When the elevator doors opened to the lobby, Ao Bing stepped out and walked into the cool night air, the crisp breeze a welcome relief.

Eager to clear his head yet again, Ao Bing began to walk back towards his condo but stopped abruptly, sensing a familiar energy from the restaurant across the street. Even though his powers were sealed, he could still feel the presence of other deities and immortals when they were nearby. The energy was faint, as if sealed away, like his own. 

But there was no mistaking who it was. 

Ao Bing crossed the street and walked through the glass doors, scanning the restaurant's interior. In a dimly lit corner, sitting alone and enjoying a glass of wine, he found exactly who he was looking for.

Sun Wukong was savoring each bite of her meal, her delight evident in the way she closed her eyes and smiled with every mouthful. She was lost in the flavors of her current bite of food when suddenly someone sat down at her table. Her eyes snapped open, and despite her initial surprise, an undeniable warmth flickered in her eyes at seeing an old friend after a very long time. The two sat in silence for a moment, smiling at one another, processing their unexpected reunion.

”Your Highness,” Sun Wukong said finally, raising her glass to him and taking a sip of wine.

Ao Bing’s smile widened. When others referred to him as such, he thought nothing of it. But when it was Sun Wukong who addressed him in that way, there was a sense of nostalgia behind it. He bowed his head as he greeted her, “Sun Jiāngjūn (General Sun).”

“Had I known you were gracing me with your presence this evening, I would have had them bring out a more expensive bottle of wine,” she said in a low voice. She gestured for a server nearby. “Please bring another glass for my friend!”

As the server hurried off, she thought to herself how much she truly missed seeing Ao Bing like this--his freckles spread across his face like small constellations as he smiled widely for her, yellow eyes shining even in the dim light of the restaurant. His skin had a sun-kissed glow from spending so much time on various beaches, and Sun Wukong noted that he seemed so much more carefree than the last time she saw him. It seemed that all of the time he spent away from the Crystal Palace served him well.

Ao Bing looked around at the restaurant, taking note of the high-end decor and velvet seats. “You’ve certainly moved up from eating leftover dumplings from a street stand, General.”

The server returned with another glass and poured wine for the both of them. 

“Those dumplings were delicious,” she snapped back. She took a big sip of wine and leaned forward, eyes twinkling with the usual mischief he was accustomed to seeing from her. “I actually prefer those dumplings to this filet mignon tonight,” she whispered loudly, “but don’t tell the chef.”

Sun Wukong then went on to explain her reasons behind her stop in Midnight City. She was passing through, having retired from her post as a Celestial General some time ago, and like Ao Bing, was exploring the mortal realm as part of her retirement. She told Ao Bing she was actually on her way to Japan to spend some time in the countryside when she decided to take a detour to visit Midnight City, having taken up fine dining as a hobby. This particular restaurant had been getting a lot of attention in the food blogging scene, so she decided to check it out. 

“So you’re here to check out the food scene,” Ao Bing said casually. “Not to see the Crown Prince?”

Sun Wukong didn’t react. However, as the most expressive person Ao Bing had ever met, this non-reaction was a reaction in itself.  She shot him a look from across the table as if to say, are you done? He shrugged, smirking, as if to reply, you know I can’t help it. 

When it was Ao Bing’s turn to share his reasons for being in town, her reaction was somber. She knew Ao Bing was close with his Second Uncle, and she figured it would have taken something serious happening to one of his family members for him to return to the Crystal Palace on his own accord. She expressed her condolences and poured him another glass of wine.

“Did you see the Emperor?” she asked softly.

“Yeah, earlier.”

“So that’s why you were out playing at that rooftop bar,” she remarked.

“You sensed me, too?” Ao Bing asked. “Even with my spiritual energy sealed away?” 

”A-Yu, I’ve known you for over 800 years, of course I did.” she replied. “But I don’t like that it’s been over a hundred years since we’ve shared a drink like this.”

(In Chinese culture, the prefix "A-" is added to names or nicknames to express familiarity, affection, or informality, commonly used among family and friends. Sun Wukong calling Ao Bing "A-Yu" is a playful and affectionate way of addressing him based on his given name, Jianyu. The "A-" prefix adds familiarity and warmth, while using "Yu" (from Jianyu) simplifies the name, reflecting a close relationship or a teasing dynamic between them.)

Ao Bing nodded in agreement and clinked his wine glass against hers. 

Before they could enjoy another sip, a loud noise erupted from outside. The two exchanged a knowing glance, both recognizing immediately that the disturbance came from the spiritual plane. Without a word, they both bolted towards the exit to investigate. 

“Ms. Wukong?” the host asked, as the two made their way to the door.

“Add the bill to my tab!” she called out before exiting.

As they stepped into the street, the night air was filled with the usual sounds of the city- honking horns, distant laughter, and the overall hum of urban life. Mortals went about their evening routines, completely oblivious to the massive demonic energy that was in their midst. 

Ao Bing and Sun Wukong spotted the source of the disturbance immediately: two towering demons, each twenty feet tall, with gray, mottled skin and long, spindly limbs resembling those of a spider. Their heads were a grotesque mixture of insect and human features, complete with sharp teeth and four sets of gleaming, sinister eyes.

The demons moved with frantic speed, scaling the building across the street. Their limbs clung to the facade like spiders, their terrifying eyes scanning the rooftop bar above them. Despite the chaos unfolding on the spiritual plane, the world around them carried on as usual- pedestrians strolled by while cars sped past, drivers unaware of the scene unveiling in front of them.

Ao Bing quickly tried to sense the presence of any Celestial Officers in the area who would be able to handle the situation without either Ao Bing or Sun Wukong getting involved. 

“We don’t have time,” Sun Wukong said, urgency in her voice. “Those demons are moving fast.”

With determination, Sun Wukong began a quiet chant, her voice low and resonant, reverberating with an ancient power. As she invoked her celestial form, a brilliant golden light enveloped her, growing in intensity until it was almost blinding. The air around her crackled with energy, and her body glowed with a radiant aura. Golden armor, intricately engraved, materialized around her, shining with an ethereal brilliance. Silk red sashes, rich and flowing, draped elegantly over the armor. Her long hair, bound in a golden crown, whipped around her face. 

In her hand, she wielded a large golden staff, its surface adorned with divine inscriptions and glowing with an inner light. The staff extended and retracted at her will--only such a formidable weapon would be used by the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. 

This was the Sun Wukong of legend. 

The epic hero of countless tales.

Ao Bing rolled his eyes.

Does she always need to be this dramatic?

Reluctantly, Ao Bing began his own internal chant, invoking his powers. A soft blue light enveloped him, much more subdued compared to Sun Wukong’s. He chose not to fully unlock his divine powers, and only summoned his spiritual weapons--the legendary dual swords passed down from generations of Dragon warriors. Both swords were double-edged straight swords crafted from a shimmering, almost translucent metal. Intricate dragon motifs were etched along the length of each sword, flowing with the grace and power of the dragons they were named after--Qinglong (Azure Dragon) and Yuelong (Moon Dragon). Ao Bing held Qinglong in his right hand and Yuelong in his left, both swords’ hilts wrapped in midnight-blue silk, adorned with silver inlays and each with a different jade dragon head pommel. 

The demons continued their ascent up the building. Sun Wukong flew up behind the first demon, her staff ready to deliver a blow. Ao Bing followed, his swords gleaming in the moonlight. The demons, sensing their approach, stopped climbing and turned to attack.

Sun Wukong engaged the first demon with swift and powerful strikes, her staff a blur of motion. Ao Bing confronted the second demon, his swords clashing with its limbs with deadly precision. As they fought, Ao Bing heard Sun Wukong’s voice in his ear coming through the chaos like a sort of spiritual intercom, “These types of low-level demons aren’t usually this aggressive.”

Ao Bing parried a blow and responded, “You think they could be possessed?’

“Possibly,” Sun Wukong replied, dodging a vicious swipe from her opponent. 

The encounter was intense but brief. Both demons were quickly defeated, and as the creatures dissolved into the ether, Sun Wukong and Ao Bing hovered in the air, stopping right above the rooftop bar, surveying the scene below. It seemed as if no one was hurt, and no property was destroyed. The rooftop bar below showed no signs of the conflict, and the patrons continued their night, blissfully unaware of the danger that had just passed them by.

Ao Bing, looking at Sun Wukong with extreme judgment in all of her Celestial glory, asked if it was really necessary to appear fully outfitted in her traditional armor. 

“I’m just following protocol,” she said. “According to Article 4, Section 3 of the Celestial Edict: ‘All Celestial Officers engaging in the use of divine powers within the Mortal Realm must be in full uniform, signifying their official capacity and authority.”

Ao Bing scoffed. “That’s the only rule you’ve ever followed.” 

Suddenly, two Celestial Officers arrived, their eyes scanning the area then widening in awe as soon as they recognized Ao Bing and Sun Wukong. The officers saluted and bowed very, very low, addressing them both respectively.

“General Sun,” one officer said with deep reverence. “Vice-Admiral Ao.”

Ao Bing shook his head as he “sheathed” his swords, the blades disappearing into thin air as he sealed away his divine weapons. “I renounced that post a long time ago. No need to refer to me as such.”

The officers exchanged a glance and then nodded. “Your Highness,” they corrected, bowing again.

Sun Wukong nonchalantly reverted from her Celestial armor to her earlier outfit. “Couldn’t you have gotten here sooner?” she asked playfully. “I was enjoying a really nice night.”

One of the officers stepped forward and addressed them both. “The Celestial Intelligence Agency Director has asked us to escort you back to headquarters, if you don’t mind.”

Sun Wukong threw her head back and laughed, thoroughly amused. Ao Bing looked hesitant, clearly wanting to avoid any more further involvement. 

“Please, General” the officer added, “you know exactly what wrath we will incur if we don’t bring you back with us.”

Just then, the officer’s phone rang. He answered it nervously, and the deep, booming voice of the CIA Director erupted from the speaker. 

“Are they there with you?” the Director asked. “Sun Wukong?! Ao Bing?!”

“Yes, Director?” answered Sun Wukong playfully.

“You!” shouted the voice on the other end of the line. “There are demons loose in the mortal realm and you two are having a meal like it’s a damn reunion party?” The Director’s voice grew increasingly louder and accusatory.

“I had to find out through my own god damn intel network that you both were together having dinner? YOU COULDN’T FUCKING PICK UP THE PHONE TO CALL!?”

Sun Wukong didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The officer holding the phone tried to smooth things over, and when that didn’t work, Sun Wukong took the phone from the officer and calmly said, “Erlang Shen, calm down, we’re headed to you now, I’ll even bring over a nice bottle of wine and we can all have a drink, okay?” Chuckling to herself, Sun Wukong hung up abruptly before the director had a chance for another outburst. 

The officer stared in shock as Sun Wukong handed back his phone. Erlang Shen was not someone to be trifled with; he was a strict enforcer of divine law, and his reputation for taking things very seriously preceded him--no one would dare hang up on him just like that. For Sun Wukong, however, Erlang Shen’s over-the-top reactions were almost routine. Sun Wukong, known for her penchant for breaking rules, found Erlang Shen’s sternness more amusing than intimidating.

Ao Bing glanced back down at the rooftop bar, his mind racing at the thought of going back to the CIA headquarters to see Erlang Shen. The sudden return to the chaos that always seemed to surround Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen was exasperating. Just a few days ago, he agreed to come back with his brothers for the sole reason of spending time with their uncle. How was it that he found himself tangled up once more with Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen in just a matter of days?  

His frantic thoughts came to a quick stop as he locked eyes- for the second time that evening- with Yi Zichen. 

Around him, the other bar patrons continued to drink and laugh, oblivious to the sight of the four Celestial beings hovering above them. Meanwhile, Yi Zichen was holding a glass of bourbon, looking up at Ao Bing with glimmering eyes and a calm, unwavering expression. 

Holding his gaze, Yi Zichen’s lips curled into a slight, knowing smile as he raised his glass to Ao Bing.

Author’s Note

Sun Wukong: Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is one of the most iconic figures in Chinese mythology, immortalized in Journey to the West. Sun Wukong is a divine warrior and his self-proclaimed title, Great Sage Equal to Heaven, reflects his defiance of the heavenly hierarchy. Sun Wukong sought recognition as an equal to the celestial deities.

In Lotus Blooms in Winter, I decided to reimagine Sun Wukong as female. This wasn’t a decision I debated; it came to me instantly and felt completely natural.

Erlang Shen: Erlang Shen (二郎神), the Immortal with the Third Eye, is also a figure in Chinese mythology. Known for his ability to see truth with his third eye, he is often depicted as a strict enforcer of divine law and order. He is remembered for his battles against chaos and injustice, including his role in subduing Sun Wukong.

It felt entirely natural to me to place Erlang Shen as the head of the Celestial Intelligence Agency (CIA). His intellect, unyielding sense of duty and reputation as an enforcer make him perfect to oversee operations that protect the balance between the realms.