I know he'll be sad, but I also know he'd support me. More than ever, this is a time he needs to be able to show what kind of stand he'll make on his own.
[ Her smile and her words are rueful. She knows it's not the best time (not that any time would be a good time) to do this since she knows both Ookurikara and Jiang Cheng are injured, but.... ]
I also don't want anyone to assume that I'm fine with everything that's going on.
A lot of things would be nice right now, Wen Ning.
[ It's not meant to be a harsh rebuttal, just a tired fact. If they didn't have to deal with the kidnappers, if they didn't have to deal with how the town is changing because of all this discontent and unrest, if the town weren't split between two factions—
She has to smile or buckle underneath her negativity. ]
Are you asking to become my assistant? I thought you were Wei Wuxian's.
I work in a lot of places. But we're... we're taken care of fairly well recently, and I think... it might be best to stick to fewer jobs.
[To stay closer to home, to not spread himself thin-- he intends to work just as much no matter what he does, of course, but if there were ever a time to make sure his focus was redirected to what's important, rather than what would support them best financially...
Well. This must be the time.]
I told Xie Lian I'd help him, too, if he has any need of me. Yiling and young master Wei still come first, but I can't...
[ Her expression softens. She can understand the desire to do more, to be able to do just that little bit that could be worth something. A small change is better than no change, a tiny advancement is more than none— any similar kind of mindset is not something she can turn away. ]
All right. How much medical knowledge do you have?
Not much that's specialized. I- I know enough first aid to get by, though, until someone more experienced can help... and anatomy, but I mostly learned it for, um, targeting purposes.
[He fidgets idly with one of the bracelets around his wrists, there, gaze dropping briefly to the floor. He knows it isn't very much.]
If nothing else, I can help organize things and keep the place clean so you can work on more important matters.
[It does help-- when he glances back up and catches sight of her expression, he manages to relax a little, exhaling a slow breath before he answers.]
Mm, usually I take care of making breakfast and looking after the others in the morning... young master Wei keeps an eye on things later on, and he handles dinner. [because he's a late night gremlin.] I can leave once I make sure everyone's been fed, though, there are enough adults to keep an eye on the children.
[--and then he's going to lose an eye and this will change to 'when he's allowed to get out of bed', but that's fine.]
If that's how it is, I'll expect you in the afternoons. I'll have something ready for you to do.
[ There is always works that needs doing until he loses an eye because it's NOT fine. She's casting stones from a glass house, though, since she's injured in her side. ]
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[And he does look uninjured, in relatively good shape-- if a little tired. He's been somewhat busier than usual, lately.]
I just... wanted to make sure that you were, considering everything. I wasn't really expecting you to do this.
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[ That's an honest enough answer. ]
I know it's not something Xie Lian would approve of, but I want to be able to reach more people.
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[He really does- it comes with a small smile, warm despite the fact that it doesn't stretch all that far.]
I just- can't help but worry about Xie Lian, too.
[says someone else who went neutral, so maybe he can't really talk, but- still.]
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[ Her smile and her words are rueful. She knows it's not the best time (not that any time would be a good time) to do this since she knows both Ookurikara and Jiang Cheng are injured, but.... ]
I also don't want anyone to assume that I'm fine with everything that's going on.
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[Much as he knows it might be a good thing, he still dislikes the idea of Xie Lian needing to stand on his own.]
With the way things are, though, I-- I suppose we have to take everything as it comes. If you need any help here...
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[ It's not meant to be a harsh rebuttal, just a tired fact. If they didn't have to deal with the kidnappers, if they didn't have to deal with how the town is changing because of all this discontent and unrest, if the town weren't split between two factions—
She has to smile or buckle underneath her negativity. ]
Are you asking to become my assistant? I thought you were Wei Wuxian's.
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[To stay closer to home, to not spread himself thin-- he intends to work just as much no matter what he does, of course, but if there were ever a time to make sure his focus was redirected to what's important, rather than what would support them best financially...
Well. This must be the time.]
I told Xie Lian I'd help him, too, if he has any need of me. Yiling and young master Wei still come first, but I can't...
I want to be where I can help more.
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All right. How much medical knowledge do you have?
[ She doesn't think she's ever asked in detail. ]
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[He fidgets idly with one of the bracelets around his wrists, there, gaze dropping briefly to the floor. He knows it isn't very much.]
If nothing else, I can help organize things and keep the place clean so you can work on more important matters.
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It's all right. If we both have enough free time, I can teach you more, but that's a good start. What's your availability?
[ She's flexible and doesn't care to keep him away from Yiling Ridge too much since that's where most of his concern is. ]
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Mm, usually I take care of making breakfast and looking after the others in the morning... young master Wei keeps an eye on things later on, and he handles dinner. [because he's a late night gremlin.] I can leave once I make sure everyone's been fed, though, there are enough adults to keep an eye on the children.
[--and then he's going to lose an eye and this will change to 'when he's allowed to get out of bed', but that's fine.]
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[ There is always works that needs doing until he loses an eye because it's NOT fine. She's casting stones from a glass house, though, since she's injured in her side. ]
Is there anything else you want to ask of me?