[ Oh, he caught the other man polishing himself for their encounter. How strange... Childe has always been prepared for any engagement, whether positive or negative. Zhongli's eyebrows lift up slightly, though the rest of his expression conveys not much else. The wording does have him tilting his head. ]

Then you've left and somehow returned.

[ Interesting. While the Fatui have their ways to escaping the eyes of the public, Zhongli has ears everywhere and yet he hasn't heard about the war criminal's departure. Childe just continues to become more peculiar by the second. Zhongli's eyes practically glow in the shadows of the alley as he comes even closer. His posture doesn't change, hands still tightly clasped behind him, but he's scanning Childe's face with meticulous care... He notes every single feature and how they're set, then his body language, searching for anything out of place.

There's something, but he wonders how to address it. ]

I'd invite you for tea if it didn't sound as if you're planning to leave soon. [ His tone is leveled, composed, the same as always, but there's a tint of disappointment that flashes on his face. It's reeled back fast. ] Regardless, welcome back, Childe.

[ He believes it's the least Childe deserves, despite being a Fatui Harbinger that tried to destroy the harbor. The citizens of Liyue may scorn him, but Zhongli does not. ]