[ Lockwood decided Zhao's question could easily fall under the label of 'rhetorical' and so he decided to leave it alone and focus on making tea. ]

Glad yours was a good experience. I've encountered a couple of folks who haven't been so lucky. [ Lockwood included. Though he's not about to open that door.

After his experience with Natasha, the first time Lockwood ferreted out a box of loose tea leaves, he knew which cupboard to raid. A little pot found it's way to the stove, water set to heat as Lockwood pulled down two mugs and then began to makeshift a tea strainer. ]

Have you spoken to Aleksander since we got back? [ Speaking of tea. The question is asked with all the subtlety of a younger brother being a pest. ]