It was Fransisco Lim's first time entering the Casa Real. The former Martin had a close relationship with him but never really required him to leave his stall. But as soon as I learned he was at the tiangge on Friday, I took the liberty of inviting him to the more secure setting offered by the governor's residence.
"What do you think about the Americans?" I blurted out the question, and only after saying it did I realize how abrupt it was. We had just finished our small talk.
But if Lim was surprised, he didn't show it. He calmly completed his sip of coffee and slowly placed the porcelain cup back on the table. "The Americans? What do you mean exactly?"
"They're good for business, aren't they? I mean—with all the new products they're introducing to the market," I said, trying to keep my tone as neutral as I could, "And the American dollar… it's a robust currency."
Fransisco was a smart man. Though he nodded, he began to study my face. "Yes… you could say that."
