Dialogue 1 Z(Zoe) L(Luke)
Z: I have some good news for you. We've decided we'd like to send you to Shanghai on a business trip this weekend.
L: Oh.
Z: Don't you think that it'd be a good thing for you to get out of the office for a couple of days?
L: Sure.
Z: I thought you'd be a bit more excited about this. Everything will be paid for and I'll send my assistant with you to take care of everything for you. All you have to do is get on the train tonight at 7pm.
L: The train? Will I be flying back then?
Z: Oh, no. We've bought your return ticket for you. I think you'll find it comfortable.
L: Will the train be very crowded?
Z: Oh no. The train hasn't been crowded at all recently. Besides, you're in first-class, so you'll be fine.
L: When is the first meeting then?
Z: They've scheduled the negotiation meeting for 9:00 tomorrow morning. That should give you enough time to have a quick shower.
L: Where will I be staying?
Z: We've booked you a room in the same hotel as your meetings, so you won't need to deal much with the transportation system.
L: That's very sensible. Would it be alright if I left early today to prepare for the trip?
Z: That's not a problem. Have a nap if you can. You don't know how tight the schedule is for this business trip.
Dialogue 2
L: Did you get my email?
Z: I certainly did. Do you want to come in and give me some feedback about your weekend?
L: Sure.
Z: How did the business trip go?
L: Well, to be honest, nothing is more stressful than going on a business trip with our boss.
Z: I understand. The last time I went on a business trip with the boss, I didn't even have enough to eat?
L: I also think that the company is pretty cheap with travel expenses. I spent half of the weekend on a train! Surely they could have afforded to buy a few plane tickets!
Z: Our company is quite conscious of the environmental problems that frequent flying causes.
L: I see. Well, then perhaps they could give me a few days off after a business trip. It was really tiring for me.
Z: I can ask the boss about giving you the day off today.
L: Thank you. I can't imagine getting much done today. I'm just too exhausted!
Z: No problem. Did you bring any gifts back for your departmen?
L: No, should I have?