Chapter Text
The four pillar has been restored. The Great Seal is standing strong like never before. For keeping and fulfilling his promise to Shennong after 5000 years, for his sacrifice to fix The Great Seal, the almighty Ghost Slayer finally gets what he deserved. He has been granted a soul fire, and returns to his beloved god's embrace. Their live has just begun.
-
Zhao Yunlan opens his eyes slowly, still feeling drowsy. He had opened his eyes several times since 6 a.m, but just too lazy to resist his sleepiness and before long he goes back to sleep. But this time, he chose to finally get up. he rubs his eyes, and stretch and turning on his bed. He realize his wife is not by his side. he gets ups, sitting on the bed, reaching his phones that he put on the drawer beside the bed. 8.07 a.m. Zhao Yunlan gets up, going out from the bedroom. He could hear cluttering noises, and smells something good.
my wife's in the kitchen.
There, He found his wife immersed in cooking. Wearing clean white shirt that’s shaping his body a little– you could see the curves made by those lean muscle –the sleeves is folded so it didn’t get dirty, a neat grey trouser, and of course on top of that he is wearing apron, a striped dark grey one. His hair is not as neat– a little bit loose –as his usual get up. it gives a refreshing aura to others.
Shen Wei heard his step, and turn his body and head a little, showing Zhao Yunlan a side of his face. "Good Morning, Ah-Lan" said Shen Wei, while giving what Zhao Yunlan describe as 'an angelic smile that is so bright it melts your heart'. Even just seeing a side of that smiles makes Yunlan's heart felt warm. Zhao Yunlan didn't answer immediately, he instead walk around the kitchen counter, embraces Shen Wei from behind, his arms around Shen Wei's waist. Face buried unto Shen Wei's neck, takes a long breath and sniff it. my morning scent , Yunlan thinks. "Morning" Answers Yunlan lazily, then he snuggles.
"At least wash your face first. Better yet, brush your teeth. Let me finish preparing for breakfast" Shen Wei's body shifts, trying to face the other side to put the hot bowl in his hand onto the tray. His other hand trying to pull Zhao Yunlan's arm and freeing himself from the embrace. Not that he dislike it, but breakfast is important.
Contrary to Shen Wei's reaction, Zhao Yunlan tightens his embrace while whining "How cruel. Look at my evil wife, not only he is not giving me morning kiss first thing in the morning, also not allowing me to hug him. Love is declared dead, today!"
"Who's your wife," said Shen Wei lightly, while still trying to pull Zhao Yunlan's arm away.
"Aiyaahh.. not even acknowledging his husband. Poor me,"
Shen Wei just sigh, and shakes his head a little, listening to his beloved’s nonsense talk. He's finally able to turn his body, still in Zhao Yunlan's arms. Now facing each other, still glued, Shen Wei's free hand caress Yunlan's hair on his side, he gives a short yet sweet kiss on his Forehead.
"Wash your face," Said Shen Wei again.
With reluctance and a pout he puts up just to be shown to Shen Wei, he stands in front of the sink. He bends a little, turning the tap and washes his face. After feeling more awake than before, he dries his face with his shirt. Shen Wei, watching this, frowns.
"What? I washed my face like you told me to," Said Yunlan like he didn't know why his lover is frowning.
Shen Wei continues to arrange the table for breakfast, and Yunlan is sitting down on the table. While putting down the last bowl in front of Yunlan, Shen Wei bends his back and turns his head to the side, giving Yunlan a peck on his lips.
You could see his ears reddening a bit, and he finally sits down across Yunlan. Yunlan's eyes widen a little, his eyebrows arching. Then he rubs his nose just below with his finger, hiding his smile. Shen Wei knows how to make his greedy husband happy.
After that, they eat their breakfast together. Zhao Yunlan, while eating, didn’t forget to mumble some compliment, such as “Have i told you your food is addictive? damn, what did you put in here? Your food never fails to impress me. Thank god you’re my wife and not someone else’s”. Zhao Yunlan, to this day, never fails to compliment everything Shen Wei do – at least once –every single day. Other people would think Zhao Yunlan just trying to suck up to Shen Wei, but Shen Wei knew every single compliment Yunlan gives him is genuine. In his heart, he is always happy and proud every time he heard Yunlan praising him, no matter how small. Not like he will ever tell Zhao Yunlan that. He’s already shameless as it is, telling him he actually don’t mind the over-compliment would just asking to dig his own grave as Zhao Yunlan would never stop doing that in front of other people.
Little did he know, his face is easy to read –at least for Zhao Yunlan –and Yunlan knew he’s happy of his compliment, that’s why he is doing it in the first place. It’s also funny seeing the reaction of gullible Shen Wei. That’s a secret, of course!
“Eat the vegetables too, not just the main dishes. Your eating habit is a mess, how are you going to keep your health like that” Scold Shen Wei softy, while filling Yunlan’s bowl with some side dishes with his chopsticks. It’s not like Yunlan having a hard time eating veggies, he actually could eat anything offered. Shen Wei’s food is always tasty too; but sometimes Yunlan can be quite picky and not including veggies on his diet.
“Aaww, you care so much for your hubby’s health,” tease Yunlan while eating what Shen Wei gave him.
“Of course, you have to have a healthy body and live long, so we could be together as long as we can”
Zhao Yunlan is speechless for a bit and he stops his hand from scooping another mouthful.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nah, nothing. Of course, you’re right. We need to live long. Long enough,” Replied Yunlan at last, and continues his eating. Not everyday Shen Wei could said such romantic and embarrassing line like that. He didn’t have the heart to tease Shen Wei. Not when he said it softly but full of passion and care. Continuing his eating, Yunlan glances a little to see Shen Wei is blushing, you can see it from his ears and cheeks a little. He tries to hide his embarrassment by fixing his glasses.
How cute , Yunlan thinks, and smirks a little
Not long, they finished their breakfast and Shen Wei is stacking the dishes to wash. “You have classes this morning, right?” Ask Yunlan. “No, my classes schedule today is exchanged with mini field trip, and the professor in charge is not me. My classes is not until noon. But i do have some faculty meeting i have to attend before that” Said Shen Wei while washing the dishes. Yunlan always tells him to just put it into the dishwasher, but Shen Wei explains in detail how he thinks that manual washing is way cleaner and that he didn’t believe machine that much to do a good work. At least Shen Wei is compromising by drying the plate on the dishwasher –Of course with Zhao Yunlan’s persistence.
“Okay then, i’ll wash up. You get ready and let’s go together” Then Yunlan rushes to the bathroom inside their bedroom. Not long, they’re ready to go to work. About 20 minutes after he said this, both of them are ready to go out. Now, Shen Wei is way formal and neat than Shen Wei a couple of minute ago. He is in what you call a spot-less professor attire. Now covering his shirt is a same colored grey suit with his trousers. His air is neatly combed, and he is wearing his usual round glasses.
Zhao Yunlan, being Zhao Yunlan, wearing loose white t-shirt, light blue jeans that’s ripped in some places, and his usual light brown boots. his navy green jacket is folded on his hand. “You don’t wear your jacket?” ask Shen Wei, kinda bothered Yunlan didn’t try to cover up his ski–body more
“almost summer, too hot to wear jacket” Yunlan shrugged.
“Let’s find some clothes for summer on our next shopping trip. Something less…” Shen Wei didn’t continue his words, eyebrows frowning and he fixes his glasses.
“Aha, is our professor jealous of people looking at me? Don’t mind them. I only have interest on you,” said, Yunlan teasingly.
That’s not the problem..
“Well i don’t mind we going out to buy clothes. How about this? you choose mine, i choose yours? haha.. i’ll definitely choose a good one for you, my professor” tease Yunlan again
“Let’s just go..” Said Shen Wei, feeling helpless.
Not long after, on Yunlan’s car, they arrived on campus. 9.45 a.m. Shen Wei got off the car.
“Drive carefully, See you later” remind Shen Wei, even though the SID’s office is only 5 minute away.
“ Ciao, i’ll pick you up” he puts two finger on the side of his forehead and wave it.
“I’ll just walk to your office” Zhao Yunlan ponders a little, and then nods. having Shen Wei ‘pick him up’ is not bad, too.
“...And don’t forget to wear your jacket!” Add Shen Wei, as Yunlan speeds up the car. Yunlan just waves his hand outside the window. After that, Shen Wei walks towards his office, ready to join that faculty meeting full of unimportant bickering of old professor and campus administrator...
-
Not even 10 minutes later, Zhao Yunlan arrives on SID’s office. He parks his car and casually walk inside and nods to Old Li who’s sweeping the front porch. Around this time, usually all SID’s morning shift members already clocks in, except there’s a call at night and they haven’t came back from the case, or is allowed to go home and rest. But it’s rare the last couple months, so there should be everyone at the office.
Yunlan walks in and scan the office quickly. He sees Zhu Hong’s face plastered to her monitor. Must be chasing sale deals on online shop again. Lao Chu’s the same, must be tampering with stock market. He just sees Guo Changcheng comes out of the library and is coming down. He sees the Chief, and gives an energetic “Good Morning, Chief!”. Yunlan always amazed how Xiao Guo never fails to energetically greet him. Nowadays he’s not stuttering while saying it, too.
Hearing Xiao Guo, Zhu Hong says “You’re here, Old Man” as Yunlan walks closer to their tables. Lao Chu just lift his head, looking Yunlan in the eyes and nod a little, back to his PC again. Yunlan already get used to his subordinate impoliteness he didn’t say anything. Furthermore, his heart is light because of Shen Wei this morning, and don’t want to ruin it.
He hears some cluttering noise from the canteen, must be Da Qing wrecking the kitchen in search of food, making more work for Old Li. Da Qing technically lives with Yunlan and Shen Wei, but sometimes he can’t handle ‘their annoying and disgustingly romantic love life’ that he chose to sleepover on other places, or sometimes sleep on SID’s office. He also did that when it’s just him and Yunlan before, but it’s because Yunlan usually drink till morning that he didn’t feed Da Qing so he has to fend for himself, or when Yunlan is so grumpy he can’t take it. Last night he also didn’t sleep on their house, hence he’s already at SID.
“Where’s the fake monk?” referring to Lin Jing. “...said something about some girl, dunno” Zhu Hong says as she shrugged her shoulder, trying to remember Lin Jing’s text he sent her. Zhao Yunlan looks at his wristwatch, “.... 15 minutes, no follow up, remind me to hold off his bonus till next month. I’ll be on the attic. Call me if there’s something.” Said Yunlan, heading to his favorite place.
-
It has been about four months after their epic battle with Ghost Face and the restoration of The Great Seal. After going through the chaos of recruiting floods of people who wants to join, SID has finally calmed down. Now, every employee had gotten used to their new office on University Street No.9, just one street away from Dragon City University. Of course, everyone made no comment how Zhao Yunlan basically use his connection and kind-of-manipulative-and-persuasive skill, and government money to get them to build a brand new office –even though their old ones are just fine– for the sake of wooing and getting close to his crush. He didn't even think of the hassle of moving offices abruptly, not considering his colleague living area (why should he? he bought a house near the office, obviously) and other important thing.
Well at least his attempts are successful, now that his crush is officially his boyfriend (You can hear Zhao Yunlan shouts "He's My Wife!" from the attic). And they technically and literally save the world, not that anyone can argue or protest after that. At least the office is way bigger and nicer (again, the old ones is also good), and everyone got their own personal place to do what they wanted to do. Which, Zhao Yunlan monopolize the garden with his vegetables, and the attic for himself. Oh, and Shen Wei. Lin Jing has been whispering about how it's basically the Chief and the Professor's love nest. One of this days he's just asking to get his bonus cut, till it became negative and his bonus is just postponed. Not like everyone sympathize with him, he deserves it.
After the long and tiring, and kind of tangled in accident recruitment process, they settled for two new recruits, both has physical bodies – just a side note – one's a boy and the other's a girl. They'll be officially recruited as a trainee in a month. But, that's a story for later.
Though the situation have calmed down these past couple months after the battle, doesn’t mean SID’s work is over. For starters, if there’s no more work, all of SID’s member would be pretty much jobless. The reincarnation cycle has been restored, the ghost tribe had been granted a soul and is now living in hell, under the jurisdiction of the underworld. It’s pretty much peaceful, but that doesn’t mean there’s no problem. There’s still fairies, and not that human cannot cause trouble. Even if the hallows is used to uphold the pillar, that doesn’t mean there are no other thing that has powers. There’s still humans, spirits, and fairies that’s in trouble, or, causing trouble. And then there’s the fact of newly (re)formed ghost tribe, That’s just getting used to life in hell. There’s still those that strays to the surface and could cause problems. For such cases, SID is still needed.
Zhao Yunlan is just about to doze off on his sofa in the attic, when Zhu Hong goes up and said “Chief, we have situation. It’s from Lin Jing”. Yunlan opens his eyes immediately, and sits up. Grumbling a little, he waste no time to go down to the office. “Better be something..”
Going down, he could see Xiao Guo is receiving a call, while Chu Shuzhi is already standing, across Guo’s desk.
“What’s wrong with Lin Jing?” Zhao Yunlan ask Zhu Hong. “He called just now. About the girl that he said earlier… he bumps her when he’s in a station, about to go here. He said that the girl’s eyes is blank like she didn’t see the surrounding. When he tries to talk to her, she suddenly convulses and shake rigorously, as if possessed. before Lin Jing could determine if it’s the work of a spirit, she stops her shaking and back to her sense again, forgetting everything. After talking to some locals there, turns out it’s a common occurance lately. After making sure the girl’s safe, he said he’ll try to find more info but there’s definitely something fishy about that” explains Zhu Hong quickly.
“You said station, before? where exactly is he? just where the he is he before that?”
“North part of the city, a bit further. He said on the rural town there”
“The hell is he up to now.. that useless monk” Just as yunlan pinching his forehead,
“Chief, there’s a call for a case! I.. It’s from the ministry”
“Rrrggh.. what is it?”
“Th.. they said it’s the fairies, they’ve confirmed it. It’s a group of teenage fairies that’s just recently gained little power, and is causing trouble on the town near the place of their cultivation”
“Ugh, Firsties-syndrome. Have just finished their early cultivation and thinks they are the strongest” Mur murs Zhu Hong mockingly. Yunlan made no comment.
“Fine, then. We have two cases. Mysterious possibly spirit-attack on the edge of the city, and snobby teenagers who thinks they own the world. Any volunteers?” right now they stand face to face making a circle. All three of his subordinates just stares him, not in good way. Not like one is better than the other.
“Okay then. Zhu, you go with Lao Chu to teach those brats a lesson. Maybe you two’s stare is enough to shut them up. Seeing who’s in charge is faster in cases like this. I’ll go with Guo and see what Lin Jing’s up to.” all three nods.
“They’re ‘teenage’ fairies, yeah. But they’re older than you, you know” Said Zhu Hong, while she and the others prepares before taking off.
“Older or not, those who makes trouble like that are brats to me” Said Yunlan, not caring. From the start, he’s not that polite.
“Going somewhere? looks like today is busy?” Da Qing suddenly pops up and jumps onto the table.
“Have some bratty fairies to beat to sense” Answers Chu without looking at Da Qing.
“Oh yeah? May i come? I like teaching brats a lesson~” sad Da Qing mischievously, he stretch, opening his mouth, showing his fangs and his claws. Sadly for him, he just looks like a fat cat who just woke up, stretches his body and yawning.
“Yeah right. You’ll just be a laughing stock. Just stay here and watch the office, answer if there’s a call, say we’re out” says yunlan, patting Da Qing on the had and ruffles it.
“I’m sorry? just so you know, i’m one of the oldest fairy cultivator alive, also the close companion of one and only almighty Lord Kunlun. I’m a Godly cat, you lowly human being! And how the hell you expect me to answer a phone?” Da Qing hisses.
“Use your godly cat power then. Now, scramble, guys!” Yunlan wears his sunglasses and twirling his car keys with his finger, heading outside. the other follows. Shuzhi and Zhu Hong uses SID’s car, they’re heading to their respective destination.
Da Qing snorts, now heading back to the canteen to make more mess.
-
A little before 9 p.m, Zhao Yunlan arrives on SID’s office. He parks the car and got off, followed with Guo and Jing. As he walk towards the entrance, he saw the office’s car, driven by Zhu Hong arrives. Chu Shuzhi got off, his face is dark, he mumbles something and walks inside with big steps, not even looking at Zhao Yunlan. The Chief frown, and ask “Why the hell does he looks like he wants to murder someone but can’t?” Zhu Hong walk past him, also sour faced “I would kill them myself if i could” Says Zhu Hong, then quickly goes inside.
“Hey, you’re not the only one who had the rough day! don’t you give me your angry look. Hey, you - Fucking..- Rrrrgghh..” Yunlan repressed his anger, also walks inside. Guo and Jing trails behind him, their face looks tired. Well at least it’s very visible on Lin Jing. Guo is so cheerful that even though he’s tired, you can’t really see it.
By Now, the one who’s at the front door is Old Wu, who works on night shift. As they walk in, they’re greeted by Wang Zheng and Sang Zan.
They have some couches on the main hall, besides their office quarters. It’s the place to discuss things and prepare or relax before and after their missions. Chu immediately throws himself onto the couch, a little bit slouching. Zhu Hong sits across him. Zhao Yunlan did the same as Xushi, facing Zhu and Chu from the other side. Lin Jing sits beside Zhu Hong, and Guo besides Lao Chu. He seems a little bit nervous seeing Lao Chu like that, but sometimes he peeks to his side. Seems like he is worried.
“The hell happened with you two?” ask Yunlan opening their short briefing. After everyone’s already explains a bit about their mission, he plans to send them home. The formal report can wait for tomorrow.
“We get there like you ask. The brats is not even the problem..” With Guo beside him, seems like Chu has calmed down a bit.
“What does that mean?”
“Well.. as Chu said, the brats are not the problem. When we get there, we bumps with some ministry dogs” Zhu explains. Looks like she’s so pissed she doesn’t even filter her words
“We don’t really care about them. After some useless formalities, we know the situation and start to search for the trouble making fairies and put a stop to them. But those useless ministry fools insist to follow us because they needed to see how exactly SID handles the cases. Not like we care. After some times we caught one of the fairies and we manage to get them to gather up, after we set some… examples. But it escalate after the troublemaker calls someone. Turns out besides the brats, there are some stray cultivator taking a base there, and have been making trouble for quite some times. They didn’t fear the name of SID, and then, uh.. we show them who’s the boss to them”
Chu smirks evilly as Zhu Hong explains, remembering what they did that afternoon.
“Not long after, we manage to tie them all up, calling some representative of each fairy clan and we hand it to them. Said they will be punished accordingly. But the problem is… rrgh, i don’t even wanna talk about it. The ministry dogs say craps about how we should handle this situation more calm and not being reckless. Hell, do they even know how this works?! So.. Uhh, Chu kinda snaps and attack those ministry guys. And i think they may file a report to the higher up”
“Don’t say it like you’ve done nothing. You did worse, the guy’s piss on his pants” Said Chu.
“Well well.. i see now. No worries, i’ll probably do the same if i was there. I’ll talk to the higher up. But why would they feel like they need to watch us..” Yunlan ponders, after understanding their situation.
“Must be because of the last incident. They would think all of us should be monitored properly, it could be a problem if the same thing happens” Da Qing suddenly jumps onto the table, wagging his tails and showing off his big fat body. The incident refers to their big battle with Ghost Face.
“Now you show up… the hell have you been?”
As Yunlan ask, Shen Wei and Old Li shows up with trays full of food, setting it down the table. “Good work everyone, you’ve all work hard” says Shen Wei, Smiling and looking at everybody one by one.
“Professor! You made all of these?” All of the guy is quite surprised, yet is very happy and drooling looking at all the food on the table.
“Old Li and Da Qing helps. Help yourself” Answer Shen Wei, still smiling.
As soon as the professor said that, all of the guys quickly munch down the food. Lin Jing didn’t look as tired, in fact he’s full of energy now. Zhu and Chu finally relax and also enjoys the food. Guo is smiling, filling his plate with food.
“Babe! you’re here? i thought i told you to go home first” Yunlan is surprised.
“I think that you guys are having a lot of work, when you said you’ll go home at night. I’m free anyway, so i figured i’ll help a little”
“It’s not a little professor! Thank You So Much” says Guo Energetically.
“It’s been a while since you cook for us, it’s tasty as always!”
“Thanks Professor!”
“You’re the best, Professor!” The other remarks.
Shen Wei sits beside Yunlan, as he starts eating too. “How’s your work today?” He ask Yunlan.
“No biggie. It is tiring though. Apparently there’s an ancient gourd made by ancestor monk at some temple that holds some spirits. Probably a method of exorcising back in the day. Turns out the seal got loose and some spirits got out. Took a lot of time to gather them all, before handing it to Hell Guards”
“Must be a lot of work. Eat lots, after that, rest” Said Shen Wei softly. Yunlan just nod, as he munch down Shen Wei’s delicious food.
“Hah! Puny mortals. Just a little work like that and you’ve complain” Da Qing says as he munch down food he steals from the other’s plate
“Like you do any work!” Zhu Hong hiss, throwing some food to annoy Da Qing.
“You think i’m useless like you? i work too you know! i work hard today”
“It’s true, Da Qing works hard today” Shen Wei shield him.
“Oh yeah? what did you do?” Now Yunlan is intrigued.
“I…. i did work! i help citizen!” somehow Da Qing is nervous.
“There’s a spirit of an Old Woman asking for help. She had lingering affection and can’t pass on. So Da Qing helps her finishing her business” Shen Wei explains.
Zhao Yunlan turns to Shen Wei “How did you know so much?”
Shen Wei hesitates a little before answering “I arrived here at afternoon. The Spirit came on the evening. I.. help a little. After we’re finished i ask the hell guard to take her” He intends to help Da Qing, who knew he actually step on landmines.
“What Godly powers, you got help by the professor” Lin Jing Snickers.
Da Qing just hisses.
“What’s the Old Lady unfinished business?” Ask Guo, he seems concerned.
“When she’s alive, she seems to take care of a lot of stray kittens. Now dead, there’s no one to take care of them. So we went there, and after giving them some food, Da Qing… Uh.. tell them that the Old Lady is dead and they have to be independent from now on”
As Shen Wei finished talking, all of them laugh out loud.
“Ahahahah, so you’re having conversation with those cat? What’s so godly about that?” Right now all of them is just laughing at Da Qing. He hisses, clawing everybody before jumping to Shen Wei who consoles him, after he apologize.
After having a hearty meal, they’re ready to go home.
“Da Qing, why don’t you come home today? I’ll make a warm milk for you” Shen Wei offers Da Qing. Seems like he’s still a bit guilty from before.
Da Qing’s eyeing Shen Wei, before jumping to his arm. Shen Wei carries him gently. “Stop bothering my wife, you fat cat! Get away from him!” Yunlan snarls. Da Qing grumble, and then jumps and settles on Yunlan’s shoulder. “Hmph..”
“Okay then, go back to your nest, all of you! i expect a written report tomorrow on my desk. Wang Zheng, Sang Zan, i’ll leave it to you guys then”
Wang and Sang sees all of them to the door, nod to their chief’s order. And then all of SID’s day shift member scramble and going to their respective home. Zhao Yunlan, Da Qing and Shen Wei head towards their car, also ready to go home. “I’ll drive” says Shen Wei. Yunlan ponders, and then smiles. He throws the car keys to Shen Wei “Here. Take me home, babe”. Yunlan prefers to care for Shen Wei rather than being taken care of, except when they’re home. But he knew Shen Wei likes to, as much as he is. So he let’s him sometimes.
And so, two people and a cat heads back to their house, not far from the office.