‘But I also want to ask a specific question here. Why are all of these factors coming up together in today’s China? Again, a list of answers could be long – very long indeed. But one in particular, as a friend once discussed with me by Tai Lake, is the ideological crisis for the Chinese society. After the ending of the Cultural Revolution, after the exposing of numerous corruption scandals in the Party system, there seems to be nothing left for people to believe in – except what they believe they could grasp in their own hands, for which they will do anything at whatever expense, including the environmental expense.

‘So it is not just about the contamination of the water, air, food, but also about the contamination of the mind.

‘But that friend of mine also mentioned to me about his adherence to a Confucian principle: “There are things a man can do, and things a man cannot do.” So he has no choice but to do things at risks to himself. His talk has been so inspiring to me during the making of the documentary. If each of us tries to do something we believe we can and should do …’

He could not help looking up. She was talking about him, who had once cited that Confucian maxim to her by the lake, though perhaps more in a reference to his cop job. She still remembered …

Had she recognized him?

She was looking at another audience member who was raising his hand and responding in excitement, ‘Yes, after watching the documentary, people may no longer remain silent, and they will try to do something about the air pollution in whatever way they can.’

‘Then, hopefully, a difference can be made.’

Several men in the audience started applauding.

‘One more thing,’ Shanshan was concluding. ‘My husband’s computer has recently been hacked. Some of his business plans mysteriously came out in a web forum. Luckily, no serious damage.’

‘Why the revelation of his business plans?’ A middle-aged man in a black wool suit raised the question, still clapping his hands. ‘Is that web forum run by someone in competition with his business?’

‘That I don’t know.’

‘So it could have come as a warning?’

‘I don’t know that either. But we all have to be careful.’

‘Yes, we cannot be too careful. You’re right about it,’ the man in the black wool suit said, nodding, rising with several others, ready to leave.

It was almost three in the afternoon when Chen walked out of the club.

Once outside, he started looking around. He hastened over to the vine-draped veranda of a Greek restaurant, where he placed himself behind an imitation marble column, though still in view of the club entrance.

There was a new black Mercedes waiting on the club driveway, and shortly afterward, Shanshan was seen emerging with the maroon trench coat draped on her arm heading toward the car.

In the value system of today’s China, he was supposed to feel happy for her – her success and wealth. The luxurious car waiting for her appeared to make a perfect match with her elevated status.