Silence gathers long after Huaisang finishes speaking. He should be reasonably familiar with it given Hands can and does sit comfortably in silence as a perfectly acceptable strategy to gather intel. But that isn't the meaning of this particular silence.

Hands has a sharp mind, incredible business acumen. He's a heavyweight in the business world and for good reason. He takes promising opportunities, not stupid risks. And when a prize for the taking is big enough, there's very little he won't do to engineer it falling into his hands.

Huaisang is aware of all of this, and yet still seems to think Hands will make a good barrier between him and all the vipers.

He's not wrong. Though just because he's not a viper doesn't mean he isn't a shark.

"I need to know you truly understand what it is you're asking for, Huaisang."