s i x [ g r a n d p a b e a r d i e ]

I PRESSED THE CALLING BELL of the house and took a step back as I waited for the house's owner to come out.

An old man with a bushy snow beard opened the front door, looking at me with confusion.

"Hi." I smiled a little as I rested my hands on the gate. "Hope I didn't bother you."

Rule one of business antics—make the other party feel like they are really important.

The confused frown on the old man's forehead dissolved a little and he gave me a little smile. "Not at all. How can I help you, son?"

Rule two—be totally friendly.

"A charming house you got there," I said grinning and then pointed a stiff thumb towards Kiranya's house.

Rule three—be confident though you're in the dark.