How about my down payment

Lu Lu's shadow fell over him, towering and silent. Xiang Yu didn't bother looking up. "What do you want now?" he asked flatly, his focus never leaving the plant.

Lu Lu stayed quiet for a moment before speaking. "Why did you save me?" His voice held an edge, low but not aggressive.

Xiang Yu didn't answer right away. He kept working, hands methodical. Lu Lu crouched beside him, hesitant at first but eventually joining him, his hands moving to help dig. The gesture felt unnatural as if his pride resisted every scoop of dirt.

"Be gentle," Xiang Yu instructed without looking up. "I need the roots intact."

Lu Lu scowled, biting back a retort. This man had saved him—annoying as he was. He stayed silent, his fingers brushing the soil with care. "I still hate you," he muttered. "So why did you help me?"

"Wow, so direct." Xiang Yu finally glanced at him, a flash of amusement in his eyes.

Lu Lu's expression hardened as if to say, 'Quit joking around.'