Xiao Xingchen pauses what he's doing at that. And really, maybe he's still less surprised than most people would be. Xue Yang has done terrible things in the past, but there's nothing to prevent him from doing better in the future. He's not damned to stay as he was, if he chooses to change. If he has a reason to.

Xingchen is slowly starting to realize what that reason is.

"She's right. It's important to live in harmony here. You must be honest in your dealings with others." So friends, yes. "Lady Wen is a very intelligent person. I hope you'll continue to listen to her advice."

He feels around for the bowls to start to fill one.