When He Zhichu saw the text message at first, he secretly scowled and thought, “Sh*t,” as he got out of the elevator.
… …
Gu Nianzhi wanted to leave early. She looked around and saw that Speaker Long was not far away from her. She took off Reinitz’s military jacket and gave it back to him. Then she walked over and said to Speaker Long, “I’m a little uncomfortable, so I’ll be heading home for the night.”
Speaker long had originally planned to have a meeting with his subordinates to discuss today’s events after the banquet had ended, and he had intended for her to participate as well. But when he looked up and saw Gu Nianzhi’s pale and bloodless face, Speaker Long changed his mind immediately and asked with concern, “Are you uncomfortable? Is it too cold here?”
Gu Nianzhi nodded reluctantly. Her voice was weak and low as she said, “It’s a little cold right now during the night, but if I go home and get some rest, I’ll be fine tomorrow.”
“Alright then, go home and get some rest. If you’re still feeling unwell tomorrow, feel free to take a day off and rest at home.” President Long expressed some regret at the fact that she might not be able to participate in tomorrow’s bilateral talks, but for him, her physical wellbeing was more important. He never advocated working while sick.
Gu Nianzhi nodded. “If I feel better tomorrow, I will come to work. If I’m still feeling unwell, I think I really might have to take a few days of sick leave.”
Speaker Long expressed concern and understanding, and offered to help her find someone to give her a ride home. Gu Nianzhi declined Speaker Long’s offer and said with a smile, “I called a taxi already, so someone will be here to pick me up soon.”
Reinitz had been standing next to her the entire time and had heard what she said. He looked at her with a slightly puzzled expression. Gu Nianzhi felt Reinitz’s eyes on her and figured he was probably confused by what she had said, but she refrained from making eye contact with him. Gu Nianzhi calmly bid farewell to Speaker Long and the other members of the Parliament Secretariat, then she turned around and left the banquet hall.
Reinitz thought about it for a moment, then grabbed a fellow German who was passing by and said in German, “I have something urgent tonight to attend to. You guys don’t have to wait for me.”
The German nodded in understanding. In theory, the German delegation to China was supposed to be centered upon the German chancellor. But even the German chancellor sometimes deferred to Reinitz for important matters, and most of the time he was the one calling the shots. Therefore, all the German personnel heeded Reinitz deferentially. The German Reinitz had stopped quickly said, “Okay, I will pass word on to the Chancellor.”
…
Reinitz caught up with Gu Nianzhi in the hallway outside the banquet hall of the parliament building and said with a grin, “Miss Gu, you ran off too soon and abandoned your bodyguard in the banquet hall.”
Gu Nianzhi looked back in surprise. “No, I didn’t bring a bodyguard.” At first, she had a confused look in her eyes, but her bewilderment vanished the instant she discovered who the speaker was.
Reinitz felt the same excitement a chess player felt when up against a worthy opponent. He pointed to himself with a smile and said, “It’s me. Miss Gu, may I have the honor of being your protector?”
Gu Nianzhi didn’t know what to say.
“It’s cold outside. I’ll give you my coat to put on, and you can give it back to me when you get in the car,” Reinitz said and put his military uniform coat on Gu Nianzhi.
…
After 15 minutes, He Zhichu’s sports car stopped in front of the parliament building, and he saw Gu Nianzhi through the window while sitting in the car. In the tall white corridor, she was wearing a German Army major general uniform coat, which on her was oversized and made her whole person seem even smaller. He Zhichu also caught sight of Reinitz standing beside Gu Nianzhi, and he noticed how close they were standing next to each other.
Even though He Zhichu’s angle of view was blocked, he sensed that Reinitz’s unseen hand must have been on Gu Nianzhi’s waist. He Zhichu felt rage boil up inside him. He got out of the car with a calm expression on his face, walked over to Gu Nianzhi and Reinitz, then smashed his fist into Reinitz’s face!
He said in German coldly, “You stay away from her. Don’t let me see you approaching her again.”
