The minute it takes Mingjue to shift focus from Xichen to A-Yao and food he spends simply enjoying Xichen's touch. Who would have thought that he enjoyed being all-but-petted. Once his focus does shift, however, he huffs. "You make a good point."

He peels himself away from Xichen with no small regret and slides to sit at the edge of the bed. "Both that we need the fuel"—he offers his hand to pull Xichen upright—"and that we might embarrass Xichen. We don't want that."

The spot across the table from A-Yao calls his name, but he's not going to head over until Xichen's up and moving.