"Follow my lead," Chloe whispered as we got out of her car. "Owen Kent can be difficult, but he's usually reasonable if you approach him correctly."
I nodded, studying the Four Seas Trading building. The parking lot was full of expensive cars, and delivery trucks moved constantly through the loading bays. This wasn't a struggling business.
"Just so we're clear," Chloe continued, "you're here to observe and learn. I'll handle the negotiation."
"Understood."
She straightened her blazer and checked her reflection in the car window. "Good. Because eight million yuan is serious money, and I don't want any mistakes."
The receptionist recognized Chloe immediately. "Ms. Vance, Mr. Kent is expecting you. Conference room B."
"Thank you."
We walked through busy corridors filled with workers and the sounds of active commerce. Nothing about this place suggested financial hardship.
"Busy operation," I observed.
"Exactly why their excuses don't make sense," Chloe replied.
