[ At those words and the gifts that are steadily brought to light, something in Jin Ling's expression goes blank.
Was this really real? Was this his true life? Accepting a marriage proposal on behalf of one of the uncles who'd raised him? After six months, this was what he was being called on to use the authority of Sect Leader for? The first marriage he'd oversee as the head of his clan was xiao shushu's? Of all people?
Jin Ling closes his eyes so hard his whole face crumbles inward like a dried apple.
Why must he go through this. Why.
He breathes deep, reining in his feelings. It's not that Nie Mingjue hadn't boldly stated his intentions with shushu before. It's not that he'd thought it was a jest or that the man was going to change his mind at the last minute. He'd just... quietly hoped it would never come up again and he wouldn't have to think about it. Ever.
It takes two more steadying breaths, but he manages to smooth out his expression without giving in to the urge to shout. When he speaks, it's mostly steady. ]
So you have decided who's marrying into which clan?
[ It's a redundant question, given the rules of this place, shushu's lost status relative to Nie Mingjue, and that Chifeng-zun is on his doorstep with a bride price in the first place, but he has reason to ask. ]
no subject
Was this really real? Was this his true life? Accepting a marriage proposal on behalf of one of the uncles who'd raised him? After six months, this was what he was being called on to use the authority of Sect Leader for? The first marriage he'd oversee as the head of his clan was xiao shushu's? Of all people?
Jin Ling closes his eyes so hard his whole face crumbles inward like a dried apple.
Why must he go through this. Why.
He breathes deep, reining in his feelings. It's not that Nie Mingjue hadn't boldly stated his intentions with shushu before. It's not that he'd thought it was a jest or that the man was going to change his mind at the last minute. He'd just... quietly hoped it would never come up again and he wouldn't have to think about it. Ever.
It takes two more steadying breaths, but he manages to smooth out his expression without giving in to the urge to shout. When he speaks, it's mostly steady. ]
So you have decided who's marrying into which clan?
[ It's a redundant question, given the rules of this place, shushu's lost status relative to Nie Mingjue, and that Chifeng-zun is on his doorstep with a bride price in the first place, but he has reason to ask. ]