[yes, definitely! i am up for anything. also, hi—this is fox from laby. i'm trying to voicetest hua cheng, but i still don't know what i'm doing with him!]

That's better. I hope you're not injured, gege.

[A slight smile touching his lips, Hua Cheng allows Xie Lian to hold him. He withdraws a fine cloth and carefully wipes the dust from Xie Lian's face. While doing so, he continues to ignore the owner completely, until he's finished tending to Xie Lian: his first priority.

Then Hua Cheng turns, slowly, towards the shouting man, fixing his gaze on him for the first time. His expression doesn't change, but—unbeknownst to the tavern owner—a dark wave of killing intent suddenly radiates from him. One hand still supporting Xie Lian, the other shifts towards his waist, where E-Ming is sheathed; in response to this movement, the scimitar's hilt starts to vibrate.]

[While he listens to Xie Lian's every word as attentively as always, his killing intent continues to increase, even as his demeanor remains calm. Hua Cheng raises an eyebrow, his tone deceptively light.]

I'm not sure what you mean. You clearly tripped over something insignificant. It's no trouble to remove it. That's the only way to ensure it won't cause any more more harm.

[He turns from the tavern owner back to Xie Lian—and catches sight of the bright red blood glistening on Xie Lian's lip. Hua Cheng's eyes widen, almost imperceptibly.

While Xie Lian restrains his saber arm, however gently, Hua Cheng obediently refrains from drawing E-Ming. Yet his other arm is free, and he swings it as quickly as any blade, sending out a burst of energy that cuts through two of the wooden pillars supporting the tavern roof, causing the front of the building to start to collapse. The tavern owner jumps back, his angry shouting quickly transforming into a startled cry.]

[The incident is far from meaningless to Hua Cheng. He's seen Xie Lian forced to suffer far more than anyone should. He has no intention of watching him suffer again. No matter the severity of the injury—it's an inexcusable sin. He's furious. The fact that Xie Lian is accustomed to such treatment only makes him more so, his rage increased by degrees for every slight, indignity, and injury Xie Lian has had to bear.]

A little more blood makes no difference now. Don't worry, it won't touch my hands.

[What does blood matter, to someone like him?

Xie Lian's lunge forward frees Hua Cheng's sword arm from his grasp. Finally, he unsheathes E-Ming. Flashing forth, the scimitar all but sings with its eagerness to draw blood. The townspeople who happen to be in the vicinity—some of whom had been drawn in close by the commotion—now remember they have somewhere else to be, immediately.]

This will be merciful. He'll have another chance in the next life.

[That wooden board is more than enough to defeat Hua Cheng, in those elegant hands. As humble as the makeshift weapon is, Xie Lian somehow makes it look more noble than the finest blade.

Of all the people in this world or the next, the one Hua Cheng would never raise a weapon to is Xie Lian. He lowers his sword instantly, not wanting the edge of his blade to face Xie Lian for a single moment. E-Ming itself somehow seems less sharp, as if also responding to Xie Lian's plea.

Hua Cheng isn't surprised; of course Xie Lian would step in to protect even this man, whose petty, pointless cruelty he'd been a victim of. Yet Hua Cheng's anger hasn't faded. Another part of the tavern crumbles, "coincidentally" blocking the tavern owner's escape route—although without striking him.]

I'm listening. Of course, you're right. There is enough. Yet this one man's life makes little difference, either way.

[In spite of his words, Hua Cheng makes no move to disobey Xie Lian.]

You have no need to thank me, and even less reason to apologize to me.

[Hua Cheng dislikes the very thought. He gestures towards the tavern owner, who winces and stumbles back—though Hua Cheng does not attack him again.]

This is the person who will apologize. To you.

Your life has always been worth a great deal.

[Hua Cheng doesn't expect violence from Xie Lian, but the thought of standing against him is unbearable. He sheathes E-Ming.]

No one will throw me down, so you'll be spared the effort and the hypocrisy.

[He smiles. His tone takes on a more genuine lightness as he speaks. He intends to be overheard, speaking loudly enough for the unfortunate, groveling man to hear him easily.]

What do you think, gege? If you were not with me, I would not rest until not a single beam of this building remained standing. It's an eyesore that should be removed. But you are here, so you may decide what I will do.

Yes, but I can't take credit. Without me, your life is still priceless.

[He continues to smile, his will to do violence fading rapidly now. Especially as he has no wish to defy Xie Lian.]

Ah, are you going to do me the honor of protecting me? I'm a fortunate man.

[He nods. He supposes the current damage to the tavern and the fact that this incident might ruin the establishment's reputation—tales of curses, bad omens, and disaster—might be harm enough. Such people are often hurt the most through a blow to the wallet.]

I'll leave things are they are, then.

[Hua Cheng's attention doesn't need to be stolen; it already belongs to Xie Lian.]

And I would enjoy nothing so much as a walk.

[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.]

And where are we going today, gege?

[Hua Cheng wouldn't blame Xie Lian for a moment of the pain he suffered in the past. His smile doesn't falter, as if he has no idea of what Xie Lian might seek to apologize for.]

If you say so, then I must be sweet.

[There are certainly a number of people who would disagree with that assessment, but Xie Lian's opinion in the one that matters to him. He meets Xie Lian's gaze, allowing Xie Lian to smooth his clothing however he chooses. He can't deny he enjoys the attention, basking in its warmth, as he might with the light of the sun.]

Thank you, but I believe gege is the handsome one.

[He studies Xie Lian's face thoroughly, as if to remind himself of all the reasons his assertion is true. As his gaze passes over that split lip, Hua Cheng feels a heated resurgence of his earlier anger. He almost determines to return and made sure that that tavern owner dies painfully—but he remembers Xie Lian's words. He'll honor his wishes.]

And you've taken it upon yourself to assist? In that case, it's lucky that I happened upon you today. I enjoy seeing you at work.

You'll have to let me know once you decide what to do with me, then. I'm very interested to find out.

[In spite of his manner towards some others, he doesn't tire of being sweet to Xie Lian. It's always rewarding, and it's what Xie Lian deserves. Also, he can't resist the lure of watching him blush and smile, as he is now. He doesn't seem at all discomfited by Hua Cheng's earlier outburst, even though Hua Cheng had come very close to killing that man remorselessly.]

If you're a mess, I must enjoy the company of messes. Perhaps mess doesn't mean what I thought it did, after all...

[To him, Xie Lian is luminous, very far from messy in his eyes. Even a little dirt and wear only enhance his goodness and elegance.]

Oh, of course. No reason whatsoever. I wonder... Were you in the area already, or did you hear of this entity and happen to come this way afterward?

[Now he can't resist teasing, with a faint smirk. Though inwardly, he is completely serious about accompanying Xie Lian. He knows very well how much trouble one ghost can cause.]

You were wondering what to do with me. I was simply curious as to what your final decision would be. Since that's to be my fate.

[Hua Cheng smiles, unaware of the scandalous nature of Xie Lian's thoughts, though he does enjoy watching the series of expressions that play across his face, and that little gesture as he tucks his hair behind his ear.]

Is that what I could have? Beautiful women... Interesting. I'll keep that in mind, gege. Thank you for the advice.

[Of course, he has no intention whatsoever of considering it.]

So it wasn't far, and you had to have a look.

[Driven to help others, of course, regardless of whether he has to go out of his way. It's not surprising. So many other deities would have simply ignored the issue. Most gods aren't deserving of the title.]

I'm not sure, as it depends on the ghost. All ghosts have their own motivations. Some can be vengeful and full of rage. When they lash out, there's not necessarily any logic to it.

Oh, so you have decided my fate already? Are you going to share it with me? I agree to abide by your decision.

[He likes being pushed a little by Xie Lian; it gives him a thrill. Xie Lian's words are intoxicating, and how could he not want to stay near him? It's all he's wanted. That flirtatious look that flashes in Xie Lian's eyes makes his lips part, and he could lose himself completely in that gaze, for a few centuries.]

An empress— Do you have someone in mind for me? I didn't realize you were a matchmaker.

[He's not taking any beautiful women recommendations seriously, but he does manage to not to laugh, though he's still smiling.]

No, they don't. I mean it could be a reason that would be hard to guess. Perhaps they were unhappy in love, perhaps they're delusional, or perhaps they simply enjoy causing pain.

What will you do to them if you don't punish them?

[Hua Cheng is more than willing to dole out punishment, if anyone should trouble Xie Lian—as he almost did with that tavern owner.]

Reason with them?