Before Sullivan had time to process what had happened, Xu Rang, who had been present for less than a minute, strode away.
The translators and assistants present were completely at a loss; this Chinese man had come in, said something totally nonsensical, and left – if this had been a public encounter, the media would have been screaming headlines.
One was the United Nations Ambassador, the other was the Secretary of State; their meeting should never be so hasty and simplistic.
They were looking to Sullivan for answers, but he was already spaced out, sitting motionless on the couch.
Several minutes passed before Sullivan started to move; then, to everyone's surprise:
He directly called the president's security detail, had everyone present who had heard that phrase taken into custody, and personally emphasized to the detail's captain the gravity of their task, not allowing anyone to disseminate any information.
Only then did he board the helicopter and arrived here at top speed.