Archive of Our Own

It had been almost three years since Luo Binghe had found the little mold growing in a forgotten cup of tea in the Qing Jing Peak Library. He'd been tasked with cleaning the entire place by himself one night. His shizun expected perfection. Even if the duty had been thrust upon him by three of his shixiong who had neglected it themselves, it didn't matter. If the library wasn't clean, they would simply tell Shizun that Luo Binghe was supposed to do it and then it would be Luo Binghe in trouble.

The night had been wearing on and Luo Binghe was swaying on his feet when his fingers hit the smooth porcelain on the top shelf. He had pulled it down, disgusted for a moment, until he saw it, floating softly there in the amber liquid. A little mold. It was perfectly round, fuzzy like a curled up kitten. Perhaps it had been the late night, or perhaps it was Luo Binghe's loneliness, but he couldn't bring himself to throw it out.

When morning came and he was tucked back in the woodshed, he had hidden the mold under a loose board, safely sealed in a rare clear jar that Luo Binghe had snuck out of the storeroom in the early hours before dawn.

On nights when he was very lonely, or he'd been bullied or whipped, he'd crawl over to the corner of the woodshed and extract it to speak softly to it. He wished he could reach into the jar where it floated and pet its fuzzy surface, but he knew better. Still, sometimes he felt like the mold was the only friend he had.

A couple months on, an even stranger occurrence happened. The mold spoke back!

Well, it'd turned out not to be the mold afterall, but another boy, not much younger than him. The boy lived far away but had had a similar experience. He had also found a little mold growing forgotten in a cup of tea.

This was more than Luo Binghe could have ever hoped for. Instead of a little mold as his friend, he now had another boy to talk to.

Shen Jiu.

…

There were a few strange things about Shen Jiu, but Luo Binghe really didn't pay them any mind. Even if he was certain that Shen Jiu lied to him now and again, he was Luo Binghe's friend and Luo Binghe only had two friends in the entire world. Whatever Shen Jiu felt he needed to keep secret would be alright, as long as he still returned night after night to speak with Luo Binghe until they both fell asleep.

Mostly Luo Binghe would lie curled up in his blankets in the woodshed, the wind whistling outside as he spoke quietly with Shen Jiu. But this evening found them doing a different activity.

"Stop, stop. You've messed it up again. What a little fool you are," Shen Jiu snapped, his voice echoing over the connection. The fuzzy ball of mold pulsed with a soft glow on each word.

Luo Binghe frowned, laying his hand on the guqin strings to still them.

"How did I mess it up? I followed the notes."

"You did not," Shen Jiu replied. "Can't you hear it."

In fact, Luo Binghe could not hear it.

"You don't even know what this song is supposed to sound like," he grumbled back.

"So?" Shen Jiu sounded like he was rolling his eyes. "You read off the notes to me so I can tell when its wrong."

Luo Binghe couldn't help but be a little impressed by this. No matter how much he tried to get better at music, he never could quite seem to grasp it. He knew when it sounded nice of course, but playing an instrument himself made his fingers feel clumsy.

"You can tell without hearing?" Luo Binghe hummed.

"I don't know why you can't." Shen Jiu replied.

He had helped Luo Binghe quite a few times with his music practice and his advice had even led to his hard-to-please Shizun saying Luo Binghe's last test was "passable." Shen Jiu always had some explanation about why, as a young master tutored in music, he could not bring out his own instrument, but Luo Binghe did not mind. Because if Shen Jiu didn't have an instrument on him, that would mean sometimes, if Luo Binghe was very lucky, he'd get to hear…

"Listen closely and then you can follow along afterwards," Shen Jiu said.

Luo Binghe's eyes curved and hus heart fluttered as Shen Jiu took a deep breath and sang the notes for him. Shen Jiu had such a beautiful voice, clear and elegant like a bird. Luo Binghe had told him exactly that once and Shen Jiu had gotten mad, saying Luo Binghe was pitying him and insisting that he absolutely refused to ever sing again.

Luo Binghe had known him long enough to be certain his friend was just embarrassed. Not for the first time he'd thought about what Shen Jiu might look like. Did he blush when Luo Binghe complimented him? Was it a light dusting of pink or did his whole face go red all the way to his ears?

The thought made Luo Binghe's chest tighten and his cheeks heat up. He shook it off. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he knew that the feelings that kept popping up were different than he felt about his only other friend, Ning Yingying, but he didn't really know what to make of it. He was not very experienced in having friends and wasn't sure what was normal and what wasn't. Regardless, he was content listening to Shen Jiu finish out the notes so it didn't really matter.

Well, except for one thing.

"Sorry, A-Jiu, will you sing it again. I think I'm still missing something."

"So stupid," Shen Jiu grumbled. But he didn't sound very put out and Luo Binghe smiled even if his friend couldn't see. "Fine then, pay attention better."

This time Luo Binghe forced himself to actually listen to the notes and not Shen Jiu's voice. When it was his turn, he mimicked it back on his guqin.

Shen Jiu was quiet for a while then after a moment, with a haughty sigh he said, "Passable."

Luo Binghe's face split into a grin. Warmth running through his whole body despite the chilly wind hitting the woodshed. It made him even happier than when his Shizun had said the same.

…

"It was my turn to cook today," Luo Binghe said. "Well it was Ning-shijie's but she's not very good at it and always burns her fingers, so I took over."

"Oh?" Shen Jiu hummed. "Binghe likes to cook, yes?" Luo Binghe heard fabric rustling and he likewise pulled up his blanket. It was a cool night but it was clear and the woodshed was illuminated by the moon and the soft glow of his mold floating in the clear jar.

"Mn, I wish I could cook everyday."

Shen Jiu made a soft noise. The mold pulsed a little with the gentle sound of his breath. Luo Binghe liked to stare into the light when Shen Jiu spoke, imagining what the other boy might be doing. Was he curled up in a nice room, under silk sheets and furs? Was he also staring at his own round fuzzy mold, imaging Luo Binghe?

Shen Jiu was a harsh sort of person, snappish and judgmental. But he had a nice voice, refined and smooth and he was more affectionate than he probably even knew himself. Luo Binghe could only imagine him as a pretty young master, always dressed in layers of embroidered silk and floating gauzy robes. He probably spent his days gliding elegantly through a garden somewhere along carefully laid stone paths and relaxing under flowering trees beside a koi pond.

Something ticked in the back of his mind. It was a nice picture, even nicer if he pictured what it might be like to join Shen Jiu in this elegant estate garden. But the image was flimsy, like paint on thin parchment. As always, whenever he had these thoughts, he pushed them aside. It didn't really matter where Shen Jiu spent his days as long as they got to talk together.

"What did Binghe make?" Shen Jiu asked.

"It was breakfast so I cooked youtiao, some baozi, and of course congee. I added scallions and pork floss this time."

Shen Jiu hummed. "Congee? Why of course congee?"

"It's my favorite!" Luo Binghe perked up. "You can do so much with it. There are so many toppings you can add and nothing feels better in the morning than eating a warm bowl." He really did love to make it, loved it even more when he could serve it others and see how pleased they were. Of course, he'd really only gotten to do that with Ning Yingying. He didn't eat with his martial siblings when he cooked and his shizun, when Shen Qingqiu actually ate anything, always ate in the bamboo house alone.

"That sounds so good," Shen Jiu groaned. "You're terrible. What am I supposed to do now? Being this hungry."

Luo Binghe smiled, mind drifting through half imagined scenarios. "If A-Jiu were here, I'd make it for him."

"Don't be silly. You're not here and so I have no congee."

Something in his tone made Luo Binghe's smile slip away. Maybe it was because the sound of Shen Jiu's voice was really the only thing he had to go on, but Luo Binghe felt hyperaware of every shift in the other boy's mood. He seemed touchier than usual. A furrow cut between Luo Binghe's brows.

"A-Jiu…" he said. "Didn't you eat dinner already?"

There was a beat of silence then Shen Jiu's harsh voice cut the air. "Of course I ate dinner. Why wouldn't I have eaten dinner?"

"It's just that you sounded—"

"I sounded nothing," Shen Jiu snapped. "You're so stupid sometimes."

Luo Binghe brushed off the insult. He was absolutely certain now that something was wrong. Shen Jiu was only this quick to anger when he was genuinely upset. Apparently the silence had stretched too long. The little ball of mold flared as Shen Jiu's sneering voice echoed over the connection.

"What? You think I'm lying? Why would I be lying? I live in a huge sprawling estate with servants at my beck and call. So of course I had a huge dinner," Shen Jiu sniffed. "I had mapo tofu, and eggplant with chilis, and a whole fish, and xiaolongbao, and… and.. a roasted chicken. And then dragon's beard candy, and black sesame soup, and douhua!"

Luo Binghe blinked trying to keep track of the list of food just thrown at him. He didn't know much about gentry meals but there was something about the variety Shen Jiu had claimed that just felt a little odd. As if Shen Jiu had just said everything that had popped into his head.

"So why would I want your congee, huh?" Shen Jiu grumbled. "I don't need it."

Luo Binghe's teeth sank into his lip as some understanding about his friend slid into place. But unlike when Shen Jiu had revealed his secret sweet tooth or the fact that his favorite season was spring and that he loved cats, this knowledge twisted in Luo Binghe's gut. A nervous tremor ran through his chest.

He thought again, how much did Shen Jiu lie about? And why?

There was no telling for now and it was more important to soothe his friend's hurt feelings than work out any suspicions.

"If you were here, I'd still want to make congee for you," Luo Binghe said. "I'd give it to you every day with variations until I found out all the things A-Jiu likes best."

Shen Jiu sputtered. A rustling noise muffled everything else as if he'd just buried himself in his blanket. Luo Binghe could picture it, Shen Jiu's blankets all tugged up around him until he looked like a fluffy dumpling. Maybe just the top of his head would be peeking out, only dark hair and the tips of his flushed ears to be seen.

It would be… Luo Binghe swallowed his face going warm. It would be really cute.

"I don't want to hear any more about your stupid congee. I'm going to bed now." Shen Jiu grumbled. "Goodnight."

Luo Binghe took a moment to curl under his own thin blanket. Then he leaned close, nose touching the cool surface of the jar.

"I really will make it for you. If we're together," he whispered.

More rustling. A beat of silence, then at last Shen Jiu whispered back. "Fine fine. I guess I like ginger… and salted egg."

Luo Binghe smiled. "Alright."

Now if only he could be with Shen Jiu when he woke up to share a bowl together.

…

"You were gone the last few days," Luo Binghe said. It was a warmer night tonight and Luo Binghe had the door of the woodshed cracked just a bit to let the fresh wind coming from the bamboo forest blow through the space.

"I…" Shen Jiu paused. "I went on a trip, actually."

This was the first time he'd been able to speak to Shen Jiu for awhile and he felt a little giddy with it. The worry he'd had over his friend's absence falling away. This did happen from time to time, but it always made Luo Binghe a little sad to whisper to the fuzzy mold and hear nothing back.

Sometimes Shen Jiu would be gone for days at a time then Luo Binghe would wake late as the night slid into morning to Shen Jiu's quiet whisper of "Binghe? Binghe? Are you there?" Whenever that happened, Shen Jiu was quieter than usual, his voice thin and his replies guarded. But it was always easy enough to coax him to sleep with stories about Luo Binghe's day and what he was learning in the sect.

This felt similar even though it was early still and Shen Jiu seemed more responsive. Luo Binghe's giddiness died down.

"You did?" Luo Binghe asked. It made sense. If Shen Jiu was a young master, he probably traveled to all sorts of places. Luo Binghe felt a twinge of jealousy as a thought split through his mind.

"Did you go with your fiancée?"

"Obviously Haitang came," Shen Jiu huffed. "Don't be stupid."

Shen Jiu had told him of this fiancée some time ago. Apparently it had been arranged so it wasn't as if Shen Jiu had romantic feelings for her, or he didn't seem to anyway, but Luo Binghe still couldn't help but be put out. Shen Jiu was his dear friend. He didn't want to lose what little time they had together to some girl.

"How was it? Did you have fun?" He asked, even if he was still internally grumbling about all that time Shen Jiu and his fiancée got to spend together, he could be a good friend.

"On the trip?"

"Yeah," Luo Binghe said. "Where did you go?"

"Oh…" Shen Jiu was quiet for a few moments. The mold's light ebbed and flowed, then he spoke. "I went to this little town on Baiyin Hua Mountain. They have hot springs there you know."

Luo Binghe perked up. He knew this location! He'd been a few months back on a mission with some disciples from Qiong Ding Peak. It had been a pretty peaceful mission. The disciples from Qiong Ding were very helpful and his Shizun had mostly vanished the whole time. If the sect leader was around, Shizun was not. It had meant Luo Binghe had found himself with a lot of free time to enjoy the sights.

He opened his mouth but Shen Jiu spoke first.

"It was nice I suppose. Though I've definitely been to nicer places. I visited the hot springs and was given all the local delicacies like these brown sugar syrup rice cakes."

Luo Binghe frowned but didn't comment. He didn't remember those being served anywhere. He was certain he'd have gotten some if they were, if only to try and learn the recipe just in case he ever met Shen Jiu. It sounded exactly like something the other boy would like.

"Oh and we had a guide take us to the top of the mountain," Shen Jiu continued. “There's a lake there and it was crystal clear. You could see straight to the bottom. In the winter these birds come to do their mating and apparently it's really pretty to watch if you don't scare them away."

Luo Binghe's frown deepened.

"The Silver Mirror Starlings?"

Shen Jiu paused. "Yes. You've heard of them?"

"Just in one of the scrolls in the library here," Luo Binghe said.

"I see." Shen Jiu hummed, the silence stretching, then he added in a soft voice. "I'd like to see them one day."

"Maybe we could," Luo Binghe's frown was replaced by a small smile. "We could see them together."

"Maybe."

Luo Binghe curled up tighter in his blankets. If his face was warm it was probably just that the night was warm, too.

Shen Jiu fell asleep quickly after that but Luo Binghe lay awake staring at the ceiling. He had maybe told a little lie to Shen Jiu. Not even a true lie. He'd only withheld the truth.

He'd never seen a Silver Mirror Starling himself, but he had been tasked once with gathering some of their fallen feathers when he'd gone on a mission the winter before. That Mission had been to Mount Yueguang Hu, not anywhere close to Baiyin Hua Mountain. And as far as Luo Binghe knew, Silver Mirror Starlings only traveled to one place for their mating season.

Shen Jiu had lied to him again. Luo Binghe was sure.

But why? Luo Binghe was sure it wasn't malicious. All his lies seemed like such small things that Luo Binghe didn't understand what the point of them were. It was concerning and with each new lie uncovered, Luo Binghe felt as if he uncovered a bit of the truth as well.

Luo Binghe sighed, flinging an arm over his face. It's not like he even knew where Shen Jiu was. His friend had never been very forthcoming with any details. Still, there had to be a way, right? They were connected somehow through their tea molds. Perhaps he could use that? Follow the trail back to his friend. He just didn't know how. But if there was a way, Luo Binghe was certain he could find it in the library of Qing Jing Peak. The collection was so large and full of esoteric information. He just had to search for it.

…

Luo Binghe pulled the jar of mold out, a giddy rush making his hands tremble. He was so excited to share what had happened with Shen Jiu that he ran back to his room as quickly as he could. He opened his mouth then snapped it shut as a sound split the air. It was like being thrown into a pool of cold water. Sounds echoed from the jar and Luo Binghe was certain. Something was wrong.

A slight oof spilled into the air, followed by a hiss of pain. Then a voice came that he didn't know.

"Poor Xiao Jiu," the voice sneered. "Don't put on this pitiful act."

There was no reply and the voice scoffed.

"Fine then. You know what you need to do. Come see me tomorrow morning. I'll need your personal assistance."

"Qiu—" Shen Jiu started.

"Don't argue," the other voice snapped.

Again Shen Jiu did not respond and when the other voice spoke, he seemed smug.

"Good, that's better."

The sound of steps walking away filled the air, then a door opening and shutting again. Luo Binghe held his breath. His gut twisted, heart pounding. No other voices came so he pressed close to his jar and called softly.

"A-Jiu?"

There was a rustling and then the sound of something sliding across the floor.

"You're there?" Shen Jiu demanded. Luo Binghe's heart quickened.

"A-Jiu, are you—"

"Am I what?" Shen Jiu cut him off. "That was… That was nothing. Just my tutor. He was unhappy with my progress."

"Your tutor?"

"Who else would it be?"

He was lying. Luo Binghe just didn't know why. His nails cut into his palm and he forced himself to stay calm. Shen Jiu never responded well to worry or too many questions.

"It doesn't matter," Shen Jiu said. "Tomorrow I'll…I'll fix it tomorrow so just shut your mouth."

"Alright," Luo Binghe replied. He wound a hand around the clear jar, lifting it to pull it close to his chest. He mulled over what to say and came up empty.

"What, are you just going to sit there? Don't want to talk to me?" Shen Jiu tried for that haughty tone he sometimes got when he spoke of music or poetry, but he didn't quite make it.

"Of course I want to talk to you," Luo Binghe said. He only wished Shen Jiu would talk to him. Not about the easy things, but about the important things, too.

"Then say something." There was a beat of silence then a soft sniffle and a muffled hiss that cut off with the rustling of Shen Jiu's sheets. Luo Binghe felt like a hole had been opened in his chest. There was nothing he could do. None of his research had come up with anything yet and he already knew there was nothing he could say that would make Shen Jiu speak. But he was certain when another muffled sniffle came. His friend, wherever he was, was hurt.

"We came back from a mission today," Luo Binghe spat out the first thing that came to mind.

"I know, you told me you were going. So foolish," Shen Jiu grumbled.

Luo Binghe smiled despite himself. Sometimes Shen Jiu's insults were as affectionate as if the other boy had called him something sweet.

"Well something happened on the mission," Luo Binghe said. "I think I've been wrong about something for a long time."

"Oh?" He could practically feel Shen Jiu leaning closer, could picture him curled up in bed. A bed maybe just like Luo Binghe's new bed. His new bed in Shizun's house.

"A-Jiu, I think Shizun actually likes me very much."

They'd just come back from Shuang Hu City where Ning Yingying had been taken by a demon followed by both Luo Binghe and Shizun. Luo Binghe had been terrified for most of it, sure that his Shizun was about to sacrifice him to the demon to save himself and Ning Yingying. Luo Binghe understood. He was not a very good disciple and Ning Yingying was his only other friend. But still, he had thought of the possibility that he would never return to say goodbye to Shen Jiu. Fear had lanced through him and he realized he didn't want to die.

Of course he didn't tell this to Shen Jiu. Shen Jiu would only fret. Instead he told him of how Shizun had tricked the demon then told Luo Binghe how he'd always protect him.

"Then he moved me into the side room of his house," Luo Binghe said. "I'm there right now. In my new bed."

Shen Jiu made a long skeptical noise. "He just moved you into his house?"

"Mn," Luo Binghe smiled. "It's so nice A-Jiu. Shizun is so elegant. You'd really like all the decorations he chose I'm sure."

"Did he ask you for anything?" Shen Jiu replied. "Did he want you to do anything?"

"No," Luo Binghe said. "What would he want me to do?"

"He— Nevermind. You're such a little fool sometimes," Shen Jiu muttered. "What else did he say?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like when he said he'd protect you? What did he actually say?" Shen Jiu asked. Luo Binghe's heart fluttered and he snuggled into his new blankets. Shen Jiu was so suspicious but it was kind of nice, to have that suspicion turned for Luo Binghe's benefit.

"Well," Luo Binghe hummed. "I said it would be an honor to die for Shizun." He ignored the outraged noise from Shen Jiu and continued. "Then Shizun said even if an accident befalls this master, no misfortune will come to you."

"Disgusting," Shen Jiu grumbled.

"It's nice A-Jiu, don't you think?"

"Whatever. It's fine I guess." Shen Jiu huffed. "It's alright? Your new room?"

"Yes! It's a small house but the room is just off the main sitting area. Shizun's room is at the back by his private garden. But even if I'm not right next to the garden, when the window is open I can smell all the flowers."

"It's not as drafty, I imagine," Shen Jiu said.

"Not at all."

"And you have lots of blankets."

"As many as I want!"

Shen Jiu hummed. He didn't sound as derisive as he had before. They lapsed into silence for a few moments. Then Shen Jiu's voice split the air.

"Binghe!"

Luo Binghe jolted. "What? What?!"

"Do you know what this means?"

"What?"

He could hear the smile in Shen Jiu's voice. "Binghe. You'll be head disciple for sure. You'll be Peak Lord."

Luo Binghe's eyes widened. "Wait? Do you think so?"

"You're so stupid," Shen Jiu scoffed. "No better than a little beast. Of course I think so. All your efforts have paid off." His voice trailed off, softening. "Binghe will finally get the recognition he deserves."

Luo Binghe's heart trembled as it picked up. He reached out to cup the jar, to feel its slow pulsing warmth, the light reflected across his face.

"A-Jiu, you could come here, to Cang Qiong Mountain."

"What?"

"You could be my shidi. Now that I know Shizun better, I'm sure he wouldn't reject you." A pleasant shiver ran through Luo Binghe at the thought. "We could stay here together, there's enough room for you. I mean it A-Jiu, I really think you would like it here."

"Do you…" Shen Jiu trailed off. He rustled in his blankets, another muffled hiss sounding over their connection then Shen Jiu let out a sharp laugh. "Binghe is so foolish. How can I leave? I'm wai— I mean I'm going to be married. I'm a lord and I have responsibilities."

"But—"

"No," Shen Jiu cut him off. "Shut your mouth. You wouldn't understand."

"I—"

"I said shut up." Shen Jiu's voice wavered and all the warmth Luo Binghe had felt bled out of him. "You'll be head disciple. You should be happy. So don't waste time worrying over nothing. I have my own path to walk."

Luo Binghe nodded, words frozen in his throat as his stomach twisted. He wanted to be happy about all his revelations but the worry for Shen Jiu ate at him. He needed to do more research. Find out how the connection between them worked. The shape of things Shen Jiu didn't say grew larger and larger by the day. He just wanted to help. He was sure Shen Jiu would never ask, even if he desperately needed it, and Luo Binghe was beginning to think he did.

…

Luo Binghe had realized something in the few weeks since he'd moved into the Bamboo House. He'd spent many years thinking his shizun must hate him, but it had turned out to be quite different. His shizun had always been so strict and so cold, finding fault with each of Luo Binghe's actions. But in the end, it had turned out that shizun cared for him. He knew now that perhaps it was important what you decided to say to people.

He'd had many happy days since he'd moved into the Bamboo House. Only one thing put a damper on his spirits and that was Shen Jiu. Shen Jiu had not been around for two days after Luo Binghe had overheard that conversation with his "tutor." When he'd returned he'd been more snappish than usual. But that had eventually evened out over the next week until, again, he was gone for several days. Then the cycle repeated.

Tonight he was lying in bed, the jar resting close to his pillow. He'd last spoken to Shen Jiu two days before and so he hoped the other boy would show back up again soon. But he'd hoped the same the night before to no avail and even Shizun had commented on the dark circles under his eyes.

The night drifted on and so did Luo Binghe, sleep tugging at him with warm hands. He could close his eyes. Just for a few moments. If Shen Jiu came, the jar was close enough that he'd hear it.

He slipped into sleep, a vision of the bamboo forest and one of the deep springs on Qing Jing Peak rising to meet him. Shizun was sitting next to him, explaining something about a rare beast they'd look for on their next mission. But Luo Binghe couldn't focus. Somewhere nearby he could hear singing. He drifted, gaze searching the trees, following the familiar sound of the music. The leaves parted. A figure cast in shadow appeared out of the stalks of bamboo. The figure turned and he could almost see their face. If he just—

He startled awake in the dark, the moon having already set. Beside him the firefly glow of the jar cast the room in a dim warm gold. He blinked the sleep out of his eyes and waited, but no words came. Only sniffling.

Sleep ebbed out of Luo Binghe's mind as his heart twisted. The last time he'd asked what was wrong Shen Jiu had snapped at him so he'd decided not to pry. He'd instead told the other boy of how Shizun had chided Ming Fan for a mistake. That had gotten a laugh out of his friend and an amused huff of "serves the bastard right."

But his mood had sunk again and when he finally drifted off, Luo Binghe knew things couldn't go on like this. It had mean everything to Luo Binghe when Shizun had told him Binghe that he'd protect him no matter what. Maybe there was something he could do to offer Shen Jiu that same feeling. To reassure Shen Jiu that even if they weren't together, Luo Binghe cared about him.

For now though he could only reach out and lay his hand on the jar, whispering softly. "A-Jiu. I learned an interesting story today. Do you want to hear?"

The sniffling cut off, then Shen Jiu's voice whispered back right away. "Alright."

…

Luo Binghe sighed. "I just can't remember it."

"It's easy if you pay attention. Binghe loves all those too-sweet romantic stories. You should love these."

"It's different in poem form," Luo Binghe said. Shen Jiu had been helping Luo Binghe with his poetry for a few years now. He had a good ear for it and he remembered lines well. The thing was, Luo Binghe remembered them well, too. But if he got it right too easily then Shen Jiu wouldn't recite it for him. So, maybe, just sometimes, he pretended he didn't know as much.

"Fine, but I won't say it again." Shen Jiu huffed. Luo Binghe listened to him settle back, then his clear voice filtered over the connection sending a pleasant shiver down Luo Binghe's spine. "Clothes like clouds, a face like flowers, A spring breeze brushes her window with bountiful dew. If I don’t find her at the peak of Jade Mountain—"

"Then I will see her under the moon at Jade Tower," Luo Binghe finished.

"So you do know it," Shen Jiu scoffed. "Then stop bothering me and go recite it for your shizun." Then softer. "That's all you talk about these days."

"Only some of it," Luo Binghe said. "I like when A-Jiu recites it. I remember it better."

"Foolish," Shen Jiu grumbled. Luo Binghe smiled to himself. Any other time Luo Binghe would have been very content to just sit and listen to the sound of Shen Jiu's breathing as if they were in the room beside each other, but today his palms were sweating, thoughts spiraling around and around until they tangled into knots.

"A-Jiu," Luo Binghe started. "We're friends, right?"

"What, you're just spending all this time with me for nothing?" Shen Jiu huffed. He could practically feel the glare through the jar as the little fuzzy mold pulsed.

"No," Luo Binghe said. He swallowed, heart beginning to beat hard. "It's just that, I care a lot about A-Jiu. I want him to be safe and happy."

"I told you to stop asking me to come to your stupid sect. I have important duties as young master—"

"You don't though." Luo Binghe cut him off.

Shen Jiu's answering silence felt like a rock dropped in Luo Binghe's gut. He sucked in a breath and forced himself to continue.

"You don't have duties as young master do you? Cause you aren't. You aren't a young master."

"You!" Shen Jiu hissed. Luo Binghe flinched at the sudden anger even if he'd expected it. "What do you know? Stupid. You're just some stupid little beast who—"

"A-Jiu it's fine you don't have to—"

"No! You don't know anything," Shen Jiu spat. "You don't know anything about me."

"I do!" Luo Binghe said. "You're my friend and I—" He stopped as he heard shuffling fabric then footfalls on the ground. His heart leapt up into his throat. "A-Jiu! Wait! I wasn't—"

"Shut up! Friends? Friends?! What did you think it was funny? To test me all this time? Well I don't need your pity and I dont need you."

"A-Jiu!" Luo Binghe reached out, pressing his hands against the jar as if that might get his thoughts across better. "Please listen. I just want to help."

More shuffling came along with a scraping sound like something being pushed across the floor. Then there was more footfalls and the slam of a door.

Luo Binghe sat in the sudden ringing silence his eyes stinging. Shen Jiu had always been quick-tempered but he had thought he'd be able to talk the other boy down. Now he'd run off before Luo Binghe could say anything at all. He had just wanted to tell Shen Jiu that he cared about him, that it didn't matter that Shen Jiu had lied. He just wanted to help, to know what was wrong.

He cared so much about Shen Jiu and there was nothing he could do. He wished he could call Shen Jiu back, bridge the connection between them. He wanted to drag Shen Jiu out of whatever life he was living, bring him to Cang Qiong Mountain where he'd be safe and Luo Binghe would never have to let him go.

He thought there must be something wrong with him, that he was a bad person for having these thoughts about his friend and then doubly so for hurting him. His vision went hazy, gut twisting as he let himself fall back against the bed and cry into his sheets, the jar tucked safely in his arms.

…

Luo Binghe tried to get a response. But as one day and then another and then another slipped by, nothing came. He could sometimes hear rustling echoing through the soft pulsing glow of the mold in the jar but there was no response from Shen Jiu.

He drifted, mind fogged, through his exercises, his studies, his chores. Even Shizun caught on, bringing him down the mountain for errands to try and lift his spirits. But even as Shizun smiled at him and put a stick of tanghulu into his hand, the fog only lifted temporarily. The worry was drowning him.

As he lay in bed at night waiting for a response that did not come, he thought of telling Shizun. He thought Shizun might know what to do. But fear stopped him. What if Shizun didn't believe him? Or what if Shizun took the mold away? This was his only connection to Shen Jiu. He could not lose it.

He tried again the following night, but although he could hear the gentle ebb and flow of Shen Jiu's breathing, no words came.

"A-Jiu?" Luo Binghe pressed his forehead to the jar, staring at the floating fuzzy tendrils of the mold. "I'm sorry. Please talk to me."

He still got no response. He closed his eyes. Perhaps he should put his energy back into his research for now. He'd think of some way to show Shen Jiu that their friendship was real.

That maybe he had started to feel something more than that.

His heart fluttered.

…

On the fifth day of silence, Luo Binghe decided he needed to try something drastic. They couldn't go on like this and clearly Luo Binghe's misguided attempt to help his friend had only made things worse. But Luo Binghe had never been someone who knew how to let go. Even if Shen Jiu was still mad at him after this, at least he would know he tried.

"A-Jiu? I know you're there. You don't have to say anything. Just listen."

A soft rustling came and that was as good an answer as any.

"When I was a baby I was fished out of the Luo River. Thats why my name is Luo. I was abandoned right when I was born and then again when the fisherman who found me couldn't take care of me anymore."

The silence stretched but he could still hear the soft sound of Shen Jiu on the other side of the glass.

"I was taken in by a kind washerwoman after being bullied for a couple of years on the streets. But…" His gaze went hazy as he thought of the mother he had lost. She had been so kind. Even when she was tired, even when she was hungry, she had still made sure to pat Luo Binghe's head, to feed him dinner and tell him everything would be alright. He missed her so much. Sometimes he would wake in the night and, just for a moment, it was like no time had passed and she was still there sleeping close by. But then he would remember and it was like losing her all over again.

More rustling echoed into the air. He froze as Shen Jiu's voice whispered over the connection for the first time in days.

"This woman, your mother… she's gone to the underworld, hasn't she?"

"Yeah," Luo Binghe whispered back.

There was a long pause, then Shen Jiu's voice came again.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because," Luo Binghe's mouth wobbled and he stroked a hand along the jar wishing he could reach out and hold Shen Jiu's hand instead. "Because, I wanted to show you that it didn't matter to me where you came from. I care about you, my friend, Shen Jiu. Not about anything else. I like you."

"Liar," Shen Jiu huffed but the words fell flat. "No one likes me. I'm mean to you and I call you names."

"Mn," Luo Binghe's lips turned up just at the corners. "You do. A-Jiu is so harsh. But then he stays up late to make sure I'll pass my tests and talks to me when I'm lonely.”

Shen Jiu didn't answer, the silence stretching as Luo Binghe's heart thumped.

"Don't you like me too?" He asked. "Just a little?"

There was more rustling then Shen Jiu's voice came through muffled like he might have pulled his blanket over his head.

"If I like you," he whispered. "It's just a little."

"Ok," Luo Binghe's eyes curved into crescents as his lips spread into a grin. "Just a little."

Shen Jiu did not respond, but the lack of words no longer felt weighted. It was like they had slid back together again and Luo Binghe sighed, something unclenching in his gut. He started to drift. Too many days of worry pulled at him now that the worry was gone. But before he could fall asleep, Shen Jiu spoke again.

"I don't have any parents either. Just my Qi-ge… And my Qi-ge is…"

Luo Binghe's eyes widened. "Did he already go to the underworld too?"

"I don't know… I'm waiting for him. I'll keep waiting for him. If he's dead I don't—" Shen Jiu cut off on a sniffle. Luo Binghe pulled the jar into his arms as if, through that, Shen Jiu might feel it, too.

"I'm sure he's not," Luo Binghe said. "If he said he'll come back, he'll come back. That's what I would do."

"What would you know?" Shen Jiu's voice wobbled.

"I know a lot of things. It's the truth."

"Stupid little beast," Shen Jiu scoffed. Luo Binghe couldn't help but smile. This was Shen Jiu's affectionate tone, the one he only used when he was embarrassed.

"Go to sleep," Shen Jiu sighed. "I don't need to hear anything else from fools who can't even tell one guqin string from another."

"Alright," Luo Binghe's smile widened. "Good night A-Jiu."

"Whatever," Shen Jiu huffed. Then after a moment, "Goodnight, Binghe."

Luo Binghe's face heated up and he threw the blankets over his head. It was just… he'd always liked Shen Jiu's voice, and he liked it especially when Shen Jiu said his name.

Once his heart rate slowed, he started to drift off again, content that Shen Jiu was drifting off somewhere with him. Before he could quite fall asleep, his gut twisted, the thought floating up to him from the deep well of thoughts in his mind.

It should be him shouldn't it? The one who went and got A-Jiu. Luo Binghe would never have kept him waiting so long.

…

"Do you feel it, in your central dantian, right below your ribs?"

Shen Jiu was quiet for a moment. It wasn't too late but Shizun was on a mission for a few days so Luo Binghe was free to sit with Shen Jiu right after dinner.

"Maybe? What am I supposed to feel?"

"It's warm…" Luo Binghe considered. They'd taken up a new exercise in the few months Luo Binghe had been in the Bamboo House. Shen Jiu helped Luo Binghe with his poetry and his music and Luo Binghe had started to help Shen Jiu with his cultivation. There was not much he could do from so far away. But Shen Jiu seemed talented in this like he was in many things. And even better, he seemed to understand Luo Binghe almost innately.

"It's soft," Luo Binghe continued. "Thrumming. It feels—"

"Alive," Shen Jiu finished, voice curling up. "I think… I think I feel it!"

Luo Binghe grinned at the tremor of excitement in Shen Jiu's voice.

"It's like the guqin, when you lay your hands on the strings before the vibrations stop. The jies let me try it last time—" Shen Jiu cut off. The silence rang between.

"The jies?" Luo Binghe hazarded after a moment.

"Yes, yes," Shen Jiu said. "The jies." He had that annoyed tone he got when he was uncomfortable, but Luo Binghe felt warm to the tips of his toes anyway. He'd been more reluctant to lie since they'd had their talk and Luo Binghe didn't quite know how to feel about that level of trust.

"It's ok if you don't want to tell me." It wasn't exactly. Luo Binghe wanted to know every single thing about Shen Jiu. But he could wait. He could be patient. And hopefully Shen Jiu would eventually feel free to reveal more to him.

"It's not a secret or anything," Shen Jiu grumbled. "I just, the jies at…at the brothel. They're nice to me. Sometimes I stop by when I'm doing errands and they give me treats."

Luo Binghe's gut twisted and he frowned. That had been happening a lot lately. Whenever Shen Jiu talked about his fiancée or his days out or that Qi-ge it would happen and Luo Binghe would find himself sick to his stomach. He didn't like it but he couldn't seem to stop it either.

"You're not…" He tried to stop the words coming out of his mouth but couldn't help himself. "You're not going to join the brothel are you?"

"No," Shen Jiu snorted. "One Qiu-shaoye is bad enough. Why would I want to risk endless Qiu-shaoyes? No thanks."

Luo Binghe let out a relieved breath. He didn't like the idea of Shen Jiu being forced to join a brothel, having the risk of so many people treating him badly without Luo Binghe being able to do a single thing about it. But there was still that everpresent worry growing in his chest. Sometimes, the way Shen Jiu spoke of the young master he was sold to… Luo Binghe curled his fingers into his palm. He just wanted to get Shen Jiu out of danger.

"Enough of this," Shen Jiu grumbled. "Go back to the qi circulation. What do I do now?"

"Ah… let me think," Luo Binghe considered, glad for something to take his mind off his twisting thoughts. "Once you can feel it then you sort of push outwards so it flows to the rest of your body. Then you pull it back. Like a wave."

Shen Jiu was quiet for a moment. "I don't…" He didn't sound as excited as he had before and Luo Binghe could feel his frustration coming. He had always been a bit of a perfectionist when he helped Luo Binghe, so it was not really a surprise that he might be even harsher on himself.

"It's alright A-Jiu," Luo Binghe said, thinking of what Shizun might say. "It took me ages and ages to figure it out. If you don't get it the first time, that's alright. We'll keep trying."

Shen Jiu was quiet for another long stretch, then he let out a frustrated huff.

"Didn't your shizun teach you more than just "push"?"

"Well…" Luo Binghe said. "Shizun is more of a hands off instructor for these things. There's manuals of course but he has faith we can learn it on our own."

"Sounds like he just doesn't want to teach you himself," Shen Jiu snorted.

Luo Binghe glared. "A-Jiu—"

"Hush," Shen Jiu interrupted. "I know you think your shizun is the best thing to grace the three realms. I don't need to hear it again."

"I don't!" Annoyance flashed through Luo Binghe as his cheeks heated up. Shen Jiu just didn't understand was all. It wasn't like he was here and could experience Shizun's attention for himself.

"You do. You talk about him all the time. Shizun this, Shizun that," Shen Jiu drawled. Luo Binghe may not have been able to see it, but he could feel the eye roll. "You'd take your three bows and be your shizun's wife right now if he asked."

Luo Binghe flushed to the tips of his ears. "I wouldn't! I just respect Shizun."

"Yeah, whatever," Shen Jiu muttered.

Luo Binghe's anger died out. Shen Jiu actually sounded a put out. He'd gotten quite good at knowing if Shen Jiu was in a good enough mood to tease him and this didn't really sound like he was. But it's not like he knew what to say to his friend. He did like Shizun very much, he knew that was true. Especially now that he realized how much faith Shizun had in him.

But he couldn't help but think how he might feel if Shen Jiu spoke of someone else this way. How he sometimes did feel when Shen Jiu spoke of that Qi-ge who had not yet returned for him. Luo Binghe huffed out an annoyed breath, crossing his arms and flopping down on the bed.

"I care about Shizun," He grumbled. "And you care about your Qi-ge. What's the problem?"

"What do you know about my Qi-ge anyway?"

"I know plenty."

"Oh yeah?" Shen Jiu scoffed. "Like what?"

Luo Binghe glared at the jar, his stomach twisting. Some distant part of him told him to stop but he couldn't help himself.

"I know that you're still waiting and he hasn't come back yet."

There was a beat of silence. Then Shen Jiu spat, "You! Shut your damned mouth. You don't know anything. Qi-ge will definitely come and if he didn't it's cause—" His voice cut off.

Luo Binghe's gut swooped, that sick feeling returning like he'd dropped a weight into his stomach.

"A-Jiu," he said. "I didn't meant that. I just…"

"You just what?" Shen Jiu snapped. His voice didn't sound right and Luo Binghe's stomach twisted tighter.

He took a deep breath. "I just wish you were here."

"It doesn't matter. I'm not part of your sect."

"You could be… If you came to Cang Qiong Mountain, my shizun would definitely accept you," Luo Binghe said. His heart thumped. "A-Jiu can already control his qi and understands music and poetry. You'd fit well here."

"Do you…" Shen Jiu paused and Luo Binghe leaned in waiting. He wanted it. Wanted Shen Jiu to come to Cang Qiong Mountain.

"Shizun would definitely accept you," he said. "If you were here."

"I… Do you really think that I…" Shen Jiu sighed. "Nevermind. It doesn't matter because I can't get there anyway."

"A-Jiu, just tell me where you are and I'll—"

"Shh!"

Luo Binghe's mouth snapped shut. Shen Jiu's breath quickened then he whispered in a rush. "I have to go."

He heard whatever Shen Jiu kept his own mold in scrape across the floor. Then the muffled sound of the door being flung open. Then silence.

Luo Binghe waited up for a long time, but Shen Jiu did not return. He fell asleep with the jar in his hands, dreaming of what it would be like to have Shen Jiu on Qing Jing Peak. Of standing in the bamboo forest together, Shen Jiu's pretty voice calling back to him, Shixiong.

…

"The night hunt went really well. Ming-shixiong was still—"

"An asshole," Shen Jiu hummed.

"A-Jiu." Luo Binghe tried not to laugh.

"What? I'm right, aren't I?"

Luo Binghe couldn't help it this time, the laughter rippling out of him. He sat leaned against the wall, staring out at the moon drenched bamboo forest beyond his window.

"Sure," he smiled. "And Shizun wasn't having it. He sent Ming-shixiong to take the statement from the local lord. Apparently this lord is very affectionate with his wife."

Shen Jiu snorted. "How did Young Master Ming Fan like that?"

"He came back looking like he'd fought a hundred ghosts!" Luo Binghe grinned.

"Hmph." Shen Jiu sniffed. " I supposed your shizun isn't all bad then. He's not a complete fool."

"Told you," Luo Binghe said, glad Shen Jiu couldn't see his smug smile. Shen Jiu saying someone wasn't all bad was like saying they'd hung the moon. He'd probably say the Buddha himself was sort of nice, he guessed.

Luo Binghe let his head fall back against the wall. The night hunt had gone well, but he couldn't help but wish that Shen Jiu could have been there. He'd thought a lot recently of what it would be like for Shen Jiu to actually be his shidi. Then they could train together, practice their music together… even maybe sleep in the same bed together.

"Maybe one day we could go on a night hunt like that, too," Luo Binghe said.

"This again?" Shen Jiu sighed.

"A-Jiu, just imagine it for a moment. You and I could go out and save the common people. We'd fight ghosts, monsters, bandits, demons even! Just like in all the stories."

"Always dreaming up something, little beast." Shen Jiu huffed. "I'll allow it. But only if you let me whip any slavers we find. Shouldn't I be allowed to punish the wicked, too?"

"Well, we aren't really supposed to," Luo Binghe said, giddiness making him as light as air.

"But?"

"But maybe we could whip a few of them," Luo Binghe said, lips tugging into a smile. "Just to let them know where we stand."

"Well we'd be revered immortal masters, right?" Shen Jiu asked, Luo Binghe could hear the smile in his voice and his heart fluttered.

"Right. How could we stand for such injustice?"

"How indeed," Shen Jiu agreed. Then, very softly, Luo Binghe heard him laugh.

The next day Luo Binghe spent the entire afternoon paging through book after book in the Qing Jing Peak library. The more he thought of it, the more he was certain that the very best outcome for Shen Jiu would be to come to Cang Qiong Mountain. Luo Binghe didn't know what happend to the mysterious Qi-ge, but Luo Binghe was here now. He could protect Shen Jiu.

His research didn't provide an answer but it wasn't a complete failure either. He found out that the link between his tea mold and Shen Jiu's was rare, but not completely unique. There were other connections like it, and it was said that those connections could be used as a bridge.

He thought of it as he was summoned back to his lessons. He just needed to make a bridge between them, like the one the magpies made for the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. Even if it was temporary, it would be enough. Once Luo Binghe had Shen Jiu, he would not let him go.

…

As Luo Binghe was settling in for bed he heard a muffled sound. He dropped to the floor and whipped out the jar he kept under the bed. It was the sound of a door slamming open then a crash as something hit the floor.

Through the mold, Shen Jiu's voice echoed, clear and sharp.

"Qiu-shaoye—"

Luo Binghe jolted as the sound of a slap cracked through the air.

"Tell me again what you plan to tell my sister in the morning."

Shen Jiu did not answer. Another slap split the air, followed by a soft whimper.

"I…" Shen Jiu's voice wavered. "I was coming back from the market. Someone jumped me."

"And?"

"I was foolish," Shen Jiu gritted out. "I fought back and was injured."

A beat of silence. "Good," Qiu-shaoye said "And if you even think of saying anything else…"

"I won't," Shen Jiu muttered.

The man seemed to accept this. The sound of the door shutting came again and Luo Binghe listened quietly, waiting. The blankets rustled, then in the ensuing quiet came the soft sound of crying.

Luo Binghe stared at the jar, heart racing, gut tying itself in knots.

"A-Jiu?" He whispered.

Shen Jiu took in a sharp breath, then came the scrape of whatever he kept the mold in being lifted off the floor. "Don't," he hissed. "It's nothing."

"You're hurt."

"I'm not," Shen Jiu said. "I told you it's nothing."

"A-Jiu." Luo Binghe's heart raced. "He's hurting you—"

"Shut up!" Shen Jiu spat. "It doesn't matter what he does. What are you going to do about it?"

"I'll come get you!" Luo Binghe's eyes stung. "Just tell me where you are."

"I don't need your pity."

"It's not! A-Jiu just tell me—"

"No! No. I'm waiting." His voice trailed off, all the fire bleeding out of it as quickly as it had sparked. "I'm waiting for Qi-ge." His voice cracked and he sucked in another sharp breath. "Qi-ge will come for me, he promised."

"A-Jiu." Luo Binghe pressed his forehead to the jar, feeling the warm pulse of the energy thrumming from the mold. "I'll come for you."

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

Luo Binghe felt the helplessness wash over him. He wanted to go to Shen Jiu, to keep him safe. But he wondered if Shen Jiu was right. It's not like he was powerful enough or smart enough to find Shen Jiu now, or had the status to go and take him from a lord. His only option was to keep searching, to find the way to bridge the connection between them.

"I'll come for you," Luo Binghe said, but he got no reply.

…

"—ghe?"

Luo Binghe startled awake, heart pounding.

"Binghe?"

He scrambled out of bed to pull out his jar.

"A-Jiu?"

Shen Jiu sniffled, his voice shaking. "You're there."

"What happened?" Luo Binghe forced himself to breath as panic wormed through his gut. It had been several weeks of semi-peace. Luo Binghe had not had any missions and Shen Jiu had been there every night. Until tonight when there had been no answer.

It seemed Shen Jiu had returned.

"He—" Shen Jiu's voice cracked and he swallowed hard. "He… I don't…"

Luo Binghe's eyes stung. He felt so He could only sit here, holding the jar, bathed in the soft pulsing glow as Shen Jiu tried to muffle his tears on the other side.

"You don't have to say," Luo Binghe said.

Shen Jiu let out a ragged breath. "I just didn't want to be alone."

"It's ok," Luo Binghe forced his voice to be soothing. "It'll be alright. Your Binghe is here."

He heard Shen Jiu's blankets rustle, then more soft crying. "I hate him." Shen Jiu's voice was thick as he whispered back. "I hate him."

"I know," Luo Binghe's mouth wobbled, fire sparking in his chest with nowhere to go. "I hate him, too."

Shen Jiu let out a harsh sob he couldn't quite stop, then all was quiet again.

"Binghe?"

"Yeah?"

"Tell me about something."

Luo Binghe nodded. "Alright. What do you want me to tell you about?"

"I don't know," Shen Jiu whispered. "Anything. Cang Qiong Mountain."

Luo Binghe pushed his head against the jar, feeling more than ever the barrier between them. "A-Jiu would love it. Qing Jing Peak is really beautiful. There’s this bamboo forest, and when the leaves rustle in the wind it sounds like music. And there's so many streams and ponds to meditate by or play guqin."

Shen Jiu's voice could barely be heard when he answered. "There is?"

"Mn, and there's koi that swim in the garden ponds. You can sit and watch their scales glint in the sunlight. It's really pretty."

"Yeah." Shen Jiu sniffled. "What else?"

"If you were here," Luo Binghe said, pausing for a moment. "If A-Jiu was here, we could train together. I'd be the best shixiong. We would sleep in the same bed and I'd make you congee every day when you woke up. Whichever kind you liked."

Shen Jiu let out a soft, wet, laugh. "It sounds nice."

Worry twisted in Luo Binghe's gut. He had known Shen Jiu for years at this point. He'd heard every variation of Shen Jiu's voice: angry, excited, amused, even sad. But he'd never heard this. He sounded defeated. Fear trembled through Luo Binghe's chest making his heart race.

"Tell me something else," Shen Jiu said.

"Alright," Luo Binghe nodded, wracking his brain for every warm, sunlit drenched memory to offer to Shen Jiu. The night stretched on, Luo Binghe spoke without end, embellishing when he needed to, imagining new things that they might do together. He only stopped when Shen Jiu stopped replying, his soft breaths whistling over the connection as he fell asleep.

Luo Binghe lay awake, too scared to go to sleeep and miss Shen Jiu needing him again. His mind twisted over the stories he'd shared. He hadn't lied. He did want to do all those things with Shen Jiu. He only wished they could be true.

…

Luo Binghe heard a yelp and a crash as he walked into his room, laden with books and scrolls. He dropped them, rushing over to pull out the jar from under his bed.

"No!" Shen Jiu's voice split the air, panicked. "No wait—"

Another crash sounded and Shen Jiu cried out. Luo Binghe's heart leapt into his throat. A slap cracked through the air, then a loud thump.

"Oh?" That young master sneered. "Has Xiao Jiu decided to fight again? I thought I taught you better."

There was the loud sound of a slap, more thumping as Shen Jiu struggled. Then a pause, the scrape of something against wood, followed by Shen Jiu's panicked shriek.

"No! Qiu-Shaoye—"

"What's this you've been hiding? Disgusting. You really are nothing better than a beast."

Luo Binghe's whole body trembled. The man's voice was far too clear. He could hear Shen Jiu crying.

"Give it back." Shen Jiu, always fierce and defiant Shen Jiu, whimpered. But the sharpness was there, all the anger that Luo Binghe knew burned inside him."Give it back or—"

There was another slap and a crash. Shen Jiu sucked in a sharp shuddering breath.

"Let's take care of this first. Then I'll make sure you learn better than to go against me."

"No—"

Luo Binghe froze at the sound of glass shattering. Then nothing. Absolute complete silence.

He stared down at the mold floating in the jar. Tears streaked down his face but he barely noticed them.

"A-Jiu?" He swallowed a rising tightness in his throat. The mold's glow grew dimmer and dimmer as his gaze went hazy. "A-Jiu?"

No response came, not even a single sound. The panic wormed up through his gut, pulsing through his chest. Bile churned into his throat. He had to do something. He had to figure it out right now or it would be too late.

He jolted to his feet and slammed out of the door. There was only one person that could help him now.

…

Shen Qingqiu was getting ready for bed. He'd already changed into his robes for sleeping and was perusing the titles he'd gathered from the town market last time he was there. What to read, what to read. He had picked up the new title from that hack with the terrible name "Raft Sailing out to Sea". The last excuse for a story was atrocious! He had no doubt this would be the same and could already imagine the letter he'd write, in secret of course, to warn others away from wasting money on such a contrived plot.

He paused as he heard the rapid sound of footfalls right before his door was slammed open. Luo Binghe stood in the doorway, eyes wide, tears streaking down his flushed face.

"Binghe!"

What had happened? Why did the protagonist look like someone had personally knifed one of his wives in front of him?

"Shizun!" More tears streaked down his face. "Please. You have to help!" He dropped to his knees, head clunking against the floor again and again. There was something cradled in his arms.

"Binghe! Enough, enough." Shen Qingqiu stared, aghast. "Get up. Tell me what's this about."

"Shizun," Luo Binghe cried. He let Shen Qingqiu push him up and back onto his knees. He held out a little clear jar. The liquid inside was a pale amber color. He squinted at the contents, a little fuzzy ball.

"Shizun, please. A-Jiu will be hurt. You have to help me. I'm sorry this disciple didn't tell you. But A-Jiu! A-Jiu will be…" He dissolved into sobs.

A deep furrow cut between Shen Qingqiu's brows. What was going on? He stared at the jar as Luo Binghe cradled it in his arms, petting the smooth surface like a cat. Was that mold? Did Luo Binghe have a jar of mold?!

Shen Qingqiu pinched his brow. What was wrong with this little bun? He'd never seen the boy so distraught.

"Binghe, you aren't making any sense."

Luo Binghe's expression crumpled then he broke into another round of sobs.

"It's alright," Shen Qingqiu sighed, patting Luo Binghe's fluffy head. "This master will help. But start over. Tell me what's wrong."

Luo Binghe stared up at him. His mouth wobbled and he sniffled but no more tears came.

"A few years ago," he forced out. "I found this mold in an old cup. It was… it was cute so I kept it. But then something happened. It connected me to someone else with the same mold."

"And that's." Shen Qingqiu paused. "A-Jiu?"

Luo Binghe nodded. "We became friends and A-Jiu helped me with all sorts of things so Shizun would be happy with my progress and wouldn't think me such a failure."

"Oh Binghe," Shen Qingqiu sighed, reaching up to run a hand along the boy's head. This poor little lamb. He'd been so lonely that he got attached to a mold! Of course, if the protagonist had been lonely, the universe would have to do something about it. But who on earth was A-Jiu? Clearly she would have to be some peerless beauty if the universe decided to connect her with the protagonist. But it was a little early for him to start collecting wives, wasn't it?

Besides, despite wracking his brain, Shen Qingqiu really couldn't remember any wives by that name or any plot line with… He stared down at the jar. With a jar of mold…

He paused. Wait a second. He did think he actually remembered something.

"Shizun." Luo Binghe clutched the jar to his chest. "Please. A-Jiu is a slave with a terrible master. You have to do something!"

He started to cry again and Shen Qingqiu opened his arms. The poor little bun fell into them immediately. Shen Qingqiu pet his hair as he considered. He really did feel like there was something familiar about this whole thing.

But what?

He jolted, then pushed Luo Binghe back by the shoulders. "Binghe, the tea this mold grew in. What kind was it?"

Luo Binghe blinked up at him. "I— I don't remember Shizun." He looked down, mouth wobbling. "Is that important? Will A-Jiu…"

"Hush now," Shen Qingqiu patted him. "This master already has an idea. Could it have been Chang-E's Moonlight White Tea?"

Luo Binghe frowned. "Maybe… Shizun was fond of that flavor for awhile."

Shen Qingqiu tried not to grin and ruin his perfect image. But he was feeling pretty proud of himself! This was a plot point after all! It had been so ridiculously stupid he just hadn't even had the energy to comment more than one thousand words on it. After all, why would an emperor let his tea sit so long that it would grow mold in it?! It was absurd and disgusting! Besides, didn't the man have servants?

But of course that hack had just used it as some excuse to connect the protagonist with yet another once-in-a-lifetime peerless beauty. He'd saved her from being sold at a demonic cultivator auction and then of course they'd married right away. Sailing off into the sunset to papapa and then be forgotten about when Luo Binghe got his next wife.

This A-Jiu was a slave so perhaps Luo Binghe, the poor little bun, had been so lonely that the universe just hastened this plot point a bit? That had to be it. Ah! How sweet! Teenage romance. This girl must have a lovely voice to have entranced the protagonist without even seeing her. He frowned. Luo Binghe was still quite young but perhaps a visit to Qian Cao was in order. There were certain things a young man ought to know before getting his first girlfriend.

Shen Qingqiu stood and pulled Luo Binghe to his feet.

"This master has an idea of how we might help your... your friend. Come with me."

"Really?" Luo Binghe's whole face lit up. "Yes Shizun!"

Ah! So cute! So cute! And how lucky for Shen Qingqiu. It was like he got to experience a super rare secret cutscene. He couldn't wait to see the sweet reunion between the cute white lotus protagonist and his pretty little flower of a first love. It was like a long-distance relationship! A chatmate on some online server! How fun!

Absently he wondered about what would happen with Ning Yingying but brushed it aside. Things to deal with later.

Together they set up the array needed in Shen Qingqiu's private garden. No need to call unnecessary attention. Luo Binghe lit the lanterns and hastened to follow every instruction, painting the marks on the ground with cinnabar.

When it was all finished, Shen Qingqiu held out his hand. "Binghe, I'll need the mold."

Luo Binghe hesitated, holding the jar close to his chest.

Shen Qingqiu sighed then stroked his hand along the boy's fluffy head. "It's the only way. To do the summoning you need the object that connected you. Will you trust this master?"

Luo Binghe stared down at the jar, glassy eyed. After a moment he nodded. The jar was warm in Shen Qingqiu's hands as he walked over to set it in the center of the array before stepping carefully out of the range of the painted marks.

"Now, Binghe, flood the array with your qi."

Luo Binghe stared at him, then his jaw clenched and he turned all his focus to the array. The sigils lit up as Luo Binghe's energy thrummed through the space.

"Good, good," Shen Qingqiu said. "Now reach out towards the mold, try and feel for the connection."

Luo Binghe's eyes flashed, his arms outstretched. The wind picked up around them, fluttering Shen Qingqiu's sleep robe and Luo Binghe's curls.

"I— I feel it Shizun!"

"Now pull, as hard as you can."

Qi whipped through the air and Shen Qingqiu internally sent a curse to the universe. Stupid fishing mini game, stupid fucking author.

The light of the array brightened until it was blinding. Dust flooded the air followed by a loud pop and then everything went silent.

As the dust cleared, Shen Qingqiu could just make out a figure sitting in the center. Their legs splayed out to the side and Luo Binghe's jar clutched in their hands. At first, Shen Qingqiu thought he was right. Of course, a cute little maiden, small like a freshly bloomed flower, and with a delicate face. Then he frowned and looked closer. This child was very pretty. But… yes he was certain. This child was a boy!

The boy stared wide eyed up at them, a fine tremor running through his body. His robe was ripped revealing his shoulder and part of his pale chest. The poor thing was covered in bruises and there were tear tracks coating his cheeks, along with a streak of blood from his split lip.

What? Where did this child come from?! What had happened to him?!

The boy's fingers clenched around the jar like he didn't quite know it was there. He flinched as Luo Binghe took a step towards him.

Luo Binghe held up his hands. His lashes quivered.

"A-Jiu?"

The boy stared back, his brows drawing together. Then his lips wobbled.

"A-Jiu? It's me. It's your Binghe."

The boy's face went completely blank for a moment. Then his expression crumpled and he started to cry, wiping furiously at his face with his free hand. Luo Binghe rushed forward, dropping to his knees to pull the boy into his arms.

"Binghe," the boy cried against his shoulder. "You came."

"I said I would."

The boy dropped the mold to throw his arms around Luo Binghe. The jar rolled away, coming to a stop at the edge of the garden.

Shen Qingqiu watched the sweet reunion, nodding to himself. What a good job he had done! Though he was still a little confused about who this was. No wonder he couldn't remember a wife called A-Jiu, considering this child was a boy. But he couldn't remember any men named A-Jiu either. And Luo Binghe certainly couldn't be having some cute teenage romance with a boy! How absurd! Even if the boy was very pretty, this was the protagonist, one day to have wives in the three digits.

Ah well, maybe they were supposed to be sworn brothers or something. That would make sense. Shen Qingqiu shrugged. It was a mystery for future him to figure out. He better get this boy inside and cleaned up first. No telling what people would think if they came upon Shen Qingqiu's private garden and found Luo Binghe crying over some beaten child.

He stepped forward and the boy's head whipped up, gaze sharp as a hawk's in his too young face.

Luo Binghe held him tighter. "It's alright. A-Jiu, this is my shizun."

The boy frowned as he looked up at Shen Qingqiu, leaning into Luo Binghe's side. After a moment Luo Binghe shuffled a little so they could both face Shen Qingqiu, but he kept an arm tucked tightly around the boy's waist.

"This humble Shen greets the Qing Jing Peak Lord," the boy said at last.

So formal! What a polite young man! And another Shen, what a coincidence.

"Shizun," Luo Binghe hummed, ducking his head. He seemed to consider for a moment before he let the other boy go and bowed, pressing his head to the ground.

"Shizun, please accept Shen Jiu as your disciple. If you test him I'm certain you will find him with good potential. You won't be disappointed."

Well, it's not like Shen Qingqiu thought he could kick the poor thing out after the events of this evening. Besides, if he did, Luo Binghe would certainly lose out on a loyal sworn brother! Clearly this little white lotus needed any friends he could get.

Shen Qingqiu had a reputation to maintain, though. He cracked open his fan and fluttered it, making a show of thinking the request over.

"Come here then. Let me see you," he said, holding out his hand.

The boy looked at Luo Binghe, brows drawing together, but when he looked back at Shen Qingqiu, his expression was determined. Ah! This boy! He was clearly so scared but he had the fierceness of a little kitten learning it could growl. He wanted to ruffle the child's hair.

Shen Jiu got to his feet and made his slow way over. Shen Qingqiu was dismayed to find the poor thing limping. Well, they could visit Qian Cao in the morning. Luo Binghe got up right after, following close behind as the boy lifted his hand, holding it out to Shen Qingqiu.

"I'm just going to check your qi." He wrapped a hand around the Shen Jiu's wrist and had to immediately suppress a burst of surprise. This boy already had a fair amount of qi! And juvenile but still there meridians. What potential!

He internally nodded to himself. He understood. This boy probably had suffered the same fate as Liu Qingge in that stupid hack's book. Of course he wasn't a skilled enough writer to have interesting characters without taking away attention from the protagonist. Even if there was someone like this, destined to be sworn brothers with Luo Binghe, he would just have to go.

Too bad this A-Jiu wasn't a girl. He'd have been a popular wife, Shen Qingqiu was certain.

Shen Qingqiu took a moment to hum and then nod before at last letting the boy go.

"Shizun?" Luo Binghe asked.

Shen Qingqiu fluttered his fan. "This master will accept Shen Jiu as his disciple."

The boy blinked, then his face softened as he smiled. Shen Qingqiu stared. This smile… it was so gentle! So pretty! What?! Where did this boy come from?! Stupid hack author making up interesting characters then trashing them, never to be seen in the story again. Oh, if only Shen Qingqiu could go back to the message boards and let that great master have a piece of his mind!

Luo Binghe leaned in to whisper something into the Shen Jiu's ear. The boy startled then dropped to his knees to bow.

"This humble Shen— This disciple greets Shizun and thanks him for his acceptance."

"Good, good," Shen Qingqiu smiled. "Now, lets get you inside and cleaned up, hmm? Binghe certainly has some robes you can borrow in the meantime." He looked Shen Jiu over. "Well they might be a little loose on you. We can get better ones made at a later date."

Shen Jiu's eyes widened and he didn't move a muscle like he'd been frozen.

"It's alright, A-Jiu. It'll all be fine now." Luo Binghe bent to pull him up, wrapping an arm around his waist.

"Right." Shen Jiu ducked his head, the tips of his ears coloring a soft pink. "Thank you… shixiong."

Luo Binghe's face flushed instantly and Shen Qingqiu had to hold up his fan to cover his own as they walked back inside the Bamboo House. How cute! Like watching those videos of lambs and kittens snuggling.

…

Luo Binghe had helped Shizun get Shen Jiu settled and had felt how Shen Jiu wound steadily tighter and tighter. But Shizun had become quite good at soothing frayed nerves and Shen Jiu allowed himself to be shushed, bullied into a bath, then let himself be wrapped in bandages and fed a bowl of congee Luo Binghe cooked. He spent the whole time staring at everything, his pale eyes wide like he couldn't quite believe where he was, even as Shizun brushed out his long silky hair and then, with a secret mischievous grin, tied a little green ribbon into it.

Luo Binghe kept glancing back to the ribbon, tied into a nice bow, then away when Shen Jiu caught him. He felt fluttery, nervous, like he could no longer quite control his limbs.

Shen Jiu's straight brows curved down, his long lashes dusting his cheek before his gaze slid away. It was strange. His eyes were such an unusual color, the same soft jade green as Shizun's. Just like they had the same family name, the same phoenix brow, the same long nose, the same ink black hair.

"Binghe?" Shen Jiu asked when Shen Qingqiu stepped away.

"It's nothing." Luo Binghe shook himself. Whatever the connection there was, it could wait for later.

At last, once Shen Qingqiu was satisfied that any injuries could be left until morning, Luo Binghe found himself hustled off to bed with Shen Jiu in tow. He lay under the sheets, doing exactly what he'd always dreamt of doing. Shen Jiu was warm tucked against him, his soft breathing the same as it had always been. But he was thinner than Luo Binghe expected. He seemed more fragile than he had when he was just a sometimes sharp, sometimes cold, sometimes even affectionate voice on the other end of a mysterious jar of fuzzy mold.

Somehow, laying side by side with Shen Jiu in his arms, it felt as if the other boy might vanish as quickly as he'd appeared.

"What's wrong?" Shen Jiu asked.

"Why do you think something is wrong?"

Shen Jiu huffed, leaning back. Even in the dim light of the room, only illuminated by the moon, his eyes were still pale, his lashes a dark smudge against his cheeks. Luo Binghe swallowed. He really was very pretty.

A wave of self consciousness washed over Luo Binghe to curdle his stomach, too aware of his wild curly hair, the way he flushed so easily, the awkward growth of the limbs he hadn't yet grown used to. He felt clumsy when Shen Jiu seemed to have some innate grace.

Shen Jiu frowned. It made Luo Binghe shiver down to his toes to have Shen Jiu's sharp gaze on him.

"Something's wrong. You're all tense." A furrow cut between his brows and his eyes darted away. "If you dont want to sleep in the same bed as me—"

Luo Binghe grabbed his arms and Shen Jiu jolted.

"I do!" He cleared his throat. "I… I do want to. To sleep in the same bed as you."

Shen Jiu blinked up at him. His cheeks flushed as he grumbled, "Fine, fine."

They lay there staring at each other. Luo Binghe's heart thumped hard as he watched Shen Jiu's eyes trace over his face and the flush on his cheeks spread up to his ears. His gaze dipped down just for a moment, then darted away, then slipped back to Luo Binghe again.

Luo Binghe felt like he was about to shake out of his body, a tremor running straight from his heart. Shen Jiu shifted, his knees brushing Luo Binghe's under the blankets, pressed close enough for the fan of his breath to dust across Luo Binghe's cheek.

"Binghe," he whispered.

"Yeah?"

Shen Jiu's mouth wobbled. They'd know each other for so long but somehow he still looked shy. It was a cute expression and Luo Binghe really wanted to…

He didn't know what possessed him, but before he knew it he was leaning in. Shen Jiu's lashes quivered, then he leaned up to meet him, their lips sealing together. They hung in the moment unmoving. Luo Binghe's heart thudded, his arms wrapped around Shen Jiu, savoring the feeling of his warm lips pressed against Luo Binghe's.

When they broke away they didn't lean far, both staring at each other as if they didn't quite know what to do next.

"That was my first kiss," Luo Binghe whispered.

Shen Jiu's eyes darted away. "It was mine too."

Giddiness rushed through Luo Binghe. His eyes curved into crescents. He didn't want to push too hard, Shen Jiu had just gotten here, but his mind was flooded with so many things he could barely sort them out. Shen Jiu glared at him, his lips sliding into a pout. It was cute. How much better it was to be able to see what Shen Jiu looked like when he was flustered.

"What's going through your head?" Shen Jiu scoffed. "It's bedtime. Go to sleep."

Luo Binghe smiled. "Alright, if Jiu-shidi says so."

Shen Jiu stiffened, blushing again to his ears. He pushed againstLuo Binghe's chest hard, but then immediately scooted closer.

"Stupid little beast," he grumbled. "I don't have time for your nonsense." He paused for a long moment, then very softly added, "Go to bed, shixiong."

Luo Binghe swallowed hard, suppressing a shiver. He had no idea how he'd fall asleep like this, let alone when Shen Jiu let out a soft sigh and then snuggled into his arms like a large cat. But he found he didn't really care if he wasn't able to sleep for the entire night.

How could he be happier?