#Xiang Ruan

[darth-salem-emperor-of-earth]

EXCUSE YOU I WAS NOT PREPARED HOW HANDSOME AND ELEGANT HE LOOKS NOT ONLY IN THIS FAKE RENAISSANCE PORTRAIT AND CLOTHES BUT ALSO IN YOUR NEW STYLE? Xiang has that subtle smolder going on and I just know Alani is on the other side the room, the very destination his gaze is rooted at.

I also love how rich the colors in this look, by the way, and they shaded together so seamlessly that makes the material stand out and appear even more realistic. Also love the bit of lighting coming out the window and casting a special glow on Xiang's face.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BRINGING THIS ARTWORK TO LIFE, CHENRIA! You are too good to me! T_T <3 <3 :D

And here we have Xiang, who is not really an OC of mine. He belongs to @darth-salem-emperor-of-earth - but he's Alani's husband and "part of the gang", so I couldn't exclude him from my small "fake Renaissance" series. 😉 I am kind of proud that I managed to finish this small set of pictures.

Patreon-Supporters get high res versions of the "fake Renaissance" pieces as well as process snapshots ;)

[bl-bracket]

Most Whipped - Loser's Bracket Round 2: Ruan Lanzhu (The Spirealm) vs Xiang Haoting (HIStory 3: Make Our Days Count)

[Submitted Reasons Under Cut]

Ruan Lanzhu: He absolutely will and in a kind of way had died for Lin Qiushi.

Xiang Haoting: Discovered he liked a boy and proceeds to never be normal again

Hao Ting does anything for Xi Gu, he is so whipped! He kept following him around until Xi Gu accepted him, he worked extra hard to get into a great college because that's what Xi Gu said to do. And as soon as they got into college, Hao Ting bought him a house so they could live together.

[audriel]

let's start thinkin' bout it

Qiao Yifan suddenly finds himself several years in the past. And somehow, so does Fang Rui.

Inspired by just stop thinkin' bout it by Syncogon

Special thanks to Syncogon who gives me permission to write a continuation for their wonderfully intriguing time-travel story with my favorite characters: Fang Rui and Qiao Yifan. Special mention to everyone in TKA Discord who gives me encouragement to write and publish more, and who also looks forward for more in this universe. I hope I do not disappoint. Happy Chinese New Year!

After parting ways with Qiao Yifan, Fang Rui rushes back to where Wind Howl is seated in the stadium, barely restraining himself from running straight to Lin Jingyan and drawing everyone’s attention. He can barely think of the further implications of them both back in the past, or whether they are really in their past. All he can think of is his old captain, his teacher, his friend, and the turning point with this Rookie Challenge.

Fang Rui is never one to hold a grudge. However, Tang Hao comes close. He acknowledges his strength, and has noticed him early on. How he cannot, when the younger man is also Brawler like the captain and core player of his team. He also knows better than anyone else of Lin Jingyan’s declining performance. However, he cannot really forgive Tang Hao for bringing attention to it in the Rookie Challenge and all the while dismissing Lin Jingyan’s achievements. In the case of the latter, even old Sun Xiang is better, though probably Su Mucheng will disagree. His only female captain is never one to be trifled with, she definitely can hold a grudge or two.

Fang Rui arrives right when Lin Jingyan’s name comes out from Tang Hao on the stage, and he feels the vice grip around his heart tightens.

He’s too late.

“...the junior will succeed the senior.”

The stadium is in uproar. Wind Howl is in uproar, but Fang Rui has only eyes for Lin Jingyan.

“Well, how about that? You, and now, me. It seems we’re pretty popular with the rookies.” Lin Jingyan chuckles lightly, remaining calm in front of the disrespect shown by Tang Hao. He stands up, prepared to go down, only for his wrist to be caught firmly by his vice captain.

“Fang Rui?”

Fang Rui draws a blank. Now it has come to this, and he still cannot find the words. What to say? This time, he really, really looks at his captain. This Lin Jingyan’s face is open, unguarded, without the glasses worn with his red and black Tyranny uniform. He still has hope, fleeting as it is, of the future. Fang Rui has failed as his partner to keep it alive in his last year in Wind Howl. He only regained them in Tyranny.

“...a Brawler is not a Striker,” is the first sentence that first comes to mind. Lin Jingyan blinks in surprise at the serious tone. “There’s more to Glory than speed and mechanics. Glory is not that simple.”

“Gotta play dirty huh?” Somehow his partner manages to recall the supposed reminder to himself.

“Last time I checked we’re Wind Howl, not Tyranny.” In a complete change of attitude, Fang Rui shows his disdain as he releases Lin Jingyan’s wrist.

That actually gets a laugh out of Lin Jingyan. He waves his hand, there’s lightness in his gesture, “I’ll keep it in mind.”

Fang Rui watches him leave before returning to his seat. Only Ruan Yongbin dares to lean into him.

“What do you think? Can Tang Hao win?”

“Anything can happen.” Fang Rui can sense Ruan Yongbin’s surprise. He’s surprised with his own calmness. He already does what he can. It’s all up to Lin Jingyan now.

There’s still half a season left. Even if Lin Jingyan loses again, it’s not the end. Fang Rui can still make the best of it. With his skill and experience, he can and will do better, if only to give his old captain a better ending in Wind Howl.

Fang Rui has faced off against worse odds and come up victorious. This won’t be any different.  

When he turns his attention to the game, Fang Rui is greeted with a pleasant surprise: Lin Jingyan doesn’t rush forward. The older man takes his time to explore the map. Tang Hao doesn’t choose an arena, so the environment is not completely bare, which is actually advantageous to Lin Jingyan, but one he didn’t previously make full use of, thinking that he had to meet the other head-on.

This alone already sets things apart from the past he remembers. He finds himself leaning forward in interest. It might not be much, but if Tang Hao expects a quick, easy match, he’s going to be proven wrong. After all, Lin Jingyan is the half of the Criminal Partners, and dirty playing requires cunning.

Tang Hao’s Delilo fights like a Striker, reminiscent of the King of Fighters, easily making the crowd pumped up and cheering for him. However, ultimately a Brawler is not a Striker. Its strength lies in its ability to control its opponent. No one utilizes it better than the Number 1 Brawler. Lin Jingyan masterfully keeps his distance and maintains the rhythm. When he takes hits, he makes sure to leave himself a way out. When he lands his skills, he makes sure to achieve the maximum effect. His retreats are as timely as his attacks.

Lin Jingyan is not losing to Tang Hao.  

For the ordinary players, it seems that Tang Hao has the upper hand, but for professional players, bold, fierce Tang Hao is struggling against calm, patient Lin Jingyan. However, in the end all it takes is for one mistake, a slight opening from Lin Jingyan, for Tang Hao to rush in and overwhelm the older Brawler player with his superior speed and mechanics. 

Demon Subduer falls. Delilo is left with 9% health remaining. 

Fang Rui leans back on his seat with a smile on his face, in contrast to the dismayed faces of the other Wind Howl members. Lin Jingyan loses, but this time around, with a close match instead of the overwhelming loss. It might not mean much, but it does show that Lin Jingyan fought the match with a different mindset this time around.

Lin Jingyan is the first to come down from the platform. He doesn’t lose his gentle and pleasant demeanor. Meanwhile, Tang Hao takes his time, even when finally does, he hasn’t quite managed to hide his emotions. He’s not satisfied. It’s definitely not the kind of match or victory he expected. They meet in the middle and shake hands.

“You played well…” Lin Jingyan smiles, hiding his true emotions, but surprisingly he continues, “But it’s not easy, isn’t it?”

“The junior will succeed the senior.” The change of wording reflects the change in Tang Hao’s confidence without losing the belief and persistence that is inherent in top professional players that Lin Jingyan cannot help but admire. Before the master of ceremonies could say anything, the two finish shaking hands, wave towards the audience and leave the stage. Fang Rui’s eyes never leave the figure of the Wind Howl captain, so does the smile on his face until the man returns to Wind Howl area. Fang Rui likes what he sees.

“How is it?” Fang Rui asks, not paying attention to the silent teammates around him.

“Like seeing my past self.” There’s a hint of nostalgia under the observation, but the statement is matter of fact. Lin Jingyan used to fight like Tang Hao, but he didn’t regret changing his playstyle. He believes that dirty playstyle is the reason why he can stand on the professional stage as long as he is when many of his peers didn’t, even when he’s nothing special.

“I’m pretty sure you’re much more polite and better behaved,” Fang Rui disagrees, drawing choked off sounds of surprise and amusement from their team. “And more handsome too.”

Lin Jingyan laughs. “You only said that because you’re my vice captain and partner.”

“And that he had a crush on you.” Ruan Yongbin adds, that traitor. “Oooh, Captain Lin is so handsome. He’s so close to me today. Did I impress him with the move?”

“Oh, shut up.” Fang Rui brings his yearmate and former roommate into a chokehold. He doesn’t hide the grin when he hears the snickering from the teammates. This is much better than the previous awkward silence. It’ll take more to regain their confidence in their captain. Action is louder than words after all. But it’s a challenge he’s ready to tackle.

Before that, he’ll need to sit down and talk with his little captain.

***

Qiao Yifan walks down the familiar dark passageways in a daze. He has immediately excused himself after his Rookie Challenge, not quite ready for the questioning from the former-now-current Tiny Herb captain and team members. He isn’t quite sure where he’s going, all he knows that he needs a quiet space to gather his thoughts. He has pinched himself numerous times, but he’s still not convinced everything is real. He has really returned to his younger self. He tries to recall what he did before he was back in the past, but nothing really stands out except… 

Qiao Yifan finally managed to extricate himself from the teary-eyed and snot-nosed bunch with the help of Luo Ji, who was restraining his laughter. His own calm and rational vice captain and recently appointed Happy’s new captain was surprisingly not helpful, his glassy, watery eyes actually made it harder. Boss Chen was worse. If it wasn’t for Senior Wei, and Sister Mu, he was certain she would have bawled her eyes out as the last remaining members of the original Team Happy finally retired. 

He remembered reminiscing with Luo Ji as they walked towards their rooms and parting with smiles when they entered their respective places. Many voices from the outside and even inside of the team said that his retirement was regrettable, especially considering what Happy has achieved under his leadership. They thought being a support, not unlike Yu Wenzhou, he could have stayed longer on the professional stage, and had his career with a more satisfying ending.

He disagreed wholeheartedly. He couldn’t ask for a better ending for himself, and… his gaze fell upon the picture of Happy in the early years. He was already 28 years old, the same age when Senior Ye retired for the second and final time… and older than the age when Sister Mu and Brother Rui retired.

He has learned from his seniors not to regret anything and to keep moving forward, to learn from the past but never let it shape the future, that the future is theirs to create. He really had no regrets, really. 

But in the dark and silent room, with only himself as company, the retired Captain Qiao Yifan of Team Happy, allowed himself a rare moment of weakness… and wished.

Could it be…?

Qiao Yifan’s steps stumble into a halt, his breath catches in his throat.

However, before the thought can form, a familiar voice rings out.

“Interesting choice of challenging the master of playing dirty.”

Qiao Yifan is blinking back tears when he recognizes the figure slowly stepping out from the darkness. After his final retirement, Ye Xiu didn’t completely disappear from their lives, he always made sure to be there when they needed him the most, but he purposefully maintained his distance. He knew how much he meant for Happy. While he had made the preparations, including letting them play without him in the team competitions in the tenth season, Ye Xiu had always been a steady, reassuring presence for Happy. He was there leading them in strategy meetings, he was guiding them in their practice matches, he was there on the sidelines during games. All they needed was to turn their heads, and there he was.

All the Chinese Glory team members have gained invaluable experience from the World Invitationals. Against the strongest players around the world, they kept challenging their limits, improving themselves, until they won the ultimate Glory for the country. Their fans hoped that their favorite players would bring their team into greater heights once they returned to the domestic league. However, it was easier said than done. 

The reason why they could perform their absolute best on the world stage was because they had the best teammates, tacticians and leaders to bring out their potential. It was not always the case with their original teams. In the new season, Happy was becoming not the only team that was going through a running-in period, even though they were still the worst off since they lost their core and ace player. With one exception: 

Tyranny.

Tyranny became a terrifying, indomitable presence in the new season. Han Wenqing, who chose to focus on the team, has laid the groundwork and strengthened the foundation for when Zhang Xinjie and Zhang Jiale returned abroad, the adjustment was relatively smooth and seamless, all the while the veterans were still doing rotation. 

And Qiao Yifan was entrusted as the commander in the team competition in their first match in the regular season against Tyranny. 

It wasn’t his first time commanding in a team competition. However, in the new team arrangement, the commander was still most often either Su Mucheng or Fang Rui. The latter was actually a surprise to many. He protested vehemently, but neither the captain nor vice captain budged with their decision. Qiao Yifan felt the pressure keenly.

To no one’s surprise, Happy suffered a crushing defeat at the team competition. It could even barely be called a fight. Their only saving grace was they got points off from individual competition and group arena. It didn’t stop the reporters from descending upon them like vultures. Qiao Yifan insisted on coming to the post-match press conference, and if it hadn’t been for Fang Rui and Su Mucheng, he would’ve caved under the pressure.

They were hit hard with the loss. It has been a while since they felt so powerless. Qiao Yifan found himself looking at the places where Ye Xiu used to be, and he realized that he was not the only one. He had even been staring at Ye Xiu’s number on his phone, opening and closing the chat box. He couldn’t help thinking and wishing badly for his senior’s reassuring presence and words.

Only for the wishful thinking to be crushed immediately by their new captain and vice captain in the strategic meeting. From the beginning, it was intended as a harsh wake up call from Su Mucheng and Fang Rui, to lose their dependence on Ye Xiu. 

Before, Ye Xiu has taken care of everything for them, so they didn’t need to worry about anything and only focused on themselves. It was time for them to return the favor, for them to take care of everything so he could focus on himself.

Qiao Yifan felt so ashamed and embarrassed of himself at the reminder that he really wished he could dig a deep hole and hide inside it forever, his body hunching over as if he could do so. A warm, affectionate hand messed up his hair before settling on his shoulder.

“Bad news, we’re hitting rock bottom. Good news, the only way to go is up.” Cheerful, lively voice broke through the gloom. This voice and the owner of the voice later became among the reliable constants in Happy.

He’s very clever and very adaptable. And he’s a very strong team player. There’s a lot that I would like to learn from him.

There is no single untruth in his words. Fang Rui was and is all of that and more for Qiao Yifan and for Happy. 

Su Mucheng is really the captain, the leader they need after Ye Xiu, it was only a matter of time until Happy saw her no differently than Ye Xiu and proudly claimed her as their captain. 

But Fang Rui… Fang Rui has been everything that they asked of him. His adaptability is not limited onstage, but also offstage. For Qiao Yifan, he is his senior, his vice captain, his teacher, his friend… and his brother. 

And so, even in front of his most admired, respected and beloved captain, to whom he owed his life twice over, and the least likely to think badly of Fang Rui, Qiao Yifan will readily and staunchly defend his brother.

“Senior Fang is more than just the master of dirty playing.” The words slip out easily from his lips. Qiao Yifan cannot recall how many times he has defended Happy’s best vice captain and he will not stop doing so. “He’s the master at understanding people’s psychology and utilizing them to make opportunities. And as a Ghostblade, especially a Phantom Demon whose skills need casting, he’s the best I can learn from.” 

Ye Xiu shows a surprised, but pleased smile. Dirty playing is looked down on by most, particularly by the younger generation. And yet one of them actually sees the value in the playstyle and is willing to learn and use them for themselves. It makes him look forward to the future of this young man. He already had a good impression of Qiao Yifan with his courage to switch classes and his willingness to learn, and now he also displays wisdom and maturity rarely seen in younger players. 

Most of them are unable to understand the reason why such a disdainful playstyle can be so difficult, so oppressive. It’s only possible due to Fang Rui’s masterful grasp of his opponent’s psychology. Simple, straightforward rookies are the easiest for him. For Qiao Yifan to be able to see the value of Fang Rui’s dirty playing and go toe-to-toe with him in the Rookie Challenge sets him apart from other rookies.

“Indeed. Excellent choice.” Qiao Yifan couldn’t help the pleased flush at the acknowledgement for himself and Fang Rui. Ye Xiu continues, “It’s impressive how you’re able to deal with Fang Rui’s dirty playing tactics. Rookies tend to have difficulty going against him.”

Except Happy rookies, that is. Qiao Yifan silently adds. They are fortunate not to have experienced Fang Rui as an opponent onstage. By the time they got to know Fang Rui, it was as the senior pro player in the middle of the pains of changing classes. They even had their turn in beating up his Qi Master. Then once after he reclaimed his title as god, he was their vice captain and teammate first. He will not treat them as an opponent and neither will they, not like Zhao Yuzhe.

“Ah, I suppose I’ve been watching his videos as much as Senior Li.” That’s not exactly a lie, at least not in his previous life.

“Too bad Fang Rui never faced Li Xuan. It’ll be an interesting study for me and you both.”

“I’ve thought so too.” Qiao Yifan agrees wholeheartedly. Wu Yuce is the Ghostblade that most often ends up as Fang Rui’s opponent, especially as a Thief. Though after transforming into Qi Master and becoming Happy’s defending general, Fang Rui has encountered all the core players at least once, including Li Xuan. It has been such an eye-opening match for Qiao Yifan in particular, who looks up to them both. It inspired his breakthrough.

Then Qiao Yifan realizes he shouldn’t have recognized the reclusive god and chatted so casually like this. “Um, Senior… Do I know you? Your voice sounds familiar…”

“What do you think, Little Qiao?”

“God Ye Qiu!” Qiao Yifan nearly bites his tongue, barely avoiding the mistake of calling the Glory legend by his real name. “Why is Senior here?”

“Sightseeing. Getting a feel of being an audience.” Ye Xiu shrugs nonchalantly. Qiao Yifan has to push down the amusement at such Ye Xiu-like answer, but at the same time is at loss what else he can say to his senior. While the rest of his memories around this time are hazy, the memory of his first face-to-face meeting with Ye Xiu is one of the most clear and vivid, and he’s not sure how to bring it up when they barely know each other. Qiao Yifan’s grown a lot since he met Ye Xiu and he has become a captain and a god-level player in his own right, but in front of his most respected and admired seniors, he always feels like he was back as the young, inexperienced junior.

“What is it, Little Qiao?” Ye Xiu breaks his conundrum with ease, noticing the little Phantom Demon player struggling with something.

“...Is it really okay?” Qiao Yifan blurts out what first comes to mind. He clarifies at the confused blink from Ye Xiu, “Being an audience.”

Nothing changes in his expression, but somehow Qiao Yifan feels like Ye Xiu is truly, truly looking at him, like an all-seeing god looking from above. Instinctively he draws himself up, not wanting to be found lacking. When Ye Xiu smiles, Qiao Yifan finds himself released from the pressure.

“Of course not. Even though I’m a bit old, I’m not done yet!”

“You’re going to come back?” Qiao Yifan barely keeps his excitement in check.

“All I need is an opportunity. Just like you’re looking for yours. Keep up the good work, Little Qiao.” Ye Xiu says as he turns around. He waves his hands at Qiao Yifan and slips away into the darkness.

“...Yes, Senior!”

Once Ye Xiu leaves, Qiao Yifan unconsciously stands tall, his eyes bright and determined in the darkness. It is no longer young, inexperienced Qiao Yifan standing there, instead it is Captain Qiao Yifan of Team Happy.

“I’ll create that opportunity for you, Captain.”

It’s a promise.

Fang Rui walks out from the hotel room he’s staying in with Lin Jingyan with an easy heart. In the previous life, in the future-past, in the past-future, or whatever, the silence was oppressive, the conversation was awkward and stilted between them. For once, words eluded Fang Rui. He could never hate himself as much as he did back then. 

***

This time around Fang Rui doesn’t really need to say anything, Lin Jingyan takes all the words that can be said from his own mouth. He has been the one to bring up his own declining condition and his determination to bring Wind Howl to the playoffs. All Fang Rui needs to do is give his whole support and help in whatever way he can. He might need to brush up his skills again and get used to high-intensity matches after such a peaceful retirement life, but he’s confident with his much younger body it’s only a matter of time. Unconsciously he raises and flexes his left hand. 

However, what he can offer now is the invaluable experience from high-level matches, both domestic and abroad. He’s no master tactician, but spending much of his time around the master tacticians of old and new, two of whom are his captains, Fang Rui learns more than a thing or two. Though it’ll be harder to explain, especially to Lin Jingyan who knows him so well. Well, that’s a worry for another day. Let’s just take one step at a time.

Fang Rui puts on a beanie over his short hair and non-prescription glasses as he goes to the milk tea shop that Happy often frequents during their visits to Shanghai as their meeting place. It doesn’t take him long to find Qiao Yifan in the relatively deserted shop. Being the transparent Tiny Herb player, he doesn’t really need any disguises. Though honestly, Fang Rui would recognize him anywhere, disguise or no disguise.

Seeing his serious expression, Fang Rui silences his steps as he approaches the younger man who is busy writing on the table. Sneakily, not unlike Doubtful Demon and Boundless Sea in his hands, he stands behind the oblivious Qiao Yifan.

“Boo!” Fang Rui whispers close to his ear.

“Ah!” Qiao Yifan jumps in surprise, the pen slips from his fingers. Fang Rui, expecting the reaction, quickly catches it from the air. “Brother Rui!” His little captain scolds him, but Fang Rui cannot maintain a straight face, he bursts into laughter instead.

It’s been a while he’s seen his little captain so young and chubby-cheeked. He cannot resist pinching those cheeks. Being too preoccupied with his time travel or whatever this is, only now he notices how adorable young Qiao Yifan is. 

“Can you stop pinching my cheeks?” It might be because he returns into his younger body, Qiao Yifan’s protests are more like a petulant teenager’s, and thanks to professional hand speed, this time it is the hair that’s gotten ruffled.

“Your fault for being so cute and adorable.” Fang Rui being Fang Rui, he’s not apologetic. If anything, he’s very satisfied having pinched those soft cheeks and ruffled the still-relatively-long and boyish haircut. Fang Rui plops down on the empty seat across Qiao Yifan, picking up the drink placed on the table, unsurprised that it is exactly as he likes it.

“So, what you’ve got so far in that notebook of yours, Little Captain?” Fang Rui asks as he chews the boba with a sense of nostalgia. Chinese milk tea is sure different, he mulls absently as he glances at the notebook, a habit Qiao Yifan picks up from Yu Wenzhou.

“I think… It’s my fault?”

“How do you come to that conclusion?” Fang Rui gives him an incredulous look, “Last time I checked you didn’t have supernatural power to send us back to the past.”

“Um.” Qiao Yifan rubs his nose, an all too familiar gesture of discomfort and vulnerability. He’s grown out of that habit slowly as he took over captaincy, but it has the tendency to show up under tremendous stress or complete unpreparedness, which this time travel situation certainly counts as both.

“Start from the beginning.” Those familiar words ground Qiao Yifan, he finds himself calming down easily when he has actually been stressing himself out while waiting for Fang Rui. Those words and the person have helped him many times when he overthinks things, getting him out of the spiral he’s fallen into and finding the right words and action. He breathes in, and starts with a question.

“What did you remember last?” Before jumping to conclusion, Qiao Yifan needs to make sure of a few things first. Fang Rui tries to recall what he was doing. He really hasn’t thought about it.

“Hmm… I was at the airport, texting Old Ye on the phone.” Qiao Yifan blinks in surprise at the unexpected answer. “Our Yifan is retiring. Of course we’ll be coming to celebrate in person.”

Qiao Yifan gets choked up. Several times he tries to speak only to stop.

“We’ve been so busy that we barely visited or kept in touch. Old Ye is even worse, considering he’s based on China. So I just decided to hell with it when I saw your press conference to go back and force that irresponsible guy to pick me up and visit the team together. You know how bad he is at taking initiative. I also managed to get Little Tang on it.”

“Sister Rou too?” Qiao Yifan laughs in disbelief.

“She’s not as bad as us, but it’s been a while for her too. And she’s in Beijing, so she’s the best person in case Old Ye needs to be strong armed.”

“Oh.” Qiao Yifan’s heart feels so full that he’s at a loss of words. 

Fang Rui can only feel sad and regretful to see how happy and bright the younger man’s expression is. Qiao Yifan has always been a kind and considerate child. He might have wanted to see them more, but he wouldn’t say anything and be understanding when the older members of Team Happy cannot keep in touch regularly. He might have thought that his retirement is not important enough for him to ask for them to come and visit. Somehow, Fang Rui has a feeling that their current situation is not unrelated.

“We had a small party after the press conference back in Forest Park. It was late after I returned to the room. I…” Qiao Yifan pauses, glancing at Fang Rui. Encouraged by the quiet and patient understanding, he continues. 

“Everyone keeps asking why I am retiring when I could have played longer, that I’d come to regret it… I don’t, I’m really sure I won’t.” Qiao Yifan speaks animatedly, as if he’s trying to convince Fang Rui, when the older man is the last person he needs to convince. “I just think it’s time, the team can and will do well without me.”

“...but?” Fang Rui gently nudges Qiao Yifan.

“I do have one regret, one wish,” Qiao Yifan finally speaks out. His voice trembled, betraying his nervousness. 

“I wish I had more time.” As if losing his courage, Qiao Yifan ducks his head down. 

Fang Rui looks at the bowed head, his eyes soften in understanding. Qiao Yifan doesn’t need to say more, he understands very well. Quite possibly what he feels is the shared feelings among the early members of Team Happy, many of them either started late or only had a few years left in the professional stage.

Being the youngest, Qiao Yifan is among the last of the original members of Happy to remain in the team. Having been there himself, he remembers how it felt like being left behind, abandoned even when it was simply a natural course of life. That feeling was gone as soon as it appeared, reason quickly kicking in. Although the feeling would come at his weakest moments, he’s learned to deal with it.

However, it must be harder for Qiao Yifan, knowing his circumstances. For him, Happy is the only home he has. Having them leave one by one must not be easy. That was why he chose to stay for another year when Qiao Yifan made the plea before he was about to announce his retirement after the finals in the Golden Season, or what Season 13 was known as with many of the Golden Generation giving their best, most dazzling performance, like a burning star at the end of its life. 

Fang Rui was no different, having changed classes and reclaimed his old class alongside his new one, led Happy through the most difficult time in the wake of Ye Xiu’s retirement and competed in domestic and international league year after year, he was burned out, like Su Mucheng and Ye Xiu before him.

By then, Happy’s rookies were no longer rookies, they were gods in the making, if not already, he would be only a hindrance for them. He didn’t need another championship. He wanted more, of course he did, he would never lose his desire and pursuit of victory, but his definition of victory is and has never been limited to all the trophies and awards. What he also considers as a victory is when the team he has come to love and cherish, to grow and flourish, to surpass their predecessors and stand in their own glory. 

Team Happy lost in the finals, but Fang Rui had seen a glimpse of the future, a shining, glorious future… and he didn’t see himself in that future. He was actually happy at the realization, barely suppressing his smile when he saw the frustrated faces on his team. He already made up his mind back then, only for one sentence from one person to change it.

“Can you not go?”

The words didn’t come from the youngest member of the team. They didn’t come from the successor he intended to take over Boundless Sea. They didn’t come from their soft-hearted boss. Instead it came from the strong, reliable captain of Happy.

Fang Rui’s heart broke for this young man. At that moment, he looked like a lost child.

“Okay.” He made the concession. He had only eyes for his little captain, but he didn’t fail to notice how everyone in the room perked up, including their lady boss. “However, I will mainly stay on the bench. You’re going to carry me to the finals. I’m expecting another Championship for my retirement.”

And he did. 

Happy did it.

Happy matched the old Excellent Era’s record. Fang Rui and the remaining members of the original team are the first to have three championship rings in the domestic league, second only to Ye Xiu who have four of them, beating Zhou Zekai of his generation and the Golden Generation. Happy also made their own record being the only team that have won both domestic and international league.

Team Happy had converged around him when they won the finals of Season 14. His bold, daring little Captain dared to put their oldest senior who didn’t play as frequently as before in the all important match of the finals and of course, Fang Rui didn’t fail to live up to his captain’s expectation. He had made sure to do so since Ye Xiu picked him of all people to be Happy’s Qi Master. It was a beautiful sendoff, a perfect ending that he could ask for. He wasn’t oblivious to realize that Happy had managed to send away every single of their senior members of the original team with a championship. He was, is and always will be proud of them, the team that they are, and the captain that Qiao Yifan is.

Fang Rui places his hand on Qiao Yifan’s head gently.

“Then we will have more time.”

“That’s it?” So surprised with his response, Qiao Yifan dislodges Fang Rui’s hand at the speed he cranes his neck.

“Eh. We can try to sleep tonight and if we go back to our timeline, then have a good laugh and celebrate your retirement with all Team Happy members. Or…

“We don’t, and make sure we’ll have more time this time around.” Fang Rui states simply.

“It can’t be that simple.” Qiao Yifan frowns.

“It can.”

“It can’t.”

“Why not?”

“W-Well, there might be conditions?” Qiao Yifan offers. “Of going back, I mean.”

“So? How will we discover that unless we keep going? Or changing things up?”

“Should we even change things?” Qiao Yifan asks. He isn’t sure what he’s feeling, one side he’s afraid, terrified even. But on the other side, he’s excited, eager to change the future. 

“Eh,” Fang Rui merely shrugs. Qiao Yifan can only laugh at the nonchalance. It’s so Fang Rui. It’s so like his senior to make light of the absurd situation, which to be fair, Happy is a team that often encounters absurd situations, their own existence is one. The reminder actually brings a smile to Qiao Yifan’s face. His cautious nature can be detrimental at times if it goes unchecked. He’s learned to let go and take risks in the years in Happy, but in this current situation, when his actions could have changed things, could have made him lose everything precious to him, he was unwilling to do so.

“We’ll just keep things simple. We set a goal for ourselves, and deal with others as they come.”

“Happy.” They say it at the same time, which brings a huge relief to Qiao Yifan. He knows how important Lin Jingyan and Wind Howl are for Fang Rui, and considering what happened to them, he has wondered if Fang Rui wishes to do more for them and stay until his contract expires instead of transferring. Reading his mind, Fang Rui chuckles.

“Happy is home.” And Fang Rui meant it. 

He’s met many people, have been in different teams and workplaces, but Happy is the only place that feels like home besides his own. It doesn’t occur to him not to join Happy. If anything, he’d love to join earlier, and take part in the creation of the team.

“Wait… has Team Happy been created?” The thought only occurs to him.

“Oh. Not yet. It should be tomorrow.” Qiao Yifan looks at the rough timeline he has written in the notebook. Fang Rui leans forward to take a peek.

“...the Dragon Raises its Head?” Fang Rui can only recall that incident from this year’s All Stars.

“Because of that, Boss Chen figured out Senior’s true identity and decided to create the team to support him.” Qiao Yifan himself only knows their beloved boss’ retelling.

“That really sounds like Boss Chen, alright.” Fang Rui smiles fondly at their lady boss and big sister. “So the team only had Old Ye and Little Tang?”

“Senior didn’t ask me to join until I told him my contract with Tiny Herb expired.”

“Hmm, by then Steamed Bun and Old Wei have already joined.”

“Brother An, Luo Ji and Mo Fan joined around the registration period.”

“Old Ye really worked hard…” Fang Rui has heard the stories. Something else nags on him, though. “...Yifan, you wished for more time right?”

“Yes?”

“Did you think of anything specific when you wished for that? Because, usually in typical time-travel/regressor/reincarnation/isekai stories, it’s usually only the protagonist who comes back in time. Why am I too? Am I even the only one?”

“No, Senior Ye didn’t come back.” Recalling their earlier exchange, Qiao Yifan is sure of it. “I did think of you first when I suddenly found myself back in All Stars Season 8 Rookie Challenge, in the middle of the stadium floor, microphone in hand.”

“That must be nerve wracking.” Fang Rui raises his eyebrows in surprise. “But really? Of all people, me? Not Mucheng? Or Wenzhou?” He merely teases Qiao Yifan. He isn’t really surprised that in Qiao Yifan’s panic and confusion, he picked the one he’s spent the most time with, his old vice captain. He doesn’t really expect a response. However, looking at his expression, there might be another reason. It is brief, but Fang Rui has always been good at catching the slightest change and he thinks he can make a guess.

Fang Rui lays down his left arm on the table, turning his hand palm up.

“I’ve suspected that you knew.” Fang Rui smiles kindly, but it only makes Qiao Yifan upset. Knowing it is one thing, acknowledging it is another. Right now there’s only smooth skin, but in their past-future, there was a faint scar, a thin line across Fang Rui’s wrist, which was often covered with bracelets and wristbands. 

Qiao Yifan was only aware of it when Mo Fan came to him. He has noticed and wondered about the change of Fang Rui’s playstyle. It was not really obvious, even for those who were familiar with him. Only when Qiao Yifan paid attention to his hand speed and rhythm, he realized that Fang Rui had slowed down. Everyone hardly noticed because of the nature of the dirty playstyle, and later on, because of the rising skill level of Happy individual members. 

Regardless, Fang Rui remained an indispensable member of Happy and the national team. His flexible playstyle and high adaptability, not to mention his casual and playful nature, made him compatible with many players and strategies that he was more often than not master tacticians’ first choice. Qiao Yifan was not so naive to think that it wouldn’t impact Fang Rui’s condition, so he didn’t think much in the beginning. He was actually relieved that his vice captain took the steps to prolong his career lifespan. While his speed might decline, his performance did not. It didn’t cross his mind that Fang Rui’s condition had reached the point that he needed surgery.

Qiao Yifan was hit hard with the discovery. He had been angry at Fang Rui, at Mo Fan, but most of all, at himself for failing to notice that his vice captain had been injured so badly. He understood very well why Fang Rui did it, so he swallowed all the hurt and anger and channeled them into winning the championship, fearing the season would be his senior’s last. He wanted to prove that Happy was worth all the painstaking effort Fang Rui put in. Only to have his hopes shattered when Happy lost to Blue Rain in the finals, and Fang Rui announced his retirement to the team before the press conference.

He hadn’t wanted to be selfish. He really couldn’t ask Fang Rui to stay when he has given everything and more to Happy. He shouldn’t have asked him to stay.

But he asked anyway. 

He was prepared for the refusal, he could even imagine the gentle and kind words. He didn’t expect the concession. Fang Rui only agreed for another year, but it meant the world for Qiao Yifan.

Looking at the person in front of him, Qiao Yifan knows very well why it was Fang Rui of all people who was brought back to the past with him. But he cannot find the words.

“Well, I’m definitely not turning down the chance to do everything again. Even though it’s going to be a hassle to adapt to what… Level 70 skills?” The stinky face Fang Rui made elicits laughter from Qiao Yifan. 

Fang Rui never fails to find a way to lighten up the atmosphere. It’s also his subtle reminder that he has their back, that he understands even when there are no words between them.

“Damn. It looks like I’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s no different than having a new team, a new account, and a new class.” Fang Rui is already having a headache at the mere thought. He does miss the Glory competitive days, but he can do without the daily training.

“...I’m sorry.” Qiao Yifan winces, he hasn’t thought that far. He might be just a “water dispenser” in Tiny Herb but Fang Rui definitely isn’t. He has tried to take account of everything but the memories are hazy the further to the past they are, and he was limited to his own knowledge of the events. Qiao Yifan was only recently retired so he would have less difficulty in getting back into the competition mindset. Fang Rui waves his hand, knowing it cannot be helped.

“I’ve got a week until the next match. I’m going to need help to get into shape and find a somewhat believable explanation for the sudden changes in playstyle. Old Lin is sure to notice. You also need to be careful. Wang Jiexi might not realize any changes in you, but Old Ye certainly will.”

“Um… I think it’s a bit too late.” Qiao Yifan speaks out, showing the message Gao Yingjie sent to him earlier, telling him that the captain wanted to see him when he returned to the hotel. 

“Well, shit.” That pretty much summed up their current situation.

“Okay, change of plans. Let’s start with how you’re going to deal with good ol’ Wang, then we do the rest.”

“I should not call him Captain Wang then.” Qiao Yifan mulls over.

“Definitely not.” Why would a member of their own team call their own captain by their last name? “Don’t let slip and start calling him Big-Eyed Wang, either.”

“I’ve never-” Qiao Yifan coughs and splutters.

“Really?” Fang Rui raises an eyebrow.

Cunning and resourceful.

Those two words describe Happy best. They can be said to be the words Happy team members live by. They lay down the foundation of Happy’s individual and team playstyle. 

While Qiao Yifan remains polite and respectful as he comes to be Happy’s captain, which makes him a favorite among Happy team members of old and new, particularly for the reporters, he is still Happy’s captain who has received guidance and learned from Ye Xiu, Wei Chen and Fang Rui. He doesn’t often resort to dirty play enough to be considered a dirty player and doesn't often engage in trash talk to provoke others that people often forget. So at the most unexpected times, Qiao Yifan will pull an incredibly dirty play or a provocative sentence that is so unlike the calm and stable captain that opponents never fail to fall for it.  

Qiao Yifan definitely has called Wang Jiexi “Big-Eyed Wang” at least once. It doesn’t even matter if he never did it to his face.

“Careful. Don’t show your black heart yet, Little Captain.” Fang Rui teases Qiao Yifan, his eyes twinkling with mirth. This time Qiao Yifan genuinely and freely laughs.

“Says the person who taught us how to pull unexpected plays.” Being the longest-serving senior in the team, Fang Rui left his mark the most on Happy team members. His dirty playstyle shows up even in the aggressive Tang Rou, upright An Wenyi, and even textbook Luo Ji.

“That means I’m a good teacher, no?” Fang Rui considers that as his greatest achievement. Qiao Yifan doesn’t disagree, giggling at his senior’s proud face.

There’s so much work to do. There are so many familiar people, accounts, teams that they need to get to know again. There are their own younger bodies with their older selves; faster speed and reflexes but in discordance with their experienced minds. There are so many things to unlearn and relearn. There are events that cannot, should not be changed, and they do not know which events they are and which actions they are allowed to take.

When he was standing on the stage, as his mind kept thinking of all the ripple effects he might be causing, Qiao Yifan was absolutely frightened, and felt very lonely. However, right here right now, with his most reliable vice captain and senior…

Qiao Yifan no longer feels afraid.

Aaand.... That's a wrap! Well, not quite so. This can be taken as a one-shot, but is also open for more time-travel shenanigans. I have some ideas of the changes in the new timeline. Some ideas are easier to flesh out, while others require some research. If you have any comments or suggestions, please do so! It might help with the writing of future chapters. Thank you for reading!

[phantom-z0ne]

“A spark ran through his spine as he stared into those cerulean eyes. They bore through him, almost as if they were staring straight through his soul. Observing and judging, ultimately deeming him beneath the owner of those crystalline eyes. Those strangely familiar eyes of his sent a shock through his brain as he tried desperately to remember where he saw them. They were important to him, he knows that. But where had he seen them from?” Or, the Suguru Geto reincarnation fic literally nobody asked for.

Chapter 1: Arc 1-01

CW: Implied/Referenced homelessness, murder, slavery, starvation, cannibalism(?)

Shen Jiu’s fan snapped close with an almighty crack, one hand tightly clutching the fan and the other holding his uncompleted assignments as his face twisted into a scowl.

"I believe that you’ve completed your task, Liu-shidi," He declared, giving no time for Liu Ruan to interrupt, he continued. "Are you going to leave, or did you plan on becoming a disciple of this peak?"

"You-!" Liu Ruan sputtered, taken aback by the statement. His eyes shone with irritation. He was proud of his placement on Bai Zhan Peak, why would he ever want to be a Qing Jing Peak disciple? Especially if he was there?

Shen Jiu’s relationship with Liu Ruan hadn’t always been so antagonistic. When Shen Jiu first entered the sect, they were civil to each other, nodding in greeting if they saw each other. There were assumptions made about each other, naturally, as one does. Shen Jiu believed Liu Ruan was at the sect due to connections while Liu Ruan believed Shen Jiu to be another delicate young master. Though they kept that to themselves, at first.

That all changed, however, a couple months into Shen Jiu’s stay at Qing Jing Peak. Shen Jiu could tolerate some remarks about his appearance or his personality from Liu Ruan, after all, many people had already made comments about it since he arrived at the sect. However, one thing Shen Jiu would never tolerate was someone mocking his cultivation. 

Their cordial relationship went up in flames the moment Liu Ruan commented about Shen Jiu’s weaker cultivation and Shen Jiu bit back at him viciously. One comment escalated into every encounter of theirs ending in a fight,whether physical or verbal.

The final nail in the coffin for Shen Jiu was Liu Ruan criticizing him after every fight. Believing that any move of his was dishonorable or underhanded. He spoke about it, loudly, to anyone who would listen. This is what made Shen Jiu believe that their relationship was unsalvageable.

"We would appreciate it if you could return to your peak, Liu-shidi." Xiang Mei, a soft-spoken disciple, intervened. She stood a step before Shen Jiu, managing to sneak up on both young men without them noticing. "You are interrupting our study time and making a scene."

Liu Ruan startled at her presence and quickly looked around, noticing the small crowd he had gathered. Many were whispering and looking curiously between him and Shen Jiu. He flushed, embarrassed, and turned back to Shen Jiu and Xiang Mei.

"I-!" he began, though getting cut off once more.

"I believe it is best for you to leave before you cause a larger commotion.'' Xiang Mei interjected coolly, determined to quickly end the conversation.

Liu Ruan curled his fist, taking a deep breath. Slowly, he released. His breathing coming out much steadier.

"Forgive this shidi for causing a scene. I will be taking my leave." Liu Ruan spoke haltingly, much more composed than earlier, and bowing slightly to Xiang Mei.

Shen Jiu released the tight hold on his fan, lifting it to his left ear(1), watching the interaction take place. His eyebrows rose slightly at the bow. He hadn't thought Liu Ruan would display any manners towards a Qing Jing peak member. His dislike of them was not a secret, though much of that dislike could have stemmed from Liu Ruan’s relationship with him.

Liu Ruan frowned at the display, opening his mouth to retort but quickly shutting it, taking in Xiang Mei’s expression. Her eyes were cold and sharp, as if daring him to say another word. He knew better than to begin another argument, especially if she was around. Xiang Mei was known to dislike conflict between peers, going as far as getting physically involved to stop it.

Shen Jiu absently watched as Liu Ruan hurriedly left, reminiscing about how his life got to this point.

He hates to even think about this, but he was lucky that he met Yue Qi that fateful day, even if he is still enraged by his betrayal. The past year was quite the upgrade from being a slave turned demonic cultivator. He had his own personal space, no one on the peak would go through his belongings, without punishment of course. He was careful of his belongings. It helped that they believed it was below them to act as a thief. Besides his accommodations, he has a steady supply of food. There isn't any need to appropriate food or money since there are monthly allowances for all disciples.

Not to mention the unregulated access to the library. He always had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Living on the streets, all he could do was steal a couple books to feed that thirst. Sometimes, he was caught in the act, or his small collection of books was stolen by the other street rats. Though he couldn't fault them for also wanting to learn without being a hypocrite. He had just wished they didn’t take it from him.

His life before his arrival at the sect was unpleasant, to say the least. Especially compared to his life now. Being a demonic cultivator was a completely different experience than being a spiritual cultivator. Not to mention the monster named Wu Yanzi that he traveled with. Theft and murder weren't the worst he forced Shen Jiu to do. The worst experience, in Shen Jiu’s opinion, was the way he was forced to cultivate. Wu Yanzi hunting minor demons and shoving them down his throat. He had to either quickly absorb it or die.

He still remembers the disgusting taste. His stomach still churns to this day thinking about it. The oil-like liquid rolling down his throat, it's grimy, viscous texture settling in his—

She Jiu was torn out of his thoughts by the pressure placed on his shoulder. Looking to his side, he saw Xiang Mei looking at him with quiet concern, her hand resting gently on him. He quickly wiped his expression and put on a neutral face, opening and waving his fan languidly above his chest(2). 

"Are you-?" She started to ask, worried.

"It's nothing." He cut in. His shoulders hiking up minisculely, fanning himself faster.

She blinked, noticing his defensive behavior. Ah, she was too direct. Maybe she should change the subject? She smiled, hoping that he took that as a sign to relax. He did.

"Do you have anywhere to be?" She asked. "I was planning to visit the library to complete some work. Would you like to join me?"

She paused, taking in his expression. He seemed startled, and maybe a bit undecided.

"I do have a prior commitment." He began hesitantly, glancing down at the uncompleted assignments in his hand.

Ah, she shoved down her disappointment, forcing her smile not to wane. She wouldn't want to force him into spending time with her. Maybe she’ll ask him for his company another time.

He continued, though, surprising her.

"I can reschedule it, however." Shen Jiu watched in amusement as she lit up. He was a bit uncertain, but he’ll give her a chance. After all, she did defend him. He should return the favor and accompany her for the time being. 

She quickly led Shen Jiu in the direction of the library, practically vibrating in happiness. He quickly latched his fan to his belt after closing it, hurrying after her. They arrived quickly and helped themselves in.

They swiftly piled their assignments on the large table they chose. Shen Jiu was stunned at the amount of work she had to complete. When asked why she was made to do a larger workload than other disciples, she sheepishly smiled and told him she put them off till the last minute. That earned her an eye roll from Shen Jiu.

They chatted for a while before they quieted down, beginning to work on their assignments. Some of the disciples who knew Xiang Mei came up to greet her, also talking with Shen Jiu, to which he responded in kind. They sat down with Shen Jiu and Xiang Mei to also do their work, occasionally starting up a conversation with them. It bewildered him since he is usually left alone by his fellow disciples, but it was a welcome surprise.

The other disciples eventually left after they were done with their work. Shen Jiu picked some books to read after he too completed his work, reading them while waiting for Xiang Mei to finish.

The rest of the day passed by in a blur, surprising both Shen Jiu and Xiang Mei. They went their separate ways, happy with how the day went. Perhaps he would seek her out again, she was pleasant company.

Note that I stretched the timeline of SVSSS by about twenty to thirty. It just didn't make sense to me for Shen Qingqiu to be in his late twenties to early thirties while being a Peak Leader, especially when he joined the sect in his late teens and he resides in a cultivation novel where cultivators can live for hundreds of years.

Thanks for reading ^^

1) A fan being placed to the left ear can be interpreted as 'I wish to get rid of you'.

2) A fan being waved above a chest can be interpreted as the users mood being calm, or at least a projected calm.

Masterpost | Chapter 2 >>

[love1kimono]

Ruan Lingyu, 1934

Scanned from the book "Art Deco 1910-1939", edited by Charlotte Benton, Tim Benton and Ghislaine Wood.

"Portrait of the Chinese actress Ruan Lingyu. Dian Ying Nu Ming Xing Zhao Xiang Ji, Ruan Ling-yu, Shanghai. Private collection.

[reinaka42]

忘川风华录 Cheat Sheet - THREE KINGDOMS

Character list for the music project/game Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu

Cheat sheet created solely for my own convenience

All images etc taken from the game's official website

Info taken from Wikipedia

Mao-mao not included, sowwy

曹植 | Cao Zhi | Tào Thực

192 – 232

Poet, son of the warlord Cao Cao, author of Luo Shen Fu

Extremely unfavoured by his family

Song: Duo Qing An

Also appears in: Kuang Gu Hui Xiang

In-game rarity: 天

赵云 | Zhao Yun | Triệu Vân

Died 229

Military general, subordinate of Liu Bei and his state Shu Han

Song: N/A

Also appears in: Kuang Gu Hui Xiang

In-game rarity: 天

曹丕 | Cao Pi | Tào Phi

187 – 226

Older brother of Cao Zhi, son of Cao Cao, first monarch of Cao Wei after the state's foundation was laid out by his father

Song: N/A

Also appears in: Kuang Gu Hui Xiang

In-game rarity: 地

甄姬 | Zhen Ji | Chân Cơ

183 - 221

First wife of Cao Pi, post-humously honoured as first empress of Cao Wei

Song: Duo Qing An

Also appears in: Ci Qi Ying Qi, Kuang Gu Hui Xiang

In-game rarity: 地

嵇康 | Ji Kang | Kê Khang

223 – 262

Poet, musician, composer of Guang Ling San

One of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove

Song: Zhu Lin Jian

Also appears in: Kuang Gu Hui Xiang

In-game rarity: 地

阮籍 | Ruan Ji | Nguyễn Tịch

210 – 263

Poet, musician, composer of Jiukuang, friend of Ji Kang

One of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove

Song: Zhu Lin Jian

Also appears in: Kuang Gu Hui Xiang

In-game rarity: 地

[eyenaku]

Ji ji fu ji ji

a o e i i er ai ei ao ou an en ang eng ong i ia iao ie iu ian in iang ing iong u ua uo uai ui uan un uang ueng ü üe üan ün a o e er ai ao ou an en ang eng yi ya yao ye you yan yin yang ying yong wu wa wo wai wei wan wen wang weng yu yue yuan yun b ba bo bai bei bao ban ben bang beng bi biao bie bian bin bing bu p pa po pai pei pao pou pan pen pang peng pi piao pie pian pin ping pu m ma mo me mai mei mao mou man men mang meng mi miao mie miu mian min ming mu f fa fo fei fou fan fen fang feng fu d da de dai dei dao dou dan den dang deng dong di diao die diu dian ding du duo dui duan dun t ta te tai tei tao tou tan tang teng tong ti tiao tie tian ting tu tuo tui tuan tun n na ne nai nei nao nou nan nen nang neng nong ni niao nie niu nian nin niang ning nu nuo nuan nü nüe l la le lai lei lao lou lan lang leng long li lia liao lie liu lian lin liang ling lu luo luan lun lü lüe g ga ge gai gei gao gou gan gen gang geng gong gu gua guo guai gui guan gun guang k ka ke kai kei kao kou kan ken kang keng kong ku kua kuo kuai kui kuan kun kuang h ha he hai hei hao hou han hen hang heng hong hu hua huo huai hui huan hun huang z za ze zi zai zei zao zou zan zen zang zeng zong zu zuo zui zuan zun c ca ce ci cai cao cou can cen cang ceng cong cu cuo cui cuan cun s sa se si sai sao sou san sen sang seng song su suo sui suan sun zh zha zhe zhi zhai zhei zhao zhou zhan zhen zhang zheng zhong zhu zhua zhuo zhuai zhui zhuan zhun zhuang ch cha che chi chai chao chou chan chen chang cheng chong chu chua chuo chuai chui chuan chun chuang sh sha she shi shai shei shao shou shan shen shang sheng shu shua shuo shuai shui shuan shun shuang r re ri rao rou ran ren rang reng rong ru rua ruo rui ruan run j ji jia jiao jie jiu jian jin jiang jing jiong ju jue juan jun q qi qia qiao qie qiu qian qin qiang qing qiong qu que quan qun x xi xia xiao xie xiu xian xin xiang xing xiong xu xue xuan xun

[pain-suffering-even]

Hello!

I have a request.

Can you please do headcannons about Liu Zhigang from solo leveling? Just like Thomas Andre and Lennart Nierman.

Thank you

Have a good day

worked on it just for you anon! sorry, i meant to get it done by sunday like the usual headcanons, but i didn't have a lot for zhigang so i needed some extra time to fill it in. hope you and everyone else likes it <3

headcanons: Liu Zhigang

Quick headcanons -

Name: Liu Zhigang

Age: 31

Gender: Genderfluid

DOB/Place: September 8th, 2029 in Nanjing, China

Rank/Type: S Rank Fighter 

Guild/Occupation: Twin Blades Guild Leader 

Past Occupation(s): Baker/waitress 

Skills:

Weapons: Sword 

Family: Ruan Xiang (mom) (alive)

Liu Huang (dad) (alive)

Liu Chun (younger brother) (alive)

Core headcanons -

Hidden talent: Baking

Favorite food: Veggie bao 

What motivates them: Their pride and ambition to be the best in the world and uphold the title of 7 star Liu

Treasured possession: A mason jar terrarium they made with her best friend

Deepest secret: They had to cut ties with their family to preserve their image of being perfect 

Best/Worst thing to happen to them: Befriending Thomas Andre/Renouncing her family and friends to become a hunter 

Random memories: Opening for work for the first time and getting up early and watching the sunset from inside the bakery as they prepare for the day; wrestling with her younger brother after he gets a little too smart-mouthed and almost breaking his wrist; Laura and Christoper doing his makeup for the international hunters conference and ending up on the front page of every magazine in the world that day, 

Best friend/Worst enemy: Shen Bai/The Chinese Hunter’s Association 

Good/Bad traits: Friendly, practical, respectful, observant, /Violent, impatient, spiteful, impulsive, 

Things they’ve done/like to do: She makes dumplings for her guild members birthdays, always orders takeout from the bakery she used to work at, collects wildflowers

Personality type: “Entrepreneur” ESTP-A ( 78% extraverted, 22% introverted; 30% intuitive, 70% observant; 69% thinking, 31% feeling; 28% judging, 72% prospecting; 79% assertive, 21% turbulent)

Nervous habit: Drumming fingers, pursing her lips, 

Things they’re afraid of: Fire, family and friends trying to contact her, 

Things they want to accomplish: Perfecting the secret custard recipe from her old bakery workplace, visiting some genuine street bakeries in the rest of Malaysia when they go on international trips, 

Additional headcanons -

Goes to bed with her hair braided all the time or else it looks like a mess in the morning 

Has a huge sweet tooth 

Unfortunately has a resting bitch face that contradicts their tone and actions 24/7

Thomas isn’t allowed back in China after he and Zhigang get drunk and ruin an entire city due to their fighting. Christopher, however, is more than welcome, and has yet to cause an international incident on their soil 

No matter how many clips or barrettes she uses her bangs still go all over the place. At this point they've given up

Due to practicing baseball a lot, he has really good aim. Sometimes he instinctively swings their sword like a bat whenever anything is in his peripheral and it's pretty funny to see

Thomas has nicknamed him Fruit Ninja after tossing an orange at him and Zhigang cut it perfectly in half in midair

Their Timeline -

Age 17: kicked out of his home after a particularly bad argument

Age 18: gets a job at a bakery + waitress 

Age 19: gets into an extremely good college on scholarship for baseball

1 year passes

Age 21: awakens + given the opportunity to start a guild but has to disown their family

Age 22: accepts offer + starts the Twin Blades Guild  

Age 23: childhood friend Bai reaches out

2 years pass

Age 25: Kamish + befriends Thomas and Christopher 

Age 26: Christopher and Thomas get in a fight + Christopher leaving the Scavenger Guild 

5 years pass

Age 31: now

[ethicsustinvest]

ESG Spillovers-NBER Working Paper on ESG and non-ESG mutual funds

ESG Spillovers Shangchen Li, Hongxun Ruan, Sheridan Titman, and Haotian Xiang NBER Working Paper No. 31248 May 2023 JEL No. G14,G2 ABSTRACT We study ESG and non-ESG mutual funds managed by overlapping teams. We find that nonESG mutual funds include more high ESG stocks after the creation of an ESG sibling, and the high ESG stocks they select exhibit superior performance. The low ESG stocks…

[eatingyarndraws]

xiang for @darth-salem-emperor-of-earth!

[darth-salem-emperor-of-earth]

Look at this lovely portrait commission I got from @kura-marty of my Wayhaven detective, Xiang Ruan! This artwork reminded me how handsome he is. I’m love with how lush and smooth the colors in this artwork appear, how beautiful his eyes are, and how the shading along his facial features really complements and enhances the various, lighter hues in a more realistic style. I also cannot get over how soft his hair looks (seriously, I want to reach over and pet Xiang’s head XD). You captured the overall appearance my first Wayhaven detective so deftly and beautifully, @kura-marty. Thank you so much for this wonderful commission! <3

[darth-salem-emperor-of-earth]

I know I've said it before but this meme is so them. It encapsulates their differing personalities oh so well. And of course, your skill with coloring and shading brings Xiang and Alani to life so wonderfully and gives off such a vivid, lush appearance.

Thank you so much for doing this meme for these two! <3

This Barbie Movie meme is going around on Twitter ... and it was too perfect for Xiang and Alani to let it pass XD

As always, big thanks to @darth-salem-emperor-of-earth for letting me continue to drag her boy Xiang into the chaos that's Alani's life.

On Patreon and Ko-Fi you can see the process pictures of this and get the high res version of the outlines and the finished picture.

[bl-bracket]

Confirmed Characters for Most Whipped Bracket (Season 2)

Note: Just because a character is on this list, you can still submit them if you haven't already!!! It's actually quite helpful to me to get a better understanding of how strongly people think a character fits the theme. The main purpose of this is for people to see which characters are NOT here, so they know if they need to submit them still.

Prapai (Love in the Air)

Hira (Utsukushii Kare)

Tan (We Are)

Pat (Bad Buddy)

Tinn (My School President)

Sand (Only Friends)

Kurosawa (Cherry Magic)

Karan (Cherry Magic TH)

King (Bed Friend)

Xiang Haoting (HIStory 3: Make Our Days Count)

Palm (Never Let Me Go)

Phaya (The Sign)

Sarawat (2gether)

Charlie (Pit Babe)

Joke (Jack & Joker)

Jack (HIStory 3: Trapped)

Mahasamut (Love Sea)

Wen Kexing (Word of Honor)

Ruan Lanzhu (The Spirealm)

Great (4 Minutes)

Sarawat (2gether)

Third (Theory of Love)

Yoryak (Wandee Goodday)

Yai (The Sign)

Babe (Pit Babe)

Korn (4 Minutes)

Hyeong Daun (Blueming)

Shen Wei (Guardian)

[audriel]

tmia omegaverse headcanons

Several headcanons to my TKA/QZGS fic the moon in autumn:

By the League’s Season 9,

Fang Rui is a member of three packs: blood pack (permanent), original Wind Howl (permanent: Lin Jingyan and Ruan Yongbin) pack, and Fifth Gen pack (permanent: Zhou Zekai and Wu Yuce).

Ye Xiu is a member of three packs: blood pack (permanent), Su siblings (permanent), and Happy (unofficial/unformed). He is also a former member of the original Excellent Era pack (including Tao Xuan).

The non-betas in the Alliance:

Alphas: Ye Xiu, Tang Rou, Qiao Yifan (Happy), Wang Jiexi (Tiny Herb), Huang Shaotian, Zheng Xuan (Blue Rain), Zhou Zekai (Samsara), Sun Xiang (Excellent Era) 

Omegas: Fang Rui (Wind Howl), Mo Fan, Wei Chen (Happy), Zhang Xinjie (Tyranny), Chu Yunxiu (Misty Rain), Dai Yanqi (Thunderclap)

(Blue Rain lost their omegas to Happy XDD)

The teams that are also packs in the Alliance:

The official pack in the Alliance: Blue Rain (with pack leader Huang Shaotian), former Wind Howl (with pack leader Lin Jingyan)

The unofficial packs in the Alliance: Happy (with pack leader Ye Xiu), Thunderclap (with pack leader Xiao Shiqin), Samsara (with pack leader Zhou Zekai), Void (with pack leader Wu Yuce), and Tyranny (with pack leader Han Wenqing)

Character Scents/Pheromones:

Fang Rui: Lemon. This scent is picked for Fang Rui due to the proverb “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. Because canon Fang Rui is very good at this, and this is a trait that remains despite the curveball life thrown him that is his secondary gender in this universe. It’s also a good fit for the Sharp in his name, because lemon scent can be very sharp in certain conditions, while in others it can be a clean, refreshing scent. Look at his sincere eyes! Ultimately it’s a scent or taste not for everyone and that’s the way Fang Rui is and he himself prefers.

Ye Xiu: Tea. This scent is picked for Ye Xiu because it’s traditional. Traditional can mean old-fashioned, but it can also mean that it has strong roots or foundation. And Ye Xiu has this in abundance, it’s his greatest strength. He cannot achieve all his titles: Battle God, Glory Textbook and Master Tactician, and fully utilized the Unspecialized Lord Grim if he doesn’t have strong, solid foundation. And tea can be mixed and turned into anything, traditional and modern snacks, food and beverages. It’s also good for health. Basically it can be turned into anything while not losing its unique taste.  Not to mention the scent is ordinarily not overbearing. This is not unlike Ye Xiu himself.

Meanwhile I haven’t really thought the scent for others. It’ll be nice if there is someone to brainstorm with.

[alphafemalecarla]

hello

[siumerghe]

Ji Kang, from Alchemists, Mediums, and Magicians: Stories of Taoist Mystics

Alchemists, Mediums, and Magicians: Stories of Taoist Mystics is a collection of biographies of 144 historical figures associated with Daoism, compiled under the title Xuanping lu 玄品錄 by daoist Zhang Tianyu 張天雨 (1279-1350) and translated by Thomas Cleary.

Ji Kang was styled Shuye. He was a man of Zhi prefecture in the state of Qiao.(9) He was orphaned early. He had extraordinary talent, far beyond the crowd. He was more than six feet three inches tall.(10) He was eloquent and handsome, but he made his appearance plain and didn’t dress up. People considered him distinguished and elegant, but it was innate, naturally so.

He studied without instruction from teachers, read widely and comprehended everything. He was married into the ruling family of Wei and was given a prestige title. He used to practice nurturing nature and ingesting elixirs. He played the lute and sang poetry, enough to comfort his heart.

He considered spiritual immortality to be an endowment from nature, not a product of learning. As for reasonable exercise and nutrition, the standards of Anqi(11) and Grandfather Peng(12) could be reached, so he wrote Discourse on Nurturing Life.

Those with whom he always considered spiritual communication genuine were only Ruan Ji of Chenliu and Shan Tao of Henei, while those who joined their set were Xiang Xiu, Liu Ling, Ji’s nephew Han, and Wang Ru, eventually making up the Bamboo Grove association.

Ru said he’d lived with Kang in Shenyang for twenty years and never once saw him either angry or joyful.

Kang used to gather herbs, roaming mountains and wetlands. When he’d get into a good mood, he’d become ecstatic and forget to return. The occasional woodcutter or thatch cutter who encountered him thought he was a spirit man.

He went to the mountains of Ji county,(13) where he saw Sun Deng and then went wandering along with him. Deng was sunk in silence and self-contained; he didn’t talk or say anything. When Kang was about to leave, he asked for a word of advice. Deng said, “Your talent is of a high order, but your way of preserving your body is inadequate.”

He also met Wang Lie, and they went into the mountains together. Lie once found some stone marrow like rock sugar. He ingested half and gave the rest to Kang. In both cases it crystallized.

Wang also once saw a silk text in a cavern and immediately called Kang to go get it, but suddenly it could no longer be seen. Lie lamented, “Shuye’s mentality is extraordinary, and yet even though he looked right away he couldn’t find it. That’s fate.”

When Shan Tao was about to leave, he was selected for office but recommended Kang in his stead. Kang then presented Shan Tao with a letter announcing termination of contact. In sum it said, “I have heard the sayings left by Taoists, that ingesting polygonatum and atractylodes enables people to prolong the life span, and I have a lot of confidence in this. Roaming the mountains and wilds, watching birds and fish, is a pleasure to my heart. Were I to become an official, I’d have to give all of this up. How can I abandon what I enjoy to pursue what I fear! Now I just want to stay in a humble neighborhood, raise my children and grandchildren, from time to time express my feelings about separation and distance from relatives and friends, talking about the old days. A cup of unfiltered wine, a tune on the lute—that’s the extent of my ambition!”

Now that this had been put in writing, it was obvious he couldn’t be compelled or constrained.

The governor of Nanhai, Bao Jing, was one in communion with the miraculous; Xu Ning of Donghai took him for his teacher. One night Ning heard the sound of a lute in Jing’s room; marveling at its refinement, he asked about it. Jing said, “That was Ji Shuye.” Ning said, “Ji was killed—how could he be here?”(14)

Jing said, “Shuye projected the appearance of dying, but in reality he just left the body.”

This appears in Gu Kaizhi’s(15) eulogy of Ji Kang.

Footnotes:

10. Seven chi eight cun: based on these measures as of Jin times, this would be somewhat more than six feet three inches. Presumably this was above average for his time and place.

11. Anqi Sheng is a legendary immortal associated with the island of Penglai. He is supposed to have lived more than a thousand years. The First Emperor of China, who was intensely interested in immortality, is said to have met Anqi on a journey east.

12. Grandfather Peng is supposed to have lived for eight hundred years. A manual on energy-induction exercises attributed to him can be found in the Baopuzi. See Daozang jiyao, vol. 20, p. 8686.

13. In Henan.

14. The Ming dynasty scholar Li Zhi recounts the story of Ji Kang’s murder in his Zangshu:

“Kang was poor and supported himself by working as a smith. In those days Zhong Hui, a friend of Sima Zhao, heard of Kang and went to visit him. Hui was a distinguished gentleman, esteemed for talent and ability, who rode on hefty horses and wore lightweight clothes, with a huge crowd of hangers-on. Kang kept working at his forge and didn’t pay attention. Hui was impressed with him.

“When Shan Tao was chosen to be a courtier, he nominated Kang instead. Kang wrote a letter refusing and cutting off contact, explaining that he personally could not stand current customs, not that he was slighting the example of sagacious kings of old. So when Sima Zhao heard of this, he hated Kang.

“Kang was on good terms with Lu Zhao and his younger brother An. An was smitten with Kang’s loftiness and would go to any lengths for him. Now, Lu Zhao had an illicit affair with An’s wife and then condemned An for disrespect and had him imprisoned. An called on Kang to testify for him. Kang’s sense of justice was not without appreciation, so he explained the matter.

“Like Kang, An was also very zealous in his will to save the world. Zhong Hui urged Lu Zhao to take this opportunity to get rid of him. So he killed An, and Kang too.”

15. Gu Kaizhi (345–406) was a poet, painter, and courtier.