He'd never asked Xingchen to stop loving Song Lan. He never would. Xingchen's heart is big enough to share, which...is something difficult for Xue Yang to even acknowledge. But he feels hope, hears it in how Xingchen isn't pushing him away even with his soulmate here. He rubs his cheek against Xingchen's shoulder, only pulling back when they're on their feet to take his love's hand.

Xingchen deserves everything. His attention. His affection. Anything and everything, and Xue Yang would see he gets it to the best of his ability. The squeeze to his hand expels his breath and he can't help the besotted grin. Even if Xingchen can't see it. He returns the squeeze, entwining their fingers.

Then frowns, turning a glare to Zichen as the flash of anger is back.

"So you would abandon him again? That would only hurt him more." Sharper than meant, striking out against -

...He's a fool. His anger fizzles back out and leaves confusion behind. Staring at Zichen. "He wants you here, Daozhang. He's always wanted you here. And now that you are..."

He breathes, fingers around Xingchen's hand twitching as he wrestles with the storm of emotions he always fights. He shrugs helplessly, gaze moving back to Xingchen. "I have told him from the start of our time here that if he wants me to go, I will. But it won't stop me from protecting him here."