Xingchen shakes his head like he's disapproving, but he's never denied letting his friend accompany him. He has no reason to start now.

"I just don't want anything to happen to you."

He says it quietly. It's different from night hunting alone, where he's the only one at risk. That's why he always at least suggests that Xue Yang stay home. That's why he doesn't want to laugh and miss, especially with him right there. Xingchen folds his free hand over his.

"What should we do until dinner?"