wife_material

[That's a lot more information in just a few words than Cat maybe knows, but then again, at this point, who can even say what he's aware of or finds motivating. :). Cats really do just do whatever they want. This one wants to distract him, and unfortunately it's working a little bit. ~~dude what the FUCK.~~ This buys Cat a few minutes, easy~~, but god at what cost~~.]

About the tree.

[The negative spaces in that deceptive expanse of information are of just as much concern anyway. In addition to the words as written, he now knows Li Lianhua and Cat have spoken about another miracle cure entirely, and maybe actually about Di Feisheng in some capacity too. Whatever that actually looked like. Because remorse and esteem are probably similar enough to reality, enough to confuse even a shrewd Cat, but reality isn't as simple as that. Whatever, it's fine.]

Obviously I can't just ask him. He's a liar anyway.

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coineater

[Ah, such a blissful couple of minutes that was.]

obviously

he thought iris and i were planning to grow it in a matter of weeks but were not so reckless
as nice as that would be
what comes out will be roughly equal to what i put into it when it comes to that cultivation business
he did try to get a second one as a control but our host didnt care to oblige

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[Of course he tried to get a second ~~(Nth)~~ miracle cure as part of a pointless grudge match with a neighbor. And, Di Feisheng supposes, also for Cat's sake, if he's being generous, which he's forcing himself to be. ~~Gritted teeth.~~]

No, I don't suppose our host would. What were you planning, if not that?

I don't have to tell you that this concerns me too.

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coineater

and yet there you went and did it

dont worry boss im interested in fulfilling my half of the deal too :)

weve been making sure the roots got settled in and something about the soil
normal tree things for making sure it survives, but with a little help to put the odds in our favor
once we know its stable we can start with the growing
we wont do it in weeks but months maybe
we dont have the years to waste on a regular trees schedule

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[Yes, because unlike Li Lianhua, Cat seems very sensible in the way of many alive things. Di Feisheng wonders but has no idea how to ask if he finds it as baffling and frustrating that Li Lianhua bucks the trend of interest in survival.]

["Something about the soil" sounds like what someone who has no non-illicit tree related plans would say, but he just has to accept it anyway.]

"We" is just you and Iris? I'm glad for her help even if he isn't.

:)

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coineater

[...what does it mean what does it MEAN

There's a threat somewhere in there, he feels it in his achy bones. But what he could possibly be threatening, and over what? what does it mean]

just us!
even if i knew other people that can make a tree grow properlike i wouldnt trust them with this

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Hey. Are you at the manor?

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[THE MANOR. For what, shaoye.]

Maybe.

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[NAMED IT THAT. There's even a plaque!]

Shouldn't you know if you are or aren't? I need an extra pair of eyes.

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[Different when he does it.]

It depends on what you want them for.

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[Most definitely is not.]

I think I'm being followed. I need someone as lookout when I get home. Whoever it is, they're quick.

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[Well that's one way to get Di Feisheng to admit to being in one place, which will very shortly be the roof, unless he finds out this is some kind of bullshit.]

Not quick enough.

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You "think?"

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I can't catch them myself. I hear movement like a shuffling of some kind, but there's no one there when I look back. It's quiet again for half a block, and then I hear movement again.

[He's not gonna say it sounds like ghosts because that's Not Real. But he couldn't risk calling Li Lianhua and having him think it was. He doesn't need to deal with that again so soon.]

Edited Date: 2024-10-03 06:12 am (UTC)

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[Well, it's good he isn't saying it's ghosts, because that would be crazy when it's probably just goblins or something. What a world. ]

You've gotten slow. I'll see them just fine.

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[If it was a goblin, he would know. They're not that fast or smart!!!]

What does speed have to do with it, when you're not the one being evaded??

Just keep your eyes open, I'll be in sight soon.

[Sure enough, he comes into view when he rounds the corner of the lane, his usual path back from the cafe that he works at. He tried to walk casually and manages it with only a little stiffness, though his eyes are drawn to the house to find Di Feisheng's vantage point.]

[At first, there's nothing... No movement behind him, not even a rustle of a leaf. And then, just briefly, he might catch a flurry of movement as something darts from one yard to the next, a bright flash of color amid the greens and browns of the hill houses. If his eyes are indeed quick enough, he'll see that it is... A lone pumpkin.]

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[Between the resting and sleeping and resting some more, it doesn't take long for Blue to reach a state of boredom. Her fever hasn't relented, and standing up is still a dizzying experience, to say nothing of the fatigue. So in lieu of any physical activities she can do, she settles for sending cryptic communications...]

What's your opinion of the Zhenniao?

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That depends. Are they loud? I hope not, if you're looking to complement your garden.

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I'd love to watch you attempt to remove one.

But no, I was hoping you'd compliment me, actually. Don't you think I'd make a good one?

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Novel problems require novel solutions. Gloves, no panther.

Probably an easier sell than phoenix. Is that a compliment?

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I think you'll need more than gloves. At least protect that handsome face of yours.

If not a compliment, it's very funny. You should suggest it. I hear they like to eat fei¹, and I think your lotus would enjoy that.

(¹蜚)

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Gloves, and a bag. For the bird, not my face.

I don't need to tell you he will not. I've already been called a chicken, but at least that's higher than a bug.

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I wonder what size you think they are?

How unkind, though. Did he call you that, or did I?

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