Although Li Lianhua has managed to shake off that moment of allure fascination with Di Feisheng's newest technique, and is able to gesture and speak freely once more, he now has to find out that it simply continues to be captivating. He is still interested in the wind chime's secrets, really, but it's hard to have eyes for anything but the panther's dancing tail and ear twitches of suspicion, shifting gracefully into an imperious sort of forbearance as he settles down. Li Lianhua is accustomed to Di Feisheng's unlikely air of elegance, obviously, but it's more unexpected in a big black cat.

The way the panther is presenting the prize now, it has a little of Huli Jing finding a particularly impressive stick and offering it up for praise in return. Probably not the kind of comparison Di-mengzhu would endorse, which is a thought that results in a sort of helpless little satisfied sigh from Li Lianhua as he tries not to laugh again. He's being so respectful for real.

"See, I knew you would be reasonable." Whether or not Di Feisheng cares about the sorcery, Li Lianhua is getting what he wants without even having to give up any favors this time. He bends closer to accept the prize, but at the very last second fails even this challenge. As the panther releases the mess into his hand, Li Lianhua's free hand darts forward and strokes the short silky fur atop his head, just gives him a really nice rub for a job so well done. That's not audacity, that's just-- habit. There's your trade.

And the speed with which he straightens up and takes a respectful step back has nothing to do with any likelihood of earning a swat for that, of course. Immediately he's busy examining the bones, tracing his fingertips over some of the holes, the very picture of being engrossed in a puzzle.