This should be the art whose successors let Ling Qi keep a literal eye on everyone should loves, so. I like this art the best.
[] Convince Li Suyin to come along. It would ease things along a good deal.
Pros:
— Multiple (friendly!) people to bounce off of opens up more conversational options
— Suyin and Bao Qiang together means more opportunities to have Bao shower her with favor
— Suyin needs to get out of her workshop more (most compelling, in my opinion)
[] No, she did not want to use her friend as a crutch or a shield.
Pros:
— Ling Qi and Bao Qiang alone together let's Ling Qi see more of his character, how he treats people when he's alone-ish and she's without friends (not the best circumstances for real interrogation, but acceptable...)
— More intimate outing allows Ling Qi to poke at him more than if she needs to think also about Suyin's desires and comfort
— Less people to split the loot