The moment

Daniel has flown from Seattle to Shenzhen to visit a supplier for the first time. His flight landed four hours late, and Li Na, his contact at the factory, is waiting at arrivals. The factory tour was planned for this afternoon, and Daniel flies home tomorrow at noon. Something has to give. Listen for how they fix the schedule without anyone losing face.

The conversation

Li NaDaniel
  1. Li Na
  2. Daniel
  3. Li Na
  4. Daniel
  5. Li Na
  6. Daniel
  7. Li Na
  8. Daniel
  9. Li Na
  10. Daniel
  11. Li Na
  12. Daniel
  13. Li Na

Words to know

a plan can't work as it is, so one part must change

give you a tour of a place

says which of two choices you prefer

a short, friendly way to agree to an offer

Check yourself

1Why can't Daniel see the factory today?
2What does Daniel mean by "I'd rather be tired than miss the line running"?
3Why does Daniel offer to buy the coffee?

Practice · 3 min

Round one: repeat each line. Round two: mute Li Na and play the host, offering a new plan. Round three: mute Daniel and be the tired visitor who stays polite. Notice how both of them turn a problem into a question: "Could you start early?" instead of "You'll have to start early."

  1. Li NaDaniel? Welcome to Shenzhen. It's so good to meet you properly at last.
  2. DanielYou too, Li Na. Thanks for having me, and sorry about the delay.
  3. Li NaDon't worry about it. How was your flight, apart from the waiting?
  4. DanielIt was long, but fine. I'm afraid we've missed the tour, though.
  5. Li NaWe have, actually. The production line stops at five, so today's too late.
  6. DanielThat's a problem, because I fly back tomorrow at noon.
  7. Li NaCould you start early? The manager can show you around at eight.
  8. DanielEight works for me. I'd rather be tired than miss the line running.
  9. Li NaGood. Then tonight is dinner with the team, if you're not too exhausted.
  10. DanielI'd love that. Is it far from the hotel, or should I take a taxi?
  11. Li NaIt's ten minutes away. I'll pick you up at seven, and it's on us.
  12. DanielThat's very kind. Then let me get the coffee tomorrow morning.
  13. Li NaDeal. And after the tour, our driver will take you straight to the airport.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.