Her words catch him and drag him back to himself; realizing he's on the verge of toppling into hours of rambling and theorizing, he laughs a little, self-deprecating.

"Yes." He forces himself to flip the portfolio closed. "I have stolen enough of your table and your time for now. Thank you, my friend. I wish you luck on your progress, and a pleasant rest of the day."

And with his customary bow, he takes his leave.

(Not too far. If it were any other night, he would retreat upstairs to continue his work, where Lan Zhan would probably find him three teapots and two wine bottles deep as he paced around the room. But until Lan Zhan is here --

Until he's here, a couch near the fireplace will suffice.)