"Mr. Deng, I didn't expect you to be one of the representatives for this medical exchange. But you represent Country Y. I wonder what other overseas Chinese will think when they hear this." Zhu Yanyi never felt she would lose to anyone in conversation.
Deng Qing’s expression darkened. She represented Country Y at this exchange. Although her family was happy she was in China, they were disappointed she represented Country Y. They believed they were descendants of Yan and Huang. Even if they couldn't represent China, they shouldn't step on it. But Deng Qing disagreed. She was born in Country Y and received its education. Except for her skin and hair, she was a true Country Y citizen. She lacked strong national sentiment. That was why she was scolded by Zhu Yanyi on her first night out.
Gu Jingtian pretended not to hear the tension between Deng Qing and Zhu Yanyi. She smiled and said, "Mr. George, let’s sit down. In China, we never make guests stand while talking."
George and his team understood through the translator and didn’t object. "Then let’s all sit."
"Certainly," Gu Jingtian said seriously. "Please wait a moment. We need to greet the representatives from Country H first."
"Why greet them? They look incompetent," Kaul said, offending the Country H representatives.
The Country H representative glared at Kaul and his group. "You wolves in gentleman’s skins cannot understand the politeness coming from our hearts."
Zhu Yanyi sighed silently. It seemed the word 'politeness' had been the focus for two days. Fortunately, she didn’t need to intervene. It was better for Gu Jingtian to handle it.
Gu Jingtian chuckled, meeting expectations. "These representatives, may I ask for your introductions? We are the representatives from China. I am Gu Jingtian."
"We know. You are Gu Jingtian from Capital Hospital," one of the Country H representatives said. "I am Park Jin-sheng. These are our Country H representatives: Kim Hwai-cheol, Du En-kang, and Jung Eun-sung."
"Mr. Park, Mr. Kim, Mr. Du, Mr. Jung," Gu Jingtian addressed each one elegantly. "China is a hospitable nation. Since you are here, we want you to feel our warmth. Sitting together to chat promotes mutual understanding. We are here for an exchange conference, so this emotional exchange counts as part of it."
Gu Jingtian was indeed a capable hospital director. He was tactful and smooth. Within moments, he had everyone seated together.
"Mr. Gu, I heard you are a leading figure in Chinese medicine?" Park Jin-sheng asked. He looked curious, but his eyes flickered, revealing hidden calculations.
Gu Jingtian chuckled, appearing generous. "Mr. Park, you think too much. China has many talents. I won’t boast about my skills or claim I am poor. I am merely one member among China’s many talents." Humility is for fellow countrymen; foreigners do not understand it. Gu Jingtian had experience dealing with this. His reply was simple, natural, and effective.