After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1364 - 1363: Extra 2 – Xia Chuyi’s Culinary Journey of Conquering the World
Previously on After Marrying the Officer...
Councilman William’s face immediately contorted with displeasure upon hearing Huo Shiqian's declaration, his glare fixed upon the golden retriever owner and his son.
Yet, Councilman William refrained from reprimanding either of them.
"Mr. Huo, perhaps there has been a slight misunderstanding? After all, in unfamiliar surroundings, especially with language barriers, misinterpretations can easily occur," Councilman William offered, attempting to de-escalate the situation.
As an official accompanying the Z Country delegation, Councilman William, much like Huo Shiqian, was fluent in the Z Country language.
"Misunderstanding? An able-bodied adult striking a child, you call that a misunderstanding?" Huo Shiqian inquired coolly, his expression turning frigid as he continued, "If this is indeed a misunderstanding, then the reputation of the American people appears to be somewhat exaggerated."
"This..." Confronted by Huo Shiqian's pointed remarks, Councilman William found himself momentarily speechless, yet he remained unwilling to concede the issue.
After all, the disclosure that American nationals had mistreated a child from the delegation would undoubtedly tarnish the food festival's reputation before it had even commenced.
"Mr. Huo, we did not witness the entire incident. It is possible the gentleman was merely engaging in playful interaction with the child?" Councilman William posed with a forced smile to Huo Shiqian.
Playful interaction?
It was astonishing that Councilman William could even utter such a statement.
Even the staff members in Councilman William's vicinity found his words difficult to stomach.
"Play?" Huo Shiqian cast a dismissive glance at Councilman William and remarked, "Do individuals from your nation typically engage in 'play' by kicking? Very well."
Huo Shiqian deliberately paused his sentence at that precise moment.
For reasons unknown, Councilman William felt a prickle of unease under Huo Shiqian's gaze, and he queried, with a touch of discomfort, "Mr. Huo... what exactly do you mean by that?"
"It means nothing, sir. I simply intend to engage this gentleman in the same manner of 'play' you described," Huo Shiqian stated, shifting his stance subtly and lifting his son with one arm, his posture indicating readiness to act.
"Mr. Huo!" Councilman William exclaimed hastily upon witnessing this, pleading, "Mr. Huo, please desist!"
"This! This is not a matter for jesting!" Councilman William immediately shoved one of his staff members forward to intercept Huo Shiqian.
As Councilman William acted, his own staff members were left bewildered by his maneuver.
Fortunately, Huo Shiqian had merely made a gesture and had no intention of actually striking anyone.
"I merely wished to play with others using the method characteristic of your country," Huo Shiqian calmly explained, observing Councilman William's panicked reaction. "Councilman William, why are you exhibiting such tension?"
Councilman William: ...
Observing the unfolding scene, the father of the golden retriever, though unable to comprehend the dialogue exchanged between Councilman William and Huo Shiqian, sensed that the atmosphere had turned hostile.
Perceiving the unfavorable turn of events, the father immediately sought to depart with his son.
However, as the man began to move, the staff members surrounding Huo Shiqian swiftly advanced to block their path.
"Hey, you foreign scoundrel, what do you think you're doing?" the golden retriever's father retorted, his voice a mixture of ferocity and underlying timidity. "I was just bringing my son here to play. What right do you have to impede my freedom?"
The words hurled by the golden retriever's father were spoken in English, causing the individuals associated with Councilman William to turn ashen-faced upon hearing them.
Damn, this guy is actually a racist!
Racial discrimination is a commonplace issue in the United States, and its citizens have become accustomed to such behavior.
However, engaging in overt discrimination right in front of the delegation presented a significant diplomatic headache.
Furthermore, the United States was currently engaged in efforts to court favor with Z Country due to the ongoing Cold War with Northern Su.