It sounds like bittersweet pride in one's work, as if he'd been having a pisspoor day and somebody complimented him, and even though he still feels upset and like absolute shit, he has that little compliment nagging at him and making him feel a little good where he wishes he could just be thoroughly unhappy. Of course, he's not admitting that he really wishes he was completely happy, which is why the reminder and subsequent modesty makes him feel so grumpy.
It sounds like bittersweet pride in one's work, as if he'd been having a pisspoor day and somebody complimented him, and even though he still feels upset and like absolute shit, he has that little compliment nagging at him and making him feel a little good where he wishes he could just be thoroughly unhappy. Of course, he's not admitting that he really wishes he was completely happy, which is why the reminder and subsequent modesty makes him feel so grumpy.