Mark took a breath and shook his head, "It's nothing," he said, "You don't have to worry."

"What's the matter?" I asked, "Something that could make the omnipotent Mr. Jiang frown? I'd like to hear about it," I said, showing him my understanding side, as I thought he hoped.

"Actually, I don't really want to tell you," Mark said, looking hesitant.

He started by laying the groundwork about his independence and internal struggles before slowly continuing, "Babe, I recently ...