[is it possible for sizhui to get any softer? one would think not, but the admiration from her, alongside the remark and hanguang-jun's praise has him feeling extra ooey-gooey. sort of like one of those tiny chocolate bars he'd gotten while collecting treats and it'd melted in his pocket. still edible, but boy it was semiliquid! the warmth he feels just considering how much this woman thinks of him could rival how quickly his heart is melting with the long-forgotten memories that spring up.]

I was— [‘i was that boy,’ is what he'd planned on saying, but isn't he still that boy? just all grown up now and doing cultivator things. meanwhile, if he were ever looking for the perfect in, there probably wouldn't be a better one.] I... I am that boy.

[even though he's beginning to think she might already know it, this is proper reassurance.] He told me about being here before. Admittedly, I wasn't sure how to accept this? Being somewhere I have no recollection of, but so far, that seems to be something normal in my case. I'm pleased to know he believes me capable of handling things while waiting for his return. [despite knowing he'd seen lan wangji right before he had arrived on the train. so, how is it he was there while being here, too?]