I looked at him with uncertain eyes. His sharp gaze did not move from my face, seemingly waiting for my reaction. Momentarily unsure how to respond, I slightly bent my body as a greeting. Ye Zhengchen moved his lips, about to reciprocate the gesture, but suddenly remembering something, he straightened and whispered something to his driver before striding confidently through the gate. This Ye Zhengchen was too unfamiliar to me, and I didn’t know how to face him.
Suppressing my impulse to chase after him for an explanation, I was about to leave when the driver approached me. Without Ye Zhengchen’s imposing presence, this tall and handsome young man still exuded an oppressive aura. I noticed his shoulder insignia—apparently an NCO, probably Ye Zhengchen’s orderly.
“Miss Bao,” he said respectfully, “The Staff Officer would like to invite you to lunch.” It was a statement with no room for refusal.
“I’m sorry, I have something to do,” I politely declined. Social meals weren’t typically significant, but a meal with Ye Zhengchen was different. The recent international hotel meeting had taught me that there was nothing he couldn’t do. This dangerous man was best kept at a distance.
Before I could turn, the young orderly blocked my path. “Miss Bao, please wait.”
“Is there something else?” I asked.
He replied decisively, “The Staff Officer’s words are military orders.”
“I’m not a soldier.”
“But I am!” He stood at attention, resolute and unmovable. The military spirit within me emerged, and I felt a solemn respect for him.
Seeing my hesitation, he made a gesture of invitation. “Please get in the car. The Staff Officer is just checking on something and will be out soon.”
With that, I guessed Ye Zhengchen was here about Yin Zhongtian’s case and no longer refused. Walking to the Hummer, I remembered having seen this car before, noting the opaque window glass.
Three nights ago, it had been parked below the hotel where I was staying.
I sat in the back seat, and the young orderly handed me a newspaper – the Morning News. “Thank you!” I took it, forcing myself not to think and patiently read the newspaper. After about half an hour, the orderly opened the car door.
