[He rather thought so. Flattery can get a person farther in life than they said it could. Plus, he doesn't really want to sour their first meeting by giving the wrong impression.

However, the phrase "Iron Curtain" did bother him, only because he thought he vaguely remembered that terminology. Where had he heard it before...?]

Oh? What better way is there, besides talking?

[He dared to ask, sipping casually at his drink.]