“First time in China?” “Not really,” Nicholai answered. “I was partially raised in Hong Kong.” “That’s part of Great Britain, isn’t it?” Voroshenin asked. It was rude, a sly dig at his Chinese hosts. “So think the British,” Nicholai answered. “But in reality Hong Kong is no more British than, say, Mongolia is Russian.” Yu guffawed. “No offense,” Nicholai said, looking directly at Voroshenin. “None taken,” Voroshenin replied, although both men knew that offense had been intended and received. He kept his eyes locked on Nicholai’s.
