a-man-named-shang

[a-man-named-shang]

Ain't no sleep we on wild | One Shot

Dated: 7/3/2025

In which after Interpride Shang finally makes a decision about his own situation...

Shang had barely been sleeping since the explosions rocked Interpride and the town. He had managed to skate by with no harm to himself, but other people had not been so lucky. After he’d stumbled out of there, he’d seen a lot of people with various injuries, the dust from the wreckage everywhere. And of course there was the tragedy of Tink Bell’s death along with it all. 

It had all been difficult to process. And he felt as unsafe as he had after his house had been broken into. The girl who had done that, who had turned into a lizard was a person of interest relating to the MAFIA. And to the explosions that had devastated Interpride. Shang was horrified. Horrified but also relieved (and then feeling guilty about feeling relieved) that they hadn’t chosen to target him further when they clearly had the capability. The strength of this group was deeply disturbing. And the police had hardly handled the situation with Joanna before.

And maybe Shang shouldn’t have acted when he was running on fumes and massively consuming coffee, but he wanted to do something to make an impact beyond the initial response to a traumatic event. He wanted to stop other groups like this from being able to have the impact that they had. If he had that connection, shouldn’t he find a way to use it to prevent harm to others? 

Shang found himself reaching out to his father’s old friend, his colleague, and asking him to meet Shang at his home. This time he didn’t bow to the instincts of hosting that his Ma had instilled in him. There was no time for it, nor was this the place. Shang needed to display something else this time. A sense of power, and a sense of will that would show that he was, in theory, right for the job. 

So when the man finally made his way to the house Shang let him in, but he didn’t lead the other to his couch or the living room. No that was too comfortable for the moment. He slowly guided the powerful man back to his office space and sat down in his office chair to face the other, keeping the man standing. 

It went against everything in him to do, but he needed it to be clear that he was serious about this. And he was. He was going to get to the root of this organization. “You were prompt. Good,” Shang said coolly. “I had time to consider, and I will be taking over.” Shang could see a brief flash of surprise before the other man’s expression mellowed again. “I see. Well I will be sure to arrange for our higher ups to come check in on the situation… after your initiation of course. I’d hate for our triad to be led by someone…unwilling to act like any other member.” 

Shang stared at Xianquan. The older man looked like he anticipated Shang to say no. No doubt so that he could take over instead officially. It made sense. Xianquan had been his father’s right hand man for a long time. Why would he want the power to cede to someone younger who had spent no time in the business? “Of course I am willing. I will do what I need to do to prove myself and be able to lead my father’s triad proudly.” The words felt heavy on his tongue, like the heavier weights he used at the gym when he would go in. But this was the way into a group such as this. It would have to work. 

Xianquan and Shang stared each other down for a long minute before the elder finally nodded and then bowed to Shang. “Very well…Shan Chou,” Xianquan said, referring to the title that Shang was due in this position. “I will return with information on your initiation shortly. Then we will be able to move forward.” The man bowed deeper to Shang this time, with the respect the position was due before he backed his way out.

Shang got to his feet and followed the man out to the front door. Xianquan mumbled goodbye and Shang responded in kind, waiting until the other had gotten into his car and left before he finally shut his door again. The first step was complete. Now he would just have to find out if what came next would be something he could handle.

[a-man-named-shang]

"Yeah, I've heard some good things about dogs," Shang replied with a small smile. He... well he didn't know what to say about the squirrels, so he figured he just wouldn't. Different people in this town had different unique talents, so maybe that was just one he didn't know about.

Shang nodded. "I might do it then. I like the idea of rescuing a pet too. I've wanted to do it before but never had the time." He had the time now. Even though he was working as a CEO, he had a better handle on his schedule than he had before all of this really.

It didn't take long for him to finish his meal and slowly stretch his arms over his head, careful with the hurting shoulder. "Okay. I'm going to put some of this away and then maybe we can get more comfortable."

@kronk-cooks

Care Package || Hunks

[a-man-named-shang]

Shang thought he might try out a different place to eat. He heard the Imperial City had some good chinese cuisine and he was feeling a bit homesick lately. But since he had a few things to work on at home he’d figured he’d grab some take out and have it in the comfort of his own home. 

He’d just picked up his food and started down main street when there was a commotion, what sounded like a yell, and something heavy knocked into him. Shit! Shang stumbled and nearly fell over, dropping one of the bags he was holding. 

“Ahh… not the dumplings,” Shang grumbled as he rushed to pick up the bag before he could grumble at the person who had done this. “What do you think you’re doing?”

A Piece of Home | Open

[a-man-named-shang]

A Piece of Home | Open

[a-man-named-shang]

Shang hadn't been to Chapter Three much. He'd been so busy with rearranging and fixing up his house and the drama to do with his dad that he hadn't thought of reading much. But he liked a good book and he needed to think about something else beyond the chaos in his life. A good non-fiction history book, or maybe some sort of fantasy book that took him entirely out of things would be great.

But, since he hadn't really been to Chapter Three often, he wasn't entirely sure where to start browsing. As he slowly paced around the place he realized he wasn't alone in this. There was a woman who seemed to be having the same sort of trouble. "Well... you know I tend to prefer non-fiction but it really depends. One of each might be the best if you're feeling indecisive. What do you prefer?"

@ofagrabah

books are how i see the world || open starter!

For most of her life, the only way she could see the world was escaping into her books. Romance, fantasy, action, history, adventure, horror, thriller, non-fictional: anything she could get her hands on, she would devour. She supposes that the palace library was one of the perks of being a prisoner in a golden cage. And once she finished everything, she bought new books online. It became a pattern. And even now, after being out in the world the past three years, she would still buy a new book to help her explore other worlds.

Right now, she was curious about stories based in Latin America. She has visited most of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia these past few years, and a few European countries; the Americas were certainly next. Well, unless she could find a way to the Arctic Circle or Antarctica first. Humming to herself, dark eyes set on some books, she wondered aloud: "If you had to choose, which would you do: fictional or non-fictional? Or should I get one fictional and one non-fictional, for variety sake?"

location: chapter three bookstore

when: june 2025

who: everyone, capping @ four (4)!

[a-man-named-shang]

"Really spoiling me with amazing food. You're providing me with so much." Shang was going to be enjoying some great food for a few days. That made it all a little easier. He would have to return the favor for Kronk in some way at some point.

But even better than the food was Kronk's warmth and being able to lean into him. He ate slower now this way, but he didn't care. "This is more than enough Kronk. Really. I feel so lucky to have you here with me." They hadn't really talked much about their connection so to speak but that was okay too. Shang felt supported, and he hoped Kronk felt the same way.

"Yeah. I'm going to heighten security around the house. I think that might help. And maybe get a dog? I don't know. That might be a dumb way to go but I do live alone so." It was some idea to giving himself a better sense of security.

Shang turned to face Kronk more, leaning in to kiss his cheek. You're doing so much already. But if we can curl up together a while I'll feel pretty good. I might have to change my bandage but other than that we can relax."

@kronk-cooks

Care Package || Hunks

[a-man-named-shang]

It was lucky for Shang that he had such a good friend like Kronk. This situation was already feeling a good bit better now with the delicious food there and the kindness of Kronk. He took a bite of food, letting out a sort of moan as well when he got a good taste.

"Damn Kronk. Really job well done. Beyond belief." And the fact that he did this when he already worked so hard as a chef regularly made Shang feel even more grateful. He took another few bites as he registered how hungry he was.

It was only once that had settled a bit that he let himself lean against Kronk a little and enjoy having the other close to him. Since Kronk was on the side where his shoulder wasn't hurt he could enjoy it still. "Well sure, I suppose that's true. It was still a sweet thing to do. You're one of the kindest people in town to me."

@kronk-cooks

Care Package || Hunks

[a-man-named-shang]

"That is the great perk of a diner," Shang agreed. Sometimes he wondered if that would suit him. He did enjoy cooking so much. But then he had all the obligations in the world with the company, so he supposed it would just be food for thought. "Water it is." He went ahead and poured them both glasses full of water before setting them at the table.

Shang put the plates out so that they could have some of the food there even while Kronk poured soup into bowls. The whole smell of it and feel of it making him feel more at ease. It just had a sort of homey feeling to it, even if it wasn't the cuisine he had grown up with. "That smells... absolutely amazing."

Shang stepped over to wrap an arm around Kronk briefly again. "Thank you. Really." He studied all the food and smiled as he sat down at the table. "The options are incredible. I really... I can't thank you enough."

@kronk-cooks

Care Package || Hunks

[a-man-named-shang]

"Yeah, I'd like that," Shang agreed after a moment. The Rock Shoppe was a good starting point. And then if he was still feeling paranoid he could always reach out to a sorcerer then. But for now, this was a good step. And he was grateful he could talk to Snow about it.

"I should probably get going. I have to work on some more of the clean up at the house."

@lady-snow-flower

Catch-ups and Coffee || Shangmei

[a-man-named-shang]

"I'm glad. I try to be as helpful as I can. Plus I want to be able to make my home feel like home again. As soon as possible." After the attack he felt vulnerable and unsettled, and then all the property damage just made it all the more frustrating. Fixing some of that up would make Shang feel a lot better.

Shang shook his head. "It's a fair question to ask. Considering how pricey art can get." And he didn't want art that was expensive just because it was expensive. He just wanted good quality. But he figured Jessie might recognize that.

"Though... I guess I'll say consider me quite comfortable financially. If I really like a piece I will pay what I need to, but I won't if it's just overpriced for nothing. But there really isn't much of a cap for me."

@belladonna-wright

Only The Finest - Shassie

[a-man-named-shang]

He didn't want to sound arrogant or anything, but he was comfortable financially. Shang figured if he needed it, he could definitely afford a whole magical security system. Shang didn't know much about how they worked, but he did like the idea of feeling safe in his home again.

Shang trusted Xuemei's judgement though. And he didn't want to get so paranoid that he couldn't live a good life. He sometimes thought about how his father must have been living while he had been in Swynlake or near it. If he had felt so paranoid he couldn't trust anyone in the end.

If it were true, Shang didn't want to be anything like that. Or end up like that. "Those are some great ideas. Thank you Xue," he added, a smile spreading across his face. "I'm glad I could get a chance to talk to you about this. I wasn't sure what the best option would be here. I'd hate to fix the house up again and just have someone else get ideas."

@lady-snow-flower

Catch-ups and Coffee || Shangmei

[a-man-named-shang]

"Oh, congratulations!"

Shang hadn't thought enough about marriage. He knew his ma would want him to marry and settle. But he didn't think he could ever do that while there was a threat to him and his surroundings. Once the triad was dealt with... well then maybe he could think of that sort of future.

It sounded like it would be a nice experience for her to introduce her husband and everything. Or maybe it would be a bit of trouble, if she was married and they had never met the husband. He knew how his own ma would feel about that sort of thing. Shang grimaced a little. Did he have siblings? It was a strange question.

In the past he would have confidently, easily, said no. But now... now there was a half-brother out there that he really didn't know. At all. "Uh... yes?" He said with a bit of a question in his voice. "It's...complicated. I only recently found out which..." He waved his hand vaguely as he tried to explain it. "Yeah. Weird thing, but I do. But it's not really like I grew up with them, you know?"

@vixey-chakraborty

Gotta keep myself in check, am I okay? | Shang & Vixey

[a-man-named-shang]

Their orders in, Shang followed Beco away from the bar to find a good booth to sit in. There were a decent amount of options since they weren't there for the prime pub hours really.

Shang couldn't help but snort, shrugging his shoulders. He'd never really understood the need for people to sit on the same side like that, but it probably couldn't hurt for them to do it. "Might as well," Shang said after a minute.

And really he didn't mind it. He hadn't been close with another person in a little while. Other than the off and on moments he and Kronk had. This was kind of fun. Even if it wasn't a real date, it felt like a nice thing. Shang slid into one side of the booth and smiled up at Beco. "Go on babe." He pat the seat next to him.

@vaquero-beco

Let's go on a road trip | Bang [Valentine's Day Thread]

[a-man-named-shang]

Admittedly Shang hadn't thought about any charms or any of that. But then he didn't really have that much knowledge about the ways one could use magic like that. He should maybe do more research. Maybe he could put some protections around his place.

"That's a great idea," Shang replied after a moment. "I wouldn't be opposed to the help of a charm. Or even... can sorcerers ward a home or add protections or anything like that?" Shang would definitely appreciate the peace of mind of ensuring that a break in like before would not be possible.

"I feel like I heard that was something that could be done... but I'll admit I'm no expert on the subject."

@lady-snow-flower

Catch-ups and Coffee || Shangmei

[a-man-named-shang]

Shang went ahead and pulled up his phone with some pictures of the different pieces he'd had and the different areas of his home he had decorated. He then went ahead and pushed his phone over to her. "There's an album you can look through of different items I have and some that were destroyed unfortunately."

It at least would give her a sense of what he liked. "Not to overcomplicate things for you, but I think I'd like a mix. Something for the shelves and something bigger. Like I said, a lot of what I had chosen was ruined so if you can give me a few options to choose from in either direction that'd be helpful."

@belladonna-wright

Only The Finest - Shassie

[a-man-named-shang]

"That's amazing! I'm really glad to hear it." Shang was sorry he couldn't help her, but the fact that her home was restored and as it was supposed to be was great news. It was good to know that Isabela and her family could be comfortable in it again.

Shang smiled at her. "I'm sure I'll recover soon enough. I usually heal pretty quickly." And it wasn't too deep according to the nurse who had helped patch him up, so Shang was feeling pretty confident about that.

He was trying to think of positive things and positive events in the future. It was better than dwelling on the negative. "So now everything's figured itself out... you planning on anything fun for you?"

@rowsandrows-of-roses

There's Not A Cloud | Sang

[a-man-named-shang]

"Thank you. It's been...tough. And a weird adjustment." Though he was starting to get used to some of the routine and expectations. Soon he would have to return to Shanghai for a few business dealings, but he wanted to be a little further on his takedown of the triad.

"I do. I plan on returning in a few months." His mother had asked him as much when she'd visited, and Shang didn't want to let her down. "India. I've wanted to go to India. Never had the chance. It looks beautiful though. Do you plan on going back someday soon too?"

@vixey-chakraborty

Gotta keep myself in check, am I okay? | Shang & Vixey