The Half-year Contract

"I haven't gone back on my word. This is about you—you don't want to be with me, which means our half-year contract is no longer valid," Gu Nianzhi said impassively.

It was an early December morning. The wintry DC wind cut to the bone; Gu Nianzhi had to pull her overcoat together.

The fiery red Hermès cashmere and silk flamenco scarf around her neck stood out against her metallic gray military-style cashmere overcoat. The contrast between the bold and the subdued was particularly attractive on this chilly winter morning: it caught the eye of everyone around her.

A constant stream of familiar men and women—her colleagues at US Congress, and members of parliament—greeted her as they passed by.

"Morning!"

"Gu, I love your look today!"

"Gu, want me to bring you breakfast?"

Gu Nianzhi smiled as she waved to everyone, before pointing to her phone. They exchanged a knowing smile, indicating that they understood.