Chokehold

After the group photo, the young girls left in high spirits, each of them overjoyed.

After all, the chance to take a photo with a big shot like Mikhail might only come once in a lifetime.

Besides, Mikhail had become Deputy Speaker of the Duma at such a young age, making him one of the very top figures.

Perhaps in a few more years, he might rise another step. That would be truly remarkable.

In the future, they could show off that photo to their boyfriends, even their children and grandchildren...

Before Wang Ye and Rosiana had left the hall, Alexei hurriedly caught up from behind.

"Misha, let me ride back with you. There's something I need to discuss."

Wang Ye nodded. Naturally, that was no problem.

At the bottom of the steps, the motorcade was already waiting, its engines running.

A row of more than ten black Land Rovers made for quite an imposing sight. Anyone could tell at a glance that some important figure was traveling.

By comparison, Alexei's car looked rather shabby.

It was just an ordinary BMW 7 Series, already a few years old and not even the latest model. There were no flashing lights mounted on it, either.

Alexei spoke to the driver for a few moments, telling him to follow Wang Ye's motorcade. Then he got into the same car as Wang Ye.

After waving goodbye to the ambassador, the motorcade slowly drove out of the embassy and turned onto the main road.

Inside the car, Alexei and Wang Ye sat in the back, making it convenient for them to talk, while Rosiana took the front passenger seat.

They casually chatted about that evening's banquet for a few minutes, without rushing into the main subject.

Alexei looked somewhat haggard, as though he had