Unfortunately, Wang Ye's plan to "travel incognito" did not go very smoothly. Before it had even begun, it was nearly ruined...
He took the elevator down to the first-floor lobby. The lobby was quite deserted, with few people apart from the staff.
Because the Sixth World Trade Center Ministerial Conference was about to be held, this hotel had been designated as an official venue. Starting today, it was no longer accepting ordinary guests; everyone staying here was a member of a delegation from a World Trade Center member state.
Just as Wang Ye was about to step out of the lobby, a girl who had been sitting on a sofa in the hotel lounge suddenly stood up and headed straight for him.
At that instant, several sharp gazes in the lobby turned toward the girl at once. After what was presumably an assessment that she posed no "danger," none of those people made a move.
Only the two plainclothes security guards behind Wang Ye quietly quickened their pace and moved closer to him, preparing for any unexpected situation.
The girl stopped when she was around three steps away from Wang Ye. She looked at him and hesitated slightly, but once she got a clear look at his face, her eyes lit up.
In fluent Russian, she asked tentatively, "Director Mikhail?"
Wang Ye was a little surprised. He looked at the girl blocking his way. She seemed to be in her early twenties, with standard Asian features, fair skin, a slim yet athletic figure, and a ponytail. She radiated youthful energy.
Her large, bright black-and-white eyes stared at him, shimmering with surprise, delight, and excitement. Perhaps there was even a hint of eagerness?
Since he had been recognized, Wang Ye smiled and nodded. "Hello. What can I do for you?"
He