Meng Yao fears his future. He wants to beg and plead that Mingjue not tell him more. None of it can be good; none of it seems to go his way no matter what tactics he employs. But he has to understand, whether he likes it or not, where he went wrong. He has to understand why his tactics failed.

Gathering a glass of water for himself, he tries to calm his nerves by sipping on it. One...two...three...

"I'm not like you. I only want a place to hide. The unknown...my future...frightens me."

It's ridiculous to whine; Mingjue died - horribly - and he isn't whining. Meng Yao sets the glass down and closes his eyes tightly.

"If I only had a piece of your bravery, I would be a better man."