In the bright light of a dressing room, his legs wide apart and hands on his hips, Robert was trying to figure out: What to choose? Which accents will be right today? Thats the million-dollar question He began to examine the racks of clothes methodically, his feet sinking into the light cream carpet covering the floor of the room. On the left side, on white shelves up to the ceiling, there were all kinds of colourful sweaters, turtlenecks and jeans, tweed trousers and cotton clothing. A row of closed shelves separated a large compartment with casual shoes, containing sneakers and running shoes, flip-flops and boots. Robert was critically examining his reflection in the mirrors in the central part of the dressing room. Regular work-out over the past two years had done their job. He was slim and fit, in good shape. But not over-dried and, even more important, not pumped up. Not too much and just enough. I think its the right way. But, of course, we will go on exercising. His gaze moved on. A compartment with shirts in two long rows: white, light blue and various shades of blue on top, several light grey and pink; from belowin variegated colours with all sorts of prints, from classic paisley to trivial checkered shirts. In another divider, all kinds of accessories were storedties, bow ties, various belts, scarves and so onThen again a large row with shoes, but this time of more reserved shades when occasions demand so. The second to last compartment contained multiple suits and dinner jackets. The sanctuary of the owners style was rounded out by a wardrobe with outdoor pieces, jackets and coats, down jackets, sheepskin coats and all kinds of winter clothing items. I dont think Im going to need a hat today.
Whats the weather like today, Joe? Robert asked his digital assistant.
Robert, its going to be great weather in Central London today. Its sunny all day. Now the temperature is 19 degrees. During the day, the maximum temperature will reach 26 degrees.
Good. And what would you advise me to put on, Joe?
Unfortunately, Robert, Im not ready to help you with that. I can find the contacts of a stylist who will be useful to you with a wardrobe. Should I complete this task for you?
No, Robert replied thinking, I dont need a stupid stylist with a loopy advice, what I need is an image verified to the smallest detail that does the job.
Okay. Lets be logical. The meeting is rather semi-formal. Although, of course, it is important. A café full of tourists does not imply the expediency of a suit. Its hot outside. Brown shoes, blue jeans with a brown belt, light brown polo. Pink socks will emphasize a liberal mood. A watch. Which watch to wear?
So, lets see what we have here Robert came up to the shelf on the right and pulled out one of the drawers. In each cell of a large rectangular wooden pallet there were watches: mechanical, golden, steel, with straps made of leather or steel, sporty, with precious stones, round, square, rectangular, plastic The electronic watch faces, powered by a wireless charger built into the box, were showing the synchronized time "07:44".
Its so much stuff in here What to choose?! Robert carefully examined the rows of watches, matching the thought out style for the upcoming meeting with an important accessory.
I dont know Ill make a neutral choice. An electronic watch in a gold case. Let it be so.
Joe, whats the temperature in this room? Im a little hot.
Robert, the current temperature set in the dressing room is 23 degrees, the assistant replied. Shall I make it one degree lower to 22?
Yes, please.
All right, Robert. Thank you.
Having dressed, Robert critically examined himself in the mirror:
Theres something wrong about all this. Stupid shoes. Need them more casual, but also brown. These classics are too pretentious. The belt doesnt fit either. Need a simpler one.
What do you think, Joe? How, is it? Everything OK or should I fix something?
Robert, please specify what you mean.
I see.
Robert went down to the living room on the ground floor, where Antonio was relaxing on the sofa. Frames of the morning news show were changing on the screen on the wall. The guest in the studio was trying to be convincing while explaining something to the host in the studio, who, apparently, was not very happy with the direction the conversation was taking.
What kind of a weasel is that man, Antonio? Robert asked.
Who knows. I have no idea. Anyway, it is important for me to understand how the presenter will carry on with him. It is quite possible that we will also need to get into the program. So Im trying to read it, Antonio picked up the communicator and started making notes.
Look at meis everything all right?
Whats the matter, Robert? Antonio turned to him. Oh. I see. Antonio got up from the sofa and walked over to his boss, examining him from head to toe. Well, I can tell you, I think everything is fine. Although Wait rather, you know, too good. Its too proper or something. We need a slight imperfection. Maybe let the polo out of the jeans? Eh?
No, it would be too informal.
Well, actually, yes. I agree, Robert. Then heres what. I know. We need to change the watch. Keep it simple and out of place.
Robert looked at the chosen watch:
Okay. Good. Then, the best choice is up to you.
Of course, in a moment, Antonio replied and went into the dressing room. As you know, every detail is important in our business! climbing the stairs, he shouted out.
So its exactly the problem, that I know muttered Robert.
Barel, who was sitting in the kitchen and reading the news, looked at the boss, distracted by their conversation with Antonio:
Good morning, boss, he said in a loud voice.
Oh, hello, Barel. I didnt notice you. Everything OK?
Well, yes. Its all good. The weather is great today.
Now, thats fine, Barel. Were going for a little walk today.
Yes, boss. Meeting with the Chinese guys at 12:30?
So it is.
What do you prefer, bossby tube or by capsule?
It will be hot on the tube. Well drive somewhere closer to the meeting place. And then Ill walk. And you have to stay in the car, Barel. Ill go with Antonio.
Barel looked at Robert:
If I must, then I must, boss. Whatever you say. Anyway, Ill be there. I think there shouldnt be any problems.
Im positive too. But, as our old friend used to say, the best improvisation is prepared improvisation.
He was right, your friend, boss.
Robert smiled.
Parliament
Barel, having made sure that everyone was in place and ready to go, took a seat on the first row in the capsulethe car smoothly started accelerating. On the control panel, he double-checked the route and microclimate settings for the drive. Everything as Robert prefers: 22 degrees, active filtration and ionization of the intake air, noise reduction and silence in the cabin. Then, his task was to look around and to not interfere.
Robert, should I go through the main points of the conversation as weve outlined it? Antonio asked.
Listen, everything is going to be as usualno matter how many times you repeat, nothing will go according to the plan.
This is, of course, true. But the key issues should be worked out in any case.
I do remember everything perfectly, Antonio. Dont you worry. Last night I double-checked everything and thought it through again.
All right, boss. Whatever you say.
He calls me boss when he feels hurt or when hes nervous, Robert thought. Everything all right with my fishes? Have they sorted it out among themselves or are they yet pretending to be civilized, he plunged into thoughts, looking at the houses in the streets of London on their way.
A new page in his life history opened with London. Roberts parents decided to try their luck in the States in the middle of the 21st century, emigrating from the UK to Los Angeles. As it sometimes happened to the middle class English aristocracy, the inheritance received by his mother did not provide even for paying utility bills in their estate, not to mention the maintenance of the ancestral nest at the adequate level. His mother was convinced of her innate artistic talents, but she believed that European venues would be too cramped for herand it was not for her pure-blood baroness status, to measure herself against the so called local élite, as she used to say, asserting herself. A different matter altogether was the Olympus of Hollywood, with its boundless potential of studios that have written their names into the walk of fame of the world film industry. In the end, the house was sold, and they left for the west, full of new expectations. She was deeply and genuinely surprised though with things going wrong there, in the New World as well. To be fair, for the rest of the Richardson family, who remained to languish on the ever foggy island, the news from the other side of the Atlantic was not a surprise. The newcomers had to move to the suburbs of Los Angeles, Emily began working as a sales assistant in a local shop, and her father, never finding himself in the new world, could not stand new challenges and took to drinking. Roberts uncle, Emilys brother, who remained at home in England, managed to get back on his feet and achieved a certain position. He was well versed in marketing and being a good psychologist found his vocation as an excellent PR man, combining in his practice an understanding of the laws of perception and clients business interests. Later he opened his own agency in London. It was Uncle Oliver who invited his young nephew to London and agreed to pay for his studies at one of the best business schoolsOxford University. There was only one single conditionhaving graduated, Robert had to join his uncles team and develop the company together with him. Later, however, other circumstances of the deal came to light, which Robert did not suspect initially. Finding himself in the middle of the capital for the first time as an adult, Robert fell in love with its imperial greatness, inspired by the history of great conquests, financial ambitions and achievements, political intricacies. To a young man who grew up in the City of Angels, London appeared to be one of the pillars of the modern world.
Boss, from here you have to walk about three hundred meters to the restaurant where you
will meet the Chinese partners. Antonio, do you know where to go? Robert, who nearly slipped into slumber during the smooth movement of the capsule, was stirred by Barel.
Of course, I know where we should go, Barel. Although I am not a local, I try to do my job professionally.
Dont get so nervous, Antonio. I am just doing my job, like you are. Not joyriding
Thats it. All right, Barel. Thanks. Lets go, getting out of the car, Robert waved his hand to the assistant.
Noisy and discussing enthusiastically the impressions of the morning hours, tourists filled in the entire space of the café. Antonio approached the waiter, said something, and they were promptly taken over to a table near the window where the two Asian people were sitting.
Good afternoon, gentlemen, Robert greeted them, extending his hand.
Ah! Here you are, Robert! the two Chinese stood up and greeted the new arrivals. Please take your seats, Robert and your friend
This is my assistant, Antonio. Have you already made an order? They do excellent fish and chips here. I would strongly recommend it, gentlemen, Robert immediately wanted to make it clear who the master of the situation was, and who was only a possible contender for the position of the purse. Thank you very much, Robert. Well probably stick to tea and biscuits. We have a busy schedule today, the Chinese man was clearly making Robert understand that his cheap tricks were not working on them.
Of course, Heng. And well go for fish and chips. Antonio?
Yes, Robert, Antonio raised his hand, calling the waiter over.
So, Heng, Robert continued, how do you like the view? Robert waved to the window looking at the Palace of Westminster.
The Parliament is very beautiful and certainly grand, my dear friend. Its very kind of you to invite us here for tea. Heng nodded, smiling slightly, confirming with a gesture his readiness to carry on a dialogue. His thick and grey hair stood out unruly and a little funny on his head. Both Heng and the young girl accompanying him were dressed in formal business suits. Moreover, it seems that theyve bought them quite recently, they were new.
Thank you. We are glad to see you and are glad to have the opportunity to discuss business. So you say youve been in London for some time now? Robert looked at the girl.
Not really, Robert, Heng replied, weve arrived only a couple of days ago. But, as I mentioned, the agenda is very tight. Certainly you understand, our main task is to consider the risks and maketake the right decisions. Talking about politics, obviously, the right strategy would be some diversification, so to speak. Of course, for such an approach one need a certain level of resources and assets.
I quite understand you, Heng. Betting on one horse
Okay, Robert. It is important that we are open with each other here, and can dot all the is and cross the ts. May I ask you, Robert, what is your plan? The general line?
Thats why were having this meeting. The plan is simple. Step one. In a year and a half, as an independent candidate, I will enter this symbol of legislative power. Step two. In the next cycle, I plan to enter another door with a well-defined street name and a house number.
And in which capacity are you planning to take your second step, dear Robert?
As the host of the house, Heng. You shouldnt have given up the fish after all. They do it great here.
Heng paused for a few seconds, assessing Robert.
You have a very clear strategy, Robert. But arent your plans too hasty?
My plans have, as I expect, quite a tangible basis. Isnt that right, Heng? Robert began eating with his fingers and somehow, the process seemed quite aesthetically pleasing.
The Chinese took a cup of tea and looked away in the direction of the Houses of Parliament.
Impressive, isnt it? Robert asked.
Yes, the history of your country, Robert, certainly deserves a careful study, Heng replied. You are aware of our goal. We think about our interests.
Of course. As well as all the parties to this process. Finding the right balance is the subtlety.
Thats right, Robert. And faith alone, as you may assume, is not enough to understand how the parties could interact.
All right, Heng. I will briefly outline our expectations and our understanding of the value of the parties involved. First of all, I agree with youthe plan I mentioned does not really contain details, but obviously we understand in a quite tangible way which direction to take and how to proceed. My life story, professional practice clearly shows how we achieve results. And, of course, what results can be counted on. But may I assume that we wouldnt have this discussion with you here were it not for your forecasts and models clearly demonstrating to us what we are talking with you about, the assistant nodded her head.
Then, the second point. Why we believe that it is in this negotiation format that we could be useful to each other. We need a slightly different resource basis. Not the one you mean, dear Heng. The events that I experienced in my life, which in fact shaped me, as well as my previous activity focus when I was involvedso to say, in relationship marketingin a word, this basis gives me a clear understanding of how we will achieve our goal. We need access to an analytical resource that is not burdened with imposed restrictions. Thats the key question. The base you are talking about is just an additional pleasant bonus. Nothing more.
Heng blushed and stopped chewing cookies. He was clearly making a lot of effort to keep himself under control. Heng quietly said something to his assistant in Chinese. She got up and went somewhere.
Very well, Mr. Richardson. What do you suggest?
Its obvious. Our countries should be much more active in fulfilling the potential of co-operation, which does not manifest itself in any way today, Robert looked at his counterpart, who seemed not ready for such a conversation at all. It was obvious that he also did not have the authority to take any such obligations either. But no one would have expected it, to be fair. He knew that the guy sitting opposite was only an intermediarysuch were the rules of the game.
I understand, Heng took a napkin and wiped his lips. If we go back a little. As you called itthe resource base that you mean. I would assume that the deal wont work without this component.
Robert was holding a glass of apple juice with ice obviously in a completely unnatural wayhis two fingers were turned in the direction of Heng. Heng, unable to restrain himself, with his eyes widened, blushed again. Robert smiled.
Well, Mr. Richardson. I have only to thank you for the meeting. Youve chosen a great place to talk, pointing towards the window, Heng noted, bowing slightly. All the best to you.
Tourists were flowing in. New visitors were crowding at the entrance, wishing to enjoy the view of the buildings of the Palace of Westminster with its hundreds years of history at lunch. Next to the table where Robert and Antonio remained sitting, a group of teenagers settled down, vividly discussing something with the outbursts of swearing of all the possible sorts from time to time.
Why wouldnt you eat fish? Really very good. Robert took a napkin and began carefully wiping his greasy hands.
Have you had too much, Robert? Antonio took wet wipes out of his bag and handed them to his boss.
Thanks. What do you mean?
You know what.
An eight-digit number of the resource base or something? Robert smiled.
Thats right.
First of all, they need us much more than we need them. We can do without them, as you know well. But they wont without us. So, we have nothing to lose if friendship is not in place. Then I thought I should take care of you, too. Lets see what decision our Chinese friends will make.