Volume One, Chapter 14: A Date with Donna

At six in the evening, Zhang Weimin arrived punctually at the entrance of Donna’s university. He informed her of his arrival via the pager.

Before long, Donna hurried out from inside the campus. Tonight, she wore a white silk blouse with a large collar paired with high-waisted black carrot pants, perfectly accentuating the curves of her figure.

Seeing Donna emerge, Zhang Weimin raised his arm and waved to her.

Donna approached Zhang Weimin with a smile and said, “Mr. Zhang, I saw you even before you waved. With your outfit, you’d stand out on any street on Nanjing Road.”

“Really? Is it that special?” Zhang Weimin smiled confidently.

“If you didn’t tell anyone what you do, nine out of ten people would think you’re a male model in the fashion industry,” Donna said admiringly.

Zhang Weimin replied modestly, “When dining with Dr. Tang, I naturally have to dress with some care; otherwise, I’d spoil the view.”

“Enough with the flattery. So, tell me, what do you want to treat me to?” Donna teased.

“Since I’m the one inviting Dr. Tang, the choice is yours,” Zhang Weimin said.

“Are you used to Western food? Our school has many foreign teachers and international students, so the Western restaurants here are quite authentic,” Donna explained.

“Great, I’ve never had Western food before. This is a perfect chance to try it,” Zhang Weimin replied.

At the restaurant, they were handed menus. Zhang Weimin remarked, “The waiters here are all foreigners; the Western food here must be authentic.”

Donna chuckled, “Do you judge authenticity by the waiters? They’re actually international students working part-time after class, kind of like work-study.”

The menus were entirely in English. Donna ordered from the waiter, “For the appetizer, I’ll have the Smoked Salmon Platter. For the main course, the Pan-Seared Cod Fillet. And for the soup, the Bouillabaisse.”

Closing her menu, Donna noticed Zhang Weimin’s menu still on the table. Assuming he couldn’t read English and to spare him embarrassment, she quietly asked, “Do you want me to recommend some signature dishes?”

Zhang Weimin rested his elbows on the table, clasping his hands. “Thanks, I’ve already decided.”

He told the waiter, “For the appetizer, Caesar Salad. Main course, Sirloin Steak, medium rare, with black pepper sauce and roasted vegetables. For the side, Cream of Mushroom Soup. And a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.”

After handing back the menu, the waiter was about to leave but was stopped by Zhang Weimin: “Oh, and for dessert, Caramel Pudding and Tiramisu.”

Zhang Weimin turned to see Donna frowning, arms crossed, staring at him.

“You said you’ve never had Western food before?”

Realizing Donna was a bit upset, Zhang quickly smiled, “I swear this is my very first time eating Western food.”

“Hmph! You order better than I do. I bet you’ve eaten it more times than me. Are you telling the truth? If not, I’ll be mad!”

Scratching the back of his head, Zhang said sheepishly, “Honestly, it’s my first time. I’ve often watched people eat Western food on TV and envied them. I’ve always hoped to try it someday, so I memorized some dish names.”

“You speak English pretty well. Are you pretending to be naive just to tease me? I even suspect you might be a foreign spy.”

“Hey, I’m no spy. Although I don’t have much formal education, I understand how important English is. I want to do business worldwide, so I’ve been self-studying English. But back home, I never had the chance to use it. Today, since you brought me here, I finally get to put it to use. Actually, since you mentioned introducing me to your mentor who might help me land some deals, I figured I better keep up and not lose any opportunities. That’s why I’m treating you to dinner today.”

Donna’s skeptical look finally softened. “If you put it that way, I can almost believe you. I mentioned you to my mentor today. He seems quite interested in you. If he has time tomorrow and wants to meet, I’ll give you a call.”

Zhang Weimin breathed a sigh of relief.

The dinner ended in a light and pleasant atmosphere.

The next day.

Zhang Weimin was at a hotel near the university, studying a Shanghai city transportation map when his phone rang.

No need to ask—it was surely Donna, as she was the only person who knew his number.

“Hello, Lao Zhang, do you have time now?”

“Yes, I’m waiting for your call.”

“Then come over to the Civil Engineering Research Building. Professor Zhao wants to meet and talk with you. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your samples.”

“Alright, I’m on my way.”

Zhang Weimin arrived at the Civil Engineering Research Building, where Donna was already waiting on the first floor.

“Dr. Tang, I came in a hurry and didn’t have time to prepare a gift for Professor Zhao. Please explain the situation to him for me later.”

“No worries. Professor Zhao isn’t the type to fuss over such things. He’s a highly influential figure in this field—an academician of the Engineering Academy, president of the Civil Engineering Society. His influence can definitely help you secure several deals. Make sure to have a good talk with him.”

As they spoke, they arrived at Professor Zhao’s office door.

Donna knocked lightly twice, and a voice inside said, “Come in.”

“Mentor, this is Mr. Zhang Weimin, whom I told you about.”

Zhang quickly stepped forward, firmly shaking Professor Zhao’s hand.

“Professor Zhao, I’ve long heard of your esteemed reputation in the industry. Meeting you today is truly a great honor.”

“Ha ha ha,” Professor Zhao’s voice was loud and vigorous.

“Donna, just as you said, Mr. Zhang speaks quite eloquently.”

“Mentor, many of Mr. Zhang’s ideas are very forward-thinking. He almost seems like a man from the future. You two can chat at length; I’ll go work on my thesis now.”

“All right, you go ahead,” Professor Zhao said, inviting Zhang to sit on the sofa.

“From what Donna told me, Mr. Zhang comes from a working-class background but holds unique and advanced views on science, markets, economics, and society. I’m eager to discuss these with you face to face.”

“Professor, you flatter me. Actually, I was just bored from a long journey and chatted casually with Donna. I never expected her to praise me so highly before you. I’m quite embarrassed…”

A hint of admiration shone in Professor Zhao’s eyes.

Zhang Weimin and Professor Zhao engaged in a lively discussion about the future of the economy, market, technology, and social transformations for over an hour.

For Professor Zhao, Zhang’s ideas were remarkably visionary, yet grounded and plausible, as if everything he predicted would come true in the near future.

For Zhang Weimin, however, all he shared was actually the lived experience of Lin Hao.