In all truth, Xichen doesn't really want to return. He has to meditate for hours beforehand, spend time with Wangji, and take his mind off the whole thing by attending the new summer lectures with the collected students of the sects. It all works in his favour and his mood is much higher when he makes his way to the secluded house up the mountain, albeit without any gifts this time.

Any apprehension he has about Jin Guangyao's bitter nature is momentarily eased when he sees that polite bow, entering with a cursory glance around.

"Have you been keeping busy?"