Lan Wangji takes in the sight of Galahad with a nearly imperceptible softening of his features. When he comes to care for someone, there is almost a single moment, sharp and sudden like a needle pricking one's finger, at which a fierce protective impulse comes into focus. He remembers it a little shamefully with Wei Ying, who knelt in punishment after his fight with Jin Zixuan, sharper still years later with Chenqing twirling in his hands. He remembers it with A-Yuan, wide-eyed and heeding a Cloud Recesses rule at a restaurant in Yiling. With Claudius, it must have been watching as he held Shen Yuan's gaze, by far the most vulnerable man in a room with two cultivators, and met Shen Yuan's disregard for his life with bravery and wit. That moment was impossible to miss as he sat beside Galahad in the café and watched his careful breathing.

For a time, he lets the quiet remain between them. He feeds Danding his own piece of lettuce, and patiently moves Xiaoxue aside as the rabbit makes a move to begin chewing on a qin string. Then, however, he sets Danding beside his brother and turns to face Galahad. Without rising, he arranges himself into an otherwise formal bow. "I owe you my congratulations."