[Still drawing in his own frustrated breaths and attempting to even out the rising temper of his feelings, Lan Xichen shakes his head.]

It would be a different life if things had gone other ways, but can you really blame Wangji for being so upset? If you were caught off-guard by Huaisang, how do you think the rest of us felt, being caught by you? Rivers and currents aren't easy to bury, but Wangji hasn't spoken a word about you since that last time. We may not erase the past, but we can still move forward. Spare me some patience. I do feel guilty for breaking those rules, but I still chose you. You seem unsatisfied with my choice. Perhaps it was wrong.

[As Jin Guangyao looks toward him, Lan Xichen reaches the end of his own patience and withdraws, looking out to the garden instead.]

I am sure that between you and Huaisang, I am not interesting enough to be anyone's prey. If he focuses as much on you as you do on him, I have no fear at all of becoming a target. He has not made any move to approach me since his return and I see no reason to antagonize him. Or Mingjue.

[The name hangs in the air a moment as Xichen battles with more frustration.]

We were family.