Happy belated birthday! And again, congrats for a successful defense! I'm sending my prompt for the spam weekend early this time because I don't want to miss the window. Problem is I'm not really inspired. Mmmhh... Seeing as you share your birthday with Tang Yi and Halloween is just around the corner, why not the History3: Trapped guys involved in some spoopy supernatural adventures that may turn out not so supernatural in the end? Thank you for doing this!
Just clearing out prompts from last prompt spam. Please don’t send new ones!
Also... miiiiight just be inspired by the PeteKao episode of OurSkyy
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Tang Yi critically looked at the list Meng Shaofei had placed in front of him. On it, ten tasks were clearly outlined. Some were benign, many spiritual sounding, and the rest were absurd.
“And who told you to do this?” Tang Yi asked as he held up the list as if it was diseased.
“Ah Yi,” Meng Shaofei whined. “It’s for you!”
“What?”
“Now that you’ve come out of prison, we should cleanse your spirit, dispel any remaining bad luck and evil, and let you start again fresh.” Tang Yi simply continued to stare down Meng Shaofei with a stony expression. “Ah Yi! I went to a very good fortune teller just for you! She wrote down this list for me! What’s the harm in just trying?”
“The harm is to my self-respect.”
“Ah Yi...” Tang Yi took in the way that Meng Shaofei widened his eyes and jut out his bottom lip.
“You’re a grown man, stop pouting like a child.”
Meng Shaofei rolled his eyes, and this time put his arms around Tang Yi’s neck. “Pleaaaaase, Tang Yi?”
Even though it had been a few months since his release from prison, Tang Yi had still not reacclimated to the warmth and weight of Meng Shaofei leaning on him. He’d missed it far too much and his annoying boyfriend knew it.
“...Fine.”
------
With Meng Shaofei at his side, Tang Yi visited temples, bought plants and planted them in his yard himself. They went to a specific restaurant which Tang Yi noted had a very particular name and ordered very particular dishes which were supposed to have the good luck effect Meng Shaofei desired.
(And if Tang Yi caught sight of a familiar head of dyed red hair, he didn’t say anything about it.)
After their “lucky” lunch, they went shopping to buy a matching lucky outfit set to wear the color that Meng Shaofei had been told would be the best for their purposes that day. Tang Yi swore up and down that the only reason he agreed to wear the ridiculous t-shirt Meng Shaofei chose was to keep him quiet, but Meng Shaofei had seen Tang Yi quietly admiring the cut and fit so it was moot.
It was when Meng Shaofei said that the next task was ordering bubble tea from a particular store at the mall that Tang Yi finally put a stop to the nonsense.
“Since when is bubble tea from a shop we’ve been to several times before lucky?” Tang Yi asked as he refused to take one more step into the shop.
“Tang Yi! We’re almost done! Just share a drink with me!”
“Meng. Shao. Fei.”
Meng Shaofei huffed and drooped. “Please?” Tang Yi raised his eyebrow and Meng Shaofei offered him his supposed list.
“This is your awful handwriting.” Tang Yi shoved the list back in Meng Shaofei’s pocket, ignoring his yelp of surprise. “Was any of this even supposed to be lucky or spiritual at all?”
“Well the first parts yeah...” Meng Shaofei reached for Tang Yi’s hand and was not denied, so he continued while squeezing Tang Yi’s hand. “But... Tang Yi... It’s been months since you came home. You haven’t gone out except for business. You send assistants or me for groceries. You won’t even come with me to go out for a date.”
“I told you , I’m just trying to stabilize the corporation-”
“It’s stable. Zuo Hongye has done very well with Gu Daoyi.”
“I have to re-establish-”
“You’re still CEO and everyone respects you plenty.”
“Meng Shaofei! Don’t you-”
“I’m... I’m not trying to invalidate how you feel.” Meng Shaofei stepped closer. “I just want you to get outside again. To go somewhere with you again.”
Meng Shaofei moved to let go of Tang Yi’s hand, but Tang Yi’s grip suddenly strengthened. “Shaofei...”
“There he is...” Meng Shaofei smiled and cupped Tang Yi’s cheek. “There’s my Ah Yi.” Tang Yi rolled his eyes, but he remained in Meng Shaofei’s hold. “I know I pushed you a lot today. So, thank you. If you don’t want to finish the list, we can just go home and I won’t bother you for the rest of the day.”
Tang Yi took a deep breath and sighed. “Go order tea for us and then we’ll go watch that movie you had written on your list.”
Meng Shaofei smiled and kissed Tang Yi’s cheek before running into the shop so there was as little time as possible for Tang Yi to change his mind.
Meng Shao Fei considered himself many things. An accomplished enough martial artist. A reasonable detective. A man of distinguished and discernable taste, especially when it came to food.
What he was not, was a barista.
But Zhao Zi had begged him because Jack needed the help and technically Shao Fei was not allowed to be doing anything strenuous during his medical leave after an injury on the job. (”It’s just a bullet wound, Zhao Zi.” “JUST A BULLET WOUND?!”) And so for the next month, Shao Fei found himself working at the surprisingly popular An Dian Bakery.
It had been easy enough to learn how to steam and foam milk or to pull an espresso shot. Shao Fei even managed not to burn the milk or over steep the espresso. Or at least if any of the clientele had been offended, they didn’t say as they were rushing out the door with their muffin or doughnut of the day and hastily slapped together coffee.
So it was no surprise that the one customer who always did complain was the one who continued to come back for every single one of Shao Fei’s shifts.
Shao Fei quickly learned that the tea snob’s name was Tang Yi, that he was the CEO of Shi Hai Corp, and that he was utterly and insufferably pedantic when it came to his afternoon tea.
“Tie Guanyin, steeped at exactly 91C for four minutes, no more, no less. No broken leaves. No crushed leaf powder in the bottom of the mug. And do not burn it.”
“Shall I grow the tea leaves and dry them here in front of you too?” Shao Fei asked.
Tang Yi simply met him with a cool stare. “You’d pick the wrong kind.”
Needless to say, it was not a very auspicious first meeting. So it was very bizarre that Tang Yi continued to show up, 3PM on the dot, for the last hour of Shao Fei’s shift every day for the last two weeks. No matter how much Shao Fei messed up his tea order on purpose or otherwise.
It was on one such day that Shao Fei found his opinion of the obnoxious CEO taking a turn. Shao Fei had just provided Tang Yi with his tea (”Nearly perfect.” “It is perfect! It has to be! You saw the thermometer! And the timer!”) when another customer walked in and Shao Fei groaned.
Tang Yi looked from Shao Fei’s exasperated expression and the customer’s affectation of an innocent one.
Tang Yi lifted his cup to his lips to hide them. “Trouble, Barista Meng?”
“Officer Meng,” Shao Fei chided under his breath. “It’s just a short medical leave.” Shao Fei frowned. “And it’s not so much trouble as he can’t take no for an answer-”
“Officer Meng!” The customer’s voice sounded sickly sweet. “Looking as handsome as always in that apron.”
“Ah... Mr. Zhang... There’s no need for such compliments... Let me just get you your coffee.”
“Oh but Officer Meng,” Mr. Zhang reached out to grasp at Shao Fei’s hands. “You keep turning down my offers for dinner. You should accept tonight.”
“Uh, But I-”
“Can’t.” Both men turned to Tang Yi who continued sipping his tea. “Shao Fei can not accept.”
“He can’t?”
“I can’t?”
Shao Fei blinked as Tang Yi’s face changed into an expression he’d hardly ever seen before. “Don’t be silly. You already promised me a date tonight. It’s been so long because of my hours at the office, but I don’t intend to forget.”
“Office? Uh.. Yes!” Shao Fei’s eyes widened and he plastered on as sincere a smile as he could muster. “Ah Yi, you’ve been treating me so badly that the customers here are hitting on me. I won’t let you forget the uh date you owe me tonight.”
Mr. Zhang looked between the two. “It appears I was mistaken after all. I do apologize Officer Meng for overstepping.” He turned back to Tang Yi. “And the CEO of Shi Hai Corp no less.” Mr. Zhang sighed. “I’ll take that coffee now, Officer Meng.”
It was only after Mr. Zhang left that Shao Fei breathed a sigh of relief. “Finally, I’m free.”
“What a complement,” Tang Yi said as he swirled the remaining dregs of his tea in his cup. “To be so admired by your customers.”
“Ugh... Thank you for the save though. I thought he’d never take a hint...”
Tang Yi shrugged. “Thank me by coming to dinner.”
“Huh?!”
“We’ve already said we have plans. Might as well make them properly.” Tang Yi threw his empty cup in the trash. “I’ll pick you up at 4:30. We’ll get you...” Tang Yi ran his eyes over Shao Fei’s figure. “Something worth wearing to dinner.”
“Hey!”
“Don’t be late. And don’t snack too much. I smell Jack’s custard tarts coming out of the oven now.”
Since it's Christmas.... :3 Shao Fei tries to plan the ultimate Christmas surprise for Tangyi. Key word: Tries.
Tang Yi knew that underestimating his boyfriend was a fatal flaw of fools and foiled criminals. Shao Fei was more than capable at his job and the only reason why he’d taken so long to figure out the details of the case that started everything between them was because Tang Yi had chosen to stay silent. Ever since Shao Fei had been promoted to captain, his reach and ability seemed to have expanded with his new found responsibilities.
Crime in Shao Fei’s district had run in fear of this new heroic, noble, and insane police captain. And of course, Tang Yi was proud.
He was, however, concerned that when it came to surprising people, Shao Fei was completely at a loss despite his great detective abilities.
The first hint that something was going on came from the sheer number of Taobao packages that arrived on December 1st. All of them had been hidden away into Shao Fei’s room/office.
The second hint was all the egg shells and burnt cookies Tang Yi had found in the garbage one morning as he set about making breakfast.
The third, and most obvious, was the Santa suit Shao Fei had thrown into the laundry. Apparently his boyfriend had forgotten that Tang Yi was usually the one who set up the laundry to be taken and washed.
The fourth, fifth, and sixth incidents needn’t be mentioned after that.
But still, Tang Yi grit his teeth and moved on. It wasn’t as if he had all the details of Shao Fei’s surprise and Shao Fei was, despite his lack of subtlety, good at surprising him.
Tang Yi left for business a few days before Christmas and Shao Fei saw him off with the promise that Tang Yi would be back home on Christmas morning. Tang Yi’s glare was sufficient in keeping the host of CEOs, managers, and presidents that he was forced to meet with in line enough to see his schedule through smoothly.
Just as promised, Tang Yi returned Christmas morning to find that the outside of their home looked just the same as ever. The curtains were drawn over all the large windows, preventing Tang Yi from seeing what was happening inside the house. At last, it seemed, Shao Fei had made his move.
When Tang Yi opened the door, it was as if a Christmas store had exploded in the house. Lights, garlands, flowers, ornaments, statues, plushies, all of it was all over the place and in the middle of it all, Shao Fei stood proudly in his Santa suit, complete with wig, beard, and a stuffed belly. Even though the costume as effective, Tang Yi would never mistake Shao Fei’s eyes.
“Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!”
Tang Yi rolled his eyes but walked forward anyway. “Santa, what brings you here? I don’t think I’ve been very good this year.”
“Oh, Tang Yi, a little bird told me you’ve been trying your best, which means you have been a good boy!” Shao Fei’s voice had slipped several times during the one sentence. “So I turned your house into a Christmas wonderland!”
“That’s awfully nice of you. Do you know where my boyfriend is? It’s been a long trip and I’d like nothing more than to see him.”
Shao Fei coughed. “Well, here open your presents! I’ll leave first and your boyfriend should be here soon!”
“How wonderful,” Tang Yi said, completely deadpan.
Santa Shao Fei ran for the bedroom as Tang Yi approached the much too large and over decorated Christmas tree, complete with piles of presents underneath. Tang Yi had barely reached for the first box with his name on it before he was tackled from behind.
“Tang Yi! How lovely! You got visited by Santa! Isn’t it a wonderful Christmas surprise?!”
Tang Yi sighed, burdened, but still so much in love with Shao Fei. “Yes. How lovely. Now are you going to open all these with me or not?”
Shao Fei’s smile was bright and the kiss he pressed to Tang Yi’s cheek before diving into the presents was sweet. And really, Tang Yi couldn’t have asked for more out of a Christmas surprise than that.
!! I once thought to myself randomly. What if LiZhen never put Tangyi up for adoption? Law student/lawyer Tangyi can't seem to stand Meng Shao Fei. Who is he and why does his mom keep inviting him over for dinner? Especially when each meal ends with a debate and Tangyi's disbelief at ShaoFei's insistence that the world is black and white. Yes isn't always yes. The world is not that simple. But Tangyi soon realises, he is in love with ShaoFei. And it's as simple as that. (THIS GOT OUT OF HAND.)
I’m not sure Shao Fei is the one who believes everything is black and white, at least at some point in the show he tells Yi Qi that it isn’t. But I’ll see what I can do.
-------
“Ah Yi, won’t you take a break from studying and have some dinner soon?” Li Zhen stood at the doorway to Tang Yi’s room. “I made some of your favorites tonight. Especially the gnocchi Tang Guo Dong makes.”
Tang Yi paused in his highlighting of his notes. “You made spicy gnocchi?”
Li Zhen smiled, a small thing that just barely reached her eyes. “Yes, with sausage and all the other things you like. I also bought some of those pickled sour vegetables you like and-”
Tang Yi slapped down his highlighter. “You invited Officer Meng to dinner again, didn’t you.”
“What ever made you think that?”
“Ma, you’re a police officer, and you’re terrible at lying.”
“I just don’t understand why you two don’t get along. Ah Fei is a good officer. He’d be a good friend for you.”
“He’s so...”
“So what?”
“So... fixated.”
Li Zhen snorted. “There are worse things for a police officer to be.”
“He debated with me for a week over a case with a clear precedent and enough evidence to convict.”
“Well clearly it wasn’t enough evidence if Ah Fei wasn’t convinced.”
“He debated me two weeks about a case that YOU solved.”
“I admit, he made some good points.”
“Ma, he wouldn’t stop asking me what my favorite color is for a whole week until I told him.”
“And why didn’t you tell him in the first place?” Tang Yi fell silent and Li Zhen only said, “He’ll be here at eight. Make sure you’re ready for dinner by then,” before she left.
------
As his mother had promised, Shao Fei showed up at eight, dressed as casually as ever and with that ridiculous curl in his hair sticking up. Tang Yi had the urge to smooth it down or cut it off. It was a fairly accurate barometer for how he was feeling due to Shao Fei’s argumentative nature.
Today, Shao Fei was starting at a negative since Tang Yi wanted nothing more than to tie him down and snip the curl off hair by hair.
“Ah Fei, I’m glad you could join us.” Li Zhen directed him to the table where Tang Yi was already sitting.
“Tang Yi! It’s good to see you again!” Shao Fei offered his hand and Tang Yi only glared at it. “Uh... How have your studies been? I heard there were some really interesting cases this week that you were looking into as examples.”
Tang Yi sighed and picked up his chopsticks. “I’d like to avoid another debate today, Officer Meng. I get enough of that in class.”
Shao Fei looked to Li Zhen who looked back at him. “Um.. Right! So how about the weather?”
“Terrible.”
“It’s been sunny all day?”
“I meant your conversation skills.” This time, even Li Zhen winced.
------
The next dinner and all other dinners after that, Shao Fei had made numerous attempts at conversation. Some more successful than others, but if there was one thing Tang Yi was thankful for, it was that Shao Fei had directed his fixation to the slight Tang Yi had dealt about his talking skills instead of talking at Tang Yi.
At some point, Tang Yi found himself engaging in the conversation at last. Shao Fei, now that he’d had some more practice, was witty and clever. The first time Shao Fei had gotten Tang Yi to laugh had surprised everyone.
Soon, Shao Fei was over for dinner every night and Tang Yi started to look forward to their banter.
Things started to change the night that Li Zhen had gone out for a case and Shao Fei had turned up for dinner all the same.
“I’m so sorry. Li Zhen-Jie didn’t tell me she’d be on a stakeout tonight. I... I could go? If you want?”
Tang Yi sighed and dragged Shao Fei into the kitchen. “I’m not interested in going hungry while you act miserable. Make yourself useful and help me cook.”
Together, the two made omelette rice and Li Zhen returned home to ketchup stained faces and sticky hand prints, the likes of which she had not seen since Tang Yi was five, all over her counters and fridge. But Tang Yi and Shao Fei were comfortably sitting together on the couch, having fallen asleep with the TV on.
------
Li Zhen found reasons to be out of the house for another two weeks. Each time she returned, Shao Fei had come by for dinner and had ended up closer than ever with Tang Yi until the last day. This time when Li Zhen returned, she found Shao Fei kissing Tang Yi passionately over the kitchen sink, soap bubbles from washing dishes everywhere, soapy palms leaving hand prints on each other’s shirts.
Without making a sound, Li Zhen backed away. She could always spend the night elsewhere. It was important to be a supportive mother, especially since she’d worked so hard to match the two up. They could break the news to her in the morning. There was no way Shao Fei wasn’t going to stay for breakfast at the rate they were going.
HAHAHAHA leaving you a prompt :33333 So I was thinking about an AU - How about CEO TY getting threats from a competitor or jealous board member or something + SF being dispatched to protect him as his bodyguard & TY ends up falling in love with SF? XDDD Thank youuuuuu you're the best!
Merry Christmas @stebeee! Please accept this humble offering!
——
“This is unnecessary.” Jack refrained from rolling his eyes too hard as Tang Yi continued ranting in his (thankfully) soundproof office. “It wasn’t even a proper threat! That bullet missed by a kilometer!”
“It was only five centimeters from your head, boss.”
“If you’re sniping at someone, then five centimeters is more than a kilometer.”
Jack contemplated Tang Yi’s argument for a moment. “I would normally agree with you, boss, but Miss Zuo is insisting that we keep the investigation… In house. So we’ll have to… outsource your protection detail.” Tang Yi raised an eyebrow. “I’ve been assigned to investigate which board member is pissed at you, boss. In the meantime, we’ve kindly asked… the police for a bodyguard for you.”
This time, Tang Yi’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t.”
Jack’s expression failed to be innocent. “I didn’t have a say in the matter.”
“But you know someone on the force who could have a say on the matter.”
To his credit, Jack managed to look scandalized. “Why I would never leverage my relationship with Junior Officer Zhao to make sure that Officer Meng would be assigned to your protection detail by talking to Captain Li! That would be manipulating the police! A criminal offense!” Jack often prided himself on toeing the line. The throbbing vein on Tang Yi’s forehead told him the mission had been accomplished. “And I definitely wouldn’t do it just to annoy you into learning to negotiate with the board in a less hostile manner! No way, boss!”
“Fang. Liang. Dian.”
“Hey, only Zhao Zi gets to call me that!”
Tang Yi rubbed the bridge of his nose, his cell phone already ringing wildly. “Sometimes I wonder whose side you’re on.”
“No need to wonder boss.” Jack smiled and Tang Yi frowned as he looked at the number on his phone. “I’m on my own side.”
——
After a long and exhausting phone call with Captain Li, or mother as Tang Yi begrudgingly acknowledged, Tang Yi had anticipated the sound of luggage wheels on his recently polished wood flooring. He did not anticipate the volume at which Officer Meng Shao Fei shouted, “Tang Yi!”
Tang Yi maintained a cool expression while eyeing all the dirt and scratches on his floor. Shao Fei realized what Tang Yi was looking at and bowed sheepishly. “I’ll clean it, I promise!”
“If I had known the police were offering a maid service now, I’d have called sooner.” Shao Fei looked up long enough to shoot Tang Yi a glare. Tang Yi ignored it and motioned to one of his maids. “Show Officer Meng to his room. Then show him to the closet where the cleaning supplies are.”
Tang Yi allowed himself a small smile at Shao Fei’s groan as he walked back to his office.
——
Tang Yi considered his life cursed the moment Senior Officer Li Li Zhen entered his life and announced she was his long lost mother, years after CEO Tang Guo Dong had already adopted him off the streets. This startling realization was immediately followed by an introduction to her then junior officer, Shao Fei. Shao Fei was bright and earnest, having only seen the righteous and diligent side of Li Zhen. Tang Yi, rightfully feeling wronged and out-of-sorts, had rejected Shao Fei’s friendship out of spite.
The words he had spared for his mother were no less scathing.
From then on, Shao Fei was everywhere, calling on Tang Yi to understand his mother. Tang Yi refused, saying he had no mother. Tang Guo Dong and Li Zhen would shake their heads. Rinse and repeat.
Four years later and a begrudging peace and equilibrium had been reached. Shao Fei and Li Zhen stayed on their side of Taipei in the police station and Shi Hai Corp on the other side would keep Tang Yi and Tang Guo Dong.
Tang Guo Dong’s retirement plan turned restaurant was considered neutral ground.
Tang Yi stepped over the threshold, Shao Fei nearly stepping on his heels, while the hostess directed Tang Yi to his reserved table. Tang Guo Dong managed to extricate himself from the kitchen, dirty chef jacket and all, to greet them.
“Xiao Yi, Xiao Fei, so nice you could come in tonight.” Tang Yi looked at Tang Guo Dong beneath furrowed brows. Shao Fei’s smile was only a little bit strained. “Xiao Yi, what did I tell you about the board members? And now you’ve gone and troubled Xiao Fei.”
“You said every man under Shi Hai is an ingredient. And I would have to learn how to manage them all properly.” Tang Yi swirled the water in his glass. “You never said anything about throwing away rotten food.”
“Uncle Tang, don’t worry!” Shao Fei pounded his chest. “I’ll protect Tang Yi, no problem!”
“Xiao Fei, I would never question your skills. I’d question the man you’re protecting.” Tang Guo Dong felt Tang Yi’s glare intensify, but did not acknowledge it. “Chef’s choice tonight?”
“Yes, thank you Uncle Tang!” Tang Yi kept his lips sealed. “Tang Yi says thank you as wel-OUCH!”
——
“Tang Yi! Wait for me!” Shao Fei ran after Tang Yi as he headed for his run around the park. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going out today?!”
“Officer Meng, I’m already forced to live with you. If I’m forced to exercise with you, I’ll go insane!”
Shao Fei managed to catch up and keep pace with Tang Yi before smiling. Tang Yi raised an eyebrow and increased his pace. Shao Fei followed and his smile became smug.
“Go as fast as you like, I can keep up, Tang Yi.”
“Oh can you? Good.” Tang Yi’s spared Shao Fei a small smirk before sprinting off.
To Tang Yi’s surprising delight, Shao Fei was true to his word. Regardless of the speed and winding path that Tang Yi took through the park, Shao Fei kept up. It was almost like playing tag, with Shao Fei nipping at Tang Yi’s heels. Tang Yi could feel his mouth moving, a ghost of a genuine smile. Shao Fei turned to face him, his eyes narrow in delight started to widen.
“Get down!”
Shao Fei tackled Tang Yi into the grass as the gunshot echoed across the mostly empty park. Tang Yi could feel two racing heartbeats in his chest as Shao Fei pressed him down into the field with his body as he scanned the area for the shooter.
A moment passed. Then two. And Tang Yi had had enough of the blood rushing to his face, even if Shao Fei couldn’t see it.
“Get off me, aren’t you done acting cool?” Tang Yi shoved Shao Fei off and was answered with a squawk.
“Tang Yi! Stay down, what if the shooter-”
“Then he would have shot you already.” Tang Yi pushed himself up. “I’m going home.”
“Wait! I’m coming too!”
——
“Tang Yi, this is the fourth incident this week,” Li Zhen said as she attempted to scold Tang Yi in his office. It was moderately successful. Li Zhen, in full uniform, was intimidating, but Tang Yi distracted himself by staring out the window instead of at her face. “Stop egging the assailant on! And stop trying to avoid Ah Fei!”
“I’m not avoiding him. I’m just capable of taking care of myself.”
“He’s pulled you out of the way of each assassination attempt this week.”
“Well all the better to leave him alone, I wouldn’t want you to lose your star junior officer.”
“How old are you now, Tang Yi?” Li Zhen stepped closer to Tang Yi’s desk. “And you are still acting like a jealous teenager!”
“Don’t I have the right?” Tang Yi finally stood up to face his wayward mother. “I didn’t choose to be born your son! You chose to give me away, abandon me! And yet you’ve taken another child in with a less tainted lineage. Was it so disgusting to give birth to the child of Chen Wen Hao?” Tang Yi finally stood straight, making himself taller than Li Zhen. “Was it all you could think about? How tainted I was? And you went and got yourself a clean child to tutor and mentor.
“How shallow you are. To know I was living a better life with Tang Guo Dong and then to come running back to claim me as your child. How disgusting you really are, behind that facade of the law and truth.
“You are not my mother, no matter how much you force me to acknowledge you.” Tang Yi said firmly. Li Zhen staggered backwards. “And I do not want your concern. Or protection. I’ll handle the board members the way I choose. The police need not concern themselves.”
Tang Yi moved to storm out but when he opened the door, Shao Fei fell into the room. Shao Fei opened his mouth to explain, but Tang Yi stepped over him and left.
Hours later, Shao Fei found Tang Yi sitting in the dark and the cold, gently rocking back and forth in the old swing set Tang Guo Dong had installed for when Tang Yi and Zuo Hong Ye were children. Tang Yi’s gaze was distant. Numerous cigarette butts surrounded him. Somewhere, off to the side and behind a few trees, Shao Fei could just barely make out the red color of Jack’s hair. There was a glint of something sharp shortly after and Shao Fei took a deep breath to steel himself.
“Tang Yi.” Shao Fei stepped up and slowly put a gentle hand on Tang Yi’s shoulder. It was not immediately brushed off. “Tang Yi, I’m not a replacement for you. I never will be.” Tang Yi remained silent, his aura as chilly as the air around them. “We both have places in Li Zhen-Jie’s heart, and I would never-”
“Have you ever wondered what it’s like to find out you weren’t wanted, Officer Meng?” Shao Fei’s mouth snapped shut. “It’s not about being replaced. It’s about knowing you never had a place to begin with. It’s about starting with less than zero. All for it to change in an instant after you grew up knowing that you’d always bear that burden.” Tang Yi gazed at Shao Fei with cold eyes. “Could you do it? Could you let go? Open up a heart that didn’t pass the standard for someone who left you before you could put a face into your memory?”
“I don’t know…” Shao Fei fell into the swing next to Tang Yi and swung back and forth a few times as he composed his thoughts. “But I know one thing. I never held you at less than zero.” Shao Fei stood up and dusted himself off. “And I know deep down, Li Zhen-Jie never held you at less than zero either.”
------
When Tang Yi returned to his office, Li Zhen was still there. Her gaze did not leave the music box prominently featured on Tang Yi’s desk.
“I’ve always wondered, if you hate me so much, why you kept it.” Li Zhen did not turn around. Tang Yi did not answer. “A trinket, for a child I never knew. A promise without words.”
“It was the only acknowledgement you’d ever given me.”
Li Zhen traced the edge of the music box. “I’m not very good at being a mother. I don’t quite know how.” Li Zhen sighed. “The law is easier. The law has rules. Being a mother, loving a child, is so much harder.” Tang Yi walked up to stand next to Li Zhen. Li Zhen finally turned to face him. “I only have one regret. That I could not watch you grow into the young man you are today.” Li Zhen took a step back. “If you ask it, I will leave you alone. I won’t nag you again. I only ask that you let Ah Fei protect you until the danger is passed.”
“Why the change in heart?”
“Because your heart won’t change.” Another step back. “It was wrong of me to try and insert myself back into your life like this.”
“So will you abandon me again?”
“It was never so simple as that.” A step forward. “I left you, but I never abandoned you. Not here.” Li Zhen touched her chest over her heart.
“A small difference.”
“Yes. It is small. But for me it means a lot.” Li Zhen took one more step forward and cautiously reached out to cup Tang Yi’s cheek. Tang Yi allowed it. “I have always stayed away, but I never forgot you.
“I never regarded you as less. But I didn’t know how to love you, Ah Yi. I don’t want to abandon you again. I want to learn how to love you, how to be your mother.
“But you’ve already abandoned me. So I will go.”
As Li Zhen walked away, Tang Yi heard the echo of Shao Fei’s words and he found himself saying, “Stop.”
Li Zhen turned around.
Tang Yi straightened out his tie. “Dinner is tomorrow at eight tomorrow, Tang-Ye’s restaurant. Don’t be late. Bring Officer Zhao if you really must.”
It was not much of a smile, barely a twitch of the lips, but when Li Zhen walked away, the difference was clear in her footsteps. Outside the room, Shao Fei smiled to himself before leaving as well.
------
The dinner was a success. A good time was had by everyone. Tang Guo Dong even sat with them to chat and reminisce. If Shao Fei and Tang Yi had sat just a hair closer than normal, neither would admit it.
And then the next dinner happened and Tang Yi continued to put dishes in Shao Fei’s bowl.
And the next dinner, Shao Fei filled Tang Yi’s teacup.
The dinner after that, Tang Yi took a sip of Shao Fei’s coke.
The following dinner, Shao Fei drank Tang Yi’s tea.
The pattern continued, driving everyone but the pair mad.
At least until Shao Fei took a bullet for Tang Yi.
Tang Yi was returning fire with Shao Fei’s gun before he could even blink. The shooter was hit in the shoulder and knee before others could tackle him to the ground.
A rage, white hot and searing, filled Tang Yi’s vision. But before he could move on it, he felt a grip on his arm, steady and strong.
“Don’t go to him,” Shao Fei croaked out. His other hand covered the wound on his shoulder. After a second of hesitation, Tang Yi tossed aside Shao Fei’s gun, pulled off his jacket, and pressed it into the wound. “Don’t go over there.”
“Meng Shao Fei, you’re not in any position to make a demand out of me.” The tear in the corner of Tang Yi’s eye betrayed his steady voice.
“Never thought… I’d hear you say my name properly.” Shao Fei gave a bit of a dopey grin. “It sounds nice.”
“Meng Shao Fei!” Tang Yi shook him slightly as Shao Fei’s eyes started closing. “If you want to hear me say it again, then... you better stay awake!” Tang Yi looked around. “You! Call an ambulance!”
“It’s okay… I can’t die yet…” Shao Fei mumbled, even has his body drooped. “Only a... canon can kill me….”
------
True to Shao Fei’s prediction, he lived.
Barely.
Tang Yi did not leave his side. Officer Zhao and Li Zhen drifted in and out. Tang Guo Dong paid visits to leave better food. Zuo Hong Ye sat silently beside Tang Yi for a minute before storming out with Gu Dao Yi following in her wake.
But as Shao Fei finally found the strength to get out of bed, Jack provided additional good news. He’d found the board member responsible. With Officer Zhao, he had been taken into custody, a little less peacefully than preferred, but done all the same.
“It’s nice to be outside,” Shao Fei said as the breeze rustled his hair. “And you’re safe for good now. Even better news.” Tang Yi was silent, staring only at Shao Fei’s figure. “Tang Yi?” Shao Fei turned to look at him. Although he’d lost weight during his hospital stay, there was something about the way the daylight hit his face. “You’re so quiet, I didn’t die by coming here, did I?”
“Don’t joke about that.” At last Tang Yi’s silence was broken. Tang Yi huffed and crossed his arms. “You nearly died for good already.”
“That won’t happen for a long time. Zhao Zi’s grandma said so.” A biting retort was on Tang Yi’s lips, but he settled for silence again. The effort was obvious and Shao Fei poked Tang Yi’s forehead. “So you’ve learned some grace, huh?”
Tang Yi grabbed the hand that had poked him. “Treat your life a little less casually. Even if someone’s grandmother predicted you wouldn’t die so easy.”
“I’m doing what I know I should do.” Shao Fei sat down next to Tang Yi carefully. “I won’t have any regrets.”
“And what about the rest of us? Will you leave us with our regrets for you?” Tang Yi’s voice was surprisingly soft. Shao Fei found himself leaning closer to hear him. “If you had died…”
“But I didn’t. And I made sure you didn’t die either.”
“Meng Shao Fei.” Shao Fei fell still at the tone of Tang Yi’s voice. “Shao Fei.” The hand that Tang Yi had caught was gripped tightly. “If I had lost you on that day… I would have many regrets.”
“Regrets?”
“I want…” Tang Yi looked away. “I want you to live well from now on. And be happy.”
“What do you think would make me happy?” Shao Fei turned Tang Yi’s face to look him in the eyes. “Tell me.”
“To not get shot.” Tang Yi’s voice was deadpan.
“That’s low hanging fruit!”
Tang Yi stood up and Shao Fei followed. “I wouldn’t be able to bear it if you were hurt again. Go back to the police station. Do your job. Jack will be able to protect me from now on.”
“What if I don’t want to let Jack protect you?” Shao Fei put his hand on Tang Yi’s shoulder. “What if protecting you, watching after you, eating meals with you… what if those are the things that make me happy?” Tang Yi turned to face Shao Fei and Shao Fei cupped his face. “Being with you, around you, is what makes me happy, Tang Yi.” Shao Fei’s face drew closer. “Let me be close to you.”
“It will be bitter and painful. I don’t know how to-”
“Like mother, like son,” Shao Fei interjected before kissing Tang Yi.
Tang Yi’s lips moved over Shao Fei’s easily. Sensations burst and faded, but the thrill and pleasure did not die. Shao Fei sighed and pulled Tang Yi closer. Tang Yi’s hands were gentle as they moved over Shao Fei’s shoulders to the nape of his neck.
“Last chance,” Tang Yi whispered. “If I have you in my hands, I won’t let go.”
“I’ll just have to risk it,” Shao Fei said with a smile.
Tang Yi cried. It’s tough finding and mourning your mother and father in the same day. I think they both did really well in that scene.
Still no idea on just how far Jack screwed Tang Yi over, but I guess it’s enough if Tang Yi is going to prison. (More on that thought later.)
Crime boys picking up their boyfriends. Love it. But if Tang Yi is under house arrest, why is he allowed to pick up Shao Fei?
Also I’m not surprised about Jack’s mentality. He’s a merc after all. But you’d think he’d be better about realizing who he’s talking around. Zhao Zi also did at least react so that’s good. I’m glad they worked it out, although... it’s not very realistic.
Also their “bed” scene was cute. Andy Bian is so smooth.
Hong Ye calling Shao Fei “Sister-in-law.” I love it! Also the Hong Ye/Dao Yi kisses were cute. I am suddenly remembering the IG Live they did where Dao Yi’s actor video called in and everyone was blushing when they were talking to him. How did Hong Ye not freak out during that kiss, IDK. I’d be giggling the rest of the day.
HAY HATERS?! YOU GOOD AFTER THAT FEITANG SCENE? SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTHS.
Also wow that is a fucking classy jail, Tang Yi. So uh... Since Shao Fei says he’ll be keeping an eye on you... And it is classy... Do you... Do you think they’ll let Shao Fei have conjugal visits? Cause that could be a fic... that people are interested in... right?
Also, I guess Officer Zhao and Mr Fang is now canon divergence whenever I finish it?
