[ he'd hardly think of Zhongli as a crusty, ancient, fossilized, decrepit old man. wouldn't even dream of it, ever.

but it's not as if he's really looking for anybody, not like there's anyone here he'd be keen on seeing aside from the Traveler, and he imagines that if they were here he would have long since spotted that familiar head of blond hair. aside from Zhongli and Childe's own kin there wasn't really anyone here he was keeping an eye out for.

past grievances aside, Zhongli is/was mostly dependable. having an ally like him to face the unknown would be a smart decision so long as Zhongli didn't hog all the fun and kill steal him at every opportunity.

so he laughs a little at the jostling, the sound just barely edged in amusement. it's easy and familiar to fall into step beside the other man as they make their way out of the shop and he'd be more mad that it's almost second nature if he didn't have other things to worry about. namely - where they were going. ]

You know, for someone who's been kidnapped you're awfully calm. You don't worry over what's happening to your precious Liyue while you're away?