[If anyone were to speak ill of Xie Lian hugging his arm, Hua Cheng might be tempted into a rage again. But he has no time to deign to notice anyone else's reaction to the gesture, taking this moment in like the treasure it is.]
Then surely, no harm can ever touch me.
[He's still smiling, speaking lightly and holding his arm out to be brushed off, when Xie Lian says his next words.
For a moment, Hua Cheng goes still, as Xie Lian's meaning sinks in. He almost doesn't believe his ears at first, because the words seem so miraculous. But he couldn't have misheard, and he believes in Xie Lian's sincerity. Disbelief is shortly replaced by surprise—such as he hasn't felt in many years—and finally, a rush of delight washes everything else away.
His hesitation is slight, because instinct drives him to Xie Lian's side, and he falls into step beside him. Now it's his turn to reach out, his fingers lightly removing the dirt on Xie Lian's sleeve.]
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Then surely, no harm can ever touch me.
[He's still smiling, speaking lightly and holding his arm out to be brushed off, when Xie Lian says his next words.
For a moment, Hua Cheng goes still, as Xie Lian's meaning sinks in. He almost doesn't believe his ears at first, because the words seem so miraculous. But he couldn't have misheard, and he believes in Xie Lian's sincerity. Disbelief is shortly replaced by surprise—such as he hasn't felt in many years—and finally, a rush of delight washes everything else away.
His hesitation is slight, because instinct drives him to Xie Lian's side, and he falls into step beside him. Now it's his turn to reach out, his fingers lightly removing the dirt on Xie Lian's sleeve.]
And where are we going today, gege?