[Ah. Childe reaches down, and he's given his first little triumph. His prize flinches at the grasp, caught in the inevitable loop of 'what do I do?' The answer is just to harden his expression, staying still as possible.

It's just another manipulation tactic. Another play at dominance and trying to wear him down. He has to be careful, in turn.]

... you think Liyue is gone, just like that? [He could laugh if it wasn't so frustrating.] The country has survived worse in its time, and it will survive worse in future.

Whether or not I have a place protecting her then is irrelevant. But I have no reason to believe she will fall, so even in this situation... is this really your best attempt at breaking me? To insult my intent? Perhaps I misjudged you.

You're better off trying to break my body than my pride.

[It's a dangerous prospect, but it's true. Zhongli has worlds of guilt, but they're facts that spur him on rather than drag him down.]