( Oh, Lan Xichen is far more complicated than he first appears then. Wen Kexing watches him as he lowers his gaze, talking about his seclusion, then watches still as the pleasant but real smile returns. He's unlike anyone Wen Kexing knows, save for the earnestness, but there's something about him that stirs his softer side. He waves off the apology either way. )

You don't have to apologise, ah it's fine.

( He's known him for a handful of hours and yet --. )

Reputation means very little to me too. Too many men use their good standing as a smokescreen. It isn't always the truth. So we'll forget it. Let us take each other at face value then.