Shen Zheng

Shen is a love interest in the book W: Time Catcher.

About Shen

Shen is a powerful warlock Nova (main character) meets in the Vatican catacombs at the beginning of the book. He discovers that she is a time catcher, a rare witch, and realizes that this could help Others' cause, so he tells his ally and friend Vesper who is interested in meeting her.

He is straightforward, stubborn, loyal, and brave. He has marks on his skin and fatigue in his eyes, and is known as a grumpy warlock with a fixation on a particular item of clothing - his beloved coat. Shen is always collected and calm, but there is tension in his calmness, as if he is an archer preparing to release an arrow at any moment.

Although he is not particularly well-liked, as he can be pretty hard to talk to, Shen has a very gentle soul and would never abandon one of his kind in trouble. You can see throughout the episodes that, regardless of the type of relationship, he wants to protect Nova and cares for her - even if he never admits it. His past is overgrown with rumors. And to get close to Shen you need to fight your way thought his defenses – and it can be a long and difficult process.

If you ask Jorge about Shen in S1, Ep4, Shen tells Nova in S1, Ep6 about the Black September, a period from 1988 where Others gathered in demonstrations. Until it all ended when the Magisterium perceived that as an act of rebellion that needed to be suppressed by force. Shen was twenty-five years old at the time and participated in the protests. He lost two friends during that period.

If you take the diamond choice from S2, Ep2 you discover that Shen lost three important people to him: Yulan, Matteo and Ceferra. He knows he couldn’t have done anything differently, but he feels like they are dead because of him. You also find out that Shen didn't treat Vesper well on their first meeting, despite being very curious to meet the mysterious person who arranged for him early release. But later he ended up accepting her offer to join the mission. Since then, they have been great friends and Vesper worries about the pain and guilt he carries for his past deeds.

In S2, Ep9, while trying to escape the Vatican on yet another Vesper mission, you find out that the Archvenator Petar Grigorov was the responsible for the death of Yulan, Matteo and Ceferra.

In the next episode, you meet Rhydian, a warlock who was Shen’s mentor long ago. According to Shen, Rhydian is one of the most formidable Others in Rome. He also worked with the Curator in the past, so that’s why he is invited to help with the ritual to transfer the power of the Conduit from Nova and Shen into an inanimate object, and thus saving their lives.

Relationships

Nova (MC): They meet in the Vatican's cell thanks to which Vesper recruits Nova. Their relationship can be cold, friendly or steadily become more romantic.
Vesper: He is Vesper’s right-hand man. They’ve known each other for a very long time.
Onyx: They work together in The Incineration Alliance, but they do not like each other.
Jorge: His friend (however Shen may not agree with this statement).
Bea: She is Vesper's driver, an Other that pretends to be an Ordinary to work for her. If Shen is not you love interest, you can matchmaker him and Bea in Season 2, Episode 6.
Constantino Carbone: He is Lucien’s patriarch and he doesn’t like Shen’s bad mood.
Petar Grigorov: He is the Archvenator of the Vatican and wants Shen to die by his hands.
Rhydian: He is a warlock, who was Shen’s mentor long ago and for a short time.

Quotes

"I'm my best self on Mondays" (Diamond scene - S1, Ep1)
"Not "some" coat. My coat." (S1, Ep1)
"I wouldn't abandon one of our kind. Especially when they're in trouble." (S1, Ep1)
“Rome is lost, and nothing can change that.” (Diamond scene - S1, Ep3)
“And I’m sure I don’t like it – watching you sleep instead of sleeping myself.” (Diamond scene – S1, Ep5)
“The dead are better left alone.” (S1, Ep9)
“If you take so long to get ready next time, I won’t bother with the doors and just portal into your room. No matter what state you’re in, dressed or undressed.” (S1, Ep10 – Determinant)
“I’ll have to move my meetings. I’ll just tell everyone I was taken hostage by a witch.” (Diamond scene - S1, Ep10)
“That wouldn’t be a lie. You’re making me stay against my will. You demanded that I drink tea.” (Diamond scene - S1, Ep10)
“I can take care of myself.” (Diamond scene - S1, Ep10)
“I’m self-reliant, not stupid.” (Diamond scene - S1, Ep10)
"Okay, fine. Help me. Something's telling me a few more failed attempts and I'm gonna burn this stupid thing." (S1, Ep12 - Determinant)
"We need to focus. Find the information we need and leave right away. I can't wait to get this noose off. Stay close." (S1, Ep12)
“You really love trouble...” (Diamond scene – S2, Ep2)
“You look… ahem. You look good." (S2, Ep3 – Determinant)
“You do realize what a mess you’ve gotten yourself into, right?” (Diamond scene – S2, Ep6)
"If we go down, let's at least take a couple of these bastards with us." (Diamond scene - S2, Ep9)
“I thought there was nothing you could do that would hurt me more than your lies. I was stupid. You could die, and that... That is so much more terrifying.” (Diamond scene – S2, Ep10)
“You’re right, MC. Nothing will be the same. But we don’t need it to be.” (Diamond scene – S2, Ep11)

Trivia

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio ♏^[2]
Height: 183cm^[3]
Favorite color: Black^[4]
Comfort food: Noodles^[5]
Shen hates doing laundry.^[6]
Shen has Chinese roots.
He is afraid of rats.
He loves his coat, which belonged to his sister.
His skin smells like cedar resin and sharp ginger.
He doesn't like Rome.
He likes tea and tends to drink oolong, but he's not really picky about it.
He doesn’t like fruit.
He doesn't really like to talk.
He has a tragic past.
He is not used to being taken care of at all.
He placed a lot of protective runes on his body and some of them may electrocute those who touch him - but he can turn them off if he wants.
He can be a good actor when he tries, which is evidenced by his conversation with Guusje de Boer if invite him to accompany you in Geneva in S1, Ep11, during which he sounded way more energetic and enthusiastic than usual.
He had a familiar, Ceferra, and he blamed himself for her death.
He also lost friends and his sister.
He doesn’t stay at the Nest every night.
He doesn't drink oolong tea at night, because it has caffeine. At night he drinks rooibos tea.
According to the author, in Shen's coat pockets we could find a pile of empty elixir bottles, crumpled receipts and dried wild flowers.^[7]
Also according to the author, Shen has the snappiest comebacks without even trying. ^[8]

Romance path

Season 1:

Ep 1 · Escape

(Speak your mind.) (💎18) [You're quick-witted. Shen likes this, but don't expect him to admit it.]
(Thank Shen.) [There's hope that he appreciates your gratitude.]
(Took out the remedy she was given by Giovanni.) (💎18) (Possibility to improve relationship with Shen in S1, Ep3)

Ep 2 · Shelter

He didn't seem that bad to me. [Shen made a positive impression on you.]

Ep 3 · The Offer

Hi, Shen. [Shen finds you tolerable.]
(Give the tincture to Shen.) [Would you look at that? He thanked you...] (Only available if you took Ginseng ticture in S1, Ep1)
Don't mind going with you. (💎70) [Looks like Shen doesn't mind spending time with you, for whatever reason.] [CG unlocked]

Ep 4 · The Assignment

I'd like to know more about someone...
- Shen. (💎21) [You unlocked an additional branch in a future conversation with Shen.]
Shen. [You are interested in Shen.]

Ep 5 · The Incineration Alliance

Someone touched her hand. (💎52) [The premium choice will improve your relationship with one of the characters.]
- Shen.
Shen. [This choice will improve your romantic relationship.]

Ep 6 · The Master's Secret

(Ask what kind of tea he drinks.) [Shen appreciated your interest. Probably?]
Reached for the door handle at the same time as Shen. (💎23) [If Shen wasn't Shen, you'd think he was worried about you.]

Ep 7 · Sacrament

Shen, is everything okay? (💎34) [Shen doesn't want anything to happen to you.]
- Made her heart flutter. (Romance option.)

Ep 8 · The Initiation

[Choose the love interest that you find most attractive to improve your romantic relationship. This choice is not final.] Shen.
(Talk to Shen.) (💎21)
- (Go up to him.) [Maybe Shen also felt something...?]

Ep 10 · The Whistle of a Bullet

(Tease him, on the verge of flirting.) [You flustered Shen.]
Why don't you get some rest? (💎50) [Shen appreciates you care.]
- (Wake him with a gentle touch.) (Romance option.)

Ep 11 · A Step Closer

Would you be able to get another invitation? (💎98)
- Shen. [Shen doesn't mind coming with you.]

Ep 12 · A Fly in the Web

(Go to the kitchen.) (💎26) [This diamond choice will improve your romance with Shen.]
You too. Can I help you with the tie? (Romance option.)

Season 2:

Ep 1 · Loneliness

But one of them was especially worried. (💎9) [The premium choice will improve your romantic relationship with one of the characters.]
- Shen.
Shen [Choose a love interest that attracts you the most. This will improve your romantic relationship. This is not a final choice, but an important one.]
And had a dream. (💎76) [CG unlocked] [+1 Power of Presence ⌛️] [Who know what these vision meant...] (Note: You dream about Shen and then you see a vision. Your CG background will be different depending on whether you are on the path of Sun Emissary or Moon Heiress.)

Ep 2 · The Labyrinth

Come in. (💎12) [The premium choice will improve your relationship with one of the characters.]
- Shen. [Shen is starting to realize that he is afraid of losing you.]

Ep 3 · The Verdict

(Talk to Shen.) [What was that about? Go figure.]

Ep 5 · The Decision

"Shen...?" [What is Shen thinking about, looking at you so intently?] (Note: You will get this prompt at the beginning of the next episode. This choice is necessary to continue on his path.)

Ep 6 · All the Secrets

(Put your hand on the middle seat.) (💎10)
Plunged into the kiss. (💎67) [CG unlocked] [Shen has been running from his own feelings for a long time... But he doesn’t want to do that anymore.]

Ep 7 · The Fall

(Go to Shen.) (💎74) [You've opened up to Shen. But will he be able to appreciate it?]

Ep 9 · The Price of Power

(Talk to Onyx and Shen.) (💎44) [You will all remember this moment forever.]
- (Touch Shen.) (💎29) [Shen's feelings for you have taken root deep in his soul.]

Ep 10 · The Sacrifice

And hugged him tightly. (💎32) [Shen is struggling, but his feelings for you have taken root deep in his heart.] (Kiss scene)

Ep 11 · Changes

(Find an excuse to spend time with the Alliance.) (💎70) [CG unlocked]

Season 3:

Ep 1 · The House

Tell me. (💎64) (You see a flashback to Black September, and learn what happened to Yulan, Matteo and Ceferra.)

Ep 3 · The Stars

Yes, please. (💎70) (He lends you his coat to protect you from the cold, you declare your love and kiss passionately)

Ep 4 · Cold Metal

We could have some tea? (💎49) [This diamond choice will open access to an intimate scene with Shen.]
- Yes. (💎101) [CG unlocked] (Sex scene)

Gallery

Sprites and items

CG images

Backgrounds

Additional content

References

[1] Age: https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceClub/comments/16sp39m/wtc_characters_age_and_zodiac_signs/

[2] Zodiac sign: https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceClub/comments/16sp39m/wtc_characters_age_and_zodiac_signs/

[3] Height: https://telegram.me/arinawriter/149

[4] ttps://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceClub/comments/18ojjqo/comment/kehted0/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[5] ttps://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceClub/comments/18ojjqo/comment/kehw5o1/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[6] ttps://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceClub/comments/18ojjqo/comment/kei5wmr/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[7] Interview with the author: https://teletype.in/@thecatchers_rc/rxxMK1UwpMz

[8] Interview with the author: https://www.tumblr.com/romanceclubofficial/765147042566832128/today-we-asked-arina-h-the-author-of-w-time

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