Chapter Text
“I’m sorry Yuan.” A voice from the distant past called to him. Her voice was drenched in regret. She wasn’t alone. There were 4 other figures next to her. One was tall, about half a head taller than her. The other two were smaller. One of them reached up to her shoulder and the other just a couple of inches shorter than that. The taller of the two held on to a smaller figure with tiny pigtails. They were all in a shadowy haze. Nothing was clearly seen. At least not anymore. The womanly figure crouched down to him. He could almost see tears beyond the shadows. “I know how much you wanted to do this, but your condition…”
His hands gripped around something with a smooth curve on one side and a little lumpy on the other. They were barely holding on to the hefty thing. Its strings vibrated with a slight touch, but it wasn’t enough to make a sound. Not the type of sound he wanted to play. He forced his strongest fake smile, but it hurt. His heart felt like it would give out for more than one reason. “It’s ok. I understand,” he lied through his teeth.
Cursed this weak body. Couldn’t it be strong enough to stand? If standing was too much, at least sit. Let him sit in the spotlight. Even if it was only for one night. Let him live that dream at least once.
Scratch that, let him do something. Anything at all just once without constantly relying on a hand out. Or fearing he could kick the bucket by moving an inch. Constantly checking through all these medications and with one misstep could be fatal.
Just once could he not feel so pathetically useless.
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~~~
A pair of jade green eyes opened to a wooden beam ceiling. He felt the silk covers around him and was bombarded with the scent of flora perfume. He wasn’t there anymore. He hasn’t been there for a long time. “Just a dream,” he mumbled to himself. Still suspire here such a high pitched and cutesy voice come out of him.
His name was Shen Yuan. Well, it was Shen Yuan. He was your typical millennial if they were the son of rich Asian parents. That’s right he was a rich boy. Got everything he wanted. Expect a healthy body. It didn’t have to be athletic, but he’d love not to keel over after taking ten steps outside into the world. Although, he kind of got that now but that’s another topic. Life wasn’t all that bad. Aside from being at death’s door and forced inside for 75% of his life, he was still a rich boy. That came with the greatest medical care money could buy, and a loving supporting family. Granted that family was usually pretty busy, but they were always there with him when it counted. His birthday, genic holidays, and of course making sure he wasn’t dead. Especially his mother who worried constantly, along with his younger sister. Once she was old enough to understand that her brother was ill.
Too bad for them despite all their efforts the grim reaper finally took him. Just not in a way any of them expected. The generic getting hit by a car, truck or some other road accident. Nope. His sickness eventually won. Taking his life in the process. Nope. How about good old dying on your bed peacefully because your time had come. Nope, nope, nope.
What did him in…was a fucking meat bun! Why, oh why, did he have to lose his life in such a comical way. He half expected his family to find his corpse, be sad, and then call him an idiot for dying that way. He wouldn’t be mad if they’d laughed. His second brother sure would. They’d laugh hard as if they knew the full story.
Now you may be wondering how this all came to be. Well, it all started with a novel. The most horrendous, papapa-driven, fanservice-inducing, waste of potential novel. Proud Immortal Demon Way by Airplane shooting towards the sky. Even their username was a red flag. What made it worst was that it was half decent at some points. The monsters were interesting, the world was interesting, and the protagonist was his favourite character. The only problem was it went nowhere. As if any schematics of a good story were buried under a shit load of bland carbon copy characters with the IQ of an orange, genetic wife insert number here, and papapa scenes all revolving around 1 person. How the hell did the protagonist bed to so many women and not break his back. Or other things. Then to add insult to injury that skeleton of a decent story was then thrown into plot hole heaven. Never to be seen again. He doubted that even the author knew which hole it was in.
When the final chapter came out, Shen Yuan’s rage-filled fingers typed his latest and final rant. He cursed the author with his dying breath. Literally, he died bad mouthing this cursed novel while eating a meat bun. Well choking on that meat bun, but you get the picture.
And so ended his pathetic life…until he was reborn again. Yes, reincarnation was a thing and for some reason, he didn’t need to drink grandma’s soup. He still had all his past memories which could be good or a bad thing. Although this next life was a little strange. Unless he was reborn to a massive family of re-enactors. Where everyone dressed in ancient robes. Even talked in the older style. His soul either travelled through time, or he transmigrated into another world. Cool right? But then he heard more and what he discovered was worse than he could possibly imagine.
For one he was born as a prostitute child and was currently living in a brothel vaguely disguised as a tea house. Now that sounds bad, its worst because no one cares if their child was in the room when they do it. They even ignore him when he cries begging them to stop. He was an innocent little baby. He didn’t want to be defiled this much so soon even if his mind was an adult’s. Move to another room! He did not want to witness his mother get railed.
Every. Single. Night.
Another thing was the name of the brothel. The Warm Red Pavilion. He knew that name well because it was the name of the brothel constantly used in a certain cursed novel. PIDW. He was transmigrated to this god-awful novel. Against his fucking will! Was it that weird google translate thing that put him in here? It was, wasn’t it? Just appeared out of nowhere and then disappeared. He half thought his baby self was hallucinating but nope. Here he was. In one of the biggest hot spots for Bingge to find 10 of his future wives. With any luck, he wouldn’t have to witness any papapa scenes. He read enough of them in his last life, and he rather not curse his eyes more than they have already. Unless this is already the future. He wasn’t so sure where in the timeline he was.
Which brought him to his later and very much still ongoing problem.
He’s in debt. So much debt and was barely half the age to be in college. How did this happen? Simple. His mother (of this world at least) was an alcoholic who couldn’t take the stress of life. So, she drowned in alcohol for all of his life. Then it killed her, leaving nothing but debt papers in her will. Which was entrusted to him. Her one and only son, Song Yuan at the age of 4. What did he do in his last life to make someone curse him this much? Not like he met a lot of people. Why has someone forsaken him this much!
3 years later and the boy’s still kicking. With the help of the women, he now called his sisters, and the fact that he’s an adult in a child’s body, he survived. He hugged the tights of every woman who would pity him. Even the owner of the place. Sure, she was a lot scarier and tried to sell him as a slave one time. But that was before he put on his puppy dog face. At least she gave him the chance to at least try and pay off his late mother’s debt.
Any chore his tiny body could do he did it. Laundry, sweeping, cleaning dishes, he did them all. He even helped count the budget once he proved he was smarter than most children. He could even read which was a big plus in the Madam’s eyes. Now she had someone to help her do her books. Even better pay them less because they were a child. But money was money, and he was desperate not to become a slave. In ancient China was practically a death stance and he’d rather noy die again so soon. He was just happy she didn’t question how a child his age could read and do maths.
It wasn’t until the child turned 6 did, she realised just how much of a gold mine she stuck by keeping him.
“A-Yuan,” one of his sisters called while peeking into his room cheerfully. “It’s nearly time. Are you ready?”
“Almost,” Song Yuan hurried replies while brushing his hair neatly in a ponytail. Not too high. Not too low.
His sisters helped him touch-up his makeup. Not like he needed it. They always praised his natural beauty. The one good thing his late mother ended up giving him, but he won’t cry for her. Even if she gave him this new life. The boy glanced at his reflection one last time and gave himself little touch-ups.
Once satisfied, he grinned to himself. “Alright. Let’s go!”
Back in his old life, there was one thing he loved more than anything. Good, compelling storytelling. His second love was music. During his childhood, he loved listening to the old greats form foreign countries. How their voices and songs changed and shaped a generation. Even classical music moved him in a way nothing else could. His love only grew more when he noticed the idol scene getting popular. The over-the-top costumes, the pound of the loud music the coward cheered for, the show of it all, as those stars in human form took the stage.
When he was young, he wanted to be one of those people. Which was insane when he thought back on it, but a child could dream. He wanted to move others’ hearts as much as they did his. With the power of his voice, but he never got the chance. Once he did try out for his school’s talent show. However, one day during rehearsals his legs gave way as he found it hard to breathe. He never stood on that stage opening night since he was rushed to hospital. Then found out about his illness. He was never allowed on stage again. Not if his family had anything to say about it. So, he gave up on that stupid dream and wasted it away in his room. Reading trashy novels till his death. Never again would he try to the spotlight.
Until now.
“Good evening, everyone.” The was a howl of cheers the second he stepped on his stage. Really it was an oversized table with some fancy drapes and decoration around it. But it was a good enough stage for him. At least he could stand this time. All around him were people, most of which were men enjoying a good meal or one of his lovely sisters. All of that was ignored since all eyes were on him.
After all these years he finally got to live his childish dream.
“Tonight, I have something special. A new song I wrote.” This time he really meant it. It was a song he was thinking about over the last few weeks while things of the original PIDW. More so the protagonist and his hash journey. It was the only thing have way decent in the books. How this god-forsaken child grew into a man that conquer all who opposed him. Words seemed to flow onto paper when he did.
Over the last year, he was performing traditional popular songs his sisters taught him. That was how it started. Then he started mixing some songs he remembered from his past life. Why not? It’s not like the copyright system would affect him here. It was a little hard translating their melodies into ancient Chinese instruments, but with a few word changes and some tempo modification. He was able to make decent covers. They were such big hits people begged for more. What was an owner to do? Not give her consumers what they wanted. No of courses not. It didn’t take very long for their little Song Yuan to become the enchanting songbird of the Warm Red Pavilion. Whose voice and words could capture the hearts of anyone who listen.
This was the first time he got something original, so he hoped it wasn’t so bad.
He nodded to a couple of girls beside him. Ready with their own instruments for support. He held up his own. One of the few usable gifts his mother gave him. Although saying it was a gift for him was a little bit of a stretch. It was more like it was a gift given to her that she never used, and that was given to him after she died. Sure, it wasn’t exactly like the guitar he was used to, but it was close enough.
His fingers dance all the strings of his ruan as he sang the words with passion: “A youngster born with a character of arrogance. Clearing obstacles without complaining. He journeys through the lands, fighting with his fists. Only hoping to break his opponent’s defence.”
The crowd when wild like they did every time. It was a treat to watch a boy so young yet sung with such honesty. His voice was harmoniously sweet yet powerful. Filling the space that even those outside to hear. It shook them to their bones and latched on their souls. It refused to let go unless they stopped and listened. No one could turn away. No one could frown. Or notice their tab growing as they accidentally ordered more drinks. The place was usually packed but never as packed as nights like these. Where the little songbird is free from his cage to sing their heart out.
“Who cares about the common folk or old-fashioned ideas. The talented dares to ask how high the heaves are. The world allows me to do as I wish, so I’ll follow my heart’s desires this once. I can be arrogant while I’m still young!” Song Yuan belted. The child spun rapidly on his little stage to match the new speedy tempo.
He could see it now. The meek and good-tempered Luo Binghe finally slashing back at those who hurt him. For no good reason by the way. Seriously Airplane, what’s with all the cliché angst. Some of it was way over the top. Sweet little white lotus child didn’t deserve that harsh treatment.
This one hoped he did you proud with this song protagonist. Also hope you won’t kill him for touching any one of your possible future wives. He sears his relationship with them is purely familial.
It was another successful night. Even after a year of performing. No one dared get tired of their little songbird. Or get mad when they spend a little too much coin while watching his performances. They were unlike anything they’d ever heard before. The energy and style. They were so uniquely captivating. It didn’t hurt at all that the boy was cute to look at. With clean near snow white skin, bright jade green eyes, hair that shimmered with the glow of the night sky, and the charisma to make them all fall at his feet in cheers.
“Looks like tonight is another winner.” A woman in extravagant silk ropes hummed while taking another sip of wine. The tempting drink was only made the sounds of the boy’s angelic voice sweeter. Maybe that’s why every night he performs sales of all her stock skyrocket. At the very least doubled. Then all she had to do was pay the kid a portion of the proceedings and ensure he’s well-fed, clothes, etc. A true cash cow with high grossing profits. Who would have thought that keeping the kid was the best business decision she ever made? That’s saying a lot since she’s been in business for most of her life. Clawing her way up until her little teahouse was the best in the province.
She gazed at her pigged bank patrons spending money like its water while enjoying the night’s show. “I might need to restock again if they keep drinking this much.”
“Cut to the chase.” She was not alone at her table. Hidden behind a vailed straw hat was a regular consumer. One of her strangest, but not the unsightly type. Far from it she knew hidden behind that veil was a beauty that could rival any of her girls. Perfect skin that glowed like the immortal he was, silken hair adorned with a hair glittering crown, and of course the man’s signature sharp green eyes. They glowed through the vail with a blade-like sharpness. “What do you want from me,” he demanded an answer. His voice was as sharp as those eyes.
The madam giggled while swirling her drink. The man truly was a strange one, but she’s not one to deny a well-paying consumer. Especially one of this esteem. She gestured her cup-filled hand to the boy performer on his makeshift stage. “That boy over there. He looks a lot like you. Don’t you think, immortal master?”
Those green jade eyes glazed outward towards the boy as they spun to the music’s tempo. Since the child was well lit, he couldn’t completely deny it. Their facial structure, their fair skin tone, and most importantly their green eyes all matched his. Green eyes like there are also extremely rare. He wouldn’t be surprised if they were distant relatives. However, he could tell where the conversation was going. It made him hiss, “impossible. He can't be mine.”
“I know.” The madam laughed taking another gulp of wine. That’s what made this patron so strange. “You never do touch any of my girls. Even when they are more than willing to let you slip into their bed. Free of charge.”
The man cringed at the thought. It’s not like he disliked the looks of the beauties here. Nor find them annoying. A fun sinful passionate night wasn’t what he was looking for whenever he came into this place. It was strictly business. Hearing the last gossip and any unlikely things happening recently. Although there was another reason he’d never admit aloud. Not even to the lovely women here would he be willing to become that vulnerable.
“The boy is talented. Far too talented. I dare say he’s a prodigy in the making. They say his words and voice can invoke visions. The effects seemed to be different depending on the person,” the madam concluded. A mysterious talent. One that may interest the immortal master.
She spoke of those curious days when she wondered what to do with an orphaned child. Their mother gained a large debt sum in her wake, and that debt was passed on to her next kid. She thought of paying for it by using the boy’s body, but the girls protected him. Saying he was far too young and for the time being, they were willing to pay for him to stay.
Feeling guilty, the boy would offer to do any chores they needed despite his tiny body. Then came the interesting part when the boy pointed out her miscalculations. As well as somebody trying to rip her offer. She wouldn’t have that. Not in her house. They were swiftly dealt with and the spot of helping to manage finance was given to little Song Yuan. At first, it was simply to humour the child and herself till she got a good enough replacement. Then she realised they were good at the job. Almost like he had done it before. Equations that took months for her to wrap her head around he learned in less than a day. The job was his and she paid for him reasonably. Sure, most of that payment when back into attempting to pay off his debt, but nothing could be done about that. One way or another she will get back what’s owed to her.
Then the day Song Yuan took the stage happened. It was a tiring affair when one of her girls was laughed at for her poor performance. A private show for a couple of young masters who demanded someone else. Unfortunately, that someone was sadly elsewhere with another group so that poor girl took their place. She was humiliated and insulted until Song Yuan took her side. He yelled at the spoiled young masters for making such a beautiful girl cry. She remembered observing the whole event play out. Ready to cut in if things went south, but they when it a completely different direction.
The angry green eyes of the 6-year-old glared down at the laughing young masters. His tiny body acted like a shield for the crying girl behind him. With a ruan, only a few inches smaller than himself, he waved it like a weapon. Point it to the laughing masters. “You want a performance. I’ll show you a performance.” He clumsily brought the ruan to his chest and strummed the stings with commanding confidence. The melody was electric. Capturing the attention of everyone who heard it. It was rough and angry. The type of melody that got your blood boiling with thrill.
Then he opened his mouth. The words he sang stuck like a vicious lightning bolt. They condemned the young master’s ill matters. Making fun of their gaudy appearance, poor attitudes, and dirty secrets the boy must have overheard. The simple words were clearly made on the spot but that didn’t lessen their impact. Despite their simplicity, it was the boy’s voice who carried it. The passion he held as he sang insult after insult. It stole the young masters' words. They didn’t attack back and only hung their heads apologetically. It was like the boy’s words physically hurt them. They paid their bills and left quietly. Yet the place was anything but quiet. A crowd from outside the private room. Cheer no begging for an encore.
It was on that day the madam noticed the type of gem in her possession.
“You’d never guess he was an offspring of that foolish woman.” Yes, the boy’s mother was a hassle. Always getting too close to clients, hearts broken, tears shed, that same song and dance. Only kept her around because her services were too popular. Perhaps because she was a dumb free spirit that was easily brought to bed by any man. It is a wonder how she only got pregnant once. Thankfully, Song-Yuan wasn’t anything like her. “Aside from her beauty that boy didn’t inherit any of her bad habits. A blessing I say.”
“I still don’t understand what you want.”
The madam’s eyes thin like a sly fox. Right back to business. “Don’t you think it’s a shame of such a bright young boy to be trapped here?” She questioned rhetorically, making the man raise an eye brown. “He’s great for business. No doubt, but he’s wasted here,” she admitted. The boy was too good for this place. They all knew it, but he was trapped by his late mother's debt chains. She would be a fool to drop such a heavy debt freely. Yet she would also be a fool to believe the boy would remain untainted if he stayed here. “Who knows maybe he’ll lose himself like his mother did if he stays here too long. Many love to corrupt the innocent.”
The man beside her filched. A type of rage trembled in his veins as he tightened his fists knuckles whitened. It was a good reaction sign.
The madam saw it immediately and went for the kill. “I wouldn’t be completely against some upstanding person taking him off my hands. For the right price.”
There it was. The business proposition. In a way, the sly woman was showing kindness. Being willing to give up such a money-making songbird for the sake of their future. Although for a price. That’s where he came in. A man who could pay the price and give that boy the future. The man couldn’t say he liked it, nor could he say he hated it. The boy’s voice and play style is something truly unique. He could feel it in his veins. That boy could thrive with the right guidance. Who’s to say he should give him that guidance? No one gave him any and he went through hell to get to where he was. Why should he pity this child of a whore? Especially since he seemed to be doing well for himself.
His eyes glazed up at the stage now that the song came to an end. Their face. he couldn’t get over it.
Whether he’s as smart and talented as the madam claimed is yet to be seen. The song didn’t invoke anything out of him. Besides, did he really want to bother to see it. To attempt to nurture a brat that shared his face. Only softer and far more innocent.
The immortal master bit his lip. He might end up regretting this but, “I’ll call on him soon. We’ll see if any of your claims have any weight to them.”