Chapter 4, Confrontations at the Press Conference

Kaili noticed Wang Geng's expression darkening, and feeling anxious, she thought he might be unwell. She hurriedly reached out to touch his forehead. Wang Geng instinctively turned his head slightly away while gently grasping the girl's soft, slender hand, then, as if shocked, released it again and softly said, "Thank you, Kaili, I'm fine, I just thought of my family far away! That's why I'm a bit sad!" The girl felt the lingering sensation of their brief contact, but her heart inexplicably raced. Oh, does this Chinese young man have family? Then, as if shocked again, he released her hand and softly said, "Thank you, Kaili, I'm fine, I just thought of my family far away! That's why I'm a bit sad!" The girl felt the lingering sensation of their brief contact, but her heart inexplicably raced. Oh, does this Chinese young man have family? Could he be married? Or does he have a Chinese fiancée? After hesitating for a long time, the girl finally couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Wang, who else is in your family? Where are they?" Wang Geng walked while frowning in recollection, then hesitantly replied, "I am an orphan; it seems I can't remember much from long ago, only the events of these years since I came to study in the United States." "I'm very sorry, but you don't have a fiancée back home?" The girl hesitated for a long time, finally unable to resist asking, "Mr. Wang, who else is in your family? Where are they?" Wang Geng walked while frowning in recollection, then hesitantly replied, "I am an orphan; it seems I can't remember much from long ago, only the events of these years since I came to study in the United States." "I'm very sorry, but you don't have a fiancée back home? I heard that in your country, even strange customs like betrothal by finger are practiced." Kaili looked down at her toes as she walked, her voice carrying a hint of surprise that she herself was unaware of.

Several reporters were causing a commotion. A journalist from the "Deutsche Zeitung" muttered, "Are you willing to take responsibility? Did Wang Geng really say such a thing? The readers have the right to know the truth!" "Of course I said it, just now, when my classmates from West Point came to see me, I said it again. For world peace, a great power like the United States should take on its own responsibilities. I believe the earlier the United States joins the European war, the better. Joining the war would greatly contribute to peace, while not joining would greatly hinder it! As for the considerations behind this, the best answer is West Point's motto: responsibility, honor, and country!" Wang Geng paused, glancing at the reporters in front of him who were taking notes. "For the sake of all peace-loving countries and peoples in the world, for the honor of soldiers, soldiers should bear the responsibility of saving world peace. Personally, I believe that at this moment, the United States should become one of the leading forces for world peace. When a neighbor's house is on fire, if a compassionate country like the United States does not go to help, then when, in the future, if the United States itself is on fire, who will come to its aid?" "Well said!" "That is right!" "The United States should become one of the leading forces in maintaining world peace!" "Being a turtle hiding its head does not match the status of a great power like the United States!" The majority of the reporters chimed in enthusiastically, many were so excited that they approached Wang Geng to shake hands in agreement.

I came to the United States to study abroad at the age of sixteen, so where would a fiancée come from! This can be confirmed as nonexistent. Wang Geng sighed inwardly; from the memories of the original owner, he discovered that during his seven years in the United States, this Wang Geng, due to his outstanding performance, excellent academic record, handsome appearance, and athletic prowess, had actually been pursued by quite a few bold white girls at school, but he had rejected them all. It is unclear what he was thinking.

This issue is both sensitive and charged with tension. Dean Wilson furrowed his brow and couldn't help but remind Wang Geng, "The theme of this press conference is the Brooklyn Bridge rescue incident. You may refuse to answer questions that are unrelated to this matter!" Kelly, unable to contain her irritation, glared at the tabloid reporter, who was clearly someone from a non-English speaking country, struggling with poor spoken English and a heavy accent.

Wang Geng was filled with rage upon hearing this, yet he maintained a calm demeanor as he glanced at the reporter and said, "Every country has its day of rising from weakness to strength, from poverty to prosperity. However, in this process, if we abandon our commitment to uphold social justice and world peace, we can only become mere shells of ourselves. To maintain world peace, China will contribute as much as it can and will never easily back down! As for what you said about Qingdao, since Qingdao is part of China, I believe it will eventually remain so." Seeing Wang Geng's expression darken, Kelly, who was beside him, felt a bit anxious and hurriedly tugged at his sleeve, whispering, "Don't be anxious, Wang Geng. Some reporters are like this; there's no need to stoop to their level. Your health is important!" Wang Geng suppressed his anger, glanced at the reporter, and made an effort to keep his tone steady, saying, "The Chinese have always cherished peace, and I believe that the American people, like the majority of people around the world, also value peace! We welcome friends to our home, but sometimes we encounter unreasonable guests who act inappropriately. I believe that right and wrong will eventually be judged by the world, and a great nation like America will not remain indifferent, will it?" A few reporters with a strong sense of justice were also quite displeased with the provocative remarks from the reporters of Le Figaro and the German newspaper. Although, as American journalists, they harbored some biases against Easterners, especially the Chinese, Americans inherently respect the strong.

I have learned a great deal in the United States and made many American friends. My life and studies here have been very enjoyable. However, I am a Chinese person, and this will never change at any time. China is currently weak, but it will not remain weak forever. China is now fragmented, but there will surely come a day of true unity. I believe that everyone present will witness the arrival of that day! I hope to always be a friend of the peace-loving American people! As for whether or not to acquire American citizenship, it will not affect my feelings for the United States and its people at this moment! Wilson and Short nodded gently as the reporters below fell silent, desperately scribbling in their notebooks. This Chinese youth before them brought an overwhelming impact. They had originally come to interview a hero who saved someone by diving, intending to highlight the excellence of West Point. However, they now realized they had uncovered a potential future hero of China!

At the end of the press conference, all the journalists hurried back to file their reports, secretly murmuring to themselves: this Chinese cadet Wang Geng from West Point will undoubtedly become a news figure in the major newspapers of New York in the near future

This question is quite pointed yet straightforward; you can't just fool Americans into going to die as cannon fodder. Why don't you persuade your fellow Chinese to participate in the European war?

Wang Geng is set to meet with the reporters. Initially, Xiao Te and Kelly were reluctant to agree, but in the end, it was the old director Wilson, who arrived upon hearing the news, that made the final decision. A brief press conference will be held in the hospital's conference room to provide an explanation to the media. As a patient who has not yet fully recovered, Wang Geng will only answer no more than 10 questions of interest to the media, and each media outlet is allowed to send one representative to ask one question.

Wang Geng smiled and said, "Of course, I also call on our government to join the European war as soon as possible to contribute to world peace! Although our country's overall strength is still quite weak, as long as we do not give up on our efforts and struggles, China will eventually grow stronger over time." "Wang Geng, are you just boasting? Ever since Yuan Shikai passed away, China has been fragmented and unable to take care of itself. How can you talk about maintaining world peace? Not to mention going all the way to participate in the European war, do you even dare to reclaim Qingdao? You would still need to seek help from Japan! Your strength is negligible, and all you do is fool others into going to their deaths!" The guy from Le Figaro continued relentlessly.

Dr. Schott, how did you determine that our hero from the pastry department is most likely to awaken today after being admitted in a comatose state yesterday? Isn't it true that many individuals who enter such a state can remain unresponsive for weeks, months, or even years? The question was posed by a reporter from the New York Herald, who has a good relationship with the New York City Central Hospital, essentially promoting both Dr. Schott and the hospital.

Of course, he could also be a braggart. This young Chinese man with yellow skin is either someone who speaks boastfully without preparation, or he is a person with strong confidence, ambition, and talent

"You must be joking! Really? You are so outstanding; even if there were no girls in your hometown, I refuse to believe that there are none who would fall for you in America. I heard from Mark that before you joined West Point, you were a brilliant graduate from Princeton University’s literature department, and you were also the running back on the college football team and a key member of the swimming team. A handsome guy like you, excelling in both academics and sports, how could there be no girls pursuing you?" Kelly asked shyly, her face flushed, while her heart raced. It is hard to understand why this usually reserved and proud girl was so bold today.

Not only that, the tall girl carefully supported Wang Geng as they walked, causing the old dean, who was walking with Dr. Schott ahead, to feel quite jealous. He turned around and pretended to be angry, saying, "Kaili, you girl, weren't you always eager to help your grandfather? Why is it that now, with a young hero around, you leave your own grandfather behind? Since this Chinese student has woken up, let him walk by himself." "Oh, grandfather!" Kaili exclaimed, "Wang Geng is a patient and doesn't know the way. How can I not support him? Besides, why are you feeling jealous? I see that you are healthier than usual, and with Schott accompanying you, isn't that enough? At most, I will give you a shoulder massage when we get home tonight." As the girl playfully scolded her grandfather, her face flushed with a hint of red. She turned to Wang Geng and said softly, "Schott is my grandfather's student and also the key successor he is nurturing. Don't be fooled by his youth; his medical skills are quite good. He said you were most likely to wake up today, and indeed you did!" Although Wang Geng's arm was being supported and occasionally brushed against the girl's well-proportioned chest, which felt quite pleasant, the beautiful and shy expression that Kaili displayed upon realizing this made Wang Geng's lower self stir with unexpected desire. However, he soon recalled the maid from the deputy commander's house in the military compound from his past life, and his mood inexplicably darkened.

Indeed, Kelly quietly whispered into Wang Geng's ear, "The reporter from the Pioneer Newspaper is a high school classmate of Short, and they have a very good relationship. The owner of that Pioneer Newspaper is also one of the shareholders of the hospital." Upon hearing this, Wang Geng gently touched the young woman's hand, causing her face to flush a little. However, she bravely lifted her head, and the two exchanged a smile.

"May I ask, Dean Wilson, how are the rescued little girl and her family doing?" asked a reporter from the New York Post, a newspaper founded in 1801 that is renowned for its sensationalism and gossip.

The anxious reporters flocked to the hospital conference room to secure advantageous positions. Meanwhile, Kelly helped Wang Geng change into a thick patient gown along with a long cotton robe. Despite the fact that the central hospital provided heating 24 hours a day in February, Kelly expressed concern that the conference room was empty and rarely visited, fearing that Wang Geng might catch a cold.

Upon arriving at the conference room, I realized that it was already crowded with news and photography journalists

The journalists present spontaneously applauded warmly. Clearly, if first aid had not been administered promptly, even if the little girl had been pulled ashore, she could still have been in life-threatening danger. Wang Geng is truly a hero for saving lives!

Dean Wilson furrowed his brow, while Kelly unconsciously leaned closer to Wang Geng and whispered, "The little girl and her mother are both fine; they were picked up shortly after arriving at the hospital! Not even a word of thanks for you, their lifesaver! It's truly embarrassing for Americans!" "The rescued little girl suffered from mild drowning; fortunately, our hero is a top student from West Point. After reaching the shore, he administered first aid immediately, saving the little girl's life! Otherwise, it might have been too late by the time the ambulance arrived! The little girl and her mother were discharged and went home yesterday afternoon!" Dean Wilson cast an appreciative glance at Wang Geng, truly embarrassing for Americans!" "The rescued little girl suffered from mild drowning; fortunately, our hero is a top student from West Point. After reaching the shore, he administered first aid immediately, saving the little girl's life! Otherwise, it might have been too late by the time the ambulance arrived! The little girl and her mother were discharged and went home yesterday afternoon!" Dean Wilson cast an appreciative glance at Wang Geng and then replied.

Mr. Wang Geng, I am very curious about your views on your seven years of study abroad in the United States. Do you plan to stay in the U.S. for your future development? Or, will you consider obtaining U.S. citizenship?

As long as one possesses true ability, Americans will never turn a blind eye to their conscience. At this moment, Wang Geng is both a hero willing to risk everything to save someone from jumping off a bridge and a remarkable young talent with ideals and capabilities. At this time, skin color will not be an obstacle for Wang Geng; rather, it deepens the curiosity and understanding of these journalists towards the Chinese people

As the two individuals walked along, they chatted incessantly. The old dean at the front of the corridor turned around and shouted, "My little Kelly, you better hurry up! At the pace you two are going, the reporters might not be able to wait!" "Well, there should be some people who like me, but I don't really know what's going on; it seems like there's no spark... Let's hurry up, your grandfather is urging us!" Wang Geng casually responded to the beautiful nurse beside him while quickening his pace. "Let's hurry up, your grandfather is urging us!" Wang Geng casually responded to the beautiful nurse beside him while quickening his pace.

The discordant voices are not absent. A reporter from another tabloid, the Figaro Forum, shouted in a shrill voice, "Germany and Austria-Hungary are also neighbors of the United States. When neighbors fight, how can the United States only take sides? Only neutrality can maintain an objective and fair stance!" Wang Geng smiled slightly at these words and disdainfully replied, "Those who are righteous gain support, while those who are unjust receive little. When neighbors fight, there must be a reason for it. I believe that the United States, like other peace-loving countries around the world, has its own judgment and knows who is right and who is wrong." "But what if the United States makes a wrong judgment? What if Germany and Austria are the victims?" The reporter from the German People’s Newspaper shouted unwillingly, "Wang Geng, you are Chinese, always claiming to uphold world peace. Why don’t you urge your government to participate in the European war, instead of trying to mislead the American people here?"

Wang Geng, upon hearing this, glanced at the self-satisfied Wilson and Short, and secretly chuckled to himself, realizing that the unspoken rules of the news industry had become second nature in this era

Fortunately, at the end of the long corridor, a turn leads directly to the press conference venue in the meeting room