"I'm not Daozhang Zichen." as if there is any question on that point! However, as he lets his hand be taken - the brace was removed for his shower, Xue Yang sits a little straighter, his dark gaze darting nervously.

What is he about to do? What is he about to say? To offer? His heart races and he's scared, but that fear draws him in too. If he's afraid of something, he should face it and defeat it.

"But until he turns up, I can be protective of you."

Gods above - if they exist - his face feels so hot! Xue Yang isn't a virgin or innocent in any way except when it comes to the purer ideals. Yet telling Xiao Xingchen, the man holding his disgusting hand, that he will protect him makes his stomach do funny things. It's no big deal, surely?

Since the daozhang will be keeping an eye on him anyway.