Chapter Text
Laying Xie Lian back down upon his soft bed, Hua Cheng fidgeted. “Gege,” he fretted, “You can't be walking around on your own for so long...” His tone was strange, like he wanted to lecture Xie Lian for moving around so carelessly but felt uncomfortable doing so. It also sounded fearful, the look in his eyes resembling that of a cornered animal seeking escape.
“San Lang,” Xie Lian murmured, his voice resonating amusedly through Hua Cheng’s mind.
Blinking at the blithe tone of his voice, Hua Cheng looked up, meeting Xie Lian’s calm gaze.
“Gege...” Hua Cheng responded carefully.
“Why didn’t you tell me that you were crimson rain sought flower?” The question was composed and simple, not a hint of fear or betrayal in sight.
Casting his eyes downward once more, fingers twisting and squeezing at the white sheets, he murmured shamefully, “This one is truly sorry. I simply didn’t want to frighten Gege. After all, I’m an infamous king of ghosts. That title doesn’t sound very pleasant.”
“San Lang is silly. How could I possibly be afraid of you?” Xie Lian laughed at the thought.
Hua Cheng’s eyebrows nearly shot straight up. This time, he was the one speechless.
“In all honesty, I would have figured it out sooner or later. Did you really think you could keep something like this a secret?”
After a pause, Hua Cheng spoke up hesitantly, “You really aren't mad?”
Smiling warmly, Xie Lian reached for Hua Cheng’s cold hand, entwining their fingers carefully. “How could I possibly be angry with you.”
The look Hua Cheng leveled him with was pure and strong. It was an emotion Xie Lian couldn’t name, but it quickly changed to an inquisitive expression as he curiously wondered, “Gege, how did you recognize my title? I don’t remember ever telling you about the names Hua Chengzhu and crimson rain sought flower.”
“Someone had to rule ghost city. I was curious who it might be, so I asked Yin Yu.” When Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow at Yin Yu’s name, Xie Lian added seriously, “Don’t be upset with Yin Yu. He was only answering my question. Weren't you the one who told me I could get him if I needed him?”
Raising his hands in defeat, Hua Cheng smiled. “Alright Gege,” he responded solemnly, “I won’t be mean to him.”
“Good,” Xie Lian responded, smiling softly.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, before Hua Cheng murmured cautiously, “Gege, there’s something I want you to have.”
Pulling a delicate, silver chained necklace from his robes, he glanced up at Xie Lian nervously. Smiling, Xie Lian leaned forward, allowing Hua Cheng to gently place it around his neck.
Holding the necklace up and inspecting it closely, Xie Lian gasped.
It was the embodiment of elegance.
Attached to the chain was a ring more beautiful than any of his finest jewelry as the prince of Xianle. As small as it was, it managed to hold an immeasurable amount of intricacy. It was a brilliant tone of pure silver, and it shone proudly as it sat on Xie Lian’s palm.
“San Lang, it’s beautiful...” he marveled, eyes wide.
“It’s nothing, Gege, just a trinket I thought you’d enjoy,” Hua Cheng replied casually, but the delicate look in his eyes and the way he entwined his fingers together had Xie Lian narrowing his eyes. It was clear to him at first glance that this was more than a trinket, but if Hua Cheng wanted to play coy, Xie Lian wouldn’t push the topic.
“Well Thank you, San Lang, you were right. I do enjoy it.” He tucked the ring carefully underneath his robes, warmly pressing his hand against its shape with a smile. Hua Cheng looked away.
There was a moment of silence before Xie Lian bluntly wondered, “So when can I see your real form?”
For a split second, Hua Cheng looked stunned, but he quickly recovered, a grin spreading across his face. “And how did Gege figure out that this wasn't my true face?” he asked, amused.
Sighing, Xie Lian leaned back against his pillow. “According to Yin Yu,” he began to explain, “You are a unanimously admired leader. Wouldn’t you have been flocked with ghosts the entire time we spent playing in ghost city if that was true? The only explanation is that you used an appearance the ghosts did not recognize as yours. Or could it be that this is your true face, but the residents of Ghost City don’t recognize it as Hua Chengzhu’s?”
“Very clever,” Hua Cheng hummed. “You’re right, Gege, this isn’t my true face. But the residents of ghost city haven’t seen my true form either.”
Xie Lian nodded thoughtfully, and after a pause, he asked rather sheepishly, “Could I see your true face, San Lang?”
Hua Cheng seemed to freeze at that, his expression turning strange- a mix of fear and shame.
Shocked by his reaction, Xie Lian hastily added, “Don’t mind the question; it was just a silly request.” However, Hua Cheng nodded after a moment.
“I'll show you my face," he hesitated before adding, "just not yet."
Nodding, Xie Lian placed a hand on Hua Cheng’s shoulder. “Take your time.”