A group of important figures sat in a loose circle, chatting freely.
Smith sat on the sofa, holding a wineglass in the hand that clutched his cigar while his other hand casually drew circles in the air. "The president asks for my opinion on a lot of things. Last Friday, he called me into his office. Guess what he asked me?"
"Whether you could set him up with that stripper?"
Everyone burst out laughing.
Smith laughed too. "No! He asked about funding for overseas garrisons. He asked whether thirteen hundred dollars for a coffee mug was too expensive. I told him that if I were the one selling the mug, then it wouldn't be expensive."
Everyone roared with laughter again.
Lu Chengwen sat in a corner and understood. This country was finished.
Smith laughed so hard he nearly doubled over. "Then he pointed at the coffee mug on the table and said, 'I'll sell you this mug for thirteen hundred dollars.' So I said, 'Then you'll have to give me five hundred of it.'"
Lu Chengwen went to cut a cigar, and Huo Yunting walked over as well.
Lu Chengwen kept his head lowered as he worked. Huo Yunting said, "This Smith is hard to deal with. Do you need my help?"
"No." Lu Chengwen did not even look up. "Please remain neutral. I can handle it."
Huo Yunting smiled.
Lu Chengwen handed him the trimmed cigar. "All I need is for Huo Group to stand behind me. As for the rest, I already have an idea."
Huo Yunting patted him on the shoulder and turned back. "We're going to Dubai next month. Clemenza, are you coming with me?"
The fat man laughed. "Of course. I love Dubai!"
Smith laughed loudly. "You mean you love the women over there, right?