His smile returns and he heeds that warning as they reach the kitchen. "The food should be on the counter." And he can hear the water as it is boiling. "Will you grab the tea?"

He knows that Xue Yang can be reliable when he wants to be. He has learned at least that much in their time together. And he is very good at taking care of animals and people he seems to cherish. They are good qualities to have and it pleases Xingchen to sense that progress.