Chapter Text
The morning dew danced in the air with the chirping of early birds waking from their nests. Fluffy squirrels ran down from the centuries old tree trunks to find the day's meal of nuts and berries.
One particular small squirrel glanced through the lattice window to see what goods could be hidden. The animal patted the windows with interest until it saw a human present in the room and he quickly jumped away to the nearest branch.
The sunrise rays once blocked by the squirrel now beamed right on Shen Yuan’s face. He scrunched his face, annoyed being awake.
Slowly opening his eyes Shen Yuan stayed calm in the unfamiliar room he was in. There was no point in panicking with being kidnapped yet again. Annoyance turned to confusion on how lax the situation was.
Setting up from the twin size bed Shen Yuan lifted his hands from under the tan blankets and noticed they weren’t bound. His same clothes were also still on him minus the shoes.
The hair hung loosely. He was in a panic until seeing the green ribbon laid next to him.
Tying his hair in a quick low ponytail and lifting his glasses that were neatly placed on a night table Shen Yuan looked around the average sized room. He found it seemed to be intended for guests by how non-threatening the basic living space is.
Getting up Shen Yuan inspected the outside and saw nothing but forest. He heard nothing besides nature going about their day around the vast land. How far out am I? What is with kidnappers choosing forests???
Turning towards the sliding wooden door did a test push. It opened!?! Amateurs!
He stepped lightly on socked feet down the hall, the house was a one floor traditional home that must have been repaired seeing that it was from an older dynasty that had a fresh finish. Few closed doors were present while he made his way to the end. Pressing against the wall Shen Yuan saw an exit but he heard noise coming from the open doorway lending to an unknown room.
It shouldn’t take long to reach it. Could whoever it was in that room see him leave even if he was careful? It was too lenient to let a hostage wonder this freely. It has to be a trap… Who is this confident to trust a hostage? I should find a weapon first…. But what-
“Are you going to stand there all day?” The voice of a man spoke in a casual manner.
Squatting down in panic thought, Oh shit! What if he is talking to someone else? Could he really ha-
“Mr. Shen or do you want to be called Yuan?”
Run? Hide? Go in? Damn it! “............” No point in playing dumb he cautiously peeked in the unknown room. It turned out to be a tea room adorned with traditional furniture. The large table screen is painted in lotuses flowing on a river along with an older-man sitting casually in a sleeping robe enjoying his coffee in front of it. His short-black hair styled back out of his face gave the man a handsome/youthful appearance for being middle-aged.
He smiled, flashing inviting eyes at the guest. “Do not be shy, come sit.”
Shen Yuan couldn’t believe his eyes, it was Binghe’s father! I thought he was currently in prison? Binghe didn’t care to talk about the man when he asked about him. The picture Shen Yuan saw was only said to be on display for Binghe’s mother, she loved it because it was their first one together. Binghe couldn’t find it in him to disgrace her by hiding it or tearing Tianlang from it.
Sensing his hesitation stated, “You are in no danger. I want to meet my in-law.”
That was a joke, he was kidnapped under wicked means. In-law…. This is an extreme way to meet. He sat down on the low-table across from the host.
“Would you like coffee?”
“Sure….” This was all confusing.
Keeping his attention on Shen Yuan he said, "Nephew you heard him.”
Shen Yuan almost jumped in his seat when a guy in black appeared from behind a private screen and rushed past him. He never knew Binghe had a cousin, thinking of. “Where is Binghe?”
“Probably searching for you.” Propping himself back to stretch his leg out added, “My son cares much for you. I do hope Mr. Shen is not blind to that.”
“I do.” Shen Yuan found it odd that a father would do this to his son.
“Good, but do you care for him just as much?”
He needed to keep his guard against him. “Yes.” There was something he needed to address, something important.
The nephew came back in no-time; placing the drink in-front of him took Shen Yuan’s focus. Why is he red? Is he sick? Have I seen him before? When have I meant someone like him? Something about those eyes had a memory wanting to resurface.
Zhuzhi-Lang looked away when Shen Yuan studied him, he wanted to get out of here. “I will give my lord some privacy.”
Tianlang-Jun caught that. “Stay here for a second. I apologize for my nephew's shyness, he is embarrassed.” The poor boy was so distraught over what he did.
“Embarrassed?” Shifting his attention between them in thought, What on earth could he be embarrassed for? I got kidnapped again like a wife in a basic bitch premise!
Stopping in his retreating movement Zhuzhi turned to beg for mercy, “Lord please..” Uncle promised not to tell!
“No you should get it off your chest if this family is to work.” He answered the question for him, “I sent him to get intel on you one night.”
Tianlang was really going through with it. “Uncle, this is unnecessary!” Looking between the two having no clue what to do, he questioned if his uncle was doing the right thing?
“Zhuzhi, there are no more secrets, remember?” Finishing his explanation, “We thought you would be at your friend's house that night.”
What night!?!? What friend!?!?
“He had no place to hide so quickly, so hid in your bathroom closet.”
“.........”
Zhuzhi-Lang was burning red at the silent glances being sent by Shen Yuan.
The father sipped his drink then said plainly, “While escaping my nephew saw you showering. I do not find that a big deal though he does.”
It took a few seconds to load that information. Wait… “Did you leave the door open?” Shen Yuan’s eyes were wide in shock at receiving a sad yes and multiple apologies. Binghe was blamed for that all these months. He saw me naked!!!! “What else did you do?!”
Tianlang answered, “Many things.” He thought it was an amusing sight to watch the two out awkward each other. “When you took the trash out you clearly heard him.” Gesturing to the bowing nephew, “As you can see he is very sorry.”
Zhuzhi-Lang bowed, his head hit the floor creating a red mark from the impact.
This was the last time he took it out that late; that was blamed on Binghe too. How many were them versus him? How many people wanted to stalk him!?!? “Why?”
Tianlang-Jun dropped the playful appearance to bring an air of seriousness to the conversation. “I need to protect my son from unwanted heartbreak.” He looked to Zhuzhi to leave them alone and he left to prepare breakfast. “I need Mr. Shen to understand what he is getting himself into. This is nothing you can get out of once committed.”
“With all due respect Tianlang it is a little too late for that, isn’t it?” Shen Yuan knew no matter what he chose Binghe would not let him go. “I care a lot for Binghe.” He did love the man even with the flaws, like how Binghe felt the same for him.
“This life can be unfair, my son has the face of the woman I loved.” Forgetting his coffee he calmly explained. “She was a fierce woman who manipulated me for her benefit. She was going to betray me for her organization, and you know what I did when I found out?”
“What?”
“Nothing, I loved her too much.” Lifting the book at his side he checked to see if the bookmark was still in place of the novel and continued to say, “I am a hopeless romantic, my son inherited it from me. Xiyan could be aggressive with love, he inherited it from her. Binghe has a horrible mix with the concept from his parentage. Mr. Shen already knows that, does he not?”
He does. Binghe did not approach the topic of what any sane person would. Stalking, kidnapping, anger, and crying when he felt rejected was very understood by Shen Yuan. But regardless of those traits he could be sweet, caring, loyal, and appreciated any love Shen Yuan showed him. “I do.” Binghe wasn’t perfect or a saint, Shen Yuan didn’t care. The man used every resource and tended to his health to keep him alive. Binghe stayed by his side through it all.
His relationship worked out, Su Xiyan could not betray him when it came to it. “I was lucky for my outcome.” Staring at Shen Yuan in deep thought. “Can you accept the life my son lives, his faults?”
“I can.” Love made a person think, “I will even if I had a choice not to.” and do crazy things. Shen Yuan could not see his life without him. “I want to protect Binghe, so I will tell not one person what he truly does.”
“Hmm, has my son mentioned you have to be marked and married to him?”
Kind-of, Luo Binghe has called him husband a few times during their sexual encounters. Marked was new to him. “No.”
“I am sure you know the concept of marriage, I do not need to explain it to you.” Dragging his left sleeve up showed the same lotus symbol Luo Binghe had. “As the leader it is tradition to receive this mark when we take the spot. It is no different for the partner. They undergo the process after the wedding vows in a private ceremony.”
Letting the fabric drop back down, “Think of it as a visual loyalty. Can Mr. Shen accept these conditions?”
Shen Yuan has a suspicion Luo Binghe didn’t outright say that detail to not scare him away. But small hints were left. Like when he asked if Shen Yuan had a desire to get a tattoo, and he thoughtlessly said no. Damn Binghe must be worried now! “I am willing to do what it takes to be with him.”
“Good.” He let the tension release. “I approve of you.” Reaching over he took Shen Yuan’s wrist and placed the heart monitor on and turned the hidden tracking device on. “That son of mine will know where you are now.” Meng Mo was sent before dawn to inform Luo Binghe who has Shen Yuan and not bring other people. Additionally the device signaled his son where to find them. “It will be a scene to be held.”
“Why not ask Binghe to meet me instead of going through this trouble?” Watching Tianlang-Jun turn on the monitor he thought this was bizarre.
“Well simple, he does not like me.” Placing his hand under his chin added, “I had many years to think over my mistakes. I know I am an absent father.” Laying in solitary confinement alone with one's thoughts makes you rethink every mistake you made, every choice you made. “I should have been more present.” Su Xiyan would have kicked his ass if she could.
He was no therapist, but wanted to help. “What was your reason to treat Binghe like that?”
“His mother died in childbirth a-.”
That hurt Shen Yuan to hear so interrupted to defend Luo Binghe, “It’s not Binghe’s fault.”
“I never said it was.” For all the despair and hatred to the world for losing her, Tianlang couldn’t blame their child, the child Xiyan gave to him. “I just could not stand being reminded of her through him.” They were so much alike.
“Tell him that.”
“What difference does it make? That boy's feelings do not change easily.” He looked at Shen Yuan knowingly.
I can’t blame you there Father Luo. “Just try, for Binghe.” When Qinghua and Mobei stopped by to do business with Binghe he asked the cringe lord what happened to Su Xiyan; he wouldn’t say. Binghe changed the subject when asked. It was a gut reaction to assume the worst from Tianlang treating his son wrongly. Sadly for Binghe the entire thing was a misunderstanding.
“I will take it into account.”
“Before we can go any farther I need to know something. My brother, Shen Jiu, was trafficked by the Qiu family… What was your relation to them?”
“Drugs. Simple as that. I minded my own business since I had no room to judge.” Peddling drugs, killing, or trafficking people was normal in the underworld of society. “Trafficking was not in my lane of business.”
“Do you remember my brother?”
The scared little malnourished boy standing behind the Qiu son came to mind, but he was uncaring of the victims. That was before he took in a nephew and had a child of his own then the prospective changed. “I only saw him a few times, until the Qiu family was killed besides their daughter.”
Shen Yuan knew the underworld talked. There has to be more information about what happened that night. “Do you know who killed them?”
“Wu Yanzi was said to have done the job alone.”
“Do you believe that?”
“Yes and no.”
“How so?”
“Yes, Yanzi had a hand in it. No, he had inside help, as to who I do not know. Wu Yanzi was a person that grifted his way through life.” Playing with his robes belt with no worries on his mind. “It was only a matter of time that someone wanted to silence him.”
“Mn.” Shen Yuan saw no reason for Tianlang to lie, it was a relief that Jiu wasn’t hurt by him. Inside help… Jiu? Finally the cooling coffee was brought to his month for a desired gulp.
The intrigued voice drifted out his mouth, “Now I have a question for you. Why did it take you two so long to have sex?”
Covering his mouth to not cough liquid in his face yelled, “WHAT!?!”
“It is nothing to be ashamed of, I was just surprised.” The young ladies of high ranking never caught his son's interests, so it didn’t come to a shock when he showed a desire to be with this one stuttering to place his words.
“How di-did you-” Shen Yuan was struck dumb. This ex-crime leader who he thought was a master of deception, a man of sharp cunning. Well Tianlang was cunning but… MIND YOUR BUSINESS!!! It was taking the most willpower to still be respectful to an elder member of Binghe’s family.
“Your doctor's loyalty never changed.” Pointing a clear-polished nail at his new son’s exposed neck. “If Wu Chen did not tell me then those marks would have.”
This wasn’t real, it couldn’t be. Binghe’s father acted so… Placing his hands over his face said, “Tianlang please I don’t think this is appropriate to discuss." You're Binghe’s parent my guy!!
“Please we are family now, call me Father.”
WHAT IN THE WORLD!!! “I…Well..” The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree!!!
“Do not be shy.” Sliding the novel towards Shen Yuan. “I heard you like literature.”
“Yes, I went to university for it.” Holding the book with two male individuals in ancient robes embraced in each other's arms. Flipping it over Shen Yuan read the genre then paused. Danmei… He’s on volume 3… “Do you…Enjoy romance?”
Tianlang-Jun already knew that, and it pleased him to find that fact. “Yes. I prefer it.” Knowing his son would take little time getting here he wanted to get to know Yuan personally with the time he had. “What do you indulge in?”
“Mostly fantasy. I like the creativity of world-building that can come from them.” As long as the author didn’t suck. “Though I try other types of readings when I need a change.” Poems were a nice palette cleanser now when Binghe would read them for him.
“I have a large collection. After breakfast I will show you.” It was exciting to finally talk personal hobbies to another person. Zhuzhi would humor him but had no care for it. “Actually my nephew collected an old European bestiary from the middle ages.”
“Really?” Shen Yuan beamed then shifted to be embarrassed by the outburst.
Tianlang was happy with his son's excellent choice of a partner. “Of course.” They were going to get along swimmingly if his son liked it or not. It was his goal to make up for lost time.
Zhuzhi-Lang returned with the food for his Lord and the guest. Trying to escape was a failure when the collar was grabbed and forced to join them in the meal. His Uncle retirement was stressing him out more than taking out targets. Shen Yuan’s sincere smile took him off guard as he offered an extra plate, yes Zhuzhi was stressed.
........
Tianlang-Jun aka Shen Yuan’s second father’s study was a sight to behold. All the books in his collection were carefully selected to the owner's tastes. The genres are organized by color and size instead of alphabetic order like most preferred, it was a work of art to see the selves fade into the next color seamlessly. Upon closer inspection personalized duster covers were placed to bring the color aesthetic together. There was a high dedication to the craft.
During his forced retirement and escape from Bai Lu penitentiary he showed a new hobby to his in-law, a book repair station. A pale-blue book was currently displayed opened surrounded by the tools needed to reattach its spine.
There was no shelf art taking up real estate, the space opened for more material to add.
The simple traditional furniture seeped into this room as well, it made Shen Yuan wonder why Tianlang-Jun chose this way of living. The place wasn’t anywhere near a rinky dink shack but it wasn’t a five-story mansion, it was humbly cozy.
Blank sheets of multicolored vellum along with a closed watercolor palette sat on a small white oak drawing table. It faced the open, summer kissed, forest.
Tianlang allowed him to explore the vast collection, explaining what the item’s context was, and started to recommend series close to Shen Yuan’s preferred flavor of stories. The older man even broke down every hated trope to better suggest a starter in the romantic genre.
It had to be a joke that the summary said it involved a student falling in love with his close in age teacher; A subtle side eye was thrown at his new father in-law. Better this then the second choice, a guy fucking his cat!?!
How can every kidnapping he experienced get more deranged. Shen Yuan swore if he went through this again he would glue facial hair to himself and go into witness protection. Perhaps a traveling hobo would be a promising career.
Zhuzhi-Lang scurried to attend to some matters, leaving them alone to discuss his master’s little vhs collection hidden in a closed cabinet. His uncle liked watching the classics on the media it was first released on, it felt more romantic.
It impressed Shen Yuan. To Zhuzhi’s understanding, since his lord was freed from the impossible cell he was going to reconnect with Luo Binghe, to ease the late madam from haunting his dreams. Though the goal post seems to have changed to the new son, they were bonding, which was not surprising. The more information Tianlang-Jun learned about Shen Yuan, the more he wanted to meet him.
Zhuzhi has a feeling his cousin was going to pop a vain on this situation.
Too in thought he let his guard down, an arm placed him in a choke hold and a gun pressed in the middle of his spine roughly. Luo Binghe made him walk to where Shen Yuan was.
His master noticed first them coming through the door, then Shen Yuan turned towards them and started to motion with the intent to approach, until Tianlang placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Let him go!”
Tianlang-Jun wasn’t taking any chances. “It has been a while since seeing each other. Why not let your cousin go and we can have a nice reunion?” Staying behind Shen Yuan ensured his son wouldn't immediately shoot, the boy’s eyes had hatred pointed at him.
“I only came for Yuan.”
“If you only came for him. Why have the gun?” The gripe was firm but not threatening. “Meng Mo informed you that I was not here with malice intent.” He kept his features calm to keep the situation from escalating.
“Let Yuan go and I will release him.”
“My son has little to say about my intellect to think I would allow the one with a weapon to take the thing protecting me.” Luo Binghe was still young which added to his hot-headedness. “You first.” Tianlang-Jun has years of experience dealing in negotiation.
Shen Yuan glanced between the three men having a standoff. Neither seemed to want to have come to a middle ground, so he spoke, “Binghe, put it down and let Zhuzhi go.”
Softening when addressed by his Shizun, Luo Binghe tried to push down the irritation of Yuan being to familiarize with them. “Yuan do not agree.”
“Binghe, I want to end this peacefully.” The hold Tianlang had on him and the conversion early eased his worries. “Please?”
Yuan looked fine, his father could have easily stopped him from getting this far. “What was the reason for this?”
“I wanted to meet my in-law.” That obviously pissed his son off, to his entertainment. “And see you, again it has been years.” His mini Xiyan huffed like it was a joke.
“There is no need for this nonsense.” The bastard cares now, why…
“Binghe.”
“Fine.” Zhuzhi slithered back to Tianlang’s side and he walked to snatch Yuan out of his father’s hold when he grabbed his gun. Luo Binghe thought fast and pushed Yuan out of the way, it happened so quick.
They both strained to fight for control of the weapon.
Tianlang released the clip then kicked it for no chance to get it. Luo Binghe scowled, going for a sucker punch for a knock out but it was caught.
He pushed the aim then pulled the trigger when he saw the snake walking toward Yuan, the bullet hit Zhuzhi in the foot, halting his movement to stop the bleeding.
Tianlang-Jun had both of Luo Binghe’s wrists and aimed a knee directly to his gut while dragging him forward at once. He let go then punched the back of his head sending the young man to the ground.
“Binghe!”
Struggling to suck in a full breath managed to say, “Yuan, stay back!”
Shen Yuan checked Luo Binghe over for serious injuries. Tianlang-Jun shadowed over them jiggling the gun in an unconventional way and Luo Binghe moved to move Yuan behind him, his head ached.
“No true leader would be this sloppy, I could have killed you no problem." It was uplifting to see Shen Yuan prove his words, he will stay by his son. “You failed to prevent injury to your partner once, being weak will not prevent a second time.”
I will fucking kill him! It hit a sore spot mentioning what happened to Yuan. No one dared point the finger at him even though he knew it was true. “You are one to talk..” Getting in a stance to fight his father, arms wrapped around him.
“Binghe stop.” Watching Tianlang bend down to assess his nephew's wound, Shen Yuan said, “Will he be okay?” How is this fixing your relationship, father in-law!?!?!
Zhuzhi answered, “I will, I had worse Yuan.” Compared to the many wounds, slashes, and tears he has received doing his uncle’s orders this was low on that list.
“Do not use Yuan’s name so formally!”
They needed to leave, this wasn’t the best idea of the former leader to create a touching reunion. “We will be going, come on Binghe.” Sometimes in times like this his brother’s voice stating men are brutes with the only goal was to fight each other, came to mind.
Approaching casually as if a fight didn’t happen, “I shall stop by for a visit to see you both.” Holding the gun by the barrel he handed it back to his son.
Luo Binghe found it disrespectful to be further mocked, so smacked the weapon hard to the ground. “There will be no visits! Do not-”
“Binghe, come now!”
The sleek black car sat just before the hand-carved wooden gates. “You hit your head.” Turning into Binghe's tight hold to face him, “Let me drive.”
“Yuan.” His voice quivered.
“Hmm?”
“I think it is best to not be exposed.” His expression looked sad, his voice sounded sad, “You need to stay under my watch, I want to-”
Squirming an arm out to lightly flick the silly boy on the forehead, turning on an assertive tone, “No.”
“Yuan, it is dangerous, I want to keep you out of harm's way!”
“Binghe we talked-”
“Yuan, stay with me. We could run away, I do not care as long as you stay by me.” Luo Binghe pleaded, he was at the point to beg on his wanting to convenience his case. That man knew about Yuan; Meng Mo tried to speak his case on his father’s behalf, it was useless. Once the location of where his Shizun was pinged he left in a dash.
Leaving this life, impossible. “Binghe, look at me.” Gentle hand caressed the crying face, “I will be with you until the end, but you can’t put me in a fancy cage. I have a life outside of this world and I want you to be part of it.” Holding a gentle voice, “Will you?”
It was hard to allow this; Luo Binghe wanted to selfishly keep Yuan all to himself. “Yes.” Doing what his Shizun wanted was the most important.
“Then let’s go.” Taking his hand with a smile added, “Together.”
Seeing the lovely face, happy flooded warmth he never experienced with another before. “Together.” Luo Binghe would watch from the shadows to protect his light.