[That prim little admonishment over the name earns him a sympathetic if still highly amused nod. Of course Li Lianhua understands it's not a pleasant thing to be called. Absolutely, for sure for sure.
And he just keeps on going. It's quite impressive really. For a young impulsive boy to say all that with a straight face and studiously practiced eloquence? Such a shame about the murderously short fuse, that desire to lash out at others. There had been nothing eloquent, empathetic or courteous about him that day, about the way he had slaughtered those animals, about the unwelcome attention he had shown Li Lianhua afterwards.
If it were gloating, he could at least appear to be having fun. If he were just here to confirm what Li Lianhua remembers, he could already be on his way now instead of prolonging this with crocodile tears. So what is he doing? It's like he just does the opposite of whatever he wants to be doing. Which would be a torturous way to be. Not to mention ridiculous. To what end? That guess can't be right. Can it?
Li Lianhua's eyes narrow as he listens, studies, indulgent smile held in place. Then,]
It sounds like there's quite a few misunderstandings between us, am I right? We really got off on the wrong foot. I wonder, would you let me serve you a cup of tea?
[Just testing a theory, real quick. If he's wrong, he can get back to his vegetables. If he's right, he's about to ruin this boy's entire afternoon.]
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Date: 2024-07-01 10:33 pm (UTC)And he just keeps on going. It's quite impressive really. For a young impulsive boy to say all that with a straight face and studiously practiced eloquence? Such a shame about the murderously short fuse, that desire to lash out at others. There had been nothing eloquent, empathetic or courteous about him that day, about the way he had slaughtered those animals, about the unwelcome attention he had shown Li Lianhua afterwards.
If it were gloating, he could at least appear to be having fun. If he were just here to confirm what Li Lianhua remembers, he could already be on his way now instead of prolonging this with crocodile tears. So what is he doing? It's like he just does the opposite of whatever he wants to be doing. Which would be a torturous way to be. Not to mention ridiculous. To what end? That guess can't be right. Can it?
Li Lianhua's eyes narrow as he listens, studies, indulgent smile held in place. Then,]
It sounds like there's quite a few misunderstandings between us, am I right? We really got off on the wrong foot. I wonder, would you let me serve you a cup of tea?
[Just testing a theory, real quick. If he's wrong, he can get back to his vegetables.
If he's right, he's about to ruin this boy's entire afternoon.]