[Well, if he doesn't see a problem with expecting people to simply take his different appearances at face value, China isn't about to disillusion him. The skull really is more distinctive, though, and after all this time it's strange to see him with skin again.]

There's only so gently you can break that particular gem.

[Especially given she seems to recall it used to entertain him.]

[To the latter, though, she raises her eyebrows and straightens, one hand on her hip.]

Oh? Far be it from me to disappoint your expectations, but I'm hardly in the mood for the local equivalent of tea. Clearly I must have gone out of my way simply to criticize your investigative procedures.