This was a smokescreen. Morrie made that obvious. “Mitch, if you’re trying to show off for people at the top, forget it.” What meaning is implied by the word smokescreen?

Many people try to show off their money and talent to others to conceal their insecurities; Morrie warns Albom not to do this.

Albom’s view of the world was clouded by greed, whereas Morrie saw it clearly with his generous spirit.

Many people use money and material possessions to conceal their loneliness; Morrie warns Albom not to do this.

Albom’s attempt to look away from Morrie did not stop Morrie from knowing exactly what he was thinking.