**Slight spoilers for anyone reading the novel for the first time beyond this point!!**
I think it's a bit of both. If you've read the extras, the Shen San extra also helps explain Shen Wei's reluctance to get too close to Zhao Yunlan, because it didn't end so well last time he got close.
I always interpreted it as a bit of both. He's worried that just by touching him, he'll drain his lifeforce. But also, he's worried if he touches him once, he won't be able to stop. Shen Wei always describes himself as a greedy creature, so I think he's worried that if he allows himself one touch, he won't be able to stop himself from stealing a thousand more. And one touch might be safe, might not be enough to sap Zhao Yunlan’s life force, but a thousand definitely would. And then there's also the promise, the fear Shen Wei will lose him permanently if he learns the truth.
I think Shen Wei's aversion to touch is a combination of all of it. Is it an overreaction? A bit, yeah. But when has any version of Shen Wei ever been logical when it comes to Zhao Yunlan? Of course this Shen Wei, who sees himself and his proximity to Zhao Yunlan as a threat to his health, would avoid touching him and looking at him, no matter how much he yearns.
no subject
I think it's a bit of both. If you've read the extras, the Shen San extra also helps explain Shen Wei's reluctance to get too close to Zhao Yunlan, because it didn't end so well last time he got close.
I always interpreted it as a bit of both. He's worried that just by touching him, he'll drain his lifeforce. But also, he's worried if he touches him once, he won't be able to stop. Shen Wei always describes himself as a greedy creature, so I think he's worried that if he allows himself one touch, he won't be able to stop himself from stealing a thousand more. And one touch might be safe, might not be enough to sap Zhao Yunlan’s life force, but a thousand definitely would. And then there's also the promise, the fear Shen Wei will lose him permanently if he learns the truth.
I think Shen Wei's aversion to touch is a combination of all of it. Is it an overreaction? A bit, yeah. But when has any version of Shen Wei ever been logical when it comes to Zhao Yunlan? Of course this Shen Wei, who sees himself and his proximity to Zhao Yunlan as a threat to his health, would avoid touching him and looking at him, no matter how much he yearns.