Gustav's father took his seat. He didn't say anything, just looked at David, who timidly sat down opposite him. David did not feel that this gaze was insistent or evaluative, but he knew that he was just undergoing a critical evaluation.
He felt uncomfortable wearing work clothes. His body wasn't sweaty, but it wasn't completely fresh either. Maybe he should shower and change his clothes, but after all, he couldn't let such an important guest wait. A guest who looked and smelled as if everything he was wearing came from the most expensive fashion designers.
"I'm sorry about my outfit," David said. "I was working with my father..."
"I respect working people. They are the engine of the country's economic development."
David couldn't answer that, he didn't know how, so he politely remained silent.
"How can I be honest with you, boy?" asked Olaf Meiden.
"Completely," he replied. "I myself am straightforward."