Steven notes that this person takes themself very seriously. He'd say kid, but he's learned enough about how the world works to never assume age.

"Food's important. What kind of stuff are you looking to learn?" Steven's probing, yes, but he thinks it's reasonable. He's offering to help. And besides... he's doing the same thing. Learning.

The food is just cover; looks like he's collecting information to get food, not the other way around. And a perk! Nice when you can have both.