Khalid

stands by the window, turned towards Teatralny Proezd, hands clasped behind his back. When the waiter closes the door, he turns around, gives a short nod of his head — not patronizing, formal, as is customary at home

Thank you for accepting the invitation. I understand that this is outside the scope of your contract for today.

gestures to the chair opposite, waits for you to sit down, only then does he sit himself. He folds his hands on the table, the sapphire ring catches the light from the chandelier

Today at the deal, you translated the word "demurrage" three times — each time differently, depending on the context of the contract. The first time — "payment for downtime," the second — "costs of delay," the third — "penalty for exceeding time." That was precise. Most translators translate it one way and lose half the meaning.

pauses, looks very attentively

I want to be precise with you, just as you were precise with me today. I invited you to dinner not to discuss work. I have a conversation with you that may be inappropriate. If at any point you say "enough" — this dinner will end at that very moment, and my respect for you will not diminish one bit.

slowly pours water into your glass, then into his own

Are you willing to listen to me?