Power and Wealth

Inside the isolation room.

David shouted. “Who are you?!”

Zhong Lizhen looked at Dong Xuebing. “You….”

The young man laughed. “I am a passerby and overheard your conversation. You all are right. Your country’s action should be punished.” His English was not good, but they could understand him.

David immediately shouted. “Guards!”

To his surprise, the door was closed, and no one outside could hear them.

What is going on?

The door was opened earlier.

The young man in the room was Dong Xuebing, who had used STOP to enter the room.

David was looking terrible. “How did you get in?!”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “I walked in, of course. I also want to fly in, haha…. But I can’t fly.” He smiled and continued. “Oh, continuing on that topic. Your country’s arrogance surprised me. You all want to get involved in other countries affairs and keep wanting to hinder my country’s progress. Does it make you uncomfortable if you don’t try to mess with us? I like the way you all gross me out.”

David could not understand Dong Xuebing’s English, but he could guess it was something terrible from his tone.

Dong Xuebing laughed. “Come… come and gross me out again.”

David did not say anything and started moving back towards the door.

Dong Xuebing said. “Why are you keeping quiet and walking backward? I still have not finished.” He walked over and put his arms around his shoulder. He pulled him to the meeting table and sat on a chair. “What’s the hurry? Let’s have a good talk. Tell me, which other countries have your country created problems with?”

David looked at Dong Xuebing coldly.

“Don’t be embarrassed. You had said so much earlier. Fine. If you want to talk about it, let’s talk about how many Chinese scientists you have captured over the years. This should not be your first time.”

David understood the question. “We had never captured any of your scientists, even now!”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “This reply is gross. Never mind. You all will never admit your wrongdoings. Let’s talk about the economy. Our country had lent you all money, but you had all forgotten about it and continued to create trouble for us. You all feel that assisting and supporting you all is a must.”

David replied. “You are Chinese!”

Dong Xuebing clapped. “You are smart.” He was furious and got more sarcastic. “No wonder you are a scientist. I am so excited to chat with an American scientist.”

Zhong Lizhen asked in Mandarin. “You are….”

Dong Xuebing smiled and looked at Zhong Lizhen. He shook her hand. “You can call me Xiao Dong. I will tell you my name and the rest later. I need to confirm your identity.” He needs to confirm her identity as she looks different from the photographs. She is prettier in real life. “Are you comrade Zhong Lizhen?”

Zhong Lizhen replied. “Yes.”

Dong Xuebing asked. “Do you have anything to confirm your identity?”

Zhong Lizhen hesitated and shook her head. “They had taken away all my identification.”

Dong Xuebing thought for a second. “Are there any listening bugs or CCTV here?”

“This is an isolation room, and all signals are blocked.” Zhong Lizhen replied.

Dong Xuebing nodded. “Then I will ask you a question. Have you heard of Xie Huilan?”

Zhong Lizhen paused for a second. “Xie Huilan? Xiao Huilan? She is Sister Han’s daughter. I saw her grow up and heard she married a few months ago. I could not get back for her wedding.”

Dong Xuebing smiled. He can confirm her identity. “Sorry, Professor Zhong. I need to confirm your identity first. My English is not good, and I searched level six for the isolation room.”

Zhong Lizhen breathing got faster. “Are you here to rescue me?”

“Yes.” Dong Xuebing replied. “Sorry, I am late.”

Zhong Lizhen got excited. “No… no…. It’s not late as long as I can return home.”

“Oh.” Dong Xuebing asked suddenly. “How is the soundproofing here?” He reached under his coat.”

Zhong Lizhen replied. “It’s good. No sounds can be heard….” She stopped and suddenly shouted. “David is going to press the alarm!”

David had run to the door when Dong Xuebing and Zhong Lizhen were talking, and he was about to press the red button. Dong Xuebing pulled out a gun and squeezed the trigger without turning back.

Blood splattered everywhere.

David’s body stopped and fell to the ground.

Zhong Lizhen’s face changed, and she shouted at Dong Xuebing. “What are you doing?!”

“Saving you.” Dong Xuebing replied.

“You don’t have to kill!”

“How will we get out if I don’t kill?”

“Didn’t you and your men enter the research center?”

Dong Xuebing replied. “I am alone.”

“Just you alone?!” Zhong Lizhen was shocked.