[Dang Heng is right, it's hard to match material worth for someone with the sort of bank account Zulius has. Luckily, Zulius values sentimental worth far, far higher than the material.
Which is to say he ABSOLUTELY adores these gifts. Dang Heng hit all the right buttons there. He was also a monumental idiot and signed his name to this. It takes zero effort for Zulius to find him on the network and send him a message.]
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, Secret Santa! [It's already too late to run. He's done for. It's the end.] I wanted to send you a big heckin' thank you for those presents. You hit the nail RIGHT on the head those those, omg. Did you talk to my friends because if not, you're a regular Sherlock Holmes of presents.
[There's a nonzero chance he has already eaten the entire fucking cake.]
I'm gonna have to take you out for a treat! To say THANKS.
[Oh no. Dan Heng has a huge sense of foreboding when he answers his phone to Zulius calling him. This foreboding is confirmed to be his newest doom as he pulls his phone a few inches away from his ear.
...Did he just say "omg"? Out loud? Oh, God. He puts the phone back to a normal distance so he can talk to Zulius more politely.]
I did ask my cousin if he knew you, but I also looked up what roles you played. It was what inspired the art. The dragon is meant as a symbol of strength and prosperity.
[Wait, take him out???]
You... don't need to do that. That negates the purpose of a Secret Santa, doesn't it?
... Yes. His name is Zhongli. [Casually shoving the old man under the zebra-shaped bus.] I'm glad you're happy with the gifts. I had admittedly been a little worried that they wouldn't be well-received.
[Oh, no. Aggressive friendship. Dan Heng's weakness. He can see that fighting Zulius on this is a battle he will soundly lose, too.]
I... [sighs] ... Alright, then I'll accept.
[Maybe it'll be less painful if he just goes along with it. Maybe.]
Ohhhhhh, he's a real good buddy of mine, I love that dumb old lizard! I'm gonna have to thank him for helping out. [Right under the bus, churned up under the wheels. The lizard is dead.] They are SUPER well-received. I love them!
[His ego has been fluffed and he's delighted. It's screwed Dan Heng over forever but life's sometimes like that.]
Great! You didn't have a choice either way, but great! What sort of things do you like?
[He knows it in his SOUL and that's what matters!!!]
...Okay, Honey? I'm gonna need you to work with me a little here. Like, say if you wanted something to eat right now what would you pick? No restraints.
[So help him he will figure you out, you socially awkward weirdo. He figured out Vittore, he can figure out you! ]
I would say surprise me. There's value in trying something you're not very familiar with.
[He would be sorry to Zulius, but this is the price of Dan Heng's friendship. Or something. Good luck, Zulius, this is shaping up to be a... Challenge, alright.]
[This is the most threatening thing he's ever heard, and this is coming from a man who had been chased halfway across the universe with murderous intent by Blade.]
I look forward to seeing what 'fun surprise' you have for me, Zulius. I can text you which days and times that I'm free.
[You can run but you cannot hide. He WILL be following this up in a few days to make sure you didn't FORGET. He will never let it go. You better watch out. You better watch out.
Jaws theme intensifies
Which is to say he ABSOLUTELY adores these gifts. Dang Heng hit all the right buttons there. He was also a monumental idiot and signed his name to this. It takes zero effort for Zulius to find him on the network and send him a message.]
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, Secret Santa! [It's already too late to run. He's done for. It's the end.] I wanted to send you a big heckin' thank you for those presents. You hit the nail RIGHT on the head those those, omg. Did you talk to my friends because if not, you're a regular Sherlock Holmes of presents.
[There's a nonzero chance he has already eaten the entire fucking cake.]
I'm gonna have to take you out for a treat! To say THANKS.
CALL AN AMBULENCE
...Did he just say "omg"? Out loud? Oh, God. He puts the phone back to a normal distance so he can talk to Zulius more politely.]
I did ask my cousin if he knew you, but I also looked up what roles you played. It was what inspired the art. The dragon is meant as a symbol of strength and prosperity.
[Wait, take him out???]
You... don't need to do that. That negates the purpose of a Secret Santa, doesn't it?
there is no saving him
Oh? Who's your cousin? DOES he know me? And oooh, I love that. I love the whole thing! You did your research and everything.
Nope! Because now you've got yourself a new friend and that does NOT negate the purpose of friendship.
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[Oh, no. Aggressive friendship. Dan Heng's weakness. He can see that fighting Zulius on this is a battle he will soundly lose, too.]
I... [sighs] ... Alright, then I'll accept.
[Maybe it'll be less painful if he just goes along with it. Maybe.]
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[His ego has been fluffed and he's delighted. It's screwed Dan Heng over forever but life's sometimes like that.]
Great! You didn't have a choice either way, but great! What sort of things do you like?
[Big maybe there, buddy. ]
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Oh, no, this question. This question is one he's always been terrible at answering.]
If you're talking about food, I don't have strong feelings one way or another.
[If you put it on a plate in front of him, he'll eat it without complaint.]
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...Okay, Honey? I'm gonna need you to work with me a little here. Like, say if you wanted something to eat right now what would you pick? No restraints.
[So help him he will figure you out, you socially awkward weirdo. He figured out Vittore, he can figure out you! ]
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[He would be sorry to Zulius, but this is the price of Dan Heng's friendship. Or something. Good luck, Zulius, this is shaping up to be a... Challenge, alright.]
1/2
2/2
Okay, you know what? Fine, it's FINE. Mamma Bunter didn't raise no quitter. I'll surprise you. And it'll be a great surprise. You'll have fun.
[This is both a promise and a threat. ]
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I look forward to seeing what 'fun surprise' you have for me, Zulius. I can text you which days and times that I'm free.
[God help them both.]
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Great! And I'm looking forward to it too. Until then!!!
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Mm.
[That's all Zulius gets before Dan Heng hangs up on him. He turns off his phone immediately and goes to lie down for a bit to process... all of this.]
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YOU BETTER WATCH OUT]