Work Text:
An Ding Peak, renowned as the fourth-highest summit and often referred to as the scholarly peak of Cang Qiong Mountain, holds a unique place in the hearts of those who revere nature and knowledge. Recently, with the arrival of spring, the peak erupted into a breathtaking display of blossoms. Vivid bursts of color painted the landscape—delicate petals swaying gently on the breeze, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that captivated anyone fortunate enough to gaze upon it from below.
However, the beauty outside belied the oppressive heat that had settled over the region. As temperatures soared under the unrelenting sun, most disciples and masters remained sheltered within their homes and humble huts, seeking refuge from the sweltering conditions. Inside, the atmosphere was imbued with quiet intensity as everyone focused intently on their pursuits—scrolls, and papers laid out before them, quills scratching diligently across parchment as they engaged in scholarly work or absorbed themselves in deep study. The usual camaraderie and chatter that filled the air was replaced by a serene dedication to their tasks, creating a cocoon of concentration amidst the floral splendor of An Ding Peak.
Shang Qinghua sat cross-legged at his writing desk, the ink gliding smoothly across the scroll as his brush danced with purpose. The sunlight filtered through the window, casting warm rays that illuminated the carefully crafted characters forming on the paper.
Behind him, Mobei-Jun shifted restlessly in his seat, a paper fan flitting back and forth in an attempt to combat the oppressive heat of the room. Beads of sweat glistened on his brow, and he occasionally pressed an ice pack against his neck, searching for any relief from the oppressive humidity that weighed down the air. Despite his discomfort, he had resolved to bear it with stoicism, determined to refrain from voicing his irritation to Shang Qinghua. He reminded himself that patience was a virtue, and he focused on controlling his breathing, willing himself to tolerate the stifling atmosphere without complaint, no matter how overbearing it became. His expression was a blend of concentration and discomfort, ultimately showcasing his efforts to endure the sweltering conditions.
Shang Qinghua let out an exasperated tsk as he set down his brush with a soft thud against the wooden table. His focus had drifted, and now he stared at the paper in front of him, dismayed. Instead of jotting down the thoughtful reflections he intended, he had inadvertently written the phrase "Shen Qingqiu and - cheese."
He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples in frustration. With a sigh, he re-read the sentence, searching for a way to salvage his blunder, but it was no use. The ridiculousness of the phrase made it seem almost impossible to amend without rewriting the entire passage. It was clear that this slip-up was a result of his distraction, as he had been preoccupied with thoughts that had little to do with the task at hand.
He let out a weary sigh, a sound that echoed in the stillness of the room, and tossed aside the now-useless scroll as if it were nothing more than a crumpled paper. His stomach grumbled in protest, a stark reminder of his growing hunger. Rising from his seat, he cast a glance toward the small snack compartment cleverly concealed within the confines of his modest home. It was a simple hiding spot, a box tucked into the wall, but it held an array of treats that had been his faithful companions during long hours of study.
“Qinghua?” Mobei-Jun’s voice broke through the haze of his thoughts, sharp and unexpected.
Shang Qinghua's heart leaped in surprise. In his preoccupation with his hunger, he had completely overlooked Mobei-Jun’s presence. The man had approached him silently, his movements so fluid and quiet that it was as if he had materialized from the shadows.
“Are you hungry?” Mobei-Jun inquired further, the coolness of his tone tinged with an undercurrent of concern that was hard to ignore. “You should ask a disciple to get you food.”
The words, though spoken with a frostiness typical of Mobei-Jun, carried a whisper of care that warmed Qinghua's chest.
"No, my king, it's too hot for that," Shang Qinghua replied. Despite their peculiar bond as a married pair, he still clung to the formality of addressing Mobei-Jun as his king. He shifted slightly, trying to find a comfortable position in the stifling heat that enveloped them like a heavy blanket. "But I am feeling rather hungry..."
His mind wandered back to the manuscript he had been working on, where a simple slip had seen him jot down 'cheese' instead of the intended word. Strange as it was, he felt a peculiar yearning for that rich, creamy flavor, even though it wasn’t common for him to desire something so specific and unusual in the middle of a hot day.
“Mmm... Cheese? Do we have any?” Shang Qinghua ventured, raising an eyebrow in hopeful anticipation.
“I’ll inquire about it,” Mobei-Jun replied, his tone dismissive of Shang Qinghua’s earlier concerns regarding the oppressive heat. Without giving it another thought, he beckoned a young disciple passing by, who was already laboring under the sweltering sun on some errands. The disciple’s eyes widened a bit at the unexpected request but nodded and sprinted off, eager to fulfill his king's command.
Shang Qinghua watched the disciple run away, his heart sinking slightly. “My king, it's a bit cruel to burden someone with such a simple task in this weather,” he sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt for the young one’s toil in the heat.
Moments later, the disciple returned, a plate of Chinese-style cheese precariously balanced in his hands. He looked somewhat flushed but wore an expression of pride, having completed the task.
“Oh, thank you,” Shang Qinghua said, genuine gratitude infusing his tone as he accepted the plate, wanting to acknowledge the disciple’s hard work. He reached into his bag and retrieved an ice pack, gifting it to the boy for his troubles, hoping it would offer some relief.
Shanf Qinghua bit down on the cheese, the soft texture. No, this isn't the cheese he wanted... Why is it that even he didn't know what he wanted? What is with this?!
He sat down on the plate full of cheese and wracked his brain, internally slamming it against a wall for it to spill its wants already. He wanted cheese, yes, but what cheese? There was only so much in this world.
*
As night enveloped the landscape, An Ding Peak retained a comfortable warmth, radiating the sun's lingering heat from the day. However, a gentle breeze swept through, cooling the air enough to create a more pleasant atmosphere, ideal for sleep. Shang Qinghua lay next to Mobei-Jun, whose cold body provided a stark contrast to his own warmth. The icy chill emanating from Mobei-Jun was a peculiar comfort, offering Shang Qinghua a strange sense of solace. Still, he found himself grappling with a torrent of conflicting thoughts and desires swirling in his mind. Why was his body so perplexing? Couldn’t it simply want one thing? All he craved was cheese, and though he indulged in this craving, satisfaction eluded him as it often did.
Sighing softly in frustration, he slid out from under the covers, careful not to disturb Mobei-Jun, whose serene features were bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. After ensuring that Mobei-Jun remained soundly asleep, Shang Qinghua turned his attention inward, seeking to communicate with his ever-knowledgable system.
“Hey,” he whispered urgently, “you exchange points for otherworldly items, right?”
In response, the familiar greenish-blue screen flickered to life before him, accompanied by the robotic voice that reminded him of a digital assistant he was all too familiar with.
“That is correct, valued author,” the system replied in its monotone yet strangely comforting voice.
Shang Qinghua leaned closer, curiosity piqued. “How many points do I have?”
“You currently possess: 40200,” the system responded, its tone even and devoid of any emotion, as it presented the information he sought.
"And can I see the catalog of what I can buy?"
The system didn't answer, and instead, the screen turned into a catalog, items like Nintendo Switches and TVs with prices under them. Shang Qinghua scrolled through it and found the food area. Bento boxes, cheeseburgers, rice, and finally, just..straight cheese.
And there it is, in all its processed glory was the packaged American cheese. Wow, so this was the stuff he wanted. Alright. Shang Qinghua clicked on it, he didn't care how expensive it was.
---
Shang Qinghua sat cross-legged on the cool wooden floor of the tiny, cozy kitchen, his back against the cupboard filled with mismatched dishes. The moonlight streamed softly through the open window, casting a silvery glow that illuminated the room and highlighted the gentle clutter of everyday life. He nibbled on a piece of orange-yellow cheese.
Meanwhile, in the dimness of the bedroom, Mobei-Jun stirred, suddenly aware of the absence of warmth beside him. The sheets were slightly cool where Qinghua had been. Curiosity piqued, he glanced around the room and followed the faint scent of cheese wafting through the air. It led him to the kitchen, where he found Qinghua sitting on the floor, looking somewhat like a small, content hamster savoring a snack.
Mobei-Jun raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with mild amusement. “Qinghua, what are you eating?” he asked, stepping closer to get a better look at his companion.
"Cheese"