Chapter Text
Even though Shen Jiu’s original plan was to tell peerless cucumber the truth after finding out his real identity he felt he couldn’t do it, first of all, wouldn’t it be way too humiliating? He, his teacher, who always acted so above everything, who would scold other students and call them immature, who was supposed to be someone to look up to in some way used his free time to go out of his way and act as a girl online, one that acted cutesy too, Shen Jiu wasn’t sure if he could admit that out loud, to a person he interacted with many times a week. Then there was also the person itself, Shen Yuan, if their weird harmony of interacting in parallel in the real world and the virtual one were to be broken by Shen Jiu’s confession it would truly be a shame. That afternoon when he came back from the bathroom he pretended nothing had happened as they walked back together like always.
There weren’t many people in Shen Jiu’s life that enjoyed his company, of course, there also weren’t many people Shen Jiu thought their company was worth. But there was Shen Yuan, and he was different, different from the jiejies he would occasionally go to bars with, different from students who seek out his help and different from Yue Qi, Qi-ge, who would smile at him from afar not daring to get too close again. Shen Jiu had thought it before, Shen Yuan would smile easily at him, without prejudice, it made him look cute and made them look like they were sharing a story no one else knew, but he had purposely not given it a lot of space in his mind, brushing it away because he had his own stuff like his career and catfish scheme he was working on, and someone like him would never be anything good for Shen Yuan. But the thing was, Shen Yuan had already known all about his lies.
And instead of crushing him with his influence for doing something like this or exposing him to everyone he had played along, this fact had made him first be wary, the played in his mind his interactions again and again, looking for second intentions, for a mocking gaze, for a disdainful attitude, but he couldn’t remember anything, the memory his brain showed him instead was a determined Shen Yuan, telling him not to give up in the person he was talking to the same day he proposed him marriage. That sounded way too serious, it wasn’t a real marriage, it wasn’t a real relationship (it also wasn’t a real baby!) and it had gone too far, he made a mistake, and now he probably hurted an innocent person just like the men he despised.
Maybe he was the real slag man, but now, he would take accountability.
First he needed to draw away from Shen Yuan, both in the game and in real life, making someone dislike him wasn’t anything new to him, so this step should be easy. Then he would have to be honest, Shen Yuan didn’t know that Shen Jiu found out about him knowing his online identity, so he would confess everything pretending he didn’t know, that was bound to affect their real life relationship, but he had already made up his mind. After confessing he would pay up, right from his next check until it was necessary the would save money until he could repay him everything, and maybe that baby he was apparently going to have could count as payment, he had investigated and that things were valuable, they booted abilities from the players they would be bound to, and also they couldn’t be bought so…
That was what he was working with at the moment.
That afternoon when Shen Yuan texted him, instead of replying with his usual cutesy emoticons and stickers he sent a short concise message. It didn’t matter if the change was too abrupt, wouldn’t that be better to make the younger man tired of him quickly? Shen Yuan’s reply came later than usual, the “writing” appeared in his chat for fifteen minutes before a simple message was received in which Shen Yuan asked him if he wanted to play.
Shen Jiu connected and went to find him, peerless cucumber avatar was in their now shared house (one he would have to pay back, Shen Jiu reminded himself) and he was going around arranging furniture, choosing curtains and floors, even going out to decorate and fix the garden making it look nice. Before he started doing this tasks he had said something about “making it nice for the baby coming”, he had been really happy with the news, telling him that before he wasn’t interested in marrying anyone so this was his first change to be a father, after hearing that Shen Jiu had cringed and wanted to die. Since then most of his time online has been centered in house chores. Shen Jiu was the one impregnated, so why did it look like the new house wife was the other man?
Shen Jiu found himself smiling despite himself, when Shen Yuan noticed that he had arrived he quickly approached and started talking.
—Hi there. —Shen Jiu had heard that voice before many times, but it felt different now. —Where is your title? —ah, that.
—I forgot to put it. —He hadn’t.
—Mn, that’s okay, put it on now.
Shen Jiu was defeated and went into his settings, after clicking an option, letters above the little white catgirl avatar appeared: Peerless Cucumber’s wife. Matching with the “Xiu Ya’s husband” above Shen Yuan’s avatar. What had he done to deserve such a title? not only was it a reminder of his mistakes but also… If you’re now married couldn't you change your user name?
—Are we going out to do quests today? —Shen Jiu asked
—No, it would be dangerous for the baby, you have to take care of yourself. Take this.
For some reason Shen Jiu got the impression that his voice sounded a little different, maybe a little confused? The game gave him a notification.
Player peerless cucumber has gifted you “nutritive positions”
—This would be good for the baby.
God please, give him a break.
—There is no need for that, even if I don’t take anything the baby would still be born right? Why don't we fight in the arena today?
—That’s not good either, what if you lose the baby? We can’t risk that.
Being pregnant was so boring, he could only do low level missions and stumping pregnancy quests, if he did anything more he would be nagged by everyone.
—Do you feel bored Xiu Ya? —Shen Yuan asked almost like he could read his mind.
—A little bit.
—Then you can take my account and play. I'll borrow Airplane’s account, so we can play together .
—Thank you, that would be nice… —Shen Jiu was a little surprised that Shen Yuan would lend him his account just like that.
—Sure, but you have to ask nicely!
—Can you give me your account please…?
—You’re not asking it to the right person.
The right person? What does that mean? Just when Shen Jiu was going to call him “Peerless cucumber” he had an idea.
—Ge?
No response from the other side. Was this really about this?
—Gege?
—Mn, that’s better. Now finish.
This shameless man, asking another OLDER man to call him gege.
—Could gege give me his account?
Shen Jiu spat out every word. resentment building inside of him.
—Of course gege will give you his account Xiao-Ya! —this was probably the happiest he had ever heard the man be.
‘I’m going to kill him’ But in reality he knew he didn’t have the right to demand anything from him.
That day in the server forum people had commented how peerless cucumber fight style had seemed very different than usual, very bad in their own words. Players that were present in the arena at that time clarified the situation, saying that as soon as peerless cucumber sent a message into the game chat it was clear who was using the account. Everyone praised Peerless cucumber for being such a great husband, and their popularity as a couple rose a lot that night.
Shen Jiu was making a good progress in the real world, declining Shen Yuan’s messages to appoint tutorings with the excuse of being busy and leaving early so he didn’t have the chance to talk to him, one time Shen Yuan had tried knocking on his office he pretended he wasn’t there, and the glance Liu Qingge sent him might have been the worst this year, the only difference is that this time he felt it was justified. But evading him was harder in the virtual world being his PIDW wife. He had to change the tactic.
While Shen Yuan was cutting some grass in the garden he was sent a message from another player.
—Friend request—
Nine Tail Master: Please don’t block me, I need to tell you the truth about Xiu Ya.
Shen Yuan stared at the screen,. Just when he was about to send a very angry message and block the account he noticed something off. In the account details there was a Wechat account attached, and even if it didn’t have the information to add the account the user could be seen. It was Qingqiu.
…
He was very confused now. So he replied.
—Friend request—
Nine Tail Master: Please don’t block me, I need to tell you the truth about Xiu Ya.
Peerless Cucumber: What should I know about my wife?
Nine Tail Master: Typing…
Nine Tail Master: She’s obviously a gold digger, she lied her way until you married her, you spent so much on the wedding she made you do it right? Such an obvious fake personality, a great god like you deserves better! Leave her before it scales, and expose her so everyone knows what type of person she is! Barely human, the worst kind! Heartless! Divorce her!
What was this about?
—Friend request—
Peerless Cucumber: Do you have any proof?
Nine Tail Master: I do! I’ll send it to you!
Peerless Cucumber: No need, I won’t divorce.
Nine Tail Master: Then
Nine Tail Master: Wait, you really won’t divorce? Even with proof?
Peerless Cucumber: I won’t. No divorce.
Nine Tail Master: ...Allright.
Shen Yuan went to the coordinates the other profile had. When he arrived there was a player next to him. It was a male account, a member of the Qing Jing sect, a white small catboy.
—Private chat—
Peerless Cucumber: Follow me.
The character disappeared, the person using it had logged out of the game, but when Shen Yuan was going to leave it came back.
—Private chat—
Nine Tail Master: Are you going to kill me?
Peerless Cucumber: For what?
Nine Tail Master: Badmouthing your wife…
Peerless Cucumber: So you confess it was fake? But no, I’m just going to take you home and ask you. Why did you make a side account?
Nine Tail Master: Home? And obviously I'm using a side account, if i used my original one you would hunt me down.
Peerless Cucumber: I would never hunt down my wife.
Peerless Cucumber: Xiu Ya.
Nine Tail Master: Typing…
Nine Tail Master: Typing…
The typing stopped.
—Don’t log out of the game.
Nine Tail Master: How did gege realize it was me! >.<
Nine Tail Master: I wasn’t going to log out [puffs out]
—What was all of this about?
—Um, it was… An emotional test for gege! I wanted to know how would gege react if someone tried to badmouth me, if gege would believe them or not.
A test? Shen Yuan didn’t expect for Shen-laoshi to be the type of person that would do things like that, but considering all the rumors around him that could be found on the college forum, maybe he did care. It didn’t matter, if it was something that made him feel better then he would gladly do it this time.
—Did I passed?
—Of course gege passed, it was a perfect score! ten out of ten!
—Mn, there is no need to do that in the future, if someone badmouths you in a side account I’ll block them, and if it is someone’s personal account I will hunt them down and kill them. I won’t believe any of them, next time… you can talk to me directly okay?
—Uh? …Thank you gege. —the voice sounded cautious and surprised.
The catboy avatar started to run around him and made some cute actions, its cat tail swinging as it moved.
—I’m sorry for the test, I just felt a little worried, it is still online dating after all…
Online dating was really restraining after all, these few days Shen Yuan had thought about it, but Xiu Ya didn’t know who he was, while Shen Yuan knew him, maybe after finding out who he was Shen Jiu wouldn’t want to be with him. But Shen Yuan did, he wanted to hold hands, and go on dates and kiss. He had never been with anyone, he couldn’t keep dating his teacher while only he knew who the other was his whole life, so he gathered his courage.
—So do you, want to meet? —silent spread —I mean, only if you want to, and we could choose a place that’s close for both, if we live very far away there's always trains and planes and if the problem is money I, I can always help you or buy your ticket and —His voice as first calm started to speed up, why didn’t he said anything.
—Okay, but not now, in two weeks works for you? —Shen Yuan’s heart was racing so fast and loud he could hear it in his ears. In a nearby apartment another man was in the exact same situation.
There was one week left for his and Xiu Ya’s first meeting in the real world, he had the impression for a few days that both his online boyfriend and teacher had been distancing from him, he believed that maybe Xiu Ya’s was due to shyness now that they were an official couple, but it turned out to be some doubts he had and that Shen Yuan as a good thoughtful boyfriend had resolved with him with the help of his test. Shen Jiu as his teacher on the other hand, maybe he was very busy, there was a lot grading to do after all and he was sure he had other responsibilities, but it was so abrupt and excessive, they went from meeting three times a week, two of them out of class, to his teacher not even giving him a look either on the class or really anywhere. It was a shame since his health was getting better, he didn’t feel tired as much as he had before, now he was able to walk a lot more without needing help, if he and Shen Jiu were to date in the real world they could go on a lot of fun dates...
So today, he would try to look for him in his office again, that wasn’t against the rules or anything. He knocked on the door and waited. Liu Qingge opened the door, he looked at him and as recognition lit his face he moved to make way for him. He spoke.
—He’s sleeping during work hours. The only advice I have for you is to stop seeing him, he doesn’t pay respect to little things like this, imagine how he is with more important stuff.
Shen Yuan decided not to respond, only glaring at him while he entered the office and Liu Qingge left, his laoshi was indeed, with his head against the desk, eyes closed, Shen Yuan's heart felt hot, should he come back later? He approached the other man and called him softly. But there was no response, he tentatively held his hand and after some hesitation pressed it against his face, still calling him, but right then he froze.
His laoshi wasn’t sleeping, he was burning! How did the other teacher not notice? Shen Yuan went to the door again trying to call Liu Qingge back to help him, but he couldn’t be seen anywhere. What was he going to do? He knew his limits and carrying another man was definitely far off his abilities, he went back where his teacher was and more decisively tried to wake him up.
—Laoshi, Shen-laoshi you need to wake up and go home. —He held his shoulder and shook him delicately.
—A-Yuan…? —a pair of tired eyes looked at him, furrow brow. That was the first time he called him that.
—Laoshi, I need you to stand up so I can take you home, can you do that? Should I call someone else? Professor Liu?
—No. I can do it alone.
Shen Jiu slowly got up, his whole world shaked, everything was slow, there was loud static in his ears and his head throbbed. Someone supported him and he remembered where he was. Ugh, he hadn’t felt this sick since he was a kid, he vaguely remembered that time he was so weak he couldn’t move and spent hours laying on the floor none of his parents at home, it was only when a worried Yue Qi and his parents got there with the spare key that he was taken to the hospital. He wondered if Shen Yuan would take him to the hospital too, he tried his best to take every step and say where he lived to help the boy supporting his weight.
Shen Jiu had made a lot of mistakes on his life, more than he wanted to admit, but he didn’t have the habit of apologizing or explaining after all it had never been useful for him, his parents never wanted to believe that his broken school supplies, torn and dirty clothes and missing money weren't his fault but rather the fault of the boy who had been bullying him. His basic studies time were full of people wondering how a person with his background was among rich kids. His close relationship with the principal's son had done more damage than good for his social life.
As soon as his age made it possible he was judged for being closer with women, public opinion torn between him being gay or a pervert, Shen Jiu had known since he was young that it was the first one but that wasn’t the reason behind preferring women, they were simply more tolerable than men. He thought that college would be a fresh start for him but just in the first semester Qiu Haitang a girl he had known since he was a kid started a rumor saying he had bullied her older brother into quitting school and also led her on while talking to other girls because she got rejected by him. He lost most, if not all of his friends that time, including Liu Qingge who he was with in a project for their "introduction to pedagogy” class. They were never fully close but could make small talk during class break and their meetings for the project, that time he also was facing some small trouble with important people making him busy, the other members of the project forgot to add Liu Qingge in the final work and decided to pin it on him, probably because his reputation in his eyes had already fallen due to Haitang’s rumor he fully believed them. He went to find him and made a scene not letting him talk. That afternoon Shen Jiu went to talk to their teacher and resolved the problem, but he never told that or the truth to Qingge .
After that the man believed any rumor about him, that he had gotten into the university because of connections, that he had dated teachers to get good grades, partied too much, indulged in sexual services, dated his own students. The list was so long he wasn’t even sure he knew them all. He hated the man who made the rumors, they were the same type of people who bullied him as a kid, who had called him slurs as a teenager and made his friends suffer because of love, dating them as a dare, cheating on them, using them, in short, slag men. Maybe from the start it was his own resentment that made him start his revenge plan, yes he felt rage on behalf of Ning Ying Ying, but perhaps while avenging her he could avenge himself too.
Shen Jiu never cared to explain, he also thought apologies were worthless. But now he was the one wrong, if he apologised and told the truth he would risk destroying his relationship with the man who was helping him now, he tried so hard to push him away these days and yet here he was helping him. Shen Yuan deserved to know the truth, he also deserved someone better than Shen Jiu, even if he didn’t tell him today, his meeting would be in a week. They had stopped walking, and Shen Jiu realized they were in the elevator of his building, looking at Shen Yuan's face he could see clear signs of effort. How many time has passed? He allowed himself to be selfish one last time and rested his head on his shoulder, burying it in his neck. He was taller so the position was a little uncomfortable but he didn’t care.
Shen Yuan got out of the elevator and went to the door number he was told before, his laoshi looking for the keys in his pocket before giving them to him, he opened it and found himself in a very small apartment. a bed, desk and a little kitchen all in one room, he looked around and found the door for a bathroom, a little relief filled him. He put the other man on the bed and sat there for a while panting while he recovered his breath a pair of eyes looking at him drowsily.
—Laoshi, do you have medicine here?
—There should be some in the bathroom
The response came slowly. Shen Yuan sat up and went inside the bathroom, it was small too but it had a shower, he looked for the medicine and found it, he took pills for the fever and a pill for muscular pain. He went to the sink and filled two glasses with water, back at the bed he helped Shen Jiu to a sitting position and gave him the fever pills while he took the painkiller. After Shen Jiu finished taking the pills, he laid back again, looking at him. He crawled closer, smuggling his face on Shen Yuan’s leg. Shen Jiu fell asleep, he probably wouldn’t be able to log into PIDW today, they had exchanged account information that time he lent him his account, so he got up to turn on the computer and play a little. More than an hour had passed before Shen Jiu woke up feeling better, Shen Yuan sat back in the bed next to him and then the other man began speaking.
—I need to tell you something.
Shen Yuan’s heart speed, something was about to happen.
—I know you're peerless cucumber, I also know you know I’m Xiu Ya.
—How did you know?!
—One time when texting you your phone wouldn’t spot receiving messages and you deliberately gave me two different Wechat accounts, of course you knew.
—I, I… —Shen Yuan found it hard to find his words, his face heating up. —For how long?
—Some days before the wedding, the same day I found out I was pregnant.
—If you say it like that…
—But I should be the one who is ashamed! Why do you look like that? —Shen Jiu covered his face with his arm. —I’m really sorry, I’ll make it up to you! It doesn’t matter how much time it takes, I’ll pay you back everything.
—Why?
—Because I lied to you! I tricked you! You should hate me.
—But I knew it was you didn’t I? If I had told you before you probably would have stopped, but I didn’t, I knew that it wasn’t really me who you were looking for.
—I need to explain this correctly, then if you want you can hate me. —Shen Jiu took a big breath. —The reason I looked for you was because…
—I know. —Shen Yuan interrupted, that topic was probably a hard one he guessed, and the man was also sick, he needed more rest. —You don’t need to say anything.
There was a look of surprise in Shen Jiu’s face, Shen Yuan raised his hand and softly slouched his cheek, going to the back of his head to let his hair down and comb it with his hands, urging him to lay down again on his bed.
—You know…? And you’re not mad? —’How did he find out? Maybe a conversation with Yingying?’ But he was also too tired to think too much about the matter.
—Of course I’m not mad, only afraid you would drive me away after you found out who I really was.
Shen Jiu felt guilt strike him again, now Shen Yuan was not looking at him. But his hand was still in his head.
—You want me to stay?
—Yes. —Shen Yuan looked back. flushed face. —But you’re obviously tired right now, you need to rest, if you want we can resume this conversation later. I’ll wait until you fall asleep and then I’ll buy you some medicine and ingredients before I leave. Is that okay?
Shen Jiu nodded before closing his eyes. At some point falling asleep while he felt the hand played with his hair and stroked his head.
Shen Yuan went home in a really good mood, he checked Shen Jiu’s temperature before leaving and it was much better, after the weekend he would be just fine. They only needed one last talk but after that Shen Yuan was 90% sure he would get a real life boyfriend. Now back at his dorm, his roommate was back too.
—Cucumber-bro, this senior girl told me she was interested in you, what should I tell her?
—Just tell her I'm already dating someone from campus.
—A good cover for your real wife, looking at you out on the street who would think you spent so much money on a game wedding. It's even your first relationship, with that much investment do you have any plans of meeting?
—It’s not a cover, I’m really dating someone on campus.
Shen Yuan said with a dumb smile all over his face.
Huh??
‘A week ago this same guy had been texting his wife nonstop, what happened? Did he get a little taste of dating and now couldn't stop?‘ Xiang Fei thought confused, he never imagined that his best friend would be this kind of man, should he tell poor Xiu Ya?
When Shen Jiu got up he was feeling much better, he still remembered his conversation with Shen Yuan, the memories making him dizzy, he had known about his plan… For how long? Shen Jiu decided not to think much about it, this was a gift for him from destiny, he would not let it go to waste, he could maintain his friendship with Shen Yuan. He got up and logged into PIDW, two gifts from different people in his profile.
Airplane shooting towards the sky has gifted you a pair of horns, go and claim them!
What was that supposed to mean? He went to check the other notification.
Xuan su has gifted you two pairs of robes, go and claim them!
This guy truly doesn’t know how to give up, even after getting married he still tried to send him gifts, the only reason Shen Jiu hadn’t blocked him was because he was the guild leader. Another notification popped up, Shen Jiu lazily went to check it.
Player Xiu Ya is going to give birth anytime soon, go home and wait for the baby!
!!!!!!!
He quickly took a screenshot and sent it to Shen Yuan, not caring he had sent it to him and not peerless cucumber, then he took Xiu Ya to the house and nervously waited. Not long after a new avatar appeared at the house.
—How are you feeling?
Shen Yuan’s voice traveled through his headphones, he almost reminded him he wasn’t actually impregnated before he realized what he actually meant.
—Much better, I don’t feel sick at all.
—Mn, is the voice changer necessary now?
Oh… right.
—Not really I guess…
After replying Shen Jiu felt it was still too awkward.
—I’m happy, I wanted to hear your voice in the game for a long time…
Oh?
—But I must admit I’m a little bit sad for losing a particular nickname…
—You really are a shameless thing aren’t you Shen Yuan? Just a few days ago ordering a superior around to get called something you don’t deserve? If anyone should be saying the word gege it should be you! I’m your elder!
—I’m not against calling you Jiu-ge if you want to, it’s better than laoshi anyways. I wasn’t the one who asked you to call me gege in the first place.
—You enabled it.
—As if I could have stopped you at the time, you are very stubborn Jiu-ge.
—Hmph, don’t ever think I will call you that ever again when there aren’t any players around.
—You know people usually wait until there’s no one around?
Some silence that is broken by small laughter on both ends. Two people smiled at the screen before an announcement was shown. The baby was finally born.
Shen Jiu looked at the small baby now in their house, it was a demon boy race baby, a mark on his forehead, shaped teeth and red eyes. The thing had tears in his big eyes in a way he supposed was trying to be cute but the only thing he could think was.
—How ugly.
So he expressed it.
—Hey, you don’t have to be so cruel, isn’t he your son?
—A thing like that could not be a son of mine. What should we name it?
—Why not Bingmeimei?
—Isn’t it a boy?
—We can break gender norms!
—Do whatever you want, make it follow you, I don't want it near me.
—Okay I will… Can I go to your office tomorrow?
—Do whatever you want…
They didn’t technically meet in Shen Jiu’s office, instead, after the class ended Shen Yuan stayed with his teacher talking and after that they went to a coffee shop together, Shen Jiu payed, and even if Shen Yuan wanted to help he also recognized how much the man wanted to “make up for his mistake” so he decided he would let Shen Jiu spoil him buying little desserts and asking him about his favorite foods, places and activities. There would come a time where he could do the same too, he had maybe gotten into the teachers info in the university website to find out about his birthday and was already thinking about possible gifts for that day.
From the coffee they went to his office and talked for hours about the class material and other topics related to literature and to them. It was dark outside when they were heading back home, Shen Yuan hadn’t bringed his cane and having a long day he was using the older man as his support, holding his arm as the walked, Shen Jiu didn’t seemed to mind and while none of them were talking they both looked around seeing the nearby trees and the night sky it was like any other time Shen Jiu had accompanied him to the dorms building, but it now felt different. When they arrived Shen Yuan looked seriously at Shen Jiu.
—Thank you for today… laoshi. —he finally said. —Will you connect online later?
—I will.
—Okay then.
Still looking at him Shen Yuan’s face rapidly lifted, giving him a firm kiss before running back to the building, not letting the other man have time to react. The kiss, Shen Jiu reflected, wasn't so quick to be called a peck, but it was also too short and shy to be considered a proper kiss. Shen Jiu finally smiled, a bright smile, that would be something he’d have to fix next time. Yes, this time he would definitely make everything right.
The next day Shen Jiu found Shen Yuan close to a nearby groceries store. The man seemed bashful but happy to meet him, Shen Jiu took the opportunity and asked him if he wanted to come by to his apartment and eat something made by him Shen Yuan quickly sent a message and forgot about his plans of buying groceries. Eating in the apartment, one in the desk and the other in the bed so they would be closer, Shen Jiu asked a question.
—Do you visit your parents often?
—Not really, I was closer to my siblings growing up than to them. I am visiting home for this vacation though. What about you?
—I haven’t seen my parents since I was a teenager. —Shen Yuan’s face changed into complicated expressions. —-Don’t worry, I don’t regret it.
—Talking about families. —Shen Jiu continued. —I refuse to believe that little beast is actually my son. Can we have another one worthy of Qing Jing's scholarly elegance?
—How can you say it’s not yours? That’s impossible! I also don’t think PIDW has the option to have more than one child…
—That´s ridiculous, why is it even an option to have one?
Shen Yuan smiled.
—I wondered for a long time why laoshi would decide to play Pride Immortal Demon Way.
Shen Jiu felt uneasy.
—Don’t you already know…?
—I mean, yes, but what made you decide to actually do it?
—Well I felt I had to, now looking back it was stupid, it wasn’t even my-
—It wasn’t stupid, I actually think it was brave.
—Brave?
Silence extended, Shen Jiu decided to lock his doubts something good was actually happening to him now, he needed to focus on that.
Shen Yuan continued the conversation.
—What are you doing on vacation then?
—Probably staying here unless something comes up… —Shen Jiu replied, looking at him. —What city does your family live in?
The reply surprised him a little, they had actually grown up in the same city, it was a big one, and they lived on opposite sides but still, they continued talking about famous spots and other activities there. It was getting late again, and Shen Yuan received an angry call. something about already being ditched today by him and to better show up to watch the show they had started a week ago. So they decided to go down the building so Shen Jiu could see him off, Shen Yuan had insisted on going back alone.
Now in the first floor, next to the stairs Shen Jiu saw once again the same look the younger man had the day before, he waited to be kissed again.
And it happened, shy lips against his own, Shen Jiu enjoyed the sensation, this time being able to kiss the other man back, it was small and sweet, chaste even, but just as Shen Yuan was about to pull away Shen Jiu put a hand on his neck and one on his waist pulling him closer to him just to corner him in the little dark space between the stairs and the elevator, the shorter man gasped surprised, but all his complaints were silenced when Shen Jiu deepened the kiss. They continued kissing. Shen Yuan didn’t know anymore how much time had passed or how many embarrassing sounds had left his mouth, all he could feel was Shen Jiu and the man’s shirt made into a mess by his own hands, grabbing it like he would fall without it. Two people went down the stairs. They could hear their conversation distantly, but even while feeling a faint terror Shen Yuan didn’t want to stop.
Shen Jiu finally let go after the people's voices couldn't be heard anymore, he rested his forehead on Shen Yuan’s while they both waited for their rapid breathings to settle and a faint smile could be seen on the older man’s face. The hand he had been using to grab Shen Yuan’s waist went to grab his hand caressing it with his thumb.
—Are You free this weekend?
Shen Yuan nodded, still looking a little dazed holding the hem of his shirt.
—That’s good, then I’ll send you an address, get there at 6 pm Saturday okay? Dress nicely.
Shen Jiu moved his face to kiss Shen Yuan’s cheek softly.
—Are you sure you don’t want me to accompany you back?
—I’m sure, I am allowed to visit you in the office this week or should I wait until Saturday?
—You’re allowed, just not every day.
—Got it.
Shen Yuan smiled brightly and then got out of the building after saying goodbye one last time. He was already thinking about what to wear for the weekend.
The week went by without any inconvenience, they texted each other all week from start to end, they played whenever they had time. There was a small play made by students and Shen Yuan got a minor character as a guard, all he had to do was stand there and all the time he spent on the stage he spent looking at Shen Jiu. They kissed a few more times in Shen Jiu’s office (when the brute wasn’t around), in not crowded spots at the campus and near their buildings.
Shen Jiu also did a little of a research to find a restaurant students enjoyed for dates near the school’s installations, vacations were coming up and after their first real date they would only be able to see each other for two weeks before Shen Yuan went back to visit his family. After looking at a lot of restaurants he finally settled for a hello kitty themed restaurant, it was very popular, had good reviews of the service and food, while the decorations were cute he supposed. He and Shen Yuan might have kissed before but they still hadn’t properly talked about dating, and while to Shen Jiu it was obvious they already were, he still thought that Shen Yuan deserved a proper confession, so he made his plan to confess after the dinner.
On Saturday he started to get really tired at 3 pm, choosing a suit, doing his hair in a neat way and even applying soft makeup to highlight his features. After he was done he went out of his apartment and midway to the restaurant found himself outside of a flower shop, he decided on roses since they were popular among couples, but then found himself in a bit of a dilemma, a bouquet seemed excessive but just one flower was too little, at the end the owner recommended him to buy nine because it had “a good meaning” and while Shen Jiu thought it was a little weird he still followed the advice. The roses were packed in a pretty box and Shen Jiu would give them to his boyfriend tonight when confessing to him.
He arrived at the restaurant an hour before the reservation, and got a pleasant surprise seeing Shen Yuan already there. He was also wearing a suit that looked very new and his hair was bruised back rather than in his usual hairstyle. Shen Jiu approached him with an eyebrow raised.
—Have you been waiting a long time?
—Just got here. —Shen Yuan replied while his face had a faint blush. —Theres still time before the reservation right?
—Mn, want to walk for a little while we wait?
—Sure, Jiu-ge.
There was a big smile on Shen Yuan’s face.
They started walking and came across a claw machine with different PIDW plushies merch. Shen Jiu saw a little boy demon with tears in his eyes in one of the corners and suddenly felt the necessity of catching it for the person next to him. They went over to the machine and surprisingly Shen Jiu was able to catch it in the first try, Shen Yuan looked at the ugly thing expectantly but Shen Jiu kept it deciding to also giving it to him during his confession, smiling at his confused face they continued walking around until it was finally time for their reservation.
The waiter took them to their table, it was nice but Shen Jiu was a little frustrated that he wasn't able to get them a more private location since the entrance was still visible but he thought it would at least not cause them any trouble. He was wrong.
The trouble came in the form of a young woman, a young woman named Ning Yingying. That day she had planned to eat at the restaurant but when she arrived the employees told her there were no longer any available spots, she was about to leave disappointed when she spotted two familiar faces, she immediately went to where they were ignoring the calls of the employee telling her she couldn’t enter the establishment.
—Laoshi! a-Yuan!
They both turned to look at her, Shen Jiu discreetly hiding the flower box and plushie. The concerned employee asked them if they knew her and after receiving confirmation with a confused nod made by Shen Jiu he went back to doing his work. Ning Yingying happily sat down with them. Shen Yuan looked at Shen Jiu, who opened his mouth a few times but didn’t say anything at the end.
—Oh my god guys, I thought I wouldn’t be able to eat here. I've been wanting to eat here for a whole year since I found the restaurant on a cute video from one of my friends. I love Hello Kitty. Thank you!
Ning Yingying noticed that they both were silent and had surprised expressions but she was happy to meet them at the restaurant so she continued.
—Laoshi, since the start of the semester we haven’t eaten together again! Let me join you so you can make it up to me.
Shen Jiu hesitated, but then replied.
—Sure… do you plan on eating a big dinner or something small?
—Defently a proper dinner, A-yuan, is that next to you a Pride Immortal demon way plushie?
—Oh, It’s actually…
—It’s his. —Shen Jiu cut in. —He won it in a game machine earlier.
—It’s very cute! I want one too, maybe I will try later to win it in the machine.
—I can help you get one if you want.
—Really? Thank you laoshi. A-yuan plays PIDW right? I want to get into gaming again so bad! I regret deleting my account so fast.
—You deleted your account? What was so bad for you to do that?
Shen Yuan asked, Shen jiu felt the same unsettling from the time they were at his apartment, Shen Yuan already knew about all of that, what was the reason to put salt on the wound? That was beside the point anyway. Their date was being ruined! Shen Jiu reflected if it still was a good chance to confess, the plushie was already in Shen Yuan’s hands, who was holding it uncomfortably and the roses probably weren’t as pretty as before now that they had been put in the ground and kicked by himself. Should he plan another date and do it there?
—I was totally bullied out! A lot of players practically kicked me out, and if that wasn’t enough before that a guy humiliated me.
Ning Yingying replied. Her face looked like she was remembering all that. Shen Yuan’s expression changed too.
—We should order now, I’ll call the waiter.
Shen Jiu decided to cut the uncomfortable topic, calling the waiter. The night went as normal as a date turned into a friends reunion could be, Ning Yingying catched up with Shen Jiu since they hadn’t talked like this in a long time and she and Shen Yuan talked about some final details for the group project even asking their teacher some questions, after they were done eating Shen Jiu got up to pay the bill, the box in the floor being kicked again, opening. Ning Yingying's face changed but Shen Jiu fixed the box and continued as if nothing had happened, his motions so casual that she wondered if she had seen right.
—Yingying, can you tell me what your PIDW account name was?
When he left Shen Yuan asked her a question.
After the meal Shen Yuan and Shen Jiu walked together back to their homes, Ning Yingying had already said goodbye. Shen Jiu noticed Shen Yuan didn’t look as happy as he had at the start of the night, still holding the Bingmeimei plushie, but he supposed it made sense, their plans didn’t go as planned. With the box of roses in his hand he decided that maybe his confession didn’t have to be perfect, he was imperfect after all, he really wanted to say it instead of waiting again, and it was the words and intentions that mattered right? When he was about to start talking, Shen Yuan’s own words interrupted him. Shen jiu realized they were already in front of his apartment building.
—Are those for me?
He was obviously talking about the flowers, there was no way he couldn’t have seen them when the box had momentarily opened. Thinking of how ruined the roses must be right now he decided that even if he was going to confess now he shouldn’t give him something so horrible.
—No, they are already ruined.
Right when he said that he lifted the box and threw it in a trash hand, Shen Yuan's expression changed for a second but then he returned to his usual expression.
—Yingying told me what account used to be hers then she played PIDW, turns out even before we were in the same class we had already talked.
Shen Jiu’s heart sank, but he figured it was best to keep calm, Shen Yuan already knew after all, right?
—I mean, yes. She was really heartbroken when it happened but it seems she’s already over it.
—So Shen laoshi already knew it. —there was something similar to realization in Shen Yuan’s expression. —did you got closer to me in the game because you liked me or were there other intentions behind it?
—I thought you already knew.
No, no this was not happening to him now, he needed to explain things right now.
—I think there was a misunderstanding. —now Shen Yuan’s expression was hurt. —Why did you ask me out tonight?
Shen Jiu needed to say something. Anything, but right now he felt like words couldn't come out.
Shen Yuan waited for an answer, he figured that maybe Shen Jiu didn't have the best intentions at the start, but if he still liked him, then even with the bad beginning they could figure things out. But there was no response. It turned out Shen Jiu really didn’t like him. He forced himself back to a neutral expression, he gave the plushie in his hands back to Shen Jiu and started walking away, a simple “see you in class” as his goodbye. Shen Jiu didn’t say any word while he walked away, he just stayed still where he was.
When Shen Yuan arrived to his room he didn't answer any of Xiang Fei’s questions. After he turned seventeen and with no real experience in love matters besides an awkward kiss he started thinking that maybe love wasn’t for him. His interests had always been in the weirder side and he knew that if it wasn’t for his family influence he probably would have been an outcast during his whole student life, like his roommate told him had happened to him. Maybe realizing he liked men at his age was a little late, but he had hoped to have real chances with Shen Jiu, he had KISSED him, that should’ve meant something, but perhaps it was also the man toying with him.
He still didn’t fully understand the whole situation, Shen Jiu thought he was the slag man his beloved student Yingying had been a victim of, that is why he decided to get closer to him in the game, when Shen Jiu told him he knew he was peerless cucumber he had looked guilty and said he would make it up for him, this was probably his way of doing it, Shen Jiu must have noticed that he wanted him, so he kissed him and made this meeting to appease him. He took the decision that it was best not to know, his life would simply go back to the way it was before everything else started. With that in mind he opened his laptop and opened PIDW. It was important to cut all ties, that was probably the way Shen Jiu wanted it.
Shen Jiu got home with no thoughts in his head or rather a lot of them, so much that he couldn’t focus on a single one. He felt regret like he had never in his life, thinking of what to do next, should he leave Shen Yuan alone, should he try to talk to him. The habit of opening his computer and logging into that stupid game had already settled. So he did absentmindedly. A notification pops up right then.
Player peerless cucumber has made a divorce petition for you, don’t forget to review it within three days.
Shen Jiu spent his Sunday in bed, he slept until 11 am and used his phone until hunger was no longer easy to ignore. This was the first time he and Shen Yuan didn’t talk first time in the morning. PIDW had a divorce function, in which a player would make a petition and after three days confirm it by going to a specific location to finalize the procedure, he didn’t even want to open the game. He will have to face Shen Yuan tomorrow. He really wanted to run but he had never been someone that didn’t face his problems, that type of people, the ones that avoid confrontation so he really didn’t understand why he had stayed silent yesterday, Shen Yuan had even given him the chance to explain himself yet he wasted it.
His love life had always been… complicated, there were some conversations that lasted weeks but never ended in anything, some boring dates but more than everything there was a pattern, or rather a person.
Him and Yue Qi had never been something official, but they had known each other since they were kids, he was older than him for a few years and because he always had that attitude of a protecting big brother when he found out his home situation wasn’t the best he started inviting him to his house to play everyday, while his father drove Mr Yue around and his mother worked. That was how they became actually close. Yue Qi's parents never liked him, but Shen Jiu had always held onto what was important to him, and the older kid was. He didn’t have many friends in his grade but always made sure to follow Yue Qi around when they were on class break. Then when he got a little older he realized his feelings for him fell into the romantic side, he wasn’t ashamed, Yue Qi always preferred him above other company, and even if he had his friends and eventually persuaded him to make his own and follow him less during school he still gave him all his attention when they arrived to the Yue’s property.
The first time they kissed Shen Jiu was fourteen, after that their relationship continued being ambiguous, kisses after class, secret gifts, letters that were never signed, dates on the other side of the city. He was Shen Jiu’s first everything, except for a boyfriend. It was a little embarrassing to admit, but at 28, Shen Jiu had never had an official relationship. As they grew older the other man had become confusing, slowly driving away from him just to be back the second he started to think of cutting ties. Listening to every concern Shen Jiu had with understanding eyes, making promises that were never fulfilled. It all exploded four years ago when the other man’s parents found out. Both of them cursed him and even threatened him while Yue Qi stayed silent. The man didn’t talk to him for a week after the incident and when he finally contacted him it was to tell him they had to end everything. They kept talking for a year before Shen Jiu finally decided to cut all ties. It had already been three years since they talked (outside of the strictly necessary just because he had the bad luck of establishing his career in the same field and place) and there were no feelings left for him in Shen Jiu’s heart apart from a slight nuisance.The man always was friendly with him but he couldn’t help to think he was resented in some way, like when he deliberated put him with Liu Qingge knowing the reason why they didn’t get along.
He actually didn’t think about this often, not now at least. But now that he had failed again to establish a relationship he couldn’t help but to reminisce, was he like Yue Qi to Shen Yuan? Just the idea hurt him. Tomorrow he would decide what to do, that was his last thought before closing his eyes.
The next day Shen Yuan didn’t come early as always, Shen Jiu felt it was expected, he just hoped that he would appear. At the end he did, but he sat far away from his desk, Ning Yingying was looking at them in a way that fortunately was disguised enough to not be noticed by others but not for him. For a moment Shen Jiu was afraid that he would never appear again but it would have been dumb after all to quit the class when they were about to finish the semester and when Shen Yuan had put so much effort in the class.
As the class was ending Shen Jiu started to reflect again, there was no discussion in paying the younger man back, this morning he had talked to his bank to transfer his savings to another account. The students were starting to pack their things. But there was still the matter about their relationship, Shen Jiu believed that Shen Yuan deserved something better, a more genuine relationship. Shen Yuan got up. Shen Jiu’s thinking was interrupted.
—Laoshi, I think I made a mistake on Saturday.
It was Ning Yingying.
—It wasn’t your fault. It was mine.
Shen Jiu didn’t want to be a coward, he really liked Shen Yuan. Shen Yuan was close to the entrance.
—You don’t have to worry about anything. It is our own personal affair.
He placed a reassuring arm on the girl's shoulder before quickly walking towards the entrance.
—Shen Yuan, could I have a word with you at my office?
Shen Yuan looked surprised but nodded. He followed behind him as they arrived. Fortunately there was no unwanted presence there. After leaving his teaching material on the desk he took out his cellphone and transferred the money.
—I know it's not all. But eventually I will pay it all back.
Shen Yuan’s expression didn’t change.
—It's that all?
—No. —Shen Jiu replied, grabbing his arm. —I made a mistake, I want to apologize again. I don’t pay you with the thought of trying to end this after I’m finished. I do it to show you my regret. My intentions at the start were not good. But I didn't only know you thought the game, I also spent time with you in the real world. And I enjoyed our talks and time together. When I realized you liked me that way I was happy. Because I like you too.
From grabbing his arm he went to hold his hand.
—If you give me the opportunity I will chase you in the right way. Let me show you a better part of myself.
—Will you really chase me?
—I will. —Shen Jiu said with conviction. —So please, …Let´s not divorce?
Shen Yuan held his hand back, Shen Jiu felt surprised with hope. But the other man’s expression was unreadable.
—Then Xiu Ya should apologize properly.
Shen Jiu felt embarrassed but still replied in a silent scream.
—I’m sorry gege!
There was silence. And then Shen Yuan laughed, he actually did.
—I didn’t mean that! hahaha, I meant actions… Are you free tomorrow?
Shen Jiu felt like an idiot.
—I am…
—Okay then, you can start from there.
—I will.
Shen Yuan gave him a little smile before leaving without a proper goodbye. Shen Jiu felt he had lost his dignity, but the happiness he felt surpassed any other emotion.
Neither of them took any initiative to finalize the divorce, instead they silently made their missions together. Shen Yuan didn’t wear the “Xiu Ya’s husband” title but it was a start.
The next day Shen Jiu started his plan to win Shen Yuan over again! (not catfish involved) he started by sending a good morning text to Shen Yuan. But then he realized he had to resort to Shen Yuan’s apparent best friend “Airplane shooting towards the sky” it was a little embarrassing but he still didn’t know his real name, he could now put a face to him, being obvious he was the same rodent like boy he had seen next to Shen Yuan before, so this time when he texted him over Wechat it felt a little more personal.
Qingqiu: Hi, I need to ask you a question.
Feiji: Xiu Yaaaa
Feiji: You don’t ever write to me!
Feiji: …
Feiji: Is it because you receive my coded message?
Feiji: I’m really sry
Feiji: Seriously
Qingqiu: What are you talking about?
Qingqiu: I just want to ask you about my gege’s preferences and likes!
Qingqiu: (˶˃⤙˂˶)
Feiji: …
It took a while but he was able to get a lot of information from this man. It was a long questioning but he got everything that was important. Favorite food and deserts, shows and movies he liked, activities he enjoyed, places he liked or would like to visit, he was told about his little hobby of reading or watching things he knew he would hate just so he could talk for hours or even days about how bad they were. It was clear to Shen Jiu from the start that his budget would not be very high, but he could start by watching some of the movies he liked. In that way when they meet each other for lunch today they would have new conversation topics.
He made the meal himself. And then went to Shen Yuan’s building to pick him up and take him to a park in the city for a picking. The younger man's eyes lit up when Shen Jiu mentioned his favorite (most hated) movie, and they talked for hours even after lunch had ended about not only that but their lives and other things.
Shen Jiu told him about how he started living alone as soon as he was able when he was a teenager, how he had decided to be a teacher and some of the ambitions he has now but had never shared before, how he wanted to save to buy an apartment and become a trusted academic author in the future. Shen Yuan on the other hand told him about his bad health growing up and how he had felt it was difficult to connect with his peers, that he enjoyed editing his friend story and that was how they meet, he even told him with a red face about his first kiss. After arriving at their own homes they went into PIDW and played in the arena together.
The week continued like that, Shen Jiu would invite Shen Yuan over to his apartment so he could study while he graded works and tests, during breaks they would sit closely together order some take out splitting the price and play PIDW, Shen Yuan even showed him some other games to return the favor Shen Jiu recommended him books and series his jiejies had forced him to watch, they were full of plot whole and unnecessary drama so he knew Shen Yuan would like them. The day before Shen Yuan’s final exam Shen Jiu took him to his favorite meditation spot, and right after finishing the exam Shen Yuan called him to meet up.
Shen Jiu was waiting where Shen Yuan told him to be, the bingmeimei plushie that had been forgotten the last time was with him, also with a new set of flowers and a handmade gift he had personally made. Shen Yuan had forbidden him from giving him any money after their conversations had revealed his not very good economic status to him, Shen Yuan said all the things he spent where gifts, he decided what to do with his own money and not to treat him like a young master who doesn’t know how to manage expenses (even if he obviously was).
The other man arrived to meet him and before he could say anything of the things he had planned, the young man was pulling him into a soft kiss that made him feel like time had stopped before parting away and saying with a bright smile.
—Jiu-ge, do you want to be my boyfriend?
He took all of Shen Jiu’s gifts after the man replied to his question with another kiss and a head nod, still too speechless to trust his voice. They walked hand in hand until the sun was down, and after arriving at his apartment he received a picture of his handmade little anime figure made with cold porcelain next to Shen Yuan’s little figure collection.
Two days later his boyfriend had already gone back home to visit his family.
Shen Yuan thought life really wasn’t fair, he was finally in a relationship and now he would have to spend WEEKS apart from him. He had arrived to his parents house last night and told his sister the whole story (leaving out some little details) after that his sister said it was obvious he liked men from the beginning, that she would be telling all her friends about this and would help him not telling their parents and covering for him if it was needed. Shen Yuan spent some time helping her sister buy groceries and talked about his studies with his parents when they arrived home.
After that he went up to his room and spent the rest of the day and whole night playing with Shen Jiu, the man had asked him why he wasn’t with his family but after explaining that it would be a week until his brothers arrive and his sister was out he gave him a pensative “Mn” and didn’t asked any other questions continuing to move his character around the screen.
The next day Shen Yuan woke up at eleven in the morning. He took his time to eat breakfast and shower, he went back to bed to text his boyfriend but ended up receiving a text message from Shen Jiu before he could do so he was asking him what part of the city he lived in, Shen Yuan didn’t think much of it and told him. The day before when talking to his sister he also asked her to recommend him some gay romance novels (just to gain experience), so he was at chapter 30 of his newly started danmei and starting to think her literature likes couldn’t be trusted when he received a picture from Shen Jiu. Shen Yuan immediately rose from bed, it was a photo of a location that was very near to his neighborhood. He texted back telling him to stay right where he was and got out of the house at the fastest speed he could.
He found Shen Jiu eating an ice cream on the street, small luggage in the form of a backpack, he hugged him really hard, and the other man offered to buy him an ice cream too which he gladly accepted. They were holding hands in a casual way as they walked, so close to each other that you would have to look closely to see their fingers interlocked. Shen Jiu began talking
—We actually lived very far away from each other even in the same city. It took me an hour to get here and it’s probably the first time I’m here.
—Really? Well, this is where my parents' house is. But when I started Highschool they bought me an apartment closer to the school for convenience, maybe that one is closer to where you lived?
It was closer but it was definitely not close, Shen Yuan’s apartment was located in one of the most expenses zones in the city, the closer Shen Jiu had ever been to that neighborhood was when he rented a room as a teenager, because it wasn’t a full apartment he was able to live in a nicer area.
—Jiu-ge. Have you ever visited the Bai Lu park? —Shen Yuan asked, after Shen Jiu told him a little bit about the neighborhood he lived in as a child. —-It gets really pretty during this time of the year.
—I actually haven’t, do you want to go there?
Shen Yuan gave an indifferent nod, they called a car to take them there. None of them acknowledged how close that park was to Shen Yuan’s department. They conveniently agreed on expending the night there after being in the park for the rest of the day since Shen Jiu didn’t have a place to stay and hadn’t booked a hotel and it was too late for Shen Yuan to late (6 pm) go back now, a tired Shen Yuan went straight to his bed with an orthopedic mattress, and while Shen Jiu cleaned an organized the unused apartment Shen Yuan wrote her sister asking her to tell their parents he had gone out and now was too tired to go back, he made her promise to cover if anything else happened.
He took a long bath with warm water and found out his partner had already asked for delivery and groceries. He told him that he could go take a bath while he organized some things. It wasn’t very hard since people came here regularly to clean, but it made the place more functional . They sat down to eat and watched a movie together, while the lights were off and they were both on the couch they got closer and closer to each other until Shen Yuan was in Shen Jiu’s arms, spending half of the movie hugging and the other half ignoring the movie as they kissed, when they realized the movie was over they went over to the bedroom and slept in each other's arms.
When Shen Jiu woke up he took some time to admire his sleeping boyfriends profile, he managed to be handsome and pretty at the same way, in such a perfect way Shen Jiu couldn’t put into words, he stroked his short hair and kissed his cheek before getting up and making breakfast for the two of them, when he went back to deliver it he found Shen Yuan looking at his phone, he was going to nag him about being too dependent to technology but Shen Yuan spoke first.
—PIDW wants me to make a livestream playing, they are trying to get players to promote a livestream app they made a contract with and as I’m a popular player they want me in. They offered some equipment that would be very useful for a player with the Qing Jing sect like yours… I’m not really into streaming but the items are very rare. I also don’t have to show my face.
—So do you want to do it?
—I do, would you play with me on the stream?
—Only if you want me to. When would that be?
—In one or two days I think. You being with me would make it more fun.
—I will join you then .
They spent the rest of the day in the apartment, Shen Yuan’s sister was constantly sending him text because their parents had started asking too many questions, but he decided she could bear it a little bit more without his presence, they finished the movie that had been forgotten yesterday and complained about the plot together for half an hour, then when it was time for lunch Shen Yuan cooked his first ever meal with Shen Jiu’s help, it was as easy as he thought it would be but he wasn’t a total mess. The motions of cutting and mixing were relaxing in their own way and there was a strange satisfaction of someone important to you enjoying a meal you put effort in.
Shen Yuan decided he wanted to stay the whole week in this apartment, he felt like right now he was in a little world with Shen Jiu, a home sensation that usually presents with long relationships but felt so right to them who hadn’t even spent a month as a real couple. There were also interesting locations nearby if they decided to go out. He and his sister came up with a story about a friend from school who was visiting town and he wouldn’t be able to see another time. His parents were slightly annoyed about him being away but they were also working so they couldn’t really say much, they totally believed the story even if in reality Shen Yuan hadn’t talked with any of his school classmates since he graduated.
He did feel bad about not spending time with his sister so he asked him if she wanted to come by one or two days of the week, it would also be a good chance for her to get to know Shen Jiu. After arranging everything with his sister he told Shen Jiu about it who seemed a little bit nervous. He contacted the PIDW team to tell them he accepted his offer and then talked with Xiang Fei over text message while he continued the novel he started yesterday, every chapter was getting more hadcore making Shen Yuan sure that it was not a reliable source, but he was too deep into the plot now, a few chapters later the protagonist went to the hospital only to find out he was pregnated… That was when Shen Yuan decided to stop (he would go back to it later). He looked at Shen Jiu who was leaning on him while reading his own book and noticed his changes.
Shen Jiu tried to get information out of him, but Shen Yuan distracted him with a kiss determined not to say a word, Shen Jiu didn’t have any complaints During the night while they were together in bed they discussed the possibility of renting a place together, Shen Yuan really didn’t enjoy the university dorms and since his mayor was in business and Shen Jiu was new at teaching the chances of being in the same class again were very short, that would limit greatly their time together which was bad. .
The next day they set up everything for the stream together, putting their computers together so everything done on any of them could be seen or heard by the audience. It was supposed to start at 8 pm so Shen Yuan said he would go shower while he waited for the recording to start. He wasn’t going to turn on his camera but rather it would be a recording of his screen while Shen Yuan talked. Shen Jiu found himself idle while waiting for Shen Yuan to get out of the shower so he decided to watch other streams while he waited. He found himself surprised when entering Demon Saintess Lingling live and not only seeing her but also a girl that looked a lot like Liu Qingge, through talks with Shen Yuan he found out that the girl he believed to be his sister was Sleeping Willow's Flower and Shen Jiu who talked occasionally with her on his Wechat knew the girl had a preference for women. It seems life was really unexpected, Shen Yuan had told him how Demon Saintess Linling had chased him around in the game for weeks and exploited his messages requests but the girl now was hugging Sleeping Willow's Flower and acting spoiled around her.
Feeling happy for them Shen Jiu sent them some gifts and continued watching, then he received a text message from the organizers, there had been a mistake and Peerless Cucumber life would start thirty minutes early, Shen Jiu explained his in-game husband wasn’t available but the organizer told him there was no way to fix it and to please entertain people before Peerless cucumber arrived.
Right when the live started there were already 1000 people there, it made sense since Peerless Cucumber was a popular player, but Shen Jiu really didn’t know how to entertain these people. The chat was immediately filled with people asking when would Peerless cucumber arrive, why there was no moment on the screen and when would the fighting start. Seeing so many questions Shen Jiu reached out to open his microphone.
—Mn, gege is busy right now. It wasn’t his fault but bad management from the organizers. He will be back in a minute
The chat exploded.
There were a lot of confusing messages and “????” from users, Shen Jiu didn’t understand but then read a “Who tf are you?” comment and for some reason felt a little angry. He huffed.
—What do you mean “who are you?” Do you not see the character on the screen? I’m obviously gege’s wi…fe.
The second half of the word came out very silently as Shen Jiu realized the problem. Looking at his voice changer there was a clear and big “OFF” mocking him. He thought he had experienced humiliation when Shen Yuan found out his identity but his knowing was nothing compared to thousands of people knowing. He consoled himself with the fact they only knew about Xiu Ya and not Shen Jiu, he had his hands over his face ignoring the chaos of the chat and just when he was thinking about putting the computer off the bedroom door was opened.
Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow at his horrified expression. And Shen Jiu didn’t bother turning off the microphone as he said to him.
—I think I made a mistake.
Shen Yuan, who was holding his phone, looked at it and then at the stream. Something changed in his expression, a little smile that he tried really hard not to be mocking but from the way Shen Jiu was glaring at him it definitely was.
Shen Yuan sat next to him and said while putting his head on Shen Jiu’s shoulder.
—Don’t worry, go take a bath.
Shen Jiu nodded since it was probably the best way to calm himself. And got up.
Shen Yuan on the other hand talked to the screen.
—Okay, Peerless Cucumber here. I’m going to answer questions, but be rude and I’ll kick you out and then hunt you in the game.
He read the chat.
—Yes, he is Xiu Ya. Yes, we are a couple in real life.
There was a comet saying how unfair it was for Xiu Ya to go around pretending to be a woman, and to deceive him.
—It was something we agreed on. We know each other in real life since we are in the same university I always knew. And didn’t Xiu Ya interact much with other players outside our team and guild. He even returned gifts he had received from another player.
The first one wasn’t completely true, but Shen Yuan appreciated the chance to expose a rather annoying player who was sadly their guild leader and still haven’t completely given up on Xiu Ya even if he was already married. Someone asked why pretend to be a women
—Same sex characters can’t get married on PIDW, also my boyfriend is a serious man in the real world, so I liked the chance to see him act more cute…
Shen Yuan was very lucky Shen Jiu wasn’t in the room right now or else he wouldn't have had the courage to say all of this. A lot of comets begged for them to open the camera and some others complimented their voices.
—-I’m not opening the camera, and I also agree on my boyfriend’s voice being nice. He is also very handsome, with long hair and fenix eyes…
A comment asked who was the gong and the shou… Shen Yuan kicked that person out of the stream.
Shen Yuan continued talking with the audience and then picked his phone again. Xiang Fei had texted him a lot.
Feiji: ????????????????????????????
Feiji: You never tell me anything.
Feiji: You meet each other in real life???
Feiji: Most importantly, HE IS A MAN?
Feiji: UNIVERSITY?
Feiji: That sounds like SHEN JIU’S voice
Feiji: i mean, i’ve only heard it like five times but
Feiji: IS IT HIM?
Feiji: TALK TO ME BRO.
Shen Yuan decided to ignore him a little bit more and figure later with Shen Jiu what to tell him. They continued with the live like nothing had happened. A total of 20.000 people were connected but they decided to finish it early and go to bed.
The next day Shen Jiu saw a message from Sleeping Willow's Flower.
Shui Se: Are you really a man?
Qingqiu: I am.
Qingqiu: I’m sorry if you felt deceived.
Shui Se: I don’t know if I can forgive you.
Shui Se: Tell me all the details of your love story and I’ll think about it.
Shen Jiu decided to deal with that (and Xiang Fei) later, he only had two days left with Shen Yuan and his sister was visiting today. Shen Jiu had also thought of doing a little trip with his boyfriend before college started again, but he had to plan it better before taking Shen Yuan as a surprise.
Shen Yuan’s little sister arrived in the afternoon and although she started their interaction with an interrogation to “protect his dumb brother” she was actually very nice and they quickly got along, making small conversation when Shen Yuan wasn’t around. The three of them together went to some fun locations near Shen Yuan’s apartment, they accompanied the girl to the mall to buy some stuff she wanted, and played videogames in the house. She liked Shen Jiu´s cooking a lot and he offered himself to teach her a little in another opportunity. Shen Yuan’s sister decided to leave them alone for the last night they spent together in the apartment, Shen Yuan left the next day to spend time with his brothers and parents and Shen Jiu went back to his rented apartment.
Vacations were long for both of them not being able to see each other in person, even if they talked to each other on the phone whenever they could. So it was a relief Shen Yuan was really happy when he discovered the trip Shen Jiu had planned for both of them, and Shen Jiu was happy he checked both with Xiang Fei (who they eventually explained their relationship to) and Shen Yuan’s sister if Shen Yuan would enjoy the hotsprings. A few months after entering school again Shen Yuan moved out of the dorms and they rented a bigger place together. A year after Shen Jiu first decided to make a revenge plan against a slag man he found himself in bed with the most important person in his life now, Shen Jiu stroked his face enjoying the laziness of the morning, carefully freeing himself from his embrace to get up and make some breakfast after finding his clothes. Yes, he made a lot of mistakes and reckless decisions, but he didn’t regret this one.