And that alone proves that Nie Mingjue is worthy of every ounce of respect he has ever been given. He deserves more, in fact, and Meng Yao feels awed and lost in his radiance. It occurs to him, distantly, that the latter feeling might be why he started to turn.

He doesn't like being ignored. He doesn't like feeling belittled.

You're just a whore's bastard.

His smile is strained and he bows, lowly, to Mingjue.

"You must be exhausted. Is your room in order? I can make you something to eat in the kitchen if you like."