I've been trying to think of one for them. I CAN'T think of any possible way they would meet and be friends, or not... Unless Eric joined the army or something...

I meant to mention, all of these icons you made are gorgeous. :3

I can see Ariel getting bored after realizing life in the kingdom with Eric isn't as great as she initially thought. I can see her exploring a bit more and eventually leaving The kingdom on a big trip. On her way she meet Shang and they have their little fling, but she has to return to the kingdom. Little did she know Shang and Eric were old friends. Shang comes to visit, and yeah a big fight.

A little bit of improv off the top of my head. It has its bumps and rough spots, but here you go. c:

I like it, but I don't want any romance, just friendship or some sort of meeting. And I can't imagine Shang ever being interested in Ariel.

Ariel sees Shang's war ship coming into port, goes to Ursula to get legs yada yada. She keeps on trying to impress Shang, but he just keeps ignoring her (while still being respectful). After relentless trying, one of Ariel's naive moments causes Shang to laugh and they start to get to know each other. They can both relate to not having a mom. Ariel makes Shang less serious and Shang makes Ariel straighten up (sorta like Tia/Naveen mix) soooo yeah :)

In some fantasy au, Shang is sent on his top-secret mission to discover more about the merpeople so that China may use their advanced technologies or whatever attracts them to the merpeople. Shang and Mulan are sent as "ambassadors" to stay with Eric and Ariel. They come to have deep respect for Eric and Ariel, and both are so filled with joy from their times spent with Ariel that they pull a Pocahontas and John Smith-style social justice moment and Eric and Ariel's kingdom and China exist as friends for the rest of time.

You can do something with whales. The Chinese LOVED hunting whales and other sea animals, so they can meet that way, if ya wanna go all history.