Luo Binghe's irritation also softens. "You're right," he says generously. "It does explain some things. I've found his self-importance utterly baffling for someone from a sect I've never even heard of."

He should not have been so quick to anger, when Jiang Wanyin has shown himself to be such a reasonable and pleasant man. Luo Binghe will give him another chance. "A friend here taught me a sign of fellowship common to other worlds. Two people clasp hands, and it indicates that they regard each other with respect." He holds his hand out to shake, the way Janet showed him.