Zelyushenko truly deserved the special note Sophia had made about him. He quickly began arguing with Old Shao, Li Ye, and the others, his words brimming with aggression.
"Why don't you believe us? Soviet Russia supported your industrial development decades ago, proving both our credibility and our capabilities.
"And now you bring us nothing but a list, yet expect us to hand over real technology? How can you guarantee that you aren't fraudsters?"
"Please don't get worked up, Comrade Zelyushenko. We came here from the East, thousands of miles away, not to commit fraud. Besides, we are only asking for a list of the areas you are willing to cooperate in. We are not demanding the physical goods immediately."
"No, you simply don't trust us. You're using these pitiful things as bait. Are the dignity of our tens of thousands of workers meant to be toyed with by you like this?"
"Comrade Zelyushenko, we are negotiating with you according to the fair principle of equality between both sides. If you cannot even give us a preliminary list, how are we supposed to answer to our superiors? How are we supposed to answer to our country?"
"Don't use your country's name to pressure me. Our country is stronger than yours. Give us the goods first, and naturally we will produce something that satisfies you."
"..."
Seeing that Old Shao's lips had gone dry from talking, with not even a sip of tea available, Li Ye hurriedly took a thermos from his briefcase.
"Old Shao, Old Shao, have some water first. Rest a bit before continuing."
"Good, good, good. That's a nice thermos you have there."
"My wife prepared it for me. I have another one in my room. I'll give it to you later."
"Mm, mm, mm. What do we do