[perhaps po xiao should be warier; not everyone who helps a person has good intentions following that act, after all, but in xingchen's defense: he also believes not many people would willingly toss themselves into the fray as he'd done earlier with those bandits. not only this but, while he'd be embarrassed to admit, he does like the idea of having someone else around who understands what's going on. for now, all he can do is offer help and hope it's enough repayment for saving his life.

with the utmost carefulness, both his hands draw back again and lace together across his lap, head politely inclined while he waits. his thumb traces a line on his robe, but he's drawn back in by another question before he gets too distracted.] It was the same road, [he assures.] And yes, there is no need to worry about any of that. [the aforementioned madam has no qualms letting him stay as long as necessary, so long as whatever chores he's assigned get taken care of. kind though she is, he's well-aware he ought to leave sooner rather than later, lest any other assassins come looking when he least expects.] However, if you're curious to know, it's only been a few hours since you rescued me. [a brief pause then,] Ah... my name is Po Xiao, by the by. [just to get some basic formalities out of the way.]