244 Non-Human Discussion

Being accused by others of not being human is arguably a very rare experience in the lives of most people, or perhaps an experience they have never had. Although I don't know whether Dong Che has experienced this before, I think he wouldn't simply admit it. Throughout the entire time, he has been speaking to us from a human perspective—if he admitted it just because I asked, it would be akin to negating all his efforts.

I observed his facial expressions very carefully, and sure enough, his eyes revealed vivid confusion, even with a touch of bewilderment and grievance. Indeed, in everyday life, if someone bluntly accuses you of "not being human," more often than not, it's a criticism of moral degeneration. Such a reaction is reasonable.

It seemed as if he was pondering whether he had somehow offended me. After a moment, as if terrified, with a hint of feeling wronged, he asked, "Um... why do you say that?"