Robs' Blog: incoherencies from an american ex-pat in exotic beijing,
  or: how i learned to stop worrying and love bureaucracy

I had dinner with a Beijing manufacturing boss last week. The first clue to him being an important man was that he drove a new Audi A6L sedan. This is the car of choice amongst the business class and many party officials. (Most of my riding around in cars these days has been in taxicabs. I had to remind myself that it was okay to get in and out of the left-side door, which is disabled on most taxicabs in Beijing... too much risk of injury involved with getting-out into the chaotic traffic.)

He had a bad comb-over, a pink short-sleeve shirt opened a few buttons above the disco line, a gold watch studded with diamonds, a bit portly (by Chinese standards, still thin by American), long fingernails on his pinkies, and teeth less than perfect. Perhaps worthy of an American-styled caricature... I do so hope the kind folks at Wharton are taking note...

We went to well-known restaurant in Hou Hai. He, of course, had the loudest voice at the table. A wonderful voice, thick with a native Beijing accent (which even a novice like me could spot).

The three principle jobs of a boss at a business dinner are as follows:

• To ensure sure everyone gets properly stuffed with food
• To ensure fun and lively conversation takes place
• To ensure that everyone gets drunk

He was a master of all three. (It should be noted that he himself didn't drink since he was driving; instead settling for some cold plum juice that served by the pitchers.) When my plate was getting too empty, he would scoop-up fish and put it on it. You just do not say "no". Laughing, chuckling, cajoling people around the table. And, of course, leading toasts.

There is a custom when drinking to clink your glasses below the rim of another to show respect. I've often done this as a game with friends... us dropping our glasses quickly to the table in an effort to make contact at the lowest possible level.

This was not the case with him. He held his glass high, understanding well his place at the table, and knowing that others also understood it.

He was indeed a marvelous host, and I look forward to dining with him again.