“Ah . . . ” It's more breath than actual verbal response with Sizhui's mouth hanging open, momentarily at a loss for words. Did he actually ask—? He snaps his mouth shut, hoping it isn't forceful enough to be audible, his lips also pursed in his best attempt at not grinning. No, Sizhui thinks, don't question it.

Instead, he outstretches his hand again toward a pretty jade comb this time, plucks it up, gives it an inquisitive once-over then finally says, “Of course. I like spending any time with you that I can, Jin Ling.”