26-2：A Symphony of Connections

Singer led the group to a small conference room on the sixth floor, about 40 square meters in size. Inside, the audio technician and his two assistants were assembling the sound system against the west wall, with only the signal cables left to connect. Jenny was taken aback by the equipment: a ten-slot audio cabinet, each slot occupied by a machine, and a pair of sleek black speakers on sturdy stands.

Singer introduced everyone: "This is Ms. Rui Xiaodan, and this is our audio technician, Grebesen."

Xiaodan shook hands with Grebesen and immediately got to work, demonstrating the connections with ease while explaining, "These speakers can be driven in over 30 different ways, from single-unit to multi-unit preamp setups. Audiophiles can tailor the configuration to their equipment. This system uses dual-group signal output CD players and preamps, with a focus on fine-tuning high and low frequencies through separate amplification. The full-range amplitude filter maximizes sound quality by minimizing signal loss."

Zheng Jianshi commented, "You sound quite professional."

Xiaodan smiled, "I memorized these lines before coming."

Grebesen remarked, "Full-range amplitude filter? That's a new term for me."

Xiaodan finished the connections and adjustments. Grebesen selected two CDs, first playing Tchaikovsky's "Souvenir de Florence" at various volumes, then a track from "European Avant-Garde Music" to test the system's handling of vocals and instruments.

Jenny, deep in thought, had remained silent throughout. After listening to both tracks, she asked Grebesen for his evaluation.

Grebesen, visibly excited, said, "This much equipment for a pair of small speakers is an asymmetric beauty. The sound remains undistorted even at high volumes. This setup, in terms of quality, is worth over 30,000 Marks. But beyond its power, its charm lies in its innovative, audiophile-centric design. The creator of this system must be a genius."

Jenny nodded slightly, then said, "Grebesen, join us for dinner. Share what you know about the system." She turned to Zheng Jianshi, "Mr. Zheng, let's head to your restaurant."

Zheng welcomed them warmly, "Please, follow me."

Singer arranged transportation and security, and the group of five took the elevator down. The bustling night on Kurfürstendamm was full of vibrant lights, and the Sorlind Casino looked even more luxurious under the night sky. A BMW V12 and a Mercedes C200 waited outside, with security personnel ready. Zheng led the way, while Xiaodan and Jenny rode in one car, followed by Jenny's security team.

At the China Garden Hotel, the manager awaited them at the entrance. They proceeded to the second-floor restaurant, which was nearly full, save for a few reserved tables. Zheng guided them to a table in the southeast corner, while the drivers and security sat nearby. Drinks and dishes were promptly served.

During the meal, Jenny asked, "Xiaodan, doesn't China have its own authoritative audio evaluation institutions? Why come to Germany? The cost must be high."

Zheng interjected, "There's a saying in China: 'Foreign monks recite sutras better.' Eastern products certified by Western standards are more convincing. This trick has been overused, yet Yuanying might be reviving it innovatively."

Jenny asked, "Are you confident about the speaker evaluations?"

Xiaodan replied, "The speaker drivers use multiple patented technologies from Shenzhen Lesheng Audio Company. They've been tested and certified by experts and the audiophile market for years."

Grebesen added, "Ms. Rui, I noticed the brand GeLuShi on the speakers. You're using drivers from another company, so only the cabinets and the concept of driving these speakers are yours. Paying for evaluations of the entire system makes sense, but focusing on the cabinets is less meaningful."

Jenny didn't react to Grebesen's point but asked, "Securing three national distributor contracts isn't difficult?"

Xiaodan explained, "It depends on the conditions. Yuanying's offer includes one set of stock and one consignment, without cost to the distributor, no advertising or sales targets, and a three-year term. If the consigned set isn't sold, it becomes the distributor's property. This way, we exchange two sets for potential market presence. If the distributor only wants the equipment, they just need to sign a non-binding document. The authorization involves two texts: the detailed contract and the explicit authorization statement."

Grebesen remarked, "Swapping two sound systems for a non-binding contract is still not meaningful."

Zheng pondered, "These old tricks seemed pointless, but Yuanying wouldn't do something meaningless, especially with funds meant for poverty alleviation. So, what's the point?"

Xiaodan said, "I don't understand business. Yuanying once said that, besides conforming to national laws, we should consider if it aligns with Buddhist principles. So he and Brother Chu Feng visited a Zen temple on Mount Wutai to pray. If it fits both laws and principles, it's worth doing, whatever the reason."

Jenny smiled, "If the meaning was obvious, it wouldn't be interesting."

Zheng nodded, "Xiaodan, if these are the terms, I'll take this opportunity to connect with leaders in the Chinese communities in London and Paris. My Sraytherm Trading Company can sign as the European distributor. This way, I'll handle the supply chain, knowing both ends well. It's settled; no need for you to travel back and forth."

Xiaodan said, "I'll check with Yuanying tonight. You can also contact him directly. If it's not too much trouble for you, I think it's feasible."

Zheng agreed, "Sure, I'll do that."

Jenny concluded, "Since Yuanying's goal isn't the European market but rather creating an image and influence, handling the distribution this way is ideal. Grebesen can manage the audio evaluations; he'll ensure fair pricing and avoid discrimination."

Xiaodan thanked them, "I seem to be causing trouble for you all."

Zheng, noticing the untouched dishes, urged, "Please, let's eat. Try these authentic dishes—White Cut Chicken and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall are famous Chinese delicacies. Even I, as a vegetarian, am tempted by these. Just joking, of course."

Jenny, using Western cutlery, tasted the dishes and praised them, "Your restaurant kills animals daily. Killing is a major Buddhist taboo. Does drinking alcohol count as breaking a precept?"

Zheng laughed, "I drink occasionally out of necessity. As for killing, I adhere to not personally killing, seeing, or doing it myself. I'm not a saint yet; I still have to live."

Jenny remarked, "I appreciate Ding Yuanying's pragmatic approach to Buddhism—non-superstitious."

Zheng chuckled, "Yuanying's views are unconventional. I can't argue with him, not because I'm wrong, but because he's smarter and more cultured. The Buddhist concept of 'one and two, two and one' is still beyond me. It requires Zen enlightenment, a task for the most capable minds. I just recite Buddha's name; everything is in Amitabha."

Xiaodan, reminded of a past discussion with Yuanying about "two not reaching one," smiled faintly.

...

Back at her apartment, Xiaodan drew the curtains, boiled water, and placed the Tieguanyin tea from the ancient city on the coffee table. She took a hot shower, changed into her nightwear, and sat on the sofa, making tea. The rich aroma of the tea, the spacious sofa, and the high-fidelity sound system made her feel as if she were still in the ancient city, not Berlin.