[ He hasn't mentioned what's been on his mind all day. After dinner, however, he can't contemplate the prospect of going to bed without saying anything, therefore: ]
Chang Geng, do you...?
[ But the question dies on his lips. Chang Geng had asked, "Does the specimen still want to live?" How can he ask about that? He rubs his brows, finally asking an adjacent question: ]
Action, July 15, evening
Chang Geng, do you...?
[ But the question dies on his lips. Chang Geng had asked, "Does the specimen still want to live?" How can he ask about that? He rubs his brows, finally asking an adjacent question: ]
Are you happy?
[ This isn't the right question, either. ]