[ ah... xie lian's heart squeezes a little, remembering the people in the caves of mt. tonglu. knowing hua cheng protected them, knowing that soldier must have fought like hell to do so. xie lian always liked that about hong-er - he was one of the only believers xie lian ever actually had that listened. that knew how much he hated the thought of being prostrated to, that prayed to him in the way he wanted.

it's nice, to know that that never changed; that that little boy was still this ghost king, with his heart made of gold.

the ferret chitters softly as hua cheng pets him, and nuzzles his face into those thumbs, soaking up the attention happily. ]

... I am, too.

[ xie lian's expression is soft and fond. ] Though... I think perhaps I will not tell this other you much of our journey together in this place. I want to learn of him the way I've learned of you - even if it feels as though I get to cheat a little, in doing so.

[ hualian speedrun ]