Xin Lan gave Jinde a long look and finally smiled. "It is a little strange to be told this by you of all people. Maybe in a few years, it will actually be Hua Lin Yu who tells me something like this. I seem to have the strange habit of getting interested in that type of person."
Jinde sighed. "I'm sorry. The two of us … You know it never could have worked out." He turned to look at his husband who was lying next to him only to find out that Leng Jin Yu had woken up some time through the conversation. He gave him a faint smile and then reached out to hold his hand before turning back to Xin Lan.
"My soul might not have been bound to Chun Yin back then but my heart was already his. That could not be changed anymore. But that boy is a mortal. Even if he had fallen in love with somebody else, that wouldn't necessarily be the end of it. He could still fall in love with you."
Xin Lan nodded. "Yes, I guess he could. Well, I'm not one to give up this easily. Since I have already spent three years with him, I am not just going to walk away now. I will try a bit longer. Right now, he's with his brother. I guess I'll just wait for tomorrow and then see how things are going. Maybe after having a talk, we will be able to make this work out somehow."
Jinde nodded. "Yes, give it a try. And anyway, if you need my help, you can tell me as well. You've been helping me so much over these years, I will definitely support you as well. I can see that you genuinely like him. It would be great if this could work out."
This time, Xin Lan's smile became a little lighter. "Oh? So I actually have your blessing?"
"Sure! Why wouldn't you? I think that whoever is able to snatch you as their lover is a lucky person. And this Hua Lin Yu would have to be an idiot to pass it up."
Xin Lan nodded and looked over to the wall that was separating him from the two brothers. "Yes, you're probably right." Unfortunately, he was afraid that maybe Hua Lin Yu actually was that kind of idiot. In any case, what was the affection between them based on? Originally, there had been nothing but a fleeting feeling. Maybe that kind of thing would be broken easily. He didn't know. But, well, he would find out soon. Xin Lan kept quiet for a moment but finally gave himself a push and still spoke up. "Any advice on how to go about this?"
Jinde was a little surprised that he would bring that up. Usually, Xin Lan was somebody who would not mind lending a helping hand but would seldom accept help from others. He was a bit of a lone wolf actually. That he would actually ask for help … it spoke leagues about how important this Hua Lin Yu was to him.
Seeing that this wasn't just a passing thought but something that was really important to him, Jinde took a moment to seriously consider it. "Well, I don't know him well. I only met him when he was very young so I can't tell you anything specific I would take note of from that side. But as for you … While I do think that you can be a good partner, you can be a little … fierce sometimes. Just turn that down a bit, yes? Try to be gentle and patient and I'm sure that things will work out."
Xin Lan thought about it and then nodded. Yes, that was probably the best advice in the situation. He was angry, of course, but he shouldn't let Hua Lin Yu know that. He could tell him that he was a bit upset that he had to make it clear that he did not resent him for it but that he wouldn't pressure him into anything. That way, he could show off his best side. "I'll keep it in mind. Now, I guess I shouldn't bother you and your husband any longer. You have enough things on your plate."
Jinde hesitated for a moment but finally still gave a faint smile. "There isn't much to worry about anymore. Actually, I'm healed. The last bit of my soul was restored today. I guess I still have to thank you for that. Without your help, things wouldn't have turned out like this so fast."
Xin Lan requited his smile but shook his head. "There is no need to thank me. You saved me, and I saved you. It's as simple as that."
"We both know that it isn't as simple as that but, well, I think in the end everything is still turning out well. Now, I guess you were just trying to be polite and actually want to get back to your lover. I won't disturb you. In any case, I'm preparing to give Jin Yu part of Chun Yin's soul back so that he can regain his memories from his past life."
Xin Lan nodded. "Well, it's good if he knows. Do you need any help with that?"
Jinde shook his head. "No, I don't. So I'll go back to my husband now and you go back to your little lover. I'm pretty sure that soon enough, you'll be able to tell me about your own husband." He smiled and then cut the connection so Xin Lan couldn't try to use him to waste any more time. After that, he turned around and hugged Leng Jin Yu, pondering for a moment. He really wasn't too sure what to make of this. This matter with Xin Lan and Hua Lin Yu … it was quite confusing to him.