More and more, he understands him - he doesn't excuse him. But Xingchen makes an effort to listen to him, to understand. He's learning a little bit more about the world, and it's a shame that it's about how cruel it can really be.

No wonder. No wonder Xue Yang clings to sweetness and to him, the only two pleasures that he has in this world. Xiao Xingchen shouldn't need any. His life is supposed to be simple and removed from such things.

But then Xue Yang touches his cheek.

"I...want the same from you." To hear his laughter and his teasing. To feel his smile. Those things have been so rare lately, or faked. It scares him...can Xue Yang live this life and be that way again? Is it selfish of him to hope for it?

Xiao Xingchen leans in, impulsively pressing a kiss against Xue Yang's mouth. A test. A pleasure.