What has he been saying about me? [ He shakes his head, lifting the cup for another sip. ] You shouldn't believe him. He says the most outrageous things, most of which are terribly untrue.

[ Zishu blinks slowly, looking down at the shimmer of his tea. He doesn't even realize that his tone has shifted into something softer, warmer when he continues speaking. ]

Lao Wen is-- He is overly complimentary, when it comes to me, especially because he finds my reactions entertaining. But he does not mean anything ill by it, and it makes him happy to tease.