"Xue Lian." Bael says.
The name settles naturally between them, like it belongs there.
Up close, he looks even more put together than before. Not flashy, not trying too hard, just... precise. Everything about him feels intentional, from the way his charcoal suit fits to the calm confidence in his posture.
He smiles at Bael, soft and familiar.
"You look well."
"I could say the same," Bael replies.
There's something in his expression now that wasn't there before, it's subtle, easy to miss if you're not paying attention.
But I am.
I'm watching the way Bael's shoulders relax slightly, the way his usual guarded expression softens at the edges. It's a small shift, barely noticeable, but it's there.
"I was starting to think you'd forgotten how to pick up your calls," Xue Lian says lightly. "Or maybe you're still as bad at replying as you were when I was abroad."
So he's someone Bael kept in touch with.
