"We're not refusing to pay, absolutely not! Whatever gave you that idea?"
In the reception room on Luo Island, the merchant, drenched in sweat, hurriedly bowed his head and explained to Coast's representative, "It's just that transfers of large sums are under certain restrictions at the moment. Things aren't moving quite as quickly for now..."
"Is that so?"
The young Coast representative looked as though he understood.
"Exactly." The chamber of commerce manager nodded frantically. "We've been doing business for so many years. Even if we stiffed someone else, we'd never stiff the Seven Cities." "That's all very well, but after such a long delay, surely you can give us a definite answer?" The representative sighed. "There are rumors flying everywhere these days. Anyone who didn't know better would think we were going under."
"Headquarters has been very strict with its reviews lately. Besides, both distribution and sales require customers. We really don't know when the money will come in."
Wiping away his sweat, the manager solemnly promised, "I'll file a report and chase it up as soon as I get back. I certainly won't waste your time."
"All right, then. Sorry for the trouble."
Coast's representative was equally polite and pursued the matter no further.
The atmosphere between the two gradually warmed, their earlier friction melting away.
After a little small talk, the chamber's representative tactfully rose to leave. Coast's representative shook his hand and saw him out. Wearing warm smiles, they headed toward the door, maintaining the same intimate business cordiality as before, as though they were friends or family.
Until a sudden moment of silence.
The Coast employee abruptly stopped walking and straightened. His warmly smiling expression turned solemn as he raised his head and saluted the group coming in.
The chamber manager beside him froze in