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Jin Guangyao ⬤ The Untamed
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[He doesn’t keep Zixuan waiting, of course, pulling the door open a few moments after he knocks and bowing in greeting,]

Young Master, please come in. I apologize that my accommodations are rather humble right now. [He glances to the box in a confused surprise he doesn’t quite bother to hide.]

I’m aware it’s the young master’s birthday, but may I ask what brings you all the way here? Shouldn’t you be celebrating with your family?

[He follows Jin Guangyao inside, shaking his head slightly. Jin Zixuan himself resided in one of the generic apartments for a short while, which had been, naturally, a bit of a culture shock for him. Even now, he still doesn't have his own place, though after the wedding he's sure that will change rather swiftly.

But, of course, Jin Guangyao presents himself as nothing but humble. He had expected this.]

Am I not doing just that?

[Socializing with family, at least. Still, he holds the box out for Jin Guangyao, a box only a little larger than a man's fist.]

I hope you haven't forgotten it is also your birthday. Unless it's different where you come from...?

[A fact that will always sit a little badly in Jin Zixuan's gut, but that's a problem he has with his father, not this half-brother in front of him. It's not his fault he was born.]

[He pauses, as if uncertain, and slowly takes the box from him to stare down at it like it's some precious thing.]

I... Suppose that's true. It's the 20th, yes. We share that birthday still, if it's the same between our worlds.

But if that is the same, then you must know too that often mine isn't the celebrated one. [He smiles, a bit indulgently, as if this is just a whimsical random fact and not a source of deep, scraping hurt.] So forgive me if I'm a bit unaccustomed to receiving gifts.

...But...I am also truly touched that you remembered and thought to give me something, though I may not be quite the same Jin Guangyao you remember. [A pause and he adds] May I open it now?

[If he lets it, that comment on whose birthday is the celebrated one more often than not will claw at Jin Zixuan's insides. He knows why that is. He knows that even though his father accepted Jin Guangyao into the family, he will always be just that little bit lesser. He will never be Jin Zixuan. That's just how it is and how it always will be. But he still holds his head high, not allowing something to get under his skin when he cannot do anything about it. Right now, he'll spare kindness instead and hope Jin Guangyao takes it at face value.]

Just because we do not find ourselves in Lanling currently does not mean I forget things so easily. It is your birthday and we are family.

[Even though it can be an uncomfortable fact to acknowledge.

But he nods at the question.]

You may.

[Inside, he'll find a seemingly simple collection of loose leaf tea, though if he looks closely, it's evident that it's been prepared with care, and the aroma wafts pleasantly in the air. It's white peony tea, or the closest variation Jin Zixuan was able to arrange with the shopkeeper. Completely different planet and all that.]

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