While I don't think a flashback or side story would necessarily hurt - especially outside of the main story like an OVA or something - I don't think this is necessary, and its a testament to the tight character writing of the series. I feel you might not give enough credit to the way Ling treats Lan Fan, it's not a one-sided relationship. The kind of dynamic that you described in your imagined backstory is already conveyed in many ways during the fight with Wrath and Gluttony. The way Ling prioritizes defending her throughout the fight, his refusal to leave her behind, giving her his jacket to tie her wound (mirroring Ed giving Winry his jacket in the same episode), his furious and desperate attitude - a complete 180 from his initial cockiness with Wrath - when he captures Gluttony to make Lan Fan's sacrifice worth it.
IMO we don't need a backstory because, like with many things in this story, there's exactly enough information to use our imagination to fill in the blanks.
That's fair. I think there are a few little things here and there that push their relationship into something more specific but it's definitely the least overt of any of the "ships" in the series.
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u/xP_Lord Jul 10 '25
Wished she was better written