TIAN GUAN CI FU Fan fic stories

GENTLE BDSM

"TURNING PAGES"

Motes of dust dance in the air as Xie Lian pulls another book from the shelf, smiling to himself as he opens the tome and finds it to be yet another valuable rarity. San Lang's collection truly is amazing, he thinks as he leafs through a few pages before returning the book to its place. Not even the grandest libraries in the old Palace of Xianle could outshine all these treasures.

The thought brings a wave of nostalgia, painting Xie Lian's mind with memories of the royal palace's library. He remembers strolling among the shelves as a young prince, unbothered by any concerns and worries as he looked for a thrilling tale to curl up with in some cosy nook of the library. However, despite the fond memories, Xie Lian feels no particular longing to those days — he still vastly prefers the library in Paradise Manor, and cherishes the way it simultaneously feels full of mystery and the comfort of home.

Cleaning up the dusty corners of a vast library might not be the most glamorous task, but here in Paradise Manor, Xie Lian enjoys it wholeheartedly. Although Hua Cheng has several ghost servants who would eagerly cater to Xie Lian's every wish and command, Xie Lian enjoys his simple chores — it makes him feel calm and happy, reminding him of the blissful peace he and Hua Cheng can enjoy in their shared home.

As Xie Lian pulls out a few books to dust them off, he discovers there is another row behind them on the wide shelf. Smiling, he reaches out to touch the spines of the books. There truly is no end to the surprises Paradise Manor still hides, even after all these months!

He pulls out one of the books, marvelling at the smooth, luxurious texture of the cover, and brushes away the thick coating of dust... and as he opens it, he is hit with the biggest surprise so far.

Xie Lian feels his face heating up as his eyes land on the lovingly drawn illustration decorating the page. It depicts two men embracing each other, their lips joined in a kiss — and certain other parts of their bodies joined in a different way. There is text too, and although Xie Lian thought it to be an erotic story at first, a quick glance over the page tells him they are instructions rather than fiction.

For a few long moments, Xie Lian is frozen still, staring at the picture even though he feels like he shouldn't. Somehow, it's impossible to look away — Xie Lian tries to tell himself it's only because, well, it's a nicely drawn picture!! It deserves to be looked at with attention after probably having lain here for years, if not decades, without anyone opening the poor book! He's just admiring the brushwork, and —

"Gege?"

Hua Cheng's voice shakes Xie Lian out of his surprised daze, and he startles, instinctively slamming the book shut. "Sa-San Lang!"

"What are you doing?" There is an amused, fond note in Hua Cheng's voice as he walks closer. "You look so surprised, did you find something interesting among all the old trash?"

"Mm — well, there was a book —" Xie Lian hesitates, wondering if he should just shove the book back and tell Hua Cheng it was nothing worth of interest... but the picture he saw is still burning at the back of his mind, and he realises with slight shame he can't stop wondering about just what kind of teachings the book might have held...

Hua Cheng's gaze finally drifts from Xie Lian's face to the book he is holding; he seems to recognise it, as his eye widens with surprise. "Oh", he says. "It seems gege did find something interesting after all..."

Xie Lian blushes, his fingertips tracing the edge of the book nervously. "I just — I happened to pick it up, and — wanted to have a look..."

With a soft laugh, Hua Cheng sits down beside him and reaches out to take the book from his hands. Xie Lian lets go of the book a bit reluctantly, embarrassment and curiosity battling within him as Hua Cheng opens it.