‘I’ve book that seat do you understand? I don’t like having people sitting in my seat so stay away from me.’ Closing his book, Chen An tilted his head to send the detestable man beside him an icy sharp look.
But if looks could kill, Ivanov would have died several times every single day.
'A bad temper, a dislike towards people sitting beside him and even those sharp eyes. To be honest, if it wasn’t for my friend’s and your appearance…’ Ivanov gave Chen An a penetrating once-over. With a deliberately disdainful and teasing look, he snorted and laughed, 'The difference is really too much…’
Resisting the impulse to bash the other man’s face in with his book, Chen An gestured for the air stewardess to come over. But before she could, Ivanov had wisely returned to his own seat chuckling.
Chen An didn’t take Ivanov’s words to heart. Even if matters were exactly like Ivanov said: his personality, behavior and even his habits were identical to the past, but with his different looks as well as age, it is more than enough.
No normal person would ever think that he is Chen Zhang An.
Ignoring Ivanov’s measuring gaze, Chen An continued to read his book but his mind had drifted elsewhere. He was pondering the reason as to why Ivanov is heading to Vietnam.
This is China. Ivanov still isn’t bold enough to deal in arms here directly. Perhaps he is working with the military?
But to Chen An’s knowledge, for years, due to the western arms embargo on China, there had been many smalltime dealers who acted as intermediaries to smuggle weapons in to China from the various European countries.
But in the recent two years, China had been advancing in arms development at a rapid pace. The majority of the new weaponry developed are on par and some even superior in quality compared with exports. Hence, even incidents of smugglers who ignored the embargo to bring in new exotic European models to sell to China had reduced significantly.
But that does not mean that dealings under the table no longer exist.
Should he get closer to Ivanov to find out?
Chen An immediately vetoed that thought. The time isn’t ripe yet.
Translator’s notes:
*'Tao Te Ching’ by Laozi also known as “The Classic of the Way’s Virtues” or “The Book of the Way of Virtue.” It is a an old classic text that dates back to the late 4th century BC. The text ranges widely in content, from practical advice, universal wisdom to embracing politics. The emphasis is on understanding existence and to achieve an informed awareness of being that leads to personal spiritual tranquility. You can tell that Chen An is really an old man at heart from his reading choices.
** White rabbit creamy candy is a popular milk candy from China. It is white, with a soft, chewy texture and wrapped in edible rice paper. It is a really old brand and have accompanied the growth of a generation. I’m a fan of this candy myself and had pissed myself shitless when the 2008 Chinese milk scandal came out. Here’s how it looks like:
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- fun-sized7 reblogged this from negativeinserts and added:
there was a 2008 chinese milk scandal??? okay but ivanov’s languid and chill character sets me off balance, like...
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