Runyu has a hint of an answer in his own heart, that it is not as fine to leave his family behind as it seems. But a year or twenty year is nothing in the eyes of Heaven, and so he is not particularly worried for his absence. He only nods, cupping his hand to Xichen's cheek, drawing him back in again.

"...may he turn back and see the bridges you rebuild for him," Runyu offers as though in prayer. "May he understand how rare a thing that is, and may your devotion be returned in full."