The silence that followed was a test of Lanling's determination and Lixuan's patience.
Even Haruki felt suffocated by the atmosphere, holding his breath without realizing it.
Lixuan knew just how stubborn his son was. Almost ninety percent of what he wanted to say crumbled in his mind, and he could already imagine how bitter their parting would be if he resisted.
A heavy sigh escaped him.
Lanling's gaze remained steady.
"Compromise with me, Lanling," Lixuan muttered. In the end, he felt that he owed his son the peace he wanted.
Lanling paused. He almost couldn't believe his ears. "Y-Yeah?"
"I still want you to meet the dragon."
Lanling blinked. He took a long moment to think about it and found that, in this moment, he couldn't lie to his father.
"I'll agree to meet him. But you can't stop me from kissing him anymore."
Lixuan snorted, exasperation welling within him. "I know. That's why I'm only asking you to wait on soulbonding until after you meet the dragon."
