[ it probably speaks to how tense feng xin had been that he can't even summon an indignant noise for now knowing far too much about dianxia's sex life. and it makes sense—for all that hua cheng and feng xin have historically gotten along like oil and water, hua cheng knows that if nothing else, feng xin cares deeply for xie lian.

it's for that reason that, without any of the usual mockery or even amusement in his voice, hua cheng says, ]

I would never let him come to harm. On that you have my word.

[ a pause, and then he adds, ] I'm counting on you, too. He is strong, but he'll need friends here.