Kindness isn't something he knows or understands. But here it is right in front of him and Xue Yang finds himself responding strangely. None of his responses are an act, either - he's not that skilled. It's like the bad, hurt part of him has retreated to a tiny corner, allowing another side of him to come forward.

Whether he gets a new glove or not, Xingchen has had an effect on him. He grins helplessly at that laughter and he tips his head back to see the daozhang's handsome face.

"He scared me with that sword of his! And he was very protective of you, daozhang." he feels some of his old bitterness rising to the surface again and he swallows it. Why should he care about the connection between Song Zichen and Xiao Xingchen?

"It could kill you." Xue Yang's eyes are unfocused now as he imagines what future awaits such a pure man, "It probably will if you don't have help."