Yankui woke up to something warm beneath his head. His brows furrowed and he rolled over. A hand blocked his path, making him open his eyes and look around.
He had decided to take a nap after Gui Linghuo left, but since he was too lazy to change out of his clothes, he had laid down on the floor and dozed off that way. Now, in front of him, was the leg of a table. The hand held his forehead and guided him back onto someone’s lap.
Yankui lifted his head and looked up at Gui Linghuo.
“Why do you like sleeping on the floor?” Gui Linghuo chuckled.
Yankui rubbed his eyes and sat up. “It’s more familiar.”
Gui Linghuo’s smile lessened. He reached out and carefully fixed Yankui’s hair. “Don’t sleep on the floor from now on. Sleep on the bed.”
Yankui frowned slightly. He didn’t answer Gui Linghuo.
“Actually, I went to see my Ye-shishu just now,” Gui Linghuo said as he grasped Yankui’s hand. “After every attack, I get consumed by the ghost qi a little more, but this time, Ye-shishu said nothing changed and that it got better instead.”
Yankui looked at their interlocked fingers. “Isn’t that good?”
“It is. But there was only one reason for that to happen,” Gui Linghuo said. He brushed his thumb over Yankui’s knuckles. “You’re fine, right?”
Yankui hummed. “I’m okay. I’m used to things like that.”
Gui Linghuo’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
His softened voice made Yankui want to pull away again. As if sensing his reluctance, Gui Linghuo held onto him tighter.
“I’m human,” Yankui said. “I had a talent for cultivation, but of the wrong kind. I didn’t have a pure Yin body like some people were hoping for, so they decided to change it. It was an experiment and it was successful, I guess. We’re kind of similar. You know, with the way our bodies work.”
Yankui remained still as Gui Linghuo pulled his hand away. A part of his chest tightened while the greater part of himself felt relief. At least it happened now. The earlier it was, the easier it was to let go.
Unfortunately for Yankui, Gui Linghuo didn’t think the same.
Yankui was jerked forward into the strong arms again. His head pressed against the sturdy chest as he listened to Gui Linghuo’s sharp intake. A warm hand enveloped the back of his head and a soft kiss was pressed to his temple.
“Why hadn’t there been someone there to save you too?” Gui Linghuo muttered.
Yankui stared dumbly over Gui Linghuo’s shoulder. His hands remained at his side as Gui Linghuo’s arms tightened around him.
“Don’t cry,” Gui Linghuo coaxed.
“I’m not.”
Gui Linghuo fell silent for a moment before he hummed. “You’re right. I was mistaken.”
Yankui’s vision had become somewhat blurry. His cheeks felt like they had moistened. And the grip around him tightened further, as if Gui Linghuo wanted to absorb him into his body.
Several weeks passed until the new year drew closer.
Every day, Yankui would be woken up by a soft kiss and the smell of food. As he ate, slept, and generally went about his business, he would inevitably hear the words “Today, I like you a little more”. The confession would always be sudden. He couldn’t tell what could have possibly spurned it on. He would always do the most mundane things. Sometimes, he would even be nagging Gui Linghuo. His lips would be captured for a split second and the soft words would be whispered into his ears.
Yankui felt for certain that it was Gui Linghuo’s tactic to shut him up, but when he saw the smiling eyes and the bright grin, Yankui couldn’t be bothered to tell him off any longer.
Some days, Gui Linghuo would bring Yankui to eat with the other disciples. Sometimes, Jiu Jingyi and Ye Liuxing would also join.
Under the gentle light of lanterns, the conversations of this small family permeated the courtyard.
Yankui wanted to step back and observe them as he always had when he came across a warm family, but somehow, he found himself sitting amongst them.
A piece of pork was placed into his bowl. He looked up at Jiu Jingyi’s quizzical look.
“What’s wrong, Xiao Kui?” Jiu Jingyi asked. “You’ve been spaced out all night.”
“Did Linghuo bully you?” Wu Ze’xi gasped. He turned to Gui Linghuo and snapped his chopsticks in his direction. “Bad boy! Don’t bully your friend.”
“When did I bully him?” Gui Linghuo denied. He glanced at Yankui somewhat worriedly. “Did you not sleep well last night?”
“No, I…slept fine,” Yankui mumbled. He buried his head into the bowl of rice and shoved a few mouthfuls in.
This act of eating to not answer was something Gui Linghuo was already used to. He rubbed Yankui’s head and hummed. “Eat slower.”
Ye Liuxing clicked his tongue as he watched Gui Linghuo and Yankui. “My goodness, if I didn’t know, I’d think Xiao Kui was your little lover.”
“What nonsense are you talking about? Linghuo is just good at taking care of people,” Jiu Jingyi scolded.
“That’s true. What’s unnatural for others is natural for Xiao Gui,” Ye Liuxing agreed. He looked between them meaningfully. “Of course, if it is true though, we’ll all be happy for you.”
Yankui glanced up and shoved a few more mouthfuls in his mouth.
“Don’t just eat rice. Eat more of the fish. You liked it, didn’t you?” Meng Meng moved the plate in front of Yankui.
Yankui coughed. “Th-thank you.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Gui Linghuo chuckled. He leaned over when a new conversation started and whispered, “You have to get used to this.”
Tjcxel uijcmfv bnfg rxfqalmjiis jcv cevufv tlw klat tlr fiybk. “Qtja jgf sbe ajixlcu jybea?”
“My shizun is a hundred times more doting than my shishu and shigu are,” Gui Linghuo whispered. “You have to get used to this now, so when you meet him in the future you won’t run off.”
“P-P kbc’a gec boo,” Tjcxel rjlv.
“Aera ibbx ja sbeg offa,” Xel Olcuteb afjrfv. “Tbe mifjgis kjca ab gec jkjs gluta cbk.”
Tjcxel qeiifv tlr offa ecvfg atf rabbi rb Xel Olcuteb kbeivc’a rff. Lf uijgfv ja tlw. “Sja sbeg obbv.”
Some things didn’t need to be said. Actions were more proof than words after all. Seeing how Gui Linghuo treated Yankui, everyone at the table knew the truth in their hearts. However, when Ye Liuxing remembered the frantic state Gui Linghuo returned in, he couldn’t help but look at them worriedly.
After dinner ended, Ye Liuxing tugged Gui Linghuo aside.
“Xiao Kui, you go ahead! I have something to say to this brat,” Ye Liuxing said.
Yankui hesitated. He glanced at Gui Linghuo.
“Go back first,” Gui Linghuo said with a reassuring smile.
Yankui nodded and quickly walked off, leaving the two men alone.
Ye Liuxing released Gui Linghuo’s arm. He let out a sigh and crossed his arms. “Your shizun isn’t around, so it’s up to me and your Jiu-shigu to watch you.”
Gui Linghuo smiled softly. “I know. Thank you for taking such good care of me.”
Ye Liuxing waved his sweet words away. “Do you even know what I’m about to talk about?”
Gui Linghuo shook his head. “No, but my feelings are still sincere.”
Ye Liuxing sighed. Gui Linghuo really learned his shizun’s sweet talking side. He glanced at Gui Linghuo and then vaguely gestured in the direction Yankui had walked in.
“What’s your relationship with him?”
“As you see,” Gui Linghuo replied.
Ye Liuxing pursed his lips. “Before, you said that he looked like the young lady from Yin Hua Palace.”
“I was mistaken. He looks nothing like him,” Gui Linghuo said. “You could even say he’s the exact opposite.”
Ye Liuxing observed Gui Linghuo quietly.
“I know what Ye-shishu is concerned about,” Gui Linghuo said. “But I can assure you, I have not taken A-Kui as a replacement.”
Ye Liuxing hummed. “Then, do you even know what kind of person he is? Where he came from and what his intentions are. I don’t believe that he was so lucky to come out of the ghost cultivator’s den when everyone else had already died.”
Gui Linghuo lowered his gaze. “I’m fully aware.”
Ye Liuxing waited for Gui Linghuo to continue, but the young man only remained silent. “Linghuo—”
“Shizun always taught us to not look at a person’s origins and to look only at who they are today to determine their character,” Gui Linghuo said. He met Ye Liuxing’s eyes. “I know who A-Kui was before, but I also know that his character isn’t bad. I trust him.”
Ye Liuxing frowned.
“There is evil in any path,” Gui Linghuo continued. “I believe that if he wanted to hurt me, he wouldn’t have helped me that night.”
Ye Liuxing’s eyes widened a fraction. “The night you had your last attack?”
Gui Linghuo nodded.
Ye Liuxing sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he waffled between accepting Gui Linghuo’s explanations or reprimanding him. He thought heavily about what Gui Yin would do in this situation and sighed even louder.
He lowered his hand and looked at Gui Linghuo. “Alright. I trust your judgement.”
“You don’t actually,” Gui Linghuo chuckled.
“I don’t. But your shizun would, so I’ll give you his approval,” Ye Liuxing huffed. “Anyway, you’ve…matured a lot during this period. And you have always had a good sense of measure, so I won’t worry about you. However, if anything were to occur in the future—”
“I will inform Ye-shishu and Jiu-shigu immediately,” Gui Linghuo said.
“Good,” Ye Liuxing approved. He patted Gui Linghuo on the shoulder. “Go back then.”
Gui Linghuo took a few steps and hesitated. He looked over his shoulder. “Shishu.”
“Hm?”
“Do you really think Shizun would be okay with him?” Gui Linghuo asked.
“That shizun of yours has a few screws loose in his head,” Ye Liuxing said. “He might even be okay with you and a non-sentient sword.”
Gui Linghuo laughed, knowing full well that Ye Liuxing was exaggerating. “Alright.”
Ye Liuxing watched him for a moment before sighing again. “Don’t think too much about what we or your shizun might think. If you like him, then go for it. I was just worried about the intricacies of your relationship, that’s all.”
Gui Linghuo nodded. “I understand, Shishu.”
“Alright, alright, go back. I don’t want to keep you two long. You two are still in the honeymoon phase, after all,” Ye Liuxing teased.
Gui Linghuo chuckled. He bid Ye Liuxing farewell and headed back to Shuangye Peak.
He took a deep breath as a small smile fell onto his face. If Yankui knew that Ye Liuxing had accepted him, he would probably be happy, right?
It had been nearly two months since Yankui had settled in Shuangye Peak, yet he would still find the young man periodically sleeping on the ground. The habit refused to be broken, as if he was scared that he would get too used to the comfort the bed brought.
Gui Linghuo’s eyes dimmed. Yankui acted tough on the outside, but Gui Linghuo that he only did so because he was scared of being cared for. If that were the case, Gui Linghuo just had to prove to him that this type of care and tenderness would not disappear.
Loud voices came from the top of the stairs as Gui Linghuo approached the gates to Shuangye Peak. His brows furrowed and his steps quickened.
He found Yankui facing two young women with an uncomfortable expression. When he heard the footsteps, he immediately turned around. The way his expression lit up lowered Gui Linghuo’s guard for a moment.
Just like this. He wanted Yankui to rely on him, just like this.
“Da-shixiong!” Shan Yu’s voice cut through Gui Linghuo’s thoughts.
He had just reached Yankui’s side. His hand habitually traveled to the other’s hand and tugged him behind him.
“Shan Yu?” Gui Linghuo looked between the two of them. He fell silent for a moment before smiling gently. “You’re both back.”
Shan Yu grinned. She glanced at Qin Siyi’s somber expression and hurried to speak. “That’s right! I found Shijie not too long ago! We’ve been traveling around together and when I finally saw the date again, I thought that we should head back here for the New Year!”
“Is that okay?” Gui Linghuo worriedly asked. “You don’t need to head back to Zhengyang?”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. My mother would understand,” Shan Yu said. She glanced at Yankui, who seemed much more relaxed now that Gui Linghuo was at his side. “Da-shixiong, who’s this little brother?”
“He’s older than you by at least a year. You can’t call him a little brother,” Gui Linghuo scolded. He gently tugged at Yankui. “His name is Yankui. Yankui, this is my second shimei, Qin Siyi, and my youngest shimei, Shan Yu.”
Yankui awkwardly bowed. “Nice to meet you.”
“Hello!” Shan Yu shouted. “Since we’re similar in age, I’ll just call you Yankui. You can also call me Shan Yu.”
“Oh…okay,” Yankui agreed. He glanced at Qin Siyi, who was still watching him silently, and turned away.
Gui Linghuo shifted in front of Yankui and blocked him from Qin Siyi’s view. “Qin-shimei, it’s been a while.”
Shan Yu’s smile faded a little. She looked between Gui Linghuo and Qin Siyi. She softly cleared her throat and tugged at Qin Siyi’s sleeve. “Shijie, you promised…”
Qin Siyi retracted her gaze and lowered her head. “Da-shixiong.”
“Mn. I’ve kept your rooms cleaned while you were gone, so you can just go ahead and stay there,” Gui Linghuo said. “We’re supposed to be eating together with the others at Jiu-shigu’s peak. You two should wait until the morning to greet them. It’s already late.”
“Alright!” Shan Yu exclaimed. She pouted and tugged at Gui Linghuo’s arm. “But Da-shixiong, your shimei haven’t had dinner yet. We were so excited to see you that we rushed all the way back. Won’t you spare us some food?”
Gui Linghuo chuckled. He pinched Shan Yu’s nose lightly. “You’re already this big. Don’t lie and tell me you can’t cook.”
“Ehe!” Shan Yu giggled. “But it’s been so long since we’ve had food Da-shixiong made.”
Gui Linghuo let out a long sigh. “Alright, I guess I’ll cook for you two.”
“Alright!” Shan Yu cheered.
Gui Linghuo glanced at Yankui. “You want to help me?”
Yankui was about to nod when Qin Siyi cut in.
“I’ll help,” Qin Siyi said. She glanced at Yankui. “We can leave him and A-Yu to get to know each other.”
Gui Linghuo frowned slightly. He gave Yankui’s hand a reassuring squeeze and turned to ruffle his hair. “Shan Yu’s very nice, but if she picks on you, just come tell me.”
Yankui scoffed with one hand holding his head. “I’m not a child.”
“I know. I just don’t want you to get bullied,” Gui Linghuo whispered.
Yankui nodded. He tugged away from Gui Linghuo’s hand first and followed the excited Shan Yu over to the gazebo.
Qin Siyi and Gui Linghuo glanced at each other before leaving to head to the kitchen.
Shan Yu sat down and let out a long sigh. She turned to Yankui. “Da-shixiong looks a lot better than when I last saw him!”
“When did you last see him?” Yankui cooperatively asked.
“About…last year? Or was it earlier this year,” Shan Yu hummed. She shrugged. “Back then, I thought he was going to die.”
Yankui’s irises shook. “Why…did you think that?”
“If a person doesn’t want to live, their body will miraculously listen to them,” Shan Yu said. She fiddled with her ponytail. “The Da-shixiong I last saw looked like he didn’t want to be in this world anymore and had to because it was an obligation. That’s the worst way to live.”
Yankui lowered his gaze. “It is. It’s because he’s still waiting for someone.”
Shan Yu observed Yankui for a moment. “Did he tell you about us or our shizun?”
“He often talks about Lord Immortal Ninglan,” Yankui said. “Sometimes he’ll mention memories of when he was younger and will tell me a little about his shimei.”
“But he didn’t mention us by name?” Shan Yu guessed.
Yankui smiled awkwardly. “I don’t quite remember. I’m not very good at remembering names.”
Shan Yu hummed. She fiddled with her fingers for a moment. “His relationship with my Shijie isn’t very good right now. They both loved one woman, but then she…got caught up in the war. They both blame themselves for not being able to protect her. Da-shixiong’s blame is reflected by beating up himself. My shijie…well, she’s still figuring things out.”
Shan Yu glanced in the direction of the kitchen and could almost guess the awkward silence that had started.
Although Qin Siyi and Gui Linghuo both had even tempers as adults, when they got into an argument, neither of them would back down. In the past, it was Gui Yin who would step in. Now, without him, this cold war had lasted for so many months. Not to mention, this wasn’t just some childish spat like in the past. It involved the death of another person. Even if both parties knew they were wrong, it was like an infected wound that neither dared to touch. It was very difficult to navigate.
“Linghuo…”
Shan Yu glanced up.
Yankui fiddled with a maple leaf that had fallen on the table. “Linghuo isn’t angry at anyone but himself. He can’t dwell on his emotions for too long because of his illness. I’m sure the reason he rarely mentioned you two was also because of this.”
Shan Yu’s expression saddened. “Now why would he be angry at himself?”
“You would understand why better than I would, right?” Yankui said.
Shan Yu slowly smiled. She leaned against the table. “Well, not necessarily. From what I saw, you seem to be a very special person to him.”
Yankui stilled. “A special person? I’m just a guest. Maybe a friend.”
“Maybe a friend?” Shan Yu echoed. She giggled. “I think I should start calling you sister-in-law instead of by your name.”
Yankui’s heart stuttered. He looked up at Shan Yu in shock as the young woman raised a brow. She shifted a chair closer and leaned over.
“I know I’m not wrong. I know my Da-shixiong! He only looks at people like that when he wants to swallow them whole.”
“Swallow…” Yankui’s face warmed. “You’re being crass.”
“But your reaction tells me I’m right,” Shan Yu sang. She smiled gleefully. “How did it start? How did you two even meet? It must have been a very intense meeting! Normally, my da-shixiong doesn’t express his likes and dislikes, but when he falls for someone, he falls fast and hard! Oh, but don’t worry—he’s very loyal. You hook him and you have him for life.”
Yankui listened to Shan Yu’s rambling and felt like his head might explode. He sat straighter, “It’s not like that.”
Shan Yu’s face immediately puckered. “What do you mean by that? Of course, it is!”
“It isn’t. Our meeting was very…he saved me. Then, brought me back here because I was ill. Then later, his illness acted up, so I stayed by his side. He’s just lonely and needs someone to accompany him. I just happened to be here, so I decided to fill the role. It’s temporary,” Yankui said.
Shan Yu did not believe him. Gui Linghuo was the type of person who kept everything to himself. If Yankui wasn’t the tiniest bit special to him, he wouldn’t have even revealed that weak side to him. She silently observed Yankui’s determined expression. She thought about her own situation and couldn’t help but sigh wistfully.
“Yankui, I think we’re two kindred spirits,” Shan Yu said.
“W-what?”
Shan Yu gripped his hand. “Although your situation seems a bit more optimistic than mine, I think we’re still the same.”
“What are you—”
“You also don’t want to get used to that warmth and gentleness, right? You think it’s because he’s using you as a replacement!”
Yankui stopped struggling. “How…how did you—”
“I understand you,” Shan Yu said with a small sniffle. She patted the back of Yankui’s hand. “I know how you feel very well.”
Shan Yu pulled away. She reached into her pouch and pulled out two bottles of wine. She placed one in front of Yankui and opened the other one for herself.
“It’s rare for one to meet someone who understands them,” Shan Yu said. “Let’s have a toast.”
Yankui couldn’t keep up with Shan Yu’s pace. He pulled away the fabric of the bottle and accepted Shan Yu’s toast. He took a sip of the mellow wine and watched as Shan Yu drank about half the bottle before she slammed it back on the table. She sighed and slumped against her hand.
“But your situation is a little better than mine,” Shan Yu mumbled again. “He definitely likes you. But mine…”
Yankui looked at her with a rare bout of sympathy. He patted Shan Yu’s back. “Maybe they do like you.”
“They definitely don’t,” Shan Yu said. She buried her head in the crook of her elbow. “I’ve liked her for fifteen years. I don’t think I’m ever going to get my chance.”
Yankui’s eyes widened. Was it actually possible to like someone for fifteen years? However, seeing Shan Yu’s appearance, Yankui didn’t need much else convincing. He awkwardly patted Shan Yu’s shoulder.
“You seem like a very cute and happy person. I’m sure they’ll fall for you eventually,” Yankui comforted.
Shan Yu glanced at Yankui. She sat up and nudged the bottle towards him again. “You’re a good guy. My Da-shixiong definitely likes you! And if he doesn’t, I’ll make him!”
Yankui laughed. He relaxed after Shan Yu’s show of comradery and drank as she directed. He glanced at the bottle hesitantly and took a large gulp again. It’s not like this is his first time drinking. Wine from the upper realm shouldn’t be that strong, right?
Shan Yu and Yankui interacting is so beautiful (breakin my heart) and i can’t believe i never imagined it ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ BEST FRIENDS!!!!
The new dynamic duo LMAO thanks for reading!!
Two buddies about to get blitzed….hahaha
LMAO 😭 thanks for reading!!
Shan Yu really is the best. She took entirely after her Shifu’s unbridled side. The main difference is that she rarely bothers to add a filter based on audience unless she really has to. Siyi is a fool not to fall for her, but some people just have a “type” and there’s no getting around that until they get their “type” and realize that it isn’t actually what they hoped it would be. Unfortunately, the person who became the archetype for that “type” in Siyi’s mind is now dead and those hopes are immortalized. Shan Yu is going to have a very difficult time of it.