Jin Ling struggles to his feet and scowls at his uncle. He wants to kick him in the shins like he would've if he was five. "That's not helpful!" He's just been told he can't trust his feelings and now he was being told that's how he knows. He hates everyone!

"I loved my uncle and look what happened!" Although he wasn't convinced, even at the end, all Jin Guangyao's kindness over the years had been fake. It couldn't all have been a lie, but how would he know? "Just.. forget it! Remember, you promised!"

He storms out of the room. At least he knows about the debt and that he has to find a way to be really strong to take on whatever backlash Yuan gets once they pay for his freedom.

He might also be fleeing because it was super embarrassing to have just had a panic attack in front of his uncle and also, holy crap, what just happened? He's never had a panic attack before.

~~~

"I wonder what he bought him," Jingyi says with a frown. The frown deepens as he realizes at least one thing he saw right away. "He has on some very wealthy robes. They're more expensive than a small clan should be able to afford."

Granted, Jingyi could be a little naïve here. He wasn't from the wealthiest part of the Lan Clan and Cloud Recesses was known for being simple. It might not be too hard to dazzle him with wealth.

"We should keep an eye on him, just in case."