Unsurprisingly, Lan Wangji does not care for any of these theories. His eyes narrow momentarily as he considers the idea of serving as entertainment for some unseen trickster. Shifting rules, too, are troubling to him. If there are to be rules, he would prefer to know them, and to know that they will remain steady. His expression, frozen in distaste, speaks for itself, until that melts away in favor of relief in answer to Claudius' assurances of his safety. This time, he makes a deliberate choice to let fondness creep into his expression, because Claudius' reaction to being called a fine man was so endearing. "Claudius," he says tolerantly, "you know how much I care for you. Naturally, I am not the only one."