( little does jing yuan know that preferences talk with aventurine is short and simple. what doesn't he like?

(many things, but none that he's so aware of, and fewer still that he would admit to disliking, but that's not for this moment, not for this meeting.)

yet he does not mind playing; aventurine is good at lying and, all things considered, he can point out the things he does like, superficial as though they likely are. he hums, pleased with how cooperative one of the generals of the xianzhou is. maybe he will pay them a visit, next time the ipc is doing work in the luofu and... well, next time his schedule is free. whenever that is. )

Thank you, my friend. ( aventurine takes his seat, crossing a leg over the other. were this a different setting, this could almost be a business talk. ) Oh, but first, if you don't mind.

( he's getting a waiter to bring them some drinks, to wet their throats and keep things a little more lively, if need be. room service sure is always exceptional in the golden peacock, huh. ) A precaution, to make sure we aren't too shy to speak. ( lol. a moment, and the waiter brings them two cocktails. )

Now we can begin.