[ The words sting, even though they are offered with surprising gentleness. Wen Kexing knows how hard it is for both of them to be kind or soft, and as awkward as Zhou Zishu must feel pulling him close, Wen Kexing appreciates the gesture. It's just difficult to find the right words. He usually avoids them for nicer, more flowery options. ]

They took care of me. All of them.

[ He lifts his hands to Zhou Zishu's back, afraid the man will lean away and see his face. He can't bear that. What Valley Master? He feels utterly ridiculous in that moment. He had worked so hard, clawing his way to the top of the pack, and somehow he's still helpless. ]

All that time I thought everyone was my enemy. I only looked after myself. But they and you were looking after me too.