[It's because she stays that he feels obliged to answer within limits, turning his head to meet her eyes. She paints such a kind picture of him when reality is colder, no matter his wishes. He understands this and isn't overtaken by it, but he must be truthful in the face of her sweetness.]

. . . That is not true, Miss Yingying. The City whence I hail is a place where one must exploit others in order to escape abuse. I knew this . . . and, despite how it may have sounded, was a willing participant in unspeakable research by way of my apathy.

[He's guilty. He's felt guilty for some time, from the moment he left his homeland in search of greener pastures.]