A：Hi, Kim. How's it going? I've got a problem.

B：What's bothering you Stone? You look stressed.

A：I always bite off more than I can chew. I agreed to speak at an international conference in Shanghai next Monday. Now I won't be able to do it.

B：Why not? What happened?

A：I'm going to Beijing that day. I have an important speech and TV interview there. I forgot all about it. I don't have the heart to tell the conference now. It's the second time I've done this. How can I save face? I feel terrible.

B：Don't worry about it. They'd have to search high and low to find a better speaker. And they know it. They need someone who can speak good English and Chinese.

A：Thank you. But I doubt that. I'm sure they'd prefer someone who keeps his word. I've got to talk to my assistant. He's always messing up my schedule!

B：Forget it. They know you're not leading them on. They'll ask you again, I'm sure. These things often happen. You're a busy guy.

A：Thanks for saying that, Kim. I feel a lot better.

B：That's what friends are for. Besides, I'm sure it's not easy being so famous!