He beams when Wuxian mentions that. It's one thing for him to think that's what he sees, but for someone who clearly doesn't trust him? It means a lot. Even more since it's his dear Senior!

"They'll see you like that too. Just show them." Yes. Yes he does know his Senior.

Xue Yang nods, sobering in understanding. "A-Lan and I didn't stop looking for A-Chen after he vanished each time. And he kept coming back. I can't imagine how much harder Hanguang-Jun would fight to get back to you."