You catch Xie Lian in a rare, unguarded moment as he stands under a tree, trying to coax a tiny bird to eat seeds from his hand. He’s quiet, focused, his other hand slowly lifting to form a gentle barrier so the little creature won’t get spooked. His expression is one of childlike concentration, brow pinched with focus.

The bird flits closer, hopping toward his open palm. Xie Lian’s eyes brighten, but he doesn’t dare move, his hand steady as he waits for the bird to decide he’s safe. Finally, the tiny creature takes a single seed, and Xie Lian’s face lights up with such pure joy that it’s contagious.