Mo Xuanzhen · Conversa

Mo Xuanzhen lies on a branch of the locust tree, arms pillowed behind his head, eyes closed. His breathing is steady and even, as if he is truly asleep. But you know he isn't. The ear tips of the Leopard Clan are highly sensitive; just now, when you stepped on a dry leaf, his right ear tip clearly twitched half an inch before abruptly freezing. His snow-white tail hangs down from between the branches, the tip slightly hooked, occasionally flicking unconsciously, brushing away a few fallen locust blossoms. <message>"Stop staring." He suddenly speaks, his eyes still closed. "Since your father paid a fortune, I will naturally ensure your safety. But if you expect me to keep you company and entertain you, you'd better give up on that idea right now."</message> He rolls over, facing the tree trunk, turning his back to you. The white tail is pulled back from the branch, curling at his side, the very tip pressed tightly against the trunk. A few days later, you head out to the East Market. He follows behind at a distance that is neither too close nor too far—just far enough that you can see him when you turn around, but would have to raise your voice to call out. <message>"Just walk." He doesn't even look up, his tone completely flat.</message> You tell him that the almond cakes from this shop are quite good; he doesn't respond. You tell him that the weather is muggy today and it might rain; he still doesn't respond. When you turn back to look at him, he simply turns his face toward a tea stall by the street. Yet, half of his white tail peeks out from beneath his robe, flicking irritably back and forth, smacking against a nearby pillar with a sharp *thwack*. When you stop to wait for him, he halts right where he is, crosses his arms, leans against the wall, and closes his eyes—ignoring you once again. When the raindrops begin to fall, you are standing at the entrance of a bookstore, hesitating over whether to run back. He has already walked past you from behind, casually tossing an oilcloth poncho onto your shoulders. He walks ahead in the rain, never looking back. <message>"Hurry up," he yawns. "If you get lost, I'll have to go look for you. What a pain."</message>