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oddishblossom · 2 years

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Thanks for answering my ask......if you don't mind me asking (again), can I ask your top 3 favorite characters from SVSSS? And your top 5 (or top 3) favorite moments from the novel? Sorry if you've answered this question before....Thanks....

Hi again! You just activated my brain rot, I’m literally obsessed with scum villain right now lol. It’s so hard to narrow it down to three characters so here’s my favorite six instead ☺️

6. Gongyi Xiao (my boy!!! he has so little screen time but for the time that he did show up, i was rooting for sqq to run away with him lol)

5. Sha Hualing (my favorite evil henchman omg. i love her character design so much. she may not have a lot to do but she’s beautiful and i adore her)

4. Liu Mingyan (she is soooo pretty. every time she’s on screen i’m like wow airplane really knew what he was doing when he created her. plus her hobby is hilarious! she’s living her best life and earning that cash money <3)

3. Liu Qingge (king of comedy over here! he’s such a good guy and super loyal and the powerful war lord of bai zhan but i think the guy’s so hilarious, too! i love his intense hatred of lbh lol. when asked where lbh is, without even hesitating lgq’s like “he’s dead” and then he gets yelled at by nyy and qi qingqi 🤣)

2. Ning Yingying (best girl!!! i literally love her! i know she started out as just a silly girl who’s always accidentally making trouble for those around her and destined to be lbh’s first wife, but i love how she grows out of that shadow and every time she stomps on mf’s foot or gets into a fight for shizun or talks back to lqg and lbh i’m so proud of her!)

1. Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu (yes i’m cheating. but i love these codependent losers. i’m always switching between who’s my favorite character so i’m going to say both of them are. they are a set do not separate ❤️)

If you’d like to read about my favorite scenes click the read more :)

Unlike mdzs (which I’ve read 3 times and know scenes by heart) I’ve only read svsss once. I binge read it while the donghua was still airing and I’m slowly re-reading it right now. So it took a second for me to rank my favorite scenes. There were so many I wanted to include!! Like the scene where shen qingqiu kept trying to cover luo binghe with blankets but the man refused to stay hidden. Or the bing-ge vs bing-mei extra. Or the scene where luo binghe “only has enough money for two rooms” and shen qingqiu takes one room for himself and makes lbh share with liu qingge. But anyway, here’s my favorites.

5. The one where Shen Qingqiu gives his life for Luo Binghe after nearly qi deviating (Chapter 43). It took me a long time to root for bingqiu. But after the abyss, and seeing how sqq mourned for lbh, I was slowly starting to see these two in a different light. And when sqq gives his life to save lbh’s, I cried like a baby. That scene of lbh on the ground, surrounded by enemies, cradling his dead shizun in his arms as he cries and begs for forgiveness broke me. I was like that’s it! I don’t care if they’re “not healthy for each other,” I want them to be together! And then I was fully rooting for these two.

4. The scene where Yue Qingyuan reveals his backstory after he nearly dies on Maigu Ridge. This scene is very small but I had to include it. I’m a big fan of tragic irony, so when yqy reveals to sqq that the reason he doesn’t draw his sword is because it draws from his lifespan and it caused him to qi deviate all those years ago and this was the reason he was late to saving him, I was so heartbroken. Because here yqy is, learning the hard way that his impatience was a bad thing, and he’s finally telling his xiao jiu the truth but he is too late and his xiao jiu is gone. There is only sqq. We see this scene from sqq’s point of view and we get to hear the system’s hollow words ring out, congratulating him on his achievements, as a man is dying in his arms. The system’s presence alone reminds us that he is not xiao jiu. I felt so bad for yqy and that he never got closure with xiao jiu and because of that dreaded system, he will never learn that his xiao jiu is actually gone 🥺💔

3. The scene when Luo Binghe proposed to Shen Qingqiu. I have never been more fond of lbh than in this scene where he’s thinking about proposing to sqq and he becomes a total klutz! Spacing out in the middle of a conversation, tripping over thresholds, stuttering over his words. The way he trips and when sqq goes over to help him, he grabs his hand and asks if he’ll marry him. “Will you become family with me?” 😭❤️❤️❤️

2. The scene that takes place after Shen Qingqiu is tortured by the original LBH and looks into the original SQQ’s memories. The quiet moment he shares with Luo Binghe in the bamboo house. This was such a fascinating scene to me. Even though sqq refuses to think about how he feels for lbh, I think this was a moment he realized that he is not as indifferent to lbh as he says he is. He begs the original lbh not to stop hurting him, but to not hurt him while wearing that face. He sees the original sqq make lbh cry and even though it’s just a memory that he cannot touch, sqq tries to wipe lbh’s tears, hold him close, and tell him that he will never hurt him. It was clear as daylight to me that no matter what sqq said he loves lbh so much. And when he wakes up from such horrid visions and the real lbh asks him if he missed him, he nods his head. And lbh is so overwhelmed and kisses his eyelids and “your eyelashes are so long” and “you are the roundworm in my stomach” I literally CANNOT with this scene. How my dumb sqq didn’t realize he was in love astounds me.

1. The scene where Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu talk on Maigu Ridge and afterward. These two… are so bad at talking to each other. And I completely get it! Like, the system’s awful rules aside (preventing sqq from telling lbh why he hurt him in the abyss), there’s this mental image they have of each other that they can’t seem to get rid of. Sqq denying his own feelings and seeing lbh as either the heterosexual protagonist or his disciple who he will make decisions for. Lbh charging forward with his feelings and seeing sqq as both the cold, stoic peak lord he’s afraid of and the one person he loves who showed him kindness. There’s this disconnect. And shortly before the disaster on Maigu Ridge, sqq realizes that things would never have gotten so out of hand if he had just listened to lbh and talked to him. So once these two reach their literal worst point and sqq brings lbh’s consciousness back, they finally talk to each other as the world is collapsing around them. Sqq even returns the jade necklace he had kept hidden from lbh all those years ago. And when sqq is about to sacrifice himself (again) to save the world from xin mo’s destruction, he tries to get lbh to leave so that only one of them has to die. And that’s the thing: It is a good thing, sacrificing yourself so that the one that you love will live. It would’ve been healthier if lbh weren’t so codependent on sqq that he cannot live without him. But these two are always pushing aside each other’s wishes, not listening to what the other one wants. What lbh wants is to stay with sqq. And this time, sqq listens to lbh’s wishes and holds him tight. Afterward, when sqq wakes up in his home, he immediately asks about lbh and searches for him, wanting to follow him. He’s finally letting go of fear and chasing after what he wants, instead of what he feels he needs to do. And idk man. There’s something so nice about how they choose to stay by each other, even though they’ve gone through so much.

#lucy answers #asks #svsss #svsss spoilers #svsss meta #thanks for the ask!#does this count as meta?#i really went off about bingqiu in the read more #also #this was the perfect excuse to finally make some gifs for this series

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delicioussshame · 3 years

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I remembered this fic only a few days ago. Sorry. Have the second part.

At least he wrote to Luo Binghe before his little stunt.

He hangs onto this small bright spot like a lifeline as he stares at his phone, back in his apartment. Once his disciple has read the message Shen Yuan sent, he’ll understand that his shizun was just pretending to be a bitch. He’ll probably find it in his heart to forgive the humiliation, especially since Shen Yuan will be suffering from it way more than Tianlang-Jun’s fucking son ever will.

If his parents found out he befriended one of China’s richest moguls’ heir, they might ease up on the forced partying, but alas. He won’t tell them. That would ruin his whole schtick.

Never mind that! How the hell is Luo Binghe’s Tianlang-Jun’s son! That was very much not included in the backstory he was given by him! Single mother, poor upbringing, tiny village! Not uber-rich daddy just waiting for him to join him in the big city, woo just as rich women and inherit his endless conglomerate! Tianlang-Jun wasn’t even known to have children! Or a wife! Luo Binghe kept him in the dark! Or he outright lied to him!

Okay, so maybe Shen Yuan did not tell Luo Binghe he also was a scion of the rich and famous of Beijing. They had shared precious little about their personal lives. There had been too many novels to discuss. Luo Binghe must surely have been just as surprised as Shen Yuan himself.

Shen Yuan holds his phone, typing and deleting another message to Luo Binghe. He doesn’t know how to apologise for the frankly abysmal way he’d treated him.

Just as he’s deleting another string of characters, his phone beeps. Shizun remembers our date tomorrow, right?

…So Luo Binghe isn’t angry, right? He’s not, right? He wouldn’t call it a date if he only wanted to break Shen Yuan’s face with his mighty fists, would he?

(Okay, he’s not sure why Luo Binghe is calling it a date anyway, but whatever.)

I do.

Good! I can’t wait to see him!

…Maybe Binghe has an identical twin brother. That would explain everything.

It makes at least as much sense as Luo Binghe being a pure white lotus and a fan of online literature, while also being a rich playboy standing to inherit one of the country’s biggest conglomerates.

…He’ll find out soon enough. See you tomorrow then.

Just to be on the safe side, he’ll stop by a nice bakery before they meet.

_________________

It is possible it’s the fifth time Shen Yuan checks his watch.

It is also possible his nerves got the better of him and made him arrive forty-five minutes early. Sue him.

“Shizun!”

If their relationship is going to continue, he needs to put a stop to this appellation. It’s terrible for both their image.

Shen Yuan turns toward the call, and almost flinches away from the force of his disciple’s radiance. There’s no way this Binghe, cheeks flushed from having rushed over and wide smile on his face, is anything like the lady-killer Shen Yuan crossed the other day.

Identical twins. Shen Yuan is calling it.

“Shizun must forgive me for the other night! If I had known he would be there, I would have warned him!”

For fuck’s sake what the hell is happening. “Binghe doesn’t need to apologise! If anything, I was the one whose conduct was horrid. I should be the one apologising!” He shoves the pretty pastel paper bag in Binghe’s chest “Here, pastries! You like those, right? Take it as a gesture of good will and repentance. And everything we do today is on me.” Not that Luo Binghe needs his money. If anything, he’s probably richer than Shen Yuan’s whole family combined.

Binghe peeks into the bag and thanks him before setting it aside, obviously uninterested for now. “From what I gathered, I suspect we were using similar strategies, since what I’ve heard about you cannot possibly be true. There must be more to this.”

Shen Yuan can imagine what the people he has systematically alienated for years must have told him, and feel dread pooling in his stomach. “What did they say.”

Luo Binghe waves it away. “Nothing important. I don’t believe a word of it. I know Shizun better than they ever will, I’m sure of it.”

Well, okay. Shen Yuan will definitely take it. “How about you, then? Binghe was…” terrifyingly seductive, “another person yesterday.”

“My father’s idea. He said that if I were to integrate his world, it was his duty as a father to make sure I’m not eaten alive. I took acting lessons.”

Acting lessons! Seriously? “And have you considered making that your profession?” Because with that persona, Luo Binghe would become China’s number one heartthrob seconds following his first apparition on a small, or big, screen.

“I’m going to take it as a compliment, especially from you. Your performance was quite notable. It gave me chills.”

Yeah, chills born out of awkwardness. “I’m nothing compared to him. Just to be certain: Binghe pretends to be a smooth socialite to fit in, right?”

Luo Binghe nods.

“How do you stand it? I could never manage to pretend that I appreciate Xiao Gongzhu or Sha Hualing. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that their diet is mainly composed of human flesh, with a preference for young men.”

“Surely Shizun is exaggerating? They were nothing but nice to me.”

“With your looks and your status, of course they were.”

“If that was what they were after, wouldn’t they get along with Shizun just fine? He’s also got both those things.”

Shen Yuan tries not to let his befuddlement appears on his face. “I have status, but not anywhere near as high as yours? That’s all that matters to those girls. If he tried to prepare you, your father must have warned you about people like them.” He’s not even going to abase himself by addressing the looks issue. They both have eyes. Only one of them looks like he could grace the cover of Vogue China, and it sure isn’t Shen Yuan.

“He did warn me of enterprising women in general, before going on a tangent about enterprising women who are too independent to agree to marriage and instead run away to give birth in lost villages without informing their partner, which I have gathered must be about my birth mother. It’s nothing I couldn’t have thought of myself. Anyway, Shizun shouldn’t worry. I have no plans to choose either of them as a partner.”

Shen Yuan lets out a relieved sigh. “Good. Binghe deserves better. He should look for someone he cares for to share his life with.” It’s not like he’ll need their money.

“That’s what I’m doing.”

Already? He didn’t even start class yet. “Good for you. I’m wishing you luck.”

“Thank you, but I will make my own luck.” With a lack of shame Shen Yuan can only envy, Luo Binghe grabs his hand and drags him toward the nearby street. “Let’s go! There is so much to see here! We can’t afford to waste time!”

Shen Yuan smiles, charmed by Luo Binghe’s childish enthusiasm. “Let’s.”

________________________

Shen Yuan returns to his apartment with a peace of mind only one who has buried his terrible mistake down deep in the ground can attain. He explained to Luo Binghe why he acts as he acts, and Luo Binghe accepted it. Luo Binghe explained to him the same, and it made sense to Shen Yuan. They had spent the whole day wandering around the city, eating delicious food and visiting anything that attracted Luo Binghe’s varied interests.

Had Shen Yuan expected to spend an hour comparing cooking utensils? Why, no, he hadn’t. Was it boring? Miraculously, no. Was it worth it, considering he ended up getting invited over to dinner? If the pastries Luo Binghe had made him before were an indication of his general abilities in the kitchen, Shen Yuan would have easily spent three more hours in that shop, listening to Binghe rave about the selection he could have never gotten in his tiny village that was apparently so remote that even ordering online wasn’t always possible, for such an invite.

Reality, sadly, is eager to unbury the mistake he had just set aside.

It does so via an email bearing his mother’s address, reminding him that his presence to Qin Wanyue’s birthday party was very much expected.

Shen Yuan is going to have to prepare his most cutting insults and, fuck, have to double down on ruining Luo Binghe’s reputation, isn’t he? He can’t admit his error. It would leave him open to attacks. He can only act even worse, treating Luo Binghe as if the revelation of his true parentage did not improve his status in Shen Yuan’s eyes.

Fuuuuck. How is he going to manage being meaner than he previously was to such a gentle soul? If Binghe looked hurt for even a second, Shen Yuan’s years of masquerade would burn down in an instant as he exploded in apologies.

He needs a plan.

“Shizun?”

“Binghe! Sorry to bother you so soon after I left, but do you have a minute? It’s important.”

“Shizun could never be a bother. What is he calling about?”

“Are you invited to Qin Wanyue’s party?”

“Yes. So is Shizun? It’s good that we’ll see each other again so soon!”

“No it’s not! I can’t be nice to you! I’m sorry, but you’ll thank me later. I just wanted Binghe to know that I don’t mean anything I tell him. He can’t take it to heart, okay? That’s just something that needs to be done.

“About that, I had an idea. It’ll be fun!”

Shen Yuan blinks. How could anything related to polite society be fun? He’s convinced that if fun and formal parties ever happened in the same space, a singularity would form and swallow the place whole.

And nothing of value would be lost. “What is Binghe’s idea?”

“We’re both acting, aren’t we? How about we flesh out our characters…”

________________________

Face impassive but heart beating so fast it’s about to jump out of his chest, Shen Yuan steps into the perfectly arranged garden party.

Whispers instantly rise. Smothered but mocking laughter can be heard. Eyes rove over him, anticipating the explosion they feel coming.

Luckily for them, they’re about to get their money’s worth.

Shen Yuan, as is his habitude, settles down somewhere unoccupied and pulls out his phone, trying to forget Binghe’s impending arrival within the pages of a terrible novel he usually loves to rage at. Very good source of inspiration for his current demeanor.

“Oh, it’s you. You dared to show your face here. I can’t believe your gall.”

Shen Yuan doesn’t look up. Xiao Gongzhu doesn’t deserve his attention.

Until she tries to slap him. “So arrogant! I’ll teach you your place!”

Her hand is caught by Luo Binghe, his long fingers curling around her wrist in a way that looks more caress than impediment. “A beautiful lady like you shouldn’t waste your time on the likes of him.”

Shen Yuan lifts his eyes from his phone and gives Luo Binghe his most disdainful glare. “I’d ask you to keep your pet on its leash, but if anyone here is a beast, it must be you, bastard.”

The silence around them is complete.

Tianlang-Jun had never been married. He wasn’t even known to maintain a mistress or two.

The family resemblance wasn’t striking, but present enough that Luo Binghe being an adopted child was unlikely.

Ergo, Luo Binghe is an illegitimate child, probably only brought into the family when the existence of legitimate heirs became unlikely. What a scandal, really.

No one had dared bring this up yet, but if anything would, it would be that asshole Shen Yuan, wouldn’t it?

Luo Binghe’s eyes focus on him, righteous anger on his face. “At least someone wants me. From what I understand, it’s never been your case, was it?”

Shen Yuan shoves his phone in his pocket with a swift gesture conveying fury. “Who would want someone here to want there? Each one more worthless than the other. You’ve really found your place, haven’t you?”

“If this world is so unpleasant to you, how about you leave and never come back? I assure you no one would miss you.” Luo Binghe turns toward the captivated audience. “Would you?”

Again, muffled laughter and cruel eyes, but few open responses. Too dangerous, really. Even if it didn’t compare to Tianlang-Jun’s empire, the Shen family was far from powerless.

Luo Binghe continues as if nothing had happened. “No one to defend you, I see. You didn’t give me a chance to demonstrate it, but I’m usually a kind man. If you had been able to control your nature for a few minutes, we might have become close, you and I. You’ve got so much more experience navigating these troubled seas. I would have welcomed the lessons.” Luo Binghe shakes his head in exaggerated sorrow. “Alas, it wasn’t to be. You have chosen otherwise, so by all means, let’s travel the road you’ve picked, shall we? For all that you’ve called me beast, you’re the raging dog chained to a post, unable to join in no matter how much he rages.” Luo Binghe waves at the air invitingly.” Go on, rage uselessly. It certainly is of no concern to me.”

“Can a head as empty as yours even be concerned with anything? Nothing you’ve said have proved otherwise. As for that taunt you tried to wield against me, I’m afraid I’m going to have to disappoint you. I have no interest in responding to you in any way. In fact,” Shen Yuan pulls his phone out of his pocket and goes back to his book, “you’re already wasted too much of my time. Go have fun with your equals. I’m sure they’ll soothe your fragile ego, in-between throwing daggers at your back.”

Shen Yuan stubbornly refuses to react to Luo Binghe’s sightly disbelieving laughter, or to the insults thrown to his face by others. He just lets Luo Binghe shake his head again, as if appalled, and guide his cronies away from Shen Yuan, leaving him in blessed peace.

Just as planned.

________________________

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was how one of Beijing’s elite most infamous rivalry was born.

As far as said elite knew.

#The Scum Villain Self Serving System #Scum Villain #BingQiu #the AU where SY and LBH are both online friends and fellow socialites #I hope to finish this in one or two other parts #because I cannot let this one drag on #LBH pov next maybe

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phoenixtakaramono · 3 years

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The Untold Tale - Ch4 Preview I

This was the second time they’d held hands. Fingers threaded together, palms touching. A significant amount of information could be communicated in the simple act of taking someone’s hand—the shape and texture of it, the roughness or softness of the life they’d led, and the strength or fragility of their grip. Luo Binghe would remember the feeling of that pale hand gripping his tightly for the rest of his life.

The mist billowed under Luo Binghe the moment he was allowed entry into the dream realm of the divine. Instantly, he was besieged with the feeling of falling into a frozen lake. The cold was a shock through his body, forcing his hand to convulsively clamp down.

Foolish, Luo Binghe berated himself. Instead of a composed and dignified air, he’d just shown his weak side.

To have been finally welcomed inside the dream realm of a celestial being meant this version of his shizun had thought highly of Luo Binghe and his constitution.

Shen Yuan halted midstride. Concern was written upon those white brows upon seeing his reaction.

Luo Binghe forced an amiable smile as he pretended to be oblivious, masking any sign of his discomfort. The sensation of pins-and-needles assailing him wasn’t something he couldn’t tolerate, but it was unpleasant. Except for their one point of contact, no part had been spared. His gaze lingered on the long scholarly fingers wrapped trustingly around his, before sweeping a glance over their new surroundings.

He felt like he’d stepped into a world composed of silk screens. Ahead, the fine mist passing through the painted scenery shrouded the outline of the tall mountain range and forest. Even the walls of the buildings were composed of firm brushstrokes and soft ink wash.

Droplets of water splashed quietly from their strides as Shen Yuan guided him in the direction of whatever he’d wanted Luo Binghe to see. Like black ink that had been dipped into clear water, the transparent surface was beginning to darken with every tread Luo Binghe took.

He stared down at his feet. The sight of the ink and water swirling into one another as though they were made to be together gave rise to the tide of emotions which had been circulating within his mind.

In the newly fallen darkness, he could sense his companion had fallen into another state of deep contemplation. As the two men shared a companionable silence, Luo Binghe took a long, measuring look at the landscape—at the secrets hiding within the fog, behind the translucent silks.

The atmosphere was incomparably resplendent and harmonious, yet it painted an undeniable fact about his companion who had been secreted away from him. More knowledge could be gained of how such a revered existence perceived the outside world.

“...You’ve always had an unruly habit to roam and draw unnecessary attention to yourself!” An insidious and vicious whisper brushed against Luo Binghe’s mind like a wisp of smoke. “To think you’d chase him here on impulse!”

Hearing the litany of grievances, Luo Binghe hid the blade that was his smile. Unlike himself, he had no doubt that his senior might have been exorcised had he not taken refuge in him. However convincingly the Meng Mo conveyed his displeasure, his voice was weakened.

Earlier, Luo Binghe had gambled that on this fateful evening that the celestial fortuneteller would have no choice but to attend to his growing fatigue. His guard would be lowered and that was when the opportunity would present itself.

The practice of invading and manipulating a person’s dreams was nothing new. With his secret tutelage cultivating on the demonic path, beginning from Luo Binghe’s past as a mere Cang Qiong Mountain sect disciple, he had learned to infiltrate many minds.

Several had been his lovers—the first being his shījiě, accidental as it had been pulling his martial sister along with him—although the treatment his women received was far more considerate than the cruel methods he inflicted upon all those who opposed him.

With his enemies who were impervious to physical torture, few could claim immunity upon being confronted with their own inner demons.

With his lovers, he could skim their memory fragments and indulge any spring dreams either of them had fantasized about.

Because unlike the waking world, the dream realm was honest.

It was a glimpse into one’s truest state. The capability to doubt was stripped away. Memories could be spied on. Falsehoods were exposed. And no secrets could be kept from him.

Meng Mo’s withered voice interrupted his thoughts.

“You should be more prudent in choosing your words around him. The ways of those of the Heavenly Realm are mysterious—but they are proud and have always held contempt for our kind. Don’t be muddled in the head just because you believe he can replace the late Qing Jing Peak Lord…. His looks aren’t bad but to eat the tofu of the one who bears the farseeing, discerning eyes of the heavens….” A mocking edge had crept into Meng Mo’s tone. “You are shameless. This elder doesn’t know whether to be impressed or scold you for holding that ambition.”

Although his lips had thinned into a white line, Luo Binghe remained silent.

Water shaped its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flowed. Tonight, many of his initial plans had been waylaid. Although he couldn’t have predicted its trajectory, he wasn’t discontent with the final outcome. He’d gained information that would be invaluable to him—and he’d finally found his shizun.

There had been a quiescent anticipation in the night as Luo Binghe waited like a spider spinning its web, searching and reaching for the only mind of this residence who was of interest to him, until he’d finally sensed the faintest reverberation of the otherworldly and ephemeral—a presence that could only belong to him.

And he’d pulled.

As someone who used to humbly occupy the Mortal Realm, never in his imagination did Luo Binghe expect he could claim success to the achievement of accessing the dream realm of an immortal celestial being.

The rush of triumph had been dampened once, upon seeking Shen Yuan, Luo Binghe encountered a Qi-condensed barrier—a mental defense meant to repel demonic influences. Impenetrable even against the combined efforts of himself and his senior who had centuries worth of infiltration experience, no matter how much he’d concentrated—redirecting the violent and rough flow of his Qi into something more finessed—he was unable to cross the boundary to meet the precious person inside. Breaching it would require a much greater display of force.

Luo Binghe had been stuck at an impasse. He’d realized, unless he wished to cause Shen Yuan psychological pain, the barrier had to stay.

In hindsight, his action had indeed been too rash.

Time was immeasurable in the world of dreams, but with every moment that had passed without Shen Yuan revealing himself, the fear mounted. Perhaps Shen Yuan had predicted such an incident would occur and had taken precaution. The opportunity would have slipped through Luo Binghe’s fingers like water.

It was inevitable that they would be going their separate ways in the coming morning. And the last deep impression he’d leave behind would cast Luo Binghe in an extremely bad light, with Shen Yuan withdrawing back into seclusion and harboring a grudge for being taken advantage of.

All would be lost. Faced with the possibility of being abandoned, Luo Binghe had been inconsolable. The tension in the air around him had been so thick, it presented a heavy atmosphere in his own dream realm.

The giant boulder which weighed down his heart vanished when, with the keen senses of a cultivator, his five senses had detected a ripple in the fog.

From faraway, he’d been spellbound. He’d seen a sight resembling that from legend, with the unattainable moon that was Shen Yuan descending down from the stars which glistened like shards in the night.

He had chosen to come to Luo Binghe out of his own volition.

Another realization had struck Luo Binghe. Seeing the regal figure out of his immaculate finery—dressed down to his inner clothing and with his moonlit hair undone, without a headpiece in sight—was a rare and intimate sight. Aside from the servants who tended to their peerless master, no one else must have been bestowed such a gift.

It’d been fascinating observing how someone of the Heavenly Realm would interact within his world. Shen Yuan had assimilated quickly. Wandering aimlessly in an unfamiliar environment, his appearance reminded Luo Binghe of the purest white snow, high above and unreachable, the likes of which could not be tainted. His manner had been aloof and vague; such bearing was similar to what Luo Binghe expected for someone of high status. The only difference was that his attitude toward Luo Binghe had not been indifferent or uncaring. Courtesy had been given, even knowing who he was.

“...Xiōng dì.” A deep and steady voice trickled into Luo Binghe’s awareness, pulling him from his deep reflection.

An invigorating energy suddenly blanketed him. All discomfort fled, replaced with the refreshing coldness of a spring brook. Shen Yuan had fallen a step back so that they were now shoulder to shoulder.

Shen Yuan’s gaze was appraising as his breaths feathered the fur. “I had not expected you being here would be strenuous on you. Please take care of your body.” A hand went up to clasp him on the shoulder. “I think, for now, it’s better to stay close to me until you can stand on your own. You’ll be safer by my side.”

Luo Binghe inhaled sharply.

“Hoh. How considerate!” Dryness filtered into his thoughts. “Such goodwill. He must really have a good heart.”

Stay out of this, Luo Binghe rebuked. Scram!

He ducked his head. The hidden meaning of Shen Yuan’s words had not been lost on him. He simply hadn’t expected how protective Shen Yuan was of him.

In this lifetime, Luo Binghe would like to think he could recognize his shizun even if he turned into ashes—or took on a different appearance. Even the slow-witted were able to see that Shen Yuan was of different temperament, reminding Luo Binghe of the other “Shen Qingqiu” of the mirror world. This fortuneteller had a sincere and utterly honest personality.

This night was the first time they’d met, but it was undeniable that there was a flow to their conversations—as though they were not strangers but instead dear friends reuniting. It was like someone had peered into his heart and crafted him a person according to his desires. Being with Shen Yuan felt like the most natural thing in the world.

There was no such thing as a string of coincidences. Since they have finally encountered, it must have meant they were fated. Since fated, one must live up to the fate that the Heavens bestowed.

When his host had yet to retrieve his infatuated eyes, Meng Mo’s tone changed into that of a fussy steward coaxing his headstrong young lord. “Have you not wondered what he’s after? What his true intentions are? This fortuneteller’s character and actions have been truly mysterious. He seems to be an intelligent person. For him to offer his assistance to change your fate, he must have plans for you. We must figure out what they are.”

What do you know? Luo Binghe’s remark had been as cutting and swift as a blade. Don’t exaggerate. You know nothing.

“...You’ve finally gone insane.” A heavy sigh was heaved. “Don’t be so quick to dismiss my words as superfluous. His kind has no qualms destroying us both if your existence is implicated as a calamity-sized threat. ...But knowing your wicked temperament, listen to me very carefully: you’d best prepare to make sure his cooperation doesn’t deviate. If he is speaking the truth, you already have one meddling benefactor in your life.”

One hand curled into a fist at his side. Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī…. It took everything in Luo Binghe’s willpower to keep his expression from becoming unsightly.

It was a detestable name he vowed to never forget. While he was grateful to know now the one responsible behind his every misfortune, the mere suggestion of such an existence stoked the flames of resentment.

To a higher being who crafted this world, the realms were a pond. And Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī had caused too many ripples. To have planned everything in Luo Binghe’s life, that wily schemer must feel quite pleased with himself. He’d treated his creations—he’d treated Luo Binghe, his supposed “original masterpiece”—as helpless pawns of his mind games, not putting the sufferings of others in mind.

And why wouldn’t he? Such conceit was ordinary among those who occupied the realm of gods, immortals, and fairies.

Had Luo Binghe been raised under different circumstances, had his benefactor been more caring and had not made his life all the more difficult, had he not had to suffer the countless humiliations and injustices, his soft heart of the past would have felt moved to discover he had the backing of such a great and magnanimous patron behind him. He might have even expressed gratitude to such a “creator” for teaching him the lessons that could only be learnt through adversity!

Luo Binghe hid the spiteful sneer in his heart. If there was an altar dedicated to Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī, Luo Binghe most certainly would find a way to desecrate it. He felt no filial piety for such a callous being.

What reasonable person would appreciate their life being treated as a stage play? Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī’s favor was a terrible burden. He had placed Luo Binghe on a path of greatness that led to a cliff to his death.

Hearing his vicious thoughts, Meng Mo murmured, “Even so...the will of the heavens has always been enigmatic and impossible to predict. For two heavenly beings who wish to stake their claim on you...an immense honor has been bestowed. Be careful of how you act with this one; he must be testing you.”

Allowing the weight of his words to sink in, Luo Binghe gazed at Shen Yuan. Even though he had tacitly implied a falling out, there were signs of obvious estrangement between himself and Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī.

Himself being here must have presented Shen Yuan an irresistible impulse to take initiative. Had he not intervened, Luo Binghe would have blindly followed Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī’s design for him like a clay doll.

A thought suddenly occurred to him. Wouldn’t Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī be angered if his clay doll spurned him and had instead sought another benefactor? It was an alluring prospect. The advantages of having someone like Shen Yuan on his side far exceeded anything else. He was hidden like a song heard by the river. And he knew the way of all the heroes of the world.

...What does Senior think? Shizun has foretold this lord’s fated one to be an indispensable source of wisdom. Naturally, my future prospects are limitless if this astute person becomes tied to me. You’ve said the heavens were unforgiving against those of demonic blood, so would this not grant the greatest protection if they witness how this lord cherishes and protects one of their own? If such a revered existence becomes known as this lord’s closest person? Great heroes and wise scholars live freely without guile or contrivance.

A moment of silence passed.

Eventually, disbelieving laughter ghosted along Luo Binghe’s mind, as faint as autumn leaves rustling in the wind. “This elder has done well to have chosen you as my successor. You have a one-track mind that cannot even be reined in by eight horses!”

Luo Binghe hid the cold smile in his heart. He had not outright stated it, but he knew Meng Mo could read between the lines.

Since he had two benefactors wishing to stake their claim on him, then it was only fair if he staked his own claim over one of them. But to do that, he had to reach the pinnacle. Only then would he be in a position where he could not be crossed, and his image would be elevated in the eyes of others.

Resources must be consolidated. The more meritorious his achievements were, the more he could make a name for himself and demonstrate his capability as a leader. He had to expand his prestige and quickly spread his power; connections were needed.

He refused to die a dog’s death like how Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī had planned for him after his use had been expended.

Like how it had been when he’d been weak and defenseless, it was either Luo Binghe moved forward—or he’d die. With a handsome and refined match by his side guiding him, the Three Realms would be his.

“Have patience,” Meng Mo chastised. “You’ve only just met him. From now onwards, until you have determined which benefactor provides you the better benefits, it is better not to provoke either.”

There was a grain of truth to his advice. There were no good prospects if a dulled knife became sharpened. Likewise, as soon as one underestimated their prey, they were done for.

Luo Binghe couldn’t help recalling his past little by little. The Cang Qiong Mountain sect had opened its doors only once every few years to recruit new disciples. It didn’t feel too long ago when he’d been handpicked from the selection of people hoping to have the potential to develop a golden core. In his youthful ignorance, bearing a poor orphan’s hope to live a better life, Luo Binghe had not known the path to enlightenment would be treacherous. Many of his martial siblings, his masters, and his own shizun had exposed themselves to be snakes and scorpions.

They were as corrupt as the very evil they opposed, their injustices hidden behind the veneer of being virtuous and just.

The side of the righteous was filled with hypocrisy. To hold steadfast to the ethics of a disciplined cultivator was not enough. He had to be ruthless.

Just like then, there were all kinds of hidden talents and geniuses in the world. To be blessed by the grace of a celestial being—the very height of immortality—was unheard of. Preposterous, even. Yet he had managed to accomplish such a feat.

Had Meng Mo not claimed, because of Luo Binghe’s inheritance as a Heavenly Demon, that cultivating on the demonic path would allow him to grow by leaps and bounds? That he would stand above thousands? That the entirety of the Three Realms, of the heavens and the earth, would be swept away by his mere existence once the seal was lifted? He had a bright future, if he just reached out his hand and grasped those opportunities with an iron fist.

To have aspirations and goals was high and admirable.

A fine owl would perch on a fine tree; a good servant would serve a good master. As a worldly man, there was nothing wrong for him to pursue ambition. In this world, power was authority.

It had been preordained for him to climb into a position of power. Even Shen Yuan had said so himself, both in his reading and just moments prior. He would obtain it all in the end.

And even if it took him his entire lifetime, in one way or another Luo Binghe would ensure to repay his “gratitude” back to Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī for his consideration.

“Since you value loyalty and bonds...who knows, perhaps being chummy with this one might turn him into a loyal dog…. This senior looks forward to the day an emissary from the heavens comes to pay respects to the last bloodline of the Heavenly Demons.”

——————————

Notes: “Xiàng Tiān Dà Fēijī” is referring to Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky. Since this sneak peek is from the first draft, some details will be subject to change when the final draft is published on AO3. Since this chapter is mostly Bing gē simping for SY, to balance out the loveydovey majority, Meng Mo is, as the Chinese saying goes, “kicking up/ raising a stink” (at least in the beginning of this chapter).

Link to ch 1-3 on AO3 can be found in my profile!

#svsss #bingqiu #scumbag system #the scum villain's self saving system #bingyuan #luo binghe #luo bingge #the untold tale #celestial shen yuan #phoenixtakaramono #preview

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lansizhuis · 5 years

Note

If you're taking prompts could you please do 97. time travel with Bingqiu?

For therecord, Shen Qingqiu never trusted the System (which is ironic given hisparallel views back in 21st century with all that capitalismbullshit). He’d rather let Airplane continue writing Proud Immortal Demon Way withthe same pacing, plot, and themes as is than put his trust on the System –which, to be very clear, is something he’ll never do so it means that trustingthe System is also something he won’t do but only a million more times than theformer.

And so hewas understandably dubious when he heard the ding sound followed by【System activationsuccessful! New mission: Complete time travel event. Success Points to Earn:6969. Accept mission? Y/N】

Hisskepticism raised to a whole another peak when he chose the “No” option and hewas given a snide response of 【Choice incorrect.Choice incorrect. Choice incorrect. 】

Oi, don’tgive out an option when it’s not really an option!

【Choice picking took too long. The Systemchose for you. Yes has been selected. Thank you forpatronizing and good luck! 】

Honestly,fuck the System! And fuck Airplane-bro too because he’s sure this is partly hisfault as well.

In a flash, he found himself near a clearing of some forest. Sincethe System seemed to have quieted down for this mission, he trudged forwardwhere he was hearing a river. He isn’t certain as to what era he was thrown into,but the place was getting more familiar to him as he walked.

The moment he reached the end of the clearing, he mentally rolledhis eyes. Of course, he’d be sent to the river of Luo Binghe’s origin. Hah. TheSystem was getting way too predictable.

【Tsk.】

He blinked once, paused, and then thrice in rapid succession. Didthe System just click its tongue on him? However, before he can interrogate theSystem’s attitude – can’t believe it’s having one – he heard soft sobbingsounds. Holy shit. If his guess is right (and he knows it is, thank you verymuch for believing in his brain cells), then he already knows which time he wassent to (the past) and who owned those sobs (his husband).

Shen Qingqiu stayed behind the trees as he inched closer to wherethe sound was coming from. The thing is that even if he already knew who itwas, the sight of a very young Luo Binghe seated on the ground with a bushbehind his back trying to tone down his cries was more than enough to make himfeel a clench on his heart.

Unable to continue looking at the pitiful image of the child, hesettled down on the other side of the bush the other was on and coughed lightlyto announce his presence.

There was a small gasp and some rustling behind him. “Wh-who’sthere?”

“Who I am is unimportant. What’s important is,” ‘you’ he wantsto say but refrains, “why are you crying?”

“I wasn’t!”

Aiyo, this kid had his own brand of stubbornness. “Okay then, if yousay so.”

“I wasn’t crying,” Luo Binghe repeats.

Shen Qingqiu nods his head and realized that the other can’t seehim. “Would you like to share anything to a stranger then?” he asks instead. Therewas a considering pause from the child. Capitalizing on this, he continues, “Perhapsyou need to let some things out. If you continue keeping everything inside, itmight overflow and burst on the wrong people, on those you don’t mean to hurt…onyou.”

A hiccupping sob was heard.

And then –

“Mother just died.”

Ah shit. The timeline slipped his mind.

“And there is no one else. I wasn’t really hers but she stillwelcomed me, took me in, and gave me a home. She was my light,” another sob, “andshe was all I had; the only one to have loved me,” a choking sound, “and now Iam alone with no light and no home.”

Shen Qingqiu felt his heart being crushed and hammered to piecesas the young child wailed. No matter what time, what place, and what version ofLuo Binghe it was, his softness for him was something he can’t fully keep asecret. He made a move to stand up to properly comfort him.

But then the System blared its warning. 【Warning: No other contact is allowed for the time travel mission.Repeat warning: No other contact is allowed. Or 444 points will be lost andsucceeding missions will all be Level S for a month.】

First of all, fuck the System. Second, fucking fuckity fuck theSystem. Third and most importantly, fuck the System (in case it wasn’t clearenough).

Without even pausing to reconsider the warning given - he stood upfrom his position, ungracefully went over the bush (in his defense, he wasrushing), and before Luo Binghe can raise his head from where it was buried onhis hands (oh so small, tiny hands – the same ones that will dig through CangQiong Peak’s soil, the same ones that will later reach for him), ShenQingqiu gathered the child into his arms.

“One day in the near future, you will have someone.” I will be there he means to say. “One day, you’ll be welcomed, taken in, and given ahome.” The bamboo house will beyours as much as it is mine hewants to reveal. “One day, you will be given the brightest light.” I willgive you my core he thinks resolutely as their first unfortunatereunion came to mind. “One day, you will have someone and that person will loveyou in your entirety.”

I love you. I love you. I love you.

The small body trembled against him and desperate hands grippedhim tight.

“How do you know someone will be with me?” the young voice asks (pleads).

Shen Qingqiu inhales.

“Because he chose you first in a different world. Because he willchoose you again when he finally understands himself.” He plants a soft tender kisson the top of the child’s head. “Because every day he chooses you.”

(Later, Luo Binghe will see his shizun beside the river of hisorigins and bound up to him happily. Shen Qingqiu will meet his eye and anhonest, open smile will appear on his face as he stands up. They will meet eachother halfway and they will choose each other again.)

(Much, much later – “Cucumber-bro, it’s like you’re each other’spokemon.” “I will strangle you.”)

#scum villain #bingqiu #luo binghe #shen qingqiu #人渣反派自救系统 #small fics #quite timely for the manhua release?? haha #anon #answers

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ryukoishida · 5 years

Text

LiuShen Week 2019 | Day 4 | In which they share kisses in different situations.

Written for LiuShen Week 2019 @liushenweek

Day 4: Loved (Free Day)

Title: And the Reason is You Fandom: Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System Characters/Ships: LiuShen Rating: Slightly NSFW Summary: Three times Shen Qingqiu kissed Liu Qingge, and that one time Liu Qingge initiated the kiss. A/N: Holy shit. Am I writing again? I know, I’m shocked at myself too.

“Liu-shidi, I—”

There was a hint of strain in his usually calm, assured tone, as if he was using his last ounce of strength to hold himself back from reaching out to the man sitting so close to him.

His shivering fingers lightly wrapped around the back of the other man’s neck, and he pulled his head down, their breaths mingling for just a brief moment, hearts thundering and drowning out everything else.

Even when he was slightly under the influence of the venom, Shen Qingqiu still somehow managed to kiss him with such careful precision and control. The mesmerizing taste of his osmanthus-scented breath — a clear sign of him being poisoned — was overwhelmingly saccharine when he touched his lips gently against Liu Qingge’s, who could only widen his eyes at the unexpected turn of events.

Two hours ago, they had dragged their exhausted bodies back to the inn after exterminating a group of high-level flower demonesses who had enchanted and kidnapped the town’s young men in order to suck their vitality in aid of their cultivation.

It wasn’t a particularly difficult encounter they had in terms of an extermination mission, but the leader of those demonesses had been cunning, enough that Shen Qingqiu – who, at least according to a scoffing Liu Qingge, had been too easy on them as the lord of Qing Jing Peak had initially planned to extract the kidnapped victims in a more polished means without causing too much of a mess – had fallen into the demoness’s trap.

Neither of them was seriously injured in the end, but Shen Qingqiu inhaled some of the dangerous sweet pollen, which as he soon found out to be a very potent aphrodisiac, and no long cold soak in the bathtub was able to completely erase the devastating effects of such venom. Tendrils of tantalizing heat and sparks of prickling sensation snaked up from within the depth of his body and spread to the surface of his skin, making him slightly flushed and breathless, almost as if he had a fever.

Shen Qingqiu had been absolutely vigilant of any physical contact since they came back, but it was all over the moment Liu Qingge’s fingers brushed against the back of his hand — swelteringly warm and over-sensitive – when he was handing him a cup of warm tea in an attempt to sooth the twitching, pulsing desire within him.

It took Liu Qingge much longer than he was willing to admit to react to the kiss, for the initially chaste touch of their lips quickly turned into something much more intense, something that threatened to rip Liu Qingge’s breath and last strand of logic away.

Then the acute, unnaturally sweet floral taste of Shen Qingqiu’s tongue shattered the illusion when he tried to deepened the kiss, and Liu Qingge quickly staggered back, shoving away the slightly shorter man, who was putting up quite a fight for someone who was supposedly poisoned and weakened.

“Shen. Qing. Qiu.”

With each syllable of the man’s name, Liu Qingge’s voice dripped with icy impassivity and quiet fury: a warning, or a subtle sign of fear.

“Damn it, Shen Qingqiu! Wake up!”

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes were clouded with raw lust stirred up by an artificial source, but the kiss had been real, the little noise of discontent rolling from the back of his throat when Liu Qingge pushed him back had been real, the desperate grasp of his sleeves when he attempted to come closer once more, and the eager way with which Shen Qingqiu called for him had also been real.

But…

You are not yourself, Liu Qingge thought.

He wondered why his heart was hurting so much when he finally lost the will to fight and simply allowed Shen Qingqiu to embrace him as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

And I am not the one you truly want.

ii.

“Liu-shidi, stay exactly where you are and don’t move!”

As soon as the Sha Lu Er flopped lifelessly onto the ground with a thundering thud, its gaping jaws twitching a few seconds more as human blood dripped from its yellowing fangs before it laid completely still, Shen Qingqiu returned Xiu Ya sword back into its sheath and ran towards his companion, his furrowing brows and hastened pace the only signs of his unease.

“Are you all right? Dear god, your arm…”

“I am fine,” Liu Qingge would roll his eyes at his shixiong’s melodramatic antics were he the type to do so; instead, he just acted how he usually would – avoided eye contact at all costs and pretending everything was fine, like the flesh and bones of his left arm weren’t crushed into a bloody, mangled mass by that damn fifteen-feet-long shark-deer monster that had been wreaking havoc and endangering the villagers in nearby towns. “Shen-shixiong has no need to be overly concerned for me.”

A pause, and then something hard hit the back of his head.

Liu Qingge uttered a pained groan and glared at the other man through the messy fringes of his forelocks, his iron-grey irises blazing in irritation despite his pale complexion due to blood loss from his injury.

Shen Qingqiu’s grasp on the handle of his fan tightened until his knuckles turned white, his lips pressed into a firm line as he maintained their eye contact.

“What the hell was that for?”

“What do you mean — that I don’t need to be concerned for you?! Liu Qingge, I thought we’ve gone over this already! What you did just now, throwing yourself so carelessly into the fight, I—” Shen Qingqiu exhaled harshly, turning his head away as uncomfortable warmth crept up from his neck to his cheeks when Liu Qingge continued to stare at him with a hint of curiosity laced within the initial frustration. “That was for making me worried sick!”

Liu Qingge blinked once, twice, finally comprehending what Shen Qingqiu was insinuating, and he stumbled the two steps forward to close the distance between them, leaving a trail of blood behind him.

“Shen Qingqiu…” he murmured, eyes lowered in a silent apology.

Shen Qingqiu lifted his arm and gently gathered a strand of Liu Qingge’s ink-black hair in between his blood-stained fingertips. He kissed his locks with a warm, tender light in his eyes that Liu Qingge had never seen before.

He didn’t dare imagine; he didn’t dare hope; he didn’t want to be disappointed.

“I cannot bear the thought of losing you, so please, Qingge, I beg you, don’t put me through that again.”

iii.

Shen Qingqiu kissed the back of the other man’s hand reverently, lips lingering on the skin marred with battle scars and tongue gliding over callouses hardened by swordsmanship training over the years. He traced his lips over the elegant structure of his fingers until he reached the tip of Liu Qingge’s middle finger, which he then took into the wet cavern of his mouth in its entirety, until the fingertip grazed the back of his throat, and he swallowed hungrily around it.

It was shameful: the wet sounds of Shen Qingqiu sucking on his skin like he couldn’t get enough of his taste reverberating in his ears, those mesmerizing red, swollen lips wrapping around his fingers, the trembling eyelashes surrounding the darkened irises that looked like Shen Qingqiu wanted nothing more than to consume him whole.

It was shameful, and Liu Qingge wanted to turn away from this unbecoming sight, but he couldn’t stop noticing how Shen Qingqiu’s chest was rising and falling deeply with each breath, or how his long hair, freed from the length of his hair tie, flowed like rivers of ink over the pale canvas of his shoulders.

“Mnn… Shen Qingqiu, stop playing around and get to it…” he’d meant to sound menacing, but the breathless way with which he uttered the threat betrayed the swelling desire barely contained within his shivering body.

At long last, as if finally satisfied by the teasing he’d instigated against his beloved shidi, Shen Qingqiu pulled his head away with a knowing smirk, a thin string of saliva still connected from his lower lip to the tip Liu Qingge’s finger.

On the battlefield, Liu Qingge incited fear in his enemies and admiration in his allies simply by his presence and the powerful arcs and sweeps of his Cheng Luan sword; in the privacy of their shared bed while lying underneath Shen Qingqiu, Liu Qingge somehow lost the prideful and confident air that made him one of the strongest combatants in the cultivation realm. Instead, he would relinquish all his control to Shen Qingqiu, who would then patiently guide him between the valleys and peaks of pleasure through agonizingly gentle touches and ferocious, carnal ecstasy.

“Qingge, is this how you ask your shixiong for something? Where are your manners, hmm?”

Shen Qingqiu had a light grip of Liu Qingge’s chin so that the other man couldn’t turn away as Shen Qingqiu had suspected he would.

With bloodshot eyes and lips that’d been bitten raw, Liu Qingge muttered a fairly impressive, “fuck you.”

“I thought that was the plan, was it not?” Shen Qingqiu laughed, amused by Liu Qingge’s lackluster insult as he placed a soft kiss on the other man’s forehead. “Or are you having second thoughts?”

“Never.”

+i.

Shen Qingqiu was not good at cooking. He wasn’t awful at it per se, as he had the skills of making instant noodles with various toppings back in the good, old days without burning down his tiny apartment, but he’d choose to go exterminate a bunch of evil demonic beings over doing this any day.

But for his cultivating partner — the light and love of his life, his newly-wedded husband — he would cook him a proper meal even if it killed him.

Perhaps he was being a little over-dramatic in this matter.

Shen Qingqiu chopped the tofu half-heartedly, trying to recall the specific way Luo Binghe had taught him, but all his effort only resulted in uneven chunks of the silky white curds, one-fourth of the portion he was certain he’d turned into useless mush that couldn’t be pan-fried in the wok.

On second thoughts, maybe he should have taken actual notes when Luo Binghe had been teaching him how to make a few homely dishes just a few days ago.

He was about to get another cube of tofu sitting in the wooden tub of cold water when Liu Qingge’s voice could be heard from the kitchen’s entryway.

“Shen Qingqiu, there you are,” the lord of Bai Zhan Peak had a slight, confused frown to his brows when he stepped into the kitchen and gradually made his way towards his partner. “I have been looking all over for you… what in the world are you doing?”

He raised one of his brows in puzzlement. “What is this? Are you… are you making dinner?”

“Trying,” Shen Qingqiu emphasized the keyword in this matter. “And failing miserably, as you can see.”

He stepped away from the counter to let Liu Qingge observe his progress — or lack thereof, rather.

Shen Qingqiu sighed, placing the knife down on the cutting board.

“Binghe spent almost four hours the other day teaching me how to make this dish, too. Now I feel terrible for wasting his time. It seems that I have learned nothing from our culinary lessons.”

Liu Qingge’s eyes flashed dangerously at the mention of Luo Binghe.

“Wait, you were with that brat? On your own? When was that? How many times have I told you to stay away—”

“Oh, calm down,” Shen Qingqiu chuckled, swiftly going over to his partner and wrapping his arms around the taller man’s shoulder, pulling him closer as he continued, “he’s just a mere child, Qingge. Why must you two always act so childish and hostile to each other every time you meet? It’s understandable for him to act this way since he’s still a teenager, but Liu Qingge, you are the renowned, respectable Bai Zhan Peak Lord. You don’t have to stoop down to a child’s level like that. I know you are better than that.”

“Hmph. I do not understand why you are so protective of that brat, but he is your disciple after all. Just… promise me to be careful of his intentions when you are around him by yourself.”

“Duly noted,” Shen Qingqiu noticed the genuine worry in his partner’s eyes, and he nodded solemnly in response. With the ill-chosen topic out of the way, Shen Qingqiu once again glanced over at the atrocity he’d created in the short span of twenty minutes of meal preparation. “Now then, I suppose I should clean up this mess and let the kitchen staff reclaim their space.”

“Wait,” Liu Qingge placed a hand over Shen Qingqiu’s as the Qing Jing Peak Lord was about to reach for the knife.

“Hmm?” Shen Qingqiu turned to look at his partner, his head tilted to the side slightly in question. “Qingge, what is it?”

“I…” Liu Qingge bit his lower lip as he struggled to put his thought into words, his cheeks gradually turning pink. “I would like to try your cooking, i-if you do not mind, that is.”

Almost as an afterthought, Liu Qingge lowered his head and pressed a firm but gentle kiss against Shen Qingqiu’s lips before he stood up straight once more, the tips of his ears burning such a bright red that it was impossible for either man to ignore.

“Um,” Shen Qingqiu lost the ability to process for a good five seconds before he said with a bright smile that made his entire being glow with pure happiness, “sure.”

#svsss #scum villain's self saving system #scum villain #liushen #liushenweek #bowie's crappy writing

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delicioussshame · 3 years

Text

Have more of Luo Binghe trying to rationalise buying his love interest.

Luo Binghe’s constant pacing is only interrupted by Shen-laoshi’s arrival.

From the look of it, his teacher is too occupied with taking in Luo Binghe’s penthouse to spare him much attention, which is perfect. It leaves him completely free to take in Shen-laoshi himself.

He hadn’t been wrong. Shen-laoshi is so thin he’s verging on unhealthy. The result of too much work and not enough home-cooked food, surely. Luo Binghe would be worried if he didn’t know it wouldn’t last. Shen-laoshi had always eaten every dish Luo Binghe used to bring to his tutoring sessions, the only thanks he could afford at the time, with every sign of enjoyment. Luo Binghe fully intends to rekindle that tradition.

“This is a bad idea.”

Luo Binghe is too fast; he steals Shen-laoshi’s small luggage before he can take it back. “Am I such a bad host that Shen-laoshi won’t even give me a chance to show him hospitality? He should at least let me serve him the meal I prepared for him. It would be a shame for the food to go to waste.”

He doesn’t smile when Shen-laoshi visibly hesitates. “Binghe still cooks? Doesn’t he have people for that?”

Luo Binghe would never let strangers handle his food in his own home. “I do. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, especially for others. It’ll be a pleasure to do so again.” It’s not a lie. He does enjoy cooking for others, as long as he cares about those others. The people he holds dear are just very few.

Shen-laoshi throws a longing glance at the door, but slumps in defeat. “Well, I guess it would be rude not to at least stay for dinner then.”

“And Shen-laoshi is never rude.” Luo Binghe starts for his room. “Here, I’ll put your baggage away.”

Shen-laoshi follows him in a hurry. “Binghe, wait! Where are you going?”

Could he settle Shen-laoshi somewhere less provocative than in his own bedroom? Yes, he could have. He’d thought about it. The last thing he wanted was to spook Shen-laoshi away. He does want to take his time, in his own way.

But he knows his teacher. He’d made Luo Binghe’s adolescence hell with his complete obliviousness to his student’s shamefully evident crush. If his interest is too subtle, Shen-laoshi will fool himself into thinking it’s platonic, which it never was.

Shen-laoshi freezes when he enters a room he has to recognise as Luo Binghe’s. “Binghe…”

Luo Binghe ignores him in favor of setting the luggage down beside a dresser. “This is yours. I did say you didn’t have to bring anything if you didn’t want to, so there are clothes in it and in the closet. Take whatever you want.” Would he love to see Shen-laoshi leaves his bathroom with wet hair dripping down on a shirt Luo Binghe had bought him? Why yes, he would very much enjoy that. Also, Shen-laoshi deserves better than the worn garments he was usually seen in.

But if it’s too much, too fast, he’ll settle for Shen-laoshi’s own clothes stored in his home, like they belonged there.

Shen-laoshi peeks into the closet gingerly. “…Binghe, that’s way too much.”

It is not. “It’s nothing less than Laoshi deserves.”

Shen-laoshi shakes his head. “I don’t know what story you’ve constructed about me, but Binghe must be confused about something. What I have ever done for you to think this all makes sense?”

Luo Binghe could spend hours explaining to Shen-laoshi how lonely he’d been as a child. Struggling to adjust after his mother’s death, terribly aware that what little money she left him wouldn’t last forever, the soothing presence of Shen-laoshi, the only adult willing to listen to him, had been a lifeline he’d needed more than anything. He’d promised himself he’d be the same for him, when he would be able to.

He could, but he’s afraid he’ll scare Shen-laoshi away. He’s been told before he can be a bit… intense. “Shen-laoshi will understand in time. Meanwhile, why doesn’t he follow me to the dining room? Now that you’re here, we should catch up properly. There is so much I want to share with him!” The urge to reach for him, to put a hand on his back or his arm to guide him makes itself known, but he restrains himself. Patience. He can’t spook his teacher, or he’ll run.

Shen-laoshi doesn’t fight the suggestion, meekly following along.

Dinner is nice and uncomplicated. Luo Binghe deliberately keeps conversation light, retreating to familiar grounds, his studies. After all, Shen-laoshi is the only reason Luo Binghe managed to ace the required entrance test. He should be made aware of the results of his hard work.

As he prattles on, he gets to see Shen-laoshi’s walls fall, piece by piece, as he forgets why he’s here to only focus on Luo Binghe’s words. Luo Binghe knows Shen-laoshi has always been fond of him. With insight, he can tell he was favored, maybe more than a teacher should favor one of his students. As long as Shen-laoshi can think of Luo Binghe as that student of his, he’ll happily let himself be entertained.

If he had time, he would have invited Shen-laoshi over to such dinners. He’d have taken him out to good restaurants. He’d have visited museums with him, taken him shopping, walked around the city by his side until Shen-laoshi would have accepted him, and then he would have confessed.

But that would have meant letting the object of his affection struggle through another summer of part-time jobs, tutoring gigs and calligraphy lessons that barely paid the rent. Shen-laoshi would have been stretched even thinner.

Luo Binghe couldn’t allow it.

He waves Shen-laoshi away after dinner, claiming work he has to finish before tomorrow. He, of course, would prefer to spend the rest of the evening with him, but the point of this manoeuvre is to let Shen-laoshi discover his house by himself. It’s a show of trust, demonstrating he has nothing to hide from his teacher.

It’s also a chance for him to find the room Luo Binghe always thought of as his.

He believes it will be obvious. The rest of the house has been professionally decorated, all tasteful whites with the occasional colorful accent.

Shen-laoshi’s study is all soft green and rosewood furniture, a more antiquated style Luo Binghe had always associated with his teacher. Nothing like the modern feel of the rest of the house. There are shelves, some stocked with classic literature, others empty, waiting for their proper owner to fill them as he saw fit. A fully furnished desk with the latest tech. A soft, huge couch Luo Binghe made sure he could sleep on comfortably if he wanted to. Large windows letting in the sun in the morning. A few plants Luo Binghe diligently watered so that they’d be radiant when Shen-laoshi first saw them.

A space just for him.

Luo Binghe thrills as he heard Shen-laoshi putters around the house, the muffled sounds of his steps on the hardwood floor or of doors opening and closing softly obliterating the silence he’s used to, reminding him each time that this is real, that Shen-laoshi really is here with him. It’s a good thing the work he has to do isn’t too demanding, because he could never focus in this state of elation.

He hopes his teacher likes the place, though he’d move in a heartbeat if Shen-laoshi found it lacking in any way.

After a while, the sounds stop. Luo Binghe supposes he found the study.

When, a few hours later, he closes his laptop for good, he does find Shen-laoshi sitting on the couch, engrossed in one of the books.

He smiles. The sight of Shen-laoshi making himself home here is very pleasing to his more possessive tendencies. “I see Shen-laoshi have found a way to entertain himself.”

Shen-laoshi startles. “Binghe!” He sets the book down. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude, it’s just-“

Luo Binghe cuts him off. “Shen-laoshi has done nothing wrong. All that is mine is his, and these books were always intended for him.” He opens the desk’s drawer and hands him the card. “He is welcome to purchase any book he wants to read, or anything else he lacks. He doesn’t have to restrain himself.”

The credit card is a crass reminder of their supposed arrangement, but there is no way around it. Luo Binghe wants Shen-laoshi to get all he desires, and money facilitates that process.

Shen-laoshi doesn’t take the card. “Binghe, I can’t accept this. This isn’t right.”

Luo Binghe is getting quite tired of Shen-laoshi’s refusals, no matter how expected they were. “Please do. It would make me so happy to know Shen-laoshi is provided for, for once. But it is getting late.” Luo Binghe settles the card back into the drawer, ostentatiously, so that Shen-laoshi knows where to find it tomorrow, when he’s alone in Luo Binghe’s apartment and wondering how to spend his time. Once he’s done, he offers Shen-laoshi his hand, keeping his face blank and his tone simply pleasant. “Will Shen-laoshi turn in for the night?”

He sees Shen-laoshi tense as it becomes impossible for him not to worry about what will be coming next.

The silence stretches on.

Luo Binghe breaks first. “Shen-laoshi doesn’t have to worry. He needs to recuperate. I wouldn’t keep him from his sleep.”

The hand finally settling in his still is a bit unsure.

Luo Binghe decides to ignore it, preferring to focus on its warmth and the fluttering feeling of holding Shen-laoshi’s hand.

“Binghe shouldn’t call me Laoshi in this context. It’s… He shouldn’t.”

“What should I call him, then?”

“My name, simply. Shen Yuan.”

Shen Yuan.

While to Luo Binghe, Shen Yuan will always be his teacher first, he can definitely learn to love the sound of his name. “Shen Yuan it is.”

Luo Binghe lets Shen Yuan uses the main bathroom while he uses a guest’s, and tries to steel himself for what will be coming next.

He doesn’t manage it.

Even if the pajamas Shen-laoshi are wearing offer him full coverage to the point of prudishness, it’s still Shen-laoshi standing by his bed, waiting for him to signal how to proceed.

Luo Binghe bites his tongue until he tastes blood as he himself settles down, and pats the space besides his.

There is no relaxation in either of them, though, Luo Binghe expects, for very different reasons. From this close, he can smell his soap on Shen Yuan’s skin. He can hear the faster-than-average rhythm of his breath. He can feel the warmth of his body.

But he can’t reach for it.

He keeps his antsy hands to himself, instead very deliberately turning off the lights. “Good night, Laoshi. Please rest well.” He needs it.

He doesn’t expect an answer, but the soft “Good night, Binghe,” he gets in response ensures that when he finally falls asleep, he does so with a smile on his face.

#The Scum Villain Self Serving System #Scum Villain #BingQiu #That AU where LBH and SY fail to negociate their sugar relationship

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delicioussshame · 2 years

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If you were one of those people who really wanted more of slave!GGX and unwitting master!SQQ, today’s your lucky day. Kind of.

The first words Gongyi Xiao says after he’s freed are “Shizun did nothing wrong!” Shen Qingqiu was an irreproachable teacher to him, going above and beyond to make sure Gongyi Xiao wouldn’t do anything he wouldn’t have chosen to do for himself. The least he can do for him is to defend his honor.

The Little Palace Mistress takes it with as much grace as he expected, snarling and reaching for her whip. “He’s not your shizun! You’re from this sect! You don’t have to pretend to like him! He can’t do anything to you now that you’re here!”

Gongyi Xiao makes a soothing motion. “I’m not pretending. Shen Qingqiu and his sect were nothing but welcoming to me, treating me as one of their own. Shimei was wrong about him.”

The Little Palace Mistress stomps the ground. “I am not! You’ve seen how Big Brother Luo was! It has to be his fault!”

Gongyi Xiao bites his lips. Even after all this time, he has no idea what happened with Luo Binghe. There’s only one thing he knows. “It wasn’t. I was with him every day, and I can attest that no one mourned Luo-shixiong more than Shizun.”

“Really?”

Gongyi Xiao almost jumps in surprise. He hadn’t known that Luo Binghe had come along!

Shizun!

Gongyi Xiao turns toward Shen Qingqiu, worried about his reaction.

Shen Qingqiu’s face is unreadable.

It’s not unusual for him. “Shizun?”

Luo Binghe’s expression visibly darkens. “Why is Gongyi Xiao calling my master Shizun?”

Shen Qingqiu’s voice is soft, but utterly emotionless. “Gongyi Xiao has been sent to my side by the Little Palace Mistress, against his will. I have taken him as one of my disciples, since he wasn’t given a choice in the matter.”

“I see. Shizun is a benevolent teacher. Of course he took care of a disciple sent his way.” Luo Binghe smiles.

Gongyi Xiao feels chills running down his spine. He closes on Shen Qingqiu, putting himself between Luo Binghe and his shizun.

The press of Shen Qingqiu’s hand on his arm is reassuring. “Now is not the time to catch up. There is a sower in this city.”

Shizun is right. People are dying. This isn’t the time for this.

_____________________

It is strange how little removing the collar changed. Even if he doesn't feel the irresistible pull scrambling his mind anymore, his first thought is still for Shen Qingqiu. Not only is he surrounded by Gongyi Xiao's former colleagues, who do not hold him in their hearts, but Luo Binghe is also here, and there is something not right about him. There is also the matter of Shen Qingqiu's meridians. Without Gongyi Xiao to remind him, his master will definitely neglect himself, as he did anytime Gongyi Xiao hadn't insisted. He's overdue for a visit to Liu Qingge.

This is Gongyi Xiao's official reason for visiting tonight; Liu Qingge came along. If he isn't already with Shen Qingqiu, Gongyi Xiao will bring his shizun to him. Shen Qingqiu will be healthy and safe; Liu Qingge won't let anything happen to him.

He's about to announce his presence when he hears Luo Binghe's voice rise in anger through the door.

He knew it! There is something wrong with him!

Gongyi Xiao shoves the door open. "Shizun! Are you alright!?"

Shen Qingqiu stares at him, as startled as Gongyi Xiao had ever seen him. "Xiao! What are you doing here! This is a private conversation. Xiao should leave. Now."

Gongyi Xiao shakes his head. "Apologies to Shizun, but his health comes first." Gongyi Xiao turns toward Luo Binghe like he did not just barge on him screaming at his shizun. "As Luo-shixiong must know, Shizun's meridians have been damaged by demonic poison. He must have Liu-shishu tend to them." He refocuses on Shen Qingqiu. "Liu-shishu won't sleep on a mission away from the sect. He'll be cultivating. We can ask for a few moments of his time. Shizun, let's go."

Luo Binghe’s voice is perfectly mild. "What a mindful discipline Gongyi Xiao is. He is right. Shizun's health must come first. Since I still have matters to discuss with Shizun, I will take him to Liu-shishu myself. Gongyi-shidi shouldn't trouble himself."

"I insist. Making sure Shizun takes care of himself has been my duty since I came to Qing Jing Peak. It wouldn’t feel right to let Shixiong take care of it.”

Gongyi Xiao is almost certain Luo Binghe barely kept himself from snarling at him. “Before Gongyi Xiao joined Cang Qiong, this Luo Binghe was the one to handle such matters. I assure you I can manage this.”

“Binghe, Xiao is right. I was supposed to meet Liu Qingge tonight. If I don’t go to him, he will show up sooner or later, and it is too late for the kind of commotion he’ll make if he finds us all making fools of ourselves. Xiao, you know where his room is?”

“Yes, Shizun.”

“Then let’s go. He’ll be expecting us. Binghe, let’s talk later.”

Gongyi Xiao finds his every suspicion confirmed by the fast escape Shen Qingqiu makes, as close to being ungraceful as he ever came to.

They walk in silence until Shen Qingqiu’s room is too far to be seen. “Xiao shouldn’t have done that.”

“Done what?”

“Xiao isn’t stupid. He knows what he did. He can’t put himself in danger like that.”

Gongyi Xiao knew it! Luo Binghe is a menace!

Somehow. The collar had stopped him from talking about Luo Binghe, and so he had never found out what, exactly, had happened between Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu to give birth to the tension existing between them. “Wasn’t Shizun also in danger then? As his disciple, I must protect him.”

“Xiao, no. You can’t protect me from Luo Binghe. He’s… He has reasons for how he acts. Whatever happens to me, know I will have deserved it. Don’t worry about me.”

Gongyi Xiao might not be under the thrall of the collar anymore, but he suspects he will never be completely free of Shen Qingqiu. “I don’t understand. What could Shizun have done to anger Luo Binghe so? This is a question I have asked myself often. I must apologise to Shizun for never telling him, but I knew Luo Binghe wasn’t dead. I couldn’t tell him, no matter how much I wanted to, but I knew, and I always wondered what happened between Shizun and his first disciple for Luo Binghe to become what he now is. Could Shizun tell me? Please?”

“I… can’t. It’s a private matter between Binghe and I.”

Did he really… “Can I make a guess, then?”

“Xiao?”

“Did Shizun reject Luo-shixiong’s advances?”

Shen Qingqiu freezes on the spot and pales. “What? Xiao, what nonsense are you saying?”

“Because Luo Binghe acts a like a lover scorned, and Shizun didn’t… He didn’t… respond to me, when I…”

…

Gongyi Xiao had tried to keep his thoughts away from that fateful night, when the charm clouding his mind had convinced him that what Shen Qingqiu needed was a warm body in his bed to tend to his every need. He had tried to forget the heat of him under his fingers, and the taste of his skin on his tongue. He had tried to forget the sounds Shen Qingqiu had made when he’d still be sleeping, the way his body had twisted under him and his robes had parted as he moved.

He hasn’t managed. Those memories have been assaulting him since he has gotten his will back. When he hadn’t been motivated at the time by his own desire, irrelevant when weighed against his master’s, now that they didn’t feel irrelevant, they were very much making themselves known. He couldn’t believe he had had Shen Qingqiu for himself, if only for a few stolen moments.

He cannot believe he won’t have him again.

Gongyi Xiao has spent more than enough time with Shen Qingqiu to be able to tell, now that he could leave him, that he will never want to.

But if Shen Qingqiu doesn’t reciprocate those feelings…

Gongyi Xiao used to wonder what could motivate Luo Binghe’s actions.

If this is the reason, he might finally understand him.

A little. He can’t see himself hurting Shen Qingqiu, or resenting him for his rejection. Shen Qingqiu would be kind about it. Gongyi Xiao is certain.

Not that he wants to find out.

Shen Qingqiu’s paleness is replaced by a delightful shade of pink. “Xiao is being ridiculous. I can assure him that isn’t the reason. At all.” Shen Qingqiu takes a deep breathe. “About that night… Xiao must let me apologise. I should have been more careful. What he did… it isn’t an unexpected result of wearing the collar. As a man serving another man, I thought it wouldn’t happen to him, but I was wrong. If Gongyi Xiao wants to return to Huan Hua Palace and never see this master again, I would understand. It will never be mentioned again. I promise.”

Gongyi Xiao almost wishes the Little Palace Mistress was here. This is the man she is so fearful of? A man who, when his virtu is attacked in the middle of the night, takes responsibility for it despite no fault of his own? He would never hurt anyone. Not her, not Gongyi Xiao, and certainly not Luo Binghe. “The idea that Shizun would need to apologise for my own conduct is ridiculous. He had no control over that situation. I do not blame him. And I… didn’t mind. I still don’t.”

Shen Qingqiu stares at him. “What is Xiao even saying?”

“Shizun is a wonderful, attractive man. Having touched him is no hardship on my part.”

“Xiao… prefers men?”

“I don’t mind them.”

Gongyi Xiao has never seen Shen Qingqiu looking this frazzled. “Oh. I, well, that’s… Whatever Xiao is happy with, that’s fine… But it’s definitely not the case with Luo Binghe! He likes women! It’s a known fact about him! Trust me!”

Well, if Shen Qingqiu is that certain, something else must have happened. “I see. What happened, then?”

“As I said, it’s private. Look, that’s Liu-shidi’s room, isn’t it? Let’s take care of this quickly.” Shen Qingqiu dashes toward the room, knocking on the door unseemingly. “Shidi! Liu-shidi! It’s Shen-shixiong, here for his meridians! Open the door now please!”

Gongyi Xiao feels the smile form on his lips. He had no idea Shizun out of his element would be so… cute.

_____________________

Luo Binghe, undetectable once his presence was cloaked and having heard every word of their exchange, did not share Gongyi Xiao’s feelings of fondness at the moment.

#The Scum Villain Self Serving System #Scum Villain #GGX/SQQ

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delicioussshame · 3 years

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PSA : this fic contains many bad takes which I do not endorse, but then again, I’m writing dub-con sugar daddy fic, what were you expecting?

Shen Yuan slowly lifts himself from his undisturbed sleep, unsurprised to once again find Luo Binghe gone. It is very late, after all. If he had actual obligations right now, he couldn’t afford to be this lazy, but since his student made it obvious that he wanted Shen Yuan to do as little as possible, who was he to argue? He can luxuriate in bed all day if he wants to.

It’s not like it’s going to last, anyway.

He tries to smother the part of him that keeps reminding him that he chose to cut himself off from his family’s wealth. That if he wanted to stop working and return to comfortable, uninterrupted stability, all he had to do was call. He’s certain his parents would take him back happily.

They’d never let him forget it, of course.

Then again, how his siblings would laugh at his current situation. All that bravado, all those principles, and he’s the one who ends up living off a rich man’s money? What had even been the point of choosing a meritless career they all had tried to keep him away from if he wasn’t going to maintain the moral high ground?

Shen Yuan had fallen off the moral high ground years ago, when he realised he could do nothing to help those who didn’t want to help themselves. No matter how he insisted, how he offered after-hours help and tried to make his lessons engaging, only Luo Binghe had ever taken him on it, and look where that took his student; to inherited wealth, and an unhealthy fixation with an old high school teacher Shen Yuan cannot help but feel guilty for. He must have done something wrong, must have been too familiar, must have encouraged Luo Binghe’s worst tendencies in a way he couldn’t detect. Why else would he pay an old man for company?

Daddy issues is his first thought. Raised without a father, currently living off his progenitor’s riches? He must have latched onto the only male figure in his life to deal.

It might explain why Luo Binghe hasn’t touched him yet. Why else would he abstain? He had made his intentions very clear, and Shen Yuan had been too exhausted with it all not to take him on it. It’s not like he’d ever wanted this, or wanted men, before, but if someone had to sleep with a man… Luo Binghe was probably as good as it gets. And, despite the guilt, Shen Yuan has always liked this little, timid, eager to please little student of his. He had brightened Shen Yuan’s endless days at a job he hated with his honest desire to learn and his bottomless enthusiasm, with his cheery smiles and his delicious confections. Shen Yuan had missed him dearly when he’s graduated, but had believed he’d done his job well. He’d provided Luo Binghe with all the tools he could to succeed in life.

And how he’d succeeded.

So he doesn’t mind spending some time with him, even if he’s very unsure about going further. Luo Binghe wouldn’t hurt him. He knows this. It’s the waiting that’s keeping him on edge. He just wants to know where he stands. If Luo Binghe admitted this was just a very weird way of having his teacher to himself for a few days, Shen Yuan would forgive him on the spot and happily spoil his favorite pupil however he pleased. He’d deserve it. No matter how much Shen Yuan had tried to blind himself to how utterly suffocating the lifestyle he’d chosen had been for him, leaving it all behind, even for only four days, made it all too obvious. He relishes waking up as late as he wishes, stumbling around in his pajamas until he reaches the kitchen and whatever delicious delicacy Luo Binghe had left for breakfast, before sitting down and catching up on all the terrible novels he hadn’t read in years, wondering if he dares to use the card Luo Binghe left to unlock all the extras. Even Luo Binghe’s arrival is nice. Shen Yuan has been living alone for years. Conversation with someone he enjoys the company of is no hardship. Home-cooked meals are a delight. Luo Binghe even manages to keep his home as tidy as a hotel room despite his workload, while Shen Yuan winces at what his shitty apartment must look like.

It’s all very nice, but it would be so much nicer without the uncertainty.

So Shen Yuan is going to do something very dumb.

______________

Coming home to Shen Yuan feels so normal it’s like he’s always been there, waiting for Luo Binghe’s return.

He’s not gone enough to expect a greeting kiss at the door, no matter how appreciated it would be, but now that Shen-laoshi is right here, he can’t help but let his hopes rise a little each time. He already has to leave Shen-laoshi sleeping in his bed in the morning since he needs his rest, a welcome wouldn’t be so much to ask for, would it?

He only gets silence when he enters, so Luo Binghe sighs and goes looking for Shen-laoshi.

Once he finds him, he’s instantly torn by opposing impulses.

It’s summer. Shen-laoshi isn’t working. If he wants to wear shorts, he’s allowed.

But really, do they have to be so short? Did he have to lie on his belly as he read, long legs carelessly hanging over the edge of the couch as if daring Luo Binghe to reach for them, to travel up and up until he reaches the scandalous edge of his clothing? Worse, Shen-laoshi is using Luo Binghe’s headphones, so he hasn’t heard him coming. He has no idea Luo Binghe is standing right behind him, dangerously close to giving up on all his good will and just take what Shen Yuan is so lewdly presenting.

His ankle is so delicate. Luo Binghe bets if he were to bruise it with his mouth, the mark would last for days.

Luo Binghe bites his tongue. No matter how inviting the picture is, at the end of the day, it is a mirage. Shen-laoshi wouldn’t thank him for ravaging him, no matter how provocative he was being.

Still, this isn’t fair to him. Let’s make sure something like this doesn’t happen again, or at least, not until Luo Binghe is in a position to make his appreciation known.

Instead of signaling his presence via a hand trailing up his exposed thigh, Luo Binghe pats his shoulder. “Laoshi.”

Shen Yuan jumps, startled. “Binghe!” He takes the headphones off. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.”

His embarrassed flush is so lovely.

No. “Laoshi doesn’t have to apologise for that, but I would appreciate he be more… mindful next time.”

“I’ll set the volume lower, don’t worry.”

“That’s not what I was talking about.”

“Oh?”

As fair as Luo Binghe is concerned, Shen Yuan brought this on himself. “I’ve tried to let Shen-laoshi rest in peace, and to give him some time to get used to the idea, but if he lounges around in my own home looking like this, he has to know he’s making it very difficult for me to give him space.”

Shen Yuan turns bright red in response, which is not helping Luo Binghe’s shaky self-control. “Oh. So Binghe really… I see.”

Luo Binghe closes his eyes in dismay. Were a few days of carefully platonic attention all it took for Shen Yuan to convince himself that Luo Binghe didn’t desire him? His teacher really is a master of willful blindness. He probably didn’t even realise how vulnerable he looks, having rolled over to meet Luo Binghe’s eyes, the length of him all spread out like a feast, his cheap shirt having risen just a bit, exposing a tiny strip of pure white skin that’s begging for his touch.

Since he needs the reminder, Luo Binghe is going to give him one.

Decided, Luo Binghe starts to lower over Shen-laoshi.

“Binghe? Wha-“

This isn’t how he imagined their first kiss would go, but it doesn’t matter. In this case, imagination could never rival the reality of Shen Yuan’s lips under his, a bit dry, or the hot warmth of his mouth once Luo Binghe has used Shen Yuan’s stupefaction against him to force his way inside.

Before he knows it, he’s straddling Shen Yuan in his haste to discover more of him, pressing him down the couch and cradling his head still.

Shen Yuan’s arms come to life, pulling at Luo Binghe’s shirt in a way Luo Binghe cannot discern. Is he trying to get him closer, or to push him away?

The doubt is unsettling. With much hardship, Luo Binghe frees Shen Yuan from his hold, his heart beating harder than it ever did, desperately trying to ignore how affected he is.

Shock is all he notices on Shen Yuan’s face.

The sight is sobering. “Is Laoshi all right?”

Shen Yuan shakes his head wildly. “I’m… fine. Just fine.”

“That’s good.” Despite his whole body fighting it, Luo Binghe lifts himself up and away from Shen Yuan. “Laoshi understands now what a temptation he is to me?”

Luo Binghe can almost see Shen Yuan biting back the rebukes at the idea that he could be a temptation to anyone. Shen-laoshi’s self-perception has been eroded by his lifestyle. Luo Binghe is going to have to be the one to teach him better, this time. “I understand.”

That’s too bad. Luo Binghe wouldn’t have minded demonstrating some more. “Of course, if the feeling is reciprocated, Shen-laoshi only has to say so.”

“That’s not the point, is it? Doesn’t Binghe pay for my consent? If he wants… this, then why doesn’t he take it?”

Luo Binghe flinches. Said like it, it sounds bad. Luo Binghe only wanted to offer Shen Yuan the easy life he deserves! “I would never force Shen-laoshi! If he finds the prospect unpleasant, then it won’t happen. That’s all. He can remain here as long as he wants, and nothing untoward will take place if he doesn’t agree to it. I just ask that he be aware of his devoted student as he does so.” Shen Yuan is here, in his home, now. The first hurdle has been crossed. Now, the point is to keep him here. Sex can wait.

“Okay. I believe you. Binghe has always been a good person, after all.” He rises for the couch, trying his best to straighten his clothes. “I think I’ll change then, and we can eat after?”

Luo Binghe welcomes the deflection with open arms. “Yes! I’ll prepare something delicious!”

Not that it will compare to the taste of Shen-laoshi’s mouth.

#The Scum Villain Self Serving System #Scum Villain #BingQiu #That AU where LBH and SY fail to negociate their sugar relationship

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phoenixtakaramono · 3 years

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SUMMARY: Let it not be said that Shen Yuan didn’t know how to be an accomplished—arguably better—writer than Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky! A middle-aged author in his hubris, he’d unknowingly triggered his fate and had his consciousness whisked away into an unfathomable mystical world that he would later learn to be based on Proud Immortal Demon Way and his very own work-in-progress. When given the opportunity to customize his character’s stats and to design his one remaining Customizable Skill Slot, as a veteran reader of transmigration stories and their tropes, Shen Yuan demanded, “Grant me the protagonist’s halo of course!”

The SYSTEM was silent all but for a minute.【Understood. Unique Skill "PROTAGONIST'S HALO" activated. Esteemed Host, you share the Unique Skill "PROTAGONIST'S HALO" with one other.】

“Who?”

【This world’s Luo Binghe. From the original novel series.】

“...Hold on, I need some time to process this.”

(Little did Shen Yuan know that this world’s Luo Binghe is the same sadistic “Bing gē” from the released Extra short story. It was also too bad that Shen Yuan, in his mortal form, resembled Shen Qingqiu by a good thirty-to-forty percent.)

Foolish, Luo Binghe berated himself. To have been finally welcomed inside the dream realm of a celestial being meant this version of his shizun had thought highly of Luo Binghe and his constitution. Yet instead of a composed and dignified air, Luo Binghe had just shown his weak side.

Shen Yuan halted midstride. Concern was written upon those white brows upon seeing his reaction.

It was, nonetheless, an opportunity. Luo Binghe forced an amiable smile as he pretended to be oblivious, masking any sign of his discomfort as he leaned against Shen Yuan’s weight. The sensation of pins-and-needles assailing him wasn’t something he couldn’t tolerate, but it was unpleasant. Except for their one point of contact, no part had been spared. His gaze lingered on the long scholarly fingers wrapped trustingly around his, before sweeping a glance over their new surroundings.

Since Luo Binghe had difficulty walking, Shen Yuan had to support him. Both men, mutually depending on each other, took slow steps forward.

In the newly fallen darkness, he could sense his companion had fallen into another state of deep contemplation. As the two men disembarked in companionable silence, Luo Binghe took a long, measuring look at the landscape—at the secrets hiding within the fog, behind the translucent silks.

The atmosphere was incomparably resplendent and harmonious, yet it painted an undeniable fact about his companion. Knowledge could be gleaned of how this revered existence perceived the outside world. Life was a flow of changes—transient and ephemeral. Being in this realm didn’t feel real, with the indifference of an observer who was transcendent and so far removed from the mortal scale.

They were truly opposites—not only in their physical appearance and status, but also in how their dream realms manifested.

“…You’ve always had an unruly habit to roam and draw unnecessary attention to yourself!” An insidious and vicious whisper brushed against Luo Binghe’s mind like a wisp of smoke. “ It’s impressive you can even move so well inside this barrier. To think you’d chase him here on impulse!”

Hearing the litany of grievances, Luo Binghe hid the blade that was his smile. Unlike himself, he had no doubt that his senior might have been exorcised had he not taken refuge in Luo Binghe.

Because however convincingly Meng Mo conveyed his displeasure, his voice was nonetheless weakened by the barrier. He was merely being crotchety to maintain appearances.

Shen Yuan had made it clear that his invitation into his dream was extended to Luo Binghe only. With that one remark addressing the senior dream demon, and by performing the gesture of taking his hand, it couldn’t have been even more obvious what he’d wanted.

The practice of invading and manipulating a person’s dreams was nothing new. With his secret tutelage cultivating on the demonic path, beginning when he’d been a mere Cang Qiong Mountain sect disciple, he had learned to infiltrate many minds. Several had been his lovers—the first being his shījiě, accidental as it had been pulling his martial sister along with him—although the treatment his women received was far more considerate than the cruel methods he inflicted upon all those who opposed him.

He had seen the duplicity of people’s hearts and reproduced illusions of varying natures. He’d learned how to lure others when they were at their most defenseless and be able to find their worst fears and memories to inflict the maximum psychological torment. With his enemies who were impervious to physical torture, few could claim immunity upon being confronted with their own inner demons. And with his lovers, he could skim their memory fragments and indulge any spring dreams either of them had fantasized about, causing romantic feelings to overflow.

Because unlike the waking world, the dream realm was honest.

The capability to doubt was stripped away. Memories could be spied on. Falsehoods were exposed. And no secrets could be kept from him. Oftentimes one’s impulses could not be held back within the dream realm.

It was a glimpse into one’s truest state.

Meng Mo’s withered voice interrupted his thoughts.

“The ways of those of the Heavenly Realm are mysterious—but they are proud and have always held contempt for our kind. I know you are captivated by him, but be more prudent in choosing your words around him. Don’t be muddled in the head just because you believe he can replace the late Qing Jing Peak Lord….” Ridicule had crept into Meng Mo’s tone. “His looks aren’t bad but to have aspirations of eating the tofu of someone who bears the farseeing, discerning eyes of the Heavens…. Your ambition is bold, as is your guts. This elder doesn’t know whether to be impressed or scold you for your shamelessness.”

Although his lips had thinned into a white line, Luo Binghe remained silent.

And he’d pulled.

As someone who used to humbly occupy the Mortal Realm, never in his imagination did Luo Binghe expect he could claim success to the achievement of accessing the dream realm of divinity.

Luo Binghe had been stuck at an impasse. Breaching the barrier would require a much greater display of force, inflicting irreparable mental harm onto the dreamer.

He’d realized the barrier had to stay.

The passage of time was immeasurable in the world of dreams, but with every moment that had passed without the precious person inside revealing himself, the fear had mounted. Perhaps Shen Yuan had predicted such an incident would occur and had taken precautionary measures.

In hindsight, his action had indeed been too rash.

It was inevitable that they would be going their separate ways in the coming morning. Moreover, the last deep impression he’d leave behind would cast Luo Binghe in an extremely bad light, with Shen Yuan withdrawing back into seclusion and harboring a grudge for being taken advantage of. The opportunity would have slipped through Luo Binghe’s fingers like granules of sand.

All would be lost. Faced with the possibility of being abandoned, Luo Binghe had been inconsolable. The tension in the air around him had been so thick, it’d presented an oppressive miasma in his own dream realm.

The giant boulder which weighed down his heart vanished when, with the keen senses of a cultivator, his five senses had detected a ripple in the fog.

From faraway, he’d been spellbound. He’d seen a silhouette resembling that from legend, with the unattainable white moon that was Shen Yuan descending down from the stars which glistened like shards in the night.

Despite the offense, he had chosen to come to Luo Binghe from his own volition.

Another realization had struck Luo Binghe. Seeing the regal figure out of his immaculate finery—dressed down to his inner clothing and with his moonlit hair undone, without a headpiece in sight—was a rare sight beyond measure. Aside from the servants who tended to their master, no one else must have seen him in such a compromising state.

It’d also been fascinating observing how someone of the Nine Heavens would interact within his world; Shen Yuan had assimilated quickly. Wandering aimlessly in an unfamiliar environment, his appearance reminded Luo Binghe of the purest white snow, high above and unreachable, the likes of which remained untarnished. Such bearing was similar to what Luo Binghe expected for somebody of high status. Like a fairy unaffected by mortal matters, Shen Yuan’s manner had been aloof and vague. The only difference was that his attitude toward Luo Binghe had not been uncaring. Courtesy had been given, even knowing who he was—and what he’d done, and would be capable of doing.

There was no one who could deny Shen Yuan’s appearance was picturesque. When he was smiling, it was as moving as spring flowers and the autumn moon. When he was lost in thought, he projected an air of melancholy—solemn and ambiguous, like the subject of a painting one could only admire from a distance.

“…Xiōng dì.” A cultured and steady voice trickled into Luo Binghe’s awareness, pulling him from his deep reflection.

An invigorating energy suddenly blanketed him. All discomfort fled, replaced with the refreshing feeling of a spring brook engulfing him. Shen Yuan had fallen a step back so that they were now shoulder to shoulder.

Shen Yuan’s gaze was appraising as his breaths feathered the fur. “I had not expected you being here would be strenuous on you. Please take care of your body.” A hand went up to clasp him on the shoulder. “Endure the skinship. I think, for now, it’s better to stay close to me until you can stand on your own. You’ll be safer by my side.”

Luo Binghe inhaled sharply.

“Hoh. How considerate!” Meng Mo’s dryness filtered into his thoughts. “He treats you very well. Such goodwill. He certainly has a good heart.”

Stay out of this, Luo Binghe rebuked. You are not invited to take part in this conversation. Scram!

Replying in the affirmative though, he ducked his head. The hidden meaning of Shen Yuan’s words had not been lost on him. He simply hadn’t expected how protective Shen Yuan was of him.

This night was the first time they’d met, but it was undeniable that there was a flow to their conversations—as though they were not strangers but were, instead, dear friends reuniting. It was as if someone had seen the unfulfilled desires of his heart and had crafted him a companion to be compatible. Being with Shen Yuan felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Embracing him had felt natural.

Although he was a man, Shen Yuan had fit so perfectly in his arms. The firmness and strength of his body. Warm and solid. Alive and real. It hadn’t been the same as hugging a soft feminine figure but even now, Luo Binghe could recall how it’d felt folding him into his arms, at the simple pleasure of sharing body heat. Of inhaling his clean scent.

Being that close to him, the intimacy of such an act, had been so strangely powerful the connection between them had felt tangible.

Here was somebody meant to be unattainable and unreachable, whom mere mortals never would’ve had the fortune to meet unless they’d managed to ascend to the highest realm. Knowing that he was supposed to keep all divinity at a respectable distance made his awareness of what he was doing seem all the more enchanting.

There was no such thing as a string of coincidences. Luo Binghe held no illusion of what this really was; a second chance was being offered to him. Since they have finally encountered, it must have meant they were fated. Since fated, one must live up to the fate that the Heavens have bestowed.

(Cont.)

The rest can be read on AO3!

#人渣反派自救系统 #scum villain's self saving system #svsss #bingyuan #bingqiu #luo binghe #luo bingge #the untold tale #svsss fic #fanfic #fanfiction #phoenixtakaramono #look forward to reading 54 pgs in this massive update

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phoenixtakaramono · 3 years

Text

The Untold Tale - ch4 (Preview IV?)

Author Notes: I am suffering from romance overload, but finally I was able to drag Bing gē back to the plot at hand. (To be fair, my notes for this chapter was originally planned in SY’s POV for this second half of the dreamscape, so shifting it to LBH’s POV did change some things tonally....) Case in point, we transition from something like this:

Crossing the final threshold, the moment their feet touched the glazed roof tiles of a pagoda, the pathway sealed itself behind them. The darkness dispersed, a curtain of red falling over the sky.

Luo Binghe glanced around, peering over the curved eaves to see below. They were at least ten thousand chi up from the ground. Their long hair swayed, and white robes and pelt fluttered.

They had arrived at the topmost tier of what appeared to be a building constructed high enough to pierce the clouds, standing aloft as if in midair. Constructed of wood joinery and masonry, the tower bore a passing resemblance to the ancient Huangfei Pagoda where the fabled white snake spirit, Bai Suzhen, had once been imprisoned.

From their vantage, they could see everything. The ominous blood red sun was setting in the horizon, granting the impression that the world had been swallowed up by a sea of fire. The green mountains and trees were black silhouettes painted in the burnt orange sky.

The harsh sound of clashing metal pierced the eardrums.

Guttural, desperate yells shook the earth from faraway.

His instincts on high alert, he glanced over to his side. In the distance, he’d keenly sensed a thick shroud of killing intent. It was a familiar iron stench of blood that permeated the air, overpowering and hitting the back of one’s throat.

This is an illusion mimicking the frontier of war…?

A hand glided to Shen Yuan’s shoulder. He formed a gentle smile when Shen Yuan glanced over curiously. “Since Shizun wishes for me to observe, then shall we sit?”

“Sit? Sit where—?”

No sooner had he asked, the question died on Shen Yuan’s lips when Luo Binghe exerted pressure. Like snow falling off a branch, his knees folded and Luo Binghe guided him down to the roof tiles.

He was still speechless when Luo Binghe impulsively took a seat behind him. A sharp jawline nudged the top of Shen Yuan’s head. Their thighs were pressed together as their feet dangled off the edge of the roof. Shen Yuan seemed to realize Luo Binghe had taken advantage of his daze to pull him between his legs.

It was also the second time they’d embraced. As a lofty immortal, Shen Yuan had likely never experienced such brazenness from another person. His back was like a stiff wooden board against Luo Binghe’s chest.

“This lord does not mean to offend,” Luo Binghe spoke, securing his arms around Shen Yuan’s midsection—so that he could not escape. He assessed the long and sturdy body for any signs of discomfort. “This being Shizun’s dream, this lord dares not interfere and conjure illusions without permission. This lord respectfully presents his body instead to protect Shizun’s white robes from becoming dirtied.”

Silence prevailed.

Luo Binghe was undaunted by the lack of response; he knew his performance was flawless. He’d perfectly imitated the naïveté of an earnest young man who knew he’d somehow wronged a peerless existence but wanted to do good, rousing sympathy and leniency in the heart despite his excessive actions.

“Didn’t one also say that skinship was necessary?” Luo Binghe challenged. “That it would be safer by your side?”

“...You. You have a lot of courage throwing one’s words back to their face.” Just like how stone was weathered by the seasons, bit by bit, the tension had receded from Shen Yuan’s muscles. The corners of his mouth began to lift. “You are so unpredictable.”

“For a fortuneteller to find one unpredictable, one must be an exceptional person.”

“En. A very exceptional man.”

A departure from his shock from earlier, it seemed Shen Yuan had managed to find amusement in Luo Binghe’s impudence this time.

“I concede to having said that,” Shen Yuan admitted, tilting his head so that he could catch the side of Luo Binghe’s face. His expression was understanding—much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of making one feel an irrational sense of accomplishment knowing they were the cause of it. “I know you’re making fun of me. But for somebody like you to find the courage to say such lighthearted words to me, you must want us to become even closer. Right now, I can’t help feeling somewhat gratified. Luo Binghe, you really know how to be deliberate and conniving. It’s actually a relief. I don’t feel disappointed.”

Dangerous. This was dangerous.

In the wind, Shen Yuan’s voice had neither been low nor domineering, but it was a weapon that could appease others while sounding firm. One could detect the underlying maturity in his tone of voice, filled with an assuredness that made one admire and feel at ease being in his presence.

In his simple white robe, appearing pure and unyielding, there was an immense temptation being presented to Luo Binghe. Especially with the both of them in varying undressed states and with their newfound proximity, Luo Binghe came to the startling realization that he had set himself up to suffer.

Author Notes (Cont.): ...To something like this (I couldn’t find a good Chinese emperor GIF to encapsulate the mood, so have this one from a popular period C-drama):

Three fingers were held up. “You have three enemies in your life; you will only need to deal with two. Fēijī gē is one. The son of heaven is another. Since the edict has already been declared, you already know the current emperor will stop at nothing to eradicate your people and come for your head. With his personality, a ceasefire cannot be negotiated. What you’re seeing is only a small preview of what to expect.”

Luo Binghe’s gaze followed the trek of a long white sleeve rolling down a pale forearm. Shen Yuan was gesturing to the ferocious battle taking place below. From their height on the pagoda, the violence almost seemed trifling—like two colonies of ants fighting. Luo Binghe could begin to understand why in their legends that the heavenly immortals presented a wall of indifference, being so far removed from the Mortal Realm.

His smile vanished, replaced with something coldblooded and calculating. With the friendly pretense lowered, the savage callousness belonging to a demon was exposed.

Nosing the white hair, Luo Binghe murmured quietly, “This lord will ensure the emperor’s wings are clipped.”

Of the reports presented by his generals, Mobei jūn and Sha Hualing, the Xùmù Emperor had apparently declared the bounty on Luo Binghe’s head during cháo tíng—a court assembly—on account of his imperial chancellors pressuring him after hearing news of the annihilation of three of the four great sects. Furthermore, there had been a prediction that a great betrayal would bring about the downfall of the dynasty, with their great emperor being deposed.

If the report had stopped at that, Luo Binghe wouldn’t have been so infuriated that all of the official documents and writing utensils had been sent careening off the low table.

Sha Hualing, feeling aggrieved for her husband, had blurted that the low-ranked chancellor she’d interrogated claimed the emperor had been enraged, denouncing Luo Binghe to be no more than a dirty mutt who bit the hand that fed him.

An investigation launched into his origins had unearthed his hometown. As the son of a washerwoman, Luo Binghe was unqualified to take the throne from the imperial bloodline. Moreover, he was a wicked demon who had hid his true nature to deceive humans. Betraying the Cang Qiong Mountain sect, turning his back on humankind, the cultivator that was Luo Binghe was the antithesis of filial piety. Such actions demonstrated a lack of compassion and loyalty.

To prevent calamity, it was passed through imperial edict that the Demon Realm’s Sacred Ruler and his clans must be eradicated. His continued existence was equivalent to treason.

While Luo Binghe had not yet decided on which method of execution to mete out on the Xùmù Emperor, he would make sure to have him live through the last of his days in humiliation and excruciating torment.

XXXXXXXXXX

Author Notes: Chinese era names were used for various dynasties and regimes for the purpose of year identification and numbering. I hesitate to reference actual historical eras, so I’d decided to use 序幕 (xùmù) which means “prelude/ prologue”—which I thought to be funny since the meta function of having the “Xùmù Emperor'' is to be the precursor/ “curtain raiser” to LBH. …“Uninspired” naming convention fits the theme of PIDW and SVSSS though, right? Haha.

Note, previews I-IV are from earlier drafts so some details are subject to change when the final draft is posted to AO3.

Link to ch 1-3 is in the pinned post of my profile!

#svsss #scumbag system #bingyuan #bingqiu #luo bingge #the scum villain's self saving system #the untold tale #phoenixtakaramono #preview #chapter preview

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phoenixtakaramono · 3 years

Link

Shen Yuan halted midstride. Concern was written upon those white brows upon seeing his reaction.

Since Luo Binghe had difficulty walking, Shen Yuan had to support him. Both men, mutually depending on each other, took slow steps forward.

They were truly opposites—not only in their physical appearance and status, but also in how their dream realms manifested.

Hearing the litany of grievances, Luo Binghe hid the blade that was his smile. Unlike himself, he had no doubt that his senior might have been exorcised had he not taken refuge in Luo Binghe.

Because however convincingly Meng Mo conveyed his displeasure, his voice was nonetheless weakened by the barrier. He was merely being crotchety to maintain appearances.

Because unlike the waking world, the dream realm was honest.

It was a glimpse into one’s truest state.

Meng Mo’s withered voice interrupted his thoughts.

Although his lips had thinned into a white line, Luo Binghe remained silent.

And he’d pulled.

As someone who used to humbly occupy the Mortal Realm, never in his imagination did Luo Binghe expect he could claim success to the achievement of accessing the dream realm of divinity.

Luo Binghe had been stuck at an impasse. Breaching the barrier would require a much greater display of force, inflicting irreparable mental harm onto the dreamer.

He’d realized the barrier had to stay.

In hindsight, his action had indeed been too rash.

The giant boulder which weighed down his heart vanished when, with the keen senses of a cultivator, his five senses had detected a ripple in the fog.

Despite the offense, he had chosen to come to Luo Binghe from his own volition.

Another realization had struck Luo Binghe. Seeing the regal figure out of his immaculate finery—dressed down to his inner clothing and with his moonlit hair undone, without a headpiece in sight—was a rare sight beyond measure. Aside from the servants who tended to their master, no one else must have seen him in such a compromising state.

“...Xiōng dì.” A cultured and steady voice trickled into Luo Binghe’s awareness, pulling him from his deep reflection.

Shen Yuan’s gaze was appraising as his breaths feathered the fur. “I had not expected you being here would be strenuous on you. Please take care of your body.” A hand went up to clasp him on the shoulder. “Endure the skinship. I think, for now, it’s better to stay close to me until you can stand on your own. You’ll be safer by my side.”

Luo Binghe inhaled sharply.

“Hoh. How considerate!” Meng Mo’s dryness filtered into his thoughts. “He treats you very well. Such goodwill. He certainly has a good heart.”

Stay out of this, Luo Binghe rebuked. You are not invited to take part in this conversation. Scram!

Replying in the affirmative though, he ducked his head. The hidden meaning of Shen Yuan’s words had not been lost on him. He simply hadn’t expected how protective Shen Yuan was of him.

Embracing him had felt natural.

Being that close to him, the intimacy of such an act, had been so strangely powerful the connection between them had felt tangible.

(Cont.)

The rest can be read on AO3!

#bingyuan #svsss #scumbag system #scum villain's self saving system #人渣反派自救系统 #luo binghe #the untold tale #fanfic #fanfiction #phoenixtakaramono #Look forward to reading 56 pages in this massive update

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