Well maybe it's resignation to fate more so than to Di Feisheng's determination not to allow him a moment's peace. Where Li Lianhua is standing, those two things seem as indistinguishable as the face of the moon and its reflection in the sea, anyway.

Di Feisheng's explanation is almost absurd and charming in its simple confidence and intractability, as if he's going to wear down the walls of the labyrinth by sheer force of will alone. The worst part is that Li Lianhua believes it. A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth against his better judgement and the tension underpinning this meeting. And it stays there, though a little strained, in defiance of the unspoken blame that Di Feisheng indeed does not have to add. He can hear the anger just fine, the stolen opportunity, the failed expectation.

...Except then he does say the blame part out loud. Is that really necessary? Does he think Li Lianhua is unaware of what he took from him? That he actually wants to know whether or not his final effort at making up for his failures was successful?

"...Oh?" is all he can even think to say to that. Giving Di Feisheng the space to air his grievances is only further stalling in the absence of a better escape route. The bottom of the ocean is looking more and more inviting.