[he's noting a hint of hostility. no, hostility doesn't seem the right word... curt, perhaps. short-tempered due to something that zhongli did not start, certainly, so he earns a pass from the old man for that.]

Tea would be much appreciated right now. I was hesitant to ask for such supplies, when they were already in such low stock.

[though he does bend over to take the rocks and tuck them into his coat pockets for study later.]