His Zichen. His sweet Zichen. Xingchen's head dips and he gives himself over to his beloved's tender care. Then he looks up at him with tears in his eyes. Hiding anything from his soulmate doesn't appeal to him, so he tells him the truth in a soft, sad voice:

"I visited the animal shelter. There was an accident and...the dog didn't make it. I tried." his throat tightens, "I know it's natural, but it's difficult to see."