Chapter Text
A man shrouded in the veils of mystery and crime, his intentions unknown and his thievery doing justice to his unstoppable streak. The infamous Gentleman Thief, anonymously known as Otto, was going to make his move once again.
Being regarded as both a hero and villain, Jingyuan frankly doesn’t know what to expect. Having the honour of being involved in the possible arrest of the thief meant his role was important. For the sake of his duty as an officer and the pride of working hard for his career, Jingyuan had no thought of failure. The criminal would soon meet his downfall by the law, hopefully by the hands of the ‘overconfident officer’, as his young and capable assistant, Yanqing, jokingly referred to him as.
“I hope you rest well for tomorrow’s duties, and I do mean sleeping, not your definition of resting,” Jingyuan recalls his assistant’s passionate and lengthy conversations about his talent in swordsmanship as well as his unnecessary tendency to practise late in the night. His skill was admirable, but was difficult to balance with his work.
“Of course, have more faith in me, sir. I can be a responsible person, whether or not you think of me that way…”
Jingyuan sighs with a smile, ruffling the boy’s blonde hair.
"If I didn't have faith in you at all, you wouldn't be here."
The officer neatly stacks his paperwork, observing the crescent moon painted on the canvas of sapphire blue; its glowing edges are beautifully sharp, like the thorns underneath a rose. With an ominous feeling, he leaves his workplace with a fire ignited, spreading in his mind prepared for tomorrow's masquerade party where the show was about to begin, with Jingyuan playing the main role along with his mysterious opponent – a thief with unpredictable moves that checkmated all.
It was Jingyuan's turn to play his pieces, in which he could only hope not to fall into his trap, whatever it was.
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Dolled up in a luxury suit with a feathered mask, he could only spare a glance at his changed appearance before leaving his flat, awaiting the carriage that would take him to the High Cloud Residence; the future crime scene in which he will prevent. Yanqing being the early bird he was, greets his senior with excitement like a young boy discovering a new place as he hops into the carriage, eyes shining in the sunset they rode off towards.
On the way to the High Cloud Residence, the carriage continues through streets of the working class, the place that Yanqing was familiar with whilst a middle class like Jingyuan could only empathise and lend out a helping hand when he could through donations and performing his duties as an officer. Often he would naturally pity his assistant, who was cursed with growing up in the life of an orphan, and wonder how Yanqing was coping financially, although it was a topic they never talked about. Jingyuan was also the worst person his assistant could talk to about the struggles of wealth, considering he had lived comfortably, almost feeling guilty for doing so when so many could only pray for a life of his. He hopes Yanqing is doing well, and if he ever went to Jingyuan for support, he'd do his best to provide him with as much as he could offer.
His eyes naturally lay on his assistant, who appeared to be beaming at a sight out the window, to which Jingyuan noticed a hooded figure in a dark green cloak, handing pouches to excited children who looked like they were waiting for this occasion. In times of suffering, there was a ray of hope. Perhaps that's why Yanging was personally touched.
Jingyuan could only view the sight in admiration before it blurs into the distance. If there were more people being charitable like that, he’s certain the world would be a happier place. He silently thanks the mystery person shrouded in dark green.
Soon, the High Cloud Residence was in sight, its glorious building standing tall and proud, representative of a grand celebration.
Enjoy and revel in the delight like masked fools.
The party invitation ended with this message – vague yet informative. It strongly reminded Jingyuan of a certain someone, who he had an inkling was responsible for these words, a friend he knew all too well.
The occasion was joyous, a night to celebrate the glory the High Cloud Quintet had brought to the nation. Three of the members were Jingyuan's acquaintances, whilst Jingliu was his close friend, a mentor figure who aided him countless times.
Glasses were filled to the brim and tables were lavishly decorated with the finest foods for people to feast. Under the glorious chandelier lights, it was a party that lived up to its hosts. What could possibly happen? If only they knew…
"Glad you could make it," Jingliu said with a gentle smile, unaware of the investigation in the background. Yanqing was at the peak of his youth when parties fitted him like a glove, but he was trusted to do his duty, which Jingyuan can confirm, seeing the boy mingle with the crowd – his mask reveals a welcoming smile but critical eyes, stabbing into the guests’ personas like icicles.
"I hope you have a wonderful night, Jingliu. I have matters to attend to, such as keeping my assistant in sight…"
She laughs, covering her face with a fan that starkly contrasts with her blood-red eyes, "I see, don't forget to enjoy the party, it's an annual celebration after all. Visit the second floor when you can, I’m sure you'll like it."
“If I have time to spare, I’ll consider it,” there was a target to catch before he could indulge in his interests.
Through an unknown source that investigators had dug up, the Gentleman Thief planned to steal 'a heart of gold', whatever that alluded to, Jingyuan predicted it came in the form of a jewel; the thief was known for stealing valuable items so this would make sense. Committing a crime on the first floor with many guests present was risky no matter how skilled the thief was, so it was concluded that the crime would be on the second or third floor. With no intention of disrupting an annual extravagance, Jingyuan's co-workers were also lurking around for security. He could only hope it was enough of a backup.
What was the best way to infiltrate the High Cloud Residence, a grand building in the midst of the city centre? Simply enter as a guest amongst hundreds of others and strike when the time comes. That was the way of a thief – sly, cunning and inconspicuous.
With years of experience comes the talent of cracking a person’s mask at lightning speed. Jingyuan could tell that individuals like Sampo, a well-known gentleman of recklessness, were simply…unique, truly living up to being ‘masked fools’, meaning they were off the suspect list. Individuals like Lady Bronya or Sir Gepard had a reputation to uphold and being the infamous thief would set their honour to flames, not to mention their innate kindness Jingyuan had seen before.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, I hope you can find what you seek,” Lady Bronya looks knowingly at him. Had Jingyuan been too obvious, or was she too observant? He supposes being a noble lady required such skills, one that could even surpass him.
“Thank you, enjoy the rest of your evening,” with an unknown identity, he disappears once more, effortlessly blending in among the mass of suspects.
After an hour, perhaps a drink would do him good – it was very much needed. Strolling with champagne in his hand, he invested his senses in the soothing music, with his peace suddenly interrupted by colliding with someone who attempted to stop him, only to make Jingyuan spill some of his champagne on their sleeve.
“My apologies, sir–”
“Luocha, that’s my name.”
“...What?”, surely the gentleman knew it was a masquerade party, considering the intricate white mask adorned with white lilies that complimented his emerald eyes, along with the golden strands cascading down his shoulders like silk; it was a rare beauty Jingyuan had never witnessed. Regardless of what… observations he had just made, it’s a known rule not to reveal one’s name at a masquerade event.
“I repeat, it’s Luocha unless you were too occupied with your staring to not listen the first time,” the blonde remarks, amusement shown in his eyes, though it was also critical of his awaiting response.
Jingyuan is dumbfounded, feeling like he got caught in the midst of a crime.
“Y-you must have been mistaken, I did not intend to come off that way,” the officer justifies with reddened ears, “Is there anything I can do for you in exchange for my mistake?”
Perhaps he said something that wasn’t meant to be said, considering the look of mischief that grew on the blonde beauty’s face like he was waiting for this moment.
“How about you dance with me?”
If there were an incident to happen, now would be the best time.
“Dance…? But we’re both gentlemen–”
“Our lovely two members of the High Cloud Quintet are dancing, I don’t see the issue.”
Jingyuan looks behind, seeing the obvious figures of Yinyue Jun and Yingxing happily in each other’s arms with no care in the world. He observed the couple, noticing the red pendant on Yinyue Jun’s necklace, most likely a gift from the other. He recalls the gem’s name – Spider Lily, named after the flower. Well, they are an exception, he wanted to argue, but Luocha’s hopeful smile, oddly enough, convinced him.
“...You may have this dance.”
“And I gladly will,” Luocha, sensing his partner’s anxiety, assures, “Don’t worry, follow my lead.”
With the music fading out, signalling the end of the waltz, Jingyuan could only hope his partner would forgive him for his clumsy dancing, although Luocha did not seem to mind, looking more amused than ever. He certainly finds this entertaining, doesn’t he? It left him irritated yet flustered in a way he hadn’t felt before.
“I wish you a delightful evening, kind gentleman,” the blonde announces, leaning closer to his ear, “Your dancing skills surely do not match up to your beauty, I could compare it to the Dragon Heart, a jewel that many desire.”
The Dragon Heart. A special item for Yinyue Jun and Yingxing.
If he wanted to make a bold impression on him, then it worked , Jingyuan thought before snapping out of his trance. The blond beauty, sensing how he left the other speechless, smiles innocently. Whether someone like Luocha can be deemed suspicious, for the first time, he was debating within himself.
They depart from one another.
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“Any important news, Yanqing?”
“Apart from witnessing your mysterious dance partner, unfortunately, there’s no other news to report,” the youngster looks like he’s seconds away from laughing.
Jingyuan sighs, regretting being swept up in a stranger’s scheme to make a fool out of him. Luocha…a face he wishes to never see again, yet he can vividly remember his eyes sparkling in the chandelier lights, similar to the gleam of emeralds. He can remember the golden strands of hair elegantly swaying to the beat of the music, his gloved hands in Jingyuan effortlessly leading the dance like Luocha prepared it only for him.
“You’re hopeless, Yanqing. Please do not speak of this to anyone, it is a trivial matter.”
“Whatever you say, Officer,” he grins before walking back to the centre of the party, whether to have fun or investigate, it didn’t matter.
Jingyuan must admit that the investigation is at a point of futility, with no dirt on this Gentleman thief. If someone told him there was nothing going on, he would believe them. With low spirits, he heads off to the gardens in hopes of some peace to gather his thoughts. A person had left the vicinity, leaving Jingyuan alone luckily. The cool autumn breeze soothes his mind as he bores his eyes into the crescent moon in the distance, which appears to be watching him.
After some time, he decides to head back in better spirits. On his way, a piece of crumpled paper stuck in a rose bush caught his attention. At first, it seemed like litter, but Jingyuan being the desperate man he was, weaved his hands into the bush, grabbing onto the paper before pulling it out. There were minor scratches from the thorns of the roses, nothing to worry about. He opens the paper, scented with a familiar floral smell he couldn’t pinpoint.
Second Floor.
He leaves for his destination.
The floor appeared to be an art exhibition, with many wandering around aimlessly, barely sparing a glance at the artwork. Jingyuan copies them, surveying the space and keeping an eye on the guests’ actions. There were fewer people on the second floor, meaning it would be far easier to catch someone acting suspiciously, but to his misfortune, he was left standing around awkwardly. Perhaps that note was left by someone’s secret lover, not the thief he was trying to catch. There were many other reasons he could think of and reprimanded himself for being so reckless.
With frustration, he zones out on a painting to distract himself, observing every stroke and colour present. It depicted a hooded figure on a balcony looking into the distance, seeing destruction, which was represented by a mix of bloodshed, fire and suffering. Jingyuan focuses on the figure, noticing its upright posture, depicting a hero. Despite the chaos in front, the person in the painting still had hope for the future. Jingyuan finds it admirable how a story can be depicted with no words to explain. With time, his love for art only deepens.
“Fancy meeting you again,” a familiar voice whispered in his ears, along with a floral scent he immediately recognised. Jingyuan suppressed a sigh, thinking about his shallow resentment for the person.
“Hmm, not even a friendly smile?” Luocha smirks, “How about I tell you more about this painting as an apology for whatever I have done wrong?”
“...Fine,” Jingyuan should’ve refused and walked away but he was rooted on the spot like a puppet, controlled by the strings of fate.
“The painting overwhelms you with confusion at the destructive colours, depicting fire, blood, anguish, essentially anything that could come out of a pandora’s box, but we are then focused on the person that stood in the middle of that, a person that represents–”
“Hope for the future. Hope that the world can become a better place for those who are facing that destruction. A jewel amongst the dull. A shining light amongst the darkness,” Jingyuan blurts, having understood the painting better.
Luocha remains silent, soaking in the other’s insightfulness.
“Thank you. You have truly understood the painter’s intentions.”
“I should not be thanked for, the credit lies in the painter themselves for expressing their feelings so well.”
Jingyuan stares back at the masked beauty, who simply smiles, his eyes crinkled like crescent moons. The blonde takes his scratched hand, kissing it. For once, the officer could not tell the meaning behind it.
They depart from one another.
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He bolts to the third floor after confirming his newfound suspicions with Yanqing. From the champagne to the slip of a tongue, from the coincidental encounters to his mysterious actions, how was he so utterly blind?
Deep down, he knew he had a lingering suspicion, one that he didn’t act upon.
Why was that? A second was all he had to interrogate himself. It was out of wishful thinking, along with personal feelings Jingyuan wished he could throw away to the depths of hell. It was easier said than done.
Jingyuan is a fool. A fool masked with pride.
He bursts into Yingxing’s office, gun automatically locked at the perpetrator, the one and only Gentleman Thief whom he wished wasn’t the one and only person on his mind. If only fate didn’t allow them to meet, it would’ve been for the best. If only…
“It’s a pleasure to meet again, Jingyuan,” Luocha says in a relaxed tone, snatching the core of a golden rose from the shattered glass container. In his hands was the Dragon Heart, a yellow topaz jewel from the well-known tale of how Yinyue Jun gifted it to his beloved. It was a symbol of their undying love, immortal through time.
“It’s a shame things had to result in this, but–”
“Why, Luocha? Why are you doing this?”
The Gentleman Thief sighs, a solemnity looming over his blank face like a shadow.
“A thief who proclaims to have a heart of justice will act upon it. A mere gem to the nobility is an immeasurable amount of hope for the unfortunate, for the poor, and for the victims of our society. How many more shall suffer? How many more are going to turn a blind eye to it? If a valuable item like this can feed the mouths of many others, then so be it. I shall pay the price.”
“In this cruel game of chess, we are all pawns of our country, but I refuse to stoop low and be controlled. Chase after me all you want. No matter what, I will continue to perform my duty.”
Jingyuan drops his gun.
“Go.”
“...What?”
“Go, before I reconsider,” Jingyuan hisses, not daring to face him. Luocha was a man with a heart of justice. In addition, he was the Gentleman Thief who had stolen a piece of his heart. Fate allowed them to meet for a reason, and he was more than grateful for the opportunity. Would he have surrendered so easily if they hadn’t?
He could hear soft footsteps towards him. Why wasn’t he escaping? It could be any time now that Yanqing or the other officers could–
“I came here for a heart of gold, but it’s not in this gem,” Luocha comments with a profound realisation,“...It’s in you.”
Jingyuan’s heart skipped a beat.
Luocha twirls the Dragon Heart in his hand, proudly displaying its shine in the moonlight, “I’d say it’s reminiscent of your eyes, won’t you agree?” he looks into the officer’s golden eyes with fondness.
“I’m eternally grateful, for you and your kindness that I will treasure.”
Jingyuan could only watch as Luocha trails to the balcony, his hair billowing in the wind as he bathed in the moon’s presence. The sight was familiar, almost like something out of a painting.
Covered by a hooded cloak of dark green, the unmasked Gentleman Thief stands on top of the railing with a peaceful smile. Finally, the real Luocha is revealed, yet he still holds the same beauty that captivated Jingyuan. Otto or Luocha, he didn’t care. It was still him.
“Thank you…for understanding me,” with his last words comes his grand escape, stretching his arms out, resembling a bird spreading its wings of freedom. Then, he descends into the darkness with a swift fall.
Left on the balcony railing was a single white lily and Luocha’s mask, a token of his presence.
Once again, they depart from one another.
The door creaks open. Jingyuan, ready to robotically report the disappointing news, was shocked at the sight of Jingliu. She claps slowly.
“An enjoyable performance indeed, as expected from you, Jingyuan. You chose to stay on his side as I am going to stay with yours.”
“...You knew about this.”
“And what if I did? You and I are more alike than you think,” Jingliu whispers, lightly patting him on the back, “There’s no right or wrong decision, but in my eyes, you’ve helped continue the path of the justice that many seek, and I would’ve done the same. A heart of gold is what you truly have, Jingyuan. Follow it.”
Jingyuan walks to the balcony, with every step thinking of her words. Twirling the stem of the white lily in his hands, he takes in its soothing fragrance, a remembrance of a special someone.
It wasn’t long until Yanqing rushed into the room, frantic at the sight of shattered glass and Jingyuan standing on the balcony with slumped shoulders.
“He’s escaped,” Jingyuan announced, feigning a defeated tone. I allowed him to escape. He deserved to escape. Adding to his act, he shakes his head in disbelief, with Yanqing coming over to comfort him. His assistant knew he wasn’t one to accept defeat so easily.
“It’s alright, Officer. Failures will always lead to success. You’ve worked hard enough, I know you have,” Jingyuan looks at the youth who grins at him innocently. If only he knew…
“Hmm, where did you get that flower from?”
“Just someone…special.”
Perhaps, Yanqing would’ve done the same thing as him. Either way, he knows in his heart, he doesn’t regret his decision, no matter how many times he contemplates it. With this thought in his mind, he sleeps peacefully, dreaming of a bed of white lilies.
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The Gentleman Thief escapes once again, where to next? Investigators predict that…
Another failure at catching the infamous Otto – will anyone succeed?
The Gentleman Thief Otto – an inspiration for crime or simply a foolish villain?
After the failure, nothing much had changed for Jingyuan. Of course, he had a lecture from the higher-ups, expressing disappointment in him but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle. As a punishment, he gets lower-level crimes to deal with, not that he was personally affected by it, now that he has a more humble mind.
With his arms resting on the cold desk of his cosy apartment, all he wants is to sleep for eternity after this tiring day, but glancing at the remaining paperwork stubbornly sitting on his desk reminds him of the duty he must fulfil, regardless of his mood. With his exhaustion slowly stacking like the piles of completed work, he was finally done.
To express his relief, he pushed open his windows wide, welcoming the cold breeze that he often appreciated. To his surprise, the breeze wasn’t the only thing he was welcoming – it was something else, or more specifically…a certain someone he hadn’t seen in a fortnight.
A smile couldn’t help but bloom on his face as he saw the intruder who rudely interrupted his well-deserved rest. Revealing himself in Jingyuan’s home with a black turtleneck and white, long jacket that fit snugly around his waist should be deemed unlawful.
“Luocha.”
“Jingyuan…or are we not close enough for me to refer to you as this?”
“I would rather hope that we are, or you can kindly leave my home.”
“I’d rather not, considering the effort I spent in finding you along with having to climb up this tree,” Luocha chuckles sheepishly, reflecting on his actions.
“What a crazy gentleman, but I suppose he is charming in both personality and looks,” Jingyuan mumbles to himself, well aware that he can hear him.
"I didn't think you had such a high opinion of me," he mumbles shyly, different from his confident self displayed at the masquerade.
"Oh, are you not used to hearing compliments about yourself?"
"I'm used to stealing those from others to use as my own."
"So what about the ones you used on me?"
"...They were from the heart," Luocha admits with a defeated look, blushing. A very unlikely scene to see for the Gentleman Thief.
"I guess I'm an exception," Jingyuan feels an odd surge of joy.
"...Take this. This was the main reason for my visit, and to see you of course," Luocha tentatively hands him a bouquet of white lilies, his signature flower that Jingyuan has rapidly grown to like. It was a symbol of peace, something that he knew the Gentleman Thief wanted to bring to the world through his unique ways.
Today suddenly becomes memorable, a difference from the mundane of his life.
All because of him, Jingyuan concluded, his heart brimming with gratitude.
"A gift for me, why have I received this blessing?"
"Just because…", Luocha trails off, speechless, "Although we're on different sides of the law, you still respect my motives and that's more than enough of a reason."
"Now that I thought about it more, helping the poor and unfortunate was my main desire, but I also needed someone to understand my ways, someone to be on my side for once, I suppose."
"If that's the case, I'm honoured to be that someone."
"A person with a heart of gold deserves no less."
Jingyuan smirks, confidence oozing through his veins at Luocha's lovely compliments that never fail to make his heart race, whether he knows it or not.
Tenderly, he lifts up the beauty's chin, connecting their eyes together, "A thief who stole a piece of my heart, what do you think you deserve then?"
Silence.
"You can steal as much as you want from me, I'll willingly give it to you, my Gentleman Thief."
Luocha laughs, taking Jingyuan’s free hand in his, “The way we’re acting, it’s foolish, yet it never felt so right.”
“I guess we were masked fools before.”
“...I didn’t exactly get the invitation,” Jingyuan sighs in disbelief. What did he expect?
They both revel in each other’s company, with the moon as their sole witness.
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