spoiler, he is Chinese and only speaks Mandarin

But writes in English. Very rare.

I've met a few people who write English but can't speak it. One of them is polish and learned to type English to play online video games.

And, what was the partner's ability to benchmark? What is their level of familiarity with the language?

I would love to believe.

It was a recording. I dare you to ask for it.

I shall not be ensnared by your schoolyard dare. You cannot manipulate me so easily. OP, however...

Native speaker

Well, now I want to learn what you were saying!

I am learning! But in my sleep I seemed way more fluent!