The White Olive Tree

Chapter 45

At five-thirty in the afternoon, the sun still hung in the western sky.

The shadows of trees outside the window cast dappled patterns inside the cool, sun-avoiding room with its thick walls and small windows. Now in mid-December, the evening temperatures dropped enough to forego the need for an electric fan.

After a day of bustling activities, Song Ran wasn't in the mood to rest. Returning to this country left her unsettled, eager to go out and explore. She quickly packed her belongings, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and left her room.

As she locked her door, a woman emerged from the opposite room, an Asian female in her late twenties with a cigarette in her mouth. They exchanged friendly smiles upon making eye contact. Despite being Asian, the woman had thick eyebrows, large eyes, and high cheekbones, giving her a strikingly Western appearance. Dressed in a simple white T-shirt and jeans, she had a voluptuous and attractive figure.

Judging from her appearance, Song Ran concluded that she wasn't Korean or Japanese. So, she asked, "Chinese?"

"Uh-huh." The woman removed the cigarette from her mouth, smiling, "Are you new here?"

"Yes, just arrived today." Song Ran brightened upon meeting a fellow countrywoman, asking, "Which TV station are you with?"

The woman's eyebrows danced with amusement as she laughed, "You're a journalist, right? I'm with Doctors Without Borders—Pei Xiaonan."

"Ah, I'm Song Ran. Yeah, a journalist."

Together, they walked down the cool corridor and descended the stairs.

Out of professional habit, Song Ran observed Pei Xiaonan discreetly.

Pei Xiaonan exhaled a stream of smoke gracefully and contentedly, then, turning a corner, extinguished her barely smoked cigarette in the sand atop a trash bin, remarking, "As a doctor, I shouldn't expose you to secondhand smoke."

Song Ran smiled, "It's okay."

Pei Xiaonan waved her hand, dispersing the lingering smoke, "You seem quite young. Being a war correspondent takes courage."

Song Ran responded, "You're impressive too, coming here to be a doctor."

"Still, doctors have a bit higher safety rating than journalists. Haven't you heard about the rankings around here?" Pei Xiaonan chuckled.

"What rankings?"

"Volunteers, Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, peacekeeping forces, journalists, Armed Forces."

Hearing the last words, Song Ran's smile faded slightly, asking, "Do you know much about the Armed Forces?"

Pei Xiaonan replied, "I know a bit. I've dealt with casualties from them. They're a military force specifically fighting against extremist organizations."

Song Ran inquired, "Where do they get their weapons?"

"They're backed by patriots, including many East-country expatriates, especially the wealthy and corporations, who provide substantial funds and arms. The government supports them too, sharing much military intelligence. Plus, the anti-government forces aren't their enemies either."

Song Ran nodded in understanding, then asked, "Where is your hospital?"

"Do you want to interview me?" Pei Xiaonan smiled.

"Can I?"

"Why not? I'm quite bored myself. Do you want to go to the hospital now?"

"Not now, the sun hasn't set yet. I'd like to look around first. Could you give me the address, and I'll come to find you later?"