hydrangeabloom | Mafia AU

[As Ajax makes his daring move, Zhongli nods in acknowledgement, recognizing the clever gambit. It's a challenge, a trait he's come to appreciate in his new opponent.

At the comments on Zhongli's attire, the corner of his lips quirks upwards in an appreciative smile. The astute young man has once again hit the mark, discerning that the formality of his outfit is indeed linked to his profession. He follows Ajax's line of reasoning with intrigue, curious to hear the young man's conjecture.

At the mention of "museum curator," Zhongli chuckles softly. The guess is not entirely off the mark.] You have a perceptive mind. But not quite. I do, however, have a deep appreciation for history and the arts. I'd say it is somewhat connected. [It's a purposeful obfuscation, as revealing more about his true role in the city would be unwise.

He moves his bishop, the piece poised to claim Ajax's knight, initiating the trade. Makes it look like an easy decision, like he's used to making sacrifices.] Your turn, [he says, his voice carrying a touch of amusement.]

[ Ajax whistles long and low as he watches Zhongli remove his knight from the board. Aw, that was one of his favorite pieces. But— the lack of hesitation to make such a trade just further sparks his interest. It seems his new friend (can you call someone a friend when you've only played chess with them for a few minutes?) likes to put on a show as well. He claims the white bishop as his own prize not a few seconds later. ]

Wow. You really just went for it, huh?

[ To which Ajax wags a finger (and by proxy the chess piece) in Zhongli's direction. ]

You better not be going easy on me. I simply won't forgive you if you do, Professor!

[ That appears to be Ajax's next stab in the dark at Zhongli's mystery occupation. ]

[Zhongli's chuckle deepens, appreciating the vivacity and playfulness that Ajax brings to their match. He observes Ajax's reaction with keen interest, noting the subtle blend of surprise and admiration as Zhongli willingly sacrifices his bishop.]

Sometimes, one must be willing to make sacrifices to achieve greater gains. [He's not revealing more than necessary about his strategy. Zhongli moves a pawn, the piece advancing as part of a larger strategy, and then he regards his opponent with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.] I assure you, I am not going easy on you. In fact, your audacity on the board has inspired me to push the limits of our game.

[Ajax's playful accusations and his attempt to peg Zhongli with another occupation—a "Professor" this time—have him cast his eyes low somewhat bashfully. He's not entirely used to this attention, this prodding, and yet he is delighted by his spirited guesses.] As for the title of 'Professor,' it's a creative one, but not quite accurate. [With a sly twinkle in his eye, Zhongli clasps his gloved hands and leans his chin on them.]

Should I also make my own guesses as to what you do?

[ Ajax practically puffs up like a peacock at Zhongli's praise. Yes. Good. He is a clever and entertaining boy and deserves praise. Praise that he is rightfully receiving from this stranger that he has become so fascinated with.

(Sitting at his owner's feet, Narwhal gives a short snort, shuffling over to be closer to Zhongli. Ajax might dare to look betrayed if he was even paying attention.

Really now. Who was the shameless beggar here between owner and dog???) ]

Hmmmm?

[ Seemingly bored with playing with the small fry, Ajax picks up another named piece - this time a rook as he slides it multiple spaces across the board. ]

Oh sure. Sure! If you want. Though it's kind of bland compared to yours, I bet.

[ The paranoid part of him (which kept him at the top of his game and with breath still in his lungs) grumbles a bit at such an open exchange. But Ajax quickly snuffs that part out. When's the last time he had a little bit of spontaneous fun like this?

Also. Hmmmm. Yanno — He hadn't even asked for Zhongli's name yet.

(Perhaps a small part of him doesn't want to. If he knows the man's name, he definitely is going to be spending his skills and free time researching the man. And knowing his impulsive nature he won't stop until he knows not only his occupation but a whole myriad of other private details that on top of being just flat out stalkerish would spoil the fun of him finding it out himself the old fashioned way.) ]

But you don't mind Professor since you said it was close, right? Or oh— that's not what you use around here, huh? What was it again. Sensei? No. Zi—

[ He snaps his fingers! ]

Xiansheng.

[ Perhaps a bit mangled in the pronunciation department but still understandable. ]

Ah, the rook, [Zhongli murmurs in appreciation, his eyes narrowing slightly in contemplation. It's a bold move, a declaration of impatience and daring, a sign that Ajax is not one to play cautiously when facing a challenging opponent. Zhongli observes the threat it poses to one of his pawns, a minor yet strategic move that displays Ajax's depth of understanding of the game.

When Ajax mentions "Xiansheng," Zhongli is taken aback, not by the mangled pronunciation, but by the sheer fact that the young man knows the word. He smiles, genuine warmth in his eyes.] Impressive. While 'Xiansheng' may be considered somewhat dated by many, it does bring back memories.

[He tilts slightly, absently scratching Narwhal behind an ear as he ponders Ajax's disposition. His close relationship with his siblings, the apparent free time he has in the middle of the day, and his audacious approach to the game hint at a multifaceted life.] You have a knack for perceiving the layers in people. I suspect your occupation must require a deep understanding of human nature and the ability to adapt to various situations.

[He moves a pawn to challenge another pawn, keeping the game engaging, playing the long game.]

[ Ajax watches Zhongli return back to a more conservative playstyle. It seems his opponent would like to win the war through attrition, which he must admit is a solid strategy. Unfortunately, Ajax lived for the performance and the adrenaline rush that only high-speeds could provide. Boredom would never catch up to him if he kept on the mood.

And so, he takes out the big guns. That is to say — the queen comes forth to slay Zhongli's newly moved pawn. Overkill, for sure. But sometimes, statements need to be made. ]

Ah, those are very flattering words, xiansheng. You have a knack for perception yourself.

[ Zhongli's reaction to the title is not lost on Ajax, which only means that he's going to milk it for all its worth. ]

But that's not quite a guess, is it?

[It had been a matter of time, he thinks, for Ajax to choose to take the bold move of the queen. If he thought that daring couldn't be injected further into the game, his opponent once again proves him wrong. However, Zhongli respects the strategic statement it makes.]

Indeed, it wasn't quite a guess, [he admits, moving his knight seemingly out of nowhere in a defensive maneuver, to protect his pieces strategically. The knight threatens the queen from a safe distance, adding another layer of complexity to the board.

Leaning back, Zhongli surveys the transformed chessboard.]

I enjoy drawing conjectures. [His eyes flicker with amusement.] Someone who appreciates understanding people, is adaptable to various situations, and [he motions to the board between them,] thrives on risk and challenge. Perhaps a role in management? A profession that demands quick thinking and versatility, like a business?

[ Ajax's remaining knight moves to protect the queen in a quite aggressive maneuver that might make any passerby's wonder why Ajax would risk his queen in the first place if he was so protective of it. If asked, he might laugh and comment on how the beauty and might of the powerful should be seen firsthand so that it can be appreciated. For what good is a queen left to wither away in her castle? And what good is a knight that cannot carry out Her Excellency's will, whether that be as a sword or shield? The knight shall protect his queen because he must. Failure is not an option. ]

Aha? What are you fishing for with that remark? More conjectures upon conjectures.

It reminds me of the time I took my younger sister to have her fortune told. She is quite enamored with all things magical, you see. A romantic at heart. And ah, it really did look like magic — the words she was weaving and the insights she was pulling from seemingly thin air. Except— Except if you were to listen and watch quite carefully, my poor sister was unconsciously giving the fortune teller all she needed to know to wow her. And her explanations were more fishing expedition than fact.

I hope you do not think me so green as to fall for the same~

But. [ The sound is harsh as he pops the 'B'. ] To answer your question.

[ And Ajax pauses oh so dramatically as he wags one finger on his right hand: ]

You're getting warmer, Xiansheng. Fairly warm. Like late fall or early spring.

[How interesting. It's as though he's not just showing off the prowess of the queen, but her army's as well. Their loyalty, undying and eternal, quick to react at the slightest provocation.

Zhongli can't help but feel oh so amused by it, along with the story he tells about his sister. Ah, that must have been the older child he's seen with Ajax as they go pick up the little one. It warmed his heart, to see the younger sibling skip, open, bright smile, eyes and arms as he embraced the both of them, their different shades of light-colored hair bundling up together into shades that reminded him of the late fall his opponent had mentioned.

And how in her small hands, she'd always give something new to the youngest.]

Well, if there's one thing the fortune teller and I do not have in common is that I, for one, don't claim to know all about you or your siblings. I will say that I've seen you walk past, towards the school nearby, however. That's as much as I know.

[He tilts his head towards Narwhal, who is pleased as punch with his little nose tilted upwards and closed eyes as he gets scritches just under his chin.] Your companion here had first called my attention, not because of any misdemeanor, but because I also have a companion of mine that I don't usually bring to this place, and perhaps I should.

[His gloved fingers nudge another pawn forward. Noncommital, or so it seems.] As for an actual guess, I'd say you work as a manager in a company, but I'm not sure in which industry. Perhaps entertainment, or even something related to children—toys, perhaps.

[ "I've seen you walk past, towards the school nearby."

"Your companion here had first called my attention."

"A manager in a company. Perhaps entertainment. Something related to children—toys."

Something uneasy settles in the pit of Ajax's stomach like he's being watched, like he's being studied, like someone is figuring out where the soft chinks of his armor is so that they might strike. It's a gut feeling, a familiar feeling, one that usually saves his skin in the adrenaline of a mission. One that he trusts more than anything. The last time he had ignored it, it had been weeks for him in the hospital and the rookie with him not coming home at all. The scar running across his ribs throbs even at the thought of it.

The knight moves once more, this time in front of the queen to take the brunt of the assault while still allowing the queen to freely cause havoc. Childe's smile is still perfectly in place, perfectly friendly, the smile of an ordinary man doing ordinary things on this ordinary day.

(Don't you dare underestimate me.) ]

[ (Archons, get a grip, Ajax. Any idiot could figure that out with the most basic of basic Internet searches even if this guy seems to prefer analog media. What are you getting so bent out of shape for?

Not everyone is out to get you. How many years had your family lived in Liyue now and still the only drinks shared were ones with co-workers.

But still. But still—) ]

[ But nothing.

Ah, but the chess move is made so that can't exactly be undone. Hmmm. Quite the overreaction to the movement of a single pawn. Unreasonable even. But then he always was a theater kid.

Ajax's eyes go comically wide as he looks at Zhongli, then to his left, then to his right, then down to the messenger bag thrown over his shoulder as if it had betrayed him. Oh well maybe it had. It did have the logo of his cover gig for appearances sake.

Gasping: ]

How'd you know? No way. No way that was a lucky guess!

[Zhongli gazes at the chessboard, his fingers idly tracing the smooth surface as a contemplative expression graces his features. He feels a subtle pang of guilt for his candid admission about noticing Ajax's walks and the attention Narwhal had drawn. The usually composed consultant glances down bashfully at the chess pieces, a rare moment of self-consciousness.]

Forgive my forwardness,[Zhongli confesses with a soft chuckle, his tone carrying an apologetic note.] I might have been a tad carried away in expressing how your presence and your companion captured my attention. It's not my intention to intrude.

[As if to shift the focus away from the revelation, Zhongli calmly moves a pawn to capture another, the pieces sliding across the board effortlessly. The lashing out of the knight seems to go unnoticed, or perhaps deliberately ignored.]

And regarding the deduction about your occupation, [he continues, his voice sincere,] I have observed your frequent visits with new toys, all of the same make, almost every week. It wasn't much of a leap to consider a connection to the industry.

[Zhongli raises his eyes to meet Ajax's, his expression gentle.] Forgive me if it feels like I've breached a quiet, private moment of family. It wasn't my intention, Ajax.

[ Ajax is already holding up his hands in surrender before Zhongli even gets halfway through his apology, shaking his head as he tries not to let his embarrassment color his cheeks too much. Sloppy sloppy, Ajax — if this civilian could see right through him and notice his discomfort. This better never get back to his colleagues or he's never going to hear the end of how he's not good enough to be part of their little hitmen squad. As if. Childe was going to be the best. The strongest one day.

He'll show them. He'll show them all one day. ]

No no. You're not being forward at all, xiansh— Okay, actually you are. But I like it. Really.

Ahhhh, I'm so embarrassed.

Here I was— trying to work up the nerve to talk to this hot guy I saw everyday on the way to drop my siblings off at school only to find out he's already taken notice of me. I'd be so flattered if I wasn't absolutely mortified right now.

[ Ajax brings one hand to the back of his head, nervously ruffling up his own hair as he looks anywhere but Zhongli's eyes. Exaggeration is easy and well-practiced, especially when well—

Zhongli was hot. That was an objective fact! Who wouldn't want to be noticed by him? And yanno, Ajax wasn't exactly sure what he was fishing for when he sat down here today (more on a whim than anything), but like hell he's going to let go of the reel now.

Ajax's voice rises pitch in almost whine: ]

How am I supposed to pull off cool and mysterious now?

[Finding himself charmed by Ajax's candid response, his apology is met with an amused smile from his usually composed self. As the younger man playfully admits to his embarrassment, Zhongli detects a hint of genuine flattery beneath the exaggeration. The way Ajax nervously ruffles his hair and avoids meeting Zhongli's eyes is endearing, and it's clear that the unexpected revelation has stirred something in him.

How strange, it's not often he's so easily endeared.]

You need not worry, Ajax, [Zhongli replies, his voice gentle, with a warm smile playing on his lips as he gives his chess opponent some proverbial room by casting his gaze onto the board between them, looking at the pieces.] Cool and mysterious may have their allure, but I much prefer authenticity and determination.

[He could do a switch of the king with the rook, and see what his opponent would do.] It's been a while since someone has called me attractive, let alone, ah… 'hot,' [Zhongli admits, his gaze thoughtful, though thoroughly amused.] Your honesty is refreshing. I find it intriguing that you chose to approach me not out of a shared interest in chess but out of curiosity about the person playing.

[He had stopped petting Narwhal, who decides to take things into its own paws, raise on his hind legs to gently place the front paws on Zhongli's thighs and nudge his snoot into a gloved hand. 'One more attention, please.' Zhongli coos gently, happily granting him more attention and more pets.] I believe I owe you an answer. I work at a mortuary. So to guess and wonder who people are, despite their end, comes with the job.

[ Narwhal, you filthy trailer. What he wouldn't give to be a dog so he could rest between the other man's thighs... ]

Oh really? I mean, great. I can be very authentic. Yep. And very determined. Yessiree.

[ Well, at least his quick recovery seemed to at least distract Zhongli. He even got a little bit of a smile out of him. Score! Ah, this man was even more beautiful when he smiled which just means Ajax was going to make it a personal goal (and game) of his to try and coax more out of him. ]

I mean I like chess just fine, but it was intriguing, yanno. How you came here everyday and seemed to enjoy yourself even if there was no one to play against. Aha, I'm sure my family would be relieved if I could find such ways to keep my own attention focused.

[ Ajax gives a small noise of surprise as he watches his traitorous pet get the pets and scritches that he idly wonders if he is shameless enough to ask for. Works at a mortuary, huh? Plays chess against no one...

For as much as he respected Zhongli for his ability to keep himself occupied, both things sounded lonely. Really lonely. ]

So you work at a funeral parlor? Can't say I ever met one of those before though it explains the eye for detail considering how involved the funeral ceremonies are here in Liyue.

[ There's a long low whistle at that as Ajax starts tapping the edge of the chessboard with his forefinger. ]

What made you pick that profession?

[He does catch a sort of frown towards the dog, Zhongli tapping it into something like being too friendly or needy from strangers. Many owners dislike the shamelessness of their companions by fear of bothering them too much with useless things, but Zhongli's own is unruly, a bit more independent. He loves Azdaha very much and raised him after finding him lost and injured to his eyes, but if he were to pet him, it would be under his own terms, and not so much when Zhongli felt like showing him affection. It's refreshing. Ajax brought a welcome approach to things.]

You're very sweet, [he murmurs to the puppy, smiles down at Narwhal, appreciative. Hoping that the compliments will ease Ajax's worries about the possibility of him being bothered by something so charmingly demanding.] Hm-hm. Yes. Very good.

[Moving his hand to make the switch between his king and his rook, freeing it from many of the constraining pieces surrounding it, he looks up to the lively man in front of him.] Do you usually have trouble concentrating, Ajax? Your energy is quite remarkable. I can imagine it leads to some interesting challenges.

[Chess could be a useful exercise if that were the case. It's such a problem what with the way you are flooded with information and messages across every place. Which, really, takes him to the actual answer to the question Ajax asks.]

I manage the logistics, particularly for those without an obvious next of kin or whose identities and circumstances are uncertain. [Zhongli's gaze turns contemplative.] My choice of profession is perhaps an odd one, but it stems from having a good memory. I find it fulfilling to ensure that those who may otherwise be forgotten have a dignified farewell, a small but lasting legacy.

[Zhongli becomes aware of the intimate details he's shared. Yet, he doesn't feel the usual guardedness that accompanies discussions about his work. Of course, his work extends beyond the parlor, and slips into the intricacies of the family's goals. It's about shaping narratives, ensuring that the right stories are told. Perhaps it's the genuine curiosity in Ajax's eyes or the ease with which they've fallen into this unusual ease that allows him to admit everything else.

But enough about that.]

What about you, Ajax? What led you to your line of work? Your siblings?

[ Ajax is ready and prepared to glare at his own beloved canine companion as he gets more pets and now praise on top of everything. Unfair! Ajax also refuses to think about how warm his cheeks and the tip of his ears would get if Zhongli were to call him a good boy. Nope. No. Not going there!

Luckily(?), Zhongli's explanation of his job is a complete tonal shift, one that moves Ajax in a way that he was not prepared for.

Actually— he really wasn't prepared for any of Zhongli when he chose to sit down here today. Each new mannerism, each philosophy, each new peek into the other man's life just made him want to pry him open just a liiiiitle bit more to see what made him tick. How does someone like Zhongli exist in the world today, anyway? ]

Xiansheng must be very kind to take care of those that the rest of the world has forgotten.

[ Pure. Too pure, really. Ajax once again remembers the young recruit who had not come home that day— a rowdy kid pulled off the streets rough around the edges, but with a potential that was snuffed out before it could manifest into anything. Ahhhhh, could this even be called remembering, when Ajax could not even recall the kid's name. Did he have a family? Did anyone miss him after he was gone? ... Was it this kind-hearted mortician that had seen him off to whatever realm lied beyond?

Ajax pauses for a moment, eyes on the chessboard as if he were concentrating on his next move, but he is not.

Is this okay? To mingle with someone who obviously lived in the world of the light where Tartaglia enjoyed the cool comfort of the shadows. Not that Ajax is going to stop now that Zhongli has opened the door a crack for him. No, Ajax was the type of person who took a mile when given an inch.

Maybe if he was a better person, but that was a dream that had shattered many years ago.

He moves the queen to shield a pawn. ]

[Zhongli listens to Ajax's simple praise, the genuine kindness in the younger man's words, an acknowledgement of a facet of his work that often remains in the background and unnoticed by many, sending subtle warmth within him. He inclines his head slightly at the words, a faint smile playing on his lips.] It is not entirely selfless. My skill set and the nature of my work do afford me certain… personal gains. Everyone has their reasons, and mine are no exception.

[Perhaps the conversation delves too deeply into realms he's not accustomed to sharing. Or perhaps it's something else. Zhongli contemplates this as he makes a seemingly foolish move, allowing his queen to move away from the protective guard of her knight.]

Your move, [he says, his eyes locking onto Ajax's. The subtle challenge lingers in the air as he moves his bishop, a direct threat to the queen herself, a calculated risk that might shift the balance of the game.

Ajax's focus seems momentarily diverted, contemplating his move, and Zhongli, seizing the opportunity, gently instructs Narwhal.] Go on, Narwhal. Meet your owner, he might need your attention too.

[The little dog obediently trots over to Ajax, his tail wagging, and nudges his hand with his snoot, almost as if he's been assigned the noble duty of comforting his owner. Zhongli watches the interaction, a faint smile on his lips. The air is laden with unspoken sentiment, and he wonders if Ajax has recently lost someone. The answer may lie in the quiet shadows that linger behind those lively eyes.]

Oh, now you come over because Xiansheng asks you to? I see how it is!

[ Ajax chides in mock admonition as he scritches behind Narwhal's ears just the way he likes it. The furious tail wagging that follows after is proof enough of that. Though Narwhal, like his owner, is an opportunist so will make the rounds between the two of the them once Ajax has settled to get the maximum amount of attention.

This similarity is only further highlighted when Ajax's knight chases after Zhongli's queen, falling for the bait as easily as Narwhal would chase after any ball thrown in his path. Instant gratification is a powerful motivator. ]

And I don't need attention! It was a honest and sincere compliment.

One worthy of saying that I hope to end up in your capable hands one day, but there's no way to say that without being either morbid or creepy. Or both.

[ Ajax pouts, but only for a moment before he brightens up again. ]

Oh!

[ He snaps his fingers. ]

I know how to turn this around. Can I borrow your newspaper?

[The little dog seems to revel in the attention Ajax provides, and Zhongli's smile deepens at the exchange. He sees a reflection of his own companion in Narwhal—both creatures adept at seeking out affection and warmth wherever they want it. Their very simple ways toward happiness truly place everything else into perspective.

Ajax's knight makes a bold move, chasing after Zhongli's queen, falling for the bait just as easily as Narwhal would chase after a thrown toy. It's a trait Zhongli finds intriguing and fitting for the energetic man across the chessboard. And so the bishop takes the knight. Ah, what a shame.]

Your compliment was indeed honest and sincere. I appreciate it, [Zhongli responds with a gentle chuckle, his eyes glinting at Ajax's protest against needing attention. The mention of ending up in his capable hands draws an enigmatic smile from Zhongli. While he's one to never consider his an ungrateful job, he finds it refreshing to see it appreciated as such. He wonders if Ajax would ever feel the same regarding other less suitable roles.

Ajax's sudden change of topic sparks Zhongli's curiosity. He tilts his head slightly, a curious expression replacing the playful glint in his eyes.]

Of course, [he replies, reaching for the newspaper and offering it to Ajax.] What do you have in mind?

[ Ajax's expressions falls slightly as Zhongli takes the knight as if he somehow expected a different outcome to an extremely obvious play. Oh well, he is now distracted by grabbing the newspaper from Zhongli's hands so that his next move is equally sloppy and not well thought out— the queen flings herself across the board to take the bishop.

...Okay, it might be a little petty, too.

But no matter, Ajax is too busy flipping pages in the newspaper and scribbling something down hastily while not letting Zhongli even get one look at where or what he is writing. He folds the paper tightly into fourths when he is done (hope Zhongli wasn't actually planning on reading that) and sets it back on the other man's side of the table with a mischievous grin and confident nod of a job well done. ]

No peeking until after I leave, okay?

[ Later, in the privacy of his company, Zhongli will find that Ajax has scribbled a quick doodle next to the obituary section. It's a comical sketch of Narwhal holding an old school phone (does the man even have a cell phone) with the words Call me! and Ajax's cell number underlined three times and with three exclamation points. ]

It's a surprise for later.

[Ajax's expression subtly changing into disappointment and the bold move to snatch the bishop makes Zhongli lean his chin on the heel of his palm, interested. Spirited competitiveness, he'd call it, though he'd also wonder how much of it is actual recklessness or confidence. Is Ajax that skilled a chess player? Or just someone who's enthusiastic for matches like these? It's endearing to witness, nonetheless.

In the tranquil setting of the park, Zhongli's gaze nudges a pawn into movement, a slow push on a gloved finger, making it stealthily advance past the line of Ajax's offense, hinting a threat towards the king at the back. He wonders about the moves Ajax has in mind, if at all or if he's playing by ear (he's seen wonderful responses coming from ad-libs, after all). Yet, he is busy jotting something down, keeping it concealed from Zhongli's eyes, and he can't help but be curious at that boyish grin.]

I'm intrigued, [He arches his eyebrows with a thoughtful gaze. There's a certain charm in the mystery, but Zhongli does comply with his promises.] Very well, [he concedes, his tone filled with playful agreement, tucking the newspaper onto a side where an empty thermos sits, to make it not fly away with the breeze.] I promise not to peek.

[Which reminds him.] Perhaps next time we can do this while I still have some tea with me. I'll make sure to brew some for you.

Next time?

[ It is Narwhal's tail that is wagging, but if Ajax were also a canine companion, he would be doing the same. There's a giddy excitement in the way he moves his queen out of immediate harm's way (so perhaps not completely reckless) unbothered by Zhongli's slow and steady advance. Ajax would always lose a game of attrition so there is no need to defend for it. That just means his next offensive would have to be grander still to overcome Zhongli's meticulous planning.

Still the grin on his face is more due to the prospect of getting to meet Zhongli-xiansheng a second time. Ajax's dedication to his work and his family alone made finding time for other commitments rather difficult. Never mind his whirlwind of a personality that demanded all of the other person's attention one moment and then disappearing for days on end without word the next.

Perhaps if he can reign that in for this one person, maybe he could enjoy the facade of a normal life— even for a few scant hours. ]

Ah, I bet xiansheng makes a perfect cup of tea. I can't wait to try it.

But then I need to bring something for you, too! What does xiansheng like?

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