[Meng Yao’s face lights up a Little initially when Xichen looks at the unlikely pair of them and seems—not entirely like his old self, but something close. It’s a much better look on him, up until Xichen sees what he’s wearing and flinches.

Panic and anxiety curls in his stomach and he automatically glances for Wangji for reassurance. Except Wangji is retreating and ABANDONING HIM, life is hard for poor Meng Yao. He wasn’t aware that the surprise of his meant that he’d likely told Xichen absolutely none OG this was happening. Alright no that’s actually not surprising at all, and Meng Yao isn’t actually sure how much Xichen does know about all this, but he can definitely tell Xichen didn’t know about the robes at the very least.

He forces a smile, the sheepishness at least not faked at all, before he bows politely back.] Well met, Zewu-Jun. I’m afraid I have little in the way of formal robes to wear to a proper tea. Jin Ling was kind enough to loan me his own. At your brother’s insistence, I believe.

[He straightens and speaks with a dry joking tone he’s relieved he can still manage:] I can unfortunately announce that they are, in fact, a little too long on me.