[And that was the entire problem, was it not? Phantom words are only a step away from spoken one, lingering in his ear and haunting his every thought. He's worn them like a second skin, diseased and clammy. They morbidly peel back what he's spent centuries to bury down.]
Of course not. [Shi Qingxuan declares airily, chin up with the affront of the suggestion itself, hand waving at the audience of one.] It's just a trick! Something to amuse the guests here.
[Right? He adds, unconsciously. Ming Yi has never been one to humor him, but Shi Qingxuan prays for the reassurance all the same.]
no subject
Of course not. [Shi Qingxuan declares airily, chin up with the affront of the suggestion itself, hand waving at the audience of one.] It's just a trick! Something to amuse the guests here.
[Right? He adds, unconsciously. Ming Yi has never been one to humor him, but Shi Qingxuan prays for the reassurance all the same.]