Xue Yang sets the rice in front of Xingchen to wash while he cuts up the vegetables, not wanting to risk the other man accidentally cutting himself while already wounded.

Hesitant, shy glances. He hardly dares to breathe while Xingchen clings to the counter, let alone speak until he has his answer. Then the breath explodes out at the soft words. He's smiling brightly, because he can't help it. Because that gives him even more hope.

"Do you want to stay here, or go back to the room I got for us?" Since technically he's still supposed to be guarding that shop.

...But if Xingchen doesn't want him doing that, he'll find something else.