He brightens up, just ever-so-slightly, when he's asked about what he cares about. He takes the bun with a gracious nod and eats this half a little slower. "I really like painting, and birds," he says, chewing thoughtfully. "Da-ge said I could choose, but that was before..."

Huaisang shakes his head. "That was before, and now he wants me to work on my golden core."