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Chapter Text

 Returning home had been a doozy.

 A qi deviation sent him back, just like how he came in the first place. It made sense, though, since there was nothing after the main story for him to do. Sure, there was the simple and straightfoward solution of just making better friends with the Peak Lords, but Shen Yuan had pressed the return home button as soon as it came up, not sparing any moments to rethink otherwise.

 The qi deviation it sent him in was incredibly painful. His memory faded from then on, only recalling the stressed callings of his former brothers and Luo BingHe - those guilty cries would haunt Shen Yuan for a few months, but he could atleast reckon he'd get over it relatively soon.

 You could ask, "Why isn't Shen Yuan affected by the 5 years he's spent with them?" The answer is a no-brainer. No matter the affections, he never left the thought that they were just fictional characters behind. Also, provided the fact that time moved a lot faster for him, skipping cutscenes being his forté.

 Shen Yuan spent an accumulative 6 months and 23 days in Proud Immortal Demon Way.

 Consequences came with overstaying your presence. Shen Yuan didn't belong in Proud Immortal Demon Way, even if others begged to differ, he didn't deserve what was so rightfully Xiao Jiu's - All he could hope is that the original goods had at least returned to the Sun and Moon Dew body.

 Shen Yuan awoke in a hospital, unsurprisingly surrounded by nobody when he did. He supposed the nurses felt pity for his lack of visitors, and rested a few pots of flowers on the extendable desk of his hospital bed, sweets and similar sorts on the small coffee table by the windowside.

 The gesture was appreciated, and he thanked every nurse and doctor that came to check in on him for the next two months he stayed there for after-care. 

 They wished Shen Yuan a swift recovery from his short coma as he returned to his mediocre villa his parents had thoughtfully rented for him. The fact that the villa was not sold yet was surprising, but he shoved it off his back, believing his parents simply forgot his villa was still a thing.

 Nothing was out of place since the last time he was here. Not so much a mess, but it seemed such a way when his bamboo abode was left dustless via Luo BingHe's adamant dirt-destroying personality.

The TV adjacent to the sofa next to the large window to their right was cased in dust. Shen Yuan didn't know if it was a good or bad thing that his bedroom was untouched. Had his family even bothered to come by when he was taken to the hospital? How was he found out anyway? He had it firm that his original body was probably dead anyways.

 The contents in his fridge changed. He doesn't remember ever buying various types of inextinguishable goods, but then again he cant really remember anything pre-transmigration - until he sees a note left by his 17 year old sister next to the multiple bottles of water.

 'I don't know when you'll wake up, but the doctors said they found some recent unusual activity in your brain since last week. I bought these on January 2nd, so happy late New Years? Sorry if I wasn't there when you woke up, mom and dad made me go abroad to America for college.'

'If you are reading this, make sure to hit up my phone! I really do miss you, even if you were some weird loner with no girlfriend.'

 - Forever your sis, Shen Yuan 2

What.. A thoughtful note. At least regarding everything apart from the last section of it. That, he'll make sure his sister pays repentance for - after he thanks her, at least.

 Shen Yuan finds his phone next to his desk's counter, uncharged and dead from months of disuse. He apologizes to his phone and plugs it in, the horrid screen of death popping up like a big fat fuck you. It's been so long since he's last used technology, he almost embarrasses himself when he forgets how to turn on his monitor.

 When opening the lock screen, Shen Yuan wonders if time travel is possible yet so he could go back and punch the ever-loving shit out of pre-transmigrated Shen Yuan. What the hell does, "best girl" refer to as a password hint?! Get a fucking life!!

 Of course, he couldn't recall his computer's password. Everything in Proud Immortal Demon Way pushed such trivial nonsense out of his mind, but now when he needs the knowledge the most it bends him over and fu- 

 Maybe he shouldn't use vulgar analogies like that.

 Hold on! This is the modern world, not the ancient era of PIDW. Such vulgarities are allowed! He curses Airplane Bro for his change in character; fuck your mother, fuck your father, fuck your sister, fuck your grandmother, fu-

 Fuck who, again? Agh, whatever! This isn't a time where he can waste such precious necessities and throw it all away, when he needs to figure out who the hell best girl might be?

 Liu MingYan comes to mind. Her name doesn't work.

 Sha HuaLing doesn't work either..

 Nor does Ning YingYing..

 Or Qi QingQi..

 He doesn't even attempt the Huan Hua Palace bitch.

 None of them work!! Shen Yuan sighs heavily, resting his forehead into the palm of his hands. Bastard Airplane Bro.. You ruined his life!!

 His self loathing stops when he hears squealing from outside of his window. He wonders t o himself if he should care, but his curioisty gets the best of him and he leaves the comfort of his 200 dollar gamer chair to peer through the window.

 A giraffe or a rhinoceros would've been more believable in his eyes than what he actually finds - Who he didn't expect to see, at all, is the legendary Peak Master, Yue QingYuan surrounded by females asking for his email.

 The poor man's confused expression at least amused Shen Yuan for the time being, relinquishing him of his earlier frustrations. He supposes that helping his former Peak Master out for his momentary entertainment wouldn't hurt him.

 Shen Yuan walks over to his balcony's sliding door, unlocking it and sliding it farthest to the right. He steps out of the door, clad in a white t-shirt and shorts. Listening in on the conversation further amuses his devilish side, finding it that not only can Yue QingYuan not understand their advances, their Chinese sounds broken and informal. Like a completely different language!

 His misery shouldn't be this comedic to Shen Yuan, but it still is.

 'Ah! We're so sorry for my friend's behaviour.. This is the first time she's ever seen an in-person cosplay! You see, she's always wanted to cosplay but she never had the time.'

 Yue QingYuan curls his eyebrows and nods.

 Oh.

 My.

 Fucking Christ.

 Cosplay!!! They think Yue QingYuan is cosplaying!! Shen Yuan grasps at the edges of his railing, successfully containing his laughter after all of his time as the stern Shen QingQiu. Continuing to lean forward Shen Yuan now teeters on the tip of his sandals, hoping to atleast contain a semblance of the original Shen QingQiu - such a man wouldn't yell outlandishly at other people without grace.

 Such a man would also not teeter on the tip of his sandals, or wear a t-shirt or shorts.

 But Shen Yuan isn't Shen QingQiu, so he slips back to the heels of his feet and stands firmly by the railside.

 He considers walking down to retreive Yue QingYuan, but he doesn't feel like walking after his mobile rehabilitation and muscle practice. Hands firm, Shen Yuan reaches for a fan to elegantly cover his face. 

 Ah. Shen Yuan doesn't own a fan. Whatnot, he can buy one later. For now he must focus on saving Yue QingYuan from his soon demise.

 "Zhangmen-Shixiong." Shen Yuan considers calling the poor man by Qi-Ge, but such informalities seem far too cruel to bestow.

 Said Zhangmen whiffs his head, thankful to finally understand another person in this unfimiliar cultivation-lacking place. His permanent smile shifts, his expression turning solemn and shocked.

 He must've recognized Shen Yuan. Shen QingQiu.

 "...Shen-Shidi?"

 Shen Yuan nods, smileless, and tells Yue QingYuan to stay where he is. Shen Yuan turns on his heels and closes the balcony door, reaching for his jacket, and makes his way downstairs. 

Chapter Text

 "Is it really you, Xiao Jiu..? You look so.."

 "Yes, Zhangmen-Shixiong, I assure you that I am Shen QingQiu."

 Partially, his statement was only half true. 

 Yue QingYuan had been persistent in his questionings for the past 30 minutes. Shen Yuan understands his curiosity, he's once been in the same place, but he didn't ask these rapid-fire and cautious questions, presumably endless. Only a select few made it past his own lips, and the rest remained silent out of brevity and non-conspicuous behaviour.

 They sat together in the living room, Yue QingYuan resting on the couch and Shen Yuan sitting on the floor, two cups of milk coffee and a table set in between them.

 Shen Yuan's is half empty.

 Yue QingYuan's is untouched.

 What Shen Yuan didn't quite fully understand was having to reaffirm Yue QingYuan of his identity. Telling him, truthfully, that he was never the Xiao Jiu he knew when they were children.. He didn't know if the poor man could handle the heartbreak of knowing that his Shen QingQiu is dead, therefore solidifying that he shouldn't tell him a thing.

 Just leave it as waking up in another man's body. The qi deviation as an excuse would work just fine, but something about constantly lying to the ever-so kind Yue QingYuan never once felt good.

 "Are you.. Quite certain?"

  Shen Yuan sighs, for what may have been the 4th time that half hour, "Zhangmen-Shixiong, continuously doubting me will only make our situation ever the more difficult. Might I add that, I am the only one able to use this dialect with you?"

 Yue QingYuan looks away with an evident shame on his face. "Ah, I apologize once again, Shen-Shidi. Please understand that I am just being cautious."

 Excuses. Cautious is just a mispelling of distrusting - had Shen Yuan been too obvious in his miscellaneous behaviour? From what is opaque, he isn't acting any different than how he previously behaved in PIDW.

 "Why are you so cautious?"

 "Shen-Shidi, I apol-"

 "I apologize for cutting in, but prostrating yourself with your words will have no more affect when you have done it more than what is necessary. What about this Shidi seems so different from when I resided in Qing Jing Peak? Is it my appearance? Is it my voice? My behaviour? Do tell."

 The bombardments of aggravation made its rounds inside Yue QingYuan's head. His smile remained weak, oh-so lacking the positivity the Peak Master is trying to iterate. Shen Yuan allows his silence for 45 seconds, turning full attention when he begins to speak in a sorrowful tone, "I do not doubt that you are Xiao- Shen-Shidi. Please forgive me once again for my foolishness."

 One on ones were never good with this Peak Master. They were always sorrowful; full of doubt and misery, when it was only himself and Yue QingYuan placent in the same room.

 Alone.

 Though, such statuses were never a rarity with Shen Yuan. He preferred to be alone, but not constantly living in regret and shame - he slides Yue QingYuan's cup of milk tea closer, picking up his own and placing it up to his lips. Before drinking, he asks, "Why don't you take a gulp as well, Zhangmen-Shixiong? This Shidi made it especially to soothe your nerves."

 Yue QingYuan simply nods, and picks up the delicate mug of milk tea with less grace than what Shen QingQiu performs on basis. 

 His expression churns to that of much more confidence, when he sees the comfort and content in Shen QingQiu's eyes. He takes a sip of the milk tea on queue to Shen Yuan's sip.

 "..I have never tasted anything like this. Shen-Shidi, could you kindly explain how this is made?"

 Shen Yuan almost smiles, but remembers that he mustn't - or, that he does not have a fan to hide his emotions. Even when that stupid system isn't here to annoyingly blare OOC warnings, old habits die hard. 

 Although, he is thankful enough that the mood has lifted, even by just a bit.

 "I will be more than glad to share this Shidi's ways."

 Introducing Yue QingYuan to the coffee machine might've been this century's biggest comedy act. His utter confusion and restlessness when being taught the mysterious ways of modern technology could be its own show! 

 "Shen-Shidi, this master apologizes once more.. But what exactly do these symbols say?"

 Yue QingYuan points at the letters 'Kureg'. It makes sense that he wouldn't be able to speak English, but Shen Yuan can't find it not remotely funny that he doesn't know what a Kureg machine is. This baby is something he couldn't live without in Heaven's Sky Clan! 5 years was far too much, no thank you!

 "It says Kureg. You see, Zhangmen-Shixiong, in this world cultivation is replaced by what you see is electricity."

 "..There is no cultivation here? I had just thought people were not open about their cores."

 Ah. Right. Shen Yuan completely forgot about telling him what might arguably be the most important factor in this world, in comparison to the man's original.

 He feels it's shameful that he is thankful. Yue QingYuan no longer needs to worry about the threat of releasing his sword.

 "Right. There is no cultivation in this world, I have found out."

 Yue QingYuan turns his gaze from the boiling water to the coffee-prepping Shen QingQiu. The question in his gut bursts before he can relinquish the thought, "..How do you know so much about this world when you have only.. Died.. 4 days ago."

 Aiya, not this melancholic shit again.

 "Ah, Zhangmen-Shixiong. How about we focus on making the coffee?" He pours the bits of coffee grain into the purifier, placing it inside the Kureg's coffee compartment, in full eyes view of Yue QingYuan, "It would be a shame to sully the mood with a sour topic."

 Yue QingYuan ceases his questioning, averting his gaze into a simple small nod, and pours in the boiling water into the container. Shen Yuan instructs the former Peak Master to stop when the water hits a certain line on the transparent side of the machine, which is ever so carried out swiftly.

 "..Shen-Shidi."

 Shen Yuan moves his sight from the brewing coffee to the offput, curved expression of his companion, "Is something the matter?"

 "Ah, not in particular. This one just wonders.. Would Xiao Jiu be comfortable discarding my former title? I feel as if since I am no longer a Peak Master, and you are no longer a Peak Lord, these formalities are unnecessary."

 "I suppose so. What would you like me to call you?"

 Evidently, his fingers stiffen around the condensed milk can in his palm. The tightness of his posture almosts prompts Shen Yuan to speak up, but Yue QingYuan cuts him to the chase, "Please, if you will.. Call me Qi-Ge, like you used to."

 Oh. Oh fuck.

 That is something he absolutely cannot do. 

 "Senior Yue. I am sorry, I cannot do that."

 "..I understand."

 The silence that follows after is unbearable.

 Agh?! Why the hell does he need to feel guilty about it! He didn't ask to be transmigrated into Xiao Jiu's stupid body! This fic was supposed to be a comedy, not an angst! Where's the ShenLiu!!

  A fickle beat of coffee drips into the growing pot. Shen Yuan attempts to find ways to distract himself from the knawing tension - isn't it ridiculous, that he must suffer because of some stupid author?! If he ever gets his hands on Airplane Bro..

 Getting his hands on..

 How did Yue QingYuan get here anyways?

 "..Senior Yue, pardon my rudeness. May I ask you a question?"

 Awkwardness almost spills like a waterfall out of Yue QingYuan's broad shoulders. He nods in confirmation, a little thankful that Shen QingQiu does not seem upset with him.

 "How did you get here?"

 "..Ah. Xiao- Shen-Shidi, I believe you will not like what I will tell you."

 "Just go ahead. Whatever brought you here is my utmost concern, whatever outside the picture is trivial."

 His crinkled expression halts for a bit, hesitance building in each form until he finally grasps a firm hold on himself, "It is a sour topic, Shen-Shidi. I suggest we continue on your lesson of milk tea brewing, and leave such a conversation for afterwards."

 So, he is hiding something. Easy enough to decipher - Senior Yue is bound to have noticed Shen QingQiu's awareness on the matter, and also chooses to hold his tongue. Shen Yuan does not push the issue any further, and continues instructing the clueless Yue QingYuan on the intricacies of milk tea.

 It is not until the former Peak Master gets his robes stuck on each cabinent handle does Shen Yuan think of buying him some new clothes.

 "Ah, Senior Yue, must I tell you that the clothing of this world is wildly different than our previous one. Robes and traditional clothing will garner you odd stares. I can lend you a few pairs for now, as we must go shopping for foodstuffs soon."

 The look Yue QingYuan gives him is incredulous. He doesn't think to question Shen Yuan - after all, the former Peak Lord makes it evident that he knows what he is doing, and Yue QingYuan does not stop to infer any further. "Are we departing immediately?"

  Shen Yuan tosses Yue QingYuan an oversized t-shirt and a pair of stretchy pajama pants. He hands the confused man a hairtie, telling him to rid of his crown if he does not want to get the both of them ridiculed. What the hell else can he give him? Nothing else would ever fit, and seeing once an elegant man wearing snooze clothes is a funny sight to see.

 "Yes, we are. In this world you simply cannot cleanse yourself using cultivation, and wearing the same clothes everday is looked down upon. I would not say this is urgent, but it is important." 

  Yue QingYuan simply nods, "Then I have no other choice then to follow your lead."

Chapter Text

 Upon leaving the house, the stares they gathered either way left Shen Yuan's skill crawling up his backside.

 Why the hell are you all staring?! He wanted to yell at them for such discomforting gazes! Yeah, Yue QingYuan is attractive, but look at your own things! Don't you know how uncomfortable it is to be stared at when you haven't done anything?"

 Shen Yuan beckons for Yue QingYuan to walk quicker. The paces in between his steps would've answered to a trip, but practicing grace and delicacy in PIDW had proven that Shen QingQiu couldn't trip on a rock if he tried.

 "Shen-Shidi, is there a reason why we must walk so quickly?"

 Neither of the two stops to talk. Shen Yuan answers as they semi-jog to the mall, or what of a jog that Shen Yuan could handle, though it is notable that each step he takes gets slower and slower. The fleeting feeling of the muscles in his body stiffening and slurring per step is almost too unfamiliar and too close to home at the same time.

 He has spent too much time in Shen QingQiu's body.

 "Ah, Senior Yue.." He decreases his speed in steps, fully stopping once he realizes that Yue QingYuan exceeded his own pace by 3 steps. When did he get ahead? From what Shen Yuan remembers, he was always 5 steps behind. 

 Why didn't they take a fucking car, again? 

 "This one apologizes if his answer seems ridiculous, but the people around us continue to gawk at you. I did not know if you were.. Welcoming the stares, or simply tolerating it."

 Yue QingYuan's soft smile surges. Agh, such a smile.. That could be considered deadly, you know! Like Pokémon types, where Shen QingQiu is the dignity type and Yue QingYuan has a guilt type move! Super effective!!

 "Thank you, Shen-Shidi for your concern over this former Peak Master. Though, I am more concerned for your rapid decrease in speed. Is something the matter?"

 Of course, the ever so diligent Yue QingYuan could see right through him. He ponders between lying or telling the truth.. But he doesn't deserve to be lied to anymore, Shen Yuan tells himself, to at least revel once in honesty,

"Ah.. Truthfully, this body is.. Not good. As I awoke, it seems this one previously had many issues. I am not as elegant as I once was."

 The curve in his Senior's smile is heartwrenching. Shen Yuan can see the belated movements of his hand, as if asking to physically assist Shen QingQiu in his movements. In any other world this would've been no problem, but such intimacies in public.. 

 He would rather have stares of admiration directed at Yue QingYuan than glares of scrutiny directed to the both of them.

 Disappointment makes its way to Yue QingYuan's face when Shen QingQiu denies his hand. He doesn't ask why. He chooses to never ask why, but Shen Yuan supposes he is thankful for that.

 "Ah.. Senior Yue, I apologize for this one's foolishness. If it weren't for my bad luck, we could have taken a car. Instead we must walk."

 Once again, Yue QingYuan looks ever the most confused. "Nonsense. You cannot control your fate."

 "Thank you, Senior Yue."

"En.. Do not thank me for what is common sense."

 ..

 Avoiding the awkward silence, Yue QingYuan gets the nerve to speak without hailing to the mood. "..Earlier, you spoke of.. Elec.. Electr.. Electicry, correct? Is that what you were referring to?"

 Electicry. Shen Yuan doesn't have the energy to chuckle. "That, you could say is correct. My.. Medicinal caretakers told me that I must exercise in order to revitalize my muscles." 

 "I.. See. What does such a thing do?"

 Shen Yuan begins to walk again. Yue QingYuan does not hesitate to follow in queue, walking almost directly parallel to himself with equalling steps.

 Aiya, do not pity him! It makes the situation much worse!

 He sighs, reaching for his fan to hide his discomfort.

 Ah.

 These habits! Shen Yuan, get it together, you do not own a fan! "Think of it as sword flight, but you are encased instead of being vulnerable to the winds."

 Yue QingYuan points to a car driving by, "Is that what you were referencing?"

 "Yes." and he cuts his answer off there, coming into vicinity of his local mall. He thanks his parents for at least venting a villa in walking distance to one, or otherwise he would have to constantly take public transport. "Ah- There is the mall, Senior Yue. Let us continue this talk for later." 

  Making it into the mall was easy enough.

 Shopping around, however, was a far different story.

 Yue QingYuan glanced at each and every thing that he didn't recognize. All from informal and suggestive clothing, to electronic stores, never quailing to give Shen Yuan a break.

 It was as if he just wanted to bother him! But Shen Yuan knew better to assume - like, you know how people tell their foreign friends not to hesitate asking if they didn't know what something was?

 Well, much to nobody's surprise, most of the time they don't actually mean it.

 "Shen Jiu, could you please explain to me what this item is?"

 "Shen Jiu, I have an inquiry-"

 "Shen Jiu, there is this-"

 "Shen Jiu-"

  Shen Yuan speaks before Yue QingYuan can get another word out, "Ah, Senior Yue. There is something I must buy you. It has become... Somewhat of an essential, in this world."

 Yue QingYuan nods, shutting his mouth and keeping whatever was in his throat caged. Thank God..

 "This device allows you to contact me almost immediately, though in presumptions that I answer you." Shen Yuan begins, pulling his own phone out of his pocket. He makes a gesture for Yue QingYuan to come closer, turning his phone on when he notices that the other is watching with the utmost of attention. 

 "There are many appendages that come along with this item, although I believe you wont be using them all that much."

 Shen Yuan believes he had spent too much time explaining what a phone was.

 . 

 The duo had spent a good portion of their day stitched by the hip purchasing whatever Yue QingYuan showed even the slightest hint of allure towards.

 Be it a clothing hanger or a cat t-shirt, an icecream roll or a bag of trail mix, it paved itself onto the counter and dented the mountain that was Shen Yuan's Masters Card.

 They made their way through countless stores, mostly led by the almost childish wonders of Yue QingYuan - you couldn't blame the man, he was practically on a whole 'nother planet.

 Well, he kind of was.. But wasn't? Is this the future, or a different universe in aspect? Agh, that's too much to think about now!

 Hours pass.. And Shen Yuan can't feel his legs.

 He wasn't supposed to be walking for more than 30 consecutive minutes. 4 hours in a row was overkill! It was embarrassing how many times he had to stop and lean on a wall, the solicitude of Senior Yue's gazes to clog his throat.

 Really, this is just too much! 

 "Shen Jiu, are you alright? You've been fairly.. Weakly, lately." Yue QingYuan voices his concern, reaching over to check his meridians. His voice halts when stunned by his lack of cultivation, Shen Yuan watching the shock from his face fall from the realization.

 Shen Yuan almost feels bad for the guy. For all of his life, he's been surrounded by cultivation - but here he is, helpless without the aid of his decades. It really was unfair.

 Shen QingQiu makes an effort to strengthen himself for the sake of Senior Yue's sanity. "I assure you that I am and will be fine."

 Yue QingYuan doesn't push any further.

-

 The trip home was as smooth as the trip there.

 If you were to extract the curiosity from the trip, you could say that their time at the mall was pleasant and smooth, disregarding all the moments wasted spent on objects of virtu, particularly more or less barely interesting.

 Who the hell points to a t-shirt as if it were a piece of cloth Jesus Christ personally wiped his sweat with?

 "Senior Yue, have we purchased everything you have found of attraction?" Shen Yuan asks, staring at the load of 5-6 bags that hung onto the muscles of Yue QingYuan's arms. 

 The man in question nods, with an expression of uncertainty painting the canvas of his face. "I apologize profusely, Shen Jiu. Had this been too exorbitant for you?"

 Such a simple question, but with such an oddity of an answer.. His auto-immune disease pension had racked up quite a few RMB since the last 7 months of his coma, alongside the constant flow of his parent's money into his bank account.. It was of much dolor and trouble to hate his parents after all that they've provided, but it was difficult to have more than feelings of thankfulness when directed towards them.

 He just didn't want to admit to using daddy's money.

 To say, without much strain, "No, there is no need for you to worry yourself over something so trivial. May this one ask again, are you satisfied with the contents in your bags?" 

 Yue QingYuan nods, clutching harder at the strings of their shopping bags, and Shen Yuan is so close to groaning when he finds nostalgia leaking onto his face, "I must thank you. This.. Reminds me, greatly, of our past."

  Aiya, how many times are you going to make the mood awkward?

 "When we used to walk side by side.. And bought bells of grandeur to stick by the cloth that held our poor robes. Don't you recall?"

 Yue QingYuan, please. 

 "Back then, when we used to-"

 Shen Yuan intercepts before things get too personal, "Ah, Senior Yue. I have yet to introduce you to a special local novelty treat that I have enjoyed for quite a while now. Would you like to try it?"

  Yue QingYuan displays him a glance of dejection, and guilt surges to a boil within his veins.

 Has Senior Yue been really sensitive and intimate lately, or was it just him? 

 Please be understanding!! It's really damn hard to empathize with him when you're, like, an amnesiac listening to your lover who you've completely forgotten about but can't pull the heart to tell them that you've completely forgotten who they are!!

 Yue QingYuan relays a small smile, crescents of his eyes forming to hide whatever disappointment would've shone.

 You monster! You can't play these guilt trips on him, he'll feel pressured to rid of such expressions!

 Shen Yuan sighs and takes a few swift area scans, making sure that no moving thing escapes his viewing. It takes all of his pride and dignity (also, the strength of his legs) to walk up and soothe Yue QingYuan's backside.

 Unfortunately, his whole body stiffens, and Shen Yuan had never regretted acting before thinking this hard in his entire life (or lack thereof).

 He retracts his hand and hides it behind his back, avoiding whatever looks the man would give him afterward. Don't look at him like.. Whatever you're looking like right now!! That's so awkward!!

 "I hadn't.. Please excuse my reckless action, I did not know.. Senior Yue, I-"

  Shen Yuan can feel warmth envelop the top of his head. He turns to gape at Yue QingYuan, whose smile is a little brighter than it is usually. "It is okay, Shen Jiu.. There is no need for your apologies, this one is.. Thankful for your concern."

 Fuck, that's just not fair for his weak heart.

  "..Ehn." Is all that he responds with.

 This time, the silence that follows after, is void of tension.

quick sketch of what shen yuan looks like here. this is the reason why this chapter was delayed

and yes i am a shen yuan simp:

Chapter Text

(images arent working for me at the moment, so here is the link to the art for the time being. i will rid of this text when they start working again.

https://twitter.com/Amane_3462/status/1353856076601577476?s=19        )

 Sleeping has always been a problem for Shen Yuan.

 Previously, before his transmigration it was common for him to cradle his chest each night like a qi deviation was wrecking his body, clutching at the bed sheets as if they were a life line;

 nights were never of much interest. In simpler terms, Shen Yuan was not an avid enjoyer of rest.

 Hence, the lack of melanin in his skin. Often compared to ghosts, or mocked by his uncanny resemblance to Japanese geisha, it's become apparently clear that Shen Yuan knows how sunken his skin looks.

 Waking up at random times in the middle of the night was something he was used to. His eyes slowly blink open, the need to stretch becoming increasingly wanted. His alarm clock to the right side of his bed blinks 03:43, and Shen Yuan shoves his hot blanket off of his body.

 If he wanted anything in the world, it would be the ability to stay in bed and sleep longer without any troubles. But he supposes he got that wish when he was Shen QingQiu.

 Walking to the bathroom takes 2 minutes for him to accomplish. He drags himself across the wall, his blurry vision barely opaque from his recent awakening. 

 When he finally finds his bathroom the holy light that emits from the bathroom's automatic censor is scorching. He squints and shoots his arms to cover his eyes until he feels his body get used to the sudden change in environment.

 The marble sink he stands in front of is slick, clean without dust and.. Oddly shiny. Ah, whatever, it was most likely pre-conscious hallucinations.

 He turns the sink on and checks the temperature.

 Too hot..

 He turns the left handle.

 Just right.

 He cups the neutral water into his hand and splashes his face with it. His hands rub into the creases of his eyebags and surprisingly smooth skin, his body shivering in the cold as he fully wakes up. It does not take long for him to settle into comfort with water dripping ftom his face and some parts of his hair. 

 The water suddenly turns cold 3 minutes after he starts brushing his teeth.

 'Ah. I need to pay the water bill.'

 It made more than enough sense for his water to turn on him. Even if his parents rented the villa, he wasn't living in it for free. For anology's sake, compare it to giving your kid an ipad, but you make them pay for the charger every time they need it for use. Always a quick and easy way to teach them responsibility and the ever importance of money.

 It also teaches them the hardships of transactions.. And early depression.

 Shen Yuan sighs - he feels like he's been doing that a lot lately - and reaches for a towel to dry his face off. His next plan of action was to take an hour long shower, but a sudden anxiety sinks in his stomach and it does not feel good. A thought strikes into his head unannounced;

 Was Yue QingYuan doing okay?

 "Senior Yue, are you awake?" Shen Yuan calls, a half yell but polite nonetheless. 

 Shen QingQiu had given the villa's guest room to Yue QingYuan for the time being. Between his and Senior Yue's room, only a few 6 or 8 feet separated them, so his lack of response was more than unreasonable even if he was asleep. 

 "Hello? Senior Yue, please respond if you are awake." Shen Yuan tries again, and yet no response.

 He grabs the towel next to his sink and carefully stalks outside of the bathroom, tiptoeing skillfully around the creaking floorboards to the front of Yue QingYuan's room. 

 Countless knocks pass and Shen Yuan begins to wonder if Yue QingYuan was just not there. Had he transmigrated back into PIDW already? Had he left the villa without telling him? It was not as if Yue QingYuan was a baby who could not take care of himself, but with the lack of knowledge he has of this world it's practically just that! Worry swells in his throat and he apologizes to whatever he opens this door to in his head, twisting the knob and swinging the damned thing open.

 Worry fades from his system with the serene scene of Yue QingYuan standing on the guest room balcony with its slide doors closed is painted. Of course he wouldn't have heard.. Double layered gorilla glass can be a pain in the ass when it isn't protecting you.

 Shen Yuan walks towards the balcony door. Yue QingYuan faces forward with his back answering to every expression the shorter could dispell, and Shen QingQiu wonders what kind of thoughts invaded his head for things to be.. This solemn? 

 For what he knew Yue QingYuan enjoyed as much rest as he could get. Being the Sect Leader was harsh enough, but having basically 12 children to look after would be enough to drive an Asian mother to tears. 

 Did he not like this world? It was not like Shen Yuan forced him here, but he cannot help but feel guilty for not being able to do anything.

 Was he curious of the cars driving by? Or the speeding censors blinking mysterious numbers? 

"Shen Jiu?"

 Ah. Apparently, he had been staring for too long, because when he finally focuses outside of his thoughts he has Yue QingYuan gracefully stepping towards him.

 "Ah, Shen Jiu. You're awake.. That is.. Unusual." Yue QingYuan notes, fiddling with the end of the large white shirt they purchased yesterday.

 "I suppose that was the case for my former habits, but this body seems to wake up at random." Shen Yuan answers.

 Yue QingYuan raises his brow, ceasing his steps when he stands only a few inches away from Shen Yuan, "Is that so?"

 Shen Yuan nods, and their conversation ends as soon as it started.

 The silence, unlike all the other times, was a lot more welcoming. He feels as if he has mended somewhat of an inch of their broken relationship.

 Their moment of serenity is interrupted by a loud bang in the kitchen (cliché, I know) and Shen Yuan's reflexes shoot up his right arm to summon Xiu Ya. An intruder, to break in when there are people so obviously present... You are no more smarter than a worm..!

 It is not until Yue QingYuan gently taps his shoulder when he realizes he looks like an idiot with how he's holding air in what would say the stupidest position ever. His hands shoots behind his back as he rubs his right wrist with his left hand. He coughs once, nods to his dear friend and looks away in embarrassment. 

 'Wtf was that!! So humiliating!'

 Yue QingYuan only chuckles, trying his best to relieve comfort, "Do not be so shamefaced. If it were not for you, I would have done the same thing."

 Shen Yuan's left hand grips at his other wrist a little harder.

 'Ah, many appreciations Senior Yue. Really made me feel better about my stupid ass!!' Shen Yuan only nods with both of his arms behind his back, the towel he was clutching earlier tossed wayward onto the guest bed. "I am grateful for your kindness, Senior Yue. Thank you for your indifference to my.. The earlier incident."

  Shen QingQiu does not allow the other man any chance to speak up when he starts investigating this sudden intruder. Yue QingYuan follows behind, and Shen Yuan almost pops a vein with all of the creaking this Sect Master is clearly doing.

 Except... Yue QingYuan's footsteps are quieter than an ant passing by, and it takes all of his willpower and maturity to not turn around and choke Yue QingYuan on the spot when he realizes it's actually himself that's creaking the olden floorboards. PIDW is full of pretentious assholes!

 Shen Yuan makes his frustrations blaringly obvious by the way he bares his canines to an appalled Yue QingYuan. His thoughts begin to holler, 'Hey! Hey! Do something embarrassing too, I've been making a fool out of myself so you should too!'

Yue QingYuan barely catches a hint, and Shen Yuan grips the base of the hallway corner with nearly 10,000 newtons!! (If subtracted by all that is Shen QingQiu-ingly possible) Yue QingYuan should thank this wall on his knees, since it's tanking his super effective choke hold technique!! 

 "Shen Jiu.." Yue QingYuan starts to whisper.

 When did Shen Yuan give you permission to speak? It is a memory he simply cannot recall, so instead, Shen Yuan does the most mature thing possible and ignores his Senior's efforts. He peers over the hallway's corner 

 "Shen Jiu, are you listening to me?"

 Tch. Speak louder so you get the both of us caught! Make a fool of yourself!

 "Shen Jiu, please listen to me." 

 Shen Yuan does not hear. Would it be insensitive to declare himself deaf?

 "Shen Jiu..!" Yue QingYuan's voice shells his urgency. Shen Yuan notices his Senior's hand digging into his palm. 

 Who told you to start getting impatient? Shen Yuan almost growls, glaring Yue QingYuan his grumpiest side-eye. "What is it."

 Yue QingYuan doesn't seem impressed. His expression melts immediately upon staring into Shen QingQiu's pupils, and begins to talk, "You have made it very apparent that your current body is unable to handle physical tasks. I believe it would be better if you were to allow me to stand in front of you."

  Shen Yuan curves his eyebrows and frowns, turning around completely to face Yue QingYuan's neck, "Are you calling me weak?"

"..Yes." He answers with an enormous amount of hesitation.

 Ah. So blunt.

 Shen Yuan slams his palm on the wall and walks out into the living room, adrenaline washing through his bloodstream, fear almost non-existent.

 Yue QingYuan hurries to clutch his hand around Shen QingQiu's biceps, but due to his skinny frame Senior Yue's hand misses by a centimeter. The worry in his eyes burst and he does not wait another second to walk out into this one's living room with Shen Jiu, protectively wrapping his arms around a slender waist - too intimate, truly..!

 "What in the world are you doing-" Distasteful, you orc of a gentleman. Wrapping your arms around this young master as if he were a maiden injured and bruised, get a wife already. Senior Yue says nothing in response, taken to duty himself scanning every movement this intruder takes.

 His eye sight is soon extracted from the posh red that befalls this fool's face whence he looked away to scan, Shen Yuan himself entranced by a pathetic stretched groan - how can you call yourself a burglar with your shitty sneaking around? 

 Wearing bright yellow, inexperienced and stupid.

 Robes so delicately detailed and embroidered.

 Hair, so tight and proud..

 "Gongyi Xiao?"