[ McGillis gives Huaisang a measuring look as he describes the joys of living your authentic self as though such matters have nothing to do with him. Is this really how Huaisang feels? Huaisang, who seems so fearful of his own ruthlessness being perceived? Maybe that's the difference between the two of them - McGillis has embraced his own jaded self as his truest core, but Huaisang still holds onto the hope of fully embodying the person he shows to the outside world.

Supportively, McGillis wants him to succeed. Selfishly, he hopes that some measure of bitter calculating coldness will forever remain, easy for him to hold onto. ]

Hm, I don't know. We might both be up quite late that way, don't you think?

[ Surely sect leaders and their fated partners can afford some very private rooms, after all.

McGillis allows Pie to flutter off as he raises an arm to brush his fingers along Huaisang's cheek. ]

But maybe you are powerful enough to convince me to sleep in, A-sang.