"Shizun is really good with makeup" came the voice of Luo Binghe, taking Shen Yuan out of his focus slightly. He was being careful, making sure both eyes were looking the same and had clearly been thinking about it for a little while, despite still using some references on his phone.
The human blushed slightly at the compliment, not seeing why he was telling him that when he had not yet seen the result. "Not really, it has been a while since I did that," he pointed out, finishing his work. He had really just added some red makeup to the outer corner of his eyes, sliding a little under his eyes. He even risked putting on some eyeliner and he didn't regret it, it did look really good.
Binghe then looked himself in the mirror, smiling at the result. "We could buy some rouge when we get back home if Shizun wants to try more often" suggested the Demon Lord. This made Shen Yuan smile a little more softly, thinking of home. If Luo Binghe was there it would most likely always be home, but he was still missing his mountain Peak.
He brushed aside the feeling, not wanting to be bumped out for the day. They would have a fun time trying to find some actually fashionable clothes for his husband. Sure, he was nowhere near good at fashion, but he could tell his clothes were not suited for the Demon Lord. At worst they would need to listen to what the clerk had to say, he was sure every one of them would be happy to serve someone as handsome as Luo Binghe.
For now, the man was still wearing the pieces of clothes he had managed to find, adding to this that Shen Yuan went to buy him some underwear. It was truly a weird mixed, than to have him wear modern cloths, yet rather old fashioned boots.
It was... going to cost a lot of money, but it should be fine, right? He had his old economies, which wasn't too bad since the last convention he was supposed to go to was cancelled, so he still had his money. His mother had also transferred him money, enough to live correctly for a while with his lack of work. If they were to stay it wouldn't be the best idea to throw it away so easily, but at the same time, Binghe did need some modern clothes that fitted him.
He looked at himself, guessing he should be alright. Back in some not too bad looking jean, wearing one of his oversized hoodie over a generic green t-shirt. He would be sure not to be cold, although he doubted anything like this would happen under Binghe careful eyes.
"Won't Shizun put a little bit of makeup too?" Binghe then asked, a happy smile plastered on his face, Shen Yuan nearly read "We could match" all over his face. "T-this Shizun wouldn't look as good as his husband" he protested gently. It was also because he wasn't confident enough to actually wear makeup outside. He may or may not have practice on himself in the past, but he had never gone out with it.
Luo Binghe shook his head in disagreement, "This husband is convinced that Shizun would also look good". Shen Yuan slightly looked to the side, looking unsure, before trying to reach a compromise "This Shizun will let Binghe try something, but if it doesn't work I won't keep it, how about that?".
This seemed to satisfy the Demon Lord, switching place with him while the human was taking off his glasses, closing his eyes. He felt his husband wash his face, before hearing him reach for the makeup. He had expected Luo Binghe to do something similar to what he had done, yet after only a short instant and a couple of poking around, he was told that it was done.
He wasn't sure what to expect, reaching for the mirror to take a look at what his husband had done. He found a line of three dots under each of his eyes, starting for the outer corner. It was rather discreet, they were still visible with his glasses on, but not too eye-catching either. He then looked back up at Luo Binghe, the man looking at him softly "Will this be discreet enough for Shizun?".
Oh, he had noticed, yet again, his lack of confidence and decided to do something rather easy to miss. It made him smile warmly, patting his husband head, wondering how he had found someone who cared for him and noticed the smallest things. "Binghe did a good job, I do like it" he said, Binghe's eyes illuminating at the praise.
Now that they were ready to go, Shen Yuan needed to remind the Demon Lord of one last thing. "What do you call me?" he asked, looking up at Binghe. "Not Shizun" replied the man, not looking too happy about that, but it would be too weird if he did so. "I can use A-Yuan instead" he added, remembering that his Shizun had said he could use whatever but Shizun. This made him slightly blush, not used to anyone else than his sister referring to him in such a way.
"And what is your full name?" he asked, wanting for Luo Binghe to especially remember this one. People would probably think he was crazy if he was going around telling everyone he was Luo Binghe, which to everyone else was a fictional character. "Wang Binghe" he replied, before adding "This disciple still do not understand why he must change part of his name".
Shen Yuan looked sorry, understanding it was probably not what he would have wanted to do. "This Shizun... will try to explain later, I promise, just bear with me for now". He received a nod, knowing the Demon Lord would accept anything he was telling him to do anyway.
He then dragged him outside, going to wait for the bus, checking on his phone the itinerary to go to the nearest mall. At least it shouldn't be a long trip and they would be free to walk around without being stuck like sardine inside a bus.
It was the first time he was actually out with Binghe, as they passed the last two days at his apartment. The Demon Lord was looking around, curious about many things that weren't familiar. He was sticking close to his Shizun, sometimes whispering questions into his ear. The breath against his ear and neck would sometime send a shiver down his back and a slight blush on his cheek, trying to ignore it to instead answer his question the best he could.
Only once they were at the mall were they able to not be over one another, despite Luo Binghe still sticking rather close to him. They were still attracting attention, or at least Binghe was, despite his attempt. Well, he supposed his protagonist charms were still effective even here. He couldn't talk, as if he were someone who didn't know him, he would too be attracted to his looks. They were walking around, looking at what store would have something good for his husband.
When he found somewhere that seemed good, he grabbed his hand, gently dragging him inside. "Is there something you would like the try?" he then asked Binghe, trying to let go of his hand only for the man to grab the hem of his sleeve instead. "Shi- A-Yuan would most likely find something good, anything you pick up will satisfying me".
"Binghe, you have too much trust it this husband poor fashion skills," he thought to himself, still walking around anyway. He would sometime pick something up, taking a step back as Binghe was obediently holding the piece of clothes in front of him, letting him imagine. Anything in warm colour and that was dark would look good on him, though he would be curious to see his disciple in light colours again.
When he saw one of the employee coming towards them he thought they were saved, someone qualified would be able to help. Yet, upon being asked if they needed help, Shen Yuan didn't have the time to answer, a voice speaking from behind him. "We are good, A-Yuan is doing a good job" he answered.
The young lady looked a little taken aback, Shen Yuan giving her a sorry smile. When she was away he turned back to Binghe, asking him why he chased her away. "This disciple only need A-Yuan opinion, he will surely pick something good," he said, pulling him by the hip so he was a little closer to him.
Shen Yuan panicked slightly, gently putting his hand on his torso so he wouldn't get closer, looking around at the people who were surely giving them side glances. Luo Binghe frowned a little bit at his reaction, not understanding why he was being rejected that way, yet the panic in his husband eyes was enough not to see it as a full on rejection. Something was up yet he didn't understand what was wrong. "L-let's just go and try these clothes" whispered Shen Yuan, slipping out of his grip easily, shyly pulling him by the sleeve.
He picked one of the fitting room at the other end, where there didn't seem to be people. Only when the door was closed behind them did the smaller one seemed to relax. He jumped a little when he felt arms pulling him in a hug, the familiar feel of safety helping even more. "Why is Shizun scared of me right now?" he asked, hoping it wasn't that.
"This Shizun isn't scared of Binghe" he reassured him, giving him a small smile, "It's just... this type of relationship is not well accepted here". After knowing Shang Qinghua more, it wasn't a surprise that in Proud Immortal Demon Way, same-gender couples and marriage were just as normal. Yet the reality here wasn't the same and they needed to be careful. Binghe didn't seem to understand why such a thing would be frowned upon, yet simply nodded, forced to accept it. "This husband will be careful then," he said, not wanting to cause distress to Shen Yuan.
He then gently left a kiss at the top of his head, letting go of his husband, looking a little more curiously this time at the clothes he had picked up. Since the little time of panic had passed by, Shen Yuan was now ready to help him with his clothes.
He was honestly impressed to have managed to pick up the things that were indeed fitting well on him. He couldn't whether it was because anything could look good on Luo Binghe, or if he had managed to summon some sense of fashion.
The dark burgundy turtleneck with the leather jacket and black jean were probably one of his favourites. Pretty casual and all fitting him as if made for him. Only the boots were out of place, but it could easily be corrected with a nice pair of leather boots maybe? That was going to cost him a lot if he kept putting him in leather, but it was just looking so good on him.
They still reduced the number of clothes significantly, keeping for sure that one outfit. At least he would be able to have three different outfits for when they were going out of his small apartment. They went to pay, Shen Yuan nearly sobbing at the final count. He had nearly never gotten himself expensive clothing, though it was worth it if Binghe could at least look good.
Their next step was a shoe store, taking a little less time this time around, the small husband having a good idea this time of what could fit him best. It ended up being black leather boots, he was just sure they would look great on his husband.
When he was sure he had everything for him, he dragged Luo Binghe to one of the mall bathrooms, pushing him quickly into one of the stalls. The Demon Lord ended up coming out, wearing the outfit he had deduced was his husband favourite. He looked pretty satisfied and happy too. Sure he had to leave his Shizun's clothes, but these were picked up by Shen Yuan especially for him. How could he not like them?
Of course, Luo Binghe insisted on carrying the bags, his free hand slightly grabbing at some of Shen Yuan finger, testing the water as to what would be deemed acceptable. It seemed alright as he didn't take his hand away, Binghe looking delighted by that.
Like this they went around, looking around the stores without really buying anything, Shen Yuan always ready to explain to him what was the thing he was more confused about.
Shen Yuan quickly noticed that as more time was passing, the closer Binghe was getting to him, his grip a little tighter around his hand. "Is something wrong?" he asked, wondering if something was bothering the taller man. "People are always looking in our direction" pointed out the Demon Lord.
Shen Yuan was going to answer that yes, obviously people would look at someone as handsome as Luo Binghe, only to stop. It wasn't right. The man usually never noticed when people were very obviously drooling over him. The only reason would be... because he thought they were looking at him? No way, he was looking like a potato bag next to his handsome husband. He wasn't taking it badly, it was to be expected anyway and he hadn't exactly picked up a flattering outfit either.
It still made him laugh, shaking his head. "Of course people will look at someone as handsome as Binghe" he pointed out. The man then looked shocked, as if not believing what his husband was telling him. "Shizun must be mistaken" Luo Binghe then said, slipping up without noticing, "A-Yuan is much more handsome". This made the human blush, not expecting to be told this in the middle of a mall, looking away embarrassed. How could this demon be so oblivious to his own charms?
Seeing there was no point in arguing against him, as he was apparently convinced of that, he tried to gently reassure him instead. "No one will try to steal this hus- me from Binghe," he said with a small smile, "I wouldn't let anyone do so either anyway" he also pointed out. This did seem to reassure the man, making him relax knowing it wouldn't happen. He kept on gently reassuring him as they were going towards the restaurant's area, whispering things passerby would miss, but that Luo Binghe was very much catching.
"Let's eat now, am starving from all this walking around" he suggested once they arrived, pretty sure his husband wouldn't worry more for now. He saw how the man was going to tell he would make him some food, Shen Yuan instead shushing him with a small smile. "Doing the trip back home to come back after would be too long, lets get something here" he said, before adding "Obviously it doesn't reach what Binghe can do, but it will do."
He tried asking what the Demon Lord would want, but of course, it ended up being "whatever A-Yuan wants". He decided that noodles sounded rather good, waiting in line with Binghe as they were trying to decide what they would order.
When they did place their order, Shen Yuan suggested for the Demon Lord to go and find them a table, he would bring them their lunch when it was ready. "A-Yuan shouldn't bother with that" then argued Luo Binghe, "If you are tired of walking and standing you should sit first" he instead suggested. The human decided that it wasn't really worth arguing about it. He was indeed tired of standing right now, even though he could have done it for a little longer. He simply reminded Binghe what their order number was since it would be called out when ready.
He took the bags, not accepting for the Demon Lord to carry both the bags and their foods to the table. He had made sure to wave at him when he was sat down, though he doubted Luo Binghe had taken his eyes off of him for even a second while he was searching. They had chosen a good time, as the lunch rush was already over and tables were nearly all empty. He had decided somewhere with no one around would be better, at least they would be able to talk with no one overhearing what they were talking about.
He decided to watch how the man was doing when left alone. Binghe did decide to look at him for the most part, only for his attention to be grabbed by something happening behind the counter, most likely what was being cooked. Shen Yuan ended up looking down at his phone for a moment, checking out the notification he had received while they were having fun walking around.
When he looked back up, Binghe was now joined by three young ladies, making him freeze a little. Well, he wasn't exactly sure why he was this surprised. Binghe was a handsome young man seemingly by himself, of course, he would attract some girls to him. The Demon Lord also being tall did help him stand out even more.
The girls seemed very interested in him, giggling and trying to keep a conversation going. It was probably hard when Luo Binghe was barely giving them any attention, glancing back to his Shizun from time to time. He could see he was simply keeping a polite facade because it was what he had been told by his Shizun. Although back in Proud Immortal Demon Way Luo Binghe's name was enough to keep most from bothering them, it wasn't the case here and starting a fight was not on his to-do list.
He wasn't scared to have his husband stolen from him, despite his difficulty with his image right now, he had gotten the very clear message that Binghe had only him in his heart and mind. So he could easily swat away the little pang of insecurity trying to nag at him, instead, he was being rather amused at the situation. These poor girls really had no idea how unlucky they were, trying to flirt with an oblivious married man.
The man seemed to have a little more life put back into him all of a sudden, turning back towards the noodles shop. Most likely their order being ready to take away. He saw one of the girls talking again, only for his husband to point towards him, making him shrink in his seat awkwardly when he felt three pair of eyes fixed on him. Another one seemed to ask another question, only for a slightly colder expression to flash on Binghe's face when he replied.
The man then happily got back to him, the trio most likely already far away in his mind. Shen Yuan tried to ignore the glares thrown in his direction, smile a little when the man finally sat in front of him with their food. At least the distraction was soon gone.
"What did they want?" he asked curiously as he placed his bowl in front of himself. Luo Binghe looked back at him as if trying to figure out what he was talking about, before realisation flashed in his eyes. "Oh, they wanted to know if I did my makeup, they like it" he smiled, sounding proud that people like his Shizun work.
Shen Yuan hummed softly at that, trying to hide he was happy people were also finding his work good. "Anything else?" he asked after finishing his bite. "They also said my outfit was good, but of course it is because Shizun picked it up for me". The human was probably going to die from how oblivious the man was, as it all sounded like them trying to compliment his husband, yet all he could think about was him.
"What was it at the end? When you pointed to me?" he asked curiously, having already a vague idea of what they had suggested. "They wanted to eat with me, then I told them I was already with A-Yuan" he started, Shen Yuan now understand the first round of staring at him. "Then they suggested to join us, but I didn't want to" he finished.
Shen Yuan nodded at that, understanding even more why he had the glare at the end, clearly coming into their way he supposed. Not exactly like he was doing it on purpose, he was just married to him after all. "Why did you refuse?" he asked curiously, wondering what were his thoughts, other than probably not wanting anyone to even lay eyes on him.
"I knew A-Yuan wouldn't enjoy being around them" he pointed out. Well, he was clearly more introvert and awkward back in his original body, but he supposed this train of thoughts could also come from when he was Shen Qingqiu. Sure he wasn't a shut-in, but there were types of people that were less enjoyable to be with. He would trust Binghe on this one. "And I wanted to keep having Shizun all to myself" he added at the end, a little more quietly as if expecting for him to not like him admitting it. He also felt like there was also his worries of earlier added to this, although Luo Binghe was clearly the one wanted here.
If it was still him at the start of his transmigration he would probably have wondered what he did wrong to have his disciple be so oblivious and not pay attention to potential harem members. Now it was making him feel all warm that he wanted to be with him so much. "I see, well I am happy to have you for myself then" he replied, making the Demon Lord all joyful again.
The day went on similarly, talking about anything, going around the stores. Binghe even convinced him to try on some outfits, despite Shen Yuan ending up buying none. The man still seemed rather delighted by the idea of his husband wearing clothes he had fully picked for him. Maybe they could do that once they were back home.