66. Read my mind
Peter called Robert Miller again.
- Sorry to disturb you, said Peter.
- Never mind, said Robert. If you know of any sober receptionist in Bangkok can you send him to me?
- I think I know what upset Bia, said Peter
- Yes?
- He spoke about buying a new computer today.
- So he wants a new computer, said Robert. That should be easy. Is your answer yes or no?
- But he says he doesn’t want a new computer, said Peter.
- What is the problem then?
- I am not sure if he means it, said Peter.
- Sorry? Means what?
- When Bia speaks about the computer he says he doesn’t want a new one. But does he really mean it? Is he saying he doesn’t want one but in reality he wants one?
- That makes sense, said Robert without irony.
- Do you understand where I am heading?
- Yes. The boy says the opposite of what he wants.
- Exactly. And I am supposed to guess what he really wants.
- Kudos! Not only must you guess when he means what he says and when he means the opposite, but if he is anything like my boys you must also know if he has changed his mind without telling you. Even when he says nothing you are expected to understand what he wants. If you don’t he will be angry.
- Those mind-reading helmets they use in science fiction movies. Do you know where I can get one?
When Bia came out of the bathroom two hours later Peter had decided to buy a new computer. But Peter could not tell Bia of this news as it could encourage Bia’s sulking habits.
If Bia could read Peter’s mind he could still have known a new computer was coming. But Bia didn’t have psychic powers.
However, Bia expected Peter to understand that once a new computer was discussed it was Bia’s role to be modest and insist that a new PC wasn’t necessary. Peter’s role was to persuade a hesitant Bia to accept a new computer. Bia wanted the new computer, while Peter had the money. Therefore Bia had to play reluctant. Bia’s reluctance would make Bia look good and un-greedy and allow Peter to look generous. Using this approach Bia would avoid asking directly for the PC, which risked a face loss for Bia if Peter said no.
This was a clever arrangement but unfortunately farangs were too dim to understand. Farangs were so inept they actually thought Thais meant what they said. What Bia had heard about farangs was true. Farangs were crude and not very smart.
Bia came out of the bathroom still in a bad mood. He did the obligatory door slam and left the apartment.
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