[ Sorry, Di Feisheng. Because the next message might be even more confusing - since Inigo's kindness can't help but immediately zoom in on one specific part of that, focusing on it first over all the other confusing things.
(Like the thought of Li Lianhua hurting anyone. Or that Li Lianhua seems to think Blue is a threat, for some reason. Far too confusing, all of it.) ]
Are you alright?
[ Di Feisheng, you fool, you can't mention almost dying and not fully recovering without this happening. ]
[That's the takeaway here? Heaven. What a question to ask Di Feisheng. It is honestly the strangest message to grace the little device in his time here, regardless of his associations with lunatics. As such, it takes him, yet again, awhile to gather his wits into a response. Isn't he alright? Who is he even supposed to ask.]
I recovered all my strength and then some before coming here. Li Lianhua interfered there too.
[That's the POINT. Tigers meddle. Di Feisheng also meddles, or accepts, or whatever takes him forward. He's just being realistic. As promised when Iris gave him the "assignment."]
Or do you also think I'm in some new danger? No need. Worry about them.
[ Inigo isn't really sure why Li Lianhua would do that to Di Feisheng and then help him recover.. But then again, it sounds like a story about as confusing as the whole poisoning thing that Fang Duobing told him about. Inigo has already long ago settled the thought in his mind that their world is just far too confusing when it comes to their social norms for him to ever understand. ]
Ten years is just a long time.
[ Especially when that's more than half Inigo's age.. ]
I can't imagine that having to recover for that long was easy. I know we don't know each other well, but I don't like the thought of you having to go through that.
I don't think you're in any danger now though, no. Both of them have been very nice to me. I can only imagine they are also nice to you. [ Despite all of the other weird things Di Feisheng is saying about them now!! Which sound like they couldn't possibly be true!! ]
[Added to the list of knowledge Inigo apparently doesn't have--tigers, lunatics, the vast insubstantiality of what's going on with Iris and Li Lianhua--how to handle revelations like this. Thinking about it too much and then going so uncommonly far as to ask questions and say things, just a bewildering array of things, when that's not even what this conversation is supposed to be about. Some information is to be just accepted like a rock into an overgrown pond, with no ripples. Why is Inigo thinking about it when Di Feisheng himself is not. Why is Inigo having an opinion about it when Di Feisheng is mostly not doing that either.]
Then don't think about it. It's just part of the explanation.
[This is wretched. He should throw this device into whatever Li Lianhua cooks next, or see if he has any tables that need propping up with it. This is vile.]
They are indeed nice to me. They are still dangerous, particularly to each other. That's why I negotiated for a kind of responsibility for either side. So Iris asked me to explain, as a neutral party. Li Lianhua thinks she will turn on me and that no good can come of associating with her, even if she means well now.
[Unfortunately, the rest of the explanation is not readily at hand, and it comes as yet another shock.]
I don't actually know what Iris thinks of him, besides that he makes a good opponent in things that don't matter. Maybe I should have asked.
It usually isn't good news when there's a pause between Inigo's replies, because that means Inigo is thinking. And when Inigo thinks, usually words tend to come out afterwards that Di Feisheng doesn't want to deal with.
(For example, he's definitely still thinking about those ten years. Inigo won't let go of that so easily. He may not bring it up right away, but-- it sure is up in there! Simmering!)
The words that do come out after a few moments though, are-- ]
Do you really think they would hurt each other?
[ Very this vibe. Di Feisheng did use the word dangerous! Inigo isn't sure how else to interpret that, as wild as the thought is of either of those people doing anything like that. ]
[It's true that any pause in Inigo's messaging is starting to instill in Di Feisheng a little unease, bordering on superstition. This is why communication is like a hole in a boat even if you're not adding more water yourself, there's just no way to stop someone thinking about things or coming to their own conclusions or talking back. But Inigo is no tiger, at least.
He still isn't sure how to answer that question, beyond truthfully.]
Yes. They're both capable. They'll fight if they're cornered, or think they are, or will be down the line.
[It would be both hard to predict and obvious in hindsight.]
But it shouldn't come to that. I've gotten as much of an agreement out of both of them as I can.
[Because tigers are nice. FOR him. All the blood was purely metaphorical.]
[ This is so bad. Inigo can't imagine them fighting, and he is taking into account the fact that maybe Di Feisheng is just wrong about this, but the idea that he takes the possibility so seriously is kind of concerning. Both because he wants both Li Lianhua and Blue to be alright, but also because he does not want Di Feisheng to get hurt if it comes down to that..
So there's only one possible thing he could say here, right? ]
[What an insane level of responsibility to be taking about this. Good thing Di Feisheng has no idea the full extent. What to do about Inigo worrying for his wellbeing just isn't something he knows or probably ever will, beyond that it's very unnecessary. Why has Iris done this to him. The blood is still metaphorical but there is so much of it in the metaphor and it's all escaping him in this scenario.
He has to think about it now. Can't risk upsetting the tiger board with a wayward Inigo being too helpful.]
Just don't let one think the other is using you against them.
[Leave that to Di Feisheng. Who is doing it benignly and also super good.]
Iris at least can be asked to keep the peace, but only carefully. Don't jump to that.
It's complicated. One would think that of me and one knows better. That one knows better than everyone about everything, though. It won't matter to him how much you can think for yourself if he thinks he knows better.
[Even now, in his mind he can hear an I'm telling you like some kind of generational curse on the wind. Inigo is so underprepared for these revelations and that's kind of getting to him.]
[ There's another thoughtful pause. This usually isn't good news for Di Feisheng. ]
I think it's not really nice of them to do that to you. [ Even if they are doing it in different ways, apparently. It'd make sense, considering Li Lianhua already knew Di Feisheng from back home, while Blue must have met him here.. ]
I know it's not as if the two of us know each other all that well, but from what you're saying now, I can tell that you're not someone who would betray them so easily. You seem like you do what you say once you've said it. And that you really commit to it. They should have a little bit more faith in you. It'd be mean of them not to.
[No wonder Li Lianhua is afflicted by Inigo. This is not a tiger, but clearly no less able to resist a powerful inclination to meddle. Didn't he just say to worry about them? And not Di Feisheng. WHO IS FINE. He frowns at the device, and hesitates, like a man deliberating about how to walk past a snake on a trail.
It's just so complicated. Not every kind of betrayal or being used against someone even involves any kind of enmity or awareness on the part of the weaponized party. Inigo is right in his assessment of character, but still worryingly simplistic in his take on everything else.]
I'm sure Iris has exactly as much faith as she needs. She knows part of the reason I've taken this responsibility is to avoid needing to betray her.
[And where's his medal for doing such a good job. Li Lianhua probably does Not understand this, but that's fine. Di Feisheng isn't going to betray him unless it's for his own good. Not adopting his prejudices unexamined is not a betrayal, however. And that's for his own good too.]
Weren't you just imagining that they're nice to me?
[Go back to those times. Di Feisheng misses those times.]
I just want to make sure they are treating you fairly!
[ Too late, Di Feisheng. It seems like Inigo has already dug this fort and he's prepared to hold it down. Tiger diplomacy needs to be adequately compensated! Did you even negotiate a good contract? Do you need to speak to someone from the union, Di Feisheng? ]
I don't think either of them could have found a different mutual good friend who would take this so seriously. [ Not that Inigo isn't taking it seriously right now. But. You know. It's Inigo. He's not even putting himself into the consideration pile. ]
[At this point Di Feisheng would sever his own tendons to avoid speaking to anyone from any unions, if he thought it would actually work.]
What, are you not going to take it seriously yourself? You should. They really are dangerous, and unfair, and only a fool would expect differently of tigers.
[No way is Inigo that smart. Neither is Di Feisheng, obviously. They're in this pit full of good advice and tiger wisdom together, availing themselves of neither.]
You should tell Iris I kept up my end of the bargain.
[ Can't believe Di Feisheng would say all these things about tigers, implying Inigo should stay away from them, and then immediately tells him to go talk to Blue. Cruel. Dangling a child above a tiger pit.
Though Inigo doesn't see the danger, of course. Despite the other's words. It's why he doesn't push back against the other's suggestion at all, instead quickly sending back: ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2024-12-28 08:58 pm (UTC)(Like the thought of Li Lianhua hurting anyone. Or that Li Lianhua seems to think Blue is a threat, for some reason. Far too confusing, all of it.) ]
Are you alright?
[ Di Feisheng, you fool, you can't mention almost dying and not fully recovering without this happening. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 10:00 pm (UTC)I recovered all my strength and then some before coming here. Li Lianhua interfered there too.
[That's the POINT. Tigers meddle. Di Feisheng also meddles, or accepts, or whatever takes him forward. He's just being realistic. As promised when Iris gave him the "assignment."]
Or do you also think I'm in some new danger? No need. Worry about them.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-19 11:49 am (UTC)Ten years is just a long time.
[ Especially when that's more than half Inigo's age.. ]
I can't imagine that having to recover for that long was easy. I know we don't know each other well, but I don't like the thought of you having to go through that.
I don't think you're in any danger now though, no. Both of them have been very nice to me. I can only imagine they are also nice to you. [ Despite all of the other weird things Di Feisheng is saying about them now!! Which sound like they couldn't possibly be true!! ]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-07 12:13 am (UTC)Then don't think about it. It's just part of the explanation.
[This is wretched. He should throw this device into whatever Li Lianhua cooks next, or see if he has any tables that need propping up with it. This is vile.]
They are indeed nice to me. They are still dangerous, particularly to each other. That's why I negotiated for a kind of responsibility for either side. So Iris asked me to explain, as a neutral party. Li Lianhua thinks she will turn on me and that no good can come of associating with her, even if she means well now.
[Unfortunately, the rest of the explanation is not readily at hand, and it comes as yet another shock.]
I don't actually know what Iris thinks of him, besides that he makes a good opponent in things that don't matter. Maybe I should have asked.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-15 02:39 pm (UTC)It usually isn't good news when there's a pause between Inigo's replies, because that means Inigo is thinking. And when Inigo thinks, usually words tend to come out afterwards that Di Feisheng doesn't want to deal with.
(For example, he's definitely still thinking about those ten years. Inigo won't let go of that so easily. He may not bring it up right away, but-- it sure is up in there! Simmering!)
The words that do come out after a few moments though, are-- ]
Do you really think they would hurt each other?
[ Very this vibe. Di Feisheng did use the word dangerous! Inigo isn't sure how else to interpret that, as wild as the thought is of either of those people doing anything like that. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-03-02 09:24 pm (UTC)He still isn't sure how to answer that question, beyond truthfully.]
Yes. They're both capable. They'll fight if they're cornered, or think they are, or will be down the line.
[It would be both hard to predict and obvious in hindsight.]
But it shouldn't come to that. I've gotten as much of an agreement out of both of them as I can.
[Because tigers are nice. FOR him. All the blood was purely metaphorical.]
no subject
Date: 2025-03-08 07:04 pm (UTC)So there's only one possible thing he could say here, right? ]
I want to help.
Please let me help.
no subject
Date: 2025-03-25 04:38 am (UTC)He has to think about it now. Can't risk upsetting the tiger board with a wayward Inigo being too helpful.]
Just don't let one think the other is using you against them.
[Leave that to Di Feisheng. Who is doing it benignly and also super good.]
Iris at least can be asked to keep the peace, but only carefully. Don't jump to that.
no subject
Date: 2025-03-30 03:55 pm (UTC)[ The fact that Inigo is naive is going way over his head. Because he is naive, of course. ]
They know I can think for myself, don't they? Do they assume the other one is putting you up against them?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-30 10:07 pm (UTC)[Even now, in his mind he can hear an I'm telling you like some kind of generational curse on the wind. Inigo is so underprepared for these revelations and that's kind of getting to him.]
Iris is quick to assume betrayal, however.
no subject
Date: 2025-04-04 06:11 pm (UTC)I think it's not really nice of them to do that to you. [ Even if they are doing it in different ways, apparently. It'd make sense, considering Li Lianhua already knew Di Feisheng from back home, while Blue must have met him here.. ]
I know it's not as if the two of us know each other all that well, but from what you're saying now, I can tell that you're not someone who would betray them so easily. You seem like you do what you say once you've said it. And that you really commit to it. They should have a little bit more faith in you. It'd be mean of them not to.
[ #TeamDiFeisheng!!!! ]
no subject
Date: 2025-04-06 04:48 am (UTC)It's just so complicated. Not every kind of betrayal or being used against someone even involves any kind of enmity or awareness on the part of the weaponized party. Inigo is right in his assessment of character, but still worryingly simplistic in his take on everything else.]
I'm sure Iris has exactly as much faith as she needs. She knows part of the reason I've taken this responsibility is to avoid needing to betray her.
[
And where's his medal for doing such a good job.Li Lianhua probably does Not understand this, but that's fine. Di Feisheng isn't going to betray him unless it's for his own good. Not adopting his prejudices unexamined is not a betrayal, however. And that's for his own good too.]Weren't you just imagining that they're nice to me?
[Go back to those times. Di Feisheng misses those times.]
no subject
Date: 2025-04-08 04:11 pm (UTC)[ Too late, Di Feisheng. It seems like Inigo has already dug this fort and he's prepared to hold it down. Tiger diplomacy needs to be adequately compensated! Did you even negotiate a good contract? Do you need to speak to someone from the union, Di Feisheng? ]
I don't think either of them could have found a different mutual good friend who would take this so seriously. [ Not that Inigo isn't taking it seriously right now. But. You know. It's Inigo. He's not even putting himself into the consideration pile. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-04 02:22 pm (UTC)What, are you not going to take it seriously yourself? You should. They really are dangerous, and unfair, and only a fool would expect differently of tigers.
[No way is Inigo that smart. Neither is Di Feisheng, obviously. They're in this pit full of good advice and tiger wisdom together, availing themselves of neither.]
You should tell Iris I kept up my end of the bargain.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-08 03:30 pm (UTC)Though Inigo doesn't see the danger, of course. Despite the other's words. It's why he doesn't push back against the other's suggestion at all, instead quickly sending back: ]
I will.
[ And then, added-- ]
I'll negotiate a reward for you from her.