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Life in Puqi Shrine was humble and serene, far removed from the grandeur and chaos that had once marked Xie Lian’s life. It was a place where the Crown Prince of Xianle could finally rest, his only companion the one who had loved him unconditionally for centuries, Hua Cheng.
To Hua Cheng, the shrine wasn’t just a place of worship..it was a sanctuary where he could shower Xie Lian with the love and care he had always dreamed of giving. Today was no exception. After days of bustling about the nearby village, helping with repairs and tending to the townsfolk, Xie Lian was finally coaxed into taking a rare moment for himself.
And Hua Cheng intended to make it perfect. _
The golden glow of the late afternoon sun filtered into Puqi Shrine, painting everything in warm hues. Xie Lian sat cross-legged on a mat, his posture relaxed but his hands busy patching a tear in one of his robes.
“Gege” Hua Cheng’s deep, melodious voice called from the doorway.
Xie Lian glanced up, his smile softening instantly at the sight of Hua Cheng. “San Lang. You’re back. Did you visit the village again?”
Hua Cheng entered the shrine with fluid grace, carrying a tray laden with an assortment of tea and snacks. “I did but only to bring back these. You’ve been working all day, Gege. It’s time for you to rest.”
Xie Lian blinked, surprised. “San Lang, you didn’t have to...”
Hua Cheng placed the tray on the table beside him, cutting him off with a knowing smirk. “Gege, if I didn’t... you will force yourself to be hungry."
Xie Lian opened his mouth to protest but quickly closed it when Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow. Instead, he let out a sheepish laugh. “You know me too well.”
“Of course I do” Hua Cheng said, settling beside him. He poured a cup of tea and handed it to Xie Lian with gentle insistence. “Drink. Then you’re not allowed to lift a finger for the rest of the evening.”
“Not allowed?” Xie Lian echoed, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Since when do you give me orders, San Lang?”
Hua Cheng’s lips curved into a playful grin. “Since you work too hard and refuse to take care of yourself. Someone has to.”
Xie Lian laughed softly, accepting the tea. “Alright, alright. I’ll listen to you this time.”
“Good” Hua Cheng said, satisfaction evident in his voice. He leaned back slightly, watching as Xie Lian sipped his tea.
As Xie Lian set the cup down, Hua Cheng reached out and gently took his hands. Xie Lian blinked in surprise.
“San Lang?”
Hua Cheng’s gaze dropped to Xie Lian’s fingers, which were red and slightly calloused from constant work. “You’re too careless with yourself, Gege” he said softly, his voice laced with concern. “Let me take care of you.”
Xie Lian’s cheeks flushed and he tried to pull his hands away but Hua Cheng’s hold was firm yet tender. “It’s just a little wear and tear. It’s nothing to worry about.”
“To me, it’s everything to worry about..” Hua Cheng replied, his tone unwavering. He gently placed Xie Lian’s hands on his lap and reached for a small jar of ointment he’d brought. “Don’t move.”
“San Lang…” Xie Lian murmured, his heart swelling at Hua Cheng’s attentiveness.
Hua Cheng didn’t reply, his focus entirely on applying the ointment with utmost care. His touch was light, almost reverent as if he were handling the most precious treasure.
“Gege, you’ve done so much for others” Hua Cheng said quietly, his crimson eye lifting to meet Xie Lian’s gaze. “Let me do this for you.”
Xie Lian’s breath hitched. For a moment, he couldn’t find the words to respond. The depth of Hua Cheng’s devotion left him speechless, as it so often did.
As Hua Cheng finished and wrapped Xie Lian’s hands in soft cloth, he looked up and smiled. “There. Perfect.”
“Thank you, San Lang” Xie Lian said softly, his voice filled with warmth.
Hua Cheng’s smirk returned, playful now. “I’m not done yet, Gege. You’re still too tense. Let me help.”
Before Xie Lian could protest, Hua Cheng shifted closer and reached out to gently massage his shoulders.
“San Lang!” Xie Lian exclaimed, half-laughing. “You don’t need to-”
“Hush” Hua Cheng interrupted, his fingers expertly kneading the tension out of Xie Lian’s muscles. “Just relax.”
Xie Lian tried to protest again but quickly found himself melting under Hua Cheng’s touch. “Where did you learn this?” he asked, his voice laced with curiosity and a hint of suspicion.
Hua Cheng chuckled. “I’ve had a long time to learn many things, Gege. I’ve always prepared for the day I’d get to spoil you.”
Xie Lian’s laughter bubbled up, light and carefree. “You make it sound like pampering me was your life’s goal.”
Hua Cheng leaned down, his breath brushing against Xie Lian’s ear as he whispered, “It is.”
Xie Lian froze, his cheeks instantly turning crimson. He twisted around to face Hua Cheng, only to find the Ghost King looking at him with unmasked affection.
“San Lang…” Xie Lian began, but his voice trailed off.
Hua Cheng took the opportunity to close the distance between them, his hand cupping Xie Lian’s cheek. His touch was warm, grounding, and filled with a love so profound it left Xie Lian breathless.
“Gege.” Hua Cheng murmured, his voice low and intimate. “You deserve the world and I’ll spend my eternity giving it to you.”
Xie Lian’s heart thudded in his chest. Before he could respond, Hua Cheng leaned in, his lips brushing against Xie Lian’s in a kiss that was as soft as it was passionate.
For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away. All that remained was the warmth of their connection, the unspoken promises in that single kiss.
When they finally pulled apart, Xie Lian’s eyes were wide, his cheeks flushed. “San Lang… you’re too much.”
Hua Cheng grinned, his crimson eye sparkling with mischief. “Too much? Or just enough?”
Xie Lian laughed, his voice filled with joy. “Just enough” he admitted, leaning his forehead against Hua Cheng’s.
The sun dipped below the horizon, leaving the shrine bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Hua Cheng wrapped his arms around Xie Lian, holding him close as if the rest of the world didn’t exist..and for them, it didn’t.
