Shitou smiled self-deprecatingly. Even Su Shi from the Song Dynasty once lamented in "A Request for Government Relief and Repairs to the Office": "I have pleaded thrice, but to no avail; such is the fate of the insignificant, their words carry little weight."
"Insignificant people have little say," this phrase is applicable at all times.
He couldn't help but fear, if he were careless now and revealed Xiaoyun's ability to concoct those miraculous elixirs, he might never see his foolish girl again for the rest of his life, and the best outcome for her would probably be a life devoid of freedom.
Give me liberty, or give me death.
How could he bear to let his foolish girl enter a "dangerous situation" without full preparation and certainty?
"Even a fat man doesn't get fat with just one bite."
