A Gatekeeper & The Celestial Sovereign - Chapter 49

QIANMEN STREET

Mao Lu and Chàng Bo walked along the lively Qianmen street. It was very busy and filled with all kinds of tourists and regular Beijingers going about their business. Qianmen Street wasn’t too far from Tiananmen square, but it seemed like it hadn’t been affected at all by their battle with the Irregularity, and it had no signs of any damage.

Qianmen Street was filled with many old-style-ancient-low-roofed-and-tiled buildings that had been transformed into shops. Tram tracks went down the centre of the bustling street. It wasn’t a large shopping centre but rather this shopping district was filled with all kinds of small shops from clothing shops, to shoe shops, to food shops. Nearby were two little lanes, one called Xianyuko and the other called Dazhalan.

These lanes are filled with little stalls selling snacks, also known as snack streets. On these snack streets there are all kinds of food for sale, from Stir-fried liver to boiled lamb tripe. And nearby, a line as long as the street itself could be seen, as many queued up at Quanjude Peking Roast Duck Restaurant.

“This place reminds me of the markets they have in my Realm. There’s this street called Milk way street, it’s always filled with people and sells all kinds of things.” Said Chàng Bo as he admired the place, a familiar feeling welling up inside of him.

“Yes, you can find practically anything on Qianmen street. This place is my favourite shopping area in Beijing, it’s not too expensive and filled with authentic food. The best time to come here is in the evening, when the lanterns are all lit up, this place is absolutely stunning.” Mao Lu said with an excited smile.

“This way.” he grabbed Chàng Bo’s wrist and pulled him to one of the snack streets, dragging Chàng Bo all the way up to a rather popular stall that was selling fried noodles and Jianbing. When they got to the front of the line Mao Lu smiled and said, “Aunty I’ll have two Jianbing please.”

The old woman at the stall looked up, the moment she saw Mao Lu her old and wrinkled face lit up. “If it isn’t Lu-er! It’s been such a long time; you’re finally visiting this old lady.”

Mao Lu smiled softly at the old woman, “I just didn’t have much time before, and your stall is one of the most popular in the area. I didn’t want to distract you when you’re really busy. I’ve only come for a small visit Aunty.”

The old woman sighed a bit as she heard these words. “I’m just glad you’ve come to visit.”

Mao Lu offered her some coins, but she pushed his hand away gently, “Geesh who do you take me for, considering our relationship I won’t make you pay. These two Jianbing are on the house.”

“Aunty it isn’t good business for you to refuse a paying customer, and trust me I’m doing just fine right now. Considering our relationship, I should be giving you a lot more money than this Aunty.”

Mao Lu put his hand back in front of her.

The old woman sighed, “You’re still just as stubborn as the last time I saw you.” She chuckled as she took his money.

As the Jianbing was being made, other workers at the stall stared at Mao Lu curiously, wondering how he was connected to their boss. Chàng Bo was also curious, wondering how Mao Lu knew this old wrinkly small lady.

…In less than a minute Mao Lu had two fresh steaming Jianbing in his hands as he found two bench seats nearby the busy snack street.

The sky was still blue, the air still warm, and Qianmen street was still busy.

Both Mao Lu and Chàng Bo enjoyed this busy view and pleasant weather as they sat down and bit into their warm crepes.

“Wow, yummy!!!!” Chàng Bo exclaimed, “This is super delicious.”

“I know right, it really hits the spot doesn’t it.” Said Mao Lu fondly, his gaze a bit distant.

“What’s your relationship with that mortal?” Chàng Bo asked bluntly

“Wow you really don’t hold back do you, you just say whatever’s on your mind.” Mao Lu laughed.

“I prefer doing things straightforwardly, if I’m curious about something I should just ask, there’s no reason to beat around the bush.” Chàng Bo replied.

“You’re right, I agree, I like straightforward people.” Mao Lu said calmly as he looked around the busy street. “Actually, a long time ago I used to work here, at this stall. The old lady helped me a lot. You see ages ago her son, Uncle Chen, used to work with my Dad. They were the best of friends, he helped my Dad create this huge restaurant empire, they were partners. And yet… my Dad practically stabbed him in the back. My Dad stole all his shares and basically pushed him out of the company. Leaving him and his family without any money. Despite this though, Aunty and her son Jiang Chen didn’t let it get them down. Aunty opened up her food stall here in Qianmen Square and Uncle Chen opened up a small successful coffee house in Guomao. Ironically five years later when my family went bankrupt, my mother died, and my Father went to prison, the only ones that helped me were Aunty and Uncle. They were the only people I could turn to. They didn’t hold any grudges or anger towards me, they just welcomed me with open arms., they gave me a home and a place to rest until I was able to stand on my own two feet. It’s been eight years since then.”

Chàng Bo listened quietly, waiting patiently until Mao Lu finished his story. “It seems like you’ve been through a lot.”

“Been through a lot? Perhaps, perhaps not. Ever since I became a Gatekeeper, I realised that my struggles are rather small compared to the struggles of others.” Mao Lu spoke faintly.

“Those are very mature words for someone so young.” Chàng Bo said with a raised brow.

“I’m not that young, I’m nearly 25.” Mao Lu laughed.

“I’m 100 years old this year, in my eyes you’re very young.” Chàng Bo smirked.

Mao Lu coughed a bit, “A hundred years old, I guess I am young in comparison.” he said sheepishly.

Chàng Bo laughed gently at his reaction.

“So Ummm, tell me more about yourself. I mean I know about your Mother and how you got the key, but how were you raised? What’s it like being a genius?” Mao Lu asked curiously as he shyly looked over at Chàng Bo.

“You want to know more about me? Well if I tell you more about myself then I want you tell me more about yourself too.” Chàng Bo affirmed teasingly.

“It’s a deal.” Mao Lu nodded.

“Well, I guess as the son of the Supreme Lord of Stars I already had a high status from when I was young. No one dared bully me, talk down to me, or get too close to me. There has always been a thick wall between myself and others, actually you’re the first person I think I’ve ever been able to talk to so comfortably.”

“Don’t you have friends?” Mao Lu gasped.

“Of course, I have friends, but not the type of friends you have. Not the type that call me because they’re worried about me, nor the type that view me as an equal. More like I have many people that have ulterior motives near me. Either they are from a high social status and hang out with me because I am of an equal status, or they admire me, or they want some type of benefits. Even my closest friend…I… I don’t know whether he is my friend because of political reasons or whether it’s because he generally wants to know me.”

Mao Lu felt like crying a little, “That’s so sad, and so lonely.”

“It’s not that bad, I’m used to such things. It’s not something for you to be sad about, you’re far too sensitive Mao Lu.”

Chàng Bo patted the now downcast Mao Lu’s shoulder. “You know you really puzzle me. You get upset for me, you help me, and you’re even spending such casual time with me even though there’s no benefit for you whatsoever by doing that. I mean I brought these Irregularities to your realm; you have every right to be angry like the other Gatekeepers. You have every right to want to imprison me, yet you protected me. I am the reason 208 people are dead since I brought these monsters here. Yet you blame yourself rather than blaming me. Even now you’re welcoming me and listening to me when I really don’t deserve it. I was even so rude to you when we first met, yet you forgave me. I have never met anyone like you before. I can’t tell whether you’re a fool or far wiser than me.”

Mao Lu felt flustered, “You’re praising me too much. It’s not like there isn’t any benefit to me….I…I mean I like…I like you, I protected you because it’s against my principles not to help someone when I can, but mostly for my own selfish reason….because I like you Chàng Bo… and that’s why I made the decision that I made, not only because it was the only way to prevent your incarceration, but because I wanted to.

I know it was rude of me to do this without discussing it with you or factoring in your feelings. And I know it was selfish of me, but know that I was only thinking of you when I decided this.” Mao Lu babbled.

Chàng Bo’s eyes were wide, “What are you talking about?”

“At the meeting they wanted to incarcerate you and torture you to find out what you know about the key. Since they believe you might be hiding some things. Some even wanted to turn you into a puppet and trap your soul. I told them that I had a better idea, that the best way would be if you became my Fate Companion. That way I would learn if you were really hiding something and keep you close. There were some other reasons too, but I can’t tell you about them, but overall, I decided that you becoming my fate companion would be the best option.”

Chàng Bo froze, “Fate Companionship?” This…this…. “You do realise that you can only have one Fate Companion in your entire lifetime. Making someone your fate companion isn’t a joking matter, all your secrets will become apparent and the same goes for me.”

To Chàng Bo who had many secrets, a fate companionship was extremely scary. But then again, a fate companionship was still a better option than him being tortured by Gatekeepers or being turned into a puppet.

“I know, I know all of that, but I still want it to be you!” Mao Lu shouted, “All my life I’ve never taken what I wanted. When I was young, I wanted pretty cute toys but those were too girly. When I grew up, I dreamed of being a professional Archer, but I had to bury that dream. When I liked someone, I had to hide that feeling. But I’ve decided that I will no longer do that. Every moment I spend with you makes me like you more. I know we haven’t known each other long and I know I’m just forcing my feelings on you, but for the first time in my life I just want to be selfish and do what I want. And I wasn’t going to let those other Gatekeepers hurt you. I’m not joking around Chàng Bo, I’m serious.”

Mao Lu grabbed Chàng Bo’s hands in his and pulled him into a hug, “I’m serious.” he whispered.

Chàng Bo’s eyes were wide, but then they twinkled sinisterly. “Since he likes me so much then so what if he learns my secrets, as long as he’s on my side then it will all work out. With a Gatekeeper by my side I’ll become untouchable, I’ll get closer to finding out Gatekeeper secrets and it’ll be easier to clear my name and find the bastard that dare frame me. And Gatekeepers never take on Fate companions, I will make history. Actually, this doesn’t sound like a bad deal at all..” he smiled darkly.