At this point being surprised by Jin Guangyao should be considered completely shameful, but Lan Xichen is surprised. He's shocked actually when his friend grabs the sword from his hip and forces it into his hand. His reactions might have been quicker if he weren't completely caught off guard and suddenly overwhelmed by the raw, unrestrained anger and frustration hitting him in the chest. He's been mad before, but nothing has matched that feeling. He apparently never knew the meaning of the word resentment until that moment, because what nearly knocks him to his knees is something Lan Xichen is unfamiliar with. He pulls back, confused and out of breath, trying to keep the point from pushing further forward.

"It won't happen again."

The words don't sound very strong, because most of Lan Xichen's effort is going toward holding back Shuoyue and not collapsing himself. He knew that there were unseen emotions hidden in Jin Guangyao when he saw a glimpse of them in the temple, but that was not nearly enough preparation for sharing them.

"Please... I told you to assure you I won't strike. I can't help my doubts. Fear takes time to heal. But I am willing to- I will follow you."

Unable to let go of the sword and afraid that wrenching free of Jin Guangyao's grip will end up hurting him, Lan Xichen holds the blade at a stand still, trying to keep it from moving at all as he looks him in the eyes.

"A-Yao, please. It is different now, and that is painful, but that doesn't mean it has ended everything."