He keeps up the flow of music without stopping, occasionally switching between songs while Wei Ying rests beside him. From time to time he will murmur an explanation of why he chooses this piece or that melody before starting to sing again.

Every so often, he repeats their song, using it as touchstone and transition both, especially when he feels Wei Ying start to tense up for any reason. Each time, as he does, Wei Ying will relax again, and Lan Wangji cannot articulate even to himself the complex way that makes him feel.

The hours pass, illuminated by the dim light of the single lantern and marked by melody, until dawn breaks as mao hour arrives.