Part of Xingchen is actually serious otherwise he wouldn't bring it up and he could tell Xue Yang is interested. So, he learns to be wise and not say, Just kidding out of his own insecurity as he felt a shift and if that's something he wanted, then they simply continue and stick to the path, but now on a deeper level.

He promised not to bring Zichen up as he's making a hard choice to stay by his side. Not that it will heal the guilt and regret, but forgiveness is something he's working and meditating on. Hearing that, perhaps he's working on his vows inwardly that he's twisting the sleeves of his hoodie, as he hasn't earned back his robes yet via the shop.

"Let's take our time to study together." He said quietly. "When we get back to the train."