Thomas Richard, lying on the ground, broke down in anguished wails upon hearing Mandarin's words. Everyone watching in front of their televisions felt their hearts tighten as well.
Mandarin raised his other hand and pointed at an old-fashioned telephone beside him, speaking slowly.
"This phone's number is in your cell phone. Amazing, isn't it? How did it get there?"
"Americans, if your president calls me within thirty seconds, Thomas will live! Make the call!"
Hearing Mandarin's words, President Ellis picked up his phone. After unlocking it, he was shocked to find a dialing screen already displayed, with a string of numbers on it. His phone had somehow been taken over!
"How did he hack into my phone?"
President Ellis turned to the advisor beside him and asked gravely.
The advisor's expression became equally solemn, though he still made a rational suggestion.
"We cannot let terrorists manipulate us!"
But President Ellis did not listen. He removed his glasses and said in a low voice.
"I have to make this call!"
The advisor sternly tried to dissuade him again.
"I strongly object!"
President Ellis rose from his chair and spoke with determination.
"This is the only thing we can do now! The American people are watching in front of their televisions. I can't let them down!"
As President Ellis pressed the call button, the old-fashioned telephone beside Mandarin immediately began to ring.
"Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring! ..."
As the old-fashioned telephone rang, a trace of excitement appeared on Thomas Richard's terrified face as he lay on the ground. The people watching television also felt a measure of relief.
Just then, Mandarin, seated in his chair, did not pick up the phone. Instead, he suddenly raised his pistol, aimed it at Thomas Richard on the ground, and swiftly pulled the trigger!
Bang!
The