Labyrinthum Inbox.

[coineater]

BLACK CAT

---

[un: gatto]

(note: cat is unfamiliar with this level of technology/accessible communication, and icly takes a bit of time to respond.)

(for action, he lives in a smaller than
average hill house.)

. action | text | voice | video .

© EFRYNDIEL

Comments

[doctor_uhh]

"You got that good a deal, really?" Li Lianhua says, sounding mildly impressed while he gestures for Cat to simply drop the knife on the cutting board when he's done with it, since it's no longer needed. He wipes his hands on a towel, then gives his soup a good stir and breathes in its aroma, trying to check if it needs any other adjustments, but seems happy with it so far and puts the lid on. "You must be quite fortunate, to have met so many generous people here. Even healers have to make a living, don't they?"

So Iris even paid for his treatment. It's difficult to guess what purpose ingratiating herself to this boy serves, but then again, his neighbor is a lunatic. Maybe she's just looking for more entertainment, as if those Qi matches and harassing him aren't enough. Would that be any wonder? Li Lianhua already knows, against his will, that whatever she's seeking knows no satisfaction. But all hidden motives aside, it's a good thing the boy got the treatment he needed, enough so to be making a nuisance of himself in Li Lianhua's kitchen.

Since regrettably nobody has volunteered to take care of the kettle, Li Lianhua finally turns to that task himself. The kettle clatters against the rim of the pot with less control than he'd like, but he manages to pour the hot water without spilling anything. Setting the kettle back down, he has to brace against the counter for a moment, feeling the length of time he's been on his feet already. Ah well, the soup shouldn't be long.

[coineater]

He complies while watching the man go about, a little pleased with himself despite not having much of a hand in whether or not he'd lost money over it. It's still weirdly validating to have it parroted back at him. Terribly, it's also validating to see the toll that this morning is taking on him. It makes it feel more like tricking Li Lianhua into doing what he wants, for one, but also, "It's a shame you were so determined to not take advantage of my offer... Where will that pride get you, when you've lost consciousness, I wonder? Yesterday, too."

He's just so silly, standing around in the cold and playing host despite his health being so much worse than Cat's.

[doctor_uhh]

Well Li Lianhua is certainly pleased to be providing entertainment. There's a smugness to that running commentary that luckily precludes any notion of concern, so all it does is tease out a small smirk and a huff that could be exhaustion or irritation or amusement. What pride? Cat couldn't be more wrong about what's keeping him self-reliant and standing and that, like the boy's vague air of superiority, is just fine.

Li Lianhua takes a fortifying breath to stand without support and picks up the tea tray, making his way over to the kitchen table with a lot more concentrated force of will than he'll be letting on. "Who's losing consciousness? I'm fine, aren't I? I haven't lived this long without knowing my limits." Nevermind that he'd all but collapsed, heaving blood into the sink as soon as he staggered through the door just yesterday. He made it back and he's still alive today, what else matters?

"If you're waiting for me to pass out, then let me tell you right now the most valuable thing in here is probably that cut of pork ribs marinading up on that shelf. I've got a pretty decent bottle of wine somewhere too, but it's elsewhere in the house. Hah, with the way they're running their economy here, I can't even hide away any savings, can I?"

[coineater]

The noise he makes is doubtful, but amused all the same. Someone's limits could change by the day -- or less -- and leave them unaware. He would know. But...that's not really his business, this time. He waves off the thought and the calm accusation both, striding back over to the table and pulling a chair out with his foot so he can sit with enough space to set his mask and gloves on the table beside him. The elbows immediately go on the table.

"Is that what you think of me? You're going to hurt my feelings all over again, friend. Anyway, if you think that would keep anyone from snooping, though, have I got bad news for you..." he chuckles. It doesn't matter when he isn't interested in stealing anything from here, or even doing that much exploring. He's not going to spend the energy worrying about what he would do in the event that his host passed out, but he imagines it would be something that he found outrageous, but would delight that nosy neighbor that enjoys needling him so much. Once everything got back to stable, anyway. "Can't imagine someone like you would have much in savings, even outside this place. You aren't even interested in buying treatment!"