Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Xie Lian sat quietly on the temple steps, the faint glow of the setting sun casting a warm light over his serene features. His thoughts, however..were anything but calm. He gazed at the small talisman in his hands, one he had carried since his mortal days and sighed deeply.
Behind him, the soft sound of boots on stone announced Hua Cheng’s approach. Xie Lian didn’t need to turn to know who it was. The familiar, comforting presence of the Ghost King was unmistakable.
“Gege” Hua Cheng’s voice was low and affectionate as always, laced with a hint of concern. “What’s troubling you?”
Xie Lian looked up, his usual gentle smile slipping into place, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Oh, San Lang, it’s nothing. Just… thinking.”
Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. He walked closer, crouching down in front of Xie Lian to meet his gaze directly. “You’re a terrible liar, Gege. Something’s bothering you. Tell me.”
Xie Lian hesitated. He didn’t want to burden Hua Cheng with his worries but he knew the Ghost King wouldn’t let it go so easily. Finally, he spoke..his voice barely above a whisper.
“San Lang, do you ever think… being close to me might bring you bad luck?”
Hua Cheng blinked, momentarily startled. Then he let out a soft laugh, one that carried both amusement and disbelief. “Bad luck? Gege.. if anything, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Xie Lian frowned, clutching the talisman tightly. “But my whole life has been filled with misfortune. Everyone who gets close to me ends up suffering in some way. I can’t bear the thought of you..”
Before he could finish, Hua Cheng reached out and gently took Xie Lian’s hands in his own, stopping him. “Gege, listen to me.” His tone was firm but tender. “Do you think I care about luck? I’ve faced calamities, fought gods and walked through hell itself. None of it matters to me as long as I’m by your side.”
“But San Lang…” Xie Lian started, his voice trembling slightly.
“No” Hua Cheng interrupted, his grip on Xie Lian’s hands tightening just a fraction. “You are not a burden and you never will be. If the heavens themselves tried to curse me for being with you, I’d laugh in their faces.”
Xie Lian’s eyes widened and a faint blush crept across his cheeks. “San Lang, you always say such things so easily…”
“It’s the truth” Hua Cheng said with a soft smile. “Gege, do you know what you’ve given me? Purpose. Hope. A reason to exist. Whatever misfortunes you’ve faced, they’re nothing compared to the joy you bring me.”
Xie Lian looked down, overwhelmed by Hua Cheng’s words. His heart felt heavy with guilt but also warm with gratitude. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve someone like you, San Lang.”
Hua Cheng tilted his head, a mischievous glint in his eye. “You saved me, Gege. That’s more than enough.”
Before Xie Lian could protest further, Hua Cheng leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “And if you ever doubt yourself again, I’ll just have to remind you how much you mean to me.”
Xie Lian’s blush deepened but he couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto his face. “You’re impossible, San Lang.”
“I’m yours, Gege. That’s all that matters.”
Hua Cheng reached up, gently cupping Xie Lian’s face. His touch was warm, reassuring, and filled with a love that seemed endless. Slowly..he leaned in, pressing a soft and lingering kiss to Xie Lian’s forehead.
Xie Lian closed his eyes, letting himself relax for the first time in what felt like days. When Hua Cheng pulled back, his crimson eyes were filled with unwavering determination.
“So..” Hua Cheng said, his voice lighter now. “What misfortune are we supposed to face today? Let’s face it together.”
Xie Lian laughed softly, the sound like a gentle melody. “You make it sound so simple, San Lang.”
“With you, it is.” Hua Cheng replied, standing and offering his hand. “Now come, Gege. Let’s see if something dare to challenge us.”
Xie Lian hesitated for only a moment before taking Hua Cheng’s hand. As they walked together, side by side, the weight of his worries began to lift. Perhaps, with Hua Cheng by his side..even misfortune didn’t seem so daunting after all.
