The obvious pleasure that Shen Yuan derives from the tea brings Jin Guangyao no shortage of delight himself, though his enjoyment is tempered by the way his friend talks about himself. Jin Guangyao files this away for later contemplation but doesn't call it out, instead pouring tea for himself and bringing it to his lips for a sip. Mm. Yes, this really was a good choice.

"This one knows that shidi played the guqin in his first life," he points out simply instead. "In fact, I believe shidi said he was--" a pause, for effect, while he does his best to mimic how Shen Yuan had described his playing, "--'into it.' You were a musician."

He sets his teacup down and sets a hand on the box again. "Shall I open this, or would you like to?"