Fic: Who You Always Were

[china_shop]

I just posted the third and final chapter of a canon divergence AU, branching off from episodes 12 and 13, in which Da Qing doesn't recover so easily from Zheng Yi's power.

Who You Always Were (8123 words) by china_shop
Chapters: 3/3
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan, Da Qing & Zhao Yunlan
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, In which fish is not the answer, Episodes 12 and 13, Secret Identity, Tension, Identity Reveal, Mutual Protectiveness, so many secrets, First Kiss (for one of them), Meta Disguised as Fic (it’s a pretty thin disguise)
Summary:

Zhao Yunlan hung up, stared at his blank phone screen for a moment, then tucked it away and looked at Shen Wei, his previous anger mostly set aside. “I have a problem. I know it’s not my place to trouble an esteemed biology professor with such matters—” This with a heavy helping of sarcasm. “—but last night Zheng Yi kidnapped Damn Cat and used him to raid the SID for the Hallows. Lin Jing gave Da Qing a sedative, but the madness still hasn’t worn off. I’m worried about him.”

Focus on: Episode 22: Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei eating

[sakana17]

Location of scene: Episode 22, 34:20-36:22
[translated dialogue from the fan-provided subtitles QCed by solo]

Context: This scene happens right after Shen Wei has healed Zhao Yunlan's blindness with the Longevity Dial.

( Description of the scene )

( Why I love this scene )

It's such a short scene, but it's packed with themes about their relationship: Shen Wei caretaking Zhao Yunlan, Zhao Yunlan teasing Shen Wei, the two of them discussing business (the Merit Brush), Shen Wei declaring his intention to go it alone, Zhao Yunlan determined that they'll go together, and Shen Wei acceding. And it all happens over food!

Come discuss this scene! Thoughts, theories, ideas, plot bunnies, squee, fanwork recs... Anything related to this scene welcome!