Chapter Text
Day one: Iustum Praesidium
“Brother…”
You understand, right?”
“But what about --”
“He will understand. I hope you do too.”
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They said that the road to the afterlife is paved with flowers. However, it is also long and arduous. Legend says though that one of the fates pitied those souls so she set up a place to help prepare them for their tiring journey.
One does not know how long it had been in service. Some say it has been there since the beginning. Some say it has been there for a thousand years. But one thing is for sure, Lotus Hotel, like the name of the flower it was after, was a place for the souls to be purified, enlightened, and regenerate. It is the place where the soul prepares itself to enter the cycle of rebirth.
This place was also known for its keeper who was a one of a kind beauty. They describe them as someone with cat-like eyes, a chiseled face, and a tongue that could strike you like lightning. They were known by their title, Sandu Sengshou but whispered in the corridors, they are also called the purple blossom of the Lotus Hotel.
However, if you ask Nie Mingjue, he would probably call him an…
“Asshole. What did I say about sticking to the budget?” Nie Mingjue slapped the credit card bill in front of Jiang Cheng who' currently polishing his purple ring.
“Mingjue-ge. I understand what you mean but seriously, I just got to have this ring. This was made to be worn by my fingers. You can’t blame me for buying. I deserve this.” He showed his finger to Nie Mingjue that the latter promptly slapped.
“I’m telling you. Stay on the budget or else.”
“Or else what?” Jiang Cheng raised his eyebrows. Nie Mingjue might have died at an older age than him but he has lived longer than he did. Jiang Cheng doesn’t fear anything or anyone.
“I’ll tell old man Qiren." Nie Mingjue said with a triumphant smirk.
Okay, make that one fear.
Lan Qiren has been the manager of the Lotus Hotel for 50 years and was the only living soul that could scare the crap out of Jiang Cheng.
“Ah, let’s try not to bother him. How about I take on some mission? Like the one I did a week ago?”
“And what? Swindle the souls for their money? You do realize their relatives burned those money for them.” Mingjue crossed his arms before sighing. “Look kid, the hotel still needs to function like any other hotel in the country. We need to pay our dues.”
Jiang Cheng just rolled his eyes. What’s the use of it being the hotel for the dead when they need to pay the living?
He’s about to say his thoughts when they were disturbed by a knock. Mingjue went and opened the door to Wangji.
“Wangji. What can I do for you?” Jiang Cheng straightened his designer purple suit hoping Mingjue would take the hint that their conversation is over. N
Mingjue just shook his head before leaving. “We’ll talk about this later.” He then nodded to Wangji as he passed by. Jiang Cheng just shrugged before looking at Wangji.
“What is it?”
“We have a new case…”
Wangji trailed off and Jiang Cheng just signed him to continue. “ and the general manager just found his replacement.”
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One would say that Lan Xichen is the epitome of a perfect person. Handsome, intelligent, always smiling making him look approachable, the list could go on. He was voted as the number 1 perfect boyfriend in all his years in the university. He graduated with honors and has offers left and right.
However, everyone was surprised when he declined everything, citing that a job post is waiting for him back at home. Everyone was baffled. Lan Xichen was brought up in this town his whole life.
So where is this home?
“I’m sorry for dropping unannounced Xichen.” the old man stared at the young smiling man in front of him. If he was given the chance, he wouldn’t want this fate to befall on him. However, like he was fated to retire, it was also Lan Xichen’s destiny to become the Lotus hotel's next manager.
“It’s okay uncle. I know that you’ll be coming for me one of these days. I have prepared my whole life to be part of your hotel.” He smiled knowing that once he became the manager, his uncle would be able to retire and enjoy his life. He owes it to him after he saved him years before. It’s only right that this time, he will be the one to work hard for them.
Lan Qiren sighed before locking eyes with him. He had sent Lan Xichen overseas to study and give him the freedom he deserves before sealing his fate. He can only delay the inevitable.
“There is something you need to know about the hotel I am working for.” Lan Xichen nodded to show that he’s listening. He knew in himself that he had prepared for this. So there’s nothing that could surprise him.
“I am working for the hotel of the dead.”
Oh.