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Chapter Text

The morning sun filtered through the cracks of Puqi Shrine, casting a soft glow over the humble space. A gentle breeze rustled the worn curtains, stirring the scent of fresh morning dew and something vaguely sweet—perhaps the lingering aroma of last night’s offerings. Inside, all was quiet, save for the soft murmurs of conversation and the distant chirping of birds.

Hua Cheng had always been a light sleeper when it came to Xie Lian. Even the subtlest shift in his gege’s breathing was enough to have him stirring from sleep, but after days of handling matters in Ghost City, exhaustion had taken its toll. He had barely slept two hours before the warm space beside him grew cold. It wasn’t until a particularly absent touch—Xie Lian’s usual half-conscious habit of reaching for him in the middle of the night—failed to come that Hua Cheng finally stirred.

Still half-asleep, he stretched, slipping out of the bedroom with a yawn. His bare feet padded across the floor as he murmured, “Gege, you know you don’t have to leave the bed. You can sleep in sometimes—”

And then he stopped.

There, in the middle of Puqi Shrine, a man stood behind Xie Lian, his hands expertly weaving through his highness’s silky black hair. He was tall, not quite as tall as Hua Cheng, but still slightly taller than Xie Lian. His snow-white hair was neatly tied in a tight ponytail, and his face—Hua Cheng felt a twitch in his left eye—was handsome. Not in the ethereal way of the heavenly realm’s most beautiful gods, nor in the deadly, striking manner of Ghost King Hua Cheng, but in a quiet, solid way that made Hua Cheng irrationally annoyed. More importantly, the man was far too close. Unacceptably close.

Hua Cheng’s vision darkened. His fingers twitched at his side, barely restraining the urge to pull out E-ming from its sheath.

“Gege,” Hua Cheng said, his voice even, but his insides coiling with something that suspiciously felt like jealousy. “Who is that behind you?”

Xie Lian, as always, remained blissfully, infuriatingly unbothered. “Oh! San Lang, you’re awake?” he said, glancing back with a cheerful smile. “Did you sleep well?”

Hua Cheng did not, in fact, sleep well, but that was not the point. “Who. Is. That.”

The man had been quiet all this time, focused solely on his work, but now he sighed softly and, without missing a beat, said in a gentle voice, “Your Highness, sit still.”

Hua Cheng nearly saw red.

Sit still?!

Sit still?!

Xie Lian, ever oblivious, simply laughed. “What are you saying, San Lang?”

Hua Cheng clenched his jaw. His fingers curled into tight fists as he forced himself to keep his voice steady. “Gege, you shouldn’t let random people get this close to you. Don’t you know that by now?”

There was an unmistakable edge to his tone, sharper than usual, but when he spoke to Xie Lian, his voice, against all odds, still softened.

Xie Lian blinked, tilting his head slightly, as if confused. Then, realization dawned, and his smile brightened. “Oh! That’s right! You’ve never seen him in this form before!”

Form?

Hua Cheng’s unease deepened, but before he could demand an explanation, Xie Lian turned back to the man and said casually, “San Lang, this is RuoYe.”

Silence.

Hua Cheng stared.

Even E-ming’s single eye widened in disbelief.

The handsome man, still quiet and composed, gave Hua Cheng a curt bow before resuming his work, gathering Xie Lian’s hair with a practiced ease that suggested years—centuries—of familiarity.

Hua Cheng, the Supreme Ghost King who had crushed enemies and cities alike, who had made gods tremble and demons kneel, could only manage a single, utterly stunned, “You’re telling me t-t-that man is RuoYe?!”

His voice cracked.

He could already hear the teasing in his own mind—if Feng Xin or Mu Qing ever got wind of this, they would never let Hua Cheng live it down.

RuoYe—Xie Lian’s ever-present, ever-loyal, ever-clinging silk weapon—was a man?

A man this whole time?

A man who had spent centuries wrapped intimately around Xie Lian’s body?

Hua Cheng felt faint.

He had practically stalked Xie Lian for eight hundred years. Eight hundred! And yet he never knew?!

Xie Lian, still oblivious, nodded. “Mhm! RuoYe always converts to this form to help me out when I need it. It’s nothing special.”

Nothing special.

Nothing special, he says.

Hua Cheng inhaled sharply. His lips parted, and he had a thousand things to say, but nothing came out. He had never, in all his years, been this close to losing his mind.

RuoYe was quiet now, no longer speaking, but that only made it worse. Because that meant this wasn’t new—this was normal. That meant Xie Lian had been perfectly fine with this arrangement, perfectly fine with letting RuoYe touch him, hold him, tie himself around him. And Hua Cheng had never even known!

E-ming vibrated at his side, shaking slightly as though it too had just experienced an existential crisis. Hua Cheng was already plotting. He needed to find a way to destroy RuoYe. Everything else could wait.

Before Hua Cheng could properly react, RuoYe suddenly straightened, placing a final pin in Xie Lian’s hair. Then, in the same infuriatingly composed manner, he said, “I’ll go run a hot bath.”

Hua Cheng froze.

A what?

A what?!

A bath?

So not only did this man—this silk—do Xie Lian’s hair, but he also bathed him?!

Hua Cheng felt the last shreds of his composure snap like the threads of a frayed ribbon.

“Wait!” he barked, stepping forward. “This is the first time we’re seeing RuoYe in this form. We should spend more time with him.”

Xie Lian blinked. “Oh? That’s a good idea! I haven’t properly introduced you two yet.”

That was not the reason at all.

Hua Cheng grit his teeth, smiling sharply. “Yes. A wonderful idea.”

As RuoYe left for the bath, dread pooled in Hua Cheng’s stomach.

They showered together too?!

This was ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.

His highness truly needed to reevaluate his standards for personal space!

And more importantly, Hua Cheng had just found a new nemesis.

Silk. Sentient, overprotective, and infuriatingly handsome silk.

What a nightmare.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng watched with unblinking intensity as RuoYe disappeared into the back to run a bath. His fingers twitched at his side, aching to summon E-ming. The urge to challenge this infuriating silk—this shameless interloper—to a duel was becoming unbearable. But Xie Lian, dear, oblivious Xie Lian, simply hummed and patted his hair, completely unbothered.

Hua Cheng exhaled sharply, forcing himself to relax.

No, he was not going to challenge RuoYe to a duel.

Not yet.

He had to be strategic about this.

Xie Lian turned back to him, tilting his head slightly. "San Lang? You look a little… tense."

Tense?

Tense?!

Hua Cheng took a deep breath and plastered on a charming smile. "Gege, if you need someone to do your hair, I can do it. You don’t have to bother RuoYe."

Xie Lian blinked at him before chuckling. "San Lang, it’s no bother at all. RuoYe likes doing things for me. He always has."

That sentence alone sent Hua Cheng into another crisis.

He always has?

Of course, he has. He was wrapped around Xie Lian’s body almost all the time. Clinging to him. Protecting him. Touching him. Bathing him—

Hua Cheng cleared his throat.

No, no, no. He could not go down that path again.

He leaned against the doorway and crossed his arms, casual in posture but not in thought. "Gege, I need a bath too. Let’s just go together."

Xie Lian, entirely unphased, smiled. "Alright!"

Hua Cheng’s shoulders sagged in relief—

—until he heard a quiet voice from the back. "I’ll prepare a fresh set of clothes."

RuoYe.

Hua Cheng’s left eye twitched.

This conniving strip of fabric! Was there nothing he wouldn’t do?!

His mind spun through options. Maybe he should just keep RuoYe in a box until Xie Lian needed him. He could arrange a custom-built, heavily enchanted, triple-locked box. No, a vault. A vault buried deep within Ghost City. He would make sure RuoYe never wrapped himself around Xie Lian again—

"San Lang?"

Hua Cheng snapped out of his murderous plotting and turned to Xie Lian, who was watching him curiously. "Are you sure you're alright? Your expression keeps changing."

"I'm fine, Gege," Hua Cheng said smoothly, taking his husband’s hand. "Let’s go."

With that, they made their way to the hot springs, and Hua Cheng thought, finally, a moment of peace.

He was wrong.

Because when they arrived, RuoYe was already there.

And, even worse—he was sitting next to Xie Lian.

Too close.

Far, far too close.

Hua Cheng felt his entire soul exit his body.

Xie Lian, of course, was entirely at ease. "Ah, San Lang, come sit! RuoYe was just telling me about some of the times he had to patch me up before my second ascension."

Hua Cheng sat down on Xie Lian’s other side, purposefully shifting closer until their shoulders touched. He shot RuoYe a tight-lipped smile. "Oh? Do tell."

RuoYe met his gaze with the serene calm of a thousand-year-old guardian. "It’s nothing. Just that His Highness has always been reckless, and I was often the only one around to take care of him."

Hua Cheng’s smile twitched. "How fortunate."

Xie Lian, unaware of the battle of wills taking place, chuckled. "RuoYe really is reliable! There were times when I was too weak to even stand, but RuoYe would always be there. He’s been with me longer than anyone else."

Hua Cheng’s grip on the edge of the stone tub tightened. He could feel E-ming vibrating behind him, ready to unsheath itself and end this once and for all. But no, he had to stay composed.

Just as he was about to say something, Hua Cheng saw an opportunity.

"RuoYe," he said, voice as smooth as silk (unlike his current enemy). "Can you fetch some soap for His Highness?"

RuoYe inclined his head slightly and, without a word, left the hot spring.

Hua Cheng exhaled, triumphant. Finally, a moment alone—

But before he could even turn to bask in Xie Lian’s attention, RuoYe returned. Instantly.

With soap.

Hua Cheng barely held back a groan.

RuoYe set the soap down next to Xie Lian before kneeling slightly behind him. "Your Highness, shall I scrub your back?"

Hua Cheng almost choked on his own breath.

Xie Lian, of course, had absolutely no idea how ridiculous this situation was and, to Hua Cheng’s growing horror, actually smiled and said, "Ah, that would be nice! Oh, I can do yours after, too."

Hua Cheng’s eye twitched so violently, he almost worried it might fall out of its socket.

Xie Lian.

Was offering.

To scrub RuoYe’s back.

Absolutely not.

In the moment of his internal breakdown, E-ming suddenly flung itself across the bath, its blade flashing dangerously in the steam-filled air—

It nearly stabbed RuoYe’s face, missing by a mere hair.

Silence.

Xie Lian gasped. "Ah! E-ming!"

Hua Cheng, ever quick on his feet, immediately stood and grabbed the cursed blade, pressing it against his chest. "Oh no, E-ming must be affected by all this heat! Poor thing isn’t feeling well. We should go before anything else happens!"

Xie Lian’s lips parted slightly in confusion. Since when did Hua Cheng coddle E-ming like this? Normally, the second the blade acted up, Hua Cheng would smack it back into place, toss it over his shoulder like an unruly child, or glare at it until it behaved. But now, he was holding it close, stroking the hilt like a doting parent? Xie Lian narrowed his eyes slightly, glancing at Hua Cheng’s overly innocent expression. Something about this was suspicious.

Still, his worry for E-ming won over. "Oh dear, is E-ming unwell? We should take him somewhere cool!"

"Yes, yes! Excellent idea, Gege! Let’s go!" Hua Cheng said, ushering Xie Lian out of the hot spring before RuoYe could utter another single, infuriating word.

Hua Cheng shot RuoYe one last look over his shoulder, a silent warning.

This wasn’t over.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng had been through many tribulations in his life. He had clawed his way back from the depths of despair, fought through centuries of hardship, and ascended as the most feared Ghost King in existence.

And yet, nothing—absolutely nothing—could have prepared him for this.

Because no matter what he did, no matter how many times he tried, RuoYe simply refused to be removed from his life.

After the hot spring fiasco, Hua Cheng had ensured that RuoYe was neatly tucked away into a drawer, double-checking with the careful precision of a man setting a deadly trap. Then, he had firmly shut it and finally—finally—allowed himself to relax.

And yet, not an hour later, the very same piece of silk was standing at the entrance of Paradise Manor, waiting for them as if nothing had ever happened.

Hua Cheng nearly walked straight into a pillar.

Xie Lian, of course, had no such reaction. Instead, his face lit up. "Ah, RuoYe, you’re here!"

Hua Cheng barely resisted the urge to drag Xie Lian right back into the study and lock the doors.

But he was a patient man. A composed man. He would not let this… this fabric unravel him.

He inhaled deeply and spoke, his voice smooth as silk (unlike his enemy). "Gege, how about we go out for dinner?"

Xie Lian turned to him in surprise. "Oh? That’s a great idea! We haven’t eaten out in a while."

"Exactly." Hua Cheng nodded. "Just the two of us."

And then, because fate hated him, Xie Lian said, "Oh, right! You did say you wanted to spend more time with RuoYe. Why don’t we bring him along?"

Hua Cheng’s smile twitched.

Oh. Oh, he did, did he? He cursed himself instantly. Why did I ever say that?! A mistake. A grave, grave mistake. If he could go back in time and kick himself in the shin before those words left his mouth, he would.

His grip on E-Ming tightened.

"Of course. As Gege wishes," he said, his voice still smooth, but something sinister simmered beneath it.

Fine.

If RuoYe wasn’t going to leave on his own, Hua Cheng would take matters into his own hands.

But he had to be smart about this.

…

Ghost City was alive with energy as always, the streets bustling with merchants peddling their wares, entertainers performing on corners, and the usual chaotic charm of an underworld metropolis in full swing.

"Ah, Chengzhu has arrived!"

"Granduncle!"

Xie Lian sighed in amusement. "I still don’t understand this title."

"Because they respect you," Hua Cheng replied smoothly, though a few ghosts in the background could be heard muttering about how the title had been given after Xie Lian once scolded half the city about manners and hygiene.

They continued walking, and as Xie Lian became momentarily distracted by a vendor selling what appeared to be cursed good-luck charms (only Ghost City), Hua Cheng seized his opportunity.

He subtly turned his head and whispered under his breath.

It was a single word, a soft command, but the ghosts of Ghost City understood immediately.

Like an invisible ripple through the crowd, the message spread. Whispers exchanged. Figures shifted. And suddenly—

RuoYe was pulled into a sea of people, vanishing completely out of sight.

Clean. Silent. Efficient.

Xie Lian turned around a second later. "Oh? Where did RuoYe go?"

Hua Cheng placed a hand over his heart, expression calm. "He must have gone to grab something."

Xie Lian hummed, puzzled, but Hua Cheng smoothly looped an arm around his waist and steered him forward. "No need to wait. Let’s go before the best places get too crowded."

Internally, Hua Cheng rejoiced at his success. A perfectly executed maneuver. A flawless elimination. A battle won without drawing a single blade. He could practically hear the victory bells ringing in his head.

…

The "Authentic Mortal Food Restaurant" was one of the few places in Ghost City that catered to Xie Lian’s tastes—specifically, food that wouldn’t send a mortal (or heavenly official) into spiritual shock.

"Chengzhu!" The owner, a burly ghost with an apron covered in flour, grinned as they entered. "And Granduncle! What an honor! The usual table?"

"Yes, thank you," Hua Cheng said, leading Xie Lian to a private corner. He settled into his seat, exhaling in satisfaction.

Finally.

Peace.

It lasted exactly three minutes.

…

"Your Highness!"

Hua Cheng froze mid-sip of his drink.

No.

No, that wasn’t possible.

Slowly, he turned his head.

There. Standing at the entrance of the restaurant, completely unharmed, completely unbothered, was RuoYe.

Xie Lian immediately brightened. "RuoYe! There you are! We were looking for you!"

No, we weren’t, Hua Cheng thought bitterly.

RuoYe, as composed as ever, stepped forward, holding something in his hands.

"I brought some fruit."

And there it was. The moment his entire evening went straight to hell.

Hua Cheng could only stare as RuoYe presented a plate of fresh, glistening strawberries. Xie Lian gasped, eyes lighting up as if the heavens themselves had personally blessed him.

"Ah! Strawberries! My favorite!"

Hua Cheng’s soul physically left his body.

Not only had RuoYe somehow escaped a ghost-led abduction, but he had also returned with Xie Lian’s favorite fruit?! Had he bribed them? Hypnotized them? Threatened them?! 

Also where on Earth did he find strawberries from in Ghost City?! The closest things they sold in the stalls was seeded tongues but these looked like they were just picked from a field in the ripest season!

But before Hua Cheng could even begin plotting his next move, Xie Lian, in his pure, kindhearted obliviousness, picked up a small wooden fork, speared a strawberry, and—

"Here, RuoYe, you try some too."

The world slowed.

Hua Cheng saw his future flash before his eyes. A cold, dark existence where he spent eternity as the third wheel in his own marriage.

Before RuoYe could so much as blink, Hua Cheng’s hand shot out. With the speed of a warrior honed through centuries, he intercepted.

With a painfully forced smile, he plucked the fork from Xie Lian’s fingers and, with all the grace of a man barely holding himself together, shoved the strawberry directly into RuoYe’s mouth.

"I want to be close to the people Gege is close to," he said, all teeth.

RuoYe, chewing slowly, remained unshaken.

Xie Lian, however, clapped his hands together. "San Lang, that’s so thoughtful of you!"

Hua Cheng wanted to launch RuoYe into the sun.

RuoYe swallowed the fruit, nodded slightly, and said, "Thank you, Chengzhu."

Hua Cheng swore he saw the faintest hint of amusement in those otherwise blank eyes.

This war was far from over.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng was seething.

The meal was over, but the real battle had only begun. RuoYe, still standing beside Xie Lian like a silent, unmovable guardian, had managed to escape Hua Cheng’s perfect plan and somehow make himself look even more competent in front of Xie Lian.

Hua Cheng kept a perfectly neutral expression as they left the restaurant, but internally, he was plotting. He wasn’t going to make the same mistake again.

Not this time.

They strolled through the streets of Ghost City, Xie Lian happily chatting about how nice it was to spend time with both of them, completely oblivious to the tense war happening right beside him. Hua Cheng remained close to Xie Lian’s side, ensuring there was no room for RuoYe to walk in between them.

RuoYe, for once, remained quiet, walking just a step behind.

Hua Cheng should have been satisfied with this. He wasn’t.

…

Just as they were about to reach the bridge leading to Paradise Manor, a disaster occurred.

A particularly overenthusiastic ghost child, running at full speed while being chased by a vendor ("Get back here, you little brat! You stole from me again!"), barreled straight toward them.

Hua Cheng, who saw it coming miles away, was already moving—

But he wasn’t fast enough.

Because in a single swift movement, RuoYe stepped in, wrapped an arm securely around Xie Lian’s waist, and pulled him effortlessly out of harm’s way.

The ghost child, completely unaware of the catastrophe he had nearly caused, tripped over himself, rolled a few times, then hopped back up and kept running while the vendor continued his pursuit, cursing loudly.

Hua Cheng froze, his hand mid-motion where he had just been about to pull Xie Lian back.

He had been so close.

But instead, Xie Lian was now comfortably nestled in RuoYe’s arms.

Hua Cheng’s eye twitched. His hands twitched. His soul left his body.

The surrounding ghosts, who had stopped to witness the incident, erupted into applause.

"What a swift save!"

"Truly a great protector!"

"Chengzhu, you’re lucky to have such a reliable one watching over Granduncle!"

Hua Cheng wanted to die. Again.

Xie Lian, meanwhile, blinked up at RuoYe in surprise before laughing lightly. "That was quick thinking, RuoYe. Thank you."

Hua Cheng had never felt so humiliated.

That was his job.

He was Xie Lian’s husband. The one who had promised to always protect him, who was supposed to be by his side through everything, who Xie Lian should have instinctively turned to for safety.

And yet here he was. Losing to a ribbon.

"Gege," Hua Cheng said smoothly, despite the fact that his entire being was screaming, "Are you alright? That ghost child nearly knocked you over."

Xie Lian nodded, still smiling. "I’m fine, thanks to RuoYe."

Hua Cheng inhaled. Exhaled.

He was going to obliterate that strip of fabric if it was the last thing he did.

…

They arrived back at Paradise Manor, and Hua Cheng was still reeling.

The entire way back, Xie Lian had been chatting with RuoYe, who, while mostly silent, had been far too comfortable existing beside Xie Lian without a care in the world.

And the ghosts—his own ghosts—had cheered for RuoYe’s heroic actions as they passed.

Unbelievable.

Still, Hua Cheng was not one to give up easily. There was still time to turn this night around.

As they stepped inside, RuoYe moved with the same quiet efficiency he always did, already preparing Xie Lian’s night robes.

Hua Cheng saw his chance.

The moment RuoYe reached for the outer robe, Hua Cheng smoothly stepped in.

"Let me," he said, voice perfectly level as he took hold of the fabric before RuoYe could.

Xie Lian blinked at him in mild surprise but smiled. "Thank you, San Lang."

Victory.

Hua Cheng took his time unfastening the robe, moving with careful precision, making sure RuoYe understood exactly what was happening here.

Mine.

Once Xie Lian was ready, RuoYe, ever composed, quietly moved toward the bedside drawer and neatly folded himself back into silk form, tucking himself away nearby.

Hua Cheng finally exhaled.

Finally, peace.

Or so he thought.

…

As he settled into bed beside Xie Lian, the exhaustion of the day finally hit him all at once. The stress of fighting off RuoYe, the pure mental anguish of losing to a sentient piece of fabric, the absurdity of his own ghosts cheering for his competition—it had all added up.

And now, lying beside Xie Lian, feeling the warmth of his presence, the tension started to melt away.

Xie Lian, however, was watching him curiously.

"San Lang?"

Hua Cheng hummed, too tired to do much else.

Xie Lian reached up and gently brushed a strand of hair from his face. "You’ve been acting a bit off today."

Hua Cheng immediately snapped out of his sleepiness, composing himself. "I don’t know what Gege means."

Xie Lian smiled knowingly. "San Lang. You know you can tell me anything, right? If something is bothering you, Gege will do his best to make San Lang feel better."

Hua Cheng froze.

He was not going to admit that he had spent the entire day seething with jealousy over a silk ribbon.

He was not going to admit that he had tried—and failed—multiple times to get rid of RuoYe.

And he was definitely not going to admit that the worst part of it all was that RuoYe had been there in ways Hua Cheng hadn’t—openly, undeniably present. Hua Cheng had always been by Xie Lian’s side, watching, waiting, protecting from the shadows. But RuoYe had the privilege of being seen, of being trusted in a way Hua Cheng had once only dreamed of.

So instead, he sighed and gave Xie Lian a small, fond smile. "Ah, Gege. You always know what to say. What am I going to do with you?"

Xie Lian laughed softly, clearly still not entirely convinced, but satisfied enough with the answer. "Goodnight, San Lang."

"Goodnight, Gege."

As soon as his head hit the pillow, Hua Cheng immediately passed out. Between the exhaustion of Ghost City work, the lack of proper sleep from the night before, and the sheer emotional turmoil of dealing with RuoYe, he was out like a light.

He had never slept so deeply.

…

Which was why he didn’t notice when, hours later, Xie Lian was no longer curled up beside him.

Instead, he awoke groggily to the sound of quiet shuffling, blinking sleepily as he turned his head—

Only to see Xie Lian resting on someone else’s lap.

Hua Cheng immediately sat up, eyes sharp. "Gege—"

Xie Lian was fast asleep, his expression peaceful, but his eyes red-rimmed and light streaks of tears dried on his face.

And sitting beside him, fingers gently running through his hair, was RuoYe.

RuoYe looked up and, for the first time that night, spoke first.

"He had a nightmare."

Hua Cheng had never bolted awake so fast in his entire existence.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng had never moved so fast in his life.

One moment, he was deep in the best sleep he’d had in days, comfortably curled up beside Xie Lian. The next, he was bolting upright, wide awake, eyes locking onto the sight in front of him.

Xie Lian, nestled against someone else.

More specifically, against RuoYe.

Hua Cheng’s mind went completely blank.

Xie Lian’s body was curled up, his face tucked against RuoYe’s chest, his fingers gripping the fabric of his robes like a lifeline. His breathing was steady now, but his lashes were damp, his eyes rimmed red even in sleep.

A nightmare. Again.

Hua Cheng hadn’t been living with Xie Lian for long, but he knew about them. The first time it had happened, Xie Lian had woken with a small, embarrassed laugh, brushing it off as just an old habit, claiming he was fine. But Hua Cheng had seen the way his hands shook slightly, the way he rubbed at his eyes as if trying to erase memories that refused to fade.

Most of the time, Hua Cheng had been able to wake up with him, to pull him into his arms and hold him until he was steady again. But this time, he hadn’t even noticed.

He mentally smacked himself. How could he have slept through it?

"It's alright. I got him this time."

Hua Cheng’s head snapped up.

RuoYe had spoken so softly that for a moment, it barely registered. His hand moved steadily, running through Xie Lian’s hair with the same ease as someone who had done it for a thousand lifetimes.

Hua Cheng’s eye twitched.

"You—"

Before he could finish, RuoYe glanced at him, meeting his gaze without hesitation. "You know," he said, his voice quiet, even, "I have to say… I’m really thankful that Ā Lián has you now."

Hua Cheng froze.

That was not what he had been expecting.

RuoYe’s eyes remained on Xie Lian, unreadable yet steady. "For so long, he was alone. He never said it, but I knew." His fingers continued to comb gently through Xie Lian’s hair. "Even when he smiled, even when he laughed, there was always something missing."

Hua Cheng’s grip on the sheets tightened slightly.

"I stayed with him because someone had to. Someone had to make sure he didn’t get hurt. That he didn’t go too long without eating. That he didn’t work himself to the point of collapse because no one was there to stop him." RuoYe exhaled softly. "But even then, I could only do so much. I was there, but I couldn’t change anything."

He glanced at Hua Cheng now, something softer in his gaze. "But then, you came."

Hua Cheng said nothing. He only watched as RuoYe continued.

"Now, he doesn’t forget to eat. He doesn’t run himself into the ground because he knows you’ll remind him. He doesn’t let others take advantage of his kindness because you don’t let them." His voice was steady, but there was an unspoken weight in his words. "Before, he had nightmares every time he slept. Now, it’s only once in a while."

Hua Cheng clenched his jaw.

Of course, he had noticed the changes in Xie Lian, but hearing them said aloud by someone who had been there—who had watched over him for so long—made something heavy settle in his chest.

RuoYe turned his gaze back down to Xie Lian, still sound asleep. "He’s happier now than he’s been in a long, long time. And that’s because of you."

Hua Cheng didn’t know what to say to that.

For the first time since this entire ridiculous war between them had started, he didn’t feel the usual urge to glare at RuoYe or find a way to exorcise him into the nearest abyss.

Instead, he found himself asking, quietly, "Who are you?"

RuoYe was silent for a long moment before speaking. "I don’t know if I can be called a person. Not really." He adjusted Xie Lian slightly, careful not to wake him. "When His Highness’s parents hung themselves, their will, their last thoughts, were absorbed into the silk. I don’t know if that was what created me, or if I was always meant to be something else. But when I became, I only knew one thing."

He looked at Hua Cheng again, voice unwavering. "I had to protect him. No matter what. No matter how. I had to keep him safe."

Hua Cheng exhaled slowly, taking it all in.

A being created from grief, from desperation, yet born with a singular, unwavering purpose—to protect Xie Lian, even when no one else could.

He understood that feeling.

For a long moment, they sat in silence.

Then, Hua Cheng shifted closer, finally reaching out to carefully pry Xie Lian from RuoYe’s grasp. The silk let go without resistance, watching as Hua Cheng settled Xie Lian against his own chest, arms securing him in a hold that was both instinctual and possessive.

RuoYe didn’t protest. He only gave a small nod before standing, taking a step back.

Hua Cheng pressed a soft kiss to Xie Lian’s forehead, his fingers running gently through his hair.

RuoYe watched for a moment before quietly murmuring, "Thank you. For loving him."

Hua Cheng scoffed lightly, though there was no real bite to it. "Of course, I love him. There’s no one else in this world I’d rather give my life for."

RuoYe only nodded, as if that was the answer he had expected all along.

For a few more beats, they simply stayed like that, Hua Cheng holding Xie Lian close, RuoYe standing silently nearby. A quiet understanding passing between them.

And then Hua Cheng exhaled, glancing at the other man with narrowed eyes. “I guess I won’t burry you in the depths of ghost city where nobody can find your soul, this time. Still,” he muttered, "no more clinging."

RuoYe tilted his head slightly, unsure of what to say about the first part. "No more clinging?"

Hua Cheng’s expression darkened. "No more clinging. No more back scrubbing. And definitely no more dramatic rescues in front of my subordinates."

RuoYe, for the first time, looked almost amused. "I can’t promise that last one."

Hua Cheng scowled. "I knew it."

A flicker of something almost like laughter crossed RuoYe’s face before he stepped back toward the drawer, quietly shifting back into silk and neatly folding himself away.

Hua Cheng finally relaxed, tightening his arms around Xie Lian before letting out a slow sigh.

At least he wouldn’t have to wrestle him off tonight.

"San Lang…?" Xie Lian mumbled sleepily, shifting slightly.

Hua Cheng immediately softened. "I’m here, Gege. Go back to sleep."

Xie Lian made a small, pleased noise, snuggling closer. "Mmm… ‘kay…"

Hua Cheng smiled, closing his eye as he let himself drift off, too.

It had been a very long day.