I believe this is the kind of company that I need more, these days.

[ Quiet, rational, kind. Jiang Cheng has spent too many years around manipulation, danger, trouble, frustration - all things that have robbed him of joy and calm that might have made him a different man. This soft comfort is exactly what he needs now, growing older and settling into his place as leader.

Xichen taking to seclusion doesn't surprise Jiang Cheng, nor does it offend him. He can't be blamed, given all that happened, and he shakes his head, scoffing a little. ]

I should be thanking you. You've been incredibly kind.