[He can't help feeling concerned; he knows Hua Cheng has little regard for slighting anyone in the heavens, but for him to show up to a meeting about the opening of Mount Tong'lu, it might be a bit much. Xie Lian is certain there's something he's missing, some dot that's not been connected, and it worries him that what's been going on at the mountain is causing Hua Cheng further trouble.]

En, I am always grateful for your help, San Lang, but-

[He looks apologetically up at Hua Cheng, a faint crease between his brows.]

I'm afraid I couldn't guarantee your reception at the meeting, forgive me for going ahead. I thought you might need some time to recover and secure your city before anything else.

[The cold is the last thing on his mind, even if the tips of his fingers and nose have started to grow pink. Some gloves might have been wise, but his hands are conspicuously bare. Not even a scrap of thread remains.

He resists the urge to fuss over Hua Cheng, reminding himself a moment too late not to stare at the man's lips, or think too long about teeth and tongue and instead folds his hands in his lap, swallowing down his nervous energy. It doesn't help that the tangyuan have left his own lips tingling faintly, as if trying to combat whatever energy lingered there.]

Though I suppose neither of us will be going to Mount Tong'lu anytime soon.