#Moshang modern AU //
Mobei Jun has been in love with Shang Qinghua since he was 14 years old.
Though It’s more accurate to say that he finally recognized it as love at 16, when the older boy moved out of their shared dorm upon his graduation.
Mobei Jun has been in love with Shang Qinghua since he was 14 years old.
Though It’s more accurate to say that he finally recognized it as love at 16, when the older boy moved out of their shared dorm upon his graduation.
It was a quick goodbye, the older boy didn’t have much to his name and his parents lingered outside the door, their whispered arguing rushed the process even more.
Shang Qinghua gave him a weak smile and a hug and told him not to isolate himself while he was gone.
Shang Qinghua gave him a weak smile and a hug and told him not to isolate himself while he was gone.
He held Mobei Jun’s hand for a moment longer than necessary and pressed a crinkled piece of paper inside
“That’s the landline to my dad’s house. I don’t know how long I’ll be there for…but if you call me, I’ll tell you where I’ll be next. Just, um, just call me…if you want.”
“That’s the landline to my dad’s house. I don’t know how long I’ll be there for…but if you call me, I’ll tell you where I’ll be next. Just, um, just call me…if you want.”
It was, quite possibly, the worst thing that young Mobei Jun had ever heard in his life.
Second only to the automated message that said the landline was no longer in service when he finally worked up the courage to call.
Second only to the automated message that said the landline was no longer in service when he finally worked up the courage to call.
Between the two, Mobei Jun was the one who had trouble finding words. He felt and thought too much and by the time it came to speak on them, the sieve that was his mouth only left behind the bare minimum of responses.
Even in times like this, where he wanted nothing more but bear his heart out to the boy that introduced kindness into his life, he could do nothing but sit in silence as his emotions overwhelmed him.
Normally, this was why They worked.
Normally, this was why They worked.
Shang Qinghua could, at a glance, read what he wanted to say and continue the conversation on his own, responding to whatever opinion he saw present on Mobei Jun’s stony face.
He knew him. Everything, of course, but his truest feelings. Or so, Mobei had hoped that was the case
He knew him. Everything, of course, but his truest feelings. Or so, Mobei had hoped that was the case
The thought of Shang Qinghua being aware of the depth of his feelings and purposely ignoring them was worse than not being able to say them at all.
And so, Mobei Jun pushed through his next two years and reluctantly made friends Luo Binghe along the way.
And so, Mobei Jun pushed through his next two years and reluctantly made friends Luo Binghe along the way.
When a postcard appeared at his door the week of his graduation with the simple message of:
“I’m proud of you!!!!! You did it!! You climbed that mountain and survived!”
Mobei Jun didn’t need an address or name to know who it was from.
“I’m proud of you!!!!! You did it!! You climbed that mountain and survived!”
Mobei Jun didn’t need an address or name to know who it was from.
He traced the characters with his fingers as he cried for hours afterwards.
To say that he never got over Shang Qinghua was an understatement.
To say that he never got over Shang Qinghua was an understatement.
In the 12 years the followed, Mobei Jun’s eyes lingered on any man that had a passing resemblance to his old roommate.
He would imagine how the years would have changed SQH and how he would react to seeing his own changes. Would HE be SQH’s type?
He would imagine how the years would have changed SQH and how he would react to seeing his own changes. Would HE be SQH’s type?
When technology and social media evolved, he started to chase this line of thought in matches with brunettes with messy bangs and warm eyes.
These one night stands soothed an ache in his heart that never went away.
These one night stands soothed an ache in his heart that never went away.
He type became so distinct that when Luo Binghe needed a favor, he knew exactly who to turn to.
Mobei Jun had been forced to endure countless retellings of Luo Binghe’s chance encounter with his old tutor.
After over a decade of his own obsessive heartbreak, Luo Binghe had finally been reunited with Shen Yuan and refused to let this opportunity go.
After over a decade of his own obsessive heartbreak, Luo Binghe had finally been reunited with Shen Yuan and refused to let this opportunity go.
The only thing keeping MBJ from callous comments made out of jealous was the fact that, technically, he was now in Luo Binghe’s employment. And while he couldn’t afford to fire him, she could do worse.
Like assign him to joint projects with Sha Hauling.
Like assign him to joint projects with Sha Hauling.
The only hitch in Luo Binghe’s plans was The Roommate. Apparently, Shen Yuan lived and worked with his best friend and they were rarely apart from one another.
This, of course, ruined all of Luo Binghe’s regular attempts of seduction.
Which is where Mobei Jun comes in.
This, of course, ruined all of Luo Binghe’s regular attempts of seduction.
Which is where Mobei Jun comes in.
If Shen Yuan’s angry rants were to be believed, his roommate would throw himself at any pretty face. The ensuing night was the only time he had any peace and quiet.
MBJ was insulted by the insinuation that he take home a random man so his boss could seduce his childhood crush
MBJ was insulted by the insinuation that he take home a random man so his boss could seduce his childhood crush
That is until Luo Binghe added, “I’ve met him. He’s exactly your type.” He then cinched the deal by bringing his hand in front of his chest as if to measure something.
“He’s like this tall.”
“He’s like this tall.”
If there was one thing that was consistent in all of MBJ’s late night fantasies about his own old roommate it was this.
Shang Qinghua, though he was taller than him when they were at the boy’s school, was not from a family of tall people.
Shang Qinghua, though he was taller than him when they were at the boy’s school, was not from a family of tall people.
Having seen his parents, MBJ was sure that SQH would not have grown much taller. He would have outgrown him by several inches by the time of his own graduation.
So, with the promise of an easy brunette twink, MBJ agreed.
So, with the promise of an easy brunette twink, MBJ agreed.
[[ I got distracted reading some one else’s thread!! I’ll continue this tonight!! ]]
Which brings us to Mobei Jun’s current crisis.
Luo Binghe is in the middle of introducing him to Shen Yuan and The Roommate when his heart starts threatening to jump out of his chest.
Luo Binghe is in the middle of introducing him to Shen Yuan and The Roommate when his heart starts threatening to jump out of his chest.
Mobei can’t help but think, a little hysterically, how wrong LBH was to say The Roommate was His Type.
He’s the blueprint.
He’s the blueprint.
He knows now that the last 12 years ruminating on every possible way their reunion could have gone, on every possible way SQH could have changed, were wasted.
The reality of it is even better than anything Mobei Jun had imagined.
“M-Mobei?”
The reality of it is even better than anything Mobei Jun had imagined.
“M-Mobei?”
Shang Qinghua’s mouth has dropped open as he stares up(!!) at him and Mobei Jun looses his grip on his sanity upon realizing that /Shang Qinghua is wearing lipgloss./
In all of his late nights fantasies, he never accounted for /cosmetics/.
In all of his late nights fantasies, he never accounted for /cosmetics/.
Shen Yuan, whose existence Mobei Jun had forgotten about, takes this moment to turn to face his friend so abruptly that his long hair nearly smacks Luo Binghe in the face.
Quite frankly, he looks a bit disappointed at this.
“Mobei Jun, THAT Mobei Jun??!” He hisses.
Quite frankly, he looks a bit disappointed at this.
“Mobei Jun, THAT Mobei Jun??!” He hisses.
And what can Mobei Jun do but bow his head and return the greeting, never once breaking eye contact.
“Ge.”
Luo Binghe whips his head around so quickly it would have dislodged on a lesser man. “Ge!?” Perhaps the two do belong together.
“Ge.”
Luo Binghe whips his head around so quickly it would have dislodged on a lesser man. “Ge!?” Perhaps the two do belong together.
Shang Qinghua, for his part, has turned such a pretty shade of red that Mobei Jun can’t help but wonder how far down the flush goes.
They finally break eye contact when Shang Qinghua slowly rakes his eyes down his body and gives Mobei Jun the opportunity to do the same.
They finally break eye contact when Shang Qinghua slowly rakes his eyes down his body and gives Mobei Jun the opportunity to do the same.
Time has eroded the softness of Shang Qinghua’s features and made way for more definition.
At some point he has started working out and it shows by the way the grey fabric of his dress pants strains over his thighs.
This, possibly more than the cosmetics, surprises him.
At some point he has started working out and it shows by the way the grey fabric of his dress pants strains over his thighs.
This, possibly more than the cosmetics, surprises him.
He had sought those old curves in all the placeholders he welcomed into his bed.
In the dark of the night, it was easy to imagine that the flesh giving away beneath his fingers belonged to someone else.
In the dark of the night, it was easy to imagine that the flesh giving away beneath his fingers belonged to someone else.
Someone with a nervous smile and perpetually tangled long hair.
Mobei Jun fights temptation and shoves his hands in his pockets to avoid reaching out and dragging them up the back of Shang Qinghua’s fade.
Mobei Jun fights temptation and shoves his hands in his pockets to avoid reaching out and dragging them up the back of Shang Qinghua’s fade.
For the first time in over a decade, he’s self conscious about his own hair.
Growing it out was an act of rebellion that slowly turned into a blessing on quiet nights in their dorm where Shang Qinghua would beg and plead to ‘practice’ different hairstyles on him.
Growing it out was an act of rebellion that slowly turned into a blessing on quiet nights in their dorm where Shang Qinghua would beg and plead to ‘practice’ different hairstyles on him.
Oddly enough, he never actually put his practice into use with his own hair. Instead he opted to keep it in a loose bun at the base of his neck.
He was always losing hair ties and Mobei Jun always carried a spare.
He was always losing hair ties and Mobei Jun always carried a spare.
The simple act of shifting the black elastic from his own pale wrist to Shang Qinghua’s tanned one felt like a prayer.
It was intimate in the way that only the atmosphere of high school was capable of making such mundane acts between friends.
It was intimate in the way that only the atmosphere of high school was capable of making such mundane acts between friends.
(Mobei Jun might also have just been an overly melodramatic child with a penchant for pining. Who can really say?)
As an adult, he became vain about his looks and put countless hours of work into making sure his hair looked effortless.
As an adult, he became vain about his looks and put countless hours of work into making sure his hair looked effortless.
The amount of product in his own could open up a small store.
If Shang Qinghua no longer liked long hair, he would have to reevaluate some things.
Like those fantasies of him curling his fist into Mobei Jun’s hair as he-
“Shang Qinghua!”
If Shang Qinghua no longer liked long hair, he would have to reevaluate some things.
Like those fantasies of him curling his fist into Mobei Jun’s hair as he-
“Shang Qinghua!”
Mobei Jun is so abruptly punted out of his daydream that he doesn’t have time to react to the large man that is suddenly /carrying Shang Qinghua./
“Here he is! The man of the hour!”
“Here he is! The man of the hour!”
The brute quickly spins around, prompting Shang Qinghua to squawk and wraps his arms around his neck to stabilize him.
“Wei Qingwei!! Put! Him! Down!”
“Wei Qingwei!! Put! Him! Down!”
In the time it takes Mobei Jun to come back to his senses, Shen Yuan has already manifested a fan and uses it to punctuate each word with a smack to the larger man’s shoulders, narrowly missing Shang Qinghua.
“Bro!! Watch where you swing that!!”
“Bro!! Watch where you swing that!!”
Wei Qingwei, presumably, simply laughs as he sets Shang Qinghua down but keeps a muscled arm wrapped around the smaller man’s waist.
Mobei Jun tears his gaze from the offending limb to glance at the face of the man that interrupted his reunion 12 years in the making when he’s startled by two simultaneous realizations.
1) this man, who is overly familiar with Shang Qinghua, is /handsome./ He has high cheek bones, strong brows, and while young, the makings of deep laugh lines.
2) Luo Binghe had described The Roommate as the type to /“throw himself at any pretty face.”/
In a move that endears him to Mobei Jun, Shen Yuan sends a pointed look at the arm wrapped around Shang Qinghua until Wei Qingwei lets go of him while baring a sheepish expression.
“Binghe, Cang Qiong is typically…more put together than this.”
“Binghe, Cang Qiong is typically…more put together than this.”
In contrast, Shen Yuan shoots Luo Binghe an apologetic look before stepping between the other two men to start smoothing down the lines of Shang Qinghua’s suit.
“However, we are celebrating a significant acquisition today that promises to be fruitful.”
“However, we are celebrating a significant acquisition today that promises to be fruitful.”
In an overly familiar move, he finger combs Shang Qinghua’s back to a more presentable state before turning back to face then.
Mobei Jun retracts his earlier lapse in judgement.
/Shen Yuan is the worst./
Mobei Jun retracts his earlier lapse in judgement.
/Shen Yuan is the worst./
As if reading his mind, the man in question narrows his eyes at Mobei Jun and puts his hands on Shang Qinghua’s shoulders as if presenting him for inspection.
From his peripheral, Mobei Jun notices Luo Binghe stiffen in response.
From his peripheral, Mobei Jun notices Luo Binghe stiffen in response.
“Shang Qinghua, one of our /founders and Vice President of Operations/ was pivotal in making this possible. So you can understand our…enthusiasm to celebrate him tonight.”
“And that’s my cue to check on a something important somewhere else!” Wei Qingwei gives Shen Yuan a perfunctory bow of his head before shooting Shang Qinghua a salacious wink.
“Give me a call if you need a ride later!”
“Give me a call if you need a ride later!”
In synchronous outrage, Shen Yuan and Mobei Jun bristle in response.
Shang Qinghua rolls his eyes before shrugging off the hands /still/ on his shoulders. “Don’t mind him, he’s always like that.”
This was quite frankly, the least comforting thing he could have said.
Shang Qinghua rolls his eyes before shrugging off the hands /still/ on his shoulders. “Don’t mind him, he’s always like that.”
This was quite frankly, the least comforting thing he could have said.
Mobei Jun would like to know what exactly Shang Qinghua has been up to this last decade to surround himself with so many men of…a certain aesthetic.
He needs to regain control of the situation and he needs to do it /now./
He needs to regain control of the situation and he needs to do it /now./
Before Luo Binghe re-evaluates his need for a wingman tonight and changes his objective from seduction to homicide.
He’s not quite sure of his chances if it came to that. While he is physically larger, Luo Binghe is not afraid to play dirty.
He’s not quite sure of his chances if it came to that. While he is physically larger, Luo Binghe is not afraid to play dirty.
It behooves him to get Shen Yuan far, /far/, away until he has a better grasp of the extent of his relationship to Shang Qinghua.
In the /minutes/ that they’ve known each other, Shen Yuan has made it clear that MBJ’s existence is enough to draw his ire.
In the /minutes/ that they’ve known each other, Shen Yuan has made it clear that MBJ’s existence is enough to draw his ire.
“This Binghe understands, Laoshi. It can be difficult to reign in the more /unruly/ of subordinates during times of celebrar-“
“/Qinghua./“
And just like that, Shang Qinghua is staring at Mobei Jun like he used to. Searching for answers only available to him and any moment now he’ll see everything Mobei Jun wanted to say all those years ago and he’ll-
“W-what are you /even/ DOING here?!”
And just like that, Shang Qinghua is staring at Mobei Jun like he used to. Searching for answers only available to him and any moment now he’ll see everything Mobei Jun wanted to say all those years ago and he’ll-
“W-what are you /even/ DOING here?!”
That’s….not ideal.
“You changed your number.”
Shang Qinghua goes a number of expressions before furrowing his brows and pursing his lips. He opens his mouth ready to say something only for Shen Yuan to aggressively grab him by the wrist and him away.
“You changed your number.”
Shang Qinghua goes a number of expressions before furrowing his brows and pursing his lips. He opens his mouth ready to say something only for Shen Yuan to aggressively grab him by the wrist and him away.
“Excuse us, there’s a matter we need to discuss, immediately.”
As they make their way across the room Mobei Jun can see how Shang Qinghua’s gaze never leaves him. The fan makes it’s reappearance as Shen Yuan snaps it in front of his face several times to get his attention.
As they make their way across the room Mobei Jun can see how Shang Qinghua’s gaze never leaves him. The fan makes it’s reappearance as Shen Yuan snaps it in front of his face several times to get his attention.
The two turn away to face the whole and Mobei Jun closes his eyes and let’s out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding in.
It’s only a matter of time.
“What the /hell/ was that?!”
It’s only a matter of time.
“What the /hell/ was that?!”
Despite his shorter stature, Luo Binghe is surprisingly successful in taking on a looming presence.
“This wasn’t how it was suppose to happen.”
“Yeah, no shit. What is this? what is happening right now? And don’t give me a bullshit single syllable answer Mobei.”
“This wasn’t how it was suppose to happen.”
“Yeah, no shit. What is this? what is happening right now? And don’t give me a bullshit single syllable answer Mobei.”
Just to be contrary, Mobei Jun looks him over and responds with a “Hm.”
Mobei Jun never meant to hide his history with Shang Qinghua from Luo Binghe…it just never came up.
Mobei Jun never meant to hide his history with Shang Qinghua from Luo Binghe…it just never came up.
How could he even begin to describe the weight Shang Qinghua’s presence had in his life? Much less his heart.
If he couldn’t find the words to tell Shang Qinghua, how could he tell someone who wasn’t even there for it?
If he couldn’t find the words to tell Shang Qinghua, how could he tell someone who wasn’t even there for it?
Mobei Jun had been a lifer at the boarding school. He had been sent away before the dirt had settled over his mother’s casket. As a result, the years Before Shang Qinghua had been spent in a haze
Mobei Jun had been an imitation of living, only going through the motions of day to day life. He put in the bare minimum amount of effort needed to advance to the next grade, never gaining an interest in any subject.
There was no need to befriend other students. He regarded their presence as a disturbance at best. They were loud and their conversations were superficial as they often resorted to petty displays of wealth to establish some sort of hierarchy.
Mobei Jun had been small for his age, and his sullen demeanor was mistaken for shyness. It was inevitable then, that they would turn their sights on him as a potential target.
Qinghua always said, if there was one thing rich people loved, it was someone to lord over.
Qinghua always said, if there was one thing rich people loved, it was someone to lord over.
The other boys quickly found out that the fact that Mobei Jun didn’t particularly care about anything also meant that he had nothing left to lose.
Over time, he won more brawls than he lost until they simply stopped bothering him.
Over time, he won more brawls than he lost until they simply stopped bothering him.
When his bullies eventually aged out and graduated, Mobei Jun’s reputation as someone Not to Mess With remained.
No one approached him after that.
And then Shang Qinghua had been assigned to share his dorm.
No one approached him after that.
And then Shang Qinghua had been assigned to share his dorm.
It’s important not to lie to Luo Binghe, he always finds out the truth.
“We were roommates.”
Luo Binghe nods his head but it’s clear from his expression that he doesn’t understand the significance of this.
“He’s /my/ Shen Yuan.”
“We were roommates.”
Luo Binghe nods his head but it’s clear from his expression that he doesn’t understand the significance of this.
“He’s /my/ Shen Yuan.”
Mobei Jun didn’t know Luo Binghe’s eyebrows could even /do/ that. But it was the correct thing to say.
His eyes turn calculating as he glances to his tutor across the room.
“And you’re planning to act on this?”
“Hm.”
“Okay, I can work with that.”
His eyes turn calculating as he glances to his tutor across the room.
“And you’re planning to act on this?”
“Hm.”
“Okay, I can work with that.”
Conviction renewed, Luo Binghe fluffs up his hair to twice it’s usual size and marches across the room.
Shang Qinghua is having the weirdest fucking day.
It’s easily in the top five weirdest days of his life.
Nestled right between the day he realized that Shen Jiu’s younger brother was /the/ Peerless Cucumber and that first morning after with him a year into their friendship
It’s easily in the top five weirdest days of his life.
Nestled right between the day he realized that Shen Jiu’s younger brother was /the/ Peerless Cucumber and that first morning after with him a year into their friendship
Sleeping together to address the tension created by years of arguments in the comment section on now defunk Geocities websites was probably not the best way to to go about it.
But it worked and paved the way for An organic, and somewhat combative, friendship.
But it worked and paved the way for An organic, and somewhat combative, friendship.
It also meant that Shang Qinghua now has the unique honor of being Shen Yuan’s gay awakening AND first sexual encounter.
This is something he is still very smug about and will not hesitate to weaponize to get out of an argument.
A flustered Shen Yuan is a distracted Shen Yuan!
This is something he is still very smug about and will not hesitate to weaponize to get out of an argument.
A flustered Shen Yuan is a distracted Shen Yuan!
The fact that Shang Qinghua had also been a virgin before that day is absolutely inconsequential and he won’t hear any more on the matter!
Only one person at a time is allowed to be flustered at a time in their household!
Only one person at a time is allowed to be flustered at a time in their household!
The less said on the matter the better!
They both still have nightmares of leaving the room only to see Shen Jiu sharpening the kitchen knives in the living room.
Shang Qinghua’s balls threaten to recede just thinking about it!!
They both still have nightmares of leaving the room only to see Shen Jiu sharpening the kitchen knives in the living room.
Shang Qinghua’s balls threaten to recede just thinking about it!!
It was another few years before Shen Jiu stop thinking that Shang Qinghua was constantly on the verge of debauching his baby brother anytime his time his back was turned.
That his friendship with both Shen brothers survived long enough for him to eventually be pulled in as a business partner is nothing short of a miracle!
Truly the gods, and Qi-ge, we’re looking down on him!
But back to his weird day which really just started as a weird morning
Truly the gods, and Qi-ge, we’re looking down on him!
But back to his weird day which really just started as a weird morning
Shen Jiu, for all he works to put on this facade of being above mortal concerns, is one hell of a gossip.
It’s one of Shang Qinghua’s favorite things about him.
It’s one of Shang Qinghua’s favorite things about him.
So when he was woken up by the ring of a video call when the other man should have been enjoying his honeymoon, he wasn’t too surprise.
What did come as a shock was the image of a disheveled Shen Jiu sipping on a margarita in a Hawaiian print shirt.
What did come as a shock was the image of a disheveled Shen Jiu sipping on a margarita in a Hawaiian print shirt.
Struggling through the early morning haze, Shang Qinghua made a poor effort to do so the math on the time difference.
“Are you /drunk/ right now? Are you drunk dialing me?!”
Shang Qinghua wasn’t aware you could look so condescending while biting into a lime.
“Are you /drunk/ right now? Are you drunk dialing me?!”
Shang Qinghua wasn’t aware you could look so condescending while biting into a lime.
“It’s after noon.” Ha! As if that was an excuse!
Shen Jiu shifted back in lounge chair and set aside the skin of the lime.
God he was like an alien sometimes.
He had never seen the other man looked so relaxed. The other man was usually wrapped up tighter than a coil.
Shen Jiu shifted back in lounge chair and set aside the skin of the lime.
God he was like an alien sometimes.
He had never seen the other man looked so relaxed. The other man was usually wrapped up tighter than a coil.
The pink flamingos interspersed between the flowers of Shen Jiu’s shirt were staring back at him.
It was way too early for this!!
Shang Qinghua fought back a yawn and waited for Shen Jiu to start taking another sip.
“Did you call just to show off your hickeys?”
It was way too early for this!!
Shang Qinghua fought back a yawn and waited for Shen Jiu to start taking another sip.
“Did you call just to show off your hickeys?”
The disappointed look that Qi-ge would give him when he realized how he had attempted to murder his new husband was /so/ worth it.
Shen Jiu turned the most unflattering shade of red as he choked on his drink, spilling some directly on a flamingo’s head.
Serves him right!
Shen Jiu turned the most unflattering shade of red as he choked on his drink, spilling some directly on a flamingo’s head.
Serves him right!
Like a Victorian maiden, Shen Jiu clutched at the collar of shirt in a poor attempt to hide the fact that he looked like he had been mauled by a bear.
“Have some tact!! We! are! married!!”
As fun as this was, Shang Qinghua was operating on only three hours of sleep.
“Have some tact!! We! are! married!!”
As fun as this was, Shang Qinghua was operating on only three hours of sleep.
He had spent the majority of the night reviewing the finalized memorandum of agreement from Yiling Innovations line by line. If he received yet another revised copy of this document he was going to eat his shoe!!
“I know I was there, I gave you a toaster and everything! Are you done with whatever this is, can I go back to sleep? /Please!/“ it didn’t hurt to beg a little where Shen Jiu was concerned, though mostly ineffective, sometimes he would relent just to shut him up.
Something in the way Shen Jiu's perfectly sculpted eyerbrows raised informed Shang Qinghua that he had fucked up.
"Not that, not that I don't want to talk to you! Me? I'm always feeling chatty at-" he gave a cursory glace at his clock.
"Not that, not that I don't want to talk to you! Me? I'm always feeling chatty at-" he gave a cursory glace at his clock.
"-5am. That's the best time to talk actually. That's why the birds are always singing so early. That's why they say to tell it to the birds, that's why-"
"Enough."
Shang Qinghua almost bit his tongue from shutting his mouth so fast.
"Enough."
Shang Qinghua almost bit his tongue from shutting his mouth so fast.
"You gave us a stand mixer not a toaster."
That...didn't sound right. He would have to check with Yin Yu when he got back into the office.
That...didn't sound right. He would have to check with Yin Yu when he got back into the office.
He distinctly remembered the frantic dash to hand over his credit card to his assistant's when he realized that the wedding was a week away and he hadn't picked something off the nearly empty registry.
"Ah, I see.... I'm, sorry? Did you...want the toaster?"
"Ah, I see.... I'm, sorry? Did you...want the toaster?"
Shen Jiu scoffed in a way that clearly communicated his feelings about the toaster and or stand mixer. It was impressive and insulting. 10/10 condescension, Jiu-ge!
(Shang Qinghua set an alarm to talk to Yin Yu /immediately./)
"A-Yuan is being seduced."
Oh!
/Oh./
(Shang Qinghua set an alarm to talk to Yin Yu /immediately./)
"A-Yuan is being seduced."
Oh!
/Oh./
He had wondered how long it would take for the news to reach the older Shen sibling. They had been banking that the honeymoon would buy them more time; Shen Jiu couldn't exactly arrange Luo Binghe's disappearance from a beach outside the country.
/Probably./
/Probably./
What followed was a 30 minute rant on beasts trying to steal fruits far beyond their reach and how it is Shang Qinghua's responsibility as a failed paramour and business partner to stop any attempts by outsiders to garner trade secrets through their vulnerable defenses.
It was at times like this, where he could close his eyes and picture Shen Jiu angrily typing away, that the resemblance to Shen Yuan was the strongest. Their elegant facade was just that!! All it took to get them word vomiting was stepping on the right nerve.
Shen Jiu polished off two additional margaritas before Qi-ge appeared to deftly wrestle the phone away from his pouting husband. Shang Qinghua watched as he dejectedly bit into another lime slice from the corner of the screen.
Again, what an alien! Good luck, Qi-ge!!
Again, what an alien! Good luck, Qi-ge!!
The man in question has such an indulgent look on his face that its clear he accepts this burden easily.
“We apologize for waking you up so early, but we wanted to congratulate you for all your work and hope you enjoy yourself at the party tonight.”
Wait, WHAT?
“We apologize for waking you up so early, but we wanted to congratulate you for all your work and hope you enjoy yourself at the party tonight.”
Wait, WHAT?
For the first time this morning, Shang Qinghua finds his will to live. His hands are trembling as he dares to ask, “did they sign!??”
Qi-ge had the audacity to ignore him to turn back to his husband with a disappointed look.
“Xiao-Jiu, you didn’t tell him?”
Qi-ge had the audacity to ignore him to turn back to his husband with a disappointed look.
“Xiao-Jiu, you didn’t tell him?”
Shen Jiu loftily rearranges the empty glasses next him but avoids making eye contact. “We were discussing more pressing matters.”
!!!!
Were it not for the laws of this land Shang Qinghua would- wait.
“What party?”
!!!!
Were it not for the laws of this land Shang Qinghua would- wait.
“What party?”
He received the full force of the patented Yue Qingyuan Smile of Assurance(TM). It was dazzling enough that most people excused whatever crime against humanity Shen Jiu had committed, the board of directors was more than familiar with it.
To have it pointed at him so early, even through a screen, was enough to momentarily stun him.
Damn Yue Qi and his dimples and his muscles!!! Shang Qinghua needed to stop surrounding himself with beautiful people!! They only ever used their powers for evil!
Damn Yue Qi and his dimples and his muscles!!! Shang Qinghua needed to stop surrounding himself with beautiful people!! They only ever used their powers for evil!
"Xiao Jiu was meant to give you the news but Yiling Innovations sent over the finalized contract this morning. You'll be receiving the notarized copy within the week. Congratulations A-Hua, you have successfully brought the elusive Wei Wuxian and his inventions to Cang Qiong."
Shang Qinghua couldn't even blame the tears streaming down his face on exhaustion. It had taken months of meetings with Wei Wuxian's terrifying lawyer and his equally terrifying husband to get to this point.
Cang Qiong was only one of dozens of companies that had been trying to bring the inventor into the fold. His anonymity along with his demand to open source his patents had made it a Herculean task to even approach the man with a contract.
It was only through luck that Shang Qinghua had even been able to make the connection. His physical therapist's friend owned a gym and rumor had it that the little brother of the gym owner had grown up with the inventor.
Shang Qinghua had spent a sleepless week researching the Nies before asking Liu Qingge to do a session at their gym. That had been it's own hell to convince the very practical man to drive an hour and a half in the opposite direction instead their regular routine at his own gym.
Eventually he relented but only after Shang Qinghua checked his dignity at the door and broke down in frustrated tears.
"I just want to meet to his hot brother, okay!!"
"I just want to meet to his hot brother, okay!!"
The look of disgust he received was completely unwarranted from the man who's crush on the ever oblivious Shen Yuan resulted in him cosplaying at a convention.
Multiple times.
And not even in a sexy way!
(Shang Qinghua alone had held that privilege.)
Multiple times.
And not even in a sexy way!
(Shang Qinghua alone had held that privilege.)
His new unintentional life as a gym rat was not in vain as he got to spend hours ogling the huge tits on Nie Mingjue as he tried to discreetly drop hints on how much he LOVED art and fashion and how he was looking to make new friends.
It was just /so/ hard to be young and gay.
It was just /so/ hard to be young and gay.
In an conversation that was awkward for all parties, Nie Mingjue had sat him down and told him he was in a very happy committed relationship.
If it was possible to die of mortification, Shang Qinghua would have expired on the spot.
If it was possible to die of mortification, Shang Qinghua would have expired on the spot.
He had congratulated him on his relationship and once again stressed that ah no, he really was just looking for friends. Nie Mingjue wasn't even his type! Shang Qinghua didn't even like muscles!! Or big men!
Which was an absolutely lie! Shang Qinghua had always liked them hot and mean! It reminded him of-
Of no one!!
Especially not anyone that was better left in the past.
Of no one!!
Especially not anyone that was better left in the past.
Shang Qinghua's furious denial must have rang true, within the week, the twinkiest twink that he had ever seen showed up in yoga pants and with a smoothie.
Nie Huaisang took one look at his bright red booty shorts that read 'These Cheeks Commit Treason' and proclaimed, "I think we will get along just fine, Mr. Shang."
And once they both had dropped the vapid pretense, they /did/ get along.
And once they both had dropped the vapid pretense, they /did/ get along.
If Shen Yuan, with their shared history and easy relationship, was his best friend, then Nie Huaisang was like looking into the mirror.
He was the perfect combination of histrionic and mean that he enjoyed in his friends but with the added bonus of not being judgey.
He was the perfect combination of histrionic and mean that he enjoyed in his friends but with the added bonus of not being judgey.
When Shang Qinghua told him about his sex-capades, Nie Huaisang would nod along and return with own equally outlandish story.
It was refreshing!
He loved his friends but Shen Jiu's Scowl of Disdain as well as Qi-ge and Shen Yuan's Earnest Concern could get aggravating!
It was refreshing!
He loved his friends but Shen Jiu's Scowl of Disdain as well as Qi-ge and Shen Yuan's Earnest Concern could get aggravating!
Let him enjoy his slut era!!
Not everyone gets to have a happily ever after with their childhood best friend!
Not everyone gets to have a happily ever after with their childhood best friend!
Some people, not naming names, were absolutely forgotten by their childhood bestie!
Some people were probably not ever actually friends!
Some people were just an inconvenience only tolerated due to forced proximity and forgotten about at the first opportunity!
Some people were probably not ever actually friends!
Some people were just an inconvenience only tolerated due to forced proximity and forgotten about at the first opportunity!
But Shang Qinghua wouldn't know anything about that!
People wanted him /now./
Strangers on apps and men in bars and even rich men with competitor secrets! Shang Qinghua could honeypot with the best of him! With the right smile and wardrobe, all eyes were on him!
People wanted him /now./
Strangers on apps and men in bars and even rich men with competitor secrets! Shang Qinghua could honeypot with the best of him! With the right smile and wardrobe, all eyes were on him!
He was valued as an adult in a way he was never valued as a child.
No one used to look his way twice before, not his parents, not his peers and definitely not anyone /he/ wanted.
He couldn't keep /anyone's/ attention then, so if he enjoyed the extra attention now, who cares!?
No one used to look his way twice before, not his parents, not his peers and definitely not anyone /he/ wanted.
He couldn't keep /anyone's/ attention then, so if he enjoyed the extra attention now, who cares!?
Shang Qinghua got a good time out of it and sometimes, if he planned it right, it helped him and his friends get ahead! He was always careful and got tested often, it was a win-win!
Nie Huaisang understood this in a way his other friends didn't and was fine with it.
Even /encouraged/ it.
Even /encouraged/ it.
He had even admitted to his own schemes to help his friend out of some complicated situation with his family.
If /only/ Wei Wuxian could find a reliable company that wouldn't screw him over.
If /only/ Wei Wuxian could find a reliable company that wouldn't screw him over.
One that understood his need to make his inventions accessible to the people who would benefit most from them while still paying him handsomely.
If /only/ he knew of an Operations VP that could make such a connection possible.
If /only/ he knew of an Operations VP that could make such a connection possible.
Shang Qinghua had scrunched up his face at the deadpan delivery of it all and stabbed his salad aggressively before confronting him. "How long have you known?"
Nie Huaisang had demurely batted his eyelashes and taken a sip of his wine.
"Hua-ge, I don't know what you're talking about. I really don't know. It can be /so/ hard to be young and gay, after all."
Shang Qinghua had nearly snorted salad dressing from laughing so hard.
"Hua-ge, I don't know what you're talking about. I really don't know. It can be /so/ hard to be young and gay, after all."
Shang Qinghua had nearly snorted salad dressing from laughing so hard.
And if the two proceeded to day drink into the night, that was really no one's business but their own.
And if Nie Huaisang had let his hair be braided as Shang Qinghua cried about his childhood sweetheart, that was no one's business either.
And if Nie Huaisang had let his hair be braided as Shang Qinghua cried about his childhood sweetheart, that was no one's business either.
Shang Qinghua wouldn't even remember come morning.
And if Nie Huaisang just happened to redownload a hookup app to look over old matches....
Well, that wasn't related /at all./
And if Nie Huaisang just happened to redownload a hookup app to look over old matches....
Well, that wasn't related /at all./
At least, not in any way that could ever be proven.
It was pure coincidence that in the following month Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe would, quite literally, run into each other at Nie Huaisang's favorite coffee shop.
It was pure coincidence that in the following month Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe would, quite literally, run into each other at Nie Huaisang's favorite coffee shop.
Watching the scene unfold from his corner seat facing the door, he found that he really did have to agree with his Hua-ge after all.
It really was hard to be young and gay.
But that's okay, that's what friends were for.
It really was hard to be young and gay.
But that's okay, that's what friends were for.
[[ This wraps up chapter 2! I'm going to clean it up and update the AO3 fic before working on the final part!
And yes, it will be 🔞. ]]
And yes, it will be 🔞. ]]
If Shang Qinghua had known that he'd be running into his childhood crush today, he would have spent more time picking out his clothes. Grey slacks and white shirt don't exactly scream 'Revenge Outfit.'
Shen Qingqui will never let him live it down when she finds out!
Shen Qingqui will never let him live it down when she finds out!
After hanging up with bros this morning he had dried his tears and hurried off to work. After showering he only had time to dab some concealer to hide the circle under his eyes and he was off!
The thing no one tells you when you join a company's leadership team is that to become a rich executive that is able lounge around live deliciously, you actually have to be incompetent!
As a Vice President, Shang Qinghua works 100 times harder than his predecessor did!
As a Vice President, Shang Qinghua works 100 times harder than his predecessor did!
And it shows!!!
There is a sum 0 chance that he will be asked to resign after a failed audit, and not just because he and Shen Jiu aren't framing anyone this time around!!
If they had wanted to keep their jobs, they should have actually done them!
There is a sum 0 chance that he will be asked to resign after a failed audit, and not just because he and Shen Jiu aren't framing anyone this time around!!
If they had wanted to keep their jobs, they should have actually done them!
All this to say, Shang Qinghua was /really/ good at his job. Not only are his business and personal calendars color coded by category but so are his emails and meeting agendas.
He has /people/ now. His people have people, and his people’s people have interns!!
He has /people/ now. His people have people, and his people’s people have interns!!
His day is filled with back to back meetings without any respite between. The absence of YQY and SJ have made it that approvals that would typically go to them were rerouted to his desk.
He has his forehead pressed against said desk in an effort to alleviate his headache.
He has his forehead pressed against said desk in an effort to alleviate his headache.
He’s mentally shuffling through the diagrams from their self care employee session to identify the source when there’s a soft knock at his door.
Hmm, sleep deprivation, caffeine withdrawal, hunger, or stress…what could it be this time.
Hmm, sleep deprivation, caffeine withdrawal, hunger, or stress…what could it be this time.
Shang Qinghua turns his head to press his cheek against his desk and close his eyes. If he just stays quiet maybe they’ll go away.
/tap, tap, tap/
Any second now…
/tap TAP TAP/
“Sir.”
Ah yes, of course, sweet beautiful Yin Yu.
/tap, tap, tap/
Any second now…
/tap TAP TAP/
“Sir.”
Ah yes, of course, sweet beautiful Yin Yu.
Shang Qinghua musters up his will to live in time to wave sweet beautiful Yin Yu in once he peeks his head through the crack in the door.
He is a little surprise to see his executive assistant balancing a vase of roses and a giant box in the shape of a heart in his arms.
He is a little surprise to see his executive assistant balancing a vase of roses and a giant box in the shape of a heart in his arms.
After leaving the roses at the table at the entry he gently sets down the box on mere inches from his nose. Shang Qinghua takes a deep breath and takes in the rich smell of chocolate.
A low rumble comes from his stomach and he realizes that he missed lunch, again.
A low rumble comes from his stomach and he realizes that he missed lunch, again.
“Where did this come from?” The promise of chocolate is enough to get him upright and opening the box. He pops the first piece and his mouth before nudging it toward the other man.
Sweet beautiful Yin Yu startles at the action before quickly shaking his head. “Nie Huaisang, there’s a card in the flowers.”
Shang Qinghua makes a shimmying motion with his shoulders that he hopes conveys ‘suit yourself’ before picking up another piece from the box.
Shang Qinghua makes a shimmying motion with his shoulders that he hopes conveys ‘suit yourself’ before picking up another piece from the box.
Hmm, almonds!
Sweat beautiful Yin Yu pulls his ever present tablet from who knows where and starts updating him on various projects and tasks he’s been overseeing.
Shang Qinghua nods along and follows up where appropriate, all the while staring at the younger man’s profile.
Sweat beautiful Yin Yu pulls his ever present tablet from who knows where and starts updating him on various projects and tasks he’s been overseeing.
Shang Qinghua nods along and follows up where appropriate, all the while staring at the younger man’s profile.
If Shen Yuan is to be believed, Yin Yu is neither sweet, nor beautiful.
He has long black hair that he keeps in a simple low ponytail and long bangs that he has a tendency to hide behind.
The man has something of a sullen and demure presence.
He has long black hair that he keeps in a simple low ponytail and long bangs that he has a tendency to hide behind.
The man has something of a sullen and demure presence.
Whether in a full room, or nearly empty one, it’s easy to glide your eyes right over him. He neither dresses to stand out or holds himself in any way to gather attention.
But what does Shen Yuan know? He works in Development as a nepotism hire!
But what does Shen Yuan know? He works in Development as a nepotism hire!
To be fair he is actually good at networking and getting them absurd amounts of money vis-a-vis smoozing and grant funding, but he has, /teeeechnically/, slept with a superior /and/ is related to both the CEO and only other VP.
He graduated and was easily hired into Cang Qiong's marketing before being promoted to his cushy Development director after a short two years.
Shang Qinghua, on the other hand, slaved away at various internships and shitty 'entry level' jobs to eventually gain sufficient experience to come to stand along side Shen Jiu as they helped Yue Qi, now Yue Qingyuan, take over his estranged father's business.
When he became the VP of Operations the previous executive assistant suddenly could not keep up with the workload of someone who /actually did their job/.
This led to a scramble to hire her replacement that was so stressful it must have taken years off of Shang Qinghua's life.
This led to a scramble to hire her replacement that was so stressful it must have taken years off of Shang Qinghua's life.
Three weeks of disappointing interviews had him nearly tearing out his hair at the roots.
The resumes HR sent his way were under qualified or too intimidated after their first interview to continue to the second.
The resumes HR sent his way were under qualified or too intimidated after their first interview to continue to the second.
Having worked as an EA before, Shang Qinghua was exacting in what he would need from his own assistant.
Shang Qinghua was close to giving up and hoping to train an unqualified candidate up when he walked into his office to find a nervous young man sitting at his conference table
Shang Qinghua was close to giving up and hoping to train an unqualified candidate up when he walked into his office to find a nervous young man sitting at his conference table
Yin Yu had been working as one Wei Qingwei's assistant's /notetakers/ in R&D when the man had heard about Shang Qinghua's struggles and encouraged him to apply.
Willing to play along, Shang Qinghua asked about his previous admin experience and was shocked by the qualifications
Willing to play along, Shang Qinghua asked about his previous admin experience and was shocked by the qualifications
He tested his knowledge with hypothetical scenarios and their standard interview questions and was impressed with his answers and the careful precision he took in answering them.
Flabbergasted, he asked, "Why didn't you submit your resume in the internal pool?"
Flabbergasted, he asked, "Why didn't you submit your resume in the internal pool?"
Yin Yu had then ducked his head and quietly explained the issue. "My previous two employers, where I got most of my experience...their NDA's are... intensive, I can't add them to my resume or even discuss them. I wouldn't have looked like I qualified."
And so Shang Qinghua took a risk and quickly discovered he had found a diamond in the dust. Yin Yu, sweet beautiful Yin Yu, was /perfect/.
He was efficient and quick to catch on, an expert in prioritizing and time management.
He was efficient and quick to catch on, an expert in prioritizing and time management.
When he started to flag under the weight, Shang Qinghua did what he wished his employers had done for him and hired him a small team of assistants.
Yin Yu was nearly in /tears/ at the news.
And while Shang Qinghua may never know about his previous employers, he knows this:
Yin Yu was nearly in /tears/ at the news.
And while Shang Qinghua may never know about his previous employers, he knows this:
A man this competent would not look /this/ grateful unless he had a real demon of an employer previously.
Shang Qinghua recognizes the look of a man traumatized by administration! He is too shocked /every/ time he is shown workplace decency!
Like recognizes like!
Shang Qinghua recognizes the look of a man traumatized by administration! He is too shocked /every/ time he is shown workplace decency!
Like recognizes like!
And while he feels for Yin Yu for having someone that was surely a royal class tyrant of an employer before, it has sure as hell worked out in his favor!
Sweet beautiful Yin Yu is used to working miracles with scraps and has flourished with the ability to delegate to his own minions!
Receiving constant raises, vacations, bonuses, and recognition has also earned Shang Qinghua his loyalty and something akin to mutual respect!
Receiving constant raises, vacations, bonuses, and recognition has also earned Shang Qinghua his loyalty and something akin to mutual respect!
(If Yin Yu ever leaves or betrays him Shang Qinghua may actually kill whoever he goes to work for or, at the very least, take a hostage.)
[[ is this me setting up the yin yu cinematic universe? abso-fucking-lutely. ]]
All this to say, Shang Qinghua, trusts him with his life. Which is why when sweet beautiful Yin Yu pulls out the wedding registry, he realizes he should have known better than to listen to Shen Jiu.
/That Fucker/.
/That Fucker/.
Not only did Shang Qinghua get them the toaster oven AND mixer, but he had bought them every remaining item on their registry.
Shen Jiu, in all his mimosa-drunk glory, was just trying to make him sweat.
Ugh, Shen Jiu's the /worst/.
Shen Jiu, in all his mimosa-drunk glory, was just trying to make him sweat.
Ugh, Shen Jiu's the /worst/.
Shang Qinghua's forehead is back on the table when sweet beautiful Yin Yu pulls another miracle.
"I ordered you lunch from the noodle auntie, would you like me to drop off the flowers at your house when I go pick it up?"
"I ordered you lunch from the noodle auntie, would you like me to drop off the flowers at your house when I go pick it up?"
He is choking back tears when he responds, "Please take this in the most HR appropriate way but I love you and I would die for you."
Shang Qinghua feels, more than he sees, Yin Yu startle again before making his way out of his office.
Shang Qinghua feels, more than he sees, Yin Yu startle again before making his way out of his office.
Suddenly, he recalls one more pressing matter. "Wait, what do you know about this party?"
Yin Yu rocks back on his heel as he looks up and searches his memory. "Vice President Shen's office is coordinating it."
"Who-"
Yin Yu rocks back on his heel as he looks up and searches his memory. "Vice President Shen's office is coordinating it."
"Who-"
"Ning Ying Ying. She said a bar was reserved, it's a closed celebration, Yiling's team is not attending. She ordered a cake."
Oh well, that was good, less pressure to be respectable and dress up.
Oh well, that was good, less pressure to be respectable and dress up.
"Are you-" Before Shang Qinghua can finish his sentence he notices the color start to rise in Yin Yu's pale complexion.
Oh, ho, /ho!/ What is /this??/
He ducks his head to try to hide behind the roses and mutters, "No, I have a date."
Oh, ho, /ho!/ What is /this??/
He ducks his head to try to hide behind the roses and mutters, "No, I have a date."
Shang Qinghua doesn't even get the chance to grin at him before he's running out the door.
Oh to be young!!
He makes a note on his calendar to ask about it tomorrow and makes sure to share it to Yin Yu's calendar so he knows.
Oh to be young!!
He makes a note on his calendar to ask about it tomorrow and makes sure to share it to Yin Yu's calendar so he knows.
Shang Qinghua leans back and spins once, twice, in his chair before getting up to find his emergency office bag.
He doesn't need to dress up tonight but that doesn't mean he can afford to look as exhausted as he feels.
He doesn't need to dress up tonight but that doesn't mean he can afford to look as exhausted as he feels.
Shang Qinghua's sure he has some mascara, concealer, and tinted lipgloss in there somewhere.
Before he forgets, he snaps a quick picture of the open box of chocolates and shares it to his social media, making sure to tag Nie Huaisang in the process.
Before he forgets, he snaps a quick picture of the open box of chocolates and shares it to his social media, making sure to tag Nie Huaisang in the process.
He'll have to remember to read the card when he gets home and change the water for the flowers.
Idly, he wonders what kind of cake Ning Ying Ying ordered.
Idly, he wonders what kind of cake Ning Ying Ying ordered.
----
Shang Qinghua is going to hurl chocolate cake all over Shen Yuan's shiny black shoes.
His stomach feels like it's been on a roller coaster without him ever since he realized that the absurdly tall beefcake with Luo Binghe was /Mobei Jun./
/'Qinghua.'/
Shang Qinghua is going to hurl chocolate cake all over Shen Yuan's shiny black shoes.
His stomach feels like it's been on a roller coaster without him ever since he realized that the absurdly tall beefcake with Luo Binghe was /Mobei Jun./
/'Qinghua.'/
His heart must have left with his stomach because it is /not/ cooperating.
He darts another glance across the room and notices Mobei staring straight back at him and feels his face flush.
/'Ge.'/
Oh my god, when did his voice get so deep?? When did he get so /tall/?
He darts another glance across the room and notices Mobei staring straight back at him and feels his face flush.
/'Ge.'/
Oh my god, when did his voice get so deep?? When did he get so /tall/?
Is this really the same younger brother that used to sit at the edge of his bed so he could braid his hair?
Speaking of hair, /wow/. Shang Qinghua wants to run his hands through that and see if it's as soft as it looks.
/FWAP! FWAP! FWAP!/
Speaking of hair, /wow/. Shang Qinghua wants to run his hands through that and see if it's as soft as it looks.
/FWAP! FWAP! FWAP!/
Shang Qinghua is prematurely ejected from his daydream as Shen Yuan snaps his stupid fan in front of his face.
"Bro!!" He and Shen Jiu can be so prissy with those things! The fan folds up and awkwardly ends up under his neck as Shen Yuan puts both hands on his shoulders.
"Bro!!" He and Shen Jiu can be so prissy with those things! The fan folds up and awkwardly ends up under his neck as Shen Yuan puts both hands on his shoulders.
It's the polar opposite of his early touch after Wei Qingwei had swung him around. His grip is tight and he staring intensely at Shang Qinghua's face, his green eyes are cold in a way not typically found on /this/ Shen bro.
"Airplane, listen to me, pay attention!"
"Airplane, listen to me, pay attention!"
His eyes are searching his face for /something/ and Shang Qinghua doesn't know what, but it's not good.
He hesitates and flicks his eyes back over to where Luo Binghe is trying to /loom/ over Mobei Jun.
God, maybe these psychos /are/ perfect for each other.
He hesitates and flicks his eyes back over to where Luo Binghe is trying to /loom/ over Mobei Jun.
God, maybe these psychos /are/ perfect for each other.
"/Qinghua/!"
Now /that/ snaps his gaze back immediately. Shen Yuan is invoking a holy bro moment. He shrinks back a little but maintains eye contact.
"Ye-yeah?"
"Do /not/ go home with him."
Shang Qinghua's mouth goes dry and falls open. "/Bro!?/"
Now /that/ snaps his gaze back immediately. Shen Yuan is invoking a holy bro moment. He shrinks back a little but maintains eye contact.
"Ye-yeah?"
"Do /not/ go home with him."
Shang Qinghua's mouth goes dry and falls open. "/Bro!?/"
Shen Yuan squeezes his shoulder once more before letting go.
"You /can't/ sleep with him. He /broke/ your heart. Go home with /anyone/ else tonight, call Wei Qingwei back or that Pei guy but you can't sleep with Mobei Jun. You're going to get hurt." The sincerity comes through
"You /can't/ sleep with him. He /broke/ your heart. Go home with /anyone/ else tonight, call Wei Qingwei back or that Pei guy but you can't sleep with Mobei Jun. You're going to get hurt." The sincerity comes through
and listen, Shang Qinghua is /not/ stupid. He knows Cucumber bro is looking out for him.
He /knows/.
Shen Yuan has heard the story countless of times, in countless of forms, drunk, sober, in tears, jokingly, devastated etc etc.
He /knows/.
Shen Yuan has heard the story countless of times, in countless of forms, drunk, sober, in tears, jokingly, devastated etc etc.
To say that Shang Qinghua never got over losing his first friend, is an understatement. The realization that he wasn't worth even a phone call from the only person that had ever bothered to listen to him back was just-
It was-
It was a lot.
Too much, even.
It was-
It was a lot.
Too much, even.
He had turned it over in his mind countless of times.
Had replayed and rewound the memories of their time together to try to identify all the falsehoods.
Surely, somewhere, he had missed it, the evidence that Mobei Jun was only putting up with him because they were roommates.
Had replayed and rewound the memories of their time together to try to identify all the falsehoods.
Surely, somewhere, he had missed it, the evidence that Mobei Jun was only putting up with him because they were roommates.
Because, because he /knew/ what he was like back then.
He knew what Mobei Jun would become.
In a time before the internet was cool and common place he was on it too much, he was a certified geek, and awkward, and he was fucking /weird./
He can accept that now!
And Mobei Jun-
He knew what Mobei Jun would become.
In a time before the internet was cool and common place he was on it too much, he was a certified geek, and awkward, and he was fucking /weird./
He can accept that now!
And Mobei Jun-
Mobei, his tiny little bro with the long hair, was already looking like what he would become.
He was already turning heads in their school or when they had their weekends at the mall.
He was already looking at the world like he knew his place in it and Shang Qinghua-
He was already turning heads in their school or when they had their weekends at the mall.
He was already looking at the world like he knew his place in it and Shang Qinghua-
Shang Qinghua was looking at /him/.
His quiet, spoiled little didi who would sit on his bed with him and ask him about his stories.
Who would wait patiently in the library for him while he fought with strangers online and watched 3 of 4 part anime episodes on Youtube.
His quiet, spoiled little didi who would sit on his bed with him and ask him about his stories.
Who would wait patiently in the library for him while he fought with strangers online and watched 3 of 4 part anime episodes on Youtube.
His Mobei Jun who looked away when he smiled as if he couldn't bare to have anyone see his joy but stayed still when he cried.
His spoiled Mobei, who was unused to being denied anything, would insist on holding hands for something as simple as giving him a hair tie.
His spoiled Mobei, who was unused to being denied anything, would insist on holding hands for something as simple as giving him a hair tie.
His Mobei who was so unspeakably /lonely/ too, who, like Qinghua, was largely ignored by his family.
Who didn't care about excelling in anything because there was no one to be proud of him for it.
In those final days, Shang Qinghua had seen the road ahead and pictured a life long friendship between them, the kind they write stories about.
In those final days, Shang Qinghua had seen the road ahead and pictured a life long friendship between them, the kind they write stories about.
They would be high mountains and flowing water.
Shang Qinghua had always been the Zhong Ziqi to Mobei Jun's Yu Boya, the one to decipher everything he could not say with his words.
And so, when Mobei Jun never bothered to even pick up the phone, /it hurt/.
Shang Qinghua had always been the Zhong Ziqi to Mobei Jun's Yu Boya, the one to decipher everything he could not say with his words.
And so, when Mobei Jun never bothered to even pick up the phone, /it hurt/.
It hurt so fucking much.
It broke his heart and splintered it in a way that made him doubt his place in people's lives for several years afterwards.
And yet-
He still sent that damn postcard. He didn't even have the money to /buy/ one.
It broke his heart and splintered it in a way that made him doubt his place in people's lives for several years afterwards.
And yet-
He still sent that damn postcard. He didn't even have the money to /buy/ one.
He went to the library with cardstock he stole from his shitty job and printed a picture to draw on. Because, /someone/ had to tell Mobei Jun they were proud of him, that they saw the work he put into getting that far because his family sure as hell wouldn't.
Qinghua could barely afford the postage to send the damn thing, at that point the divorce had already happened and he was scraping every penny to feed himself and pay his absurdly high rent at his shitty studio apartment.
He doesn't even know if he ever got it.
He doesn't even know if he ever got it.
So he knows, he /knows/ Cucumber bro has a point. He knows he's being looked out for by the friend that loves him now, that has seen his highs and lows. Who's trying to help him guard his heart.
But here's the thing-
/'You changed your number.'/
He /didn't/ know.
But here's the thing-
/'You changed your number.'/
He /didn't/ know.
He had no clue when his parents would have changed the landline during the divorce.
Could he have been missing Mobei's call all those times we waited by the phone? His stomach turns at the thought of little Mobei calling and calling to no avail.
Could he have been missing Mobei's call all those times we waited by the phone? His stomach turns at the thought of little Mobei calling and calling to no avail.
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