Mǎi-mài bù chéng, qíngyì zài.

買賣不成, 情意在。

Lit [Even if a] business [deal is] not successful, the relationship [between the two people still continues to] exist.

Fig In the interests of a long-term relationship, one should be civil even if the immediate business deal falls through.

Note [Also said jiāoyì bù chéng, rényì zài (q.v.); see also qù shí liú rénqíng below.]

Topics BUSINESS CIVILITY FRIENDSHIP jiāoyì qíngyì RELATIONSHIPS rényì