Li Lianhua can't really be blamed for viewing things in terms of a fight with win and loss conditions, after how Di Feisheng has hounded him, but that doesn't make it less ironic (or unfortunate). He won't participate in a conflict that can only reflect so poorly on him, any more than he would duel Li Lianhua three-quarters-dead on this beach. Much like saying it doesn't matter whether they are friends or foes when it comes to a fight (but a concession much less easily granted), it just doesn't matter currently if Li Lianhua is faking a loss of memory or not. Di Feisheng had always found it exciting, to be unsure exactly what his opponent was capable of, but this in particular he would prefer to leave unknown, even if it takes all the willpower to his name.
It will never matter at all what Li Lianhua is capable of, if he doesn't find a way (again) to keep him alive. With him fighting every step of the way, no doubt, and with no sect or power to call on. Rebuilding his meridians at death's door had not been such a task. He won't linger on defeat but there's something wooden in the determination he pulls onto himself like a cloak, careful in the way he crosses his arms like he kept any scars to feel the pull.
But all the willpower in the world leaves some things still impossible, and he can't meet Li Lianhua's smile with anything like his former openness, though he remembers hearing those words before perfectly well and they are very funny. Nor can he agree to the request that follows, no matter how genuine the sentiment behind it seems, though there's something close to placating in the way he looks down. He's taxed his own nature enough for one night, and isn't being offered anything in return but more of the same. "You ask a lot for someone who has decided he hates favors. If you don't want to keep count for yourself, then don't. You're still very troublesome.”
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It will never matter at all what Li Lianhua is capable of, if he doesn't find a way (again) to keep him alive. With him fighting every step of the way, no doubt, and with no sect or power to call on. Rebuilding his meridians at death's door had not been such a task. He won't linger on defeat but there's something wooden in the determination he pulls onto himself like a cloak, careful in the way he crosses his arms like he kept any scars to feel the pull.
But all the willpower in the world leaves some things still impossible, and he can't meet Li Lianhua's smile with anything like his former openness, though he remembers hearing those words before perfectly well
and they are very funny. Nor can he agree to the request that follows, no matter how genuine the sentiment behind it seems, though there's something close to placating in the way he looks down. He's taxed his own nature enough for one night, and isn't being offered anything in return but more of the same. "You ask a lot for someone who has decided he hates favors. If you don't want to keep count for yourself, then don't. You're still very troublesome.”