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Xie Lian couldn't mistake it. That ghost he'd once helped, was still around. What other reason would explain how he still had a follower? Previously, he'd chalked it up to be himself but even that was absurd.
The ghost soldier remained loyal to him throughout the years he'd been banished from heaven. And he could only feel it when he ascended.
Did it count for a ghost to light lanterns for a god?
It didn't matter to Xie Lian whether or not his sole follower was of use to him as a God. He was just glad to know he remained.
But something was itching at his neck.
He felt unease, as if he had to see this person again. Why would he want to see him again? The immortal felt ashamed. He should just let the ghost be.
Something happened.
This feeling of unease clawed at him even while he was working. His brow furrowed where the girl was dabbing powder on.
"Mister, please stop frowning- I know that as a man, cross dressing is weird, but you agreed!"
Xie Lian smoothed his expression, smiling apologetically. The unease had been especially strong ever since he took up this job. When he stood up, a man yelled from outside. The palanquin was ready.
Xie Lian was reluctantly helped onto it by another official.
Then he heard earie singing. This singing meant to scare him was only background noise to his unease.
His heart began accelerating as if he'd run a marathon for the first time. Rather than feeling worried, he became anxious. Was he about to meet something big?
A pale hand reached out to him from outside the sedan. He took it.
This ghost groom was too handsome to be the culprit. Furthermore, Xie Lian felt familiarity. The unease in him dwindled away as he snuck glances at the other's face.
Feeling brave, Xie Lian placed a hand on a cold cheek. This startled the taller man, which startled Xie Lian.
Not long after, Xie Lian let out a laugh, keeping a hand on the other's face. The ghost remained silent seemingly flustered. Xie Lian removed his veil to get a better look. He was now sure.
"I think its fate that we've met again" Xie Lian inwardly cringed after saying his part. He only meant to turn the ghost's face towards himself, but he ended up caressing his cheek.
"Mn. I was looking for you...dianxia." The former soldier shyly removed Xie Lian's hand to hold it in his own, afraid that he would show some weird expression if it stayed longer.
"We're old friends. There's no need for honorifics." And the kingdom he belonged to no longer existed. What exactly would he be the prince of? Xie Lian cut his own thoughts, "What name are you going by now?"
"Call me...San Lang" The corner of the ghost's lips turned up in a small smile, concealing his nerves. He directed them to walk through the forest.
Xie Lian had been basking in warmth-- despite the cool hand in his--feeling as if he completed a puzzle. He had forgotten his task when he suddenly heard the howling of a wolf nearby on their walk. "Have you come here to help me?"
"Of course, gege."
Xie Lian couldn't explain the happiness in his heart, he only wished he could keep this person by his side for as long as possible.