#because if i see someone else trashing jing yuan

[hiimawarish]

I've been bombarded by posts about characters being shitty DPS or "the worst DPS" in basically every social media platform and I am SO tired of them. Why are meta players SO repetitive? Yeah, sure, maybe JY needs a bit more time and resources to do more damage but I don't care? Like some of us play and pull for characters we like, not because they are meta or because our sole purpose is to do tons of damage. Sure, damage is nice, but as long as I can defeat the enemies, I don't give a damn about my characters doing 1M.

And I've seen a lot of the same discourse with Navia and Itto now??? With people arguing about who's the better DPS and whatnot about geo and monogeo teams. I pulled for Navia because she's gorgeous and I am emotionally attached to her, not because she does big numbers. I literally didn't know she'd make big numbers when I decided to pull for her. Kinda like when I pulled for Neuvi.

I'm just so tired of meta players coming on to every single post saying these things. We get it. You love builds and investing in the best characters and teams. Good for you.

Just let me fucking enjoy my game with my characters in peace.

[teaberrii]

Bed & Breakfast

After ending a five-year relationship, you pour all your energy into work. Your latest assignment? Staying at a popular bed-and-breakfast to gather information. It should be a piece of cake... If only the owner isn't the man you scolded on the street.

Jing Yuan/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on Ao3

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

Chapter 1: Let's Start Fresh

“Wow! Who’re those for?”

“Those look expensive. Damn.”

“So romantic!”

You’ve just put your phone into your bag when you walk up to the revolving doors. As soon as you step into the company building, a young woman calls you. She’s standing upright with her hands in front of her. Like all the others working the reception desk, her light purple blouse, dark waistcoat vest, and skirt are free of wrinkles. When you walk up to her, she hands you the large bouquet that’s been grabbing everyone’s attention.

“These came in for you this morning!”

“...Me?” When she glances from the bouquet to you, you force a little smile. She’s probably wondering why you haven’t taken them. “Who are they from?”

“Didn’t say… but”—she points to the card tucked securely in the ribbon holding the bouquet together—”maybe you’ll find out.”

If it’s who you think it’s from, you really don’t want to take it, especially because you have to parade it through your department. You almost sigh in annoyance. Maybe this is what he, your boyfriend of five years today, is after. You won’t be surprised.

You reluctantly take the bouquet from her and head towards the elevators. While waiting along with everyone else, someone comes beside you.

“Oh my.” You recognize that voice anywhere. “What a great way to start the day.” Maybe you should take them off my hands. While that’s what you want to say, instead, you glance at Sampo, your colleague, who asks, “What’s the occasion?”

The elevator doors open, and people flock in. You and Sampo end up standing next to each other. “A celebration,” you say sarcastically.

Sampo looks down and smiles. “Ah… Celebrating an early win?”

You almost roll your eyes. You’ve been working with Sampo for the past two years, and if there’s one thing you’ve learned about him is that the man sees everything as a competition. He jumps at the opportunity to stand out, something you’ve been doing as well. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that you and he are “competing” for this next big assignment.

“I guess we’ll see, won’t we?”

The elevator doors open. While Sampo is kind enough to push past the crowd, you still have to pay extra attention so your bouquet won’t end up smacking into people.

As soon as you arrive in your small office, you walk over to the garbage can. You open it but hesitate to drop the bouquet inside. Eventually, you put it on your desk just as you hear your phone ding with a notification.

When you open it, you frown. It’s your boyfriend who tagged you in a photo of the bouquet on his social media: Happy fifth anniversary, love. I hope you enjoy your office gift <;3. The comments below annoy you even more.

So lucky!

They look expensive…

Wow!!!!

Then, you get a call from the person who you ironically don’t want to hear from.

“Did you enjoy your anniversary gift?”

You put a hand on your hip as you turn. Then, upon seeing some younger colleagues whispering amongst themselves and subtly—but failing—peeking into your office, you walk over and lower the blinds.

“...You really didn’t have to,” you say. “You know I don’t like—”

A loud sigh. "It's our five-year anniversary. Does that not mean anything?"

You frown at the flowers. “You could’ve just given them to me privately instead of—”

“Oh, so now it’s my fault for wanting to surprise you?”

“What? I”—you look at the time—”I have a meeting.”

Before your boyfriend can say anything else, you hang up. Then, you pick up your laptop and the flowers, and before you walk out, you drop the bouquet into the trash.

When you arrive at your manager’s office, she looks up and smiles. “Mornin’. News travels fast. Everyone’s been talking about seeing you walk in with a large bouquet.”

“Yeah, well… I was quite surprised myself.”

A soft knock comes at the door, and Sampo walks in. “I’m not late, am I?”

“You’re right on time.” Just as Sampo comes up beside you, Kafka says, “The Xianzhou Star Rail Hotel Project has officially kicked off, and…” She looks at you. “...I want you to head down there to do some market research for our business plan that we’ll present to our stakeholders.”

Sampo looks from you and back to Kafka. Then, without thinking, he asks, “Wait… You’re asking her to go?”

Kafka gives him a look. “I have an assignment for you as well, Sampo. Don’t worry.”

“But—”

Kafka looks at you. “Are you willing to go?”

Without question, you answer, “Of course!”

“It’s not a vacation now,” she jokingly adds. “But, it wouldn’t hurt to also enjoy some scenic views while you’re there. Xianzhou is a beautiful place from what I’ve seen.”

You can't argue there. Xianzhou is a cozy, developed island, that soared to be the number one destination for a holiday resort getaway. With picturesque views of mountains and oceans, hiking trails, national parks, and various tourist attractions, it's no surprise that the company wants to capitalize on this immediately.

“You’re free to go,” Kafka says. Then, she looks at Sampo. “Now, let me tell you about your assignment.”

Sampo’s shoulders fall, and you have to keep yourself from smiling.

When you get back to your office, you almost fist pump the air when your phone buzzes with a message telling you that the birthday cake you ordered is ready for pickup. While today is your fifth anniversary with your boyfriend, it’s also your best friend’s birthday. And, this year, you opt to spend time with her. So, you reserved a table at one of the fanciest restaurants in the city to celebrate. But the unpleasant memory of breaking the news to your boyfriend still leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.

“You’re spending our fifth anniversary with Herta?” he asked.

“We’ve spent the last four anniversaries together,” you said, drying your hair with a towel. You draped it around your neck and looked at him. “What’s wrong with spending it on another weekend instead?”

He frowned as you walked past him to grab a drink from the fridge. “We haven't been spending a lot of time together. Isn’t that a little weird to you?”

No, it wasn’t, but it was because you knew the reason why. You put your drink on the counter. “...Well, I'd rather not spend money on eating out and going to movies all the time. We could be doing something a little more valuable with our time."

You remembered feeling the butterflies and seeing your new relationship through rose-coloured lenses. It was a wonderful feeling that made you feel on cloud nine. But, it wasn’t until you entered the third year of your relationship that you began focusing more on work and hobbies.

You tried to get him involved, but it was obvious that he wasn’t interested in your new, productive hobbies. He’d still rather be playing games, watching movies, going to exotic places, and eating out. You were tired of entertaining him, and when you didn’t bother hiding it anymore, that was when he started complaining.

“...I want us to relax when we’re together.” He walked up to you, but you crossed your arms and looked away. “Look, we tried… but why can’t we just go back to when we first started?”

“Can you just respect my decision?” you asked. “I’ve already made plans with her.”

“Oh, so now you won’t even discuss things with me anymore?”

“What? No, I—"

"You know what? Forget it." Then, he picked up his keys and left your apartment.

Your eyes wander to the bouquet in the garbage can, and your heart almost soars at the thought of leaving the city. Perhaps this is also a sign, and you jokingly think that you need something more direct than that.

It’s nearly time for lunch when you close your laptop and head out of the office to grab food. You also use the extra time to pick up Herta’s birthday cake. With a warm drink in your hand, the cake in the other, you push open the bakery door, walk outside, and—

Bam!

Your cup flies out of your hand. The cake flies through the air. You reach for the ribbon that holds it together but it’s just out of your reach, and you watch it land with a solid thud on the ground. It's in smithereens… like your heart.

“My cake!”

“Oh, my God!” A girl who looks like she’s in high school almost falls but stumbles her way back up.

You’re on your feet when you see a tall man running up to you. 

Suddenly, you feel someone grab you from behind. “C-Could you help me?”

“...Hey.” You turn and see the man up close. His gold-coloured eyes look almost predatory as he stares at you and the girl behind you. His long, white hair is tied into a ponytail. He doesn’t look the slightest out of breath as he takes a step toward the girl behind you. But, you quickly stop him. He shoots you a look. “...Who are you?”

“I should be asking you that question,” you answer. You glance at the teenager behind you. Then, you shoot him a dirty look. “A man chasing a young girl in broad daylight?”

“You have the wrong idea,” he says. “She’s”—he tries to walk around you, but you stop him again. He sighs and puts a hand on his hip—”she’s my cousin.”

“No! I… I’m not!” The girl grabs your arms and lowers her head as if using you as a shield.

“I don’t have time for this,” the man says through gritted teeth, and he reaches for her.

“She clearly doesn’t want to go with you,” you snap, slapping his hand away.

“Lady, as I said, you have the wrong idea.” You hear the girl quietly thank you from behind before running off. “...Hey!” Before the man can give chase, you block his path. He frowns. “Do you think you’re being a good civilian right now? You don’t know anything.” He sighs in frustration and is about to walk around you when you easily grab his phone out of his pocket. He turns. “...What are you doing?”

You scoff. “You’ll be lucky if she doesn’t go to the police. Now. why don’t you be a good civilian and pay for the damage you’ve done?” You point to the spoiled cake on the ground. “And then I’ll give you back your phone.”

“Are you serious?”

“Does it look like I’m joking?”

He puts a hand on his hip and notices the freshly spilled drink. “Do you want me to buy you a drink as well?”

You cross your arms and nod toward the bakery. “...Go.”

Looking a little defeated, he turns and walks into the bakery just as you glance at your watch. Great. Now, you’re going to be late.

The bell chimes once he opens the door. As soon as the woman at the counter sees him, her face brightens. “Jing Yuan! What brings you to the city?”

Upon hearing her name, the teenager looked up from her phone. She put her phone in her pocket as Jing Yuan sat next to her.

"...Uncle told me you haven’t been home,” he said.

"Because I don't want to go home," she muttered. Then, she faced him. "Can I come to stay with you? Please? Xianzhou will definitely take my mind off things."

“You know you’re always welcome. But, shouldn’t you be preparing for your college entrance exams?”

“...It’s because I’m preparing for them that I need to get away from home.” She sighed loudly and leaned back. “They still don’t support my decision.”

Jing Yuan raised a brow. “...Of going abroad for university?”

She stood angrily. “They’re so annoying! Why can’t they just let me make my own decisions?”

“What reason did you give them?” When she looked at her feet, Jing Yuan had his answer. “Are you still seeing that guy?”

“He has a name, you know.”

Jing Yuan sighed. “What other reason did you give them besides you'll be going to the same university as him?”

“It’s a good school!” She spun around. “If I get in, I bet I’ll be making a heck of a lot more than you are and your little bed and breakfast business.” When she failed to get a reaction out of him, she quickly sat. “...I can dream.”

“They’re not against you going. It’s why you’re going that they’re concerned about.” Before she could retaliate, Jing Yuan continued, “What do you want to study? Do you have a plan?”

Silence.

Then, Jing Yuan kindly said her name. “You have your whole life ahead of you. Don't waste it on a boy.”

She stood again. “They didn’t need to be so harsh about it,” she muttered.

“They’re just worried about you.”

“...I still don’t wanna go home.”

Then, she began walking away, but Jing Yuan caught up to her. “Where are you going?”

Shrugging off his hand, she said, “I just wanna be alone.”

“At least tell me where you’re going.”

“So you can report back to Mom and Dad? No thanks.”

Jing Yuan knew his much younger cousin had always been… independent. But, she was really testing his patience. He firmly grabbed her arm, startling her.

“...You’re coming home.”

“N-No!”

Jing Yuan turned for just a second but he felt a sharp pain on his arm that forced him to loosen his grip. His cousin jumped at the opportunity and made a run for it.

“I’m taking care of some personal matters and visiting a few friends,” Jing Yuan says, walking up to the counter.  “...I need a birthday cake.” Just then, another worker comes out with a freshly baked cake. “I’ll take that one.”

When Jing Yuan walks out, he sees you staring at your phone.

“Your cake,” he says, and you quickly look up.

You take it from him and give back his phone. “...That was fast.” As soon as Jing Yuan takes his phone from you, you say, “But, may I remind you your actions can be criminal.”

Jing Yuan’s phone dings with a message just as he says, “I’d rather not explain.”

He turns, but just before he walks off, you say, “Wait.” Jing Yuan turns with a frown. You walk up to him and pat his shoulder. “The spoiled one is yours now. Let’s keep the streets tidy, shall we?”

Then, you walk past him, and he quietly scoffs as his phone goes off. As soon as he answers it, he hears, “Boss! Guess what!”

“You sound like you just won the lottery, Pom.”

“Well”—a chuckle—”close enough, I suppose. I’m happy to say that we’re completely booked for the over the next few months! I just received our last reservation a few minutes ago.”

Jing Yuan smiles. “Why’re you so happy? It means more work.”

“Yeah, but we get more money.”

Jing Yuan sighs, looks around at the mess, and mutters, “Too bad money can’t make all of your problems disappear.”

“What’s wrong?”

Jing Yuan picks up your styrofoam cup and tosses it into the trash. “I’ll tell you about it later.”

◆◆◆

That evening, you and Herta are celebrating her birthday with champagne and a five-star meal. She’s all smiles when you tell her about the flying birthday cake incident earlier today.

“Wait… So, like, my very expensive birthday cake was picked out by a random man who’s kind of hot?”

You frown at how she twisted your words. “He was chasing a girl who looked like she was in high school.”

Herta shrugs. “Kids lie all the time to get out of trouble. Might’ve been a misunderstanding.” She finishes the rest of her champagne. “Anyway, my birthday aside, we also have to celebrate you beating Sampo.”

“It wasn’t a competition!”

“So, you say, but I see that smile. Just admit that you’re happy that you got the big important assignment instead of him.”

You pour your friend more champagne. “All right, fine. I’m damn happy that I got it.” Then, you click your glasses together.

“That’s more like it!” After taking a long sip, you set your glass down. Herta does the same and says, “So, tell me more about it. You’re going to Xianzhou, right?”

You nod. “Kafka already booked me a place to stay.”

When you got back to the office later that day, Kafka had called you in. Then, she told you she booked you a room at The Knights Bed and Breakfast, the hottest and trendiest place to stay in Xianzhou. You did some research and discovered that they were receiving raving reviews and were featured in many holiday destinations from big publications. And, when you checked out their website, they didn't disappoint. You'd almost forgotten you were going for work and not for vacation.

“She managed to get the last spot,” you continue.

"Ooh, it's like you're infiltrating the enemy," Herta jokes, "while getting a mini, free vacation." A waiter comes by, and you wave him down for another bottle of champagne.  "How're things with the boyfriend?" A small chuckle. "He must be upset at me for stealing you today."

“...He’ll get over it.”

“...Is everything okay?”

After telling her about the little fight over the phone in your office today, you ask, “Is it selfish of me to say that I don’t think he sees where I’m coming from?”

Herta sighs softly. “A good surprise only works if it’s a wanted surprise…” Then, she goes quiet and looks down as if mulling something. When she looks at you again, she says, “...So, you don’t think you’ll marry him?”

“Marriage?” you ask incredulously. “No way!” That’s when you notice Herta slightly fidgeting, and you narrow your eyes. “...Why do you ask?”

“Er… well…” Herta sighs as if defeated. “The truth is, he came to talk to me last weekend… And he’s thinking of asking you to marry him.”

Your heart freezes over. Then, picking up your glass, you say, “Well, that’s not going to happen. Not when things are definitely not what they used to be.”

A waiter walks past your table to the bar where a tall man with a fair complexion has a half-empty beer in front of him. He's scrolling through his phone when he sees a diamond ring around a finger.

Congratulations!!

OH MY GOD!

Wishing both of you happiness!

Jing Yuan shouldn’t be surprised to see congratulatory messages on his ex-wife’s remarriage on his social media. They still have mutual friends. But the little he’s heard about her relationship, he can’t ignore the hunch that this marriage isn’t as simple as it should be. But it’s none of his business, and he has no interest in hearing more either. Unless, of course, it involves his son.

When he feels someone swing his arm around his shoulder, he turns and sees Luocha, one of his best friends.

“Up for another drink?” he asks. Jing Yuan puts his phone away just as Luocha calls for a refill. “So, please tell me more about this woman who scolded you in public today.”

“...You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

Luocha smiles. “It sounds like something straight out of a movie. Maybe your rowdy cousin’s secretly a matchmaker.”

Jing Yuan sighs. “Let’s stop talking about this.”

“Still… if she’s really like what you described”—Luocha gently nudges him—“she’s just your type.”

Just then, Blade joins them at the bar.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Luocha says, putting his bottle down after a good drink. “Where’d you head off to, Mr. Popular?”

Blade gives him a deadpan look, and then waves the bartender over for a drink. Jing Yuan notices three girls looking disapprovingly at Blade in the far corner of the room. He doesn’t need to guess that Blade very obviously turned them down.

“We were just talking about you,” Luocha says cheekily.

“Were you?” Blade asks. “Is it about you paying for drinks this time, Doctor?”

“Oh, but if you insist.”

“Blade?”

The men turn around, and Jing Yuan nearly drops his beer upon seeing you. You, however, don’t look as surprised to see him.

“Friends of yours?” Luocha asks, looking from Blade to you and your friend.

“I’m his co-worker,” your friend answers. “Name’s Herta.” Then, she glances at you and then at Jing Yuan. “And… apparently these two also know each other.”

Then, before Luocha can stop himself, he says, “Wait… Jing Yuan knows women?”

“...He sure does, considering he chased one today,” you mutter.

Jing Yuan gives you a look. “Still on my case about that, are you?”

Luocha looks from you to Jing Yuan and back to you. “Wait… She was the woman you were talking about? The hot-headed, stubborn woman who wouldn’t let you catch a break?” Jing Yuan almost hit his friend.

“Hot-headed, huh?” You’re frowning now with your arms crossed.

Blade, though amused, shows no sign of it on his face. Instead, he says, “...I heard it was your birthday, Herta.”

“That’s right. Wow. Don’t tell me Professor Blade is really wishing lil ‘ol me a happy birthday.”

Blade nods towards an empty table. “Stick around, and maybe I will.”

You and Jing Yuan meet eyes, but before you look away, he says, “Looks like you’re getting that drink after all.”

Suddenly, you hear someone say your name.

You freeze when you see your boyfriend walk up to you. Herta looks just as surprised.

“...What… What are you doing here?” you finally ask.

Your boyfriend shoots the three men a look before turning to you. "I wanted to surprise you and Herta… but… What are you doing?”

“I—”

“Today is our anniversary,” your boyfriend interrupts. “I get that you want to celebrate with Herta, but it’s obvious you drank and now you’re flirting with other men?” He attempts to grab your hand, but you quickly move out of his reach.

“I wasn’t flirting,” you sternly say. “I’m here with Herta, and—”

“Then, what’s this?”

“It really isn’t what it looks like,” Herta says. “These are my co-worker’s friends, and we just came over to say hi.”

You briefly close your eyes and take a small, subtle breath just as Luocha says, "It's true."

Then, you hear your boyfriend say desperately, “Can you just please come home?”

You’re aware of the stares you’re attracting. Some people are looking at you like you’re the bad guy, adding to the exhaustion you already feel. Your boyfriend takes your hand, and you let him. But then, you look him in the eyes, pull your hand back, and say, “...I’m going home. But not with you.”

And then you walk away.

Jing Yuan watches you turn the corner just as Herta and your boyfriend hurry after you.

“What was that?” Luocha finally asks when the three of you are out of sight.

“...Something we shouldn’t have seen, no doubt,” Blade adds flatly.

Then, Jing Yuan calls for another beer.

◆◆◆

“...Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” Herta asks as you’re now a short distance away from the restaurant.

“I’ll be fine,” you reassure. “Drive safe.”

“I’ll take her back,” your boyfriend says.

“All right.” Herta walks a few steps but turns back. “Text me when you’re home.”

You nod, give her a small wave, and she walks off.

You’re about to call for a taxi when your boyfriend suddenly grabs your arm and spins you to face him.

“...Care to explain what that was all about?”

You put your hands in your pockets. “What was what all about?”

“You’re going home but not with me?”

“What’s wrong with that statement?”

Your boyfriend exhales sharply. “Did I do something to upset you? What’s wrong with you?”

“...Did you talk to Herta last week… about wanting to get married?”

“Is that what’s causing the attitude problem here?” Your boyfriend puts a hand in his pocket. “Look, I know you told me before that you aren’t ready for marriage and you didn’t want to get married. But”—his shoulders fall—“we’ve been together for five years. Didn’t your opinion change?”

Where is this going?

“No,” you say flatly. “I’m still not ready, and I don’t know if I ever will be. It’s not something I’m thinking about.”

“Because it’s not a priority to you, is that it?”

You frown. “Because I want to live the way I want. And right now, marriage is not something I want. But it looks like it’s a big deal for you.”

"We've known each other since high school. We pretty much grew up together. What we have… It's what most people dream about! Do you remember when I made you breakfast in bed? Took you to the ocean to see the stars? Booked an expensive hotel so we could relax on our days off? Is this about me not doing well enough?"

“...I remember,” you say calmly. “I remember all of those things. You made me breakfast in bed when I was sick, but you wanted to get that perfect selfie of me eating and share it with all of our friends… including my mom. We went to see the stars… stayed at an expensive hotel… You made sure to share our moments with our closest friends. At first, I didn’t think much about it, but everything that you do for me… Why does it have to be under the eyes of other people?”

“I… I don’t understand where you’re coming from. I just want to show people how much I love you.”

“...You love me?”

“Of course I do!”

You force a little smile. “Do you know what I like to do after a long day at work? What I do when I’m feeling down?”

“You always come home so late these days! You used to game a lot. But now…” He looks a little lost. “...Now, you just…” A sigh. “See? This is what I miss. We used to have so much fun together.” Then, after a small pause, he says, “I miss the old you.”

Anyone can see it in your eyes. The look of giving up. Letting go.

“...And I want her to come back.”

That is the final straw.

“This isn’t going to work anymore.” A small pause. “...We should break up.”

“Break up?” he almost shouts. “Why? Just because I couldn’t answer some measly question? We’ve been together for five years! You’re just going to throw that all away?”

“What’s the point of continuing something that isn’t going to work?”

“I’ll do better,” he pleads. “I promise. Just give me another chance. I’ll listen this time.”

“Just like how you said you would a few months back?”

“That’s—”

You sigh. “Stop wasting your time on me. We aren’t good for each other.” You turn around and wave for a taxi. One drives by, ignoring you, but there’s another one waiting at a red light that you pray will stop for you.

The light turns green and the taxi drives toward you.

“...So, that’s it? After five fucking years together, you’re just going to leave?”

Just before it comes to a full stop, you turn to him and say, “The life you want. The life I want. The people who we’ve become… They don’t work anymore.”

You open the door, but before you close it, your ex stops it with his hand. “Everyone’s going to hate you,” he says bitterly. “After everything that I’ve done for you, it’s me who’s going to get the last laugh.”

You glare at him and force the door closed.

You’re still reeling what had just happened when the driver asks where you’re going. So, you tell him your apartment address, and he drives off.

Just as he passes the restaurant, you see Herta’s co-worker and his two friends. You and Jing Yuan meet eyes, and you face forward, hoping that your exhaustion isn’t written all over your face. But, it is, and he notices. Then, he sees your boyfriend with his hands in his hair with an angry and frustrated look.

“Jing Yuan!” Jing Yuan turns and sees Luocha and Blade at the side of the road with a parked taxi. “You coming?”

As your taxi weaves through the city, it passes by the street where you and your ex had your first kiss and first date. You see your past selves in an embrace but withering away… When you blink, they’ve vanished.

You welcome the silence of your apartment when you open the door. You’re slipping off your coat when you see an old pair of shoes your ex left behind. You walk towards your bathroom but suddenly stop. Then, instead of taking a shower like you’re planning, you immediately grab an empty cardboard box and start filling it with everything you can find that belongs to your ex.

You’re just about finished when you grab your phone to write him a text when you’ll leave his stuff with a mutual friend. You see he’s typing something, but before you can see what it is, you block his number. Then, with a final sigh, you put the box aside, turn on your TV speakers, and up the volume on the jazz before heading into the bathroom for a nice, hot shower.

Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21

End notes:

Aaaand it's finally here!

I had a lot of fun writing this, and I'm super excited for the Bermuda Triangle trio that is Blade, Luocha, and Jing Yuan XD No one can survive their deadly charms.

Tag list: @suoshiii @lordbugs @lxry-chxn @seirenspinel

[its-chelisey-stuff]

The Untamed, eps 41-50. Well, I didn’t need my heart anyway...

Warning! This a very long post, mostly about my feelings. LOL.

So, ep 41. Whoever thought going to the bad guy’s house was a good idea, needs the severe punishment of transcribing all 3000 rules from the Lan Clan. WWX got all the truth but no proof except his word, which of course, only his bf believes. At least that opened the way for that confession at the stairs, surrounded by enemies who were ready to kill them. Who knew such a scene could be so romantic? Also, who the f*ck needs an “I like you” or “I love you” when you can get the message across in a more original and swoonie way while also making it clear that you’re in your SO’s side no matter what. Even if it means you become a public enemy as well. Lan Zhan just got better and better each episode after the flashback ended (and even before that he had his moments of brilliance). That dude has set the bar high for all the boyfriends in the world. Very high.

God! Those looks!!

And then he woke up in LZ’s bed, who attended to his wounds, saw him topless and we finally learned about those scars on his back and why it took him 3 years to go look for WWX. And excuse me?! My heart. (Also, @dangermousie, whom I’m forever grateful for convincing me to watch this drama, even if it wasn’t her intention lol, brought to my attention the reason why LZ had that Wen iron branded scar on the exact same spot as WWX and I lost it. I really did. LZ is so extra and intense, I love it.) Learning about LZ’s parents and his childhood from his oldest bro, was such a moving, bittersweet and beautiful scene. Everything about the uncle’s punishments and how he tried to keep LZ away from WWX made so much sense. Hell, even the fact that LZ loves so intensely and all-consuming it’s clear. And also, it made the romance of the show all the more clear, which baffles me. I kept reading about these so called censors, but I don’t think those were monitoring the show, not really. Hurray for love conquering it all!

So the whole core thing was something I suspected since WWX said there was a way he could recover it for his brother. It was a bit obvious to me, but I was only 80% sure because I thought having no core meant having no “magic” at all (i.e. no use of talismans, or little paper dolls and certainly no controlling zombies or spirits) but I guess it was more related to combat abilites, like the sword thing? Please forgive me if I’ve got it all wrong. But of course I got my confirmation and it was still terribly sad. And the fact that Jiang Cheng acted the way he did, didn’t have his brother’s back and just gave up on him to the point of trying to kill him when he was already attempting suicide by falling off a cliff? 

I know I’m in a minority here, but I dislike him too much now... Of course WWX doesn’t have any sort of bad feelings towards his brother because that dude is just the best at being good but Lan Zhan and myself certainly did and I’m pretty sure he’s just never going to let go of his hatred and contempt towards Jiang Cheng and the only reason he tolerates him is because of WWX and the sacrifice he did. I clapped so hard when he picked up the unconscious body of his bf and stepped out of Lotus Pier without a look to Jiang Cheng who was going trhough a well deserved breakdown patrocined by my boy Wen Ning.. I hope he spends every day agonizing over the fact that he has WWX’s core. Something he considered to be everything to be “special” and that his brother gave it away, to him, just because he loved him.

I’m just torn and can’t decide which one do I love more. Lan Zhan or WWX? The two of them have their bad moments, but they also have their good ones and their super duper good ones. But I guess I don’t have to choose and plus, I love them for different reasons. WWX was a moral compass that called the powerful ones out on their double standards. He was the best and most kind and giving person despite his many traumas and I do wish he’d have thought more highly of himself because he was just better than everyone else, lol. He was so selfless sometimes that I wanted him to be selfish once in a while.

And I loved Lan Zhan for being such a stone cold bitch to everyone, so bluntly honest, who gave zero f*ck to anyone who didn’t deserve a second of his time BUT when he fell for WWX he fell SO HARD it’s amazing he didn’t have any lasting marks... oh wait, he did have those. He didn’t exactly changed, but he did risked everything he valued and believen in because, well, WWX mattered more. And he loved with such an intensity (and a dosis of EXTRA) it surprised the feels out of me lmao. And let’s not forget he saved Yuan and raised him to become the most adorable and thoughtful teenager ever. He did an amazing job with that kid and put all the other parent figures to shame.

The last 3 eps were so fun because of the never ending monologues. Reminded me when, in books, villains just talk and talk and talk and everyone is forced to listen.

I never felt bad for Jin Guangyao. Sorry not sorry. He was a psycho murderer two faced manipulating bitch. Yes. His story, his upbringing and the fact that he was never respected is something that no one deserves. And he had the misfortune of being the son of a disgusting evil monster who died in super disturbing way, but the moment he started plotting with the evil, killing (bad or good) people and the fact that he married and had children with his sister, knowingly, was just too much. He just lost me completely. I can never feel bad for someone like that. He was a kind of villain that just gave me the biggest creeps and I think I can’t get past that to feel empathy for him. I’m so glad LZ cut off his arm, such a badass moment. I just feel bad that Xichen was deceived for so many years and, in the end, was sort of manipulated into killing someone he loved, even if he was a piece of trash. Xichen BEST BRO (only rivals with WWX) IN THE WORLD deserved better and I can’t believe he seriously considered to die besides that evil bitch! 

Nie Huaisang? Wtf? I was so taken aback... I still don’t know what to think about him. Like, he really really surprised me and I guess he did avenge his brother but I just had this image of him that was completely different and lol I think I need to rewatch the drama to let his plan sink in and finally process it.

So, let’s talk about that ending. After the final battle, LZ and WWX managed to sneak out (how their young fans students even let them is a surprise to me) but Yuan and Wen Ning caught up to them and WWX finally learnt the truth about Yuan’s real identity. Such a sweet moment. WWX realized that his efforts in saving the last Wens were not in vain. Awww. I loved that whole scene and I loved that Wen Ning decided to take on his own journey. He deserves happiness, I hope he gets it. But I think I need to read the novel to have more of a closure with the Jiang Cheng thing and his nephew. I mean... it can’t end like that, right? I know things can never be the same but I hope he tries to mend his relationship with his brother. And that Jing Ling gets to know WWX for real.

I can’t help but think, that if things were different, if Yanli had survived and WWX somehow didn’t become no1 enemy, maybe he would’ve been Jing Ling’s favorite uncle.

But okay... that ending. The real one. I mean, wtf? I’ve never liked this faked goodbyes. Never. Be it movies or dramas. They make no sense. But well, I guess they thought, somehow, that the drama needed it so the ending was even more touching. Tell you what, if it was done for that final brilliant smile on Wuxian’s face when he sees Lan Zhan, then I guess I can forgive it.

The Untamed was a whole experience of another kind. A very good one and I’m glad I watched it. Before watching, I couldn’t understand why everyone was so crazy about it, even months after having finished it and now, I completely understand. I was crazy about it as well and it will remain one of my fave shows. The story, the characters, the romance, the moral questioning, the issues that adressed, everything was done perfectly. It took my heart.

Now excuse me while I curl up in a fetal position thinking about this drama and my feelings for it and watch fan edits of them on Youtube.

Note: By the way, does anyone know of any dramas where Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, separately of course, are the leads in a modern era drama? I tried looking it up, but it looks like Xiao Zhan has made only one modern drama set to air this year? And I thought WY had a drama, but has it aired? Do the chinese actors are like the korean ones in the sense that, when they become famous, they do projects every 2-3 years?

Thank you, The Untamed. It was truly a unique and wonderful experience. I loved this story so so so so much. And the romance was delicious.

[satonthelotuspier]

Day / Chapter 5 of Liushen week!

part 1 and part 2 and part 3 and part 4 can be found at the links, or it’s all on AO3 here

How To Catch An Aloof And Untouchable Immortal

Attempt 5 - Coffee

Liu Qingge woke up suddenly, with a feeling that something wasn’t right. He appeared to be in his residence on Bai Zhan Peak. But it didn’t quite feel like it.

And what was that faint noise he could hear from outside?

He rose, pulled on his outer robes and boots, and picked up Cheng Luan.

He walked through the door, expecting to see the small garden Yang Yixuan had decided he needed, but instead it was like walking into a blinding white light, that faded slowly, leaving flashing marks in his vision.

The sounds, which had been almost on the edge of hearing, indistinct and unrecognisable, resolved, and he looked around him like some wild, startled animal as he realised he didn’t recognise where he was. What was more, it was completely alien to him. The sounds where the hissing of steam and the clinking of cups, underlined by the chatter of human voices.

His eyes, darting around like a cornered beast, finally landed on someone who looked a little like Shen Qingqiu, sat at some kind of table, sipping at a drink in an overlarge cup.

He sat with a man who did have something of their shidi Shang Qinghua about him.

He wanted to rush over, for someone to explain what this place was, and why he was here, and how he could go back.

Perhaps he was dreaming?

And it did have that dreamlike feeling, but it wasn’t that exactly. At least he didn’t think so.

This room was odd, like a kind of tearoom, but strewn with decorations and equipment he’d never seen before. There were other figures around him, but their faces were indistinct, or blurry, the only people clearly defined were the two at the table.

He decided he would watch and listen for a while, to see if he could find out more about what was happening, as, so far, no one had acknowledged his presence.

“Does this taste like coffee to you, Cucumber-bro? Or am I just making it up because I want it to taste like coffee so much? Can you actually taste things in dreams?” the one who resembled Shang Qinghua questioned. They both wore unfamiliar clothing, and had cut their hair short. Why would they do such a barbaric thing if this wasn’t a dream? Or some hallucination?

The other, ‘Cucumber-bro’, nodded. “Being an aloof immortal is a bonus, mainly because the alternative is being dead of course, but I do miss coffee, and food delivery. Especially now Binghe is taking care of his demon kingdom.” He spoke as if he were Shen Qingqiu, but he wasn’t exactly like him. Liu Qingge was confused.

“You can thank me for making him such a good cook, if you want.” Shang Qinghua had taught Luo Binghe to cook?

“Airplane-bro, why would I thank you for that dogfood, plot-hole filled trash-pile of a reformed black lotus stallion novel? I wrote most of the plot for you! Well, I changed it for the better,” Cucumber-bro snapped at his companion.

“You ruined a perfectly good stallion protagonist, is what you did.” Airplane-bro retorted, “Turning him into a soft little white lotus, bleating around his Shizun like a sheep. And it wasn’t originally meant to be such a trash-fire, I had aspirations, Cucumber-bro, but do you know what having aspirations doesn’t do? Put food on the table. Trust fund babies like you just don’t understand…”

Liu Qingge took it back, he would get no information from listening to these two bicker, he understood less than half of what they referred to, except that the stallion protagonist, and white lotus, (whatever they were) referred to Luo Binghe.

He strode forward, “Shen Qingqiu. Shang Qinghua.” He snapped, and they both jumped guiltily, turning to face him with identical looks of horror on their faces.

‘Airplane-bro’ got to his feet to walk around Liu Qingge, and poked him in the shoulder. He yelped and scampered behind Shen ‘Cucumber-bro’’ Qingqiu as Liu Qingge scowled at him.

“Liu Qingge?” Shen Qingqiu questioned, “Is that really you?”

“Who else would it be? What do mean is it really me? Where are we? What is this place? And is that really you, Shen Qingqiu?”

“This is the dream realm. Of Luo Binghe’s making. He must be ill, he tends to lose control sometimes, when he’s feverish for example. I wish he’d speak to Meng Mo about that.” Shen Qingqiu said.

“Why does Liu-shidi look like that, and we look like this?” Shang Qinghua asked, meaning the fact Liu Qingge still wore his cultivators robes, and Cheng Luan on his waist, while the other’s were dressed completely differently.

“This is a dream built from my memory. This coffee shop isn’t far from my apartment. Or wasn’t. That’s why, I think, I’m Shen Yuan again. So you’re Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky. But Liu Qingge doesn’t have an alternative identity in our original world, if that’s what you want to call it.” He turned to face Liu Qingge then. “And you wouldn’t understand if I did explain this to you, Liu-shidi.”

“Try me.” Did Shen Qingqiu think him stupid?

Shen Qingqiu blinked at him with those enormous doe-eyes. The expression in them was familiar, even though the shape wasn’t exactly that of those he was used to looking into. Then the other automatically reached a hand out for a fan that wasn’t there. Finding he came up empty he ran it through his hair instead.

“My name is Shen Yuan. Though for the past decade and more I’ve been living as Shen Qingqiu, Peak Lord of Qing Jing Peak. I died, in my previous existence, and transmigrated into the original goods’ body. The same happened to Shang Qinghua, although Shang Qinghua is Airplane-bro, to all intents and purposes, as he was transmigrated from birth.”

Shen Qingqiu flashed a quick look at the other, something passed between them, and Shang Qinghua nodded very slightly. He had enough to process without chasing something they thought he couldn’t deal with knowing.

While what Shen Qingqiu said to him was outlandish, and almost unbelievable, hadn’t he himself always known the soul behind those eyes had changed from the Shen Jiu he had first known? Hadn’t they all thought it could be possession, or some other form of body snatching?

How right they had been.

‘Shen Yuan’ watched him carefully, assessing his reaction.

He wasn’t sure what that was. Or should be.

“When did you...transmigrate?” he questioned, but he knew the answer, at least the period, if not the exact time.

“Shen Qingqiu suffered a fever. It was then. Before the Skinner incident, before the spirit caves and Sha Hualing’s invasion of Qiong Ding Peak.”

Of course it had been then. He would have known it without being told, wouldn’t he? It had been ‘Shen Yuan’ who saved his life in the spirit caves. He had known, deep down, if it had been Shen Jiu, the other would have struck him down without second thought.

And it had always been Shen Yuan. Shen Yuan who had pulled him into friendship, and comradeship, Shen Yuan who had fought by his side for years, Shen Yuan who had taken his virginity, Shen Yuan who avoided him since that night, with everything he had. And Shen Yuan who had taken his heart.

He would like to have said the realisation hit him hard, but it was another thing he had always known, but never allowed himself to acknowledge.

“Liu-shidi,” that familiar address from an unfamiliar tongue made him turn away a little. There was a sudden shift in the atmosphere around them, and the other figures in the dream became indistinct and wavered. He was relieved to hear Shen Yuan say, “Binghe must be waking up. We’ll be free of the dream in a few moments.” He looked at Liu Qingge then, “Liu-shidi, I’ll come and speak with you when we wake.”

The dream faded, as Shen Yuan had promised, and Liu Qingge woke up in what was, this time, definitely his own bed.

Shen Qingqiu had said he would come and find him, to talk. He couldn’t bear the idea at the moment, however; Liu Qingge didn’t intend to be here when he arrived.