Fair Trade Ch 64 - Even if the Wind Chills
The air was already significantly cooler on the ocean, but as they sailed along the coast into Northern Meihua it dropped enough for everyone else on the ship to throw on another layer or two. Not quite as bundled as Xueye who pulled the mantle tighter around him as he sipped the herbal tea that Dr.Jingji just brewed him. The sun setting on the horizon wasn’t helping with the chill that carried on the wind either.
“Doing alright?” Xinhua’s voice came from his right.
“A little chilly but pretty sure it’s just the air,” Xuaya shrugged. He leaned a little closer to her, “You are free to check to be sure.”
“Not sure I’ll be able to tell through my gloves,” Xinhua sighed looking at her gloves that were beneath the straps of her leather gauntlets.
“There’s always this,” Xueye leaned his head on her shoulder in a way his forehead was pressed against her cheek.
“That is one way,” Xinhua giggled as she wrapped an arm around him, hoping to share some of her own warmth with him. “I do feel a little warmth so you are probably right. We’ll dock soon enough and you’ll be able to sit near a fire longer than it takes to brew some tea.”
“While I am content to sail onward, we need to stop, right?” Xueye hadn’t heard much details but he’d heard the crew chatting about it and Xinhua and the doctor especially seemed insistent upon it.
“Yeah, it was quite last minute so we hadn’t arranged protection from the sect that guards these waters,” Xinhua pouted a little. “With how cold it’s getting already, you sleeping on the ship isn’t a good option.”
“Right, guess it wasn’t just tradition,” Xueye recalled the trouble some of their shipments too and from Vual were having as of late. “More necessary from what I’ve heard from some of the seafaring merchants. Are these waters that dangerous lately?”
“I doubt we have to worry about a thing so long as we manage to hire one of their cultivators,” Xinhua shrugged, trying her best to sound unbothered by it all so as to not worry him. She was very nervous about the whole thing.
She had done her research into the Water God before they left, she knew he was often associated with the sea serpents of the northern seas. The timing of their increase of attacks was too much of a coincidence, at the very least they were disturbed by his return. She was curious to ask more details on the matter from whatever cultivator they picked up so she could report back to the palace later.
“We’ll figure it out,” Xueye smiled warmly, hoping it would put her a little more at ease. “One step at a time.”
“You’re right,” Xinhua smiled half-heartedly. She should know better that she couldn’t entirely hide her emotions from him just as he can’t from her. She noticed his smile these last few hours was much more similar to that of before Xueye met Yushi. While not as severe the light in his eyes wasn’t nearly as bright as it had been as of late. Since he didn’t feel cold to the touch she wasn’t going to press and allow him to maintain the balance. She hoped it really was just a matter of already being homesick for those he was growing to love.
The more the port came into view, so did the amount of ships docked. It was almost more than that of the capital at any given time. Neither sibling had ever seen the port so full.
“Looks like it might be quite the wait,” Xueye slumped against the railing a bit.
“Captian Yoake did mention that could be the case,” Xinhua sighed, mirroring his disappointment. “Maybe it’s a little selfish to say this but I hope your circumstances allow us to be moved up the list.”
“It’s not that urgent at the moment,” Xueye laughed softly. His expression dimmed a little. “As much as I would like for this trip to be quick, surely there are people who have been waiting for some time that need passage more.”
“You are too sweet for your own good,” Xinhua said as she pinched his cheek lightly. “Be a little more selfish sometimes.”
“Jiejie,” Xueye whined as he shooed her hand away. “Given your job I would think you also would consider these things.”
“I do, but can you blame me for wanting the best for my didi?” Xinhua playfully nudged him with her elbow. “I’ll try my best but I won’t push it too much if they really are spread that thin. I hadn’t thought to ask yet but maybe Luoshi or Maque have some sort of contacts here that could help.”
“Perhaps you should before we make port,” Xueye giggled.
“I suppose,” Xinhua turned around, she didn’t really want to leave Xueye so instead she was glancing about the ship for Riluo or Wuye. She spotted Wuye dropping down from the ladder that led to the crow’s nest. He immediately looked in their direction and smiled as he approached.
“Seems we are getting quite close to our stop,” Wuye leaned on the railing on the other side of Xueye.
“Indeed, we were just mentioning how we may be here more than a day given how many ships seem to be stuck here,” Xinhua sighed, glancing back at the port growing bigger in the distance. “I know it’s a bit of a stretch but you don’t happen to have some connection in the Jing Tian Sect, do you?”
“I don’t think so,” Wuye hummed thoughtfully. “I may know quite a few people all over Meihua, however these days I’m not so well connected outside of the capital I’m afraid. Certainly haven’t been this far north in a very, very long time.”
“Unfortunate…” Xinhua understood the implication that likely anyone he knew in the area before could be long dead. “Hopefully Luoshi knows someone then, lest we end up here for who knows how long the wait list is.”
“Hmm,” Wuye crossed his arms and considered if he would be able act as the ship’s guardian. Unless they were truly causing a disaster in Meihua the Dragon Emperor still heavily frowned upon killing divine beasts. Seeing things from here this had to qualify as such a problem. Mortals must be praying to the Sea Goddess for safe passage, but he wasn’t sent to take care of this so avoiding fatal blows would still be necessary.
The real problem was that he didn’t bring his sword when he left the Heavenly Realm. He rarely used it when he left the Heavenly Realm, considering he usually just enjoyed the nightlife or festivals when he slipped away. When he left on this mission he really didn’t expect to consider a fight at the time so he hadn’t bothered. He was uncertain if just any plain sword would be able to withstand his godly strength and thus affect his control.
“If I can get my hands on the right kind of weapon…” Wuye mumbled softly.
“You sure it doesn’t go against that code you are supposed to follow?” Xinhua could see his mind turning over the situation. Hearing that made her suspect he was considering something stupid like Jinse warned her about.
“Not at all,” Wuye shrugged, settling on a plan should things not go their way. “With enough ships here surely there are some merchants with a blade that will meet my requirements. I’ll look around tomorrow, especially should things not go our way.”
“What kind of weapon are you looking for anyways?” Xueye asked.
“One more spiritual in nature preferably one made of solitium alloy,” Wuye explained. “It’s highly durable and conducts qi, as a result less likely I will damage the weapon. Channeling qi into a regular weapon is doable but I won’t have to be as cautious with one made of solitium. I’d rather not risk damaging one of your weapons and leaving you without.”
“We’ve transported solitium before, I hadn’t realized its significance,” Xueye hummed thoughtfully.
“Not many do,” Wuye shrugged. “It’s only valuable to a select few and most of them are cultivators and blacksmiths that forge with solitium.”
“Why the talk of solitium?” Riluo asked as he approached them.
“Well if we can’t find someone from the local sect to help us cross the north sea,” Wuye started explaining earnestly, “if I have a weapon made of solitium alloy I can hopefully defend the ship should we encounter any dangerous creatures in the sea.”
“Why didn’t you bring one of your own?” Riluo raised a brow.
“Well we have two rather capable fighters already,” Wuye gestured to both Riluo and Xinhua. “I’ll be honest, I haven’t needed it in a while so I didn’t think to bring it. My role here is to ensure the spirit fragment doesn’t put his life in danger anyways. However, I wouldn’t dare ask you to defend me from any dangerous beasts that roam these waters when I’m capable of doing so myself.”
“I would still like to try and find someone from the sect, just to not cause trouble,” Xinhua sighed. Jinse’s warning about Wuye was ever present in her mind. He sounded far too committed to the idea for her liking when much could go wrong.
“It doesn’t hurt to look while we are here anyways,” Wuye shrugged. “It was my oversight to not look for one in the capital before we left.”
“Well, if you can’t but are capable of wielding this,” Riluo gestured to the polearm hanging off his right shoulder, “it is made of solitium alloy.”
“Why do you have one?” Wuye couldn’t really sense much qi from Riluo at all. He had deduced that was the reason for his lack of presence rather than Wuye who was so capable of concealing his own qi that it made him difficult to detect.
“It was my master’s,” Riluo sighed softly. “Since Shujing prefers a sword and considering I was always more proficient with polearms, as her only other disciple, I inherited it when she passed.”
“I see,” Wuye didn’t want to pry too much considering the flicker of sorrow he could see in Riluo’s eyes but he was curious as to why Riluo wasn’t also a cultivator if his master was one. “Well I tend to favor a sword myself but it’s not as though I haven’t had some degree of training in polearms myself. My sect specialized in both so I have some training. Wouldn’t be surprised if you were able to beat me in a match, though.”
“I admit I’m curious as to your capabilities,” Riluo crossed his arms. He knew very little about Wuye. Xinhua and Shizhe hadn’t elaborated upon his identity much but they seemed to trust him explicitly despite only having just met him. Granted it was Shizhe, but she had been exhausted and unable to see very far into the future. It seemed a little strange to trust some wandering cultivator under Jinse’s command. It was one thing to claim to be able to fight well but it was another to prove it. “Especially if you are to protect us as you claim.”
“Perphaps a match is in order after all,” Wuye smirked. “Later then? Preferably when I find a suitable weapon.”
“I would like that,” Riluo nodded with a slight satisfied upturn to the corner of his mouth. He often trained on his own in recent years, very rarely spared with Yushi if the General wasn’t available. The idea of a new challenge was a little interesting. “Hopefully we find a place to settle tonight. I imagine the inns are quite busy.”
“That is a good point,” Xinhua looked a little worried.
“As long as Xueye rests somewhere cozy, that’s what matters most right?” Wuye glanced over at Xueye. “Seems the ship is more than accommodating for those of us willing to stay behind.”
“I would feel a little bad if all of you didn’t get to stay as well,” Xueye pouted.
“If I weren’t more concerned about your wellbeing I would prefer to stay on the ship, personally,” Riluo shrugged.
“I’m sure we’ll be fine if you would like to stay,” Xueye let out a gentle laugh.
“I appreciate the sentiment but I still would prefer to accompany you,” Riluo flashed a reassuring smile. It wasn’t even the hidden dangers he was worried about, though they were in the back of his mind. Riluo’s concerns were more focused on the increase in population density and the fact that the long waits likely made many on edge. While he was certain Xinhua could handle that much on her own, surely some help should things get too out of hand would be welcome. “Bare minimum two others should stay with him if possible. Regardless, I think we should remain together until lodgings are sorted and perhaps it’s best we don’t wander alone.”
“Not a bad idea with it so busy,” Xinhua nodded with a warm smile but she shared his concerns as well. She turned and poked Wuye’s arm, “That means you too.”
“Yes, yes, if you insist,” Wuye threw his hands up. “I promise I won’t wander far.”
“I’ll be sure to let the doctor know,” Riluo gave a curt bow and went below deck.
⬦◈⬦
The port town of Yuanwei was every bit as busy as they had imagined upon approaching. The docks especially were rife with the crews that had nowhere else to go, while on the surface it seemed quite lively there were a few annoyed glances and clipped words towards minor inconveniences that weren’t hard to overhear.
There was certainly a strange tension lingering in the air. Xueye was finding he was much more attuned to these little grievances than usual. He was starting to feel much more unsettled than he did when they left. He lingered near his sister much more. At some point she wrapped her arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. She rested her head against his and noticed a stark difference as his skin felt as cold as ice.
“Perhaps we should find someplace warm for you,” Xinhua voiced softly.
“But didn’t we-?” Xueye started to protest but Xinhua held her hand up.
“This atmosphere isn’t good for you,” Xinhua huffed as she waved towards the others to get their attention. “Quit being stubborn. You come first right now.”
Dr.Jingji drew closer, removing his glove and pressing his hand to Xueye’s forehead. Instantly his face scrunched at the cool sensation. “She’s right, we need to get you somewhere warm now.”
“Okay,” Xueye sighed. “I didn’t used to be this bad in crowds. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”
“Well, there is something,” Wuye chuckled quietly until Xinhua smacked his arm. “Sorry!”
“That is a little funny when you put it like that,” Xueye giggled. He appreciated the attempt to make light of the situation.
“Once we get you out of this cold I have a few questions for you actually,” Wuye said with a sweet smile. He was curious if his condition or perhaps his ability was evolving.
“Why don’t you lot just leave this to me for now,” Captain Yoake said. “It may take a while. Just swing by later and I’ll update you on how long it may be.”
“I’ll return as soon as we find someplace suitable,” Riluo bowed gratefully.
“I get the feeling your task will take far longer than mine,” the captain waved them off with a smile.
“At the very least we can find some warm food if we aren’t so lucky,” Wuye suggested.
“You’ll be hard pressed to find an inn to stay," an older man nearby said mournfully. “I checked around earlier, tired of staying on our ship. The waitlist is way longer than it is to get assistance from the sect.”
“And how long is that if you don’t mind me asking?” Xinhua was almost afraid to hear the answer.
“A month, unless you are hauling something important,” the man sighed.
“We really may be better off relying on you,” Xinhua whispered to Wuye.
“I had a hunch,” Wuye shrugged. “I’ll shop around in the morning. If I can’t find one, well there’s always Luoshi’s weapon as a back up provided it doesn’t leave him defenseless.”
“I carry a hidden smaller blade as well,” Riluo piped in. “You needn't worry about that.”
“We still have the problem of finding a place to stay,” Dr.Jingji said as he wrapped his own scarf around Xueye. “The ship isn’t an option for his condition.”
“We don’t have much choice,” Xueye said, starting to shiver as he pulled the mantle tighter around himself.
“Wait a moment,” the man who had spoken up before searched the crowd really quickly before waving at someone, “Granny, over here!”
An older woman carrying a bundle of blankets and a clothed wrapped box of food toddled on over, “What is it dear? Need something extra tonight?”
“Not me,” he shook his head and gestured to Xueye. “They just arrived but he's sick or something. Do you know of anywhere else they could stay?”
“Are you unwell, Young Master?” Her raspy voice fretted.
“He is,” Dr.Jingji spoke before Xueye could say anything. “We were hoping to find a place to stay so he wouldn't succumb to the cold.”
“Take one of these, dear,” the woman held out the bundle of blankets. Let me deliver the rest of these and you can stay at my place, if you'd like.”
“We wouldn't want to impose,” Xueye said with a fretful expression.
“Nonsense,” the lady chuckled. “I've been taking care of many since this chaos started. My home is quite empty since my children left. I don't mind the company.”
“We appreciate the help,” Xinhua smiled warmly.
⬦◈⬦
The warmth of a fire and the scent of food lingering in the air was a delight to Xueye's senses. He felt much better just being out of the dense crowd. The relief was hitting him all at once.
“You seem to be doing a lot better already,” Wuye said upon seeing him so relaxed.
“Mnn,” Xueye nodded, feeling the familiar exhaustion creeping in following these stronger episodes. “What was it you wanted to ask?”
“Well,” Wuye glanced towards the kitchen, seeing if their host, Yumao, was obviously listening in. When he confirmed she seemed preoccupied enough he continued quietly. “I wanted to ask about your ability, now that you are more aware of it. I couldn’t help but wonder if you are more attuned to the emotions of others or if it’s somehow the spirit affecting or amplifying it. Just wondering if we misunderstood what your ability really is. Perhaps it always was more than just your calming aura.”
“Now that you mention it, I think it definitely became more prominent once it awoke, thinking through the last few days.” Xueye hummed softly. “Is there a way for you to tell?”
“I’d say as things are, only if it remains once we purge the spirit from your body.” Wuye shrugged. “I’m not much of an expert on the abilities granted by the Moon, but having recently done research in the Archivist’s temple, I have it on good authority that even when an ability seems passive at first, it can still be honed to not be the case.”
“That makes sense, Shizhe told me once she only used to have them in her dreams,” Xinhua chimed in. She’d been quietly lingering near Xueye to share warmth should he need it, but he did seem to quickly stabilize once sat by the fire. “She learned to not only use it outside of dreams but choose what to see.”
“Yet she didn’t bring it up as a possibility to me?” Xueye pouted a little.
“I’m guessing she didn’t want to tell you until you were ready,” Xinhua squeezed his shoulder. “Or until she knows more. Apparently also being moon-touched shields you from her sight a little bit unless it’s the new moon. Unfortunately she was too exhausted to read much during the most recent one.”
“When his ability is the weakest and hers is the strongest, makes sense,” Wuye nodded. “While she’s most likely able to help with the finer nuance of it, if it is bound to your spirit like I suspect then I may be able to assist as well.”
“Should I? Isn’t it good to have a calming presence?” Xueye wasn’t opposed to learning it but he wasn’t sure there was a benefit. He certainly was in no rush.
“Right…” Wuye sighed, remembering that Xueye wasn’t aware of the cost just yet. The look Xinhua was giving him told him that he really shouldn’t tell him now, not that he intended to. “It can be, but surely you can focus it, make it more beneficial to someone you care for that may be restless or agitated, maybe even utilize it to protect yourself. You won’t know until you try. Unfortunately this isn’t exactly the ideal situation to train your spirit with another bound to it, disrupting the flow of your qi. So such training will have to wait anyways. I just thought I’d give you a chance to consider it, if you want to. If it is tied to your newfound sensitivity to emotions then being able to turn it off will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed by it.”
“Truly?” Xueye’s eyes widened.
“Of course,” Wuye beamed. When he eventually learned of the cost of that ability, Wuye had no doubt he’d want to learn, but for now this was as good of an incentive, provided Wuye’s hunch was correct.
“I’ll think about it,” Xueye nodded, a soft smile returning to his lips. “Thank you, Maque, for even offering.”
“Of course I would,” Wuye beamed. “You are very dear to one of my oldest friends so why wouldn’t I?”
“I feel like I’ve known him a long time and yet I only met you recently. I can tell you are close though,” Xueye said with a soft, fond smile.
“I’ve been away for a long time,” Wuye sighed. “He and I did have a falling out of sorts and after that we just hadn’t seen each other in years. Thankfully after returning to the capital we did patch things up.”
“That’s good,” Xueye beamed. “Seeing how close you two are, it would be a shame if you weren’t able to.”
“We certainly wouldn’t be fortunate enough to have your insight on this as well,” Xinhua said with a faint sigh of relief. “I’m very grateful.”
“It was well worth the effort for that alone,” Wuye beamed. A quiet knock came from the front door. Wuye rose up, “Luoshi and the doctor must be back.”
“Could one of you dears get the door?” Yumao called out from the kitchen.
“Already on it madam,” Wuye said as he passed the door to the kitchen. Opening the door it was exactly who he expected, thankfully.
When they arrived, Wuye had placed a talisman on the wall on their way in to block out some of the noise outside in hopes his hunch about Xueye was right and it seemed to help. Because of that, he couldn’t hear the sound normally carried on the wind.
“Welcome back,” Wuye smiled and stepped aside.
“Thanks,” Riluo stepped inside with a weary sigh. “Seems like we really will be better off with your back up plan.”
“It really is that long?” Wuye expected as much but he had some hope that Riluo’s connections and the doctor’s pleas might be able to sway the port master.
“Despite explaining the situation, we are unfortunately still looking at a month at least. Maybe longer.” Riluo said quietly.
“They must really be spread thin,” Wuye hummed thoughtfully.
“I think I need to send a report before we depart,” Riluo said barely above a whisper. “The palace should send more assistance.”
“Not a bad idea, but hand it to me when you are done and I can have it there by tomorrow,” Wuye winked.
“Does this technique of yours involve folding the paper into a bird by chance?” Riulo asked with a tense expression. Memories of when Master Zan used such a technique to send correspondences during their rebellion came to mind. It was how Riluo got so good at the artform of making such papercrafts.
“Yes, how’d you guess?” Wuye eyed him curiously.
“My master used to do that too,” Riluo said with that same sad look that kept Wuye from prying too much before.
“It is a simple trick but only a handful of cultivators use it, as there are much better means of direct communication,” Wuye’s curiosity was getting the better of him. It was something that his sect favored despite the better options. “Do you mind if I ask what sect it is your master hailed from?”
“Zhujin,” Riluo said softly. “She was the last…”
Wuye’s eyes widened. That was the sect he was raised in centuries ago. He knew there was always a possibility of it dying out since he’d ascended to the heavenly realm, especially after the devastation they faced just as he had ascended. Hearing that it lasted so long and having just missed being able to meet its final master hurt far more than he expected.
“Judging by that look it’s familiar to you,” Riluo was a little surprised to say the least. Since for a long while the sect was so small and only Master Zan remained it no longer had much of a reputation.
“Did Shizhe or Xinhua tell you who I am?” Wuye whispered quietly.
“They’ve only referred to you as Maque, called you a cultivator but didn’t say what sect you were from, only that you had to follow strict rules.”
“I’d like to tell you more but in a private space,” Wuye sighed. “A little difficult now I’m afraid.”
“Later, if we are able,” Riluo nodded. “I would like to know more about you if I am to trust you on more than just Shizhe’s word even if it carries a great deal of favor.”
“Gladly,” Wuye smiled. If Riluo and Yushi trained under Master Zan, in a sense they were his martial family, even if they weren’t cultivators. Wuye did always have a soft spot for those from his sect. The great lengths he went to avenge those that fell in the wake of tragedy led to his ascension.
“Alright, alright gather around!” Yumao called, waving them into the dining area. “I’ve just the thing to warm you all up.” She took up the tray and started placing down small cups of steaming tea at each setting. The last of which she held out for Xueye to take. “Here, drink up.”
“T-thank you,” Xueye took it, but the moment he grazed her hand a strange sensation jolted up his arm and he dropped the cup. “Ah! I’m so sorry!”
“Nothing to worry about, let me fetch another and I’ll clean this up,” Yumao patted his shoulder, guiding him to his place at the table and he felt that overwhelming sensation from when he was in the crowd. “Just sit, same for the rest of you! Enjoy! You’ve been traveling so long.”
“Such a kind soul this one,” Wuye said as he picked up his cup and drank most of it in one go.
“Are you okay?” Dr.Jingji noticed Xueye looked dazed and was almost pale.
“I…” Xueye looked down at his hand in confusion. “She is kind…” He said softly but strangely it felt wrong to say for some reason, it confused him more. While he believed it to be the case given all they had seen and heard, something else told him that wasn’t the same woman.
“Here,” the doctor sighed, picking up his own cup, about to hand it to Xueye.
“Stop!” Wuye said harshly as he placed his hand over the top of the cup. His usual carefree attitude completely vanished. His free hand over his chest as a sharp sting ripped through him. “Don’t drink any of them!” His voice was a deadly rasp as he coughed, a metallic taste mixing with the strange aftertaste of the tea.
“Poisioned?!” Xinhua’s eyes widened as her attention snapped to the doorway. On the far side of the kitchen she saw Yumao’s shape change to that of a tall thin man as he dashed out the back. “Hey! Get back here!” She started to dash after but Riluo was faster.
“Stay with them!” Riluo urged as he dashed after the figure through the back door, grabbing his polearm along the way.
“I’ll keep them safe, don’t let him go alone,” Wuye waved her off pretending he was unaffected. She was the only one that would believe him to be fine since she knew he was a god.
“If you insist,” Xinhua still looked worried but she had to trust he would and she followed them.
Wuye wavered a bit once she left and Dr.Jingji and Xueye both reached out to steady him, helping him sit.
“You aren’t in much shape to take care of us if you are poisoned," Dr.Jingji moved over to his portable medicinal chest. He was grateful to have brought it with him and not just the remedies he prepared in advance for Xueye.
“Because of my cultivation my body is very resistant to poisons and maladies, I just need a moment…” Wuye panted. It may not kill him with his divinity keeping him alive but it hurt all the same.
“When she touched me just now…” Xueye looked down at his hand. “Somehow I knew it wasn’t the same person…”
“Maybe their emotions betrayed them,” Wuye pinched his brow. “I feel like a fool for not noticing. Their transformation was flawless.”
“Why…?” Xueye clenched the edges of his mantle as he began to shiver.
“Let’s hope they can capture them so we can find out,” Wuye sighed. He suspected though that it was a follower of the Water God. Given the use of such a powerful transformation technique, it was an old one that he never could hunt down. A dangerous one he wished he could pursue personally because he knew they likely couldn’t catch him. However Xueye was most certainly the target, considering they lingered, likely hoping everyone would drink before they noticed. He suspected the one handed to Xueye specifically was either untouched or sedative instead.
“Tell me your symptoms, Maque,” Dr.Jingji stated firmly as he set the box down on the table. “If I am to treat you effectively-!”
“Don’t waste your stock on me, doctor.” Wuye waved him off. “If I focus, my body will purify it. Save it, in case someone else needs it.”
“No need to be tough,” Dr.Jingji huffed. “Just because you can endure doesn’t mean you should. I have more than enough for multiple doses if we need it for something else and we can get more if need be tomorrow.”
“Let him help, please,” Xueye’s shaky voice pleaded softly.
“Very well,” Wuye sighed in defeat. He couldn’t bring himself to allow Xueye to worry more than necessary and it wasn’t just for the sake of Xueye’s own wellbeing. He was starting to understand why Jinse couldn’t deny this sweet young man, even if it came to something he didn’t need.
Poisons a god for sillies :3c
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