Hah, thanks, Lu Meng. [And that's genuine appreciation right there. He doesn't always need it said, but a little bit of confirmation that he's doing pretty good about himself never hurts.

And... Then the chuckles fade, and there's a slight...heaviness now weighing over the connection.]

So, yeah. The reason I called you up.

[So he starts, but he doesn't seem as quick to continue. It's as if he's gathering his thoughts.]

Well, mostly I'm asking for advice, but I don't want to bother you if you're not feeling up to it. [Even if Lu Meng seems and sounds better, he doesn't want to push his friend, either.]