No matter at Cloud Recesses or an undead realm of horrors that prowl the waters upon which this village stands, there will always be young people concerned with crushes and who-likes-who. Xichen contains the best he can of his laugh, tilting his chin up as they walk, but he can't rid the crinkling from his eyes or the amused upturn of his smile.

"Is Sect Leader Jiang jealous, do you suppose?"

Of whom, he leaves up to the stars. Is he teasing? Being sincere? Both are true.