The Gift

Luo Binghe shows off his notes to Shen Qingqiu when he visits, explaining the use of screws and wheels and pistons, the way they all connect together to form moving, workable parts. Even in his fox form, Shen Qingqiu still manages to pull off a look filled with disdain.

Ah, the lengths humans go to when they fail to harness their qi, he says, teeth bared.

“If I learn to harness my qi, can I turn into a fox?” Luo Binghe says, eager.

Shen Qingqiu’s ears flatten to his head in mild exasperation. It only works the other way, Binghe.

“Oh,” Luo Binghe says, pouting.

Do you not enjoy being with your own kind? You’re learning a great deal about these contraptions.

“I’d rather be with gege.”

Shen Qingqiu stiffens, all nine of his tails shooting upward. Then he whips back into their den with a sharp, hmph!

Luo Binghe returns to the city with his heart full and his bag filled with his favorite fruits and berries.

Soon.

Soon, he will have Shen Qingqiu’s gift ready.

Or, in an ever-changing world, human Luo Binghe makes a mechanical gift for fox spirit Shen Qingqiu.