Chapter Text
Have you ever wondered how things would have been if people knew your suffering?
Never mind the people who were destined to give you lessons. But those who were meant to stay with you for a long time, to tell them of what you have endured, would it be worth it?
Do you stay silent and lock it within your soul, move on, and face your loved ones with a smile?
Or do you sit with them, and let them see your pain?
To Xie Lian, all that was in the past has already been buried long ago, forever hidden within the deepest corner of his mind. It took him a long time to heal – in fact, he wouldn’t say that he has fully healed from the eight centuries worth of pain and trauma, but Xie Lian knew that within the five years of constant love and happiness showered by the people he loves around him, the process was gentle and easy.
Five years had passed since their marriage.
Five years of blissful mornings and heavenly nights, Xie Lian knew he will never get tired of the contentment, peace, and love he has been receiving.
Simply put, Hua Cheng was everything Xie Lian could ever dream for, his life blessing.
It might have been abrupt, considering the length of time Xie Lian had in getting to know the ghost king, but the sincerity is there – how Hua Cheng poured and showed his devotion to the prince was incomparable beyond belief, to the extent that it showed no inch of space for Xie Lian to doubt and think that Hua Cheng wanted something from him.
And loving Hua Cheng in return was one of the only things Xie Lian ever felt to come so naturally, like it was truly meant to be.
After 800 years of suffering, it was only deserving for the prince to finally decide on something he knew would make him happy.
And just like any other married couple, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng still do their day-to-day routine: morning cuddles and kisses, work, casual conversations (flirt) in Hua Cheng’s private communication array (because they just can’t get enough of each other), go home, eat, and a lot more kisses.
Other than the minor mishaps like ghosts fooling around with humans and heavenly officials dumping their audit to the Palace of Ling Wen, the three realms were relatively in peace.
But something happened on one spring morning.
Xie Lian visited Shi Qingxuan, the former Wind Master, who has taken one of the royal capital’s streets as his home together with his friends who once helped in forming human array seven years ago. Although they see each other from time to time, Xie Lian still feels happy whenever he sees Shi Qingxuan be his jolly self, as if one of his legs and arms is still working fine and his appearance is that of a heavenly official.
Everything is in the past now, today is a new day.
“I absolutely cannot wait for this hot spring you were talking about Your Highness!” Shi Qingxuan chirped.
“I just hope it’s still there though. It’s been a long time.” Xie Lian said, eyes bright with excitement. “I’m glad I remembered.”
“That’s true. With something mundane as hot spring, I can’t believe you’ll even remember where it’s located.”
“I guess my memory is improving.” Xie Lian said sheepishly, scratching his cheek as he thought how absurd that may have sounded.
Everyone who are close to Xie Lian knows how bad his memory is. Save for his memories relating to Hua Cheng, everything seemed to blur in his mind.
Some might say it was him opting for memory suppression, but for Feng Xin and Mu Qing, it's deeper than that. But they respect it altogether; they do not force Xie Lian to re-tell the stories his own mind has subconsciously protected him from.
He can still remember the showdown that happened in Mount Tonglu though, but Xie Lian wanted to forget that. He doesn’t want to reminisce Hua Cheng’s ‘death’ ever again.
“Are we there yet?” Shi Qingxuan asked, steps becoming larger as he limped quickly.
Xie Lian laughed, “Don’t worry, we’ll be there soon. We’re close.”
Or so he hoped.
Vision suddenly darkening, Xie Lian froze midstep. He felt his body go cold while his mind go numb. He can’t see nor feel anything other than hearing his heart pound so loud in his ears. The hairs on his back stood. He knew he must move, but he can no longer control his body. Xie Lian didn’t even know if he was still breathing. Not even a croak can be uttered.
As fast as it happened, suddenly he found himself kneeling. His awareness flickering, Xie Lian barely heard Shi Qingxuan’s voice. He felt like someone was attempting to touch his soul.
Truly an exulting feat! The third child has answered!
What?
A multitude of voices said that phrase. Xie Lian can now definitely feel something, or someone touch his soul. He fought against it viciously, fighting for his consciousness to spring back to reality as he forcefully gasped for air.
“Your Highness!” A voice called to him. Xie Lian can no longer decipher who was calling. Was that Shi Qingxuan?
Just what is happening?
Do not be afraid. I am not here to hurt you.
“Who are you?!” Xie Lian screamed in his mind.
I am merely the mediator.
“What mediator?! What do you want from me?!”
From within the universe, she calls forth pillars that would bring her vitality. Such pillars who answers are then summoned in her realm, serving her until she slumbers once more.
“Who?” Xie Lian felt something extremely cold touching his forehead.
Laid upon your forehead is the key to finding the first and second pillar. Meet them, only then will answers be unraveled.
“Stop this! Just who is this person calling?!”
The Maiden of the Universe.
Xie Lian tried to locate the source of the voice, blindly grabbing within the abyss. If this was a possession—no. He was a god, who could even possess a god?
What creature would have the power to touch a god’s spirit, if not a god himself?
Unless such creature was a ghost king, but he knew this was not Hua Cheng’s work. Surely it wouldn’t be Blackwater’s.
Heed her call, Crown Prince of Xianle. She who awaits shall see you soon.
The cold that was freezing his veins suddenly burned.
“Your Highness! Oh god oh god oh god!”
“Your Highness!”
Two voices suddenly warped into Xie Lian’s consciousness. Then, as if someone dropped him in a dream, Xie Lian’s body involuntarily jerked violently but was immediately stopped by a fierce embrace.
“I’m here, Your Highness! I’m here!”
That voice, Xie Lian knows that voice like the back of his hand. That voice is something Xie Lian will never ever get tired of.
“S..San… Lang” Xie Lian rasped, slowly feeling how his throat hurt.
“I’m here... I’m here...” Hua Cheng said over and over.
Little by little, Xie Lian’s vision returned as well as the feeling over his body. He was terribly shaking, almost convulsing. Fields of green and sunlight came to his sight, realizing that he was still in the area he and Shi Qingxuan was walking to. Xie Lian can feel Hua Cheng cradling him, embrace firm and warm.
“Thank goodness you’ve finally come around Your Highness!” Shi Qingxuan wailed, evidently shaken from what happened.
“W..What..” Xie Lian was still finding it hard to talk. Why does his throat hurt so much?
“Stop talking, gege.” Hua Cheng said, voice slightly trembling. Xie Lian saw Hua Cheng’s eyes in a frenzy, as if he was about to go insane.
“We’re going home.”
“Yes, yes, that would be best.” Shi Qingxuan sniffed. “Don’t mind me, I know my way around. You both go ahead.”
Hua Cheng did not respond. He gently scooped Xie Lian and walked away.
***
In no time, some of Xie Lian’s closest friends came barging in the Thousand Lights Temple.
“It seems all of you have forgotten whose territory is this.” Hua Cheng scowled, pissed at the ruckus that may awaken the peacefully slumbering Xie Lian.
“Well, His Highness is here, we can’t do anything about that now can we.” Feng Xin said, speedily walking towards Xie Lian.
“How is he?” Mu Qing asked.
“He’s stable.” Hua Cheng replied.
“What exactly happened? I refuse to listen to the hearsays, but they’re really serious.” Pei Ming asked, voice grave.
Hua Cheng’s expression darkened, “I understand these two barging in” He gestured at Feng Xin and Mu Qing. “But what are you doing here?” He shifted his gaze on Pei Ming.
Pei Ming frowned, “Like I said, I refuse to listen on hearsays. But such topic involved His Highness’ life, it’s a matter that I can’t just sit by. So, what happened?”
Hua Cheng’s jaw clenched, fists tightening as he looked at his beloved, angry at himself for not being able to do anything again.
He was reading a bunch of reports when the red string attached to his third finger broke. Not only was it an indication that something happened, but it also meant that Xie Lian’s life was in danger. Throwing everything away, Hua Cheng barked orders to Yin Yu as he swiftly tossed the dice and sprinted toward Xie Lian.
He expected blood and gore, even a certain mask appearing. Hua Cheng expected the worst possible scenarios, but not that.
A thrashing, convulsing, screaming Xie Lian, whose limbs were fading.
Hua Cheng held on Xie Lian’s shoulders for dear life, afraid of what could happen next. Xie Lian’s skin was cold as ice, lips unbearably pale, but his eyes were shut tight as he screamed himself hoarse for quite a long time.
“San Lang!! San Lang!!” Xie Lian’s shrill voice called him between his screams over and over, as if he didn’t even feel Hua Cheng’s vicious grip on him.
Nearing insanity, Xie Lian’s screams finally died down. His limbs slowly reappeared, and a white, strange mark appeared on his forehead.
“The mark is very faint, but it’s pulsating.” Mu Qing remarked.
“What symbol is that anyway?” Pei Ming asked.
“I don’t know, perhaps the Palace of Ling Wen would know.” Feng Xin answered.
“I’ve ordered Yin Yu to do some research about that mark.” Hua Cheng said.
Feng Xin sighed, “Did His Highness go somewhere this time? Where were he and the Wind Master heading anyway?”
“To some hot spring His Highness remembered he visited years ago.”
“Hot spring?”
“Yeah.”
Mu Qing’s brows furrowed, “Well, that’s odd. Given his memory…”
“What about his memory?” Pei Ming asked.
All three gazes turned to him.
“What?”
“He has a memory of a fish, did you forget?” Mu Qing remarked. Pei Ming ignored his tone.
“Perhaps there’s something in that area that may have triggered something? That hot spring might be enchanted.” Mu Qing said.
“I already sent someone to investigate there. For the meantime, I have strengthened security within Ghost City.” Hua Cheng said.
“We’ll send people too.” Feng Xin said. “It would be better if a medical heavenly official will check on His Highness, just to make sure.”
Hua Cheng nodded once, agreeing that double, triple checking Xie Lian’s condition is better than being checked by Hua Cheng himself alone.
Silence enveloped among them afterwards, all staring at Xie Lian’s peaceful face. Hua Cheng, who was seated right beside him, once again held Xie Lian’s wrist carefully for another examination. Hua Cheng internally sighed. Nothing seems to be out of place, but Hua Cheng didn’t dare trust his abilities. He vaguely remembered that one time they celebrated his birthday only to have Xie Lian crumble down in pain. But given the current circumstances, even Feng Xin and the others know that the situation is grave enough to warrant the Heaven's immediate attention.
Fading against one’s own volition, no matter how rare, can only mean one thing: someone was out there who has the intent to kill Xie Lian.
But fading is never a common occurrence. In fact, it has never been heard of. Hua Cheng fading that one time was because he exhausted all his power for Xie Lian, and it was out of his own will. Just what kind of creature who has the capability to do such act?
“We must act fast and figure out who’s behind this. The laws of the New Heavenly Capital may be different now, but losing someone like His Highness will cause severe damage among the three realms.” Pei Ming said, subtly glancing at Hua Cheng’s grim face.
They knew it was more than Hua Cheng losing control and probably going on a rampage as they hunt for the culprit. Given that the Heavenly realm doesn’t have an emperor, the essence of all heavenly officials is what keeps the Heavenly realm intact. Xie Lian’s death, being the strongest martial god, may likely cause immense disruption on the Heavenly realm’s balance. It could mean vulnerability against all odds.
“His Highness will be fine.” Feng Xin said, “Am I right, Crimson Rain Sought Flower?”
As if something snapped inside Hua Cheng, he smiled sinisterly.
“That monster better know what’s waiting for him.”
***
Before he can even open his eyes, Xie Lian felt his head pound aggressively. He clutched his head, groaning as he helplessly tried to ease the pain.
He felt the mattress dip and a familiar hand hold his weak hand. “Gege?” Hua Cheng’s soft voice called.
Xie Lian blearily opened his eyes, sighing in relief as he looked at Hua Cheng and felt his headache fade away. “San Lang.. what.. what happened?” Xie Lian asked, voice still raspy. He cringed at the ache in his throat.
Hua Cheng reached over a cup of water and showed it to Xie Lian. Gently lifting his head, Hua Cheng carefully tipped the cup onto Xie Lian’s dry lips. Xie Lian looked at him with gratitude as he drank.
Feeling a bit better, Xie Lian tried to sit up but was firmly pushed back by Hua Cheng.
“Lie down, get some rest gege.”
“San Lang, I need to tell you something.” Xie Lian said, hand weakly holding Hua Cheng’s hand that was still on his shoulders.
“It can wait, you need to rest first.”
“No, it can’t wait, I need to tell you now.”
Hua Cheng’s sharp eyes took in every emotion in Xie Lian’s face and voice. There was urgency, anxiety, and with a hint of fear. Xie Lian might already know who the culprit is.
Acknowledging Hua Cheng’s silence, Xie Lian said, “I need to speak to the State Preceptor. This is no nefarious creature, something big is going to happen. Something beyond us.”
Hua Cheng’s brows furrowed, “Beyond us?”
XIe Lian nodded, “It will be easier if the State Preceptor is here. Please, San Lang. Time is running out.”
It was a bit over the top, since no time was evidently ticking for the situation at hand. But the prince felt it deep in his bones that if he set the matter aside, it will be a significant delay not only for him, but for the people involved as well. Fortunately, Hua Cheng didn’t just agree to summon the State Preceptor.
After an hour, some heavenly officials, Yin Yu, and the State Preceptor appeared beside Xie Lian’s bed, who was already seated. It brought Xie Lian great comfort to see Feng Xin and Mu Qing. He also understood the purpose of Ling Wen and Yin Yu’s summoning. Xie Lian looked at Hua Cheng once more with silent gratitude.
“How are you feeling, Your Highness?” Feng Xin asked.
“I feel better, thank you. I know it’s already late, I’m sorry for disturbing you all.” Xie Lian said.
The State Preceptor shook his head, “Nonsense. This is urgent matter, and according to Crimson Rain, the issue is something beyond us. What does this mean, Your Highness?”
Xie Lian took a deep breath and anxiously licked his lips. “Master, have you heard of the Maiden of the Universe?”
The State Preceptor blinked, not expecting the question. It took him a moment to answer as he tried to rummage in his brain where has he heard the familiar moniker. “There was a folk tale about it back when the Kingdom of Wuyong was still standing. It was a mere children’s bedtime story, but I’ll tell you what it is about.”
The Maiden of the Universe was said to be the Creator of the Living. She was life itself, the energy that molded the world. She created the laws abided by the mortal realm. However, not wanting to be seen by the living, she assigned mortals of great perseverance and characteristic to lead the people.
Blessed with spiritual energy, hence came the birth of the heavenly realm. To keep the heavenly officials from straying on their role, the Maiden then created the Heavenly Laws. When death came upon the mortal realm, some who have fallen unknowingly produced foreign energy which is now known to be resentful energy.
They became spirits who harbors ill intent against the living, and so the Maiden established another realm to keep them in place - the birth of the ghost realm. And those who have died or dissipated, regardless if they were a god, a ghost, or a mortal, was known to reside under her own realm, eternally living in the queendom she has built outside the three realms.
As to why she preferred to remain hidden, no one truly knows. Nevertheless, her love for her creation was still ever present. Sometimes, she would send a gift in a form of a falling star. This is where the Star of Solitude and Ominous Star came.
“But such feat was only made up, it’s just a folk tale.” The State Preceptor finished, “Where did you hear such title— Your Highness?”
Everyone abruptly turned their heads upon hearing the State Preceptor’s call him. Xie Lian was staring hard at his hands, and cold beads of sweat slowly appeared on his forehead. His shoulders tense and slightly shaking.
“Gege?” Hua Cheng immediately sat down next to him, holding his hand in alarm.
“This Maiden of the Universe, does she have a name?” Xie Lian asked.
“No… I don’t think so… what is going on?” the State Preceptor asked, getting anxious at the Crown Prince’s reaction.
And so, Xie Lian told them what happened that morning, what the multitude voices told him, and what was tasked upon him. Suddenly, the folk tale that the State Preceptor dismissed seemed to weigh a ton upon consideration that indeed, this Maiden exists… and that it’s summoning Xie Lian together with the unknown two.
“Hold on, according to the tale, those who live under her realm are those who have dissipated. His Highness is clearly here, alive, with a beating heart. How was that supposed to mean?” Feng Xin asked, face pale.
“Find the other two, only then answers will unravel... who is the other two? Does that mean they also have a mark on their forehead?” Mu Qing mused.
“Don’t get me started on that… vitality thing. Does she intend to use the essence of the dissipated for herself? And now she wants the essence of the living?” Feng Xin added.
“This is the first time I have heard of such story; I don’t think even the former emperor knows this.” Ling Wen said.
“He knows the tale, but not of its true existence.” The State Preceptor clarified.
“Master, do you know where that story originated?” Xie Lian asked.
The State Preceptor shook his head, “I’m afraid not, Your Highness. After all, it’s been centuries…I didn’t even know it was real until now.”
“Did the voice not tell you how to find the other two?” Mu Qing looked at Xie Lian, who was still pale but no longer rigid.
Xie Lian answered with a quiet voice, “No, only that the mark on my forehead is the key to finding them.”
“Gege.” Hua Cheng called. Xie Lian looked at the man beside him, immediately finding comfort at those tender gaze. Hua Cheng’s hold on his clammy hands never faltered, despite them being cold, it brought warmth in Xie Lian’s chest.
“Time might indeed be of essence, but it’s best not to overthink. You are alive, healthy, and free of ill feelings. You are safe and will remain so within the three realms. I am here. I will follow you wherever you go.”
And that includes dissipating should Xie Lian finally leave.
The thought struck fear in Xie Lian’s heart, “No. Absolutely not! I… I’ll find a way. There has to be a mistake, a way out of this. I will not heed this call, not in this lifetime. No.” Xie Lian rambled, panicking at the thought of Hua Cheng’s probable fourth death.
“But the mark is evident, Your Highness. Don’t you feel it?” Feng Xin asked.
Xie Lian gritted his teeth, suddenly infuriated of the said mark. He started rubbing his forehead harshly, rapidly leaving red marks upon the lingering white pulsating mark.
Hua Cheng grabbed his hand, “Stop, don’t hurt yourself!”
“Sir.” Yin Yu, who has been silent all this time, called. “A report just came in: no creature was lingering in the area near the hot spring.”
“That’s good then.” Mu Qing replied, “This means it really has nothing to do with the place. This Maiden of the Universe might truly be real.”
“If we are going to follow the logic behind the mark, then you might be right on track General Xuan Zhen. It could only mean that these two pillars have the mark on them as well.” Ling Wen said. “I’ll issue a search party as soon as possible.” Disregarding the fact that it’s already late at night, Ling Wen placed two fingers on her temple as she summoned orders within the communication array.
Hua Cheng looked at Yin Yu, who immediately bowed and went out to start working.
“Take it easy, gege. As long as that mark is not hurting you, it should not bring you any trouble for now.”
Indeed, it’s not hurting Xie Lian, but it didn’t mean he still haven’t feel or see anything yet.
Because upon learning about the possible truth of the Maiden, two ghostly figures appeared standing on the edge of the bed. But for some reason, Xie Lian didn’t think it’s time to tell Hua Cheng and the others about it yet. He had an inkling feeling that the figures are not ghosts, but rather someone who are living, and not from their world.
***
Hua Cheng had always been sharp when it comes to Xie Lian, always attentive to his needs and wants. Especially now that the mark on his forehead would not fade, it also served as a reminder for him to be extra attentive this time. Without missing a beat, Hua Cheng knew something was going on when the next few days, Xie Lian finally started acting strange.
He would often ask Xie Lian how he was feeling and would come out empty handed upon checking Xie Lian’s meridians. His body condition is normal, and that’s starting to scare Hua Cheng, because at times he would see Xie Lian staring at an empty space, sometimes looking like he’s seen a ghost, other times looking like he’s enraged. What’s even alarming is that Xie Lian would be found whispering something, as if talking to someone, when there was no one in the room.
Hua Cheng would ask, but Xie Lian would dismiss it, saying that nothing is wrong.
A few days after the incident, Hua Cheng’s worries turned graver. There were still no signs of possible “pillars” having the same mark on their forehead, and Xie Lian seemed to have distanced himself.
At this point, Hua Cheng decided to leave all business matters to Yin Yu and focused on keeping watch on Xie Lian. From time to time, Feng Xin and the others would visit, and Xie Lian would be his usual self. But the others knew it was an act thanks to the Ghost King updating them as well.
One night, just as when Hua Cheng finally came home to their private room after the grueling hours of work that he was unable to give to Yin Yu (the poor guy was already bombarded with tasks), he saw Xie Lian strangely crouched down on the table, writing something like a madman. Terror struck Hua Cheng, thinking that Xie Lian got possessed. In a snap, Hua Cheng was immediately by his side and learned that he was also muttering incoherently. He snatched Xie Lian’s wrist and yanked it up without much of a force.
“Your Highness!” Hua Cheng exclaimed, his eye wide as he stared at the beauty of his husband, who was looking at him wide eyed as well.
“San Lang?”
“Please… please just tell me what’s going on.” Hua Cheng knelt in front of Xie Lian, “You’ve been acting really strange these days. I can no longer stay silent and act as if nothing’s going on. I… I can’t bear seeing you like this…” Hua Cheng said, voice cracking as he recalled the evident distance between the two of them.
His sharp eyes never left Xie Lian. He saw how Xie Lian’s eyes darted to his right and stared at it hard. However, as fast as it was done, Xie Lian heaved a deep sigh and reached out to hug Hua Cheng.
“I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention, San Lang. I’m so sorry.” Xie Lian murmured as he buried his face on the crook of Hua Cheng’s neck.
“I knew it was a bad idea, but I wanted to make sure first.”
“What is?” Hua Cheng asked. He stood up and sat on Xie Lian’s side. The crown prince automatically curled himself on his husband.
“I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t want you to worry, and you were already so busy--"
"I'm not." Hua Cheng shook his head firmly, "I am never busy when it comes to you, gege."
Xie Lian sighed, "That's exactly why I decided not to tell. I'm not numb, San Lang, you're doing a lot on your own; you don't have to say things like that in front of me."
The ghost king fell silent, unable to think of a good argument.
Instead, he grabbed one of the paper that had scribbles on it; its writing surprisingly different from the crown prince usually wrote. It was clear he was in a hurry from jotting down notes. Hua Cheng didn’t understand it, so he patiently waited for Xie Lian to explain.
“I already know who’s the other two.” Xie Lian started, “I had a feeling that they might not be from our world. I mean, given that the Maiden lives outside the three realms, I just kind of thought to think outside the box. No one in this world even knew the existence of the Maiden, save for the fact that her story was considered a folk tale in Wuyong. Given the rarity of it, it might mean that once in every eon does this event happen, where she summons a living into her realm. It could mean that in our world, I am the second living to be summoned by her. The first one being a resident of Wuyong.”
“How did you confirm who these two people are?” Hua Cheng asked.
It took a moment for Xie Lian to answer, and the answer surprised Hua Cheng, “They’re here, right now.”
“What?”
Xie Lian chuckled, knowing how ridiculous that might have sounded. “I know, but ever since master told us of that folk tale, I saw two ghostly figures inside the room. They never left, so I tried talking to them, and they answered.” Xie Lian pointed at one side of the paper, and Hua Cheng read it out loud.
“Wei Wuxian… Shen Qinqiu…”
They are the reason why Xie Lian unknowingly caused a distance the past few days. Seeing them every hour bothered him, to the extent that it was uncomfortable staying close with Hua Cheng, thinking that they were being watched by the two ghosts. At first Xie Lian thought they were someone dangerous, and so he was determined to reach out to them and figure out what they want. But as soon as he realized that they were the pillars the voices mentioned, the cautiousness turned to curiosity and interest.
“These are their names.” Xie Lian said. “They’re both cultivators, both earned immortality in their world. They both confirmed to have received the mark on their forehead. It’s like we have our own private communication array, only we can see and talk to each other when our attention is with each other. These other notes I did just now is when we were discussing about how to meet in person.”
Hua Cheng nodded in understanding. “What about…” He hesitated, “The day you were… summoned, did they fade too?”
Xie Lian shook his head, “No. We were not the same.”
“Did they know what those meant? How it seemed like you were close to dying?”
Xie Lian shook his head once more, “No. All of us were wondering the same thing. But what we figured out is that the method used during that time was the same as to how our… partner almost died.”
Hua Cheng froze, suddenly realizing how truthful that was. Xie Lian grabbed one of Hua Cheng’s hand and tenderly squeezed it, as if to say that everything is alright and that no one is leaving.
The ghost king stared intently at the scribbles, slowly coming to an understanding on what the notes meant. “But if these were written just now, what were you guys talking about the past few days?”
Xie Lian blinked at him, then suddenly averted his eyes away, face flushed. “You…” Oh how he wanted to smack himself that moment. Of course, Hua Cheng would notice, how had he not considered that? How embarrassing, no wonder he was so startled, I probably looked like a lunatic the past few days until now.
“I didn’t mean to intrude, gege. But with what’s happening… I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” Hua Cheng said sincerely. Xie Lian softened at this and sighed internally, nuzzling his face on Hua Cheng’s chest.
“We were getting to know each other, you know, trying to find some patterns as to how we were the chosen ‘pillar’.” Xie Lian said.
Hua Cheng shifted closer to Xie Lian, his right hand gently toying with Xie Lian’s hair. “And what did gege figure out?”
Xie Lian smiled, “All of us are married.”
Hua Cheng hummed contentedly, “And then?”
“And then, we experienced tribulations in our life that concerned a lot of people around us.”
Hua Cheng lowered his head to kiss Xie Lian’s forehead, “Anything else?” He whispered.
Xie Lian smiled once more, trying hard not to laugh, “Yes. Our lovers are clingy.”
Hua Cheng quirked his eyebrow, an amused smirk blossoming on his handsome face. All of a sudden, he swooped his arms under Xie Lian’s legs and back and carried him towards the bed. Xie Lian laughed when Hua Cheng started tickling him through kisses.
“I’ll show you clingy!”
“No! Hahaha! I was just joking! San Lang!”
After that, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng decided to set things aside as they both took comforts and pleasure to each other.