When the Protagonist Begins to Crawl in the Darkness

Shen Zhou, after a lifetime of humiliation and struggle, finally exacts his revenge. But just days after his triumph, a twist of fate sends him back three years in time, forced to live under the same roof as his enemy, constantly crossing paths.

A mysterious curse binds their lives together, courtesy of some unknown fiend.

Shen Zhou wants nothing to do with it, but his enemy, Lu Buzhuo, claims to have lost his memories and is now a frail invalid.

Freezing weather? He faints.

Food not to his taste? He faints.

Scolded by Shen Zhou? He faints.

Shen Zhou: “…”

To survive, Shen Zhou reluctantly takes care of Lu Buzhuo.

Over time, he learns that Lu Buzhuo has a sweet tooth, that he fears the cold.

Later, with just a glance from Lu Buzhuo, Shen Zhou knows whether to hand him clothes or a snack.

And later still, when Lu Buzhuo lowers his eyes to kiss him, softly brushing his Adam’s apple, Shen Zhou knows to open his mouth.

—

The day the lies unravel.

Shen Zhou presses his sword against Lu Buzhuo’s neck, coldly demanding, “Any last words?”

Lu Buzhuo grips the blade, suddenly smiling. “Yes.”

“When you kill, hold the sword steady.”

“Don’t tremble.”

The sword thrusts forward. Shen Zhou’s pupils constrict, but it’s too late to pull back.

In an instant, warm blood splashes across his face.

GUIDE

Characters: Gentle, Frail Gong x Dark, Maniacal Shou

Tropes/Tags: Melodramatic, maniacal shou in a love-hate, HE!

Note: The shou has always been crawling in darkness. Before the gong’s fake death, he crawled in secret; after, he crawled openly, growing ever more unhinged.