A good shock - and further proof that Xue Yang has chosen a new road to travel. Zichen wants to walk beside him, hand in hand, for as long as he is allowed. This man his sweet husband is becoming can - and will - do a lot of good. Seeing his transformation has proven something to him: the dream he and Xingchen share is possible.

They can help others. But no one will be like his - their - A-Yang.

"We can start with herbal remedies. I am not as well-versed as Wen Qing, but I can teach you the basics." as he has done for Xue Yang's hand and leg. Surgical procedures are beyond him - except where he can assist a full-fledged healer - but he knows what medicines are traditionally used to aid in healing wounds. And he can stitch quite well.

"My head feels better when I can breathe deep." he explains, looking a little guilty, "I'll be good to your work, A-Yang."

No, he has no desire to pop a stitch. And the way his beloved phrases his concerns makes him even more determined to keep himself in decent shape.

"I am no different from everyone else. Xingchen is..." his lips twitch, "Beautiful. I think we an both agree on that. But he too is no different from others. There are men and women out there just like him; just like me. Would you leave them bleeding, hurt and frightened? I don't think you would."