Xiao Xingchen still has a melancholy look on his face, evident even without eyes to help express it. Perhaps if it is a new future and a life beyond what he would have had, an opportunity that one should be nothing but grateful for, though matters are not so simple when a figure from his past is here with him.

"In the past, it's true that I heard only... unflattering stories of you, but I've met many here who speak to your good character. I was skeptical at first, until you helped me. Um, before, I mean."

He really needs to stop meeting people like this.

As he talks, the hostess comes back around with their tea. The scent in the air is light and delicate. Giving thanks to the hostess, he takes up his own cup, tasting the faint sweetness before he speaks again.

"It's strange, feeling so sure that you know someone. Then finding that they're nothing like you believed."