He stops. Lan Wangji stops walking. He has to stop and breathe and be still as he absorbs Wei Ying's words. He should not have set Wei Ying up in that way, to be expected to say something to the contrary.

But he did not expect this. Praise based on his heart and not simply his mind. After so many years carefully cultivating walls to keep himself untouched by the world and his heart shielded, it is stunning to be seen. He wishes he were all of those things Wei Ying had listed but they are all the things he would like to be, at the very least.

"Thank you," he whispers, blinking carefully and evenly to keep his eyes dry and emotions at bay. He turns his head, cutting his eyes over to try and see Wei Ying.

"I respect Wei Ying, as well. Like who Wei Ying is."