"What -" he flinches at the idea of stabbing another without a strong reason to do so - and, in the case of Xue Yang, he technically has one. However he will never disregard the stance of Xiao Xingchen. If he asks him to stay his hand, he will without question.

"Xingchen." Zichen feels the warm hand and he has no defense, his fingers curling instantly to hold tight, "I will do anything for you. But I will be watching, Xue Yang."

Every step and every breath most likely - until he understands Xingchen's point of view.