Min Guiying had initially thought of following Zhao Hui out, but the voice in his head hindered him before he could get to his feet. He sighs, closing his eyes, and lies on the floor, fixing his hands on his stomach. For a good minute, Min Guiying takes deep breaths, meditating, calming down his racing heart and burning face. When he opens his eyes, he stares at the roof, letting all his thoughts about what happened spill out.
"Why did he run away? We both wanted it so… why? HOLD ON-" Min Guiying jerks up, his eyes wide, "Why did I want to kiss him?! We're both men, this won't be good for my clan if they find out! People will say so much! The rumors, the hate- I need to discuss this with him right now!"
With that burst of confidence, Min Guiying jumps on his feet, and leaves the room, taking stair to the top of the boat.
…
Zhao Hui did what he always did when he felt frustrated and was on the brink of crying. He left the room and went outside. Zhao Hui takes in the crispy night air and allows the wind to tease his cheeks. He watches the boat slowly break through the still water. Xun YuYang was rowing the boat even though she was supposed to be sleeping, only because she was afraid someone would raid the boat and attack them.
"I guess this might be the wrong time to show up but- uh, are you alright?" Penelope's voice breaks through the silence and Zhao Hui groans.
"..." Zhao Hui stands in silence, not knowing what to answer, "I don't know."
"Well if it helps, your hubby is coming this way. I think he has something to say."
"My WHAT?!"
"I said what I said. Penelope OUT! Peace!"
"Why couldn't I just have a normal system, can I swap out Penelope?"
"HA! What a funny joke! You're stuck with me whore so you better respect me before I drop-kick your ass out of this realm!"
"You know what? That doesn't sound like a bad idea-"
"Zhao Hui."
"Ah, M-Min Guiying." Zhao Hui whips his head to face Min Guiying, an awkward smile forming on his face.
"I was going to leave you but we need to talk about what happened."
"Uh- I didn't expect the talk to happen this soon…" Zhao Hui fumbles with his hand and Min Guiying grabs them.
"I wanted it too. I've tried to not think about it, but I wanted to kiss you." Min Guiying lets go of Zhao Hui's hand and looks down blushing, "And you're the reason I'm questioning my sexuality."
"I-" Zhao Hui breathes in deeply, "I have something to tell you. If this affects our friendship, so be it. But I need to say this."
"What is it?" Min Guiying lifts his head and locks eyes with Zhao Hui.
"I'm bisexual. I like women and men."
Min Guiying can't explain what he was feeling. Part of him was shocked Zhao Hui spoke out about his sexuality, and another part of him was thankful. Thankful for what?
"I- I'm straight though." Min Guiying stutters out, gulping loudly as he internally questions why he felt the need to say that.
"Min Guiying, I say this as nicely as possible, but shut the fuck up." Zhang Bai rounds the single room above the boat and walks towards the two.
"What?" Min Guiying stands shocked at the audacity of this little-
"If you wanted to kiss Zhao Hui, you are for SURE not straight, what kind of bullshit are you on? And you, I always knew you were sussy as soon as I saw you." He nods towards Zhao Hui.
"Oh no, you heard everything?!" Zhao Hui hides behind his hands, blushing madly.
"Don't worry about it, it's not my shit to tell. Anyways, Min Guiying, I'm looking at your dumbass. I swear to GAWD, if you guys don't end up together, both of you will be choked to death by me." Zhang Bai lifts a finger, pointing at Min Guiying and Zhao Hui with a death glare, "Anyways, I'm leaving. Good luck with your communication!"
Both men watch Zhang Bai skip away happily, humming. Silence rings for a bit until Zhao Hui bursts out:
"I wanted to kiss you too! B-but you're not meant to be with me. A-anyways, I was wondering if you'd teach me how to fight and help me cultivate better."
"If you want me to, then I'll teach you. And about the kiss- uh- I'll forget about it."
1 week later -
"HEY! YOU COME HERE YOU STUPID MELON!" Liu Jia chases Liu Zhilan and Xun YuYang around the boat, a ladle held in her hand as a weapon.
"JJIA JIE COME ON IT WAS JUST A PRANK!" Liu Zhilan yells as he hides under the table where everyone was eating breakfast.
"I WILL MURDER YOU! PUTTING SPICE IN MY SOUP AS A PRANK?! WAIT TILL I GET YOU-"
"But we got you good though!" Xun YuYang laughs and then yells as Liu Jia begins chasing her, "WAIT! I'M TOO YOUNG TO DIE!"
"I expected so much more from you Old Woman YuYang, I'm so disappointed." Zhang Bai shakes his head chuckling, eating a spoonful of his soup.
"Exactly, since you were older than us, I expected you to be SO much more mature than THAT." Min Boquin laughs along with Zhang Bai until he starts choking on his soup.
"You wanna see the power I contain you punks?" Xun YuYang rolls her sleeves up to fight until a huge splash distracts everyone.
*splash*
Everyone on the boat divert their attention to the water where Zhao is seen struggling getting back on the boat.
"MIN GUIYING YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE!!!" Zhao Hui yells, pointing at Min Guiying.
"Did what?" Min Guiying smirks, hiding his sword behind his back.
"YOU- You're supposed to teach me, not bully me! You dumbass!"
"The come here Zhao Hui and I'll help you~" Min Guiying holds out his hand which Zhao Hui reaches to grab-
And Min Guiying retracts his hand, sending Zhao Hui back into the water.
"YOU CUNT!" Zhao Hui tugs on Min Guiying's Hanfu and forces him into the water as well.
"AHHHHHHH! ZHAO HUI! NOW I'M WET!" Min Guiying steams while Zhao Hui bursts into laughter, spraying more water on him.
"Come on, have some fun Min Guiying, you did the exact same thing to me!" Zhao Hui rests his hands on Min Guiying's shoulders, tugging at his ribbon, "And remember the ribbon you bestowed upon me? Do you know how fucking annoying it is?"
"I have it too!" Min Guiying rests his hands on Zhao Hui's waist, pouting.
"Which was a well deserved act of karma from the universe."
"Hey!"
"UGH! Look at these two on their honeymoon! THAT IS DISGARSTING! TAKE YOUR PDA SOMEWHERE ELSE I'M TRYING TO EAT!" Min Boquin sticks out his tongue in disgust, closing his eyes.
"Oh shut up, you're just jealous that you're still single." Zhang Bai leans over the table to smack Min Boquin,
"That hurt!" Min Boquin whines, "Jia Jieeeeee! Old Woman YuYanggggggg!"
"One day I'm going to murder you punks and you better not be surprised about it." Xun YuYang cracks her knuckles, but stops when Liu Jia holds her hands.
"No, there will be no murdering." Min Boquin sighs in relief until, "Unless you invite me."
"Jia Jie you're too mean!"