[open post] NEW USER: Shang Qinghua

[greatmasterairplane]

Look, this clearly isn't Proud Immortal Demon Way. Shang Qinghua might not remember all the details of what he wrote—that's what his most devoted fans are for, to point out inconsistencies in the comments section so Shang Qinghua can bullshit some mystical explanation, hahaha—but he's sure he didn't write this Western-style mansion. The System, when he tries to question it, is silent. So maybe it's some kind of test?

If so, not fair! Arranging the invasion of the Immortal Alliance Conference was supposed to be his last thing. The original Shang Qinghua died shortly after that, so how much plot relevance could he have?? He was meant to be retired, living life in the lap of luxury (or drudgery in the employ of his king, but whatever). Why doesn't the System just reward him for all his many years of loyal service? Can they have a "being hand-fed melon seeds by a group of big scantily-clad men" event, please???

He skims through the welcome table materials. Okay, so a world between dimensions, people pulled in from disparate worlds and trapped for eternity, sure. Classic stuff. His king is bound to show up at some point and drag Shang Qinghua away by his collar like a tiger scruffing a kitten. Until then, he'll just try to stay out of trouble.

Comments

[temnota]

Aleksander had fled his room in a haze, knowing only that he had to get as far away from Baghra as possible. It wasn't until he had entered the foyer and discovered a strange man at the welcome table that he realized he'd walked out of his room in nothing but sleep trousers patterned with moons and stars and his kefta. His hair was a mess and he was in dire need of a shave but he would rather be stabbed in the heart with a dagger then go back to his room now.

With an effort, he forced a polite smile on his face. "Ah. Welcome. Forgive my appearance, it's been a... morning."

[greatmasterairplane]

Shang Qinghua gives him a perfunctory bow. Another obvious major character type, although he can't pin down the genre. Handsome indeed, with that male-model jawline and sleep-rumpled scruff, but a bit too pretty for Shang Qinghua—not that Shang Qinghua would kick him out of bed if he offered. "I am Shang Qinghua, of Cang Qiong Mountain." Don't make him say An Ding Peak! "What troubles you?"

[temnota]

Aleksander tamped down the hysterical laughter that threatened to burst out of him. This was the worst part about dealing with Baghra - how thoroughly she managed to rattle him and leave him unfit for company. There was nothing he could do about it now except try to pull himself together as quickly as possible.

"My name is Aleksander Morozova," he said, belatedly giving the man a bow before lying fluently. "It is nothing to worry about, just a minor issue. Should you see a woman with a cane, I advise you to give her space. She is old and forgetful and has quite lost her touch with reality."

[greatmasterairplane]

"I'll keep it in mind." How sweet that he's looking after his confused old grandmother! "I'm curious to learn more about this place. How long have you been here?"

[temnota]

Aleksander rubbed his eyes and tried to think. "A few months though it feels longer," he answered after a moment. "There's a handful of people here, all from different times and places. The house itself has ever changing rooms and a tendency to play tricks when it feels like it."

[greatmasterairplane]

"What kinds of tricks?"

[temnota]

"Where should I start? The corpse uprising? The truth curse?" Aleksander laughed raggedly. And his mother but as before, that was not a subject he wanted to discuss.

He passed a hand over his hair, inadvertently making the mess worse and sighed. "I need. I should have coffee but I think I will need something stronger to get this day. Would you like to come with me?"

[greatmasterairplane]

So many beautiful men inviting Shang Qinghua to drinks today! He's starting to think it sounds good, being trapped here forever. Sure, he'll miss his king, but he won't miss being pushed around and disrespected every day, not to mention the spreadsheets. He's been here for hours, and no one's made him do a single spreadsheet! "I'd love to."

[temnota]

Aleksander led the way to the bar and stood before the cupboard. Obligingly, it produced a bottle of quality kvas and he turned to Shang Qinghua. "Do you have a preference? Think about it hard enough and the cupboard will provide. Another of this place's charms, though admittedly, it's not one I sneer at."

[greatmasterairplane]

Having already had quite a bit of baijiu, Shang Qinghua should probably stick to something lighter. And if he's not limited to beverages available in Proud Immortal Demon Way... He pictures what he wants, and opens the cupboard to find a Tsingtao pale lager. "Not bad!" he says, turning back to Aleksander. He feels around behind the bar for a bottle opener. "So, who's your favorite person here?"

[temnota]

Aleksander paused in the middle of taking a sip. He supposed it was a reasonable question to ask but he'd never thought of ranking the inhabitants that way. People to know, people to avoid, people with useful abilities - but favorite? Friendship was still a nebulous concept.

"I don't know that I have one," he said. "But Sagramore and Claudius were both kind, surprisingly kind when I arrived. Shen Yuan, as well."

He took a deep drink from his glass, eyed it critically then topped it up.

[greatmasterairplane]

Shang Qinghua nods. Not surprising to hear that Cucumber-bro's stupid big soft heart has gained him another fan. "Shen Yuan is my best friend," he says. Not really true,¹ but again, he wants to take advantage of every bit of goodwill Shen Yuan has won for himself.

He waves at the kvas. "So? Is that strong enough for you to tell me what I might be in for around here?"

¹Yes it is, dumbass.

[temnota]

Aleksander took another gulp and closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm not sure anything is strong enough for that but I no longer want to end everything in darkness¹ so I suppose that will do."

He opened his eyes and focused on Shang Qinghua. "This place is full of surprises as you've surely noticed. I mentioned the truth curse and corpse uprising. It did not happen to me but some time back, some people here turned into child versions of themselves. Expect anything and everything - except to have some kind of warning when terrible things happen."


¹The typist can only sigh.

[greatmasterairplane]

End everything in darkness?? What is this guy, a Luo Binghe knockoff?¹ But obviously, Shang Qinghua loves a good antihero. A dash of villainy is the right kind of seasoning for a man. He's not the eyelash-fluttering type—for one thing, he's definitely not cute enough for that—but he lets his appreciation show as he looks Aleksander up and down. "It sounds harrowing. Have you at least found anyone to keep you company through all that?"

¹Sorry, Leigh Bardugo.

[temnota]

Aleksander noted Shang Quinhua eyeing him and gave him a crooked smile. He was hardly looking his best he thought, but appreciation was appreciation and who was he to argue? Besides, a diversion would give him something to think about that wasn't Baghra.

"I have been fortunate enough to find a few friends," he said, leaving it ambiguous as to whether he meant friends or "friends".

[greatmasterairplane]

Shang Qinghua leans in a little closer. "Are you looking for any more?"

[temnota]

"I could be," Aleksander said, his voice warm and inviting. "What did you have in mind?"

[greatmasterairplane]

"Well," Shang Qinghua says with a swig of his beer, "I'm brand new here, but someone was kind enough to find me a room. I wonder if you'd like to see it."

[temnota]

Aleksander gave him his most potent come-hither look and held out his hand. "I would very much like to."