If Lan Wangji had preferred to sit in his own silence, he would not have invited Claudius in, but that is too obvious to bear saying. He does, indeed, have several matters weighing on him, and if he can muster the fortitude to speak of them, he would like to hear what Claudius has to say in turn.

For now, he is grateful to have Claudius recall a memory that holds nothing painful in it, and one that he is entirely certain Claudius will enjoy. "Mn. I saw Crowley asleep." And attempted to check his meridians, and regretted it. But, more importantly: "Under truth compulsion, he called my eyes beautiful."