Chapter 102 Informal Matchmaking

A week later, in a secluded private room of a stylish teahouse in Beijing.

The environment is serene, with the private room overlooking a small courtyard where bamboo shadows sway, isolating the room from the noise of the outside world.

Huo Yanli arrived ten minutes early. He was wearing a well-tailored dark gray suit without a tie, which made him appear formal yet approachable. He came alone, without any assistants or lawyers, as a sign of respect for this "informal exchange."

During the few minutes of waiting, he kept replaying Song Zhiyi's instructions in his mind: "Consul Rahman values ​​etiquette, but he also appreciates directness and efficiency. His time is precious, so the questions must be clear and the background candid. Remember, this is just a 'tea session' to provide an opportunity for both parties to get to know each other better, and it does not involve any specific promises or transactions."

The door was pushed open softly.

Two people entered. The one in front was an African man in his forties, with a refined appearance and wearing gold-rimmed glasses; he was Abdul Rahman, the Commercial Counselor at the country's embassy in China. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit, smiling, and exuding composure.

Half a step behind him was Song Zhiyi. Today, she wore a beige Chinese-style stand-up collar shirt with black trousers, her long hair styled in an elegant updo at the back of her head. Her attire was simple and capable, typical of diplomatic occasions. She nodded slightly to Huo Yanli as a greeting, then stood quietly to the side, giving way to him.

“Mr. Huo, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Counselor Rahman extended his hand, speaking fluent Chinese with only a very slight accent. “I am Abdul Rahman.”

"Counselor, it's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to come." Huo Yanli shook hands with him, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant.

The three took their seats. Song Zhiyi naturally took on the role of making tea, her movements skillful and elegant, her expression focused, as if she were merely a coordinator and facilitator in this meeting.

Consul Rahman took a sip of tea and praised, "Excellent tea." He set down his teacup, turned his gaze to Huo Yanli, and got straight to the point, his smile gentle yet carrying the keen insight characteristic of a diplomat:

“Junior Sister Song told me that the Huo Group has a very good project in our country, but it has encountered some minor obstacles in understanding. She hopes that I can provide some ‘background information’.” He used the affectionate title of “Junior Sister Song” and the euphemistic term “background information” to both highlight Song Zhiyi’s role in making the connection and to set the tone for this meeting as an informal exchange of information.

Huo Yanli felt reassured, knowing that Song Zhiyi had laid the groundwork properly. He stopped beating around the bush and clearly and concisely presented the project overview, the approval difficulties encountered, and the core points of confusion and concern on Huo's side, while handing over a simplified, non-confidential background explanation.

Consul Rahman listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with a question or two about a detail. He didn't look at the document; he simply listened intently.

After Huo Yanli finished speaking, the counselor pondered for a moment, then gently tapped his fingers on the table.

“Mr. Huo,” he began slowly, his tone becoming somewhat meaningful, “first of all, please understand that my following remarks represent only my personal views based on publicly available information and general observations, and do not represent the official position of our government or embassy.”

"Of course, I understand." Huo Yanli nodded.

“Minister Mwai is a very capable leader who is committed to promoting the modernization of our country’s industry and regulatory transparency,” Counselor Rahman set the tone. “After taking office, he re-examined the approval process and compliance standards of some large foreign investment projects in the past. This is his duty and also to ensure the long-term interests and sustainable development of the country.”

He then changed the subject: "However, any reform, in its implementation, may encounter... different interpretations, or even inertial resistance from the old system. Your company's project is large in scale and involves many stakeholders. Sometimes, the problem may not lie in the project itself, but rather in... whether the level and the people involved in the communication have accurately addressed the issues that decision-makers are truly concerned about."

Huo Yanli felt a chill run down his spine. The counselor's words had already made it very clear—the problem wasn't with rigid compliance standards, but with soft political communication and balancing interests. Their previous communications might have targeted the wrong people or failed to address core concerns.

For the next three hours, it was less a tea gathering and more a high-intensity, in-depth briefing on the country's current political and economic landscape, the internal workings of ministries, the focus of key decision-makers, and potential sensitivities. Counselor Rahman offered no concrete "solutions" or promises, but with his superb skill and extensive experience, he sketched a clear picture of the situation.

Every piece of advice gave Huo Yanli a sense of clarity, like seeing the sun after the clouds had parted. Many obstacles that had previously been unclear and perplexing to the team now had reasonable explanations and potential solutions.

Song Zhiyi spent most of her time quietly brewing and pouring tea. Occasionally, when the counselor mentioned certain highly localized terms or relationships between political figures, she would briefly explain them to Huo Yanli in clearer Chinese to ensure accurate communication. She consistently maintained a professional, neutral, and unassuming supporting role.

After several rounds of tea, we had covered most of what needed to be discussed.

Consul Rahman glanced at his watch, smiled, and stood up: "It's a pleasure to speak with Mr. Ho. If your company's project can truly bring high-quality infrastructure, technology, and employment to our country as described, it would be a win-win situation. I hope that with a clearer understanding of the background, your company can have more effective communication with our relevant departments."

“Thank you very much for your valuable insights and time, Counselor.” Huo Yanli sincerely expressed his gratitude, knowing that these “insights” were invaluable.

“No need to be so polite. If you want to thank someone, thank Junior Sister Song.” Counselor Rahman smiled, looking at Song Zhiyi with familiarity and appreciation in his eyes. “She was one of the best students in our class. She is meticulous, perceptive, and always willing to build bridges for understanding and cooperation within the rules. I’m glad I could be of some help this time.”

Song Zhiyi smiled and nodded: "Senior brother, you flatter me. I should be thanking you for coming."

After seeing off Counselor Rahman, Huo Yanli and Song Zhiyi walked out of the teahouse side by side.

The driver pulled up. Before getting in, Huo Yanli stopped and looked at Song Zhiyi beside him. She was squinting slightly, adjusting to the light, her profile appearing serene and gentle in the sunlight.

Many thoughts churned within me. Gratitude,感慨, 愧愧, and a deeper, indescribable feeling.

In the end, he simply gazed at the bustling street ahead, and said in a low but clear voice:

"Zhiyi, you have helped me many times."

This statement contains far more than just today's events.

Song Zhiyi turned to look at him, sunlight dancing in her eyes. She seemed to want to say something, but in the end she only smiled faintly, a smile that seemed to melt away the faint sense of aloofness that often surrounded her.

"I'm glad I could help," she said softly, then opened the car door. "Let's go back. You need time to process the information you just received and adjust your strategy."

The car drove away from the teahouse and merged into the city's torrent.

Huo Yanli leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. His mind was no longer filled with chaotic troubles, but rather with gradually clarifying paths.

Behind all these clear ideas, there always appears that quiet figure brewing tea and gently offering guidance at crucial moments.

She was silent, yet she always managed to light a lamp for him when he needed it most.