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The sun was just beginning to set, casting a soft golden light over Puqi Shrine. Inside, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng were tidying up together. Dust had settled on nearly every surface in the shrine after a windy day and Xie Lian was determined to get everything sparkling clean.
"San Lang?.." Xie Lian called out, sweeping dust from a high shelf. "Could you help me move this chest over there?"
"Of course, Gege" Hua Cheng replied and he easily lifting the heavy wooden chest and moving it to the corner Xie Lian had pointed to. He made it look effortless, his movements graceful even in something as simple as moving furniture.
Xie Lian gave him an appreciative smile. "Thank you. I know it's just a small shrine, but I like to keep it tidy."
"That's okay..as long as it make you feel comfortable.." Hua Cheng said with a warm look. Then, with a bit of playful mischief, he added. "But you don't need to thank me for helping around here, Gege. I would do anything you asked."
Xie Lian's cheeks warmed slightly. He laughed softly..trying to mask the blush. "San Lang, you don't have to say things like that all the time."
"Why not? I mean every word" Hua Cheng replied smoothly..his gaze never leaving Xie Lian. Before Xie Lian could respond, the sound of footsteps and an irritated sigh broke the moment.
"You're still cleaning? You've been at it for hours." came a grumpy voice. Mu Qing appeared in the doorway, arms crossed as he watched them with a raised eyebrow. "I thought you'd have finished by now, Your Highness"
Xie Lian's face lit up. "Mu Qing! Feng Xin! I didn't know you were coming by today."
Feng Xin walked in behind Mu Qing, scratching his head with a frown. "We came to check on you since you haven't stopped by Heaven for a while. Looks like you're busy."
"Very busy, apparently." Mu Qing muttered, glancing at Hua Cheng. "Doesn't this place get cleaned every day?"
Hua Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his tone polite. "When you take care of something precious..yes, it deserves attention every day."
Mu Qing rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath, while Xie Lian stepped between them with a smile. "It's just a little dust! With all this wind, the shrine gets messy quickly. Anyway, thank you for checking in on me." He handed Mu Qing a broom and Feng Xin a rag. "You're both welcome to help."
"What? Me, clean? Seriously?-" Mu Qing groaned, reluctantly taking the broom. "This is ridiculous. I don't even live here."
"You can consider it paying off your debts." Xie Lian said with innocent smile. "Very funny." Mu Qing said but he started sweeping with minimal complaint.
Meanwhile, Feng Xin was already wiping down the altar. He glanced at Xie Lian with a faint smile. "You know, you've been so busy with this place lately, you hardly come to Heaven. What's keeping you down here so much?"
