Toastmybuns twitter account is gold. The header

It's that dude! Watching from the shadows...
I'm thinking about that scene again when XY said "If I had saved you, I would only let you be Fangfeng Bei. A free Fangfeng Bei. Owing no one favors or gratitude. Bearing no responsibility, morality, or duty."
XL was about to touch XY's face because he was moved by what she said but then he stopped and changed his mood. IMO, I think he did that because he noticed that dude was there watching them.....



And my opinion is supported by this passage in the novel:
"Bei reached out his hand as if to caress Xiao Yao’s cheek but the moment he touched her, he jerked his hand back. He glanced behind Xiao Yao and then smirked “Based on you right now wanting to save me? Are you worthy?”
Xiao Yao tried to explain “I’m not saying General Gong Gong isn’t a good guy, I just think, I just feel…..”
“Be quiet!” In that instant Bei appeared to don a full armor, wrapping himself tightly in a deadly aura.
Xiao Yao stared warily at Xiang Liu and then slowly backed up.
She backed into a familiar embrace “Jing?”
He noticed that dude was behind them!!!!!!! That stalker....
Also, I could've sworn I saw somebody on here post that TJC said this was the closest XL felt like giving up his loyalty to Gong Gong 😢😢😢