“I suppose. I haven’t really thought of it that way.” He had forgotten over the years at how very insightful the other man was, all of the years and his memories were tinged with bitterness and hurt. How could he have misremembered such an important detail? It was something he used to admire about him after all.

Under the intense glare he couldn’t help but color further. He was so close. And then that very direct question had him reeling. Under his gaze he was once again a 17 year old boy who was being bullied by his superiors. And gazing upon the man who saved him.

He inhaled slowly then exhaled.

“Ah. That would be Master Xiao Xingchen, I don’t think you knew him at the point you are from. He is a disciple of Baoshan Sanren and had come down the mountain after the war.

We are mostly acquaintances at best, but I do suppose I work for him now.

I was in a situation where I had woken up in his body and he in mine, the only way to get back in my own flesh was to... well, fuck.” There was no point in lying the sooner Mingjue understood truths about this place the better.

“the filled square was incidental but I really wanted to bring my home. Do you judge me for it?” He was used to being judged by everything and everyone. Why was this man bringing all that up for him?! It was infuriating.