#elenothar

Shen Wei bit down on the sarcastic response bubbling up, putting on a gentile smile and inclining his head politely, expression carefully neutral. The dean sighed and clasped his hands between his knees, leaning forward and fixing Shen Wei with a severe look.

“These are difficult times. The… revelation of Dixing and the threat it poses to humanity shocked all of us. Already, there are rumours of Dixingren living among us, managing to hide their true nature.” The dean paused, a grimace flickering over his face. He took off his glasses and pulled out a handkerchief to rub at a non-existent smudge. “Professor Shen must be aware of the difficult position he has put me in. As our youngest teacher, he is very accomplished and well-liked in the scientific community. His research is provocative and fresh, his students praise his dedication to their learning. However…”

“You are suspecting me of being Dixingren,” Shen Wei summed up, a little huff of amusement escaping him. “Is that it?”

“It is the only conclusion left to me, Professor Shen.” Pushing the glasses back up on his nose, the dean peered at him with a cautious expression. Afraid, Shen Wei realized with a pang. For all their previous disagreements, he’d never meant to make the man feel threatened with his mere existence. “Everyone who saw that little… lightshow in the sky knows you were involved with the events in Dixing.”

“Chief Zhao was there as well,” Shen Wei pointed out, already aware how little the dean would care for that argument but feeling compelled to bring it up nonetheless.

“Professor Shen’s defense of Chief Zhao is the only reason you are still here,” the chancellor countered, wringing his hands. “In hindsight, it makes sense that you insisted on consulting for the SID. I suppose Chief Zhao found out about your status as a Dixingren?”

In a way he was right, although Shen Wei didn’t appreciate the implication of blackmail. He pressed his lips together into a firm line.

Taking that as confirmation, the dean nodded slowly. “I’m sure Professor Shen understands that the reputation of our institution has to come first.”

The words were like a bucket of ice being emptied over his head. Raising his chin, Shen Wei met the dean’s eyes, slipping into the Envoy's immovable stare out of habit. The dean flinched, and Shen Wei felt a twinge of guilt. He'd gotten used to the blurring of the lines between his various roles around Zhao Yunlan, but this was a sharp reminder why he drew them in the first place. If he wanted to keep this ordinary life, he had to behave as a soft-spoken scholar would and overcome this challenge with words.

“I understand.” Adjusting his own glasses in an imitation of the dean’s previous movements – mirroring tended to put people at ease, feel more sympathetic to the person they were talking to – Shen Wei leaned forward, steepling his hand in front of his mouth. “I do beg you to reconsider, however, Chancellor. I have always upheld the reputation of our fine university and done my part in improving it. Nothing has changed about that.”

“And yet, having an illegal immigrant serving as a teacher at our institute would be… quite the scandal,” the dean pointed out. He held up a hand before Shen Wei could respond, looking uncomfortable as he shifted in his seat. “The situation is delicate right now. Until the government has declared their intention on how to proceed with the remaining Dixingren, I do not dare to act rashly.”

In other words, the dean wanted to know which way the wind—and public opinion—blew before making up his mind.

“A wise choice,” Shen Wei acknowledged, watching the dean cautiously. There was more to this, Shen Wei was rather aware. It couldn’t be as easy as 'wait and see', the dean wouldn't have asked to meet with him in that case. Certainly, Shen Wei's recent absences had to be addressed, but they could easily be explained as extensive consultations for the SID prior to the invasion.

“I wished to speak to you today to issue a warning. Officially, a decision is still pending until a council of the department heads can be called,” the dean continued, and Shen Wei tensed, waiting for the other shoe to drop. “Unofficially, you may consider yourself on probation until then, Professor Shen.”

There were many things he wished to say, words caught behind his teeth. But he had already pointed out his contributions to the university, reiterating the point would lead nowhere. He did not envy the chancellor his position, having to consider public backlash about employing a Dixingren, not with the invasion on everyone's minds. Perhaps it had been naive of Shen Wei to hope things would settle peacefully, that people would see sense once Ye Zun's influence was taken out of the picture. His twin had simply amplified already existing problems which couldn't be fixed with the wave of a hand.

In the end, Shen Wei could only bow his head and hope good sense would prevail.

Shen Wei winced as he sat down, his body twinging just below his ribs, where the light energy used to be nestled. He rubbed at the spot absently. The tense atmosphere of the last few days was starting to get to him, apprehension settling heavy in his stomach. Ye Zun’s little trick, broadcasting to all of Haixing as he tortured Professor Shen, was not something easily covered up. He had hoped that his established reputation would allow some to see past their fear and immediate prejudice, but… with the way the students and his colleagues both were keeping their distance…

It would take time, as all healing did.

His office phone rang, distracting him from the depressing time ahead. Not many people called him – university staff tended to visit him during his office hours instead, to chat and ensure the paperwork was done quickly, or had done so before… before. And his fellow teachers were avoiding him, so that left… Haixing’s Inspectorate or the SID.

Heart tumbling – what if something happened to Zhao Yunlan? Or what if the treaty negotiations went downhill? They wouldn’t call if Heipaoshi was needed, they had the summoning incense for that occasion – Shen Wei picked up the receiver. “Hello?”

“Hey, babe.”

Relieved, Shen Wei smiled helplessly. Of course it was Zhao Yunlan, and of course he used that terrible cutesy form of endearment, likely even where people could hear him. Letting out a quiet huff of amusement, his mood lifted instantly. “Zhao Yunlan.”

“Sorry, I have to keep this short,” Zhao Yunlan apologized, “I have another meeting in five minutes with… I don’t even remember who at this point.”

“Of course.” Shen Wei found himself straightening in his seat, more at ease when someone needed his help. Especially when that someone was Zhao Yunlan. “What can I do for you?”

“I was talking with Minister Guo about” —Zhao Yunlan cut off with a hiss. Shen Wei could hear his hurried steps, then the quality of the reverb changed as Zhao Yunlan spoke again, having found a bathroom for more privacy— “about your alter ego. To keep that under wraps, we need Professor Shen to come in and make a statement.”

“Certainly.” Shen Wei blinked, a little taken aback. Hesitantly, he added, “You think a simple statement will suffice?”

“That's the procedure we're using with the other Dixingren integrated in Haixing’s society. This way, you're just one among many, Shen Wei,” Zhao Yunlan drawled, sounding amused. His voice softened. “I tried to get you out of it, I know how much you hate these sort of political meetings.” An understatement, and by the scoff he heard over the line, Zhao Yunlan was clearly aware. “Ye Huo already agreed to be a representative for the Dixingren diaspora living here, but Professor Shen was outed very publicly and holds a sensitive and prodigious position at the local university. The ministers want some reassurance.”

“And I suppose simply telling them of my… alter ego would do little to comfort them,” Shen Wei sighed, leaning back in his chair and pulling off his glasses. His patience with Haixing’s government had rather worn thin these last weeks. Their lack of action after the SID warned them and during the invasion bothered him, nevermind the serum Haixing Labs had created… it bore looking into. Soon. Once everything else had settled down and ruffled feathers were soothed.

“Ha! Yeah, no, I doubt they would appreciate Hei-laoge teaching their precious children more than a Dixingren with a potentially benign power,” Zhao Yunlan laughed, and Shen Wei huffed his agreement. The hint about benign powers wasn’t lost on him either – Professor Shen could not prove to be a threat. On the surface, learning didn’t sound too aggressive, but perhaps healing would be a better choice.

“Very well. When do you need me?”

It was easier, phrasing it like that. Zhao Yunlan needed his help. His people needed him to stand up for them. He could bear one more burden for them, if it meant ensuring a brighter future and a lasting peace.

“This week?” Zhao Yunlan winced, sounding apologetic. “I know you have a busy schedule, and I don’t want to make trouble for you at the university, but this might help to smooth over—”

“It’s fine,” Shen Wei interrupted him, fond warmth suffusing him, making the leaden weight sinking in his stomach more bearable. “My office hours have been… less visited, recently. I can spare some time on Thursday, if it suits the ministers.”

“It better,” Zhao Yunlan muttered, then cleared his throat. “Don’t worry, Shen Wei, I’ll arrange everything. But… is everything alright?”

“Of course.” Shen Wei frowned, wondering what Zhao Yunlan was getting at. Had he missed something obvious? “Everything is as expected. Did something happen?”

“No, no, everything’s fine on my end,” Zhao Yunlan hastened to assure him, still with that odd tone to his voice. “Just… the chancellor isn’t giving you too much of a hard time, is he?”

Ah. The growing clouds of worry cleared from Shen Wei’s mind. Of course, Zhao Yunlan had met the dean before, and with his clever mind, it was unavoidable for him to deduce the antipathy between Shen Wei and the university’s head.

“A little,” he admitted, fighting down the urge to deny it. Zhao Yunlan had enough on his plate and knew Shen Wei’s lying voice too well, it would only cause him to worry more rather than less. Still, he didn’t want to distract Zhao Yunlan from the important work he was doing, so he added firmly, “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

Zhao Yunlan huffed, the sound hard to pin down. Amused, yet exasperated, perhaps? Shen Wei frowned, puzzled.

“Of course. Wouldn’t expect any old chancellor to get the better of Hei-laoge,” Zhao Yunlan teased, and Shen Wei relaxed. Crisis averted. A knock on the door had Shen Wei looking up, before realizing it came from Zhao Yunlan’s end of the phone call. “Shit. Listen, xiao-Wei, I gotta go, but… let’s talk about this some more later, yeah?”

“If you wish,” Shen Wei agreed easily, brows arching up. He had no idea why Zhao Yunlan wanted to discuss campus politics after a day spent at the ministry, but he wasn’t opposed to the idea.

“Alright. I’ll see you later.”

“Goodbye, Yunlan,” Shen Wei replied, lingering for a moment even after Zhao Yunlan had hung up. Sighing, he finally returned the handset back into its mount.

Already, he missed Zhao Yunlan’s voice.

Shaking his head, Shen Wei put it out of his mind. He needed to let his students know he wouldn’t be available for office hours on Thursday. Perhaps it was time to look for a new assistant since it looked like Li Qian wouldn’t be returning for her post-grad work. Shen Wei considered the laptop case that was officially his, but which in reality he had never used, and gave in to the inevitable. If he recalled correctly, Jiajia should currently be in the lab supervising, perhaps she would consider helping him.

At least, Shen Wei hoped that the revelation of his origins didn't scare her off, too. Jiajia always struck him as resilient, but he was starting to realize he knew the people in his life less well than he liked to think. The problem with holding everyone at arm's length, he supposed.

Another knock, this time on his office door, had him look up in surprise. He truly hadn’t expected any student to seek him out just yet. Taking a fortifying breath and straightening his posture, he pasted on a curious but gentle expression – might as well pretend to be the harmless professor they all thought you were, the disdainful voice in his head said, sounding all too much like Ye Zun – before calling out, "Come in."

Xiao-Hua stepped in hesitantly, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She dithered in the doorway, wringing her hands, and Shen Wei had an inkling what this was about. If there was one thing he regretted, it was his students' hesitancy in approaching him since his status as Dixingren had been revealed. He allowed his expression to slide into a soft shade of concern and watched xiao-Hua's shoulders relax.

"What may I help you with, xiao-Hua?"

Xiao-Hua bit her lower lip, then took a careful step forward.

"Professor Shen, I—" She paused, dropping her gaze to the tip of her shoes. Shen Wei held himself still so as not to scare her and gave her a moment to collect herself. Taking a deep breath, xiao-Hua raised her head, chin jutting out and brow knit in determination. "My parents want me to drop your class."

Despite the inevitability, knowing to expect these consequences, Shen Wei felt a pang in his chest.

"Of course. I understand," he said on autopilot, folding his hands on top of the table. "I'm sure we can arrange for your work in this course to be partially credited for whichever similar one you choose as a replacement. Perhaps Professor Zhang's genetical engineering class—"

"No!" xiao-Hua interrupted him with a shout, then slapped her hands over her mouth and blushed furiously. "That is— I meant to say…"

Realizing he was leaning forward over his desk, Shen Wei forced himself to sit back, observing as xiao-Hua struggled with herself. His brow knit into a frown above his glasses, but he waited patiently for her to continue. Everyone deserved to say their piece, and he knew intimately how hard it was to find the right words.

“I wanted you to know,” she started, paused, folding her hands in front of her and meeting his eyes resolutely, “Whatever my parents tell you or the administration, I have decided to continue with your course, Professor Shen. And I will be applying for your Complex Traits and Evolutionary Genetics class next semester.”

"I…" Shen Wei blinked, taken aback. "Xiao-Hua, are you sure…? Your parents—"

“Professor Shen is always kind to his students,” xiao-Hua continued staunchly, a fire burning in her eyes. “He always has an open ear for our problems, is willing to hand out extensions and offer reading suggestions when we get stuck. Learning where he comes from does not change who Professor Shen is.”

Shen Wei stared at her, stunned speechless.

"I understand where my parents are coming from, they're scared," she added quietly, after the silence stretched too long. "I am a filial daughter, and I will kneel at the family shrine in penance later. But they're wrong."

"Flight is an instinctive response in the face of danger," Shen Wei stated, seizing the first coherent thought he could muster. He… should talk her out of this. There was a good chance he wouldn’t be allowed to return next semester. "Do not blame your parents for being frightened. Change is rarely easy."

"Change is inevitable," xiao-Hua returned stubbornly, crossing her arms. "Professor Shen put his life on the line to protect us all, we should not repay his bravery by acting like cowards."

"I am touched by the sentiment, xiao-Hua. I am. Nevertheless—"

A knock on his office door cut him off, his jaw snapping shut. Shen Wei blinked, then adjusted his glasses.

“I appreciate the gesture, xiao-Hua, but please. Take some time to talk it over with your parents first.” He offered her a small, clipped smile. “The last few days have all of us shaken up. “I wouldn’t wish to be the reason for your family to be at odds.”

Xiao-Hua clenched her jaw stubbornly. “Some things are worth it.” Then she stepped back and bowed formally. “Thank you for saving us from the invasion, Professor Shen.”

Shen Wei opened his mouth, but before he could think of something to say, she turned on her heel and left. Jiajia stood in the door, glancing between xiao-Hua’s leaving back and whatever she saw on Shen Wei’s face.

“Is… everything alright, Professor Shen?”

“Ah.” Shen Wei cleared his throat. “Yes, everything’s fine. Thank you, Jiajia.” He straightened his suit sleeves, using the movement to anchor himself in his role as professor. “What may I help you with?”

“Actually…” Jiajia gave him a hesitant smile. “I was wondering if I might be of help to Professor Shen? Since Li Qian isn’t here to assist… I thought...”

A swell of fondness expanded Shen Wei’s chest. The gesture was thoughtful, a statement of support during a time where it might be more politick for Jiajia to keep her distance, especially considering her relation to the university’s dean. That she visited him, offering to spend time in his presence where students and teachers alike would see… Jiajia was clever, she knew what she was doing.

“I could indeed use some help,” he admitted, hauling the laptop bag on his desk and presenting it to Jiajia with a sheepish look. “I need to send an e-mail about my office hours, how do I…?”

The day of his hearing with the ministers, Shen Wei returned home well after dark. He paused in the hallway, keys dangling from one hand, the other clutching the handle of his briefcase. It had been a long day of repeating his testimony over and over, and he felt exhausted. A part of him had looked forward to curling up with Zhao Yunlan and just… existing, for a moment. They hadn't had much time to just be together, not since Dixing's failed invasion. Not that Shen Wei begrudged Zhao Yunlan the attention he got for saving Haixing, it was well-earned after all. He just wished the accolades came with less work rather than more.

But duty came first, something they could both agree on.

No light filtered through the door of Zhao Yunlan's apartment. Shen Wei wavered, gripped by indecision. Perhaps Zhao Yunlan was already home, having crashed on the sofa without bothering to turn the lights on. Which meant that surely he had skipped dinner again. The thought made Shen Wei anxious enough to take the decision from him; resolutely he turned away from his own apartment and unlocked Zhao Yunlan's door instead.

Inside, Zhao Yunlan's apartment was quiet except for the hum of the fridge. No phone charging on the bed stand, no even breathing of a sleeping Zhao Yunlan. Shen Wei hesitated in the door before sighing and closing it behind him. He took his time putting his things away—the shoes set down neatly by the door, the briefcase on the couch table, his glasses on the night-stand, and his suit jacket on the hanger in Zhao Yunlan's closet that had at some point wandered over from his own wardrobe, since Zhao Yunlan didn't own a single one more than he needed for his jackets.

Finally, Shen Wei stood in the middle of the dark apartment in socked feet, alone.

They had seen each other at the ministry at his appointment for less than five minutes. Zhao Yunlan had taken a moment to personally introduce him to the minister and officials present, laying down the groundwork for his testimony. He had emphasized how Shen Wei had saved both him in the altercation with Ye Zun, and the former Minister Gao at the recent wedding disaster. He had bustled into the room like a whirlwind, making pointed remarks and reminding the minister of favours owed, before leaving just as he came, with a quick squeeze of Shen Wei’s elbow and a sympathetic smile. And then he’d been gone again, leaving an ache in Shen Wei’s chest similar to the scar the light energy left.

He took a deep breath. No Zhao Yunlan appeared through miraculous means.

Exhaling sharply, Shen Wei could feel his shoulders sag but didn't quite care enough to correct his posture. He walked over to the fridge, checking its contents. He needed to go shopping soon, he thought numbly, staring at the mostly empty shelves. The cool air felt like a blessing on his skin. He should probably eat something, but there was only one pre-cooked meal left, and Zhao Yunlan needed it more. Hopefully, Da Qing had complained about the lack of food loudly enough that one of the team ordered takeout and remembered to bring their busy chief some. Certainly, Guo Changcheng was thoughtful and kind enough.

Maybe he should check in with the SID real quick, just to make sure.

The effort to gather enough dark energy to open a portal left sweat pearling on his forehead, air escaping his lungs in heaving gasps. His ribs ached, just below his heart, where he used to carry Zhao Yunlan's light energy. The clock ticked away, proving once more how much Shen Wei still had to recover. He was just about to expend the energy to tear a rift in the fabric of reality, when a noise had him whirl around. Luckily he recognised the dark shape blinking wide, light-reflecting eyes back at him innocently before he let loose, allowing the dark energy to disperse into his body instead.

The rush of relief from his strained meridians left him swaying on his feet.

"Da Qing."

"Shen-laoshi." The cat's tail swished as he took Shen Wei in. "You should sit down, you look exhausted."

That wrung a half-hearted smile out of Shen Wei. "Direct as always. Very well."

He sat down on the sofa, and Da Qing swiftly joined him, turning in circles on his lap until he found a comfortable spot. Shen Wei gently scratched behind his ears, tension fleeing his muscles at the constant purr. Still, one thing was missing from this picture. 

"Zhao Yunlan?"

Da Qing grumbled in protest, nudging at Shen Wei's fingers, but Shen Wei simply arched an eyebrow at the Yashou, waiting patiently while holding the petting hostage.

"Lao-Zhao's out for drinks with some ministers and other paperpushers," Da Qing finally admitted, and Shen Wei rewarded him with a long stroke down the spine. "He sent me home because apparently I'm not being helpful, refusing to drink. I doubt he'll be home before midnight."

Shen Wei hummed in acknowledgement, carding his fingers through Da Qing's lush fur. Zhao Yunlan had been forced to join many celebrations in his honour with all the drinking those social occasions involved. They couldn't afford to use up the ministry's goodwill this early just to have Zhao Yunlan bow out of those obligations, even if Shen Wei might've preferred it to spare Zhao Yunlan's stomach. He would set aside Zhao Yunlan's medicine for him with a glass of water for when he came home, then prepare an easy breakfast in the morning and hope that was enough.

He nodded off to the familiar comfort of Da Qing's purring instead, barely rousing when gentle hands tucked a blanket over his shoulders, helping him lie down. Kunlun, he thought, recognizing the voice scolding him softly. He smiled and sank into a deeper sleep, knowing he was safe with Da Qing's warm weight on his chest and Kunlun's fingers in his hair.

"Professor Shen!" a familiar voice called out, and Shen Wei paused at the foot of the stairs, turning around. Zhang Ruonan was running up to him, slowing down when he acknowledged her, her high heels clicking on the stone. She paused before him still out of breath, adjusting first her glasses, then a flyway strand of her dark hair.

"Professor Zhang, you're looking well," Shen Wei greeted her politely. "How was your sabbatical?"

"Refreshing," Zhang Ruonan said, a wry twist to her smile. In truth, she looked even younger than he remembered, the crows feet around her eyes smoothed out, her skin colour less wan. The life force Wang Yike had sucked out of her had been returned easily, once Shen Wei understood her power. Clearly, Wang Yike had decided to give back more than was due. Shen Wei wasn't certain if she'd retain some of her victims' energy or chosen to sacrifice her own, and he wouldn't ask, either.

Zhang Ruonan clasped her hands in front, clutching her bag between them. She offered him a formal bow. "Professor Shen… Shen Wei. Thank you for teaching Wang Yike."

Shen Wei ducked his head, hiding his expression with his palm as he reached up to adjust his glasses. It was rare that Dixingren sought him out, intimidated by his reputation as Heipaoshi. Especially those who lived hidden on Haixing were scared to make contact regardless of how terrible their situation was, since it was Heipaoshi's duty to return them to Dixing. It was what got Wang Yike in trouble in the first place, yet when he allowed her to remain with an aging Zhang Ruonan… something changed. Perhaps fixing her mistake was more important to Wang Yike than her pride, maybe Shen Wei was the only person she could turn to.

Nonetheless, it had been a joyful occasion for him, to teach someone how to wield their awakening powers once more.

"It was my pleasure," Shen Wei admitted. He turned, gesturing up the stairs in a silent invitation to walk with him. "I hope she's doing well?"

"A bit shaken," Zhang Ruonan admitted, falling into step with him and offering him a polite smile. "She almost joined the frey, did you know? When she saw Chief Zhao's broadcast." Zhang Ruonan grew quiet, head bowed as she contemplated her folded hands. "I think she would have, if it weren't for me."

Shen Wei paused at the top of the stairs, holding the door open for Zhang Ruonan and meeting her eyes steadily. "You have always been her priority."

Zhang Ruonan huffed, one hand coming up to rub at her elbow, a nervous smile twitching on her lips.

"Sometimes I wonder what I've done to deserve such devotion," she murmured, slanting a quick glance at Shen Wei from the corner of her eyes before averting her face, hiding her expression. "She risks too much."

I'm not worth it, Shen Wei read between the lines. It reminded him of meeting Kunlun, of his unearned, exhilarating trust in Shen Wei, his stubborn determination to stick by him through the end of the war.  He didn't know what the general saw in him, what he did to convince Kunlun to devote himself to a young warrior who only pretended at wisdom, who kept his insecurities and inexperience secret for the good of troop morale. Even now, he wasn't sure why Zhao Yunlan chose him, again and again. Shen Wei knew all too well how Zhang Ruonan felt.

He swallowed. "All we can do is try and live up to the image they have of us."

Zhang Ruonan startled, staring at him for a beat. Then realization dawned on her face, and she shot him a shrewd look.

"Professor Shen is speaking from experience," she mused aloud, her grin slanting into teasing. "How is Chief Zhao doing?"

Shen Wei arched his eyebrows, considering her. Having observed her closeness to Wang Yike, he didn't have to worry about her judgment of his similar relationship with Zhao Yunlan. Still, the insinuation seemed to imply a familiarity, an invitation to take their collegial relationship one step further. Shen Wei's gut reaction was to distance himself, but something held him back. It used to be hard to get close to people, even when he tried back when he first woke up in this new era. His lived experiences had been too different, his lack of common knowledge too painfully obvious. But… things were changing, Dixingren were known now. And they needed allies.

When he framed it like that, the answer seemed obvious.

"He's recovering." He offered Zhang Ruonan a half-hearted smile. "The fight took a lot out of him, but he refuses to rest. Too much to do, he says."

"I daresay he's not the only one." Zhang Ruonan gave him a pointed look. "I hope you don't mind me saying, but you look rather tired, Shen Wei. Perhaps you should consider a sabbatical of your own."

Shen Wei blinked at her. From anyone else, he would assume this to be a hint to distance himself from the campus and its residents, however, from Zhang Ruonan he knew she meant the advice genuinely. It baffled him. What would he even do, if not teach?

“I might not have a choice in the matter,” he confessed, lowering his voice. Zhang Ruonan frowned, giving him a questioning look. “I’m on my way to a meeting with the department heads. They wish to hear from me regarding… recent events."

Shen Wei tried to keep his face blank, but his heart was pounding against his ribs, not unlike the drumbeat of war. He wasn't sure what he would do, if they fired him. He supposed with Dixing in disarray, it would be better to focus on his role as its ambassador. In the grand scheme of things, teaching at Dragon City university was a distraction from his more important duties. And yet…

"Ah." Zhang Ruonan offered him a tight-lipped smile full of sympathy. "Let me walk you there."

Shen Wei accepted the offer with a graceful nod, warmth spreading through his chest. Zhang Ruonan didn't have much weight to throw around, being relatively young and a woman in academia, but Shen Wei appreciated the gesture of support.

They walked a moment in silence, before Zhang Ruonan asked, "How has life been, here on campus?"

She smiled at a couple of students who greeted them as they passed, tensing as a male student accidentally brushed against her arm. Shen Wei took note and used the next corner they turned to rearrange their formation, putting himself in the middle of the hallway – between Professor Zhang and anyone crossing their path.

"Hectic," Shen Wei summed up. The next students they met turned around and took a different hall, and Shen Wei felt the vice around his ribs tighten. It wasn't the first time this happened, but that didn't make it any easier to bear. "Everyone is still recovering from the invasion and its aftereffects. Many students have lost loved ones."

And blamed Dixingren at large for their loss. From the troubled look on Zhang Ruonan's face, she understood that all too well.

"Have there been any… incidents?" she asked delicately, frowning after the two students who went out of their way to avoid them. Avoid him. "Anything… out of the ordinary?"

Shen Wei pressed his lips together into a thin line.

"There has been a troublesome stirring of anti-Dixing sentiment. Graffiti, and protest posters for the most part."

And of course, Shen Wei had heard the whispers breaking out whenever he passed. He tried not to, but the moment he heard his name being spoken in hushed tones, his ears habitually tuned into those heated discussions of his trustworthiness. He would cut the trickle of dark energy off the moment he noticed, but it was enough to get a picture of the student body's generally poor opinion of Dixingren, and their disbelief and feeling of betrayal at learning one of their professors was one of them.

"I hope no one has chosen to vandalize any of Professor Shen's belongings," Zhang Ruonan said, and her sharp tone took Shen Wei aback. He blinked at her.

"Ah, no. Nothing of the sort." Shen Wei ducked his head.

There had been one letter shoved under his office door, which Shen Wei decided to read despite his better judgment. Some of the criticism had a valid core, but for the most part the student had simply felt the need to vent, after the stress and revelations of the last week, and Professor Shen had been a convenient target for their frustration and fear. In the end, Shen Wei had decided not to pursue the matter with the administration. The situation was already tense enough.

"Shen Wei, take it from someone who knows how far these seemingly minor matters can escalate to." Zhang Ruonan stopped in the middle of the hallway, reaching out for his shoulder. She turned him to face her, squeezing once in an offer of comfort before letting go. "Sometimes, oftentimes even, these things will pass. The students lead busy lives and have other things to concern themselves over. It's been less than two weeks since the invasion, give them time to lose interest."

Zhang Ruonan paused and took a deep breath.

"However, some might feel justified in retaliating. They are not, and you should not allow them to treat you with less respect than you deserve." A fire burned in her eyes as she raised her chin, pinning him with a searching look. "You are not alone in this, even when it seems like it. Those you trust… lean on them. Trust them to help carry the weight of your burdens."

"Professor Zhang, I…" Shen Wei hesitated. He didn't feel like their situations were comparable; what happened to her was horrible and cruel. However, she meant well and her advice was sound, it would be ungrateful to dismiss her out of hand. "Thank you. I will… try."

"I'm sure Chief Zhao will be glad to hear it," she added primly, turning away and stalking down the corridor. Shen Wei let her lead the way to the conference room and didn't mention the tremor running through her shoulders or the way her hands clutched at her bag to hide their shaking.

Professor Zhou was standing at the T-section leading to the conference room, shoulders slouched and a tired look on his face. As head of the biology department, his presence was expected of course, but Shen Wei felt himself grow calmer at the sight of his mentor waiting for him. When Professor Zhou saw Shen Wei walk up with Zhang Ruonan, his expression brightened and he straightened up.

"Shen Wei, my boy, there you are."

The smile he offered Shen Wei seemed genuine, and he patted Shen Wei's shoulder without hesitation. A tension Shen Wei hadn't even realized he was carrying dissolved, leaving him feeling lighter.

"And Professor Zhang! Welcome back, welcome back. I hope your time off turned out more peaceful than the excitement we've had."

"I've heard." Zhang Ruonan smiled tightly, tilting her head towards Shen Wei. "Shen Wei got me all caught up. I wouldn't know what our department would do without him."

Something sharpened in Professor Zhou's expression, his eyes darting from Zhang Ruonan to Shen Wei and back. His eyes warmed, and his smile turned approving as he nodded at Zhang Ruonan, some sort of acknowledgement passing between them.

"True, very true. Professor Shen is the backbone of the biology department," he agreed, louder than necessary. A couple of department heads about to enter the conference room glanced over, lingering in the doorway. Shen Wei pasted on his best harmless professor look and inclined his head in greeting.

"Zhou-laoshi's praise is too effusive, I will do my best to live up to his expectations."

"You already are, my boy, never doubt that," Professor Zhou returned jovially, turning to his fellow department heads. "I couldn't have been prouder to learn you helped the SID through these trying months. You were even by Chief Zhao's side during the final battle! That takes a lot of courage, wouldn't you agree, Professor Wu?"

"Certainly," a thin-lipped, older gentleman replied, sounding a little strained.

The only female department head peeled off from the gaggle, her grey hair pulled back in a no-nonsense bun.

"Careful, Professor Zhou, or your humble student might melt from blushing too hard," she teased, inclining her head to Zhang Ruonan. "Xiao-Zhang, I'm glad to have you back with us. I was worried these dreary old men might've chased you off."

"Nothing of the sort, Professor Liu, I simply needed a break. Thank you for your concern." Zhang Ruonan pushed her glasses back up her nose, her smile tight-lipped. “Professor Shen in particular has always been very supportive of me and made me feel welcome in the biology department where it intersects with engineering.”

“Is that so?” Professor Liu’s expression warmed visibly, giving Shen Wei a considering once-over. “Well, he’s certainly easy on the eyes.”

“Professor Liu!” Zhang Ruonan protested, red spreading over her cheeks. She exchanged a flustered look with Shen Wei, who shifted, just as uncomfortable with the implication. “It’s not like that at all.”

“I concur,” Shen Wei added, adjusting his own glasses and putting on a polite, strained smile. “Professor Zhang is a treasured colleague and friend, nothing more.”

“Aiya, Professor Liu, we’re not here to matchmake today. Let’s leave the kids to sort it out between themselves.” Professor Zhou laughed, shooting Shen Wei a wink.

“Ah, Professor Zhou, let me have my fun,” Professor Liu shot back, before inclining her head. “I will see you inside, I suppose. Don’t worry too much about the hearing, Professor Shen – it’s just a formality.”

“Indeed!” Professor Zhou agreed, clasping Shen Wei’s shoulder and squeezing. 

"Thank you," Shen Wei murmured, a small, sincere smile tugging at his lips. He ducked his head, adjusting his glasses and using the moment to gather himself.

“I will take my leave, then.” Zhang Ruonan bowed her head to the two department heads, before adding with a pointed look at Professor Liu, “Please take good care of Shen Wei for me. He truly is my favourite colleague – in my age range, of course.”

“I will take your words into consideration, xiao-Zhang. Rest assured.”

They followed Professor Liu into the conference room, Zhang Ruonan giving Shen Wei’s elbow a quick squeeze and a smile when he turned to her.

He hadn't counted on such steadfast and unconditional support. Shen Wei had never been the most social of his colleagues, even when he'd let Professor Zhou drag him to those outings. And yet, something like hope bloomed in his heart as he entered the room, braced for the department heads' scrutiny.

Perhaps things would go better than expected there, too.

The day passed in a flurry of work after the morning meeting. Shen Wei had left the conference room with mixed feelings, too aware of his failings but hopeful for the outcome. A surprising number of professors had spoken up for him including Professor Liu, whether as a favour to Professor Zhou or based on their own morals, Shen Wei wasn't sure. Professor Zhou had squeezed his arm encouragingly throughout the conference several times, a reassuring presence by his side.

The chancellor, however, didn't seem particularly swayed, watching Shen Wei with a grim mien the entire time.

Shen Wei worked through lunch, hoping to finish his work early, perhaps grabbing some groceries on the way home and surprising Zhao Yunlan with a home-cooked dinner.  It was the first evening they would get to spend together since the invasion, if everything went according to plan. He was just weighing how much paperwork he could get away with taking home, and if Zhao Yunlan would allow him to work or, as a small part of him hoped, would prefer to distract him from his papers, when an administrator knocked on his door and told him the dean was expecting him in his office immediately.

Dread sunk like a leaden weight in his stomach.

He reached the dean’s office in a fugue state, his thoughts circling around the question, was this it? If they had reached a decision so quickly, it didn’t bode well for him.

Pausing in front of the office door, Shen Wei cocked his head, allowing a trickle of dark energy to flow to his ears. It was always good to gauge the dean's mood before meeting with him, to adjust his own strategies in dealing with the man. If the previous appointment left him in a bad mood, Shen Wei would make sure to be especially solicitous…

“Thank you for your service, we are all indebted to you. Certainly, I sleep more soundly, knowing an upstanding officer such as yourself is out there, protecting our lovely city,” the dean was saying, and Shen Wei frowned. Who was he talking to?

Zhao Yunlan's familiar polite laugh startled him out of his concentration.

"Chancellor, please. Without the help of your very own Professor Shen, I wouldn't be standing here today."

The words echoed clearly through the wood, and Shen Wei felt his heart swell fondly. Of course, Zhao Yunlan would insist on stopping by the university to help Shen Wei out, despite being incredibly busy himself.

"Thank you, Chancellor, for loaning Professor Shen to the SID. Truly, we couldn't be more grateful."

Taking that as his cue, Shen Wei knocked on the door and waited for permission to enter.

Inside, Zhao Yunlan was sitting opposite the chancellor, a falsely pleasant expression plastered on his face, the strain of it showing in the way he bit his cheek. A woman in her mid-fifties sat next to him in a finely tailored, charcoal suit and skirt combo, grey hairs streaking through her short, dark brown hair. They turned to look at Shen Wei as he closed the door behind himself.

"Shen Wei!" Zhao Yunlan's expression softened, his smile turning genuine. Shen Wei found himself helpless to return it. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Yes, what a surprise, for you to find me at the place I work," Shen Wei drawled, arching a brow. Zhao Yunlan's lips twitched, before he stuffed a lollipop into his mouth, biting down on the stick while his eyes glittered with amusement. Shen Wei turned to give the woman a nod of acknowledgement. “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced. I’m Professor Shen, Shen Wei.”

“Ah, of course. Allow me,” Zhao Yunlan exclaimed, jumping up and holding a hand out to help the woman up. “Shen Wei, this is Minister Huang, Huang Yajie. She’s the Minister of Education, as I’m sure you’re aware.”

“Yes, I’m aware.” He hadn’t actually recognized her and was grateful to Zhao Yunlan for smoothing over the potential offense. Shen Wei offered his best polite smile and bowed his head to her. “Minister Huang, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Please, Professor Shen, the pleasure is all mine.” Minister Huang stepped up, holding out her hands. Throwing Zhao Yunlan a questioning look, Shen Wei offered her his hand, which she clasped in both of hers. “Thank you for taking time out of your undoubtedly busy schedule to meet with me, Professor Shen. I was hoping to run into you the other day when you were at the ministry… but I must have just missed you.”

“If I had known you were looking for me, I would have stopped by.” Shen Wei inclined his head respectfully. “I apologize for making you come all the way out here.”

“How could you have known? I couldn’t in good conscience make such a demand on Professor Shen’s time. I hear the meeting ran rather long, too.” Minister Huang smiled, her expression friendly enough. “Chief Zhao insisted on introducing us when he learned. I hope we’re not interrupting anything important.”

Shen Wei glanced at Zhao Yunlan, who shot him an encouraging wink. “Not at all, Minister. I was just wrapping up my office hours, the paperwork will keep. What can I do for you?”

“First, allow me to express my gratitude, Professor Shen. From what Chief Zhao tells me, you played a rather big part in repelling the Dixingren invasion.” Minister Huang paused, her smile melting into a thin line, expression politely sympathetic. “It must have been hard to turn against your homeland. As one of the many Haixingren you have saved that day due to your actions, Professor, from the depth of my heart, thank you.”

Shen Wei blinked, taken aback. He opened and closed his mouth, before ducking his head, hiding his expression by adjusting his glasses.

“I simply did what any upstanding citizen would,” he deflected, clasping his hands in his lap.

“Professor Shen has always been very civic-minded,” the chancellor chimed in, leaning forwards to catch the minister’s attention. “Of course, Dragon City University encourages our teachers to set a good example for our students by getting involved in such extracurriculars.”

Shen Wei bit the inside of his cheek, suppressing the scoff that wanted to escape. Considering the many times Shen Wei had to fend the chancellor off regarding his consulting with the SID, he found that claim rather hypocritical. Zhao Yunlan caught his gaze behind the minister’s back, eyebrows flying up in shared disbelief. Shen Wei’s lips twitched.

“That’s good! Very good,” the minister agreed enthusiastically, giving the chancellor a polite nod before promptly ignoring him in favour of Shen Wei. “I must say, I was surprised to learn that a person of Dixing origin was teaching at the local university. It must have been quite challenging considering the circumstances. Tell me, Professor, what is education like in Dixing?”

“Ah.” Shen Wei sat up straighter. “The population of Dixing is quite small, thus we rely on an apprenticeship system. It is my hope, however, that we can move on to a more standardized educational system, now that Dixing has been stabilized and the more disruptive elements have been… eliminated.”

“Fascinating!” Minister Huang took a sip of tea, eyeing Shen Wei across the rim. “Admittedly, when I learned we had a Dixingren professor here at DCU, it was my hope that perhaps Professor Shen would be able to help me with something.” She paused, setting down her teacup on the table with a soft clink. “There is much we can learn from Dixing– why, an entire society, evolving alongside ours with shared roots thousands of years ago! Please, be honest with me, Professor Shen. What are the chances Dixing would agree to an anthropological study?”

Ah. So that was what the minister was after. Shen Wei gave the minister a covert once-over, before glancing at Zhao Yunlan. Clearly, Zhao Yunlan had staged this little encounter for multiple purposes, one of which was proving to the university’s dean why he should keep Shen Wei on the staff. He wondered how much byplay he was missing, unaware of the net of favours Zhao Yunlan had dove headfirst into at the ministry to secure the minister’s support.

However, having Haixingren scholars work with Dixingren… that was a good way to build relations between the races. It would remove some of the mystique, and thus lessen the fear of the unknown by making it known. As Heipaoshi, Shen Wei could probably do some favour-trading of his own, and the regent owed him quite a lot for the recent debacle.

This was the first step in making a lasting peace, Shen Wei realized, his heart bursting with fond pride.

“That would be up to the king to authorize.” Shen Wei took his own sip of tea to cover the calculations running through his head. Then he set it down into the saucer and turned his full attention to the education minister. “It would depend on what Minister Huang could offer Dixing in return. However” —Shen Wei allowed one corner of his mouth to quirk up— “I have some suggestions, if Minister Huang would like to hear them.”

“Please share your insight, Professor Shen,” Minister Huang agreed, inclining her head.

Before he could, Zhao Yunlan clapped his hands and stood up.

“Well, I would love to stay and chat, but sadly, work calls,” Zhao Yunlan excused himself. “Thank you for meeting with us on such short notice, Chancellor, Shen Wei. Minister Huang, I trust you’ll find the way out yourself?”

“Chief Zhao, really.” Minister Huang laughed, flapping a dismissive hand at him. “Go on, we wouldn’t want to keep you from your duties. I’m sure Professor Shen will be quite able to show me the way.”

Zhao Yunlan winked at her, subtly brushing his knuckles along Shen Wei’s arm as he whirled around and made his exit. Shen Wei stared after him for a heartbeat too long, wishing he could’ve stayed, wishing they had time for a word in private. The dean cleared his throat, shooting Shen Wei a pointed look, tilting his head in Minister Huang’s direction. Shen Wei pasted on a smile and turned back to the minister of education, ready to make the most out of this opportunity.

“I have some connections to Dixingren scholars, there are some historians who might be interested in your proposal…”

Or they would be once Shen Wei promised them a first-hand account of the time before Dixingren moved to stay exclusively underground. He had avoided answering their questions until now, too emotionally wound up in losing Kunlun and his brother both. Now, however, the situation was different, and surely there were many things he could share that were of a less personal nature.

Minister Huang leaned forward, nodding in intervals as he talked, asking intelligent questions that had Shen Wei double back and explain the structure of Dixingren archives and the oral tradition of keeping their history since they landed on Haixing via spaceship. It was a productive end to his afternoon, and the chancellor grudgingly thanked him after Minister Huang left, telling him not to worry about the results of the hearing.

Much to Shen Wei’s disappointment, Zhao Yunlan wasn’t waiting for him in his office.

Not that he had expected Zhao Yunlan to waste that much time on waiting – he knew very well how long meetings tended to take, and he had said he was busy – but… still. Shen Wei had hoped they could at least have a late lunch or afternoon tea together, if only to reassure himself that Zhao Yunlan was eating regularly.

Walking up to his desk, Shen Wei realized that Zhao Yunlan had visited his office in his absence (and very likely picked the lock to enter, unless he took the time to charm the administrator into borrowing the master key). A bright orange post-it note was stuck on the middle of the desk, with a caramel flavoured lollipop weighing it down.

Shen Wei,

Sorry I had to run. Politics are a pain in the ass. Can’t wait for all this to die down.

Dinner at my place tonight? I should be home by 8pm. DO NOT cook. I’m getting take-out from your favourite place.

It was signed with a smiley face blowing a heart, followed by the spiral from the lollipop wrapper instead of a name. Shen Wei smiled softly to himself, carefully tucking the note away inside a folder and placing it into his briefcase. Then, because he wasn’t due to supervise the student labs for another forty minutes, he allowed himself to unwrap the lollipop, artificial sweetness exploding on his tongue. He closed his eyes, sucking on the hard candy, thinking back to a war millennia ago and the promise made.

Peace was a lot of work and full of imperfect compromises. But deep in his heart, Shen Wei believed it was worth it.

Zhao Yunlan arrived with the take-out half an hour after Shen Wei made himself comfortable on Zhao Yunlan’s couch, papers spread out over the table. Exams were coming up, and Shen Wei always had to prepare early as they were to be submitted to the DCU’s internal management system for review. Last semester, Li Qian had filed them for him. Fortunately, Jiajia had already offered to help him with the task, or else Shen Wei would have to try to wrangle the counterintuitive programming himself.

“Leave them, we can deal with that later, come eat first,” Zhao Yunlan demanded as Shen Wei made to gather his papers up, bustling past him with several plastic bags hanging from his arms. He set them down on the kitchen bar. “How did the meeting with Minister Huang go?”

“Well enough.” Shen Wei set his glasses down on top of the papers, joining Zhao Yunlan at the counter.

Making sure Zhao Yunlan had set the takeout down, Shen Wei grabbed him by the elbow, turning him around and stepping up until they stood pressed flush together. Zhao Yunlan leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows, lips dropping open expectantly. Shen Wei didn’t wait for further invitation, diving down and licking into Zhao Yunlan’s mouth, feeling his warmth radiating through the thin shirt. One hand curled around Zhao Yunlan’s throat, thumb pressing lightly on his pulse point, feeling his reassuring heartbeat even as it doubled in pace.

Alive. Alive, alive.

Zhao Yunlan shifted, his legs spreading to allow Shen Wei between them, a soft groan as he met Shen Wei’s tongue, twirling around it, sucking on the tip. They spent an eternal moment locked together like that, tasting and testing and reassuring themselves that they’d both survived, that it wasn’t a dream. Then Shen Wei pulled back, ignoring Zhao Yunlan’s soft noise of protest and pressing his forehead against Zhao Yunlan’s, their heavy breathing mingling.

"Hi," Zhao Yunlan whispered breathlessly, eyes half-lidded as he glanced up through his lashes.

"Thank you." Shen Wei held Zhao Yunlan's gaze, his hand trailing up his throat until he could brush his thumb along Zhao Yunlan's jawline, rubbing over the bristles growing there. He could feel Zhao Yunlan's throat move under his palm, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed.

"Shen Wei-ah, if I'd known politics turned you on, I'd have dragged you to all my meetings."

Zhao Yunlan’s leer was all too familiar, unchanged by time and toil. It made Shen Wei’s heart soar, an urge to tease in return growing under his breastbone.

“That’s, uh…” Shen Wei coughed, turning his head slightly to stare over Zhao Yunlan’s shoulder as if embarrassed, watching him intently from the corner of his eyes. "In Dixing, a 'political gathering' is a euphemism for orgies."

Zhao Yunlan leaned back to squint up at him, and Shen Wei did his best to keep a blank expression on his face.

"...you're pulling my leg. Right?"

"I don't know, Yunlan," Shen Wei returned dryly, the corner of his mouth ticking up, gaze darting sideways to meet Zhao Yunlan’s. "Am I?"

Zhao Yunlan let out a short laugh, sagging against the counter and wagging a finger in Shen Wei's face.

"I'm on to you." Shaking his head, Zhao Yunlan dipped forward, brushing a kiss to the corner of Shen Wei's mouth. "So did Minister Huang get what she needed out of your impromptu meeting?"

"Depends on what she wanted," Shen Wei deadpanned, taking a reluctant step back. He walked around the counter to put it in between them, yearning to wrap himself up in Zhao Yunlan but aware they’d never get around to eating if they kept touching now. "I offered her some insight in how to approach Dixing's scholars, but it's up to An Bai to sign off on her project. I am confused, though." He handed Zhao Yunlan chopsticks, taking a seat opposite him. "Why is the minister of education so invested in the anthropological study of Dixingren?"

"She has a… thing with the Minister of Foreign Affairs," Zhao Yunlan explained, wrinkling his nose and waving his chopsticks at Shen Wei. "Don't ask. Anyway, this way, she can brag that she actually met a Dixingren. That's a huge topic of conversation at the bureau right now. Dear old dad is not impressed, let me tell you."

"I can imagine." Shen Wei grabbed some marinated chicken and some veggies and deposited them in Zhao Yunlan's bowl. He hesitated, carefully keeping his eyes on his own bowl as he asked, "How is that working out for you?"

Shen Wei had been less than happy to learn Zhang Shi had hitched a ride in Zhao Yunlan's body for the final battle. An ace up their sleeves, Zhao Yunlan had explained with a carefully careless shrug, and Shen Wei had felt ice freeze his veins at the knowledge he wasn't the only one to prepare for the event of his death.

And a small, irrational part of him was jealous that Zhao Yunlan had allowed another Dixingren to entwine their dark energy with his own light one.

However, he tried to lock his personal hang-ups about Zhang Shi – and Zhao Xinci – away because he knew how important his father’s approval was to Zhao Yunlan. And despite Shen Wei’s misgivings, he recognized that this was a good first step for the reconciliation of the Zhao family, and he wouldn’t ruin this for Zhao Yunlan.

"We've come to an understanding. Sort of." Zhao Yunlan shrugged, faking at nonchalance. Then in an obvious bid at changing the topic, he added, "Cong Bo has proven surprisingly helpful. Several ministers owe me a favour for getting rid of the evidence of them cheating on their wives."

Shen Wei stuffed a piece of cauliflower into his mouth to avoid having to comment on that, however, whatever face he was making in response had Zhao Yunlan grimacing.

"Not that I condone that sort of behaviour, but it's useful in softening them up for the treaty renegotiations."

"Treaty renegotiations?" Shen Wei asked sharply, gaze snapping up. Zhao Yunlan smirked, lounging back on his bar stool. Preening.

"Ah. Nothing official yet, or you would've heard of it. But I'm working on it." Zhao Yunlan offered him a teasing smile, snapping his chopsticks playfully in front of his nose. "Aiya, Shen Wei, did you think I just spent my days lazing about the ministry, being showered in gifts and accolades?"

“Chief Zhao has been plenty busy,” Shen Wei acknowledged, pointedly dropping a glazed rib in his bowl. “He should eat more, regain his energy.”

“Shen Wei, ah, I’m supposed to take good care of you tonight for a change!” Zhao Yunlan protested, though he did follow Shen Wei’s direction and started eating. Satisfied, Shen Wei turned back to his own food, noting that nearly all his favourites were among the spread Zhao Yunlan had brought. His heart swelled with fondness. Of course Zhao Yunlan had made a silent note of which foods Shen Wei would reach for first and then bought them without making a big deal out of the gesture.

“You are,” he murmured, glancing up at Zhao Yunlan before averting his gaze again, throat crowded with too many emotions.

“Am I?” Zhao Yunlan’s gaze pierced straight through Shen Wei’s heart, his chest squeezing tight around his lungs and stealing his breath. Zhao Yunlan looked… troubled. Shen Wei wanted nothing more than to reach out and smooth out that worried frown, take away the sadness shining in his eyes. “Sometimes I wonder.”

“Of course,” Shen Wei said helplessly, dropping his chopsticks next to his bowl. He wanted to reach out, but wasn’t sure if his touch would be welcome right now, his heart rabbiting in his chest. “Zhao Yunlan, you…”

Today alone, Zhao Yunlan had ensured Shen Wei could keep the job he loved, while also treating him to dinner. Shen Wei swallowed. Zhao Yunlan would probably mock-lament about being spoiled if Shen Wei did the same for him, but Shen Wei couldn’t find it in him to complain, not even in jest. No, he needed a different way to prove to Zhao Yunlan he had noticed.

“After what happened, I swore I’d be more direct about my feelings. About how much you mean to me,” Zhao Yunlan continued, dropping his gaze and gesticulating with his chopsticks. Then he laughed, a sound so raw it had to scrape his throat. “And yet, look at us! I’ve been so busy, this is the first time we’re having a meal together since the battle.”

“Yunlan.” Shen Wei stared at Zhao Yunlan, a heavy weight sinking in his stomach. What had he done to make Zhao Yunlan feel so insecure in their relationship? “I know you care, of course I know. What…”

“Then why—” Zhao Yunlan stopped, taking a deep breath. Then he raised his gaze to pin Shen Wei across the table. “If you know how much you mean to me… why would you risk yourself like you did? You could have died!” Zhao Yunlan’s voice rose with anguish, and his eyes gained the sheen of tears. “You almost did.”

“I—” Shen Wei swallowed. This was it. The conversation he was hoping to avoid. He set his shoulders and raised his gaze to meet Zhao Yunlan’s glistening eyes, face so open and vulnerable it pierced right through Shen Wei’s heart. “It… it was a safety measure. The light energy, I— if Ye Zun had won, it was a fail safe to destroy him.”

“By destroying yourself!” Zhao Yunlan’s shout rang through the empty apartment, and he stumbled off his bar stool, turning his back on Shen Wei. To gather himself or to leave, for a heart-rending second, Shen Wei couldn’t tell. Then Zhao Yunlan turned back around, pointing at Shen Wei, his sad expression giving way to anger. “Do you think I could live in a world without you?”

His dry throat clicked as he swallowed, averting his gaze. Yes, Shen Wei wanted to say, but he was aware of the explosion that would follow. Of course, he knew Zhao Yunlan would grieve for him, maybe he had even hoped that Zhao Yunlan would arrange for a cemetery plot near his mother’s, so he had an excuse to visit every now and then. But surely he would move on, eventually. Zhao Yunlan was too bright, too full of life, his heart too big to waste it on someone like… like Shen Wei.

“The world needs Chief Zhao,” he said instead, quietly and certain.

“And Dixing needs Heipaoshi,” Zhao Yunlan snapped back, and Shen Wei glanced up in time to see him furiously tugging at his hair. “More importantly, I need you, xiao-Wei. Without you…” Zhao Yunlan met Shen Wei’s gaze, full of too many emotions that made it hard for Shen Wei to breathe. “I couldn’t do this without you.”

This. Schmoozing with ministers, arranging for treaty renegotiations. Trading favours, working ceaselessly to smooth out the tension between their people in the aftermath. Ensuring the peace they created would last for longer this time, with all parties satisfied and thriving.

Eating regularly. Taking care of himself. Coming home even after a long day at work instead of sleeping on the SID’s couch. Without Shen Wei, would Zhao Yunlan even bother? Da Qing could prod him, sometimes, but he’d seen the mess Zhao Yunlan’s life had been when he’d entered it, the lack of regard he showed towards his own well-being.

Perhaps he had miscalculated. Shen Wei cleared his throat.

“I couldn’t do this without you either, Yunlan,” he admitted, holding out a hand for Zhao Yunlan. Hoping his love would come back to him. That he hadn’t ruined more than he could repair. “If Ye Zun won… whatever fate he had in store for you, it would be unacceptable. I couldn’t live with myself, knowing I could have prevented that. If I have to sacrifice myself to save you, how can I hesitate?”

Huffing an unamused sound, Zhao Yunlan took his hand and sat back down. “Then next time, take into consideration that wherever you go? I will follow you, xiao-Wei. Even in death.”

Shen Wei opened his mouth to protest, but no words came out. The expression on Zhao Yunlan’s face was entirely serious, and Shen Wei’s heart skipped a beat.

“You can’t,” he finally managed to press out, his grip on Zhao Yunlan’s hand tightening until it had to hurt. He forced himself to let go, drawing back.

“Then you better think twice before you plan on sacrificing yourself next time, eh?” Zhao Yunlan warned him, even as he aimed for a jovial tone, brow arching to drive his point home. Shen Wei stared back at him helplessly, his hands fidgeting in his laps. Then he ducked his head, agreeing with a small nod. 

Of course he’d known Zhao Yunlan cared for him. From the day he’d met Kunlun, the other man had made no bones of his attraction and affection for Shen Wei, and Zhao Yunlan had continued the trend, even if the time loop they were stuck in made it complicated for a little while there. Now they were on the same page however, and with Ye Zun defeated, the future seemed to reach unfathomably far, full of possibilities he had never considered before.

The weary silence stretched, all the more uncomfortable for the sole fact that normally, silence between them didn’t bother Shen Wei.

Zhao Yunlan huffed, reaching out with his chopsticks and depositing Shen Wei’s favourites in his bowl. Shen Wei slowly reached out for his own chopsticks, taking the hint to continue eating as Zhao Yunlan stacked the last one on top in a careful balancing act without meeting Shen Wei’s gaze. However, as his hand retreated, he casually detoured to trail his fingers over the back of Shen Wei’s hand, and a weight lifted from Shen Wei’s shoulder.

They would be alright.

Searching for a new topic to bring up, he let his gaze roam over the apartment. It landed on the pages strewn about the coffee table, and an idea came to mind. Perfect. Something he’d noticed, which he was sure Zhao Yunlan had initiated to help him. Something to reinforce how aware he was of Zhao Yunlan’s positive effect on his life.

“Speaking of work. Did you know I had several students reach out to me today, asking about certain rumours that I might get fired?” Shen Wei tilted his head and shot Zhao Yunlan a pointed look across the counter, heart beating fast in his chest. Hoping his peace offering would be understood and accepted. “Apparently, they started a petition.”

“Ah? What a coincidence,” Zhao Yunlan perked up from his slump, taking up his chopsticks again and stuffing his face with noodles, slurping them loudly. Once he finished, he tapped his chopsticks together in Shen Wei’s direction. “Eat first, before the food gets cold! Doesn’t my wife appreciate that I made dinner for once?”

Shen Wei’s shoulders sagged in relief, the tension fleeing his muscles. Accepted. Shen Wei picked up his own chopsticks and made a show of enjoying his favourite foods, watching from under long lashes as Zhao Yunlan, too, relaxed. Only then did he dare to pick up their usual banter.

“Yunlan.” Fond exasperation bled into his stern tone, and Shen Wei shook his head. “What did you do?”

Sighing in a put-upon manner, Zhao Yunlan set his chopsticks down and fished out his smartphone from a back pocket.

“I wasn’t sure I could get Minister Huang to show up before the chancellor made any unwise decisions,” he admitted. His thumb swiped over the screen, changing it. “So I might have… given some of the students an anonymous tip about your probation and the upcoming meeting.”

Zhao Yunlan turned his phone so Shen Wei could see what he was looking at. The top of the screen read ‘weibo’, which Shen Wei had heard his students mention in passing, but hadn’t had the courage to ask anyone to clarify yet. Below, there were rows of pictures, sometimes of people, some of animals or drawings, labeled with bold text and followed by a short row of characters in various colours.

Shen Wei recognized some of the people in the pictures as students from his classes.

Zhao Yunlan clicked on something that enlarged a particular post, the picture showing a panda eating eucalyptus. “One of your students, the girl that went with us to the mountains? Jiajia, wasn’t it? She was kind enough to confirm it for the rest of them and then organized the petition, as far as I can tell.”

She hadn’t said anything to Shen Wei, but then, he could see why she wouldn’t want to put him on the spot like that. Something else Zhao Yunlan said snagged in his brain, however, and Shen Wei looked up from the screen to pin Zhao Yunlan with a narrow eyed look.

“‘As far as you can tell’?” Shen Wei’s brow furrowed, and he hazarded a guess, “You are spying on my students?” 

"Ah? Of course. It's public anyway, so I had Lin Jing monitor the university's network, see who accesses it and what they have to say about everything on the internet." Zhao Yunlan threw him a rakish grin. "My favourite conspiracy theory so far is that we've been fake dating as a cover for your Dixingren status."

"Fake… dating?" Shen Wei repeated, feeling a tiny bit dazed.

"Obviously, I need to show up at your office more," Zhao Yunlan added, as if that made any more sense. "I've been neglecting my duties as a fake boyfriend, perhaps flowers are in order since you don't like cakes."

"You are always welcome at my office." Shen Wei chose to ignore the rest, shaking his head. Zhao Yunlan seemed to be brimming with mischievous energy, just waiting for Shen Wei to take the bait. Which was leagues better than the exhausted vulnerability and sadness, and Shen Wei wanted to encourage this trend. A glance at Zhao Yunlan's phone provided no more insight, except… "What does the hashtag mean?"

"It's like a searchable keyword," Zhao Yunlan explained, thumbs dancing over the touchscreen. "If enough people use it, the algorithm notices and it becomes a 'trending topic'."

"They're using our surnames together as a short form to indicate… us?" Shen Wei frowned as Zhao Yunlan helpfully scrolled down the page for him, more and more messages appearing. Some of them were statements of support, others sheer speculation on their private lives. There seemed to be an ongoing heated argument if the Shen or the Zhao character should come first after the hashtag that Shen Wei was clearly missing context for, and then there were a handful of people championing the hashtag Weilan instead, first and foremost amongst them—

LordOfMightyKunlun69.

The picture was of a monolith Shen Wei recognized from his visits to the Kunlun mountains. They had been built some time after the war, and the inscribed characters wei wei kun lun had seemed like a sign to him that Kunlun would keep his promise, that they’d meet again. A meaning only one other person would recognize.

"Zhao Yunlan," Shen Wei enunciated carefully, slowly raising his head to meet Zhao Yunlan's gaze. Several questions crowded in the forefront of his mind, and Shen Wei wasn't sure where to start. "Why are you so invested in this… 'ship name'?"

“It sounds better, doesn’t it?” Zhao Yunlan offered him a roguish grin. “We deserve a decent ship name. To be fair, the biggest reason others disagree with Weilan is because they don’t think you’re the top in this relationship. I wonder what it would take to convince them otherwise…”

“We are not staging a scene where students walk in on us doing… things.” Shen Wei shot Zhao Yunlan a scandalized look, the tips of his ears burning, even as his heart did a somersault at the idea of claiming Zhao Yunlan publicly. Not like that, the way Zhao Yunlan suggested, but perhaps… His fingers brushed against the jade orb resting against the hollow of his throat.

Zhao Yunlan threw his head back and laughed out loud, dropping his phone on the counter before reaching across to take his hand, squeezing lightly.

“Aiya, xiao-Wei, so embarrassed! No wonder everyone thinks I’m the top, what with my rugged good looks and bad boy vibes, while Professor Shen is all prim and proper.” Zhao Yunlan winked at him, leaning over the counter and lowering his voice in a faux intimate whisper. “Don’t worry, Shen Wei, your secret is safe with me.”

“It’s private,” Shen Wei offered in explanation, dropping his gaze to their entwined hands. Zhao Yunlan’s thumb rubbed over his knuckles, and when Shen Wei looked up, the expression on Zhao Yunlan’s face had sobered up from teasing into something more serious.

“Ah. Of course, Shen Wei.” The corner of his mouth ticked up, the small, unsure smile so different from his usual cocky grinning that it hit Shen Wei like a lightning strike. “I wouldn’t ask you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with, baobei.”

Shen Wei met Zhao Yunlan’s gaze, the corners of his eyes crinkling with such obvious affection Shen Wei’s throat dried up, clicking as he swallowed. He squeezed Zhao Yunlan’s hand in acknowledgement, then dropped his gaze, staring at his mostly empty bowl.

“Aren’t Lin Jing’s skills better put to use doing actual work?” Shen Wei cleared his throat. “If he’s busy monitoring the university, and you’re stuck at the ministry, that leaves Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng the only ones working on cases.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Zhao Yunlan groaned, pushing his bowl away so he could drop his head on his free arm dramatically. Then he peeked up at Shen Wei and smirked. “Although those two make for a formidable team these days. And it’s not like we have many typical cases right now.”

Shen Wei watched Zhao Yunlan closely. “But?”

Zhao Yunlan grimaced, pulling his hand away from Shen Wei’s to prop his chin on his crossed arms.. “There’s going to be a lot of publicity. I’m already sick of shaking hands, if you can believe it, but there’s no way I’m foisting those interviews on any of my employees. That would be a disaster in the making.” Zhao Yunlan paused, lowering his lashes in an approximation at an abashed expression. “However… Professor Shen is always well-dressed, the image of a proper gentleman. And he is a consultant for the SID.”

Shen Wei arched an eyebrow. “You want me to go to interviews for you.”

“With me,” Zhao Yunlan corrected, gaze snapping up, a light furrow in his brows. “It’ll die down soon, I’m sure. But it would be good PR for the SID and the DCU both, and it’ll help make Dixingren feel more approachable.”

“The chancellor would love that,” Shen Wei sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. It did make his worth to the DCU more immediate and if they decided to fire him later on… it would become a more public deal, which hopefully would deter the dean. Shen Wei shook his head, offering Zhao Yunlan a contrite smile. "Of course I'll help you, Yunlan. I'm sorry I haven't been of much use."

“Ah, ah!” Zhao Yunlan sat up enough to wag his finger in Shen Wei’s face. “You promised me to take it easy for a bit while you recover, remember?”

The scar the light energy had left in his chest pulsed as if in reminder. Shen Wei grit his teeth, ducking his head. He had promised Zhao Yunlan, that night they had spent in his chambers at the palace, after the fighting was over and the Guardian lantern lit. He had been too tired to hide the pain, and Zhao Yunlan had looked so concerned, the truth had just… tumbled out. Promising to delegate some of his duties was the least he could do at that moment.

Still.

“That doesn’t mean I can’t help out the SID now and then,” he pointed out reasonably. “It’s not my brain that needs time to recover.”

Shen Wei would even welcome the distraction. As it was, his thoughts drifted off to the final battle with Ye Zun too often, wondering if he had done something differently, he could maybe have saved his brother. Or if he would have lost Zhao Yunlan for good, if he had tried. It came too close to comfort as it was.

But Zhao Yunlan waved him off. "You've been dealing with a lot of bullshit at the university, don’t think I don’t know.”

He’d been aware of Zhao Yunlan keeping tabs on him, the pointed questions on the phone a clear reminder, although Shen Wei hadn’t expected him to spy on the students. Shen Wei eyed Zhao Yunlan’s finger hovering in front of his nose and considered catching it between his teeth in retaliation. The urge passed as he took in the tired lines of Zhao Yunlan's face, exhaustion barely hidden behind his jovial mask. They were both tired and too raw after the earlier fight.

"That doesn't mean I can't lighten your load," Shen Wei pointed out quietly, reaching out and grasping the offending hand in his own. "Talk to me, Zhao Yunlan. Surely together we can find a solution."

Zhao Yunlan rubbed his free hand over his face, the other squeezing around Shen Wei's.

“We’re understaffed,” Zhao Yunlan stated frankly, not meeting Shen Wei’s eyes. His tone was neutral, but Shen Wei felt his chest twist with guilt. His fault, for not stopping Ye Zun earlier, and the SID had paid the price for his hesitation. “Hong-jie returned to the snake tribe to see to her duties, meaning we have no administrative staff left. We have multiple applications, and I’ve strong-armed the ministry into letting me choose which ones to hire, but almost everyone wants to become a field agent. It’s the hot new trend of the season."

Zhao Yunlan dragged his fingers through his hair and sighed, offering Shen Wei a pained smile. 

“Doesn’t help that I need time to sort out the wheat from the chaff. We’re not hiring anyone who lost someone during the invasion, they’re too likely to take their grief out on innocent Dixingren.” Zhao Yunlan waved his free hand dismissively. "We'll get back on top of things eventually. Once I'm done making nice with the ministry, I'll go through the applications. Honestly, right now I would be happy to just have someone sort through the incoming letters, separate them into official piles and fanmail.”

"Fanmail?" Shen Wei inquired, brows drawing together in slight puzzlement. He knew of course that public opinion has been in favour of the SID since they heroically saved the day, but surely it couldn't be that bad in little less than a week.

"Heaps and piles of it," Zhao Yunlan groaned. He pulled on Shen Wei's hand until the knuckles brushed over Zhao Yunlan's stubbled cheek, rubbing his face against Shen Wei's fingers in a very catlike showing of affection. "Honestly, at this point I'm willing to elope to Dixing with you to escape this circus. Just laze around in your bed all day, it was very comfy."

Shen Wei snorted. "You'd be bored within a week."

They devolved into more light-hearted banter as Shen Wei put the leftovers away in tupperware, Zhao Yunlan watching him with a small, content smile. Then Zhao Yunlan convinced him to leave his paperwork in favour of cuddling on the bed, and Shen Wei let himself be lured, his desire to be close to Zhao Yunlan after barely seeing each other all week overwhelming his sense of responsibility. The papers could wait until tomorrow.

"Shen Wei!"

Zhao Yunlan sounded startled as he walked into the SID headquarters to find him sitting on the couch. The conference table was covered in letters, a ring of boxes with different labels – official correspondence, job applications, several categories for fanmail, threats – surrounding it. One of Shen Wei's students was seated in every chair, writing letters in their best calligraphy. More students sat cross-legged on the floor and worked through small stacks of letters, sorting through them and announcing a category before passing it on to the students standing next to them, who then walked over to drop the letter into its designated box.

Sitting on the couch next to Shen Wei, Jiajia's head snapped up from where she was painstakingly penning a response to one of the fan letters.

"Chief Zhao!" Jiajia capped her fountain pen and stood, bowing formally. All the other students quieted down immediately, several of them imitating Jiajia's bow or inclining their heads in respect. "Thank you for convincing Grandfather to change his mind. I speak for my fellow classmates when I say we are all very grateful."

A murmur of confirmation ran through the crowd of gathered students.

"Ah…" Zhao Yunlan glanced at the chaos before arching a brow at Shen Wei. "You are, of course, welcome, although I must admit I did it for entirely selfish reasons." Zhao Yunlan winked exaggeratedly. "After all, where else can I visit my favourite professor if he's fired?"

Jiajia exchanged several looks with her fellow students. This time, it was xiao-Hua who spoke up.

"Isn't he working for you?" she asked, her tone skeptical. "Wouldn't you be able to spend more time together if he worked here full-time?"

"That must have slipped my mind," Zhao Yunlan dismissed her very valid point breezily, stuffing his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and swiftly changing the topic. "I see you are all busy at… work."

Taking pity on him, Shen Wei finally spoke up, allowing himself a small grin to show Zhao Yunlan his amusement at his flailing defense. "You said you needed help with the fanmail."

"That I did." Zhao Yunlan scratched at his neck, rocking back on his heels. "So… these are…?"

“Some of the students you enlisted for that petition,” Shen Wei explained, raising both eyebrows and tilting his head pointedly. “I asked Jiajia if she knew anyone who might be willing to help out with this mess.”

He gestured at the pile of letters on the table. There was another heap pushed into the far corner, but it was consistently shrinking while the boxes filled up.

“Chief Zhao saved us from war, the least we can do is help sort his paperwork in the aftermath,” xiao-Quan offered from next to Jiajia, capping his pen and carefully folding the letter he’d been writing. Then he looked up, uncertainty crossing his face. “We’ve also taken the liberty of answering some of the fanmail, Professor Shen said it should be fine…?”

“Da Qing has been signing them,” Shen Wei added, accepting the folded letter from xiao-Quan. A paw stretched up from his lap, unerringly slapping the ink pad before pressing itself against the paper, leaving a perfect blue paw print behind.

“We’re not opening any letters unless we’re certain they’re from fans,” Jiajia assured Zhao Yunlan, sitting back down on the couch. “We’ve all signed confidentiality agreements first, too, please don’t worry.”

“Huh.” Zhao Yunlan pulled out a lollipop from the depths of his pocket, unwrapping it quickly and rolling it around in his mouth, brow furrowed lightly as he considered everything. Then he pulled it back out to point at Shen Wei, eyes narrowing. “And you?”

Holding up his hands as if in surrender, Shen Wei smirked. “Working on grading, since I’ve been forbidden from contributing.”

Zhao Yunlan stepped up to glance over Shen Wei’s shoulder, then nodded sharply. “Good. You work too much.”

“Yes, so you’ve said.” Shen Wei leaned back, the crown of his head brushing subtly against Zhao Yunlan’s stomach. He met Zhao Yunlan’s gaze evenly, raising a pointed eyebrow that conveyed the unsaid hypocrite better than words could. “Lin Jing is working on a database to sort your correspondence by priority, if you want to take that box to the lab. I’m afraid you’ll have to sort through the contents yourself, or enlist Da Qing to help you.”

They both looked down at the lazy cat sprawled across Shen Wei’s lap, one eye opening to give them both a reproachful look at the mere suggestion of work.

“Yeah, pass. How did you get him to agree to this?” Zhao Yunlan asked curiously.

“I bribed him. With grilled fish,” Shen Wei deadpanned. Zhao Yunlan chuckled, shaking his head.

“Ah, I should’ve guessed.” He stepped back from the couch, and Shen Wei immediately missed his warm presence. “Everyone, thank you, and good work. I’m in your debt.”

“Chief Zhao should pay us in dinner,” xiao-Hua suggested immediately, multiple heads snapping up from their work and turning pleading eyes on Zhao Yunlan, like the starving students they were.

Zhao Yunlan blinked, then threw back his head and laughed. “Ah! Very good, I’ll order take-out for everyone, how’s that sound?”

The students cheered and as one, they bent their heads over their respective tasks, redoubling their efforts. Shen Wei watched them fondly until a hand landed on his shoulder. Looking up, he met Zhao Yunlan's eyes, crinkling at the corners.

"Point taken," he said quietly, squeezing Shen Wei's shoulder. He leaned down, his warm breath brushing over Shen Wei's ear. "Thank you, baobei."

Shen Wei turned his head slightly, Zhao Yunlan's lips strafing along his temple for less than a second.

"Someone reminded me we're in this together," he murmured, raising his hand to cover Zhao Yunlan's briefly before letting go, conscious of their audience. “Wherever you go, I follow.”

"Sounds like a wise man," Zhao Yunlan laughed. Shaking his head, he took a step back. "I need to check in with Lin Jing, and then empty my bank account to feed the pack of hungry students you brought into my headquarters."

"I'm sure your wallet can take the hit," Shen Wei drawled, burying his fingers in Da Qing's fur to stifle the urge to reach for Zhao Yunlan as he moved away. Then he arched his brow, adding dryly, "If not, it can come out of Lin Jing's bonus."

Zhao Yunlan's laughter echoed through the bullpen, causing smug warmth to spread through Shen Wei's entire being. It was nice to know that after everything, he could still make Zhao Yunlan laugh.