The next morning, Li DanFC threw my door open.
He pulled a luggage in and said,
All packed. The clothes should fit you well since I bought them according to your measurements. You’ll board in an hour so you need to wash up now.
Just leave those stuff here, I’ll get it myself,
I suggested, stretching lazily on the bed.
No, we’ll take it for you,
Li DanFC replied.
Quick, get ready. I’ll be your bodyguard and Yun Huan’s as well.
I felt my brows wrinkle.
What? What about Yun Huateng? Are you not going to be watching over him?
Boss has many bodyguards, I’m just one of them. Hurry now, we cannot be late,
he prompted.
I got up and got dressed, with Li DanFC looking at me the whole time.
The whole affair seemed weird – well, weirder than usual. I probably wouldn’t have thought that if Yun Huateng had gotten a normal translator to follow me around, but Li DanFC? Something fishy must be going on.
However, there was nothing I could do except to take it one step at a time.
I readied myself and turned to my newly appointed shadow, nodding at him. I reached for my luggage but he swatted my hand away.
Just follow me and don’t get lost. Leave the rest to me.
He led me to a sedan and drove me to the airport.
Yun Huateng was nowhere in sight, which made me feel somewhat lost.
The moment we arrived at the airport, Li DanFC herded me straight to the VIP resting lounge before proceeding to check my luggage in.
Li DanFC followed behind me, explaining the procedures and time needed.
We boarded a big Boeing plane, and after everyone was seated, the air stewardess started their routine and safety instructions.
Immediately after the seatbelt light went off, I adjusted my first class cabin seat all the way back.
I turned on the television to relax and did not talk to Li DanFC much.
An invisible pressure made sleeping difficult, so I simply shut my eyes to conceal my fears.
Li DanFC woke me up for every meal.
After 20 long hours, we finally arrived at San Francisco Airport.
While I did catch some sleep, I still felt somewhat dispirited.
I said to Li DanFC,
Will Yun Huan pick me up? Who’s coming?
No. Yun Huan won’t be picking you up since he needs to stay out of trouble during this period and it’s risky to be at the airport. We’ll find him after getting the luggage. He’s in a hotel about a hundred kilometers away, which is also the place we’ll be staying for the next month,
he answered.
Does Yun Huateng really engage in a wine business? Or was it all made up for this plan?
I asked.
He has many businesses and Horse Brand Red Wine is one of the more popular ones in China. He bought this winery sometime ago in order to raise the brand status, and is now using it out of convenience.
You seem to know a lot about him. Have you been with him for long?
I continued.
Eight years or so,
he replied distractedly.
I’ll get the luggage. Wait here and don’t run about. It’s gonna be tricky if I lose you.
I stood still and watched as his figure disappeared into the crowd.
He still thought that I don’t know any English. That’s a good thing since it might come in handy someday.
After a short while, I saw him wave me over.
I dutifully went to him and followed him as he maneuvered around the place.
We exited the airport and he flagged down a cab.
He gave an address and the driver headed north.
I felt uncomfortable by the fact that I had fallen into a passive position the moment we reached America.
The only trump card I had was the video recording, but if something did happen to me, that evidence wouldn’t be that substantial.
Pessimistic thoughts assaulted my mind and I couldn’t control them.
An hour passed and the car came to a stop.
Li DanFC took out a US bankbook as I alighted.
I was welcomed by an enchanting scenery. There were small villas all around and Li DanFC brought me to the biggest one right in the center.
He pressed the doorbell and the person who opened the door startled me.
It was as if I was looking into the mirror.
He, too, was shocked upon seeing me.
You’re Gou Dan, right?
he asked.
You know me?
I asked, puzzled.
I was informed of the plan through an encrypted phone call. Come in and we’ll talk,
he offered.
Li DanFC walked in but I was rooted to the ground.
What’s wrong?
Yun Huan asked.
Nothing! It’s just… this is a shock,
I said before joining them inside the house.
Something was strange but I couldn’t point out exactly what.
Perhaps it was because I read his diary, but the Yun Huan that I saw acted like a whole different person from the one who wrote the journal.
The moment I entered, Yun Huan brought me around for a short tour.
The red wines here are expensive but do feel free to try them. There are five guestrooms in the house so pick whichever you like.
My first thought was to find out where his room was.
May I know where’s your room? I’m thinking it’s better to stay close to you in case I need help.
Yun Huan smiled and pointed to a corner room not far away.
That’s my room, and the one opposite has been prepared for Brother Dan. It’s fine if you want that, though. It is indeed better to have someone you can rely on close by.
I took note of how he addressed Li DanFC, convinced that it would be of some use.
Bring the luggage in first and we’ll have food in an hour’s time. You’re not used to the western food, I suppose, so we can go to a nearby Chinese restaurant.
I nodded without hesitation. I had to stay safe for a month.
When I was done unpacking, Yun Huan invited us out to eat.
He drove and peppered me with personal questions on the way.
He asked about my grades in school, my parents’ name, who I was close to and so on. We also talked about some of my classmates and crushes, and even my first love.
I pondered Yun Huateng’s words over. He had said that Yun Huan will learn to imitate me. I finally understood what he meant, but it still all felt awkward to me.
Even as we ate, Yun Huan imitated the way I used my chopsticks.
Because I did not learn the correct way to use them, I could only hold them as if I was holding a pen.
Yun Huan’s shadowing made me feel somewhat stifled but there was nothing I could say.
Perhaps I should throw indirect questions out.
You don’t really have to learn these, do you, Yun Huan? Won’t reporting my home address and identity be good enough? I might not be able to answer all your questions regarding my childhood.
Yun Huan smiled.
Just in case, you know. I think it’s never bad to learn more now. That reminds me, do you remember your parents’ birthdays? Tell me,
he requested.
I frowned but since I had no choice, I started divulging more personal details.
I felt my hair standing up on ends; he seemed to be taking over my life, bit by bit.
After revealing everything about myself, I felt that I had lost all my integrity and principles.
After the good meal, we returned to the villa.
Yun Huan started taking down notes with a fountain pen and some papers.
He was like a host of an interview and I was the superstar who had to answer his questions but also maintain my image.
Yun Huan kept on going, asking about my favorite games, color, and many other things.
When he was done for the night, I lay on my own bed, thinking about what I needed to do.
