As Song Heping emerged from Minister Rashim's office, the sky over Baghdad was painted in a bizarre shade of orange-red.
The setting sun dyed the entire Green Zone blood-red.
Standing on the steps of the Ministry of Defense, Song Heping gazed at the shimmering Tigris River in the distance, his mind repeatedly replaying the conversation he just had.
"Someone wants to make a move on you in the United States."
Rashim's expression as he said this was quite subtle.
It was not a warning, more like a tentative reminder.
The Iraq Defense Minister did not even shake hands as he saw him off, just slightly nodded, then disappeared behind the heavy wooden door.
Song Heping reached into his pocket and pulled out a tin of mint gum he always carried with him, emptied two pieces, and tossed them into his mouth.
The refreshing taste spread across his tongue.
Chewing the gum, he walked towards his vehicle, the driver had already opened the car door, vigilantly scanning the surroundings.
