Game Changer & Make Some Noise
KIROKAZE
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Kiana Khansmith
PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH
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@frozen-pawprints
"Freeze, eternal frost!"
"... hm. Frozen breakfast was not the plan"
Infos!
Link Click rp blog! Other fandoms are very welcome because I adore crossovers and routinely cause them
Currently 20 years old
Mage!Lu Guang from Map of Dreams
#eternal memory -> answered asks
#chasing impulsive heroes -> open rp starters!
Headcanons / Facts (TBA)
Story (TBA)
(pspspsps @localstarr @star-tb @fiight-or-fliight)
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The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
Cheng Xiaoshi sat down between Lu Guang and Qiao Ling. He was mostly silent whilst he waited, though occasionally he looked around to check his surroundings for anyone suspicious.
Lu Guang is mostly keeping his attention on a small, unassuming pocket watch. Eventually glancing up.
"Are we sure the thief will go for the locket?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, turning his gaze towards Lu Guang. "Well, the locket is one of the client's most valuable possessions, so it should attract the thief."
He nods slowly, then pauses. Eyes on their client.
"... how high are the chances that our thief is a child?"
"Hm.." Cheng Xiaoshi considered. "Maybe a 50/50. I think it's equal chances that it'd be an adult or a child, since we have nothing to prove which one they are."
"Chances seem high. That one keeps following- don't look, but there's a kid following the client around... I think"
Cheng Xiaoshi's eyebrows furrowed, and he resisted the urge to look. "That's definitely suspicious.. Sounds like the locket will get swiped soon, then, right?" He tensed a bit, preparing himself to get up quickly if needed, just in case.
"Stay seated, Xiaoshi"
He waves his hand dismissively, eyes back on the pocket watch.
"We don't want to alarm the thief... besides, if we wait, maybe they'll lead us to the other stolen goods... if they haven't been sold off"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed but complied, conceding to Lu Guang's point. "That's true..."
"Mhm... and it's the thief. They took the locket"
He holds up the pocket watch, which is floating in one direction slightly.
"And this... is how we're tracking them"
"Oh?" Cheng Xiaoshi now looked at the pocket watch with much more intrigue. "Do we follow the pocket watch's path, then?"
"See it as a compass"
He nods, getting up after a while.
"Let's go"
"Mhm!" Cheng Xiaoshi sprung up immediately at the words, looking behind him to make sure that Lu Guang and Qiao Ling were behind him before following the pocket watch.
Lu Guang grabs his wrist to slow him down a little.
"Be calm. If this really is a child, we don't want to spook them"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, slowing down. "Good point-"
Soon enough, they reached a point where the thief had stopped.
Lu Guang frowns, staring at his pocket watch. They're kind of in the woods.
"... our thief went into that hut. I don't think all of us going in is smart. It's small"
Cheng Xiaoshi's eyebrows furrowed. "That's true.. I could go in first, unless either of you have any other plans?"
He shakes his head.
"You're better with kids than me anyway"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Well, wish me luck!" He headed inside.
He watches him go!
OOC post
Heyyyy so I decided to start an RP blog for MoD!Liu Xiao and I thought it’d be cool to try and do a storyline with you and the other MoD RP blogs! It’s ok if you don’t feel like joining in
ooc: I feel bad for laughing but hi, I'm Vein's mod-
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
Cheng Xiaoshi sat down between Lu Guang and Qiao Ling. He was mostly silent whilst he waited, though occasionally he looked around to check his surroundings for anyone suspicious.
Lu Guang is mostly keeping his attention on a small, unassuming pocket watch. Eventually glancing up.
"Are we sure the thief will go for the locket?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, turning his gaze towards Lu Guang. "Well, the locket is one of the client's most valuable possessions, so it should attract the thief."
He nods slowly, then pauses. Eyes on their client.
"... how high are the chances that our thief is a child?"
"Hm.." Cheng Xiaoshi considered. "Maybe a 50/50. I think it's equal chances that it'd be an adult or a child, since we have nothing to prove which one they are."
"Chances seem high. That one keeps following- don't look, but there's a kid following the client around... I think"
Cheng Xiaoshi's eyebrows furrowed, and he resisted the urge to look. "That's definitely suspicious.. Sounds like the locket will get swiped soon, then, right?" He tensed a bit, preparing himself to get up quickly if needed, just in case.
"Stay seated, Xiaoshi"
He waves his hand dismissively, eyes back on the pocket watch.
"We don't want to alarm the thief... besides, if we wait, maybe they'll lead us to the other stolen goods... if they haven't been sold off"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed but complied, conceding to Lu Guang's point. "That's true..."
"Mhm... and it's the thief. They took the locket"
He holds up the pocket watch, which is floating in one direction slightly.
"And this... is how we're tracking them"
"Oh?" Cheng Xiaoshi now looked at the pocket watch with much more intrigue. "Do we follow the pocket watch's path, then?"
"See it as a compass"
He nods, getting up after a while.
"Let's go"
"Mhm!" Cheng Xiaoshi sprung up immediately at the words, looking behind him to make sure that Lu Guang and Qiao Ling were behind him before following the pocket watch.
Lu Guang grabs his wrist to slow him down a little.
"Be calm. If this really is a child, we don't want to spook them"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, slowing down. "Good point-"
Soon enough, they reached a point where the thief had stopped.
Lu Guang frowns, staring at his pocket watch. They're kind of in the woods.
"... our thief went into that hut. I don't think all of us going in is smart. It's small"
Cheng Xiaoshi's eyebrows furrowed. "That's true.. I could go in first, unless either of you have any other plans?"
He shakes his head.
"You're better with kids than me anyway"
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
Cheng Xiaoshi sat down between Lu Guang and Qiao Ling. He was mostly silent whilst he waited, though occasionally he looked around to check his surroundings for anyone suspicious.
Lu Guang is mostly keeping his attention on a small, unassuming pocket watch. Eventually glancing up.
"Are we sure the thief will go for the locket?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, turning his gaze towards Lu Guang. "Well, the locket is one of the client's most valuable possessions, so it should attract the thief."
He nods slowly, then pauses. Eyes on their client.
"... how high are the chances that our thief is a child?"
"Hm.." Cheng Xiaoshi considered. "Maybe a 50/50. I think it's equal chances that it'd be an adult or a child, since we have nothing to prove which one they are."
"Chances seem high. That one keeps following- don't look, but there's a kid following the client around... I think"
Cheng Xiaoshi's eyebrows furrowed, and he resisted the urge to look. "That's definitely suspicious.. Sounds like the locket will get swiped soon, then, right?" He tensed a bit, preparing himself to get up quickly if needed, just in case.
"Stay seated, Xiaoshi"
He waves his hand dismissively, eyes back on the pocket watch.
"We don't want to alarm the thief... besides, if we wait, maybe they'll lead us to the other stolen goods... if they haven't been sold off"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed but complied, conceding to Lu Guang's point. "That's true..."
"Mhm... and it's the thief. They took the locket"
He holds up the pocket watch, which is floating in one direction slightly.
"And this... is how we're tracking them"
"Oh?" Cheng Xiaoshi now looked at the pocket watch with much more intrigue. "Do we follow the pocket watch's path, then?"
"See it as a compass"
He nods, getting up after a while.
"Let's go"
"Mhm!" Cheng Xiaoshi sprung up immediately at the words, looking behind him to make sure that Lu Guang and Qiao Ling were behind him before following the pocket watch.
Lu Guang grabs his wrist to slow him down a little.
"Be calm. If this really is a child, we don't want to spook them"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, slowing down. "Good point-"
Soon enough, they reached a point where the thief had stopped.
Lu Guang frowns, staring at his pocket watch. They're kind of in the woods.
"... our thief went into that hut. I don't think all of us going in is smart. It's small"
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The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
Cheng Xiaoshi sat down between Lu Guang and Qiao Ling. He was mostly silent whilst he waited, though occasionally he looked around to check his surroundings for anyone suspicious.
Lu Guang is mostly keeping his attention on a small, unassuming pocket watch. Eventually glancing up.
"Are we sure the thief will go for the locket?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, turning his gaze towards Lu Guang. "Well, the locket is one of the client's most valuable possessions, so it should attract the thief."
He nods slowly, then pauses. Eyes on their client.
"... how high are the chances that our thief is a child?"
"Hm.." Cheng Xiaoshi considered. "Maybe a 50/50. I think it's equal chances that it'd be an adult or a child, since we have nothing to prove which one they are."
"Chances seem high. That one keeps following- don't look, but there's a kid following the client around... I think"
Cheng Xiaoshi's eyebrows furrowed, and he resisted the urge to look. "That's definitely suspicious.. Sounds like the locket will get swiped soon, then, right?" He tensed a bit, preparing himself to get up quickly if needed, just in case.
"Stay seated, Xiaoshi"
He waves his hand dismissively, eyes back on the pocket watch.
"We don't want to alarm the thief... besides, if we wait, maybe they'll lead us to the other stolen goods... if they haven't been sold off"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed but complied, conceding to Lu Guang's point. "That's true..."
"Mhm... and it's the thief. They took the locket"
He holds up the pocket watch, which is floating in one direction slightly.
"And this... is how we're tracking them"
"Oh?" Cheng Xiaoshi now looked at the pocket watch with much more intrigue. "Do we follow the pocket watch's path, then?"
"See it as a compass"
He nods, getting up after a while.
"Let's go"
"Mhm!" Cheng Xiaoshi sprung up immediately at the words, looking behind him to make sure that Lu Guang and Qiao Ling were behind him before following the pocket watch.
Lu Guang grabs his wrist to slow him down a little.
"Be calm. If this really is a child, we don't want to spook them"
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
Cheng Xiaoshi sat down between Lu Guang and Qiao Ling. He was mostly silent whilst he waited, though occasionally he looked around to check his surroundings for anyone suspicious.
Lu Guang is mostly keeping his attention on a small, unassuming pocket watch. Eventually glancing up.
"Are we sure the thief will go for the locket?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, turning his gaze towards Lu Guang. "Well, the locket is one of the client's most valuable possessions, so it should attract the thief."
He nods slowly, then pauses. Eyes on their client.
"... how high are the chances that our thief is a child?"
"Hm.." Cheng Xiaoshi considered. "Maybe a 50/50. I think it's equal chances that it'd be an adult or a child, since we have nothing to prove which one they are."
"Chances seem high. That one keeps following- don't look, but there's a kid following the client around... I think"
Cheng Xiaoshi's eyebrows furrowed, and he resisted the urge to look. "That's definitely suspicious.. Sounds like the locket will get swiped soon, then, right?" He tensed a bit, preparing himself to get up quickly if needed, just in case.
"Stay seated, Xiaoshi"
He waves his hand dismissively, eyes back on the pocket watch.
"We don't want to alarm the thief... besides, if we wait, maybe they'll lead us to the other stolen goods... if they haven't been sold off"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed but complied, conceding to Lu Guang's point. "That's true..."
"Mhm... and it's the thief. They took the locket"
He holds up the pocket watch, which is floating in one direction slightly.
"And this... is how we're tracking them"
"Oh?" Cheng Xiaoshi now looked at the pocket watch with much more intrigue. "Do we follow the pocket watch's path, then?"
"See it as a compass"
He nods, getting up after a while.
"Let's go"
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
Cheng Xiaoshi sat down between Lu Guang and Qiao Ling. He was mostly silent whilst he waited, though occasionally he looked around to check his surroundings for anyone suspicious.
Lu Guang is mostly keeping his attention on a small, unassuming pocket watch. Eventually glancing up.
"Are we sure the thief will go for the locket?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, turning his gaze towards Lu Guang. "Well, the locket is one of the client's most valuable possessions, so it should attract the thief."
He nods slowly, then pauses. Eyes on their client.
"... how high are the chances that our thief is a child?"
"Hm.." Cheng Xiaoshi considered. "Maybe a 50/50. I think it's equal chances that it'd be an adult or a child, since we have nothing to prove which one they are."
"Chances seem high. That one keeps following- don't look, but there's a kid following the client around... I think"
Cheng Xiaoshi's eyebrows furrowed, and he resisted the urge to look. "That's definitely suspicious.. Sounds like the locket will get swiped soon, then, right?" He tensed a bit, preparing himself to get up quickly if needed, just in case.
"Stay seated, Xiaoshi"
He waves his hand dismissively, eyes back on the pocket watch.
"We don't want to alarm the thief... besides, if we wait, maybe they'll lead us to the other stolen goods... if they haven't been sold off"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed but complied, conceding to Lu Guang's point. "That's true..."
"Mhm... and it's the thief. They took the locket"
He holds up the pocket watch, which is floating in one direction slightly.
"And this... is how we're tracking them"
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
Cheng Xiaoshi sat down between Lu Guang and Qiao Ling. He was mostly silent whilst he waited, though occasionally he looked around to check his surroundings for anyone suspicious.
Lu Guang is mostly keeping his attention on a small, unassuming pocket watch. Eventually glancing up.
"Are we sure the thief will go for the locket?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, turning his gaze towards Lu Guang. "Well, the locket is one of the client's most valuable possessions, so it should attract the thief."
He nods slowly, then pauses. Eyes on their client.
"... how high are the chances that our thief is a child?"
"Hm.." Cheng Xiaoshi considered. "Maybe a 50/50. I think it's equal chances that it'd be an adult or a child, since we have nothing to prove which one they are."
"Chances seem high. That one keeps following- don't look, but there's a kid following the client around... I think"
Cheng Xiaoshi's eyebrows furrowed, and he resisted the urge to look. "That's definitely suspicious.. Sounds like the locket will get swiped soon, then, right?" He tensed a bit, preparing himself to get up quickly if needed, just in case.
"Stay seated, Xiaoshi"
He waves his hand dismissively, eyes back on the pocket watch.
"We don't want to alarm the thief... besides, if we wait, maybe they'll lead us to the other stolen goods... if they haven't been sold off"
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
Cheng Xiaoshi sat down between Lu Guang and Qiao Ling. He was mostly silent whilst he waited, though occasionally he looked around to check his surroundings for anyone suspicious.
Lu Guang is mostly keeping his attention on a small, unassuming pocket watch. Eventually glancing up.
"Are we sure the thief will go for the locket?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, turning his gaze towards Lu Guang. "Well, the locket is one of the client's most valuable possessions, so it should attract the thief."
He nods slowly, then pauses. Eyes on their client.
"... how high are the chances that our thief is a child?"
"Hm.." Cheng Xiaoshi considered. "Maybe a 50/50. I think it's equal chances that it'd be an adult or a child, since we have nothing to prove which one they are."
"Chances seem high. That one keeps following- don't look, but there's a kid following the client around... I think"
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The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
Cheng Xiaoshi sat down between Lu Guang and Qiao Ling. He was mostly silent whilst he waited, though occasionally he looked around to check his surroundings for anyone suspicious.
Lu Guang is mostly keeping his attention on a small, unassuming pocket watch. Eventually glancing up.
"Are we sure the thief will go for the locket?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, turning his gaze towards Lu Guang. "Well, the locket is one of the client's most valuable possessions, so it should attract the thief."
He nods slowly, then pauses. Eyes on their client.
"... how high are the chances that our thief is a child?"
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
Cheng Xiaoshi sat down between Lu Guang and Qiao Ling. He was mostly silent whilst he waited, though occasionally he looked around to check his surroundings for anyone suspicious.
Lu Guang is mostly keeping his attention on a small, unassuming pocket watch. Eventually glancing up.
"Are we sure the thief will go for the locket?"
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
Cheng Xiaoshi did a lot of the talking, confirming the plan with the client. It didn't take too long to finalise it — the locket was to be left in its original place until it gets stolen, whilst the trio were to stay nearby, so that they could be at the scene when they thief struck.
He gave the locket to the client so that the plan could now be put into motion.
Lu Guang looks around, eventually settling for directing them to sit outside a small, nearby tavern. Deeming it to be the best place to wait.
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
They meet with Qiao Ling, and shortly after arrive at the meeting spot with the client.
Lu Guang, as per usual, is pretty quiet during the talk with the client. Mainly double-checking that the spell actually works as intended.
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
Cheng Xiaoshi caught the locket, nodding back. "Alright, let's go, then!" He exited the room, gesturing for Lu Guang to follow.
He nods, following Cheng Xiaoshi.
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The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together. "Great! Should we head off now?" He got up.
He nods, tossing him the locket.
"We can go. There is a limit of about twelve hours before the spell starts fading"
The door to Lu Guang's room creaked open as Cheng Xiaoshi entered it, carrying a varied assortment of plants and herbs. His clothes got a bit dishevelled in the process, and some dirt smudged his cheek. "I've got all the ingredients for your spell! At least.. I think that was all of them?"
- @luckygambles (and yes this IS right after he talked to Vein; I imagine he continued gathering stuff after they were done talking :3 I am so smart 😎)
He glances up from where he's reading a book by the window, having taken to sitting there in the sun instead of at his desk. Looking him over critically.
"We'll see in a moment. Please tell me your shoes are clean?"
Cheng Xiaoshi put the plants and herbs down on the desk nearby, trying to be careful. He made a face. "They are.. mostly. These are a bigger priority, no?"
He shrugs at the question, sending a judgemental look at Cheng Xiaoshi's shoes. Then closes the book and sits up properly.
"Depends on who's cleaning, doesn't it?"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, conceding. "True... Anyway, are these all the ingredients, right?"
Lu Guang steps over to the table, carefully looking everything over. Picking some up to arrange it more neatly.
"Hmm... yes, seems to be all"
Cheng Xiaoshi clapped his hands together happily. "Great! What spell did you need to use all these ingredients for, anyway?"
He pauses, tapping his fingers against the desk.
"... I'm trying to find a spell that reliably unfreezes things without making food taste horrible in the process"
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded. "Makes sense."
"Mhm... were they hard to find? You were gone for quite a while"
He glances over to him, tilting his head.
Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head. "No, it wasn't too hard. They were just spread out... and I had to search in a cave for this one." He tapped one of the plants.
Lu Guang nods along in understanding.
"You didn't have to. That one is sold by a lot of merchants"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a face. "Right... I knew that-"
^ He very much did not know that.
Lu Guang looks a little like he's fighting an exasperate smile.
"Sure you did"
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, though there was no heat to it, nor the words that came after. "Well, you better make good use of these. There's probably enough for a few days, right?" He leaned a little against Lu Guang, which was an unconscious habit at this point.
He looks over the plants and herbs again, then nods. Unbothered by Cheng Xiaoshi being so close.
"If I dry them correctly, there will be enough to cast the spell roughly... hm... five to seven times. If the spell doesn't work like intended, I can use them for some other spells"
Cheng Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, looking a bit relieved at that. "That's good to hear"
"Mhm..."
He turns to look at Cheng Xiaoshi.
"Thanks for getting those for me"
"Of course," Cheng Xiaoshi smiled. "After all, we're partners, right?"
"That's true"
He nods, smiling for a moment as well.
Cheng Xiaoshi doesn't say anything for a moment. "Did you read up on anything interesting while I was gone?" He made himself comfortable, practically draping himself over Lu Guang, wanting to listen to him.
"No, I was reading a novel"
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely to the book he put down on the window sill.
"The one about the guy who tried to go home, but got in trouble with gods along the way?"
Cheng Xiaoshi looked intrigued, gesturing for Lu Guang to continue. "Oh, interesting! How is it so far?
"So far it's good. I've read it before, though, so I'm already aware of how it goes"
He shrugs.
"You should read it some time"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of acknowledgement. "I'll be sure to when I can!"
"So once I'm rereading'
He turns away. He's kidding
"No...! Do you doubt me that much?" Cheng Xiaoshi's tone was faux-offended.
"Hm... do I?"
He shrugs, faux-innocent.
Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, being a bit dramatic on purpose. "I thought you'd have more faith in me.."
"Need I remind you of the time I explicitly told you to wait, and instead you..."
He doesn't finish his sentence. Clearly expecting him to know what he was talking about, though.
Cheng Xiaoshi quickly caught onto what Lu Guang was talking about. "In my defence, that was one time!"
"Mhm, but there was also that time when..."
Does he just have a list of things? Probably. He seems kind of amused though, even if he's trying to hide it.
Cheng Xiaoshi put a finger against Lu Guang's lips, shushing him (light-heartedly). "An honest mistake! Anyone would've thought to do it"
"No, just impulsive idiots"
Lu Guang rolls his eyes fondly, voice not even near as harsh as his words might be.
"Is that all you think of me as?" Cheng Xiaoshi once again looked faux-offended, though the fact that he shifted closer suggested otherwise.
"... you're likeable anyway"
He pushes him gently, though not with enough force to actually move him.
Cheng Xiaoshi was unable to hold back an amused laugh at that. "Yeah, I love you too," He teased.
He blinks, pausing for a split second, then backs off to head for his book. Mostly to hide that his face got a little red.
"Idiot"
Cheng Xiaoshi tilted his head, lingering amusement and genuine affection in his expression. "I mean it, though"
He pauses, then nods.
"I know"
"Mhm..." Cheng Xiaoshi smiled slightly.
He smiles a hint as well.
"So... seen anything of interest? New jobs or the like?"
Cheng Xiaoshi paused, thinking for a second, before clapping his hands together. "Oh, yeah! There was this poster I found at the edge of the forest about a job we could do... here, I'll just give it to you" He took out a folded — if somewhat crumpled — poster, smoothed it out and gave it to Lu Guang to read.
He tilts his head, taking the poster to read it over, clearly interested.
"Let me see..."
"Mhm.." Cheng Xiaoshi let Lu Guang finish reading the poster. It was about finding a hero-adjacent type of person to find and hold accountable the culprit of whoever had been anonymously stealing valuables from locals without leaving a trace.
"Hm... seems doable"
He nods to himself, heading over to the bookshelf in his room.
"Maybe I have a spell we can put on an object. If the culprit steals it, we can track them"
Cheng Xiaoshi made a noise of agreement. "Sounds good! I'll go alert Qiao Ling, then?" He inquired, checking in case he needed to stay and help.
"Mhm, sounds good to me"
He nods, giving him a thumbs up.
"Alright!" Cheng Xiaoshi gave Lu Guang one last smile before leaving the room, distantly calling Qiao Ling's name.
He shakes his head fondly, and gets to picking out what he needs for the spell.
After a short while, Cheng Xiaoshi opens the door again, his head poking through the doorway. "Any luck on the spell?"
He nods, wisps of blue magic swirling around his hand when he lifts it.
"It's going well so far. Anything specific we want to put it on?"
Cheng Xiaoshi holds up a locket. "I talked to the person who put the poster up, and she gave me this to use as possible bait for the thief."
"Perfect"
He moves to grab the locket with his free hand.
Cheng Xiaoshi shifted to put the locket in Lu Guang's hand.
He offers a brief smile, then turns back to the table. Looking entirely concentrated while casting the spell.
Cheng Xiaoshi smiled back, before finding a place to perch on and wait, his gaze occasionally drifting to Lu Guang working on the spell.
He doesn't take too long on casting the spell, eventually holding the locket up. It looks... exactly the same as five minutes ago.
"Done"
