"Yes, I saw that in your latest paper, you devoted an entire chapter to exploring this issue. However, it seemed that your focus was mainly on the philosophical and ethical aspects..."
Lionel clasped his hands together, his face full of smiles. He said, "For an ordinary, poorly educated man like me, it's honestly a little difficult to understand. You know, businessmen without much schooling prefer to focus on more practical matters..."
As he spoke, Lionel put on a slightly troubled expression, looking as though he wanted to ask something but did not dare. Schiller understood immediately and said, "It's all right, Mr. Lionel. I came here to answer your questions, didn't I?"
Lionel placed his hands beneath the table and chuckled twice. Then he said, "You really are approachable—far easier to talk to than many experts I've met."
At that moment, a waiter entered. Schiller turned to look at him, and Lionel explained, "My apologies. I called him over."
The waiter took two glasses and a bottle of wine from the cart behind him. Lionel explained, "Originally, I intended to share this classic vintage with the Mayor, but who would have thought..."
"But never mind, Mr. Schiller. I may call you that, right? Drinking with a scholar such as yourself is an honor as well."
The beautifully colored wine looked like a gemstone frozen inside the glass. Seeing Schiller's practiced motion as he lifted his glass, Lionel's smile deepened.
Then, he took out a box of cigars from the bag beside him. After having the waiter cut one and light it for Schiller, Schiller took a puff and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke. He leaned back in his chair with some relaxation, while Lionel continued leaning forward, chatting with Schiller about basic questions of psychology.
As the conversation grew