"Huang, how are you feeling physically?"
Aldag sat down on the sofa in Huang Chong's living room. Sipping the coffee Huang Chong had made him, he continued, "I watched the entire live broadcast of the World Championships at home.
"Your chase and comeback in the closing stages really had me sweating for you.
"But whatever else, I have to congratulate you on beating that once-in-a-century cycling genius, Tadej Pogačar, head-to-head for the first time."
Huang Chong knew why he had come. With a wry smile, he answered honestly, "To tell you the truth, I'm a little tired right now.
"The World Championships were far harder than I ever imagined.
"From the hundred-kilometer mark onward, having to stay with the strongest road cyclist in the world over climb after climb, lap after lap, completely burned me out.
"And to be honest with you, director, both my thighs were on the verge of cramping during that final sprint. Thankfully, it didn't happen before I finished."
"I understand how hard it was. Facing Tadej head-on in a top-level one-day race at that pace certainly isn't something just anyone can do.
"But as you know, our season isn't quite over yet. There are still two UCI WorldTour races left, and both need a team leader.
"I came here to ask what you think. Do you feel you still have enough left in the tank to compete in those two races?"
Huang Chong answered frankly, "As long as I get a few days' rest, I can race one of them. That's no problem.
"But if the team lets me choose which one, I'll pick the race in my own country.
"After all, it's my only chance to give something back to all my fans back home in person. I don't want to miss that opportunity."