Once, Xiao Xingchen cautioned against believing Xue Yang's words. Now he plans his future around them. But it's not his words that have earned his trust and affection, it's the actions behind them. It's the promises that Xue Yang has made and kept, the rules that he's endured. It's the fondness that he hears in his voice as he dances around him, without the cruel glee that he once heard. It's a hundred little things that would earn a hundred little acceptances if Xue Yang asked him a hundred times.

He pauses at some berries, wondering if they're sweet enough to switch out for candy when Xue Yang gives his hand a little tug. That's right, it's not their regular shopping trip today. He must think of more than just what's for dinner.

"Of course. The Lady Wen is practically your sister, is she not?" And Xingchen likes her too. But that last statement makes the blind man stop in his tracks, a worried little frown on his lips. "Have you not been enjoying my cooking lately? You should've told me, I can try to make something different tonight."