|| okay it's NOT just a me problem then

|| i have never uploaded a gif to this app that has worked

The sharp needle paralysis is just effective bedside manner.

"I cannot imagine the stress that puts one under." Her reply was genuine, however her guard had gone back up. Wen Jiamei's husband had weaponized her brother's safety and health against her enough that that subject put the hairs on her neck on end.

"He... is generally anxious in public."

This presumes you've met one of these mythical straight people that do not exist.

You thought the hallmark of being straight was awkwardness?

You thought Zixuan was straight?

I thought they were a myth.

"Of course, my lady." She replies with a hint of regret. "I did not mean to imply you yourself were not fraught with too much work to keep up with."

There is the tiniest twitch to her demeanor at the mention of her brother. A brother Wen Rouhan had weaponized against her. "He fares well."

"You are very kind." She replies, a small sense of relief cleansing her chest. Her demeanor relaxes, just a bit, enough to not stand at total attention.

"I have found that my other responsibilities have caused me to fall behind in normal duties. I am attempting to take time to make up for that."

Caught off guard, she rises to her feet quickly, hands bowing together to form a small bow. "Jiamei-Furen. I apologize. I was not aware of your visit, otherwise I would have prepared for you."