His touch is gentle as he checks Shen Yuan's pulse, and whatever he finds seems to be good, because he gives an approving nod, before the soft flow of energy passes into Shen Yuan's meridians like a refreshing breeze in early spring.

What the other man says, however, is very telling. This is no malaise of being cooped up, but something that speaks to a larger insecurity.

He doesn't chuckle and dismiss the concerns; rather, he gives Shen Yuan's wrists a light squeeze.

"On the contrary, Shen-gongzi's presence is refreshing," he explains. "Be at ease. You are not intruding."