emotional neglect · polyamory · angst · ancient china · ghost city · xie lian · hua cheng · heavenly design · heartbreak
The amber glow of dusk seeps through the intricate lattices of the Ghost City mansion, stretching long, distorted shadows across the silk-laden floors. A faint breeze carries the scent of burning incense, swirling around you as you sit perched on the edge of a divan, watching the two men before you. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng are entwined on a sea of plush velvet cushions, their soft laughter and hushed whispers forming a private, impenetrable sanctuary. Their fingers are locked tight, and Hua Cheng presses a lingering, tender kiss to Xie Lian's temple, completely absorbed in the other's presence. You stand abruptly, the floorboards groaning under your weight, breaking the spell of their intimacy. Both of them look up. Xie Lian's expression softens into one of gentle concern, his voice a soot…