Work Text:
When Shen Yuan had transmigrated into《Proud Immortal Demon Way》as a mere cannon fodder mortal of a young age, around 18, with no cultivation nor a single copper coin to his name, his first idea (after weeks of racking his brains on what to do or who to approach and getting chased by a baker after stealing an almost spoiled piece of bread) was to use his voice to his advantage. He had always known he could sing, he had fifteen damn years of musical lessons under his belt, dammit!
Alas, a broke lone youth like him couldn’t buy nor borrow any instruments, so he thoroughly channeled everything he learned in the six years of voice lessons his parents forced him into, set up a bowl in front of him by the quieter part of the town plaza, and sung his heart out.
By god did it work. Shen Yuan went to the empty temple he was staying at for the week with his pockets heavy and ego stroked. It really helped that the body he transmigrated into had a sweeter, more mellifluous voice than he did in his past life, and he was able to finally reach notes that he usually toned down and whatnot. The townspeople also appreciated the songs he sang, which were modern-day ballads from his favorite singers!
On the third day of his now full-time job, there was a young cultivator in green robes that was part of his audience. He looked to be about fifteen, and he was watching Shen Yuan with such raw, unadulterated adoration, which, honestly, was a little unnerving. Before Shen Yuan could get distracted by this admittedly handsome youth, he focused on singing, finishing off his last song, and thanking those who threw coins into his bowl.
The crowd soon dispersed, but the cultivator seemed to be glued to his spot, still staring at Shen Yuan. He looked at him, properly this time, and recognized his robes to be identical to Cang Qiong Mountain Sect... Cang Qiong... Proud Im... Did he fucking transmigrate into 《Proud Immortal Demon Way》!!!!!
Shen Yuan startled. He had been trying to figure out where he was after waking up in the streets of this strange world, but nobody was willing to help him out, and he only knew he was in the outskirts of ShuangHu City by listening in on others conversations. He had thought that maybe he got reincarnated, but he still had his memories from his past life, and even if he didn’t, why would he be reborn into the past? So, he came to the conclusion that he had, indeed, transmigrated. As for where, well, it was the least of his worries as he had to survive on the streets. He seemed to be far from where the plot was happening anyway.
Until now.
Seeing the robes, Shen Yuan turned away almost immediately, not wanting anything to do with the cultivation world in this wretched novel. A sickly and poor nobody like him would get killed instantly ah!!! No thank you!!!
His actions were halted when the cultivator called out, “Wait!”
Not wanting to anger him, Shen Yuan stopped and turned around, putting on a cordial smile, “Young master, what can this lowly one do for you?”
The boy’s eyes widened, as if he wasn’t expecting Shen Yuan to actually turn around and talk to him. From here, Shen Yuan can see the poorly concealed bruises on his face and various marks on his hands, and his robes weren’t nearly as neat as they’re supposed to be. Shen Yuan frowned in his head. Could this be...
Even though he felt himself stiffen at his realization, Shen Yuan tried to keep his composure. He truly did not want to anger this person, lest his guesses were right.
“T-this one’s name is...” Please be someone else please be someone else please be someone else please be someone else. “Luo Binghe.”
Goddamnit.
Shen Yuan kept the smile on his face and nodded, seemingly nonchalant. This was the protagonist, but he hadn’t blackened yet. As long as he doesn’t offend him, he’ll be fine. He won’t die a premature death. It’ll all be fine. He replied courteously, “And what might I help Luo-gongzi with?”
Luo Binghe looked uneasy, as if he were contemplating on the right things to say, which further cemented Shen Yuan’s belief that he was far from being truly blackened yet. He did seem a bit OOC, acting all meek and maiden-like. Still, a protagonist is a protagonist, and Shen Yuan’s heart itched, wanting to pat the younger boy and to tell him to calm down. Luo Binghe finally spoke up. “....Your song.”
“What about my song, gongzi?” Shen Yuan asked. Today he had sung the ED of his favorite donghua, ‘Those bygone years’ by Xia Hu, and a Disney song, and a song from the Barbie movies his sister had forced him to watch when he babysat her. The townspeople seemed to be really moved by the lyrics, to Shen Yuan’s amusement.
“That last one, this one would like to know what song it is.” Luo Binghe looked adorably determined to find out where he can find a Barbie song in a xianxia novel. Though, knowing Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky, he might just find it. “This one wishes to learn it.”
Well.
Shen Yuan couldn’t lie to this man. He’d die. And also, he couldn’t refuse him and his face. He’d die. He was about to make up some bullshit excuse about how it was taught to him by a stranger (not technically a lie. Barbie was a stranger.) when Luo Binghe, apparently sensing his apprehension, started to look so... pitiful, tears welling up in the corner of his eyes.
Protagonist!!! Aren’t you too big to cry like this?! And just what are you crying about!!! It’s just a stupid song from a movie for girls aged 4-12!!! Can you take one good look at yourself!!!
Powerless, Shen Yuan said with a cough, and then a tense smile, “It is a song of mine, gongzi.”
Eyes shining with something Shen Yuan couldn’t name, Luo Binghe then said, “Then, could gege help this Binghe learn it?”
Shen Yuan cursed Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky a thousand times in his heart.
Pursing his lips, Shen Yuan looked away from the boy, trying to find a way to extract himself from the situation. “Gongzi, from what this lowly one can see, you are a cultivator from a highly respected sect. Surely there is nothing a mere street busker can teach you.”
He was essentially saying, get lost, brat, don’t bother me anymore, but Luo Binghe didn’t care. He wanted to follow this boy, for reasons unknown even to him. He couldn’t understand why he was so drawn to the mortal, but he felt that more than he wanted to, there was an inexplicable need to never let this youth go.
“But, gege, you said it is your song. Nobody else can teach me but you!” Luo Binghe, calculating and sly as he was, pulled another pitiful expression. He had quickly learned that this man couldn’t say no to that.
However, the older boy faced away, muttering, “Who’s your gege...”
Luo Binghe, seeing that just this wouldn’t work, lowered his head and started sniffling quietly, working on making his eyes and nose redder.
Shen Yuan was thoroughly taken aback. Fuck!!! Did he make the protagonist cry?! Then, in his mind he could already see his body slashed to pieces when this young pup would come back as a fierce wolf, getting his revenge. Wanting to preserve his limbs and continue living, Shen Yuan took in a breath, and said, “Alright. This one will teach you.”
Luo Binghe instantly stopped sniffling and brightened up after hearing that. “Many thanks, gege! This Binghe will listen well!”
With a cough, Shen Yuan said. “Shen Yuan.”
Luo Binghe just looked at him, forcing him to explain himself. “My name is Shen Yuan.”
With a bow, Luo Binghe said, “Then, Yuan-ge, this Binghe is in your care.”
-
Shen Yuan took Luo Binghe to the inn he was staying at, wanting to rent a room to teach him so they could have some privacy. He’s not singing to a crowd for free!
Realizing where he was being dragged off to, Luo Binghe couldn’t help the reddening of his ears. He felt something unfathomable rise in his chest at the thought of being alone in a room with his Yuan-ge. He never really understood it when his shixiongs talked about... desire. But, Yuan-ge really was pretty, even in his ragged commoner’s outfit. Luo Binghe tried to bury these feelings and focused on the lesson Shen Yuan was about to give him. Currently, the other boy was crouched over the desk, writing down what Luo Binghe assumed to be the song’s lyrics.
Luo Binghe truly wasn’t being dishonest about this. The song had struck a chord within him, deeply moving his heart. The voice that sung it was also like the voice of angels. He wanted to remember it forever.
After Shen Yuan finished, he looked pleased with his work, smiling to himself. Luo Binghe quickly captured and engraved the image of the pretty smile in his brain. Shen Yuan then schooled his expression and passed him the piece of paper. “I have written the lyrics, so I can teach you the melody and you can follow along.”
If Shen Yuan was a very handsome youth with a refined aura despite being a mere commoner who came from the streets, his calligraphy was the opposite of that. Even Shen Yuan himself knew that he was bad at it, as he usually forgoes his calligraphy practice in favor of reading shitty web novels. He tried his best this time, but it’s been years since he last picked up a calligraphy brush, so the characters looked a little wonky.
But, where some people saw an inconvenience, Luo Binghe could see an opportunity. Nodding, he pretended to work really hard at following along while Shen Yuan softly hummed the tune.
Shen Yuan, falling right into his trap, tsked and said, “Are you having trouble?”
Luo Binghe tried to shrink himself. “This one apologizes for his incompetence, Yuan-ge. I-I’m having a bit of trouble r-reading...”
Nodding in understanding, Shen Yuan recalled that Luo Binghe might not be literate enough. He knew that the one in front of him right now was under the care of the scum villain Shen Qingqiu, who had probably deprived him of proper education on purpose. Cursing the man in his heart, Shen Yuan sat closer to Luo Binghe and said, “Alright. If there is a character you can’t read, just point it out to me. I’ll sing first, and try to follow along by looking at the words while I sing.”
Luo Binghe was shocked. He had expected that maybe he was pushing it and that Shen Yuan wouldn’t believe the excuse that he was illiterate. As it turns out, he even offered to help Binghe learn the characters! The feeling scratched at his chest once again, and Luo Binghe swore to the heavens that he would work to become strong, so he can protect his sweet Yuan-ge.
Shen Yuan, seeing that Luo Binghe had settled down, cleared his throat and started singing. He pointed at the characters as he sang them to make sure Luo Binghe could follow, and eventually, in true protagonist fashion, by the end of the session Luo Binghe could sing it even better than him!
They practiced one more time, Luo Binghe insisting that they sing together. At the moment, the whole inn was dead silent, and everyone halted their activities, practically stretching their necks so they could listen more clearly to the pleasant tune coming from the room shared by these two fresh-faced youths.
And you're always free to begin again
And you're always free to believe
When you find the place that your heart belongs, you'll never leave
Shen Yuan signaled for Luo Binghe to continue. Obediently, the little white lotus started preparing for his part.
You and I will always be
Celebrating life together
I know I have found a friend forevermore
Love is like a melody
One that I will always treasure
Together, they sang the next line: Courage is the key that opens every door.
Shen Yuan looked at Luo Binghe while singing his part:
Though you may not know where your gifts may lead
And it may not show at the start
When you live your dream
You'll find destiny
Is written in your heart
After they finished the song, Shen Yuan smiled a little at himself, finding it absolutely fucking ridiculous that he just taught the OP protagonist of a stallion novel a Barbie song.
He couldn’t hold back and eventually, clear, unrestrained laughter spilled from his mouth. Luo Binghe sat there beside him, watching the captivating scene, basking in the sound of Shen Yuan’s charming laugh. There were practically stars in his eyes. Not wanting to interrupt nor make him stop, Luo Binghe laughed along. He then found himself not having to fake the laugh, truly happy for the first time in five years. It was like the world dulled in comparison to Shen Yuan.
That was when Luo Binghe steeled his resolve: he would make Shen Yuan his, no matter what it may take.
None the wiser, Shen Yuan was actually having a lot of fun, dreading having to send Luo Binghe away. They studied a few more songs to maximize their time together, and Shen Yuan found Luo Binghe’s company quite pleasant. He didn’t actually have any friends his age in this city, so this was the first time he didn’t have to spend his day alone. Still, xianxia sect drama was not something he wants to deal with in this lifetime, he’d rather read about it or watch it from afar. So, when it was starting to get dark, he walked Luo Binghe to the field where he was supposed to meet his sect siblings.
When they arrived a few meters away from the area, Shen Yuan began to say his goodbyes. Luo Binghe still looked determined (to do what, Shen Yuan had no idea. He’s hugged the protagonist’s thigh enough, he should be able to live his life free of worries, right?) and said, “Yuan-ge, I’ll never forget you!”
What a sweet little lotus! Shen Yuan mused. Even though he’s only two years older than Luo Binghe, he still felt an urge to take care of him and protect him. He really wanted to pat his head. Deciding against that, Shen Yuan bowed to him and walked away wordlessly, not looking back.
-
Over the next few days, Shen Yuan set to travel to different cities for weeks at a time, and life resumed peacefully for him. He sang, the people liked it, he would eat, he’d sleep, try to recall more songs from his world, he’d put a bit of the money he earned into savings, and before he knew it, three years had passed just like that.
Shen Yuan was traveling to a new city when there had sprung a disturbance in his routine.
He had been more successful in busking in this new city, seeing that most of the residents seem to be wealthier in this part of the country. He still didn’t have enough for a house, but he didn’t really plan on settling down in one city just yet. He had enough to feed himself three meals a day and a room to sleep in. Shen Yuan was practically a xianxia sensation, a rising indie artist! No record company would hold him down!
However, by the second week of his stay, Shen Yuan finds himself eating his words, as he had been scouted by a woman, and he started working as a singer in a brothel.
Okay, so that wasn’t part of the original plan, but she was so good at the art of persuasion! She also said that it would be better to receive a solid paycheck instead of relying solely on what luck he had for the day. She also said a bunch of other things but what Shen Yuan zeroed on was that she said they had soft beds.
Now, only in《Proud Immortal Demon Way》would there be soft mattresses available exclusively in brothels while the rest of the inns had the traditional wooden beds that killed Shen Yuan’s back. The offer was so enticing that he couldn’t bring himself to say no. Besides, it’s not like he’s gonna be warming anybody else’s bed, only his own. He’d be the background noise while people in the audience got it on. He didn’t even need to show his face. Just purely singing.
Before he knew it, Shen Yuan had a full-time job at a brothel.
Life was great! Life was comfortable, if he were being completely honest. Shen Yuan found that there wasn’t anything he could complain about, aside from the gaping hole in his heart that could only be filled with technology and electronics. His food and accommodations were shouldered by the brothel, which had been a more luxurious one, only serving wealthy merchants and young lords. Because of this, his pay was hefty. His robes were no longer made of plain linen or cotton, and soon he had silk pieces in his wardrobe. His body grew into the robes too, no longer as skinny as he once was. Shen Yuan had grown into a handsome bachelor after all. He didn’t know that was possible, honestly, considering that he had been very sickly in his old world.
None of the customers had bothered him either, as he had kept his face hidden with a thin veil as he sang. And, he had made friends with the girls from the brothel, and they doted on him in return. He had even given a few singing lessons! He also had access to instruments now, and he could finally put to use the music lessons his very traditional grandparents told his parents to have him attend. He still had yet to compose an original piece, but by now he could play and sing a few songs, both from this world and his own.
So, life was really good.
Until, you know, it wasn’t.
It happens on his fourth year at his workplace, and Shen Yuan was preparing for the night’s performance. He wore his green robes, put his hair in its usual ponytail and a small crown, and put his veil on last. Before he went on the small stage, he first did a few vocal warm-ups. After two incense sticks worth of time, one of the girls, Lu Jianqi, the very woman that scouted him all those years ago, beckoned him over. “A’Yuan, we have a very special guest tonight!”
Shen Yuan looked at her, inquiring. “Who is it, Lu-jie? Do you need me to sing a different song?”
“No, no, whatever you sing is fine! Just, make this one a bit more special,” she giggled. “This one is sure to leave a big tip!”
Shen Yuan nodded. Pinching his cheeks, Lu Jianqi led him to the stage and he settled comfortably. This was routine now. Shen Yuan never scans his audience because he didn’t want to see any indecent activities that his jiejies were doing. He started his performance with his eyes lowered, and the noise in the place nulled, everyone listening to him. Had Shen Yuan looked at the crowd, he would’ve noticed the one figure that stood out among the rest, exuding an untouchable aura.
See, he had to learn to sing more... sensual songs after getting employed here. Songs that are slower and mellower, none of his Disney-Barbie-ripoffs. He didn’t have any of that, so he racked his knowledge until he had remembered those corny “songs to make out to” playlists that were pretty popular in the west, so he, uh, became a walking “songs to make out to” playlist. And make out they did. He counts it as a win.
Since he was told to make this a bit more special for a man that would probably fund his next dodgy romance book purchase, Shen Yuan put a little extra emotion into the song, putting just a little more sweetness in the notes. The figure in the crowd was completely entranced, not taking his eyes off the singer even for a second.
After his set, Shen Yuan would take a break, a different singer would perform in his place, and then he’d go back out there to play the guqin for the crowd.
Walking back to the dressing rooms, Lu Jianqi excitedly followed him, her delicate fingers finding Shen Yuan’s cheeks in an instant, and said, “Amazing as always, our A’Yuan!”
Shen Yuan scrunched his nose, trying to get out of her grip. Twenty-five years old and he was still being treated like a young teen! Really! “Lu-jie,” he groaned.
She finally let him go, and Shen Yuan rubbed his cheeks, already aware that they were red. Lu Jianqi looked at him in contemplation, as if she wanted to say something, and Shen Yuan tried to ease her worries by asking. “What is it, Lu-jie?”
“A’Yuan, we...” Shen Yuan had never seen her this nervous or uneasy. He then got uneasy, afraid that something bad had happened. Still, she swallowed and said, “The special guest... he asked for you.”
Shen Yuan frowned. “Asked for me?”
“We’re sorry, A’Yuan!” She cried out, clutching at the sleeves of Shen Yuan’s robes. Startled, Shen Yuan could only listen to her explanation. “We tried to tell him you were a performer and not an attendant, but he insisted he wanted you! He’s very powerful, more powerful than anyone here, so we couldn’t do anything! Forgive your jiejie, A’Yuan!”
“Lu-jie,” Shen Yuan pried her hands from his robe and held them with two hands. He wiped her tears with the edge of his sleeve, careful not to ruin her makeup. “It’s alright, A’Yuan understands.”
He truly did understand. Though they served a lot of well-mannered young masters, more often their customers were wealthy scums who only saw them as lowly and disposable, no matter how distinguished their establishment was. If they dared refuse them, then it would most likely be an ugly sight. Shen Yuan knew Lu Jianqi had nowhere else to go, so she couldn’t lose this job. Besides, Shen Yuan could make up some bullshit rule to protect his dignity and the rich man would be none the wiser. He’d handle this and get out with his chrysanthemum intact. He swore!
Lu Jianqi finally stopped sobbing and held his face in her hands. She was looking at him intently, stretching her neck to be able to see better. Shen Yuan crouched obediently, and her hands reached up to the top of his head, on his hair, fixing his crown and ponytail. They settled on his face again, fixing his veil. They then wandered down his robes, making sure nothing was askew. After a moment, Lu Jianqi dropped to a squat to fix his shoes. Shen Yuan was about to ask her to stand when he felt her slip something in his boots. The metal was cold even through his socks, and Shen Yuan knew what it was immediately.
The two shared meaningful looks, not needing verbal communication at all, and with a nod, Lu Jianqi leads Shen Yuan to the room where he was to wait for his guest.
Shen Yuan settled into the room, opting to sit by the desk as he waited. He pretended to practice his calligraphy, but in truth, his heart was about to beat out of his chest. The plan was to talk to this man very calmly and civilly, to make it clear that his services were not for sale, and if he refused, pretend to agree and when he’s vulnerable, use the dagger to stab him, and his jiejies would take care of the rest. This was a tactic they used to deal with difficult men, and the women here only used it when extremely necessary. Shen Yuan never imagined he’d be in such a situation.
The sound of heavy footsteps reached his ears and Shen Yuan was alert once again. He schooled his expression into a pleasant one and lowered his head to focus on the book that was on the desk, pretending to read. Soon enough, the door opened, and the man walked in wordlessly, setting his sword down by the door. From his peripheral vision, he could tell that the man looked quite young, and his body was obviously very built under his robes. Shen Yuan continued to read and pretended he wasn’t there, steeling his nerves. He needs to make this believable if he were to get out of this alive. He couldn’t be shaking!
The man stopped right in front of the desk and sat down facing Shen Yuan. With a small laugh, he said, “Just like last time. Right, Yuan-ge?”
Shen Yuan went completely still, the book dropping from his grip.
Slowly, he adjusted his gaze to look at the man in front of him. Sure enough, sat in front of him was the protagonist, none other than Luo Binghe.
He was all grown up, and judging from his robes, his crown, and the massive sword by the door, this Luo Binghe was fully blackened, fresh from The Endless Abyss. This made no fucking sense!!! What was Luo Binghe doing in a brothel looking specifically for him!!! There were a ton of beauties in this brothel that Luo Binghe could take into his harem, so what is he doing here?! Could he... could he want to settle old accounts with Shen Yuan first? But, Shen Yuan treated him well when they met ah!
Fully concealing his internal panic, Shen Yuan’s first instinct was to pretend he didn’t know this person. “I see Junshang already knows this lowly one’s name. What may I help you with tonight?”
Mentally slapping himself for the title he used, Shen Yuan felt a slight ache in the place where his arms met his shoulders. Ah, he was as good as a human stick now. The dagger in his shoe was useless now, it turns out Lu-jie underestimated just how much power the man before him held. He was basically the life source of their whole world.
Life source of the whole world Luo Binghe frowned at the words, voice dropping. “Yuan-ge, do you not remember me?”
There seemed to be anger and frustration laced in his voice as he spoke, which Shen Yuan expected . What he didn’t expect, though, was for that anger to bleed with so much sadness and anguish, similar to the Luo Binghe he met when he was 18. Protagonist, why does it matter if this lowly canon fodder forgot you!!! Just kill me if it hurt your ego, no need to act like a scorned wife!!! You have a reputation to keep ah!!!
Shen Yuan gathered his courage and finally lifted his eyes to meet Luo Binghe’s, which held the same resentment that was in his voice. His face was beautiful , truly breathtaking. His eyes were striking and dark, surrounded by full lashes, framed by strong brows. His nose perched highly on his face, a perfect distance above his full, soft lips, which were curled in a frown. One thing Shen Yuan noticed, though, was that he kept his mark concealed. Of course, it didn’t do much, since everyone in these lands knew the very powerful half-demon emperor Luo Binghe, even those without cultivation.
The very powerful half-demon Luo Binghe was currently in front of Shen Yuan, a pitiful expression on his face. But, this one was a far cry from the one he had when he was but a young white lotus. This one was a lot more imposing, Shen Yuan thought. Still, it looked beautiful on him. Damn protagonist aura, how could he hold himself up against a face like this!!!
Before he could stop himself, Shen Yuan bowed his head and said, “You’ve grown well, Junshang.”
Luo Binghe instantly brightened, the same way he did on that day seven years ago. His smile had changed, Shen Yuan realized. It was more of a smirk now, exuding a smug and powerful aura that only Luo Binghe could manage to pull off. Shen Yuan still feared for his life even if couldn’t detect any ill intent from the man. He just chalked it up to Luo Binghe being able to conceal it.
“Yuan-ge, I’ve been looking for you.” Luo Binghe said, and being the recipient of a line like this from a man this good looking sent shivers down Shen Yuan’s spine, his blood rising and dropping in temperature.
Shen Yuan wanted to throw up, to run, to go to a different city, to reenter the wheel of reincarnation— but he knew these would all be futile, because if Luo Binghe ran after him, there wouldn’t be a place he could hide.
Luo Binghe, seemingly aware that he had nailed Shen Yuan in place and successfully cornered him, moved closer. Shen Yuan couldn’t do anything but let him. Luo Binghe was close, but not close enough to touch. “Yuan-ge, are you scared of me?”
“This one wouldn’t dare, Junshang.” Shen Yuan kept his eyes forward, his back straight.
“Hm,” Luo Binghe said, reaching to tuck a stray piece of Shen Yuan’s hair behind his ear. Leaning closer, Luo Binghe whispered, “I’ve been looking for you all over, gege. I spent so many nights thinking about you…”
Wait. Wait, wait, wait. What the fuck?
Why did that sound kind of… wrong! What was Luo Binghe doing thinking about a man at night!!! Wasn’t he supposed to be a mega-straight womanizer that all men envied! He couldn’t detect any murderous intent because… this protagonist had other plans! It was crystal clear to Shen Yuan now!
Luo Binghe’s hand travelled from his hair to the string that kept his veil in place, his fingers brushing against his earlobe. He paused, looking at Shen Yuan. He then asked, “May I?”
What shamelessness! Acting like a Casanova in one moment then completely switching up, acting shy and asking for permission, as if Shen Yuan could say no!
He could say no. He could push Luo Binghe off and run far away. He just found himself… not wanting to do any of that.
Nodding once, Luo Binghe carefully took the veil off, revealing Shen Yuan’s face. Shen Yuan’s lips were red from biting it this whole time, and when Luo Binghe’s eyes landed on them, he couldn’t help the low growl that slipped his lips. Luo Binghe carefully tilted Shen Yuan’s face towards himself so they were looking at each other, But Shen Yuan kept his eyes down, knowing that he’d get overwhelmed if they made eye contact.
Without any warning, Luo Binghe captured Shen Yuan’s mouth in an uncharacteristically shy kiss. It was gentle, a butterfly touch of lips. Frowning, Shen Yuan thought, why is he shy now!!!
Impatient, and not knowing why he was being impatient, Shen Yuan took the initiative to lean forward, locking their lips properly. Encouraged, Luo Binghe kissed him within an inch of his life, licking into his mouth.
Luo Binghe’s hands started wandering, touching him all over, as if he couldn’t get enough of Shen Yuan. In return, Shen Yuan was clutching onto Luo Binghe enough to bruise, his body too soft and pliant that he doesn’t trust himself to hold on his own. Luo Binghe would occasionally break their kiss to attack Shen Yuan’s neck, and the latter couldn’t hold down the sounds he produced as a skilled mouth made its mark on him. In their heated makeout, Shen Yuan hadn’t realized he had been lifted and carried to the bed until Luo Binghe had pulled away, breaking their kiss to lie him down comfortably. They promptly resumed exploring each other’s mouths when a loud bang had startled them out of their trance
Shen Yuan saw that the door was kicked down by Lu Jianqi, and with her were two other jiejies. Scrambling to get off the bed, Shen Yuan pushed Luo Binghe off. Seeing the scene before her, Lu Jianqi gasped and bravely pointed a sword— whose sword was that!!— at Luo Binghe, who looked incredibly bored and impatient. Shen Yuan stepped in front of Luo Binghe, meeting Lu Jianqi head-on. “Lu-jie!”
“A’Yuan, what did he do to you?! We had a plan! What happened?! Get out of the way!” She was trembling so hard she could barely hold the sword. With a sigh, Shen Yuan put a hand in her arm, lowering the sword.
“It’s okay, Lu-jie. I’m fine. We were just-“ Shen Yuan met Luo Binghe’s gaze, and a blush quickly spread through his fair skin. Clearing his throat, he said. “Talking.”
“Talking.” Lu Jianqi deadpanned. She then stares at Shen Yuan’s open robes, lovebites littering his neck and chest. With a huff, she said, “I have never talked to anybody like this, A’Yuan, and I don’t remember teaching you how to talk this way, either.”
She then proceeded to glare at Luo Binghe, which was a sharp contrast to the sobbing maiden she was earlier, crying about how she had sold her didi out. Looking at Luo Binghe, Shen Yuan said, “Would you excuse us for just one second, junshang,” and promptly pushed the three women outside the room.
“I’m fine, Lu-jie. I know him. It’s alright.” He said. Lu Jianqi looked at him in shock.
“Just where did you come to know Luo Binghe!” She exclaimed.
“It’s a long story, but I promise you, I am fine. He won’t do anything to me,” yet, Shen Yuan left the last part unsaid.
“He looked like he was ready to eat you!” She told him. “And you were gonna eat him back!”
“Lu-jie!” Shen Yuan wanted to die of embarrassment. He felt like a teenager with an overbearing older sister who caught him sneaking around with his secret boyfriend. “Please. I… I trust him.”
Okay, so. Here’s the thing. Maaaybe Shen Yuan had spent the past seven years thinking about Luo Binghe. Maybe he had several episodes where he wished he had spent more time in that city, hoping that Cang Qiong Mountain Sect would send Luo Binghe out on a mission where he would be nearby, and Shen Yuan could teach him different songs. He’d sing to him again, any song Luo Binghe wanted. Perhaps Shen Yuan spent the entire year as a 20-year-old wearing white because he knew it was the year Luo Binghe would fall. Maybe he was lonely all these years, even when surrounded by people.
Maybe he was an idiot to trust a man that could kill him without even lifting a finger. Still, he would take the risk. What does he have to lose now?
“Alright, fine.” Lu Jianqi said, finally satisfied with her fill of teasing. Shen Yuan knew she was only teasing to get back at him for worrying her. “You can go and continue your… meal.”
“Lu-jie!” She just walked away, the two jiejies with her giving Shen Yuan knowing looks before going to follow her.
Now that he was more… ahem, sober, Shen Yuan didn’t know how to deal with what’s waiting for him inside the room. He almost had his v-card taken! By a man! Luo Binghe, at that!
Taking small steps to lengthen the journey back inside the room, Shen Yuan kept his head down and stood by the doorway. Luo Binghe was sitting on the bed, and since Shen Yuan refused to meet his eyes, he ended up looking at the tent on Luo Binghe’s crotch, instead. Shen Yuan’s eyes then trailed to his own body, and seeing a tent as well, he blushed furiously trying to hide it, which was difficult, with how intently the other man was looking at him.
Shen Yuan could barely stand the deafening silence and tension between them. Should they… should they resume?
Since he was the older, and obviously more mature and composed one, he spoke first. “Junshang.”
“Come, Yuan-ge,” Luo Binghe beckoned him over. Shen Yuan finds himself walking towards the bed, as if on autopilot. He sits next to Luo Binghe silently. Now, he was just waiting for the wolf to attack again, and things will fall into place after that. Luo Binghe moves closer to him and wraps two arms around his waist, and Shen Yuan’s blood stirs once again. He found himself strangely excited. What he gets, instead is Luo Binghe saying, “Yuan-ge, let’s sleep.”
Shen Yuan almost spat blood. What sleep!!! He was practically offering himself on a silver platter here!!! Luo Binghe didn’t you hear Lu-jie!!
Seeing Shen Yuan’s eyes twitching, Luo Binghe’s voice took an amused tone. Hands wandering once again, he lowered his voice and said, “Or, does Yuan-ge wish to do something else?”
Shen Yuan felt feverish, red and hot all over. There was no way he was going to admit to that! With a huff, he evened out his voice and said, “Junshang wants to sleep, we will sleep.”
“Mn,” Luo Binghe said and immediately stood up and started to strip down to his inner robes. Alarmed, Shen Yuan looked the other way.
Luo Binghe huffed out a laugh, ah, my Yuan-ge is so cute. Settling into the bed, Luo Binghe called out to the other man, who was still turned away from him. “Yuan-ge, aren’t you going to get ready for bed? Do you need my help?”
Still feeling indignant, Shen Yuan dropped all his manners and muttered a “Who needs your help…”
He quickly stripped down to only one layer of robes and went to lie next to Luo Binghe. He lied straight and still, while the sticky brat immediately clung to him. Shen Yuan closed his eyes, but he couldn’t avoid the unnerving feeling of being the recipient of Luo Binghe’s stare.
Keeping his eyes closed, he said “Junshang said he wants to sleep but refuses to close his eyes and rest.”
“Yuan-ge,” Luo Binghe said, and his voice was soft now, gentle. Shen Yuan hummed to let him know he was listening. “Yuan-ge, I really did look for you all these years. I- I’m sorry I couldn’t find you sooner, I was- something happened, and I only got through it because I was thinking about you… Yuan-ge…”
Shen Yuan’s eyes flew open and he turned to face Luo Binghe. His eyes were red, and Shen Yuan could tell this was different from the crocodile tears he usually shed. As if on reflex, Shen Yuan used his sleeve to wipe the tears away. From this angle, Shen Yuan could see Luo Binghe’s face more properly, and he thought even when crying, he’s pretty .
“I missed you all these years,” Luo Binghe sniffled. Shen Yuan gathered the crying OP demon lord into his arms, pressing a soft kiss on the crown of his head, heart itching from the tender confession. Luo Binghe went stock still.
Shen Yuan, feeling the tiredness from the day attack him, said, “Binghe can tell me about it in the morning.”
Luo Binghe went even more still at how Shen Yuan had called him. Under his touch, Shen Yuan felt him trembling, so he rubbed comforting circles on Luo Binghe’s broad back. Luo Binghe, after a stretch of silence, asked, “T-then… Can Yuan-ge sing this Binghe to sleep?”
“Mn,” Shen Yuan replied, and started to sing.
——
Later, when Shen Yuan is known across the lands as Consort Shen, having tea with the North Kingdom’s own Consort Shang, who had turned out to be fucking Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky, the latter would say, “Bro, did you teach your husband fucking Disney songs? I swear I heard Junshang humming something from Hercules.”
Coughing lightly, Shen Yuan sent a glare over to the man across from him. “Like you’re any better. Don’t think I forgot that you totally plagiarized your confession to Mobei-Jun from a shoujo manga.”
“Bro!” Shang Qinghua groaned, “Those are not the same!”