he opened his eyes.

Quickly, the fan moved to cover half of his face while he hoped the glint of surprise wasn't seen inside his green eyes, specially by someone like him. Obviously, Liu Qingge saw it, the small flinch and the way his eyes twitched before he regained his composure again. He was dense, sometimes, but the title of 'War God' still belonged to him; he was able to detect such signs on enemies. Even if there, right in front of him, didn't stand an enemy.

Shen Jiu stared, quietly, his heart moving to form a frown inside his chest as he, himself, remained expressionless outside, waiting for a word as he wondered since when was that man there, watching him in silence.

When he was close to lose all there was left of his patience and rudely ask what the hell was he doing there, Liu Qingge finally spoke, as if he still needed reassurance, "Shen Yuan."

Oh.

The Qing Jing Peak Lord gritted his teeth behind his fan.

The beast came to see his brother. Again. What was his business with A-Yuan, exactly? Shen Qingqiu was still unable to figure it out; and so was he about the fact that Liu Qingge knew his whereabouts. Thankfully, this time, Shen Jiu was around and didn't let his brother meet that man. Alright, alright, he's aware that, as a Peak Lord during summer and spring, they have met countless times, but, as far as he knows, their meetings never started with Liu Qingge seeking for A-Yuan personally.

And now, Shen Qingqiu, the infamous strategist of the Cang Qiong Mountain, couldn't understand the intentions of the man who stood in front of him.

Last time, when he was escorted home, he was left with no answer, however...

His hold on the fan got tighter, "Liu-shidi?" that tone was nauseating when coming from his own mouth. "Were you looking for this lord?"

For some reason, the Bai Zhan Lord stepped closed, saying nothing, just staring closely at him. Observing. Making Shen Jiu look away; not in fear. He would never fear that mongrel. He was able to stare back for hours, with so he wished, with the same flame burning in his gaze as when he watched his past turn into ashed. But he knew A-Yuan would look away.

Liu Qingge stepped back.

"Yes."

Shen Jiu thought that, once again, they fell into silence after two or three seconds of Liu Qingge not explaining himself any further. Did he... Perhaps, wanted to chat? It couldn't be, right? As if he could even formulate a phrase.

Then, he spoke. "Come with me."

His eyes widened, slightly, as the man grabbed his wrist, previously holding a fan than now was fallen to the ground, and tried to pull the other lord with him. Shen Jiu frowned, refusing, fixing his feet on the ground. "I may ask where, Liu-shidi."

A noise. A laugh. Shen Jiu heard it and immediately remember about his brother, who he was currently pretending to be, and Qi-ge and their long talk about herbs and... Whatever. He coughed, just loud enough to be heard by Liu Qingge, and started to walk away with a lord still attached to his wrist. He could hear, faintly from far behind them, his brother asking about a fan left abandoned and where his brother w...

Far enough so they couldn't be heard anymore, Shen Jiu stopped. 

His wrist was now a tad sore from being held, even though he noticed Liu Qingge was not using his full strength on it. All it took for his release was a glance between the War God and his wrist for Liu Qingge to get a hint and step back. 

Shen Jiu coughed, "Where will this shidi lead me?"

However, that man's focus was already another.

"You lost your fan."

The Qing Jing Lord lifted an eyebrow. Yes. I did. You threw it on the floor, you ogre. 

"I'll search for it."

The moment Liu Qingge turned around, it took all Shen Jiu's power to not roll his eyes and grab the man by his robes. As if he would let him return to the place his brother was. He wasn't stupid!

"Qi... Yue-shixiong probably has it already. I'd rather be informed of your matters, shidi."

Silence.

Probably a whole minute passed and Shen Jiu was at the verge of calling out for him again, thinking the ogre probably didn't hear his question and kept staring blankly at him. Then, without warning, his wrist was grabbed again. The other, this time, and a bit gentler, and he was, forcefully _ yet gentle _ pulled to Liu Qingge's sword. He always expected to be pulled against his sword one day, more precisely to have his chest against his blade, but no. They were riding it; Liu Qingge's firmly holding him by the shoulder so he could stabilize himself.

Shen Jiu wanted to sneer; as if I never used a flying sword before, thank you! However, before he could even say something, the sword was already up in the air, making him stumble a bit before he was pulled closed by that crazy man.

Just. Where. Was. He. Being. Taken. To.

He opened his mouth and closed it right after. No use talking with that man.

Instead, he appreciated the pink horizons and yellowish leaves under him as they flew together. Of course, he also took his time to plan how to take Liu Qingge down if he was being lead to his death.

Not his death, it appeared. This time, Liu Qingge decided to not bring him to an empty, far away place where he could be killed without no one knowing. This time, at least. When Shen Jiu opened his eyes after he stopped feeling the breeze on his face, they were surrounded by people. Commoners, it appeared, judging by their clothes and the way they were being stared at.

A pull on his wrist and then, he was led to a small stall. A commoner's market, it seems. And, in front of them, the stall he was pulled to, countless fans were sold in many colors and sizes. They looked a bit cheap, if he were to be honest. Did Liu Qingge want a fan? He frowned.

"Choose."

Oh, right, so he wanted to... Huh? Choose wha... Was Liu Qingge gifting a fan? Since it was his fault he lost his other one? That bastard actually had some sense in him? Still... Shen Jiu looked away after a while of staring more than he should, deciding to busy his mind with the countless fans exposed in order. They looked cheap, obviously, as if Liu Qingge would know about quality.

Still, his eyes continued to wander around, for something that looked at least presentable — not that he would ever use it, of course — and, before he could lose hope, or interest, something caught his attention. It was not the prettiest one he, a fan collector, ever seen, but it would be a nice addition to his collection. It was fully white, pristine, the type that would easily be dirtied or stained. Pure white with a few, almost invisible, pale green petals floating around. And, compared to everything else around, its quality was good.

Before he could even say something, when he blinked, Liu Qingge was already paying. 

He was handed the fan and, without words left, they fled back to their sect or, to be more specific, back to Qing Jing Peak, back to Shen Qingqiu's house, where the Shen twins resided. With a last glance to the white fan on Shen Jiu's hands and a simple nod, Liu Qingge left.

For a moment, or maybe more than that, Shen Jiu stood outside, glancing at the white fan from time to time, only snapping out of his daze when the door opened, revealing a face exactly like his.

"Jiu-ge, you forgot your..." A pale green, previously lost, fan was being held by a half raised arm that stopped as soon as Shen Yuan saw the new object in his brother's hands. He frowned. "Ge shouldn't throw it away because he got a new one, you can give it to me... You know I liked this design and... Where did you even get a new..." 

He was interrupted by his angry twin who took his belonging from his hands with a quick move before storming into the house, to his own bedroom. What a shame, Shen Yuan hoped he would let him stay with the green one. As always, he decided to let his brother cool down and decided to find his disciple for snacks.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Shen Jiu was preparing a murder.

Throwing the white fan under the bed to not ever be seen again, he muttered to himself any type of cussing and threats he could think of. He couldn't believe it. He couldn't fucking believe it.

Liu Qingge was... Interested in his brother? And in ways that don't involve blood and murder?

Why else would that beast gift "A-Yuan" a gift if not for... c-cour... court... He couldn't even say it! Why else would he escort "A-Yuan" home twice?

Shen Jiu gritted his teeth.

He couldn't allow that man to come near his younger twin.

Never!

Chapter Text

"... What did you say?"

Shen Jiu had no words to define what exactly was he being told, this exact moment, by a Yue Qingyuan, one with a worried expression on his face. An expression he was so very used to seeing on his face, able now to recreate that expression with accuracy whenever he closed his eyes. Stupid man, worrying for stupid things.

Wait. He, actually, had words to define the proposal: nonsense. Bullshit. Stupid. Worthless. Terri-

"Xiao Jiu," the sect leader sighed, and that's how Shen Jiu knew a long scold was coming his way, "I know you must feel worried, I understand you, but A-Yuan is not a kid anymore. Mu-shidi checked on his condition, I assure you that he's fine."

He had to keep his eyes from rolling.

"A-Yuan is not a flower, he won't go down that easily. We both know that, right? Besides, Liu-shidi will be with him, he's very capable, you can trust him."

Shen Jiu gritted his teeth. This was ridiculous. They had an agreement; Shen Jiu would act as Shen Qingqiu for two seasons and later Shen Yuan would too act as Peak Lord for two seasons. That's it, that's all, that's what they have been doing for years. The cat being out of the bag didn't mean they had two Peak Lords, no, it clearly meant they had one Peak Lord under two names, that's all!

If Yue Qingyuan knew this, why was he asking, in the middle of Shen Jiu's season, for A-Yuan to go on a trip to collect some random ingredient that literally anyone could do in his place?!!

And why was Liu Qingge in the package?

"No."

"Xiao Jiu... This concerns A-Yuan, not you, I must remind."

Then go ahead and ask A-Yuan, you damn mongrel. The words almost slipped from his mind to his tongue, however, he stopped at the last second. No, no, no, A-Yuan couldn't know about this! His brother was always happy to be outside, whining whenever Shen Jiu prevented him from slipping out during winter. 'I wasn't able to enjoy the world in my last life, Ji~u-ge', he would whine like a baby for hours, begging for permission.

If Yue Qingyuan directly asked Shen Yuan, his idiotic, suicidal brother would surely agree right on!

"Alright."

"Besides, A-Yuan... What."

"If you want him to go that badly, alright. I'll have to agree."

Qi-ge blinked once, twice, thrice, unable to believe the words that just left the Peak Lord's mouth. "That's funny, Xiao Jiu, I just thought I heard you saying..."

His head was smacked by a fan.

"I said what I said. However, I'll be the one to talk to A-Yuan. If he refuses, then forget about it, send the little beast or something."

"Ah... Yes, Xiao Jiu. Of course."

Shen Jiu scoffed, "Send a disciple with the details of this travel of yours."

Waiting for no answer, Shen Jiu turned on his heels and walked away, gracefully, elegant in the eyes of outsiders, even though his grip on his fan was getting tighter and his thoughts messier. As if As if he would let his dear brother go out in this weather! For a travel, even! To somewhere far, far away from home. If something happened with A-Yuan...

And Liu Qingge.

If Liu Qingge was going, then A-Yuan definitely couldn't go! Not now when Shen Jiu found out about his courting plans and, what Shen Yuan would call, his little 'crush'.

Luckily, he already had a plan.

“I’m sorry, Jiu-ge, I’m not getting it.”

“Which part you don’t, A-Yuan.”

“Why do I need to pretend to be you?”

No, Shen Jiu, don’t you roll your eyes! He’s your brother! “I’m going out for a few days. Don’t let anyone know.”

“Uh,” Shang Qinghua lifted a hand, awkwardly, “should I be here?”

The older twin scoffed, “So what? Gonna tell that demon of yours?”

“You say as if he’s just any demon and not, like, a king…” he mumbled, ignoring the Ice Queen’s gaze on him. Ugh, why did he write his character like that. Anyways. Before he could complain about his poor life choices or flee while he could, Shang Qinghua noticed something. “Wait, isn’t that travel with Liu Qingge…”

A loud noise echoed in the room due Shen Yuan smacking the table, “What?!”

Sometimes Shen Jiu wished to zip that mouth of his, not like he would be able to keep that hidden for long, but… “Yes, that one.”

“I.. Uh” Shen Yuan’s face right now would be comical, if it wasn’t the same faced Shen Jiu shared. “Why?”

“Yeah, why? I mean, wasn’t your bro-“

Shang Qinghua’s big mouth was prevented from over speaking thanks to Shen Jiu’s glare, a silent threat shared by the two, one that Shang Qinghua knew very well at that point. Shutting his mouth right away, the author could only wonder why he included such a princess in the plot and just how did he, the An Ding Lord, end up close to him.

Well, Shen Jiu had more dirt on him than he wished for. Sorry, Shen Yuan, he thought, I guess you’ll have to find out by yourself.

“Wait. You want me. Me. To pretend to be you. So you can, uh, travel alone with Liu-shidi?”

“Yes. Do I have to repeat it thrice?”

“Oh, God…”

There was two feelings mixing inside the younger twin, half fearing of one of them ending up dead if they spent so long alone, and other half unable to react as he recalled his conversation with Shang Qinghua a few days ago, where he actually considered taking Liu Qingge as his brother in law.

“So,” they all could tell he was starting to get impatient, “will you do it?”

“Uh. Yes. Alright” words left his mouth without being approved first. “Good. Liu-shidi is a good man, after all. You two have my blessings.”

“Yeah, blessings” Shang Qinghua repeated after.

Shen Jiu couldn’t help but frown… What were those idiots thinking?

Late that afternoon, Luo Binghe saw himself trapped inside a dream.

Or that’s what he thought.

I mean, now way the scene unfolding before his eyes could be true, right? Yeah, of course, there’s no way… He pinched himself once. Nothing. He slapped his faced. Nothing. He held his breath… Alright, alright.

An illusion, perhaps.

Before his eyes, near the lake, Shen Qingqiu, or Shen Jiu to be more specific, played with his own reflection on the clear water, legs folded near his body as if he were some kind of mermaid, waiting for a fisherman to fall in love with such a beauty. Maybe, even, a princess, waiting for the day when he would be saved by a prince or a warrior.

That’s a stupid thought, of course. Just like Lorelei, Shen Jiu would sink whoever dared to approach, allowing them into his underwater palace to drown. And, as a princess, he was much more likely to trick the dragon himself to escape.

What confused Binghe, however, was the way Shen Jiu smiled.

That’s right.

It wasn’t a smirk; it wasn’t an arrogant curve of his lips whenever someone else fell for his tricks. It was a smile, one being put effort on. Shen Jiu continuously smiled at himself reflected on the water and then relaxed his facial muscles, before trying to smile again.

Was he… perhaps, training?

Luo Binghe’s face went red, hiding in the bushes before his shifu could notice his presence. No way he could let Shen Jiu know what he had seen. No way he could let anyone know.

That’s a secret for him to take to the grave.

And, of course, to his Shizun.

Meanwhile, Shen Jiu sighed. How could his twin do that so naturally…?

Two days later, the sun shined brightly in the sky, enough for Liu Qingge to cover the light with his palm, narrowing his eyes as he waited for someone.

Near the carriage, only himself. Yue Qingyuan was there before, to greet ‘Shen Yuan’ and tell him to take care, however, after being so late, the sect leader decided to look for him himself, leaving his shidi alone to wait for him.

When he arrived, what should he say? He wondered, should he greet naturally? Help him inside the carriage? Tell him he looks p… pre… p-pre…tt…

Shameless!

Lost in his own mind, he only snapped out of his thought when he heard a familiar tone.

“Liu-shidi!”

Walking in his way, calling for his name with the purest smile he had ever seen, ‘Shen Yuan’ approached, fan in hand but not covering his face. His eyes closed slightly when he smiled so much, so brightly, enough for Liu Qingge to forget about the real sun in the sky.

Was he… That happy to see him? His presence could make him like that? Him smile like that? Smiling so purely, like an angel or a star, while calling his name, Liu Qingge could only…

Liu Qingge choked.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu didn’t actually know how to keep a conversation. I mean, he could, if he tried. Not really, but he likes to think he can. Usually, the girls at the brothel would be nice companions, companions that Shen Jiu knew how to talk normally to. He knew, with them, how to make a joke at the right time, and how to talk about the weather and comment about what someone else is wearing and how ridiculous it is.

Even with Shen Yuan, it is his younger twin who does most of the talking. Of course, that doesn’t apply to complains or cusses, as Shen Jiu is a certified master in those areas.

Luckily, Liu Qingge is as awkward as he is in that area.

Liu Qingge was the one driving the carriage, of course. Shen Jiu thanked all the gods up there for this specific similarity between him and his brother, which made him able to enter the carriage without second thoughts.

Both Shen brothers would leave the troublesome matters to someone else and enjoy a comfortable trip with no worries.

The mongrel didn’t ask about it, either, and went straight to his place. Opposed to Shen Jiu, the muscled idiot would probably die of boredom if he had to stay put and appreciate the view.

Shen Jiu closed his eyes and sighed.

What a long trip this would be.

Maybe, he closed his eyes for too long.

I mean, too.

When his eyes opened again, he could see the nothingness of the night through the window. He could also tell they weren’t moving anymore and goddamn, was he left alone by that mongrel? Where would he even go in the middle of the night without the carriage.

Except he wasn’t in a carriage anymore and is in fact inside a cage, ready to repent for all his sins after Liu Qingge found out he was the older twin and not the one he wanted.

He would have to die here without telling Qi-ge a last ‘fuck you’.

“Shen Qingqiu.”

He looked at the carriage’s door that was suddenly opened, revealing the, unfortunately, familiar man with an even more familiar frown on his face.

“We are here.”

Yes, that far he could tell.

They were sent to pick a stupid flower that grows at a stupidly specific time in the last day of the month, which should be a full moon, just to make things even more stupid.

Sometimes Shen Jiu wondered who the fuck created those things. They were so ridiculous that they sounded like the books his brother had told him about.

If there’s an author to this world, Shen Jiu will surely kill him one day.

Bur for now, however, he wasn’t supposed to be planning a murder, no. He was supposed to be playing his brother to protect him from the man still looking at him, waiting for an answer.

“Why didn’t Liu-shidi wake me up?”

“Mn,” he stepped back from the carriage, “I thought you could sleep until I finished preparations.”

The god of war pointed to the fire behind him and, oh no, they were camping. Shen Jiu hided his disgust with his fan.

“This lord is thankful, but there was no need to.”

“You looked good.”

“What?”

“Your sleeping face.”

The grip on his fan got tighter, his eyes avoiding the man and searching for an escape route. Just how the fuck was he supposed to react? And oh no, his cheeks were getting hot. Don’t tell he’s blushing, that would be atrocious.

“It’s cold, so Shen Yuan should sleep inside.”

As if he would ever sleep on grass.

Which led him to another question and, this time, was his turn to frown, “Where will Liu-shidi sleep?”

As an answer, Liu Qingge just pointed near the fire with his thumb, as if it were obvious he’d be sleeping out tonight.

Hah, it was expected for him to act like an animal.

Thankfully, Shen Jiu took care of his pets. Shang Qinghua was still alive, at least.

He prepared an instant cabin beforehand, one that could be easily carried on his sleeves and, when activated, would create a small bamboo cabin comfortable enough for a night of sleep. Well, he never tried it before, but that was the description he got.

“Liu-shidi can sleep in the carriage” Shen Jiu said as he got off. “I’ve prepared a place already, there’s no need to worry about this lord.”

“Mn?”

The scholar fixed his robes before looking up to meet that delicate face looking at him, “You’ll see.”

Without any more words, he threw the small box at an open space, throwing it away enough so he wouldn’t be hit by a bamboo wall or something that would embarrass himself in front of the Bai Zhan Lord.

His breath went back to normal after the small cabin appeared in front of them. Liu Qingge must have a stupid expression right now, he thought as he covered his face with his fan to take a peek.

Liu Qingge lifted one eyebrow, expression blank, “Oh.”

… Was that all?

Shen Jiu felt his forehead aching. The mongrel couldn’t appreciate it. Even Luo Binghe would be fawning over how cool and practical such artifact is!

Scoffing, he entered the cabin. It was very simple, as expected, but comfortable enough.

The bamboo walls were familiar, making him feel at home, and the large bed in the middle of the room also looked good. There was even a small dresser near a window. Well, that’s a win, he smirked.

Going back to the carriage to retrieve his bag, that’s when he saw the unexpected.

Liu Qingge was laying down on the bench. Or trying to.

Hell.

Even though he had a ridiculous pretty face, he had a body that reflected all the years he spent training. That’s the price paid for being a brute, Shen Jiu thought as he watched Liu Qingge try to fit his whole body in the small place meant to sit.

His legs were bended to the point where his knees met his chest. To be fair, Shen Jiu would also have difficulties trying to sleep there, but that was ridiculous.

He coughed, “Shidi.”

Liu Qingge frowned.

“You may sleep inside the cabin.”

“…Yes.”

Turning around, Shen Jiu left first, not looking back to see if he was being followed by his fellow peak lord. They both entered the cabin and, even inside, Shen Jiu refused to look at him, occupying his mind as he organized his fans by color on the table near the bed.

“You” Liu Qingge started with a pause, “brought four fans.”

“I believe there’s no need to explain myself.”

Liu Qingge squinted his eyes, “Where’s the one I gave you.”

“Huh?”

“The white one.”

“Well,” hidden under the bed so Shen Yuan would never find it, “not here.”

“I can see that,” oh, there it is, the aggressive tone Shen Jiu knew well, “why.”

That man was utterly ridiculous.

“Liu-shidi, are you serious? I can’t bring a white fan to an outdoor mission such as this one” well, that was only part of the truth, however. Not that Qingge needed to know all the reasons. “If you want me to stain that fan with dirt, tell me next time.”

“You didn’t bring it because you didn’t want to foul it?”

“As I said.”

When he turned back, Shen Jiu almost couldn’t believe his eyes. Was…. Was Liu Qingge blushing? For… For such a stupid reason! Even his cheeks went red, which he quickly hided.

“Good.”

The happiness on his tone could be sensed on the other side of the ocean.

Shen Jiu coughed, “Sleep, then. It’s already late.”

“Mn” Liu Qingge nodded before… getting into the bed?

No, no, he was supposed to get a sheet and sleep on the floor. What was this? Was he expecting them to sleep together? Of course, the bed is big enough for two, even four, but that was too shameless.

Imagine if it was his precious A-Yuan instead of him… The beast was clearly hiding ulterior motives! It almost made him shake with rage. Almost.

It could actually be a good thing.

Good for his plan, at least.

Yes, his plan… For now, he needed to act like Shen Yuan and wait for the right moment to reject him, in a way he would never approach his twin again! For that, he needed to pretend he doesn’t mind Liu Qingge’s advances, to get the chance to smash that crush of his soon.

Liu Qingge saw the beauty staring at him and wondered if he did something wrong.

‘Shen Yuan’ invited him inside, and also took care of his courting gift. Was this too much? His sister told him to get into his bed as soon as he could, to show interest. Was she wrong? No, she was probably right, Liu Qingge is probably overreacting.

Still, he had to ask, “Is something wrong?”

Shen Jiu scoffed, answering a somewhat angry, somewhat nervous ‘no!’ before getting into bed and hiding under the sheets right away.

Normally, he would take his outer robes off, or wear something else to sleep. No way he’s doing that in front of the beast, however. Grateful to the cold night, Shen Jiu closed his eyes, getting as far from Liu Qingge as he could.

He doesn’t know when he was able to sleep, but Shen Jiu knows he spent a long time looking at the wall.