Derek's really not good in social situations and fortunately, this is a well-known fact. Mollusc doesn't dwell on it longer than he has to, forging ahead to the chance he has for learning something and getting this man's help as his Mentor.

"Wait, you're saying that you already got me Sponsors?" he asks, unsure if he heard correctly. "That's... wow, cool, are you serious? Guess you're pretty good at this."