"Mm. A-Yao let's me cut the vegetables, but he won't let me near the stove yet."

He clears his throat, an embarrassed blue flush tinting the tips of his ears and cheeks.

"...There was an... incident a few days before you came here. I'm afraid I must learn about kitchen safety long before I learn the ins and outs of cooking."

There is a brief moment as he studies Shen Yuan. Something is... off. The young man seems much more subdued than usual and Xichen's brow knits in concern.

"When Shen-gongzi feels ready, I'll begin his checkup and the qi transfer."