[said guqin player is beaming outright by the time lestat remembers his manners and bows, which deserves a proper greeting in return. sizhui shifts, raises his left arm and sweeps a long sleeve across the instrument, causing it to disappear in a small flurry of bright blue magic. he moves upright afterward, all grace and flowing veil and robes, his right hand reaching to tip his hat back somewhat first, then he circles both arms around, cinches his hands together and bows in kind.

honestly, this handsome stranger flatters him, but it's those honey-tongued words that have him even considering going somewhere with an individual he's only just met. any other day, he might've been more heedful, would have taken into account what he was supposed to be doing and the sudden appearance of someone he's never seen before rather than toss caution to the wind by immediately accepting the man's offer.]

Bye-j'yo, [he pronounces, slow and steady, still smiling the whole time through his suggestion.] You needn't apologize, you're doing wonderfully with what you know. If you prefer, it is also called ‘shaojiu’, literally meaning ‘white liquor’.

[against his (usually) better judgment, he slinks forward, leaving a respectable amount of distance between them, but only just, his expression faintly softened, though no less friendly.] I would be absolutely delighted to share a drink with you. [because, of course, he's fully expecting his new acquaintance to join him, even if it means using some of what he's earned to buy him a drink too.] Lead the way, kind sir.

[here's hoping lestat isn't surprised by how mannerly sizhui's returned flattery is.]