Shen Yuan pouts. He sticks his lower lip out as far it will go, stomps his foot, and finally grabs Jin Guangyao by the arm to pull him away, out of the mask-seller's hearing. Transforming into a huli jing might have smashed most of the walls he keeps around his latent homosexuality into so much glitter and dust, but even like this he still has a few boundaries and arguing with a friend in front of a stranger is right out.

"Why are you so sure I need to be changed back?" he says, sulky and offended. "Have I given any sign that I'm in danger? Weren't you listening to me before? I feel fine! In fact, I like myself like this --" A strange look suddenly came under Shen Yuan's face, realization that rapidly melted into offense.

"Or is it that you don't like me anymore?" he hissed. "Am I making you uncomfortable, shixiong?"