After a protracted pause, Lan Wangji does in fact make a move. He notes the restless fiddling of Grantaire's hand as he does so. He lets another small pause pass, then begins to speak, both in a genuine effort to teach and so that Grantaire will have something on which to hang his attention. "It is wise to construct a defense by grouping your stones together. When they are connected, more breaths are available to them."