[ He needs a moment, not because it's a particularly difficult question to answer, but Zhongli always figures he should take the time to go over his thoughts when it comes to such human matters. Usually his opinion always differs from other people. But maybe in this case, he doesn't need to please so much as just explain himself. And that... he guesses, he can do for this person, who feels a lot like himself before he carried much weight to things like feelings and emotions. ]

All moments in one's life, regardless of how long it lasts, are very brief, and fleeting. There is consequence for all choices. You must accept this, for it is reality. I do not deign to tell others what they can or cannot do, simply to think. But... it is a shame that one's existence gives the ability for so much, and yet instead of giving, they choose to take away, leaving all with nothing.