#i don't ask for much... but for qi rong... for qi rong i will ask

[levemetal]

Dual calamities Qijiu AU save me.... save me Dual Calamity Qijiu...

Yes they are wearing each other's former coats/outer layer and tons of matching accessory and garment pieces why do you ask

Details under the cut/Rambling ahead

Dual calamities AU, post pidw. SJ kills himself on the shards of Xuan Su by swallowing them. Qijiu end up entwined into one ghost amalgamation, their combined regrets hatred spite and resentment and everything creating a nearly supreme/calamity level ghost. They go off indiscriminately murdering in the demon realm in a mindless unaware rampage, consuming ghosts and demons alike and becoming stronger until they are strong enough to be aware once more.

Luo Binghe becomes aware of the new calamity too late, due to his distraction with the Bingge vs Bingmei extra happenings, and ends up regretting it as he fails to catch up to them time and time again, despite attempting to chase down the new calamity that slaughtered half the demons in a mindless rage.

It could go down the Bingqijiu path or be simply Qijiu retreating somewhere to live in peace. Maybe being annoyed later on by Hua Cheng and/or He Xuan, maybe even Bai Wuxiang once. They kick Qi Rong off a mountain once, when he comes to annoy them for the title only to prove that is not a calamity (unfortunately for him, ily stinky green ghost). SJ is gonna have the time of his life roasting his ass. Qi Rong will leave both in pieces and tears.

Their only disadvantage really is that they cannot seperate too much, physically. But I imagine after being in each other's brains after the soul merge they don't particularly care to be (nor would they want to be. This is Qijiu we're talking about.) It's Qijiu's codependant dream. Xuan Su sewed them together and actually they are very very codependant and possessive after everything so this is just fine. They probably even have a Xuan Su blood weapon, that heeds both their commands and calls. While fighting they synchronise, with YQY being the strength and SJ the brains.

I imagine YQY is able to conjure the arrows that pierced him as spiritual projectiles, and SJ chains that bound him in the water prison. Their strength was cultivated by absorbing and devouring other ghosts and demons.

@ace-shenanigans came up with the lovely title "jade dragon stalks bamboo" which is a much better title than I could ever hope to come up with. Thank you for listening to my mad ramblings

I've been wanting to draw and think on this for a while, of how grotesque to make the initial ghost + the later higher cultivation form. But basically the kiln and everything would count them as one ghost, probably a dual title too. They'd be like a myth amongst the realms, retreating to a comfortable mountain peak with bamboo, occassionally off to hunt down slavers.

[crimsonmonsoon]

TGCF transformers AU?!

I'm gonna yap about my AU for this below as if I'm ever gonna actually make anything for it.

Okay, firstly, you may be asking: Why is Hua Cheng a human/not a transformer? Well, that's because I think it would be cute AF and what are you gonna do about it, stop me? Make me design a Hua Cheng Transformer??? Hah.

Now, someone did suggest to me he could be somewhat cyborg, maybe he got into an accident as a kid. And I think that is brilliant. I drew the sketches above like over a month ago so I hadn't brainstormed much yet but now I'm thinking, yeah, cyborg Hua Cheng. He felt othered as a kid, that would definitely play a factor into it, right? And said accident could literally be when Xie Lian saves him from falling. Maybe something already happened of maybe being caught in a giant metal hand also fucked him up. Xie Lian was trying his best rip :(

Okay, secondly, what are their names? Glad you asked. I put a poll up so y'all could determine what Xie Lian's name might be. I put Scrap up twice because its a swear word (haha funny) and because he's the scrap collector. Scrap did win so I'm thinking he had a name, but everyone started calling him Scrap in a sort of jabbing way, so that's just his name. But perhaps Hua Cheng renames him something more beautiful or finds out what his original name was.

Also this AU is modern. It's not for any one specific TF universe. I somewhat had TFP in mind but that was mostly for his design aspect. But yea, this is set in current day.

More about Xie Lian:

He was a former prime. Idk what happened to him but he definitely fucked that up and lost his prime-...ness.

I never came up with a prime name for him but his name prior to being a prime would have been Flower Crown?? Or something else idk. Maybe Hua Cheng names him that. Or names him Xie Lian. I mean he could just have a normal name. Idk.

He turns into a tractor/truck. Any vehicle that's really known for helping or farming, but I'm open to ideas. I'm thinking big tractors, cause this version of him is very huge, being that he used to be prime and all that.

Now what about Qi Rong on my Qi Rong enthusiast blog? Originally I was gonna just have all the gods be transformers but my beautiful boy Qi Rong is actually his cousin, ya know? It wouldn't make sense if he was just a human like Hua Cheng. So I may come up with a TF design for him too, give me your ideas. Idek what his alt mode would be.

I don't have much of a story concept yet. Idk what I'm actually going to do with this beyond designing and doodling but, who knows. Maybe I'll make something cool. This might be too niche tho, like how many TGCF fans are also transformers fans???? Raise your hand if you are.

[happypeachsludgeflower]

Current Fandoms (that I am likely to post about)

DTPPF (Li Yu is the bestest boy)

TGCF (FENGQING!!)

SVSSS (Shen Qingqiu deserves a harem)

MDZS (Nie Huaisang is my blorbo)

2ha (Domesticated Chu Wanning Cinematic Universe)

Star Trek woke me like a sleeper agent just now

Merlin BBC deserves a mention since I revived my main mbbc wip from the graveyard a bit ago

Published Works (and their status)

An Ding Almanac (ongoing on side blog)

Current WIPS (in order of something, but don't ask me what)

Note: highlighted in green is my main wip for a specific fandom.

[ the root of the problem (is my love for you that grows) ] the fengqing hanahaki fic that is my love child with satan.

[ roots dug in the ground (buried beside my broken heart) ] the companion piece to the previous fic with extras of the rest of characters watching the shit show go down.

[ though the stars walk backward ] an academy era spirk au where the Kobayashi Maru is replaced by a new test called the Tarsus IV

[ deep in that darkness peering (as the darkness peers back) ] the huan hua trial au that spirals into an identity and system reveal.

[ in inevitably, eternal ] an existential look into Mo Xuanyu's cycle of death and rebirth as he fights against time and god itself for a chance to escape his fate and maybe just once deserve love.

[ my soul is painted like the wings of butterflies ] the huaqing brother au I've mentioned involving prophets, pathological liars, a lot of chess metaphors, heavy angst, and time loops.

[ currently untitled dream curse au ] a fengqing romantic drama filled with domestic fluff, mutual pining, quite a bit of domestic sex, a conglomerate of mixed feelings and denial, and many MANY misunderstandings.

[ across an ocean of time, the wind still sings your name ] a beefleaf time travel fix it featuring amnesia and lots and lots of mutual pining (they pine so much I could warp them in Christmas lights and hang ornaments on them).

[ stardust burns gold in our veins ] a merthur fic of tragedy and angst because I'm evil like that. You're welcome. “Magic comes from the stars, I think. That’s why it burns gold.”

Feel free to ask me about any of my wips. I have way more in my folder I sometimes drag out, dust off, and work on, but I figured for brevity (I have well over 120 wips okay we're not listing them all here EDIT: link goes to the time I listed a lot of my wips with their silly doc names), I'd only list the ones I'm at the point of naming.

Below the line will be a list of fic's (with links) I've info dumped about at some point. The links will go to the first post I made of each.

The OTHER SVSSS Huan Hua Trial au

TGCF Qi Rong Transmitigation au

SVSSS random NPC transmitigates into SVSSS (a.k.a. Shen Yuan has selective amnesia, time travels, and thinks his memories are a book)

TGCF dream curse au post 1, post 2

SVSSS deep in the darkness peering fic

SVSSS qijiu broken soulmate bond au angst no comfort

TGCF post canon shi brother ghost king

[swampmanticore]

2 of ?? post about tgcf.

You know what? I've already read half the story and I have something to say. Take the children and TGCF lovers away from the screen, now there will be a hate speech. And spoilers. A lot. Disclaimer: I LIKE HUALIAN. I like the book. But I don't like what I'll describe below. 📚 А хотя нет, знаете, я прочитала уже половину истории и у меня есть что сказать. Уберите от экрана детей и любителей Небожителей, сейчас будет хейтспич. И спойлеры. МНОГО. Дисклеймер: МНЕ НРАВЯТСЯ ХУАЛЯНИ. Мне нравится книга. Но мне не нравится то, что я опишу ниже.

To begin with, I didn't want to read this story for a long time. I read the System (still my favorite book by Moxiang), and I couldn't finish reading the Grandmaster (don't blame me for being weak, I was just confused about the number of characters and their complicated names. I anyway watched donghua and, I guess, now I would have figured it out calmly). But I refused to read TGCF c a t e g o r i c a l l y, because everyone was running around with this story, but every time I asked if there was anything in it BESIDES Hualian, they didn't know what to answer. In the end, I decided to at least get acquainted. I watched donghua. It was good. I decided to read. 📚 Для начала, я долгое время не хотела читать эту историю. Я прочитала Систему (всё ещё моя любимая книга Мосян), и не смогла осилить Магистра (не вините меня за слабость, я просто запуталась в количестве персонажей и их сложных именах. В итоге я посмотрела дунхуа, ай гесс, сейчас я бы разобралась спокойно). Но третью книгу Мосян к а т е г о р и ч е с к и отказывалась читать, потому что все вокруг носятся с этой историей, но каждый раз, как я спрашивала, есть ли что-то в ней КРОМЕ Хуаляней, то мне не знали что ответить. В итоге я всё же решилась хотя бы ознакомиться. Посмотрела дунхуа. Зашло. Решила почитать.

I even had to write a name cheat sheet. 📚 Мне даже пришлось писать шпаргалку для имен. The first volume was wonderful. It was much more enjoyable to read than to watch donghua, because book explained A LOT more than could be shown in the series. Although the events are quite similar, there are nuances! How nuances change the whole perception... I generally love the first volume, it's very good - Xie Lian handles the problems ON HIS OWN (Hua Chen isn't here yet, but Mu Qing and Feng Xin are trying not give themself away), and it was cool. The arch with the desert and Ban Yue was also pleasant to read, because Xie Lian doesn't fully trust Hua Chen, and him, in turn, hiding ("hiding", bruh). 📚 Первый том был прекрасным. Читать было намного приятнее, чем смотреть дунхуа, потому что объяснялось НАМНОГО больше, чем можно было бы показать в сериале. Хотя события довольно похожи, но нюансы! Как же нюансы меняют всё восприятие... Я, в целом, люблю первый том, он очень хорош - Се Лянь справляется с проблемами САМ (Хуа Чена ещё нет, а Му Цин и Фэн Синь стараются не палиться), и это было круто. Арку с пустыней и Баньюэ было тоже приятно читать, потому что Се Лянь не до конца доверяет Хуа Чену, а тот скрывается ("скрывается", брух).

The second volume was great. Truly. I liked how the author described Qi Rong on, because if a negative character is described in such a way that you want to spit in their face - it is a perfectly written and played character! I love the arch of memories because... There is no Hua Chen in it! More precisely, not in the familiar form and image. And Xie Lian was coping on his own, and we can see what person he is. Moxiang tried to convey this atmosphere of horror, suffering, and helplessness that Xie Lian was experiencing. How he tried, and how he couldn't manage. And it was considered ALIVE, it HURT me, and therefore it was GOOD. 📚 Второй том был отличным. Правда. Мне понравилось, как автор описала Ци Жуна, потому что если отрицательный персонаж описан так, что тебе хочется плюнуть ему в рожу - это отлично прописанный и обыгранный персонаж! Я обожаю арку воспоминаний, потому что... в ней нет Хуа Чена! Точнее нет в знакомом нам облике и образе. И Се Лянь справлялся самостоятельно, и мы можем увидеть его как личность. Мосян пыталась передать эту атмосферу ужаса, страданий, беспомощности, которые испытывал Се Лянь. Как он пытался, и как не справлялся. И это читалось ЖИВО, мне было БОЛЬНО, и поэтому это было ХОРОШО.

What was wrong? The third book 🙃 In which only Xie Lian has a problem - Hua Chen is right there. This has slipped through in previous books, but read above, not so obviously. Right there... Xia Lian is in danger -> Hua Chen saves him and solves the problem -> romance. Repeat. (It's still funny with the censorship that doesn't exist. The censors there seemed to be fighting like hell for every kiss, and thank them very much) 📚 Что было нехорошо? Третья книга 🙃 В которой только у Се Ляня появляется проблема - Хуа Чен тут как тут. Это ��роскальзывало и в прошлых томах, но читайте выше, не так явно. Тут же... Се Лянь в опасности -> Хуа Чен его спасает и решает проблему -> романтика. Повторить. (Всё ещё смешно с цензуры, которой нет. Цензоры там, похоже, за каждый поцелуй церберами боролись, и большое им спасибо)

And okay, it's a danmei, I can turn a blind eye to it, I've read works with a smaller plot. But why does Xie Lian have the chosen one syndrome? I understand that the following books may explain, but wtf I have to read up to 5-6 books to explain to me why the first ones were written LIKE THIS?

I explain: how many secrets were revealed to us in the first three books? In order, as I remember - Pei Ming (and his ex-lover), Pei Jr. (and his massacre for ascension), White No-Face (the beginning of the second book, I'm serious, there's a hint), Feng Xin's son, the brothers of the Lords Wind and Water, the Lord Earth. And all these secrets have been hushed up for centuries. But Xie Lian came, and suddenly these secrets come true only for PLOT. It would be NICE if some more secrets were revealed behind the scenes, so that we could hear that something happened there, la-la, the officials are discussing (and we are told bluntly that there are few officials, everyone knows each other, and that's it events are being discussed). BUT THERE IS NO SUCH THING.

And I don't remember that there was such a thing in the System or in the Grandmaster. The world didn't revolve around the main character, something always happened behind the scenes. And yes, Moxiang in the System had a plot tool - the system and the plot of the in-world-book. Grandmaster had a detective line. But here we have to come up with everything to bring the result to... and who knows what yet, I don't see the full picture. It looks very d o u b t f u l.

So far, I have mixed feelings about the book. I'll write later about others 4-6, when I finish reading.

And the Hualian are cute. I have spoken. 📚 И ладно бы, это даньмей, я могу закрыть на это глаза, я читала произведения и с меньшим сюжетом. Но почему у Се Ляня синдром избранного? Я понимаю, что в последующих книгах могут объяснить, но куево кукуево я должна читать до 5-6 книги, чтобы мне объяснили, почему первые были написаны ВОТ ТАК?

Объясняю: сколько тайн за первые три книги нам раскрыли? По порядку, как помню - Пэй Мин (и его любовница), Пэй-младший (и его резня для вознесения), Безликий Бай (начал�� второй книги, я серьезно, там есть намёк), сыночек Фэн Синя, братья Повелители Ветра и Воды, Повелитель Земли. И все эти тайны замалчивались столетиями. Но пришел Се Лянь и вдруг эти тайны выходят на свет во имя СЮЖЕТА. ЛАДНО бы ещё некоторые тайны раскрывались за кадром, чтобы мы слышали, что там что-то произошло, ля-ля, небожители обсуждают (а нам говорят прямо, что небожителей мало, все друг-друга знают, и все события выносятся на обсуждения). НО ТАКОГО ВЕДЬ НЕТ.

И я не помню, чтобы подобное было в Системе или в Магистре. Не вращался мир вокруг гг, что-то за кулисьем всегда происходило. И да, в Системе у Мосян был сюжетный инструмент в виде, собственно, системы и сюжета книги. В Магистре была детективная линия. А здесь же приходится придумывать всё, чтобы подвести в итоге к... а фиг его знает пока к чему, я не вижу полной картины. Но выглядит очень с о м н и т е л ь н о.

Пока что у меня неоднозначные чувства насчёт книги. Я распишу позже насчет 4-6, когда дочитаю.

А Хуаляни милые. Я всё сказал.

[illuminatedferret]

Yes!

About the fate swap thing, I actually do think the timing is partially JW's fault. Not only the third heavenly calamity, but I think what pushed HX to finally do it is the Earth Master being dead. Which, while wasn't explained, I'm sure is JW's fault.

About Mt. Tonglu a.k.a Ghost Rut: absolutely! I agree, but I don't think it's only that XL was alone with HC. Rather, XL was with HC in *Ghost City*, with a bonus of Qi Rong is nearby. That's recipe for pure chaos, and honestly? I bet it infuriates JW if he knew XL solved that by having a heavy makeout session 🤣🤣🤣😭

Actually, adding to that: I bet Jun Wu hates Hua Cheng so SO much. Even from the parade, Hong'er was the one who makes XL differ from JW's character that he was portraying. Then comes Beizi Hill, which... well, I think JW hoped XL was alone, and especially the calamity XL arc. I'm sure at that point, BWX really, really hoped XL was alone, and was so so SO glad when WM finally dispersed (which leaves XL alone). Hell, I think the only reason he didn't disperse ghost fire HC was because XL didn't believe ghost fire HC's words.

I honestly wonder just how much JW knows? Because if he knew HC was all of those from the start when HC escaped the Kiln, I think he would've dispersed him. With good reason: at that point there's no other calamity and the first one was BWX, who he 'dispersed'.

.... i have brainrot over tgcf....

P.S. thanks for the tag ❤️

- 🍁

Last Ask

Oh, Jun Wu totally killed Earth Master. 100%. I'm personally of the opinion there's a reason the idea of messing with the timing of Heavenly Tribulations never comes up in the novel, but hey, that also means there's nothing actually saying it isn't possible.

I am confused by what you mean about Ming Yi's death spurring He Xuan to disrupt Shi Wudu's Tribulation, though. I don't see how that would play any factor in things. I don't think He Xuan was hesitating or anything, if that's what you're getting at. He's not the kind of man to falter. That's kind of his whole deal. He's patient, but only because he has to be. He infiltrated the heavens looking to discover why Shi Wudu was present at his death. Upon finding out (which would have happened either before or even during Book 1), I don't think anything would have stopped He Xuan from his revenge- he'd just be biding his time for the perfect opportunity (which the Tribulation definitely was). That's the tragedy of the Blackwater Arc- everyone puts their family above all else, regardless of the consequences.

Yeah, between Hua Cheng and Ghost City, I think Hua Cheng was above and beyond the bigger threat. The stronger the ghost, the worst they're impacted, after all. Ghost City probably would've been an annoyance, but when the mountain opens, we also see they become incapacitated by it- unlike Hua Cheng, who was more trying to resist its call than anything else. And, again, any damage Mount Tonglu opening could have done to Hualian's relationship would have been far more important to Jun Wu than what Ghost City might have done to Xie Lian. Actually, Qiandeng Temple was probably one of the best places for them to be at the time...

I've actually gotten into debates before arguing over whether or not Jun Wu knew about Hua Cheng. I want to believe he didn't, because it's fun to think of Hua Cheng as the dark horse Jun Wu didn't see coming, but realistically... I have to admit, I don't see how he couldn't. All he had to do was find the Cave of Ten Thousand Gods on his own home turf and it would have explained everything, if he wasn't already watching Mount Tonglu that round to keep an eye on things. Hua Cheng throughout the ages has definitely been an annoyance to Jun Wu, though.

Despite that, I don't think Jun Wu tried to disperse Hua Cheng for a couple reasons. For one, in regards to his connection to Xie Lian, that's not his M.O. Jun Wu is of the belief nobody but him can truly understand Xie Lian, and that all (other) interpersonal ties will inevitably sour and fall apart. If he felt the need to step in and disperse Hua Cheng on those grounds, he'd be admitting he feels that belief of his is threatened. That's why he never does anything to the people around Xie Lian- he might set up difficult situations, but the choices are still always left up to the people around him. He's trying to prove a point.

For two, Hua Cheng did serve a purpose. We can't forget Jun Wu is the one who set the Kiln up to start forging Supremes. He did that because when the Mortal Realm is in turmoil, when there are powerful ghosts and demons out wrecking havoc, more people pray to him, and he becomes stronger for it. Hua Cheng inspires a lot of fear among mortals and gods alike, leaving them reliant on Jun Wu for a sense of security. So Hua Cheng was in one part allowed to live because to kill him went against Jun Wu's personal philosophy(which is. as we all know. very. very important to him) and in part because he was useful for Jun Wu's goals. If needed, he could have killed Hua Cheng. But Hua Cheng never forced his hand. Ultimately, he was more useful as a boogeyman than as an accolade. Even disregarding that, without destroying his ashes, there was no guarantee Hua Cheng wouldn't come back.

[nyerus]

Overview of TGCF Versions

Due to recent(ish) events, I thought it would be good to make another post cataloguing all the different "versions" of TGCF, for newcomers and old fans alike! I'll also be going over some FAQs that I've seen or been asked so this post can serve as a decent info thread.

For simplicity's sake, first think of there being two "main" version of TGCF:

The Original -- what all the translations are based on, as well as the manhua and donghua.

The Revised -- what was released in print last year in China (only), and what was recently updated on JJWXC. The audio drama is adapting this

The original webnovel was itself not "censored." By that I mean, it contained everything MXTX originally wrote including kisses, swearing, innuendo, etc. MXTX did self-censor to avoid Real Censorship (hence the lack of NSFW scenes we may have gotten like in her previous novels), but that's a whole different thing. For all intents and purposes, consider the original version and (most of) its translations as being uncensored.

The revised version was first publicly released as a print novel in China. As such, it was actually censored. While "Hualian" is still there, and things are alluded to, it's a lot more vague. Kisses and a lot of other things were cut, including certain dialogue tidbits that perhaps were deemed a bit too obvious. (Plus a lot of Feng Xin and Qi Rong's cursing was removed lmao.)

HOWEVER, shortly after the print release, the audio drama started adapting the uncensored revised version. So we all knew there was an uncensored revised version somewhere in existence. It wasn't until the end of last month that we actually saw it! TGCF was available again on JJWXC after years of being "temporarily locked" to comply with regulations. (Though it was possible it was locked for other reasons. We will never fully know!) Not only was it finally unlocked, but it was actually updated to the uncensored revised version!

F.A.Q.s

1.) Why did MXTX make a revised version anyway? MXTX has mentioned before that she was not entirely satisfied with the original version of TGCF. Because she wrote and released each chapter in a serialized manner, with frequent (possibly daily?) updates, it doesn't surprise me that it didn't turn out exactly how she wanted. Now that she has the opportunity to sit down with it and go over everything on her own time, she's able to get it closer to what she wanted. In short: she's just really passionate about this story!

2.) Is there and English translation, or will there be? What about other languages? Officially, not yet. We don't know if there ever will be, as MXTX would have to re-negotiate the rights with publishers for translations, and at this time, we don't know if that'll happen. Unofficially, there are a few options: a. ClearNoodle has done some fan-translations you should check out here! b. By purchasing the webnovel on JJWXC now, you can MTL (machine translate) the novel. If you've seen screenshots in English floating around that aren't part of the fan-translations above, this is probably the source.

3.) What is JJWXC and how do I use it/purchase TGCF on it? JJWXC is the webnovel publishing site where TGCF was originally released. It hosts a giant array of C-novels, including most other danmei that you may have heard about. SV and MDZS were indeed also on JJWXC, but are currently (still) locked. To purchase TGCF (or any other novel) on JJWXC, cangji.net has an excellent guide and list of other helpful links to get you all set up. Please do check it out! Additionally, buying on JJWXC seems to be the most direct way to support authors. You can also throw bonus tips at them!

4.) How much has really changed in the revised version? A fair bit. Mostly, the changes are to do with plot structure, minor characters, overall flow, and so on. It's still essentially the same story, but in a way that feels fresh. Hualian in particular have exactly the same dynamic as before. MXTX added extra scenes between them, including very sweet and tender domestic stuff haha! There's also a few new lines of spicier dialogue to go along with some of the scenes that already existed in the original.

5.) So what is considered canonical? Both, in a way. MXTX has stated that she's happy if fans can enjoy both at once, and that we're free to pick-and-choose as we wish. Personally, while there are many things I prefer from the original, the revised version is something closer to MXTX's true vision for the novel. So I feel that holds a little bit of weight there, too.

6.) Will the manhua/donghua be adapting any of the newly revised content? So far that seems unlikely. The revised version facelifts a lot from the early parts of the story, which is stuff these adaptations have already covered. It would be hard to change things down the line now. At most they could add some of the extra dialogue or such, but we'll see if that's the case. For now, we simply don't know and shouldn't count on it. If you'd still like an adaptation of the revised, please absolutely check out the audio drama! It's easily become my personal fave adaptation of the story, and is made by a small but very passionate team who are close to MXTX. Thus, it's quite faithful and does the source material such justice! <3

[gege]

Hiii, how are you? I hope you are doing ok! <3 sending love and hugs. I wanted to ask you... i think i remember something about tgcf having live action adaptation. Was that real or was just a dream i had or something? If it's real do you know if we will have it or what happened to the project? Idk if my mind made that up! sorry and thanks :)

Hiii Anon!

No, it's not some mad collective fever dream we all had, they really did film it (6 months of shooting between July 2021 and January 2022). Native title is 吉星高照 (Ji Xing Gao Zhao) English title is Eternal Faith.

If we ever get to see it is another matter, i probably don't need to say the main reason is because it's a danmei adaptation - it'll have a harder time passing the censors than the average cdrama. Since the popularity of other dangais it seems the censors have become stricter in any case. Job one is always going to be passing the censors.

While checking chinese websites and articles I did find several sources of a rumour that the site security punched a girl who was visiting the set. I can't vouch for the reliability of this but anything that can potentially attract criticism can delay a cdrama release further. Other criticisms include the casting of the male leads, how cheap the set design and costuming look, and a cancelled actress who may have to remain uncredited.

So it will need to satisfy the censors in order to be relased, as well as satisfy the general public and tgcf fans to be worth releasing and I'm not sure if it can do it all. If all goes well and it does ever pass censorship, we won't get a release date in advance. I don't know if you've ever experienced waiting for a cdrama release but you will not get much warning when it airs. It will likey drop with a couple days warning in form of internet rumours, or just completely out of the blue.

HAVING SAID THAT - another rumour is that a full costume bl drama like the untamed will be released internationally in Sept 2024, bypassing a Chinese release. It's just a rumour but it does make this webpage very interesting! But please remember everything above and not get too excited just yet 😂.

I'm gonna share some set photos just because 😍

Zhai Xiaowen as Xie Lian

Zhang Linghe as Hua Cheng/San Lang/Crimson Rain Sought Flower

Chang Huasen as Shi Qingxuan/Wind Master & Tian Xuning as He Xuan/Ming Yi/Earth Master

Vin Zheng as Nan Feng & Li Fancheng as Fu Yao (+ bonus Wind Master)

Liu Lingzi as Xuan Ji

Liu Jinyan as Ling Wen & Wang Yueyi as Female Wind Master

Xiao Kaizhong as Feng Xin/Nan Yang & Cai Yao as Mu Qing/Xuan Zhen

Bian Tianyang as Qi Rong/Prince Xiao Jing/Green Ghost

Lu Yuxiao as Yushi Hung/Rain Master. She played Shangguan Qian in My Journey to You, but as she was fairly unknown at the time of filming jxgz so there are no photos to be found of her as Rain Master 😩.

Anyway, let's all quietly try to will this into existence with physic powers etc.

Thanks for sending me an ask, have a lovely day anon!

(∩^o^)⊃━☆

[quetzalpapalotl]

Anyway, headcanons for how I think TGCF characters would be like in bed

Hualian: putting them together because they would only have sex with each other and we have a canon answer to this already. Xie Lian gets flustered easily but goes along with Hua Cheng who is insanely good. They are definitively having the best sex of everyone bc they're hualian.

Feng Xin: I like to hc him as ace and after that one time he never tried again. If he has sex, he kinda needs to be told what to do but is good at following orders.

Mu Qing: Would not have sex, but if he had sex he would suck at communicating if he did.

Shi Qingxuan: Can be careless but is enthusiastic and genuinely invested in both of you to having a good time, which is always nice.

He Xuan: His skills are good but the experience you get is entirely dependant on what clone/identity he's using. I'm not sure he would have sex as himself since he's still mourning his fiance, would probably be really cold.

Pei Ming: Let's be real, he is extremely good. Too bad for his personality but unfortunately some women are into that macho attitude. I don't think he could live down leaving a woman unsatisfied.

Ling Wen: I don't know when she would find the time to get laid, but she's too tired. Like, she will put in the effort bc it isn't like her to half-ass a job, but her heart isn't in it. The sex is probably a way to get better sleep tbh.

Shi Wudu: He strikes me as a selfish lover and the kind of person who thinks that just the fact that he is having sex with you should be enough.

Jun Wu: He is good and knows how to figure what you like, but if he's having sex with you is certainly part of some ploy so um, good luck.

Lang Qianqiu: As per revised, would not have sex. If he had sex, he would fluster and try really really hard to please you and it's kinda cute.

Quan Yizhen: Lacks finesse and is too rough. You may need to tie him but he would probably be okay with it if you asked. Really you just need to communicate clearly and directly and is fine, you can be assured that he will tell you if he doesn't like anything.

Yin Yu: Adequate.

Qi Rong: ...no

Jian Lan: I mean, it is her job. I would assume he has picked many skills in 800 years.

Xuan Ji: Not sure she would sleep with anyone on account of being obsessed with Pei Ming, but if you managed to get her into bed, she still wouldn't shut up about her ex. I honestly think she was a pillow princess when she was with Pei Ming.

Mei Nianqing: He would not have sex. If by some miracle he had sex, he would find every excuse to nag at you, also is probably projecting the Wuyong Crown Prince onto you.

Yushi Huang: By the time it's over, you have fallen in love with Yushi Huang, but it just didn't mean that much to her.

[bloopitynoot]

Reading TGCF: Chapter Twenty-Three

For those who don't know, I am reading TGCF for the first time and sharing my thoughts!

If you have not read it, there will be spoilers! Consider this a warning.

Also- if you want to follow along, I am aiming to post updates daily. You can find all the posts in the tag Bloopitynoot reads TGCF. You can also check out the intro post for context on my read BUT if you followed along with my SVSSS read, the rules and vibe are the same.

I think top down tea shots will be my new thing. Look how cute it is seeing the tea leaves. Today I have a white tea with lavender and lemongrass. Very soothing, very tasty.

Also took off my second skin for my tattoo this morning and omg is my arm RAW. Its always hit and miss with the second skin for me. I love healing with it, but the removal is a little brutal. It tends to come off fine in some places and exfoliates a little too hard in others. Anyways, my skin is now free and breathing!

let's get into chapter 23:

"only good at dying and running away" oh poor buddy, seeing parallels in himself and Qi Rong. You really aren't the same people at all my guy :((( p249

What the heck! Excessive much?! This guy had 300 people-snacks in storage. That seems like a bit much, my guy. How often does he eat an entire person? p250

I love how Hua cheng deduced the real story of the Gilded Banquet because, at the heart of his theory, he just had so much faith and knowledge about the integrity of Xie Lian. p253

This guy, "you never know. I don't care if anyone else is disappointed. But to some, the very existence of a certain person in the world is in itself, hope." p253

Oh gosh, here comes the wind master interrupting A Moment between our boys. Xie Lian really was giving heart eyes and asking "who are you? :'3" p255

LOOOOL The Wind Master using his feminine wiles to scare poor Feng Xin into lowering his weapon. The power of those titties is out of control. p257

"Crimson Rain Sought Flower is your sworn brother" sure LOL we'll call him that. p261

Holy shit this man. That blood rain! What an absolute power move. omg Hua Cheng. p263

So Listen

I am a whole lesbian and even I think that Hua Cheng's exit in this chapter was hot as hell. What style, what class, what overt and completely unnecessary display of power. I'm not even mad that this was a short chapter because <chefs kiss>.

[baiwu-jinji]

i apologize in advance if this ask sounds kinda weird, but i'm kinda curious to hear your thoughts on how the narrative treats qi rong, mostly because i think interacting only with the eng version/fandom might take some context from his character. i've seen people complaining that some fans woobify him too much, others complaining that some people treat him as a pure hate-sink when he's more than that. while i do think he's a multi-layered character, i do sometimes get the feeling that mxtx did not go easy on him, with the revised version being even crazier than before (some even say he was given a bit of onesided incestuous subtext with xl, but i wonder if that interpretation isn't just the result of weirdly translated lines in eng). i think this might be because he strikes me as a meta personification of sorts for toxic fans who place their identity and self-worth on just one person they completely idolize, and when that person is shown to be imperfect they immediately turn against them, and we know mxtx has had experience with those kinds of people.

i do think he's largely meant to be seen as unsympathetic overall, though i think there's strong nuances with his character as well. since his childhood he always lacked something and never really had a well formed identity, his prince name being symbolic of his life. he projected himself onto xl in life, and he kept on absorving the worst traits of the people around his life without really understanding them in order to feel powerful and important, from the xianle nobles to the signature traits of the other calamities. he also strikes me as very... "little brother"-coded, in the sense that he keeps looking for any sort of recognition and seems unable to mature. even when he hates xl i think he still somewhat craves his attention, and qr only developed a bit when he was forced to let go of this role by accidentally becoming a father instead. i think it's also interesting that he started out a lot like his father, but ended up sharing the fate of his mother.

i do wonder how the cn fandom views him and if he's nearly as divisive as he is here. i'd also be pretty interested in seeing some meta about him from cn fans. again, it feels like some context is missing by not speaking the language the book was originally written in...

Hi! I think the narrative basically takes the same stance as Xie Lian in its attitude towards Qi Rong, which is the sort of "I can't love you but I don't want to hate you, the best I could give you is indifference". I agree that Qi Rong isn't meant to be lovable, but MXTX isn't dismissive of him as a character either - she devoted almost an entire chapter to Qi Rong's death, let him speak his mind, and gave him some form of closure.

Qi Rong having onesided incestuous subtext with XL (!!) in the revised version is...very interesting haha, I haven't read the revised version so I can't know (someone please tell me where to get the revised version ><). Although I want to speculate that even if there is some incestuous vibes, it's not truly sexual - it's probably libido directed the wrong way when you're lusting over someone else's identity, but not over that person per se. Qi Rong lusts over XL's identity in the sense that he wants to be XL - or rather he wants to be perfect, worshipped, all-powerful etc. (bit of digression, there's an underrated psychological thriller called Cracks starring Eva Green, if you watch it you'll know what I mean)

I don't have the impression that he's truly divisive in the Chinese fandom, but then I don't engage with the Chinese fandom that much so I could totally be wrong. And I don't think any context is missing for English readers either (except maybe the humour of QR's obscene language might be lost in translation?) because human nature is the same everywhere, and Qi Rong's distorted psyche is more a matter of human nature than cultural context.

As for Chinese fandom's view of QR, there's this great meta I translated and posted a few days ago, and I found some other opinion pieces about Qi Rong on Zhihu (Chinese equivalent of Reddit), as you'll see they're quite diverse.

A lot of Chinese readers say that what stands out most about Qi Rong is his comedic role in the story because his cursing and name-calling are really funny; a lot of people also mention being really touched by his self-sacrifice to save Guzi. I found this one post that has a similar view to yours, which is QR represents MXTX's toxic fans:

"I always felt it's the author admonishing her fans in an implicit way not to be as crazy as Qi Rong [...] My guess is that the author can't ask her fans outright not to act in this way because that would hurt people who support her but are immature, however she can't turn a blind eye to these people going around provoking more resentment, so she creates QR to remind her fans not to be like QR, or they'd appear as unlikable as QR to the public. But the author still feels symathy for thse fans, so she didn't depict their representation in the novel as totally incorrigible - QR retains some humanity and is a little adorable when he starts to care about people."

I also saw opinions about the narrative (or rather Xie Lian) not going easy on Qi Rong, like this one:

"Xie Lian is clearly a very good person but why is he so heartless to QR? He eventually treated QR as a joke and a burden, but QR was once a true follower of his. At first I thought XL was perfect and cares about everyone, but he never really cared for his cousin. When I read that XL felt neither joy nor sorrow when QR died saving Guzi, my heart chilled. If XL could forgive the masses who betrayed and reviled him, why can't he forgive his cousin who once followed him whole-heartedly?"

There're also people saying that Qi Rong's potential divisiveness is what makes him a great villain, like this post:

"What MXTX's well-received villains have in common is a tragic childhood and not being loved growing up, and they only have a soft spot for one person. Although these villains did horrible deeds and are unrepentant, they all reserve some kindness in their heart for the only person who's good to them. This contrast is striking and touching, yet most likely to cause controversy. Therefore, MXTX knows very clearly how to create a memorable villain, and I admire that."

Someone else says when they read about Qi Rong they "don't know whether to laugh or cry" (XL's signature emotion hehe). They add that "this is where MXTX is successful in writing a villain - you both hate and pity him; he's infuriating, but you don't really want to see him die either."

Another view is that since Qi Rong has no filter, he sometimes serves as the truth-telling voice. For example, when XL wanted to keep Lang Qianqiu in the dark about the truth of the Gilded Banquet Massacre, Qi Rong blurted out the truth.

There's also a question posted on Zhihu that asks why people like Qi Rong, and there're some interesting answers. There's one post that says "I find him attractive because he's depicted as alluringly ghostly in a lot of fan art like vampires in Twilight" haha

Another post says they like Qi Rong "because he's guilelessly wicked, while XL and Hua Cheng are hypocrites" emmmmm

Another one says they like Qi Rong because "being Xie Lian is exhausting, he's so wronged but he just endures it all, while Qi Rong just launches verbal assults whenever someone rubs him the wrong way, it's so cathartic. The most difficult thing in the world is to be a good person, because as soon as you do one thing wrong, everyone criticises you; but if you're a bad person, even if you did just one good thing, everyone praises you for it and shows you pity".

[yulen-the-ghost]

I just had the idea of a ghost Xie Lian au.

This would develop in the present, however before Xie Lian's 3rd ascension. (Meaning that instead of a god, he's a ghost).

He is known as the "Pristine mist of misfortune" or "the scrap ghost", whose tears become mist that will bring you bad luck. After wandering the world for years, he arrives at the ghost city and meets Hua Cheng. He is filled with a bittersweet feeling because of the joy of meeting Xie Lian, and the pain of knowing he's a ghost.

TGCF spoilers ahead.

--

First of all: Can Xie Lian even turn into a ghost? I guess so. Inside the Kiln, White No-Face wanted him to turn into the ghost king, so I guess he can do that.

We know that there are several moments where Xie Lian 'died'.

When the second wave of the human face disease came, Wu Ming sacrificed himself, something Xie Lian would forever regret and remember, one reason why he might have decided to keep being a good person.

However, he considers himself a person unworthy of living, someone bad and disgusting. After what happened at the gilded banquet, he was 'murdered'.

Maybe his body won't die, but his soul gave up. As a ghost, his reason to keep living is, to his perception 'to pay for his crimes with his suffering'. The more hurt he feels, the more powerful he actually is.

Maybe in his spirit form, RuoYe still accompanies him.

Also, his habilites as a ghost include making himself invisible, levitating in the air, and releasing misfortune on others.

---

After years of wandering, he accidentally ends up in the Ghost City. Obviously he is not well received by the other ghosts at the beginning, but once inside the city, how would Hua Cheng, lord of the city not notice his presence?

After saving him from other ghosts, Xie Lian is ashamed to try to leave without paying in return.

He considers this attractive red king someone worthy of praise, but Hua Cheng is EXTREMELY uncomfortable with that.

Xie Lian admires this person, but even with his lips curled up, Hua Cheng's gaze reveals a hint of sorrow and melancholy he doesn't understand. (Obviously he's upset he's dead).

This is why he asks his good ol' friend Black Water to pretend to attack his city so he could use Xie Lian's help. Once he saves the city, Hua Cheng starts praising him instead.

Xie Lian doesn't want him to be so formal, so Hua Cheng asks the same in return. This is how their "Gege" "San Lang" relationship begins!!

Shi Qingxuan shows up with Lang Qingqiu for the investigation like the original version btw.

--

The bride kidnapping thing still happened; Feng Xing and Mu Qing investigate and discover the relation of the case to the green ghost.

At some point, Qi Rong makes his appearance from Xie Lian's side (also revealing his past). "Oh so you were the Crown Prince!!" Pretends Hua Cheng.

After the mess is mostly cleared up, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian are ready to leave.

But as they are exiting the place, in one of the caves, Feng Xing, Mu Qing and Xie Lian find each other.

He tried to pretend not knowing anything, but it was too late.

Mu Qing "..."

Feng Xing "...your highness?"

"Why are you with Blood Rain Tanhua?"

"Are you..." A ghost? Dead? You don't ask those things so directly!!

Xie Lian feels dread and turns invisible with his ghost skill. He runs away and Hua Cheng, afraid to lose him again, chases after him.

--

Not going to elaborate much more, but I wanted to know what do you guys think 👀

[intcritus]

“what’s your problem?” ( qi rong to xie lian )

Xie Lian pauses, staring over at his cousin, utterly baffled by the question. As if the last few troubles weren't his fault. ❝ ━ You. You're the problem. Are you too dense that you don't realize that your constant vitriol makes it hard to keep others around. That's why you're alone, because being around you is a nuisance. A Calamity in name only. ❞ The Crown Prince will admit, he does try to be patient with Qi Rong, but how many times must he bite his own tongue ? Hold back his hand when it wants to smack some sense into his cousin? Did he think that words alone wouldn't be irritating ? He drones on and on and on and anyone would be sick of him.

❝ ━ When is enough, enough ? You run your mouth so much but run at the faintest sign of true danger. Haven't I been patient? Kind? Even when you continue with your disgusting words? Asking such an obvious questions when the only problem in the world is you. You ruin yourself, any relationships you potentially would have. Don't ask me what my problem is when you're so obsessed with seeing me fail that you yourself are the failure, Qi Rong. ❞ Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Xie Lian refrains from apologizing, from taking it all back. Frustration eats at him and he turns on his heel but pauses, a sigh escaping him, ❝ ━ When San Lang gets back, you can deal with him, I can't take another word from your mouth. ❞

when even the crown prince has a limit. | @resolutepath

[happypeachsludgeflower]

Qi Rong Transmitigation AU

I've been seeing a lot of people in the various mxtx fandoms posting their fic ideas in plot outline rambles and ya know what, that seems like a fun way to share some of my ideas that I'm not currently working on (and at the rate I write will never see the light of day otherwise)!! And who knows, maybe by sharing them, it'll spark more ideas and spiral into more plot info or even a full fic!! Asking me questions about a particular plot is a sure way to get me writing.

Anyway, so today's ridiculous plot ya'll get to hate me for is the newest one I came up with the other day!! Transmitigator Qi Rong!! (I was going to ramble about one of my many fengqing au's, but I was trying to pick one and then remembered that I hadn't written the Qi Rong/svsss plot out yet and-- yea, now we get cannibalism and violence instead!!)

Basically, the plot idea is that Qi Rong (who probably has a different name, but I haven't researched what to use instead yet... maybe something green?? The characters 绿色 lǜsè was the first thing that came up with the Chinese dictionary, so we'll go with that. His modern name was Qī Lǜsè) was from modern day and died reading tgcf, ya know, as you do. And he was really pissed off by Qi Rong's character in general because Reasons ™ (I'll decide later). Next thing he knows, he wakes up as a young Qi Rong, prior to Xian Le's fall, with a fancy system telling him to stick to the plot and stay in character!!

Now there are two ways we could go from here. One, Qi Rong can have a system similar to Shen Qingqiu's that allows the ooc feature to be unlocked after a certain point, but he has unavoidable plot points similar to the abyss, which would probably be the burning of Xie Lian's temples and/or the gilded banquet, that he has to follow through with or have his account terminated, i.e. die.

OR (and this is the one I've been brain rotting on because so. much. angst!! ...don't mind me I just like overdosing my fics on angst) Qi Rong is stuck with an asshole system that has decided he has to stay in character and cannot deviate too much from the main plot similar to Shang Qinghua's system. Just imagine!!

Qi Rong: but do I have to commit war crime atrocities?? A-System: yes ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡" Qi Rong: ...how 'bout I make it look like I'm doing war crimes and atrocities and then just.. don't? A-System: ( ¯ ³¯)♡ no Qi Rong: brb off to plot your murder A-System: (ó﹏ò｡)

I suppose the third route would be to find a middle ground where we get a-hole system AND ooc abilities, but I have yet to have the epiphany on how to marry the ideas.

I personally think the concept of Qi Rong's internal dialogue being a constant stream of "wtf" and "why am I doing this again" and somehow, inexplicably, against all expectations, being more chaotic than OG Qi Rong with meme references and random song breaks would be entertaining. Also, the bitch is absolutely going to argue with the system every chance he can get just to be petty.

I have a lot of other thoughts on this, but I'm going to end this post here before I accentually write another 5k summary at 3am. I'll continue this another day (￣^￣ )ゞ

[resolutepath]

“ hey i got something for you look! ” holds up middle finger , sorry but hua cheng had to deliver this to qi rong, i don't have a say

"HUA CHENG, YOU ONE-EYED SNAKE!" His brow furrows, lip quivering with barely constrained outrage as a hand flies dramatically to the side. Qi Rong leans forward where he stands in the measly cave he's been able to claim as territory, sneering as green eyes narrow, wondering why this butterfly bound oaf can't leave him be and chase his favourite snow lotus instead of bothering him. The crude gesture still lingers and the hand at his side balls into a fist.

"Truly a mark of your upbringing to resort to such petulant and crass tactics. Are you so bored that you have stain my air with your stench?" The insults roll off his tongue with his usual sharp bite, brave all the time that distance remains between them. "Has my dear cousin finally tired of you? Do you miss his heavenly light warming your bed?!"

A smirk remains as he throws his head back and laughs, the sound a discordant twang of sanity snapping thread by thread, an unhinged raucous chorus of a party of one. It's ugly, and uncomfortable to listen to, but he does not care, laughing until he might almost think his eyes might leak before he catches a hold of himself.

"If you miss him so much, I might have a statue or two left you could use. A pretty fixture for your palace if you wish to stare upon him. He makes a better footrest if you ask me." Always too far, always too much, and when footsteps lead that glare closer to him he scurries backwards, putting more space between them with scowl in place once more.

"WHY can't you ever take a joke? Has every inch of humour left your body? You are as uptight as those ridiculous heavenly officials, PRANCING AND PATROLLING as though this is all of yours to claim!! There's more Ghost Kings you know! Why don't you ever go drown in Black Water's seas and reduce his territories. Do you know how long remodelling takes?!" His voice raises into a shrieked crescendo; arm shaking as he points painted nails directly at the other wishing he had not sent so many ghosts out to collect dinner so he might at least offer them up as sacrifices to Hua Cheng's ire in a bid to escape.

Unfortunately this time it looks like he'll be rebuilding his avatar. Again.

[hellowhoisthere]

The Guadianship of GuZi - Storage Unit (Draft)

Lang Qianqiu’s phone was ringing at midnight, and better be for a good reason.

It was Xie Lian’s name on the caller ID. It was most likely was not a good enough reason if was about Qi Rong, but Xie Lian was watching over Gu Zi while Qi Rong was out of town, so it better for him to answer.

“Is everything alright?” Lang Qianqiu asked right to the point.

“Gu Zi is fine, but Qi Rong isn’t.” Not a good enough reason, but Lang Qianqiu didn’t hang up the phone.

“I’m not even his real lawyer Xie Lian, and this is far outside of working hours.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t have him here like this, and I didn’t know anyone else to call for him”

Lang Qianqui was getting a jacket and sweatpants on. “Like what? Is he alright?”

“I think he is off his medication, or having an episode I don't know. If you hadn’t answered, I was going to call the police.”

“You can’t do that. It would ruin all the work he has done for his case.”

“For that reason I called you. Will you come talk some sense into him?”

“I don’t know how much sense Qi Rong has in him, but I’m on my way.” Lang Qianqui hung up the call as he got into his car.

Xie Lian’s home was not a short drive from Lang Qianqui’s own, but he didn’t need drive all the way there. Qi Rong was easily recognizable on the side of the road. Lang Qianqui had to illegally turn onto the road the walking Qi Rong was on.

“I’M NOT A FUCKING FUCK, YOU FUCK-” Qi Rong began to yell when Lang Qianqui had pulled alongside him. Qi Rong had got in as he had before once Lang Qianqui had stopped for him. “Take me back to Xie Lian’s. Tell him he can’t keep my kid from, just because he doesn’t like me.”

“I’m here because Xie Lian was going to call the police on you.”

Qi Rong broke into a hysterical laughter or into high pitched sobs. Lang Qianqui couldn’t tell the difference between the sounds without seeing his face, and Qi Rong had bent over with the power of his shaking.

“He has a kid that is not his too, but he doesn’t jump the hoops. Even though he is a sugar baby to that damn kingpin Crimson Rain. I’m here trying to get Gu Zi home, and Xie Lian said I couldn’t take him. What gave him the fucking right to do that? Being better than me?”

It was crying. Qi Rong was crying. Even with the maniacal smile there were tears streaming from his eyes.

He looked to Lang Qianqui for an answer.

“He is married to him, and Gu Zi isn’t yours yet."

“Gu Zi more mine than anyone else. Xie Lian is just like me, you know. He looks so perfect on the outside, but he is just as broken as me inside.” Qi rong was laughing into his hands.

“Are you off your medication?”

“I’M NOT ON ANY MEDS!“ Qi Rong threw his hands up letting the statement come out in between ugly guffawing. “I just said that because Xie Lain wouldn’t even LOOK at me if I hadn’t. He would have supported the state in taking Gu Zi from me.” Qi Rong suddenly deflated. As if just the thought of having Gu Zi taken from his care had killed him.

Lang Qianqui didn’t know how to deal with a forlorn Qi Rong, but he could not risk going over to Xie Lian now.

Lang Qianqui didn’t need to put the address to Qi Rong’s into the gps, but he would have welcomed the robotic voice over silent Qi Rong. Lang Qianqui had taken the minute of every red light to look over at Qi Rong until he came up to the apartments.

“Are you able to make it upstairs alright?”

“No, no, I can’t go back home without Gu zi.”

“I’m not taking you home with me.” Lang Qianqui couldn’t because then the ghost of Qi Rong would be there in the same way it hung around his office, and his car.

“No, I’ll go somewhere else”

“I’m driving you there?” Lang Qianqui asked incredulously.

“Yeah? I’m pretty sure you don’t want me driving your car”

Lang Qianqui winced at the thought of that.However, he wasn’t going to drive aimlessly. An excuse Lang Qianqui used as he didn’t want to start driving while Qi Rong was still visibly upset.

‘I’m not going to leave you on a street corner’, was what Lang Qianqui thought, but he didn’t think Qi Rong would appreciate the implication. “I’m not driving anywhere until I have some answers. Are you-… Why were you causing trouble at Xie Lian’s?”

“Because I’m psychotic, didn’t you already know?”

“Bullshit Qi Rong. I know-,” I know you better than that, “Being your messed up self can't be your excuse everytime.” Lang Qianqui caught Qi Rong's reflection in the window. He laughed, but had a deep frown. “I’m just doing what you, scumface, told me to do. I found the cow that pushed the kid from her hole, and that was the only thing she ever did for the kid. She doesn’t want anything to with him even though the fucker is dead.”

“What is the issue, that is what we needed?”

“The issue is this paper proves what Gu Zi fears the most that no one in his life has ever given a shit about him.

The street light was weak to illuminate the vehicle through the tinted windows, but still Qi Rong’s eyes were burning in the dark. The venom on the words was tangible.

Everything is supposed to be for the best of the kid, but how does knowing this bullcrap become what’s best for him.”

Lang Qianqui wanted to protest that it didn’t matter, because Qi Rong cared about Gu Zi now. However, Lang Qianqui knows how the opinions of people no longer in your life can haunt you. He thought the constant doubt if he was making his parents proud. He been asking for a while how his family would have felt about him helping Qi Rong. Then, Lang Qianqui thought of Gu Zi’s bright smiles and light laughter. He remembered how fear gripped the little boy when he doubted if Lang QianQui would be able to keep him and Qi Rong together. The kid didn’t deserve this cruel world, but an all better world.

“We won’t include her consent and waiver. It will be tough, but we will be able to get around it.” Lang QianQui stated. He put the car into drive again. “How did you even find her?”

“Trash finds trash. It’s the reason why there is a floating patch of hot garbage in the ocean.”

“Don’t compare yourself to her. You have more heart than she does.”

Lang QianQui was glad to be driving again now, as he couldn’t take his eyes off the road to look at Qi Rong. Lang QianQui would blame the late hour for the near confession. God forbid for anyone to ever admit to ever feel more for Qi Rong than tolerance of his exsistence. Certianly Lang Qianqui, becuase he knew his family wouldn't have approved.

“Drive a few blocks. I’ll tell you where to stop.” Qi Rong’s voice didn’t reveal if he believed Lang Qianqui or not.

Where Qi Rong told Lang QianQui to stop was a storage unit yard. Qi Rong inputted an overnight code and directed him to a unit at the far end of the lot’s last row.

Once Qi Rong opened the unit, Lang QianQui saw at least three canvases on the ground along a wall, blocks of granite at the center, some proof that something had been made of the blocks then smashed, and a couch with a sleeping bag at the end.

Lang QianQui approached the canvases as Qi Rong set up an easel.

Two of the paintings appeared to be portraits of Qi Rong, but the expression was too saintly. Examining the portraits longer, Lang Qianqui realized the face was of Xie Lian. The first surrounded Xie Lian in judeo-christ imagery. Xia Lian in prayer, a sunhat framing his head more like a halo in priestly white, the background a bright, thick red like a shower of blood.

The next appeared to be Xie Lian beheaded, but there was no blood, no gore, only a large black shackle and chain at the neck.

The third, a work in progress, showed Xie Lian with two halves on his face. One smiling beautifully, and there other in pure anguish. One side looking more like Qi Rong than the other.

“You have complex feelings towards your cousin, don’t you?.”

“I hate him. He owes me his life. I want nothing to do with him.” Qi Rong shrugged as if that were a normal declaration.

Lang QianQui once again blamed the lack of sleep over his own nature, but he had to ask, “Do you really think he would have supported the state against you?”

“Xie Lian can’t help himself. His parents were the same. As if any pill would have made me as perfect as Xie Lian.

To ignore me when it didn’t, and to throw me out when it wouldn’t.

After nobody ever cared to ask me, everyone knew what was best for me. Because I’m psychotic, I can’t decide what’s good for me.

If I wasn’t dulled out fast enough then new ‘script. New home, new meds, same shitshow for years. Who even knew why I was fucked anymore when I aged out.

A broken system for broken kids, and breaking kids who weren’t at the start.”

Lang Qianqui, the great lawyer he was, did not have a rebuttal for Qi Rong. Lang Qianqui could see the injustice committed against Qi Rong, but he couldn’t allow it to fully pardon Qi Rong. However, Lang QianQui couldn’t decide what kind of punishment Qi Rong was deserved anymore.

Either way, it was the end of the conversation as Qi Rong was focused on the easel in front of him now.

Lang Qianqui had never seen Qi Rong look so serious, and Qi Rong hummed while he painted. It sounded like Lang Qianqui’s white noise machine, very soothing, much sleepy.

When Lang QianQui stirred he felt so warm, which was so strange since the unit’s door was lifted partially to keep the paint fumes from suffocating them. He could see by opening the weak gray light of dawn coming in, and the condensation of his breath visible.

Qi Rong snuggled closer to his chest under an extended sleeping bag serving a blanket for the both of them. Ah thats why he was warm. Qi Rong was practically on top of him. Lang Qianqui tried to sit up and carry Qi Rong at once, but Qi Rong shifted out his grasp and pinned Lang Qianqiu fully underneath him now.

In this new position Qi Rong was straddled on Lang Qianqui’s thigh, leg in between his, chest flat against each other, Qi Rong’s arms over Lang Qianqui’s shoulders.

Lang Qianqui couldn’t see Qi Rong’s sleeping face anymore, but he felt his breath across his clavicle.

Any shift Lang Qianqui made, would make Qi Rong rub against him.

“You’re awake aren’t you?” Lang Qianqui was convinced of it.

Of course there was no response, so Lang Qianqui attempted to lift Qi Rong off again, but this time Qi Rong landed higher. Knee pressed against morning wood, lips parted at Lang Qianqui’s nape, Qi Rong hands cupping his pecs too purposefully.

A gasp escaped Lang Qianqui as Qi Rong snores heavily.

Lang Qianqui makes a quicker effort, displacing himself completely from Qi Rong before he could be pinned in another compromising position.

Lang Qianqui had wanted to carry Qi Rong to the car before, but now he just needed to leave but he stopped short while running away.

The painting Qi Rong left drying on the easel. It layers on layers of green swatches. It could be a forest, or an endless grassland, but Lang QianQui saw eternal green flames. It was a hellscape. Nothing but darkness in the heat of green fires.

Lang Qianqui hated fires. A fire had taken his whole family, but looking in emerald blaze, Lang Qianqui wanted to give up and be burned away too.

“Come back, I’ll keep my hands to myself this time only.” Qi Rong voice was soft with sleep.

Gods in heaven, Lang Qianqui prayed for some mercy on his heart.

“I knew you were fucking awake.”

“Why, want to do something about it?” Qi Rong said with had less sleep and more mischief in voice.

Lang Qianqui should have hated Qi Rong’s unashamed, forward behavior, but he didn’t. It would cross a line. Professionally, it was unethical.

“I keep telling you, stop trying to pay me in sexual favo-”

“You keep telling me, you aren’t my lawyer, and honestly I’m an ungrateful bastard. I should be charging you, but you couldn’t afford me.”

It would be immoral of Lang Qianqui to take advantage of Qi Rong after the events of last night.

"Are you still drunk? Is that why you’re asking me?”

“Pftssh, that was hours ago.”

Qi Rong came up from behind. Wrapping his arms, still clutching the makeshift blanket, around Lang QianQui. Bring Lang Qianqui into Qi Rong’s space.

I know I’m not good enough, but can’t I want you anyways. Can’t you take pity on me this once, and let’s have this?”

Qi Rong worked his way between Lang QianQui and the painting. Lang Qianqui looked at him, and Qi Rong was looking back. Qi Rong had taken his circle lens out. His grey eyes were the cloudy green in this light.

No. No. No, no, no, no, nononononono.

Lang Qianqui’s heart was beating too fast now. A fire was going to kill him after all.

“You can’t trick me by being pitiful and disgusting anymore. I see you Qi Rong.”

Lang Qianqui grabbed Qi Rong’s face and brought lips to his. A single, innocent kiss, but it was enough.

Lang Qianqui succumbed to the flames.

[truly-morgan]

[QR is trying his best to be a good dad]

Qi Rong + Guzi | Heaven Official’s Office Modern AU 01-09-2021

[#qirong #guzi, modern]

Says thanks to qiurong now I got interested back in dad qr and his son guzi.

But just imagine modern world, qi rong is not known to be kind and good to people. He's pretty harsh and vulgar. He's also not really known for being /that/ good at taking care of children either. He doesn't enter the top 10 of potential babysitters with people he knows. But then one day, out of absolutely nowhere he has a kid?!

He happened to be bothered at work by his cousin and xl annoying husband when he suddenly received a call from school saying guzi is sick and should be taken home. Of course, he curse, mumbling about knowing something was off about guzi this morning and he should just have called in sick at work to make sure guzi was alright.

And xl is just stunned "you have a son!?!".

"No I have a horse. Of course, it's a son" qi rong snaps back.

He doesn't have time to deal with xl disbelief of the news, he has to figure out if someone can replace him for the end of his shift, but he knows it won't be easy because everyone here probably hates him (he can probably play on it being for guzi).

"How long until the end of your shift?" Xl ask before qi rong can go annoy his colleague to cover for him.

"Don't fucking know, about four hours, why" he asked.

"Well, maybe we can go get him for you" xl suggests with a smile, "is it alright sang lan?"

"Anything gege wants to do is alright" hc smiles, although anyone could tell he didn't really want to help qi rong (but since he was xl cousin, someone xl was trying to get close to again...).

Qi rong look at him, seemingly thinking it over.

He seriously doubts anyone would cover for him after having had at least an argument with everyone at least once (and guzi might have been used as an excuse in the past). Plus he couldn't really afford losing this job either by just walking out.

"Okay sure, I'll just call them to say you are picking him up, I'll lead you to my key and DONT enter the kitchen!"

And with that xl and hc are gone to go get guzi while qi rong finishes work.

Qi rong does try not to be distracted, but it is a bit hard when he knows guzi is sick and the one taking care of it is /xl/. As much as he cannot feel hc, he hopes the man makes sure xl doesn't try feeding his son anything he makes himself.

the four hours pass too slowly in his opinion and on his way back he grabs a couple of things to make some chicken soup for guzi (he even grab the shell pasta he seems to like so much). he gets back to his apartment to hc softly trying to stop xl to try and make something for guzi.

He throws on the counter the thing he just bought, getting the attention of the couple, yet he doesn't leave time to ask questions.

he goes directly to guzi's room, his features suddenly more soft and somewhat calmer too, despite his worry. He sits on the bed next to him, passing a hand through his hair and touching his forehead to see if he has a fever.

"You should have told me you were not feeling good" he says, watching as guzi leans into the cool touch of his hands.

"I didn't want you to get in trouble for missing work again" guzi whispered, looking up at qi rong when his dad laughed.

"They can go fuuu" he starts before seeing the look his son was giving him "Eat a cactus, if my son is sick I'll take care of him".

At worst I'll find another job, is what he doesn't add to not worry guzi more.

He smiles at him, happy to see his son being reassured by his words. "Are you hungry? I can make you some chicken soup"

"With the shells?" guzi ask

"With the shells" he replies, passing his hand in guzi hair again. "rest a little bit more while I make it".

with this he got up, missing how some intruders were quickly shuffling back to the living room in silence.

He went back into the kitchen, ignoring the look xl was giving him, clearly wanting to ask questions.

He only put his attention back on him when he suggested helping him out. "Out of my kitchen! don't cross onto the tiles, you'll just make him more sick with your poisonous food" he says, "If you want to help, make your husband do something instead" As much as he didn't like hc, he knew the man was at least decent in cooking, better than whatever his cousin would ever make.

He ignore the glare hc was giving him for talking like this to xl, missing the look xl gave him instead so he could help.

this is how he ended up cooking around hc, an awkward silence falling on them as xl clearly wanted to ask questions but didn't (he figured qi rong wouldn't answer while he was so focused on making his fresh chicken soup for guzi, he was surprised it wasn't a canned one).

qi rong tried ignoring how xl was going back from the kitchen to the room to check on a sleeping guzi, unsure what to do when everyone was already doing something.

"Here, cut some fucking apple slice if you really wanna help" ended up snapping qi rong. He couldn't possibly fuck up cutting an apple right?

It was clearly enough since xl finally settled down to do his task, even making little bunny with the apple pieces.

when everything was ready qi rong found guzi favourite bowl to put his soup in, a glass of water and taking xl apple plate before going back to guzi.

the young boy was awake again, happy to eat something his dad made.

Qi rong talked about his day at work, knowing it would help guzi relax to hear him talk (a contrast to guzi usually being the one to talk about his day when they eat). He managed to keep most of his swearing and cursing under control, otherwise gaining a look from guzi.

it was mostly complaining about clients, but his son seemed rather amused at his tales so he continued until he was done eating everything.

He gave something to help guzi's headache before letting him go back to sleep, reminding him to come get him if something was wrong. when he finally went back to the kitchen he was tired. He had already not slept well the night before and had passed the last couple of hours worried about guzi.

He was greeted with a bowl a soup xl had prepared for him so he could eat too.

"Why are you still here?" he asked, just wanting to be left alone now.

"Wanted to make sure you were oka-"

"No need to fucking lie, I know you worry about guzi" qi rong rolled his eyes. He wouldn't be the first to believe he was not a good fit to take care of him. But he didn't really care, guzi seemed to believe he could and he also believe he was doing a rather good job here. He may not be filthy rich like hc or as kind and gentle as xl, but he was doing his best already.

"Since when do you have a son?" xl asked instead, which did not surprise him either. No one really knew (but why would they need to know anyway? It wasn't like anyone really bothered to ask about how he was doing normally).

"Technically a year and a half" qi rong replied without giving more detail.

"Technically?" Repeated xl, unsure what this was supposed to mean.

"His dad was a shit neighbour and guzi ended up at my place a couple of times before I fully took him in.

Qi rong didn't explain more about how guzi's birth father was an absolute drunk who would get aggressive easily and barely took good care of his wife and son. More than once guzi ended up at his place when no one was home, his dad was too drunk and aggressive or because No one had actually fed him.

His parents ended up dying in a car crash (because the man was drunk). Qi rong was still unsure how he actually managed to get guzi's custody, he worked hard to have so. He might not be perfect, but he already knew him and guzi would Get upset the moment it was insinuated the gege from the next floor wouldn't be the one caring for him.

Qi rong was still fighting to show he /was able/ to take care of guzi properly.

Seeing how qi rong was clearly not going to give more detail xl sighed, fidgeting with hc hands. It was probably too early to get to know more about his cousin. He already took as a victory being trusted to go get guzi, knowing qi rong he could as well just tell him to fuck off.

Plus guzi seemed to recognise him, so qi rong had /somewhat/ mentioned him before. It was a good start to build something that had never been really there.

They ended up leaving when xl was fully sure that qi rong would be alright too. Qi rong was more than happy to finally be left alone, finishing his soup before going back to check on guzi. The boy was awake again and requesting he stay with him for now so he went to lay on the bed next to him (he was a bit too big for it but whatever).

"The nice gege is gone?" Guzi ended up asking.

"Oh, so I am not the nice gege anymore, great" qi rong snorted, "they went home after bothering me".

"But you are not a nice gege anymore," guzi said while turning back to him, "you are my dad".

Qi rong made a show of rolling his eyes, ruffling the boy's hair. Yet inside something was warm at the idea of guzi really seeing him like this, not just as a name used because it was expected in a way after being taken in as his adoptive son.

"Go to sleep now, you won't get better by not resting".

He ended up staying under guzi demand, falling asleep oddly on the bed, thinking of calling in sick if guzi isn't doing better.

He fell asleep with the same nice feeling.

Whatever other thought, as long as Guzi thought he was enough everything would be fine.

Original