"Mm." With Lan Xichen's qi flowing through him, it's both easier and harder to summon up a real smile. Easier because it takes left effort. Harder because he feels so fucking guilty. "Lan-gongzi is as kind as ever," he says noncommittally, "but this one doesn't feel terribly refreshing just now."

If he's just going to drag them both down with his moodiness, then that's even more reason to stay behind, in his opinion.