"Having difficulty with expressing yourself does not abrogate Luo Binghe's responsibility for his own actions." Lan Xichen's voice is soft, gentle, but there is an ironclad firmness of conviction there.

"Shen-gongzi, even if you cannot wholly express yourself," and he knows - he knows - how often that's not feasible, even in an ideal world, "you still have a right to your emotions. And I am not troubled hearing you out."

He smiles, a small thing, belying a strange melancholy.

"...Or rather, part of me is happy someone I consider a friend would be willing to share such troubles with me."