The typewriter, in its immediate foreignness, is the first thing to draw Lan Wangji's attention, a quick and sharp glance. He is too polite to mention it, however, and takes the offered seat. He will also never refuse tea, and flicks his sleeves back neatly to pour one cup for each of them.

"I've intended to ask how you would prefer that I address you," he says as he watches the steam rising.