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[Karma doesn't understand how handsome this shaoye is, clearly. He's a treasure, it's right there in the name.]
The context is in the sending itself.
Maybe you should try being more generous once in a while. What's a picture if not for looking at? It would be stranger if I kept it for myself.
[See? He's normal.]
The context is in the sending itself.
Maybe you should try being more generous once in a while. What's a picture if not for looking at? It would be stranger if I kept it for myself.
[See? He's normal.]
[Listening and learning so much.]
Then there was no way to know it wasn't a request for my opinion, was there.
Good point.
[Unfortunately, he IS normal just this one time, as well as powerful enough to withstand bullying with a sound ego. It's just that it's very funny.]
Then there was no way to know it wasn't a request for my opinion, was there.
Good point.
[Unfortunately, he IS normal just this one time, as well as powerful enough to withstand bullying with a sound ego. It's just that it's very funny.]
[His ego is robust; it will survive the winter. If there's still a flush to his face, it's only because embarrassment is so good for his circulation.]
[The argument about the context is a losing battle, so he's dropping it in favor of a fight he has a chance of winning.]
If it's a good point, then you should try it. Go on. Let's see how you do.
[The argument about the context is a losing battle, so he's dropping it in favor of a fight he has a chance of winning.]
If it's a good point, then you should try it. Go on. Let's see how you do.
[But what's to be embarrassed about? He's normal. Though it might be a little more normal to realize there are only losing battles, here.]
I don't think I trust your judgment.
I don't think I trust your judgment.
Outwardly, or at least to the uninitiated, Di Feisheng seems immune to the bleak but fraught atmosphere of the day, deceptively still and calm in both cases. Inwardly, the frustrations of inactivity, weather, and their inability to fight back Li Lianhua's inexorable decline are just as stifling and agitating by turns. It's just as well that Fang Duobing is choosing a channel for what could otherwise have easily become volatility, despite all the ironclad will keeping his dread in check. Though it wouldn't have killed the brat to be less...like that, in his request, which is an extremely generous and forbearing way to choose to view a demand. He's used to it, and he's already unfolding carefully around the occasional tug in his side to throw in his lot with this distraction, but the sweep of his eyes as he catches up carries as much affront as curiosity. A more classically sarcastic man might ask if shaoye is sure there's nothing else helpful he ought to bring along; Di Feisheng is not dignifying this perceived accusation of unreadiness with a verbal response.
"What are you planning?" is his own demand, with a last glance compass-accurate in the direction of an absence. Curiosity, and need for distraction, but also trepidation. How long will it take? Must they both go?So many questions from Di-mengzhu these days. "This better be important."
"What are you planning?" is his own demand, with a last glance compass-accurate in the direction of an absence. Curiosity, and need for distraction, but also trepidation. How long will it take? Must they both go?
[Not all losing battles. He thinks he can win this one.]
Then send it to Li Lianhua. He's seen plenty. Or do you not trust his judgment either?
Then send it to Li Lianhua. He's seen plenty. Or do you not trust his judgment either?
Better be important, he says. "Tch, how could it not be?" he returns with a lift of his chin. Would he bother making the request in this moment if it wasn't? He doesn't see it as a demand, despite phrasing it like one. Di Feisheng is capable of declining if he wants, and Fang Duobing doesn't doubt that he would if he was so inclined; but the purpose serves them both, so he also doesn't see why the other man would. The logic is obvious, and no elaboration should be needed.
"I want you to help me make of request of that crystal." He gives an explanation a few steps down the house's shoveled walk, already making his way to the road once Di Feisheng has joined him, his own necklace gripped stubbornly in a fist. "I haven't had any results on my own, so I thought the two of us might be more effective."
Does the manpower count when a wish is made? Wasn't it always said that more elaborate prayers often evoked responses from the gods? Not that he's ever been a particularly superstitious person, but perhaps one plea to their negligent host isn't enough. Maybe two might get the message across. It's a direct solution--more brute force than cleverness, which maybe speaks to the level of desperation he's at if he's reached this point.
"I want you to help me make of request of that crystal." He gives an explanation a few steps down the house's shoveled walk, already making his way to the road once Di Feisheng has joined him, his own necklace gripped stubbornly in a fist. "I haven't had any results on my own, so I thought the two of us might be more effective."
Does the manpower count when a wish is made? Wasn't it always said that more elaborate prayers often evoked responses from the gods? Not that he's ever been a particularly superstitious person, but perhaps one plea to their negligent host isn't enough. Maybe two might get the message across. It's a direct solution--more brute force than cleverness, which maybe speaks to the level of desperation he's at if he's reached this point.
[The confirmation that the ghost is indeed a ghost-- not quite literal but not strictly metaphor-- is nice as well. At least tells her that the issue was dealt with in an acceptable manner. Not that it would be something to concern her, but it does feel like something that should be more easily put to rest for everyone that had been involved.]
[Why she's being compared to a dead woman is beyond her. Can't Li Lianhua just consider her a unique problem of his? It's so confining, being framed in someone else's shadow simply because ...what? She make a joke about his friend's intentions? Tch.]
I do understand now. I thank you for the explanation.
No need because the altercation has passed? Or because the lunacy has?
[Why she's being compared to a dead woman is beyond her. Can't Li Lianhua just consider her a unique problem of his? It's so confining, being framed in someone else's shadow simply because ...what? She make a joke about his friend's intentions? Tch.]
I do understand now. I thank you for the explanation.
No need because the altercation has passed? Or because the lunacy has?
Of course it goes without saying, Di Feisheng hasn't had any results himself. Nevertheless, he for once feels the rare compulsion to say it anyway. "I haven't either. So maybe you're right." The approval in his voice isn't as grudging as the hope, somehow. Not like him to need to rely on it, or to hesitate a breath, passing over his first question completely. "What do you mean to ask for this time?"
[Most unfortunately, beyond her it will have to stay. The casual and even affectionate disrespect with which he treats Li Lianhua's ongoing contentions with the weird scholar next door is a strange fault line with the stonewrought sense of duty he's adopted for some of Li Lianhua's secrets. His house can stay his own, the aetiology of his illness can stay a mystery, and the name Li Xiangyi won't be so much as breathed to her, meaningless as it would be. But these are just some of the many narrow perils of diplomatic undertaking. He's already done an exceptional amount of work he's not well suited to. The idea that anyone will fall prey to an overzealous woman on his account again is as ludicrous as thinking he could hand dye the stripes off any tigers.]
Don't hold your breath for the latter, though I think this particular ghost at least has passed. But words don't work on lunacy. I nearly said as much the first time we talked.
Don't hold your breath for the latter, though I think this particular ghost at least has passed. But words don't work on lunacy. I nearly said as much the first time we talked.
Alas. So much for promising no ill intentions when I next pretend to flirt with you.
[Which she will. Understanding the nature of Li Lianhua's concerns doesn't mean she's interested in curbing her own. It just gives her an idea on how to mitigate any feathers that she ruffles, how to side-step disputes that she doesn't feel like having, and that's good enough for her.]
Is it endearing, to have someone be so protective of you?
[Which she will. Understanding the nature of Li Lianhua's concerns doesn't mean she's interested in curbing her own. It just gives her an idea on how to mitigate any feathers that she ruffles, how to side-step disputes that she doesn't feel like having, and that's good enough for her.]
Is it endearing, to have someone be so protective of you?
Lunatic.
[The less said, the better. Conversationally the equivalent of playing dead. Unfortunately, he understands why it's so amusing. Li Lianhua would be much better off if he just enjoyed the liberty being inflicted on Di Feisheng, like a sensible person.]
It's not just for my benefit. If he were right and not insane, who would you target first?
[The less said, the better. Conversationally the equivalent of playing dead. Unfortunately, he understands why it's so amusing. Li Lianhua would be much better off if he just enjoyed the liberty being inflicted on Di Feisheng, like a sensible person.]
It's not just for my benefit. If he were right and not insane, who would you target first?
[Unfortunately, the playing dead does still make her smile. Such is life.]
If he were right about what? That I have some predatory interest in you? That I'm dangerous to you? This is a very silly hypothetical, and the idea of "targeting" anyone is beyond me.
But if I have to answer, then it would have to be him first, no? And if I did that, then I don't imagine you would like me very much, and my days would be very boring. So where would I even be?
See, it all falls apart the moment you take more than two seconds to think about. I'm a little insulted that I'm expected to be so devoid of reason.
If he were right about what? That I have some predatory interest in you? That I'm dangerous to you? This is a very silly hypothetical, and the idea of "targeting" anyone is beyond me.
But if I have to answer, then it would have to be him first, no? And if I did that, then I don't imagine you would like me very much, and my days would be very boring. So where would I even be?
See, it all falls apart the moment you take more than two seconds to think about. I'm a little insulted that I'm expected to be so devoid of reason.
[As it was meant to, honestly. Weird bird. But they have an understanding.]
I've already said you don't need to reassure me. Or are you trying to do the opposite with all these words? You understand my point, and agree.
I've already said you don't need to reassure me. Or are you trying to do the opposite with all these words? You understand my point, and agree.
Continued disbelief, not reassurance. The idea is so faulty as to be impressive on multiple levels. But I'll let it go for your sake.
I understand your point, though it didn't need to be made. My question was genuine. Do you enjoy his fussing over you?
I understand your point, though it didn't need to be made. My question was genuine. Do you enjoy his fussing over you?
So generous of you.
I don't know if you did understand, or you wouldn't call it that. Should I enjoy it?
I don't know if you did understand, or you wouldn't call it that. Should I enjoy it?
Is what I call it that important?
I can't tell you if you should enjoy it or not. That's up to you to determine.
I can't tell you if you should enjoy it or not. That's up to you to determine.
You're making fun and you know it.
Why? Have you finally run out of words?
Why? Have you finally run out of words?
The fact that Di Feisheng is still with him means more than the approval or the hope. Fang Duobing is certain that if the other man thought the idea was without merit, he would have stopped and turned around right there. It's still nice to hear, though, regardless of the levels of reluctance... Or the question that follows. The answer that Fang Duobing gives is approached with just as much hesitance.
"The same things as always. A cure for the poison." He doesn't expect there to be one here, and if there was, he doesn't expect this Vaeros to simply hand it over... But he has to try anyway. He'll take even the smallest chance if there's any to be taken at all. He could probably mask the desperation in that if he didn't continue, but Di Feisheng is a partner in this now (and always has been, as far as Li Lianhua is concerned). "If not that... then something that will help. His cultivation. Mine, or yours. Even Huli Jing might raise his spirits enough to get him out of bed. If we can just make it through the winter, the situation will improve."
"The same things as always. A cure for the poison." He doesn't expect there to be one here, and if there was, he doesn't expect this Vaeros to simply hand it over... But he has to try anyway. He'll take even the smallest chance if there's any to be taken at all. He could probably mask the desperation in that if he didn't continue, but Di Feisheng is a partner in this now (and always has been, as far as Li Lianhua is concerned). "If not that... then something that will help. His cultivation. Mine, or yours. Even Huli Jing might raise his spirits enough to get him out of bed. If we can just make it through the winter, the situation will improve."
I am, and I have not.
I could wax poetic all day about the nature between the two of you, but why should I? I'd much rather have your words than mine on the matter.
I could wax poetic all day about the nature between the two of you, but why should I? I'd much rather have your words than mine on the matter.
Well that won't help you understand.
Congratulations, you've discovered one half of conversation.
Congratulations, you've discovered one half of conversation.
Hmm, you make a compelling argument.
You're avoiding the question, though. Is it really so difficult to answer?
You're avoiding the question, though. Is it really so difficult to answer?
On this fine afternoon, Li Lianhua really wasn't expecting to be treated to such a show without even having to leave the comfort of his own porch. The price of admission - having to hear that haunting, unnatural whispering on the wind - is barely paid when Di Feisheng takes unsurprisingly direct and very funny action against it. He watches that tussle, calmly sipping his tea and deeply satisfied in the knowledge that everyone is getting exactly what they deserve out of this. It's not all civilized board games and verbally leading him around by the nose with Di Feisheng, is it? That man is as untamed and fierce as the shape he's taken and it's about time Iris learned that much.
Di Feisheng will probably not learn anything good from this, but it's hard treating two afflictions with the same medicine.
That she thinks some scolding or posturing can dissuade Di Feisheng from his goal is worth only an amused shake of his head. Has she really not figured out who she's dealing with, yet? Ah well, he shouldn't expect too much of her. The foolhardy scruffing, at least, is a bold and novel enough technique executed on Di Feisheng to be acknowledged with an involuntarily impressed raising of his cup to his lips. Just in time for him to nearly choke on his tea when she climbs him like a donkey. The sheer absurdity of that hasn't even had time to fall on one side of hilarity or wincing second-hand embarrassment when the glint of steel against the panther's neck changes the tenor of the spectacle significantly. Li Lianhua's teacup comes down hard on the table with the force of his watchful tension, now poised to act, though he refrains from involving himself with some pointless nattering that is likely to surprise only one of these fools. Di Feisheng has exactly as long as it takes Iris to shift her weight into the press of the blade to get out of this scrape on his own.
Admittedly, he too hadn't expected her to tip her hand quite so viciously over that thing. Even if it's possible that she still doesn't realize who she's facing, she's usually more careful to maintain her cloyingly pleasant act. How interesting. For the first time since feeling a shiver run down his back at hearing those ephemeral lines of poetry, Li Lianhua is a bit curious to get a better look at this little treasure-- If this ends without someone's blood spilled, anyway.
A river bending its knee to the sharp cliff wears it down... you big blockhead. As Di Feisheng heeds his unspoken terse instruction and lands Iris in the dirt, his grip on the cup eases and he leans back with a pleased, if a little relieved smirk on his lips. Her quick recovery is unsurprising and the rock, while passably well aimed, is just a cheap parting shot, can't possibly be a match for Di Feisheng's superior reflexes. But truthfully Li Lianhua isn't disappointed to see him make for home after all that. As the panther leaps through the open window, Li Lianhua stands and brushes some invisible speck of dust off his robes, unable to resist a glance over to his neighbor. It's a shame he can't make out her expression too well, but he knows just what will make it worse. With a mocking shrug of apology, he follows Di Feisheng inside.
Only now does he spot the fine line of blood glistening in the dark fur and so the first thing he utters isn't some sarcastic congratulations, but an annoyed click of his tongue. All that and he couldn't even get away unscathed? He'd hope that this would instill some respect for her claws in Di Feisheng, but he knows it will only make him want to go another round with that woman. So troublesome.
"Are you proud of yourself?" Li Lianhua chides the panther and gives him a not very gentle slap on his behind for his efforts. But seeing the mangled remains of his hard-earned trophy in his clutches does remind him of the fun they've just both had and Li Lianhua shakes his head, huffing a resigned, appreciative laugh. "You're really something else, Di-mengzhu. Hey, let me get a look at this." Without waiting for permission, he bends to pick up the mess of bones and string.
Di Feisheng will probably not learn anything good from this, but it's hard treating two afflictions with the same medicine.
That she thinks some scolding or posturing can dissuade Di Feisheng from his goal is worth only an amused shake of his head. Has she really not figured out who she's dealing with, yet? Ah well, he shouldn't expect too much of her. The foolhardy scruffing, at least, is a bold and novel enough technique executed on Di Feisheng to be acknowledged with an involuntarily impressed raising of his cup to his lips. Just in time for him to nearly choke on his tea when she climbs him like a donkey. The sheer absurdity of that hasn't even had time to fall on one side of hilarity or wincing second-hand embarrassment when the glint of steel against the panther's neck changes the tenor of the spectacle significantly. Li Lianhua's teacup comes down hard on the table with the force of his watchful tension, now poised to act, though he refrains from involving himself with some pointless nattering that is likely to surprise only one of these fools. Di Feisheng has exactly as long as it takes Iris to shift her weight into the press of the blade to get out of this scrape on his own.
Admittedly, he too hadn't expected her to tip her hand quite so viciously over that thing. Even if it's possible that she still doesn't realize who she's facing, she's usually more careful to maintain her cloyingly pleasant act. How interesting. For the first time since feeling a shiver run down his back at hearing those ephemeral lines of poetry, Li Lianhua is a bit curious to get a better look at this little treasure-- If this ends without someone's blood spilled, anyway.
A river bending its knee to the sharp cliff wears it down... you big blockhead. As Di Feisheng heeds his unspoken terse instruction and lands Iris in the dirt, his grip on the cup eases and he leans back with a pleased, if a little relieved smirk on his lips. Her quick recovery is unsurprising and the rock, while passably well aimed, is just a cheap parting shot, can't possibly be a match for Di Feisheng's superior reflexes. But truthfully Li Lianhua isn't disappointed to see him make for home after all that. As the panther leaps through the open window, Li Lianhua stands and brushes some invisible speck of dust off his robes, unable to resist a glance over to his neighbor. It's a shame he can't make out her expression too well, but he knows just what will make it worse. With a mocking shrug of apology, he follows Di Feisheng inside.
Only now does he spot the fine line of blood glistening in the dark fur and so the first thing he utters isn't some sarcastic congratulations, but an annoyed click of his tongue. All that and he couldn't even get away unscathed? He'd hope that this would instill some respect for her claws in Di Feisheng, but he knows it will only make him want to go another round with that woman. So troublesome.
"Are you proud of yourself?" Li Lianhua chides the panther and gives him a not very gentle slap on his behind for his efforts. But seeing the mangled remains of his hard-earned trophy in his clutches does remind him of the fun they've just both had and Li Lianhua shakes his head, huffing a resigned, appreciative laugh. "You're really something else, Di-mengzhu. Hey, let me get a look at this." Without waiting for permission, he bends to pick up the mess of bones and string.
Edited 2024-05-06 15:50 (UTC)
Unscathed enough, says his cool refusal to grace that or the scratch itself with any attention, nose in the air. The man who pinned him right through to his own ship's mast with a concealed sword is tutting at him over a papercut. This doesn't even count as a real injury, and Li Lianhua would admit himself it was an unexpected, outsize retaliation, not some characteristic refusal of caution on his part. If he's a calf, he's in good company, and it's not like she came away from it with some kind of crushing victory either. She may have scraped a knuckle in the dirt herself, did he think about that? Should they both have banquets thrown in their wounded honor? Should they invite the emperor? There is no gratitude in this world.
And that's how he feels even before the unprecedented indignity of receiving a cuff on the backside like a horse being deliberately spooked to strand a traveler, a shock that is met with saucer eyes and not the swipe it deserves. Someone here is really something else and it is not the panther with a mouth full of haunted porch decor. Recovering all too quickly, he braces himself to defend his prize, ears back and jaws set, eyes narrowed to jade green slits. Li Lianhua didn't get his bones threatened for this, or have to be scruffed until the whites of his eyes showed. If his pride isn't welcome here, Li Lianhua can hunt down his own ghostly detritus at the neighbor's house, see how that goes. Or at the very least, make a more compelling offer than just sticking out his hand.Not his cat, remember?
And that's how he feels even before the unprecedented indignity of receiving a cuff on the backside like a horse being deliberately spooked to strand a traveler, a shock that is met with saucer eyes and not the swipe it deserves. Someone here is really something else and it is not the panther with a mouth full of haunted porch decor. Recovering all too quickly, he braces himself to defend his prize, ears back and jaws set, eyes narrowed to jade green slits. Li Lianhua didn't get his bones threatened for this, or have to be scruffed until the whites of his eyes showed. If his pride isn't welcome here, Li Lianhua can hunt down his own ghostly detritus at the neighbor's house, see how that goes. Or at the very least, make a more compelling offer than just sticking out his hand.
It's because this isn't a real injury that Li Lianhua is free to scold and be amused and impressed. He's all too familiar with Di Feisheng's pride and it's not so meager that it needs an extra boost from him, especially after launching a victorious assault. It can't be that Di-mengzhu has grown so accustomed to a hall full of fawning followers that he finds the welcome he receives in this shabby house beneath him now, can it? If they invite the emperor, His Majesty will be honored by a single glance from this battle-scarred wildcat, to be sure.
But it does look like he might have underestimated the importance of this win, or perhaps Di Feisheng's limit to the indignities he'll take in one afternoon. The panther's maw tenses a hair's breadth from his hand, fangs whetted and a glare sharpening those feline eyes trained on him and it's enough to halt his careless reach for the windchime.
For a moment, the temptation to wrap his hand around the prize and see what the panther will do about it glints in Li Lianhua's eyes to match.
It's just that every prominent line of the panther's features, every readying shift of his muscles beneath the jet-black fur is both so strange and so familiar. And the sheer commanding air of willfulness and defiance so recognizable that Li Lianhua has to laugh, a grin breaking free before he can cover it with the offending hand. How does this man even now find new ways to be so amazingly himself?No one's cat, as it should be.
Li Lianhua straightens with a clearing of his throat, his hands politely folding behind his back, though they don't stay there for very long because he needs one to gesture to the length of Di Feisheng with a complimentary wave like he's a particularly well-built ox at the market. "You should wear this hide more often, Lao Di, it suits you indeed. I wasn't expecting a panther to be so expressive." He finally quells the lopsided grin on his face with a pursing of his lips. "But aren't you even a little bit curious about her sorcery? What if it was a test of something? Of you? Ah, I promise I'll give it back so you can hang it from your dao."
But it does look like he might have underestimated the importance of this win, or perhaps Di Feisheng's limit to the indignities he'll take in one afternoon. The panther's maw tenses a hair's breadth from his hand, fangs whetted and a glare sharpening those feline eyes trained on him and it's enough to halt his careless reach for the windchime.
For a moment, the temptation to wrap his hand around the prize and see what the panther will do about it glints in Li Lianhua's eyes to match.
It's just that every prominent line of the panther's features, every readying shift of his muscles beneath the jet-black fur is both so strange and so familiar. And the sheer commanding air of willfulness and defiance so recognizable that Li Lianhua has to laugh, a grin breaking free before he can cover it with the offending hand. How does this man even now find new ways to be so amazingly himself?
Li Lianhua straightens with a clearing of his throat, his hands politely folding behind his back, though they don't stay there for very long because he needs one to gesture to the length of Di Feisheng with a complimentary wave like he's a particularly well-built ox at the market. "You should wear this hide more often, Lao Di, it suits you indeed. I wasn't expecting a panther to be so expressive." He finally quells the lopsided grin on his face with a pursing of his lips. "But aren't you even a little bit curious about her sorcery? What if it was a test of something? Of you? Ah, I promise I'll give it back so you can hang it from your dao."
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