Having been fully prepared not to push the matter, Skulduggery can't help but be pleased when she reluctantly accepts the microphone. Part of him knows that she's doing it out of pity, likely from the sight of him slumped on the floor. The greater part of him, comforted by her presence and the bracelet wound around his wrist, is just grateful she didn't make a big deal out of it.

It's a good song, a good choice. He doesn't know if he's heard it before, maybe he has, but he knows it sounds nice the way she sings it. Even if her embarrassment clearly shows, she keeps on going, and he knows it is entirely for his benefit. He doesn't know if she'd reduce herself to this level for many people aboard... he's grateful to be one of the privileged few.

He stops looking for China shortly after she begins, and the empty audience, for now, is well and truly empty.