[After a second refusal, Xie Lian relents and returns the cookies to the shelf, inspecting the card Hua Cheng has shown him instead. It doesn't look like any talisman he's ever seen, it's not even paper, it's something thicker, shiny and flexible.]
Ah, so you do.
[Xie Lian isn't sure how Hua Cheng has acquired one, but it seems to be the same as what the others use. In spite of that, Xie Lian is somewhat reluctant to spend someone else's money. One would think, with all the begging he's done, he wouldn't hesitate, but there was a difference between having a coin placed in his hand for his performance and one being placed on his behalf.]
I suppose, maybe, ah...
[Hua Cheng saves him from answering, as he runs off to get, what Xie Lian assumes will be a basket, and he takes a moment to glance over the produce, looking for something inexpensive that they can share. Some berries, maybe? They were probably costly this time of year. Roasted nuts, perhaps? There did seem to be a section with baked goods...
He hears the cart before he sees it, clattering noisily on the tile. It seems a sturdy working of metal, and just as Hua Cheng says, there's more than enough room to fit someone inside it. Shame is something Xie Lian has long put behind him, and it's easy to let go and do something a little silly when it's San Lang asking. His laughter is soft, but amused as he offers his hand to ask for support to climb in.]
It's a lovely carriage, San Lang. Not quite as spacious or flashy as last time, but I suppose it will do.
[It wasn't everyday one got to ride in a step litter hauled by golden skeletons, after all. Hua Cheng was ever-extravagant, even in his travels, but Xie Lian was perfectly happy with a little metal cart, so long as he had the right company.]
no subject
Ah, so you do.
[Xie Lian isn't sure how Hua Cheng has acquired one, but it seems to be the same as what the others use. In spite of that, Xie Lian is somewhat reluctant to spend someone else's money. One would think, with all the begging he's done, he wouldn't hesitate, but there was a difference between having a coin placed in his hand for his performance and one being placed on his behalf.]
I suppose, maybe, ah...
[Hua Cheng saves him from answering, as he runs off to get, what Xie Lian assumes will be a basket, and he takes a moment to glance over the produce, looking for something inexpensive that they can share. Some berries, maybe? They were probably costly this time of year. Roasted nuts, perhaps? There did seem to be a section with baked goods...
He hears the cart before he sees it, clattering noisily on the tile. It seems a sturdy working of metal, and just as Hua Cheng says, there's more than enough room to fit someone inside it. Shame is something Xie Lian has long put behind him, and it's easy to let go and do something a little silly when it's San Lang asking. His laughter is soft, but amused as he offers his hand to ask for support to climb in.]
It's a lovely carriage, San Lang. Not quite as spacious or flashy as last time, but I suppose it will do.
[It wasn't everyday one got to ride in a step litter hauled by golden skeletons, after all. Hua Cheng was ever-extravagant, even in his travels, but Xie Lian was perfectly happy with a little metal cart, so long as he had the right company.]