--------
Dong Hai gently picked up the seed turned it over and bit it from the side. The shell split cleanly. He didn't look up, but the corner of his mouth moved.
Across the table, Lui De watched them over the rim of his cup. Wei Jun caught his eye, and the two of them shared a look full of quiet, fond amusement. Han Yan glanced at Lin Xin and he looked back.
The tea went slowly. When the cups were nearly empty, Han Yan set his down.
The warmth shifted. He rose and Lin Xin rose with him out of habit, but Han Yan shook his head.
"Stay seated."
"Yan-ge..."
"I'll keep it short. You know what I'll say."
Lin Xin nodded, concern lingering in his eyes despite his obedient agreement.
"Good." Han Yan's gaze rested on him a moment, his stern expression gave way to tenderness.
He laid a hand on Lin Xin's head briefly the way a man shields a candle from the wind.
"We'll sell the game and see the village chief. I'll be back before dark."
