I got scammed and became friends with the scammer

So .. this happened yesterday.

I receive a message from someone on Telegram that stole the name and picture of one of my former colleagues. It's a classic message about asking to lend some Bitcoins because of an amazing investment opportunity blablabla. Message received from that person started with:

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Scammer: "Hey it's been a while how are you?"

Me (knowing it was a scammer): "Good - you?"

"Good. How is family and everything going for you?"

"Well actually you remember I told you... My family died in a car accident recently and I don't really have any relative now.." ( I use this technique quite often to see how the scammer reacts - please note thankfully my family is all OK)

( Note the scammer took 15mins to answer here VS 1-2min before)
" I was going to tell you about something else but nevermind. Man - I am truly sorry for that, this literally breaks my heart. I am here if you want to talk. Have a blessed life and sorry again for bothering "

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But as conversation ensued he told me he is a young 22 year old Angolan, struggling for life with a 42USD monthly salary.
Everyday has to battle with his environment to stay alive.
With an excellent english he tells me about gun fights, about disastrous sanitary conditions.
" I don't look to be a millionaire. I just want to have some side cash for living properly and escape the poverty here."

I told him thankfully my family is all OK and I said that because I knew he was looking to scam me.

Turns out he/she is a designer and I am now waiting for he/she to send his portfolio and possibly work together.

Do you think that working together is something I should avoid even if he is an excellent designer?

I don't believe all scammers are assholes. Some just try to play out of the stupidity of others. Hacking someones computer to steal card details VS telling someone ' hey give me money, you don't know me but I'll make you money" is completely different IMO.

Not sure if his whole life story is true, but I believe there is some good in him. As they say in the Lord of the Rings:
There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it's worth fighting for.