Chen Jianguo couldn't understand German, but from Clara's suddenly tense brow and the few seconds of silence from Professor Manstein, he sensed some heavy information. It was the gravity a doctor exhibits when faced with cruel facts—an assertion, not a surprise.
"Professor Mainshtan," Chen Jianguo took the initiative to speak, "is it very serious? Just tell me straight, I can handle it."
Manstein turned around, meeting Chen Jianguo's eyes, his gaze unwavering, unflinching, and sincere.
