"Y-you don't know me," Houmei says so, so quietly, down into his bony knees.

If Yondu knew him, he'd know! Houmei hasn't stolen anything from Yondu, or lied to him, or been a nuisance -- yet.

Of course, he has no way to truly, honestly understand that even if he did all that stuff, it wouldn't really be a problem for the guy.