60 The Persuasion 2 (1/2)

Another reason Xiu Ling decided to take a break in the conversation was because she saw from the corner of her eye the waiter coming back with their order.

”Miss, your tea. Enjoy.” The waiter placed the cup of green tea before Joann and bowed.

Xiu Ling nodded her thanks at the waiter on Joann's behalf.

When the other party's stance has weakened, it is time to push your own perspective. They will be more accepting towards it then.

Xiu Ling nudged the cup of tea towards Xiu Ling, saying, ”Here, have some tea.”

As Joann picked up the tea to take a sip, Xiu Ling picked up the thread of conversation, ”In today's day and age, it is wrong to view a group of people with prejudice and bias. There are good and bad in every group of people. Just like not all celebrity are stuck up and hunger for fame, wouldn't you agree, Joann?”

Joann nodded slowly being persuaded by Xiu Ling. Xiu Ling smiled and added, ”Similarly, there are good and bad eggs among the reporter profession. They couldn't be all bad, right?”

This time, Joann was hesitant to nod but Xiu Ling did not mind. She had done everything she needed to do, which was to plant the seed of doubt. Then, to push her argument further, she reminded Joann the benefit of having a daughter in the reporter business, starting from the immediate pros before moving to a more general view.

Picking up the newspaper again, Xiu Ling said, ”Since the news on Lee Mu is not released, this means that Sylvia has some weight at the papers, or at least influential enough to stop certain news from meeting the press. Isn't that a good thing to have in an ally especially in your line of work, Joann?

”Celebrities and reporters share a tense relationship but it is undeniable that both parties need the other to survive. Therefore, instead of antagonizing them, why not seek a more peaceful and mutually beneficial way of co-existence?

”And Sylvia has provided you with the perfect opening to do that. Of course, I am not telling you to go and fraternize with them but getting to know Sylvia's colleagues wouldn't hurt, right? After all, at the end of the day, they are only doing their job.”

Joann thought about it and sighed, ”Perhaps you are right.”

”In any case, I am no celebrity so I have no idea whether my advice is of any use, I am merely stating things from my perspective as an outsider. I do not wish to see you and Sylvia exist in this kind of unharmonious relationship.”

Then, Xiu Ling moved onto something she knew Joann could identify with, ”As a mother, we only want what is best for our child. Blessed is the child that's got his own, right?

”Isn't it a good thing that Sylvia knows what she wants out of her life and is working hard towards achieving it?