[ The arrival of their drinks is a welcome interruption, Dan Heng thanking the server with a small nod, an expression much more reserved than the easy smile the guitarist flashes her. And, with his drink poured, he offers the same nod to his current companion, only hoping he looks more put together than he feels. Unlike Yingxing, he drinks his coffee plain, not adding any of the creamer, taking a sip before he answers the older man's question with a hint of a wry smile to his features. ]

My best friends would say I'm too studious. But it's not about the marks. This is something I'm passionate about—I want to learn as much as I can. So... studying hard seems like the right thing to do.

[ Another sip, and then Yingxing is talking about his own schooling days, mentioning wood and metalworking, and without a thought Dan Heng nods, allowing himself to join the conversation: ]

That's right. You were into ornamental sword-making for a time, if I recall correctly?

[ And just where did he get that information from—? Dan Heng doesn't even notice what he's said just yet, or what it implies. ]