The Chinese Ambassador

Chapter One

The Chinese ambassador was a wise man. He liked to play mahjong. He had a long beard.

One day he was in Budapest on a political mission. He met with the Hungarian ambassador and they played a game of chess.

The Chinese ambassador won the game.

He retired to his room. It was a decent hotel room with a comfortable bed. He ordered a pizza with hot chocolate as room service. These Western delicacies were a nice alternative to the traditional Chinese food he would eat back at home.

He went to bed early after reading over a few position papers, and he felt prepared for the conference tomorrow.

It was an environmental conference. The famed Greta Thunberg was supposed to make an appearance. People were excited.

Mr Zhang (the Chinese ambassador) arrived at the conference early, and handed over his passport so he could be identified. He was given a lanyard and an I.D. badge.

He went inside a reception area, where there were delegates grouped around tall tables, and some nice appetisers, such as olives and feta cheese on a toothpick. Mr Zhang sipped a glass of champagne. A mysterious figure he didn't recognise was watching from a dark corner.

There was a large sign that read: "Welcome ambassadors". Mr Zhang appreciated the sign, and decided to socialise with some of the other delegates. He looked around and saw his friend the Hungarian ambassador, and went over to his table.

"I would like to offer my condolences, Mr Kovacs."

"Whatever for?" Asked the Hungarian ambassador.

"Because I whooped your ass at chess." Said Mr Zhang.

"That was undignified." Said Mr Kovacs.

"Your mum was undignified last night." Retorted Mr Zhang.

"Whaaaat?" Said Mr Kovacs, incredulous.

"You heard me." Said Mr Zhang. Then he collapsed.

"Nobody drink the champagne!" Shouted the mysterious figure from earlier. He went over to Mr Zhang and knelt down to feel his pulse on his neck.

"He's still alive, but barely. I suspect that he's been poisoned with a powerful neurotoxin. That's what caused his uncharacteristic outburst."

"And who are you?" Asked Mr Kovacs.

"I'm special agent Jean Charcuterie, I've been assigned by Interpol to protect Mr Zhang. Listen we don't have time for this. Mr Zhang only has a few hours to live unless we get him injected with the antidote."

"How about a natural remedy?" Asked the Indian ambassador.

"I doubt that would be effective in this case." Answered Mr Charcuterie generously, as he dialed for an ambulance.