Tears of Dr. Wang

By Todko Samson

Author and journalist Todko Samson's Tears of Dr. Wang is the first volume of the trilogy novel series and two novellas comprising of the five-book anthology under the name, Who Will Believe You? In 2014, while hospitalized and undergoing treatment for a serious medical condition as an immigrant refugee from Mongolia in Austria, Todko Samson began authoring his first literary works.

The first volume of the series was first published in 2017 and immediately began to cause a stir in Mongolia, where the literary work was first released. The reason for the controversy stemmed from the subject matter of the first novel, which details a secret plot of bacteriological warfare originating in China and Mongolia but affecting not only those in Asia, but also populations globally. Despite being a fictional literary work, this first novel has created widespread debate in the Mongolian community regarding its central issues—an insidious experimental vaccine involving eight hundred children, a conspiracy involving the intentional distribution of a highly infectious disease among livestock and the native animal population, the poisoning of grazelands, and the revelation of clandestine business owners with nefarious intents of commissioning irresponsible mining operations. The height of controversy surrounding this novel coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic originating in 2019 and continuing even today as if somehow this novel prophetically predicted the outbreak and its suspicious origins.

Although the author published this work two years immediately prior to COVID-19's rapid spread across the globe, the events, timeline, and countries involved in the origination of the spread of the disease, as well as its subsequent transmission across the globe, the many vaccines which would follow, and the profiteering that emerged as a result of such a pandemic is foretold in the novel.

The Tears of Dr. Wang details with prophetic and fantastical accuracy and detail modern science, a worldwide pandemic, and evidence of the origins thereof. This novel has already achieved unprecedented success in the Mongolian market, having remained atop or near the top of the bestseller list for a consecutive five years and counting. The controversial subject matter has twice resulted in baseless legal action against the author, but in the end, both claims were thrown out of court and truth prevailed.

Each volume of the Who Will Believe You novel series is written in a unique literary style:

1- Tears of Dr. Wang, Volume I, a scientific fantasy documentary novel
2- Upstairs Neighbor, Novella I, a psychological thriller novella
3- Speaker of and Unknown Language, Volume II, a historical documentary novel
4- My Love, My Bridesmaid, Novella II, a romance novella
5- The Herd, Volume III, a social realism novel

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Oct 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9789919968335

Book preview

-:-

PROLOGUE

Each morning, Ulus mixes his coffee as soon as he gets out of the shower, wearing a towel around his waist and another around his neck. Two teaspoons of instant coffee and three cubes of sugar. He walked back to his bedroom, sipping the hot beverage.

He stood at the door and looked around the room like he was observing it for the first time as he leaned against the door frame. A single twin bed sat in the middle of the room. There was a little shelf at the foot of the bed. The bed also had a nightstand on either side. One held a lamp and the other, a mirror. The morning breeze rushed through the expansive open windows. The humid air was proof of last night’s abundant rain. A few drops of water fell onto his shoulder from his wet hair and continued to run down his chest. He could feel the cooling sensation on his skin as the air hit the droplets.

Ulus walked into the room, placed his coffee mug on the table next to the mirror and looked back. He could see the leg of a woman, from below her shin, peeking out from under the thick blanket. The position of the leg indicated she was facing down and on her side. The fair-skinned foot had pink polished toenails. Her calf muscle was tight and reminded him of the neck of a swan. From this, one could tell she had a beautiful physique. He spotted a Calvin Klein logo on the right side of the bed. It was the waistband of his underwear. Seeing this prompted his eyes to scan the rest of room. Alas, he found them. There they were, balanced on the narrow pipe of the radiator. The panties were decorated with small black butterflies and cute bows on both sides. They had been haphazardly thrown out of the bed last night, a nuisance in the way of nighttime pleasure.

Suddenly, his lustful thoughts were interrupted by a sound… bzzzzz. He looked around to find the origin of the noise. His phone was vibrating in the pocket of his jacket hung on the rack.

Hallo? Guten morgen

Hi, how are you? Is this Ulusbold?

Hi. Yes, it is me. Who is this?

I am the general physical and medical doctor from the National Center for Communicable Diseases. You may call me ‘Dr. Sambuu’. I am sorry for interrupting your morning, but I need to see you urgently.

If it’s about my latest article…

Of course, it is, but it’s not what you think. Simply put, I want to tell you I agree with you.

How did you find my number?

It wasn’t easy, of course.

You know I can’t meet with you anytime soon, right? I am not planning to go back to Mongolia until I resolve this issue.

Of course, I know that. I am just asking if I may come and see you. Besides, it would be delightful to see my granddaughter as well.

Is your granddaughter here?

Yes. She is not exactly my granddaughter; she is the youngest daughter of a very close friend of mine. She grew up calling me ‘grandpa’. Is it around 8:40 in the morning over there? Tell Agia her grandfather called. Also, let her know I will be there as soon as you agree.

So… you got my number from Agia?

Please think it over for now. I am the only person who can help you. I need your help as well. All your problems are going to be resolved and you will have a chance to marry your Agia, finally. You will be rich and famous. Most importantly, you will be able to work and live in your own country. Eight hundred lives depend on you. Even the lives of their families and loved ones are in your hands. No one will know I called you. There is nothing to be afraid of.

Okay. I will call you back. If I don’t call in twenty-four hours, it means I don’t trust you. No one believed me, so forgive me if I find it hard to trust anyone. I don’t even know if you truly are Dr. Sambuu. Forgive me, he said as he hung up the phone feeling confused, not knowing whether what he was feeling was a sign of hope or the smell of fear.

Ulus held both ends of the towel hanging around his shoulders and pulled it against his neck a couple of times.

He thought worryingly to himself, Should I run again? Where should I go? After risking so much to come here, why would Agia contact this person without consulting with me first? His voice sounded like he is no younger than seventy. Why is he still working? Isn’t he supposed to be retired at that age? What if Agia…. no. Is it to the point where Interpol or the intelligence agencies are getting involved?

As these thoughts flooded his mind, Agia woke up from her sleep. Her exposed leg felt cold, so she tucked it under the blanket and sat up. She leaned back on the head of the bed.

Hi, honey, she called.

There was no response. Agia had waited for this time for so long. She couldn’t believe she was here with the love of her life after traveling through many countries for many days. She remembered the tears of joy she shed when she arrived the night before. Their passionate lovemaking couldn’t escape her mind. Ulus walk in to the room and sat on the bed. He put his hand under the blanket and softly caressed her leg.

Are you awake? Were you able to rest well? Are you hungry?

Yes, I slept well. Were you talking to someone just now?

Yes. I have a lot to talk to you about, but let’s have breakfast first. You still have your make-up on.

As if you gave me a chance to wash it off? You were like…

She couldn’t finish. She let her hair fall over her face and let out a flirtatious laugh.

Like what? Say it, Ulus replied as he pushed his hand up towards her thigh and leaned over to kiss her neck. The doubt that had filled his mind a moments ago was replaced with desire. His body dissolved in it like ink drops in water.

Ulus threw off the towel that was around his waist and dove into the water of lust. Agia’s happiness spilled over in her warm tears streaming down her cheeks. She wiped them on her lover’s damp hair, hiding them from his view.

The sheer white curtain on the window flapped in the wind like the cape of a superhero. The curtain was silent, as if it were trying not to interrupt the lovers. The midsummer of Salzburg, Austria in the Alpine mountains is quite sultry, but the humidity from the rains throughout the day and night are often swept away by the cool breeze coming off the Salzach River, one of the main tributaries of the Danube. That exact same wind was blowing through the windows of the centuries-old historic buildings in town along the banks of the river.

The immeasurable passion of the united body and soul of the two lovers rose like flood waters and concluded like a classical music piece. Then, silence overcame them. After a few moments of quiet recovery, Ulus felt immense peace, causing him to drift off to sleep again. The breeze in the room softly blew against his back, the cooling sensation accentuated once again by the tiny droplets of sweat. Agia gently stroked his lips, eyes, cheeks, eyebrows and everywhere else she could reach with the tips of her fingers as she lied staring at him, her eyes never blinking.

The time she first met him, the long and painful separation, the happy times they shared together—all these memories over the past year and a half filled with desperate loneliness, doubt, sadness, frustration, guilt, and hurt all suddenly seemed worth it. This was the reward. As she entertained her thoughts, she lost control of her tears once more.

-:-

CHAPTER ONE

THE VACCINE

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Attention, please. Train 224, service from Zamiin-Uud to Ulaanbaatar, is now arriving at platform one. Please stand clear of the platform edge. When the arrival of the train was announced, ticket holders looked toward the in-coming train as baggage handlers started walking toward their posts.

Ulus tried to make his way from his sleeping quarters to the train’s walkway to look through the window, but he was careful not to get in the way of passengers carrying their luggage out in preparation to deboard. He stepped back to his room.

As he entered, Agia said, Let’s get the two boxes down from the top shelf.

Ulus climbed up and got the first box. As he handed the box over to Agia he asked So, you’re heading home right away? Can’t you stop by my place and see my mother briefly? I’m afraid she might take offense.

We already talked about this. I don’t feel comfortable looking like this. Look at me. I look like a merchant, she said smiling.

I miss my home so badly. I bet your mother misses you too. It won’t be long. I will come back to the city in a few days. Maybe you can even come and visit me there, and then we can come back together.

Okay. As you wish. That box is yours and this one is mine, said Ulus as he lifted the second box down.

The train gradually slowed down. It felt like it took its last breath and used its last ounce of strength to come to a stop, as evidenced by the white steam emitting from the brakes.

When train stopped Agia said, My mom and brother are here. I will leave first. You wait a while and leave the train after me. I love you, as she held his hand.

We won’t have to hide like this after I introduce you to my family. For now, we don’t have a choice. I love you. Look, my mom saw me. I have to go. Call me, she said all in one breath and then grabbed her suitcase and the box and headed to the exit.

Ulus couldn’t say anything in reply.

I wonder which ones are her mother and brother, he muttered to himself. He tried to spot them amongst the welcomers as passengers walked in front of him. They had talked about it for a month. That’s why he didn’t have anything new to say about this.

Agia was like a flower, beautiful and innocent yet delicate at her young age. As soon as she reached the platform, she dropped her luggage on the ground and ran to her mother to hug her. She buried her face in her mother’s chest, crying. This was a sign of her innocence. Agia was twenty-two when Ulus first met her. Her mind and heart were as pure as her body. Two years had passed since then.

A short poem he wrote for her back then briefly ran through his mind…

The picture of a woman smelling a flower, smiling with her eyes

Looks more beautiful than a rainbow in the cloudless sky.

In your kindness and feminine beauty

Seems as if the flower is smelling you.

She is playful and lighthearted

Lives in her own world

Free and independent

Hiding under unknown darkness

A thousand riddles for me to solve

I wish I could touch and feel

The door of this secret world.

I wish I could open to see

Where this feeling comes from.

Is it from you?

Or from the flower?

He doesn’t have to wonder what’s behind the secret door anymore. He lived in that world for two years.

Suddenly, he realized he was the only one left on the train. His thoughts were interrupted by the sarcastic voice of the female train attendant. Having a hard time carrying your luggage? Do you need my help?

No, I’ve got it. Pardon me, he said, he as he picked up his load and started toward the exit.

You still owe me for two cups of tea. Your sister didn’t pay. He detected a teasing tone in her voice.

Sorry, almost forgot. I don’t have Mongolian currency right now. Is this alright? He handed her five yuan.

"Of course, that will work. I am sorry if I am being too nosy, but can I ask you something? That girl wasn’t your sister, was she? How much older are you than her?

Well, she is my girlfriend, Ulus replied curtly.

Aren’t you too old to call her your girlfriend? She also looked too young to be your wife. Forgive me. My coworker and I almost made a bet earlier, she said.

I assume you make this kind of bet often working in here. If you bet on her being my sister, you lost. We are ten years apart, Ulus turned to go.

Me losing a bet is not a big deal, but you be careful. Try not to lose your fawn, she said as they passed each other in the narrow doorway entering and exiting the cabin.

-:-

The bustling train station, the noise of the city, cars blowing their horns loudly, the dry dusty air—it seemed nothing had changed even after nearly three years. While Ulus was arranging his luggage on the train station platform, a middle-aged man walked toward him and asked, Hey, where are you going? Do you need taxi?

He was relieved to have someone help him carry his stuff and give him a ride. They agreed on the destination and the fare. He followed the man who moved through the crowd swiftly. He looked like he was just a bit over forty. If you listened carefully, you could recognize from his accent he was from western Mongolia.

When they arrived at the car, the driver said, Go ahead and get in the car. I will put your stuff in the trunk.

Ulus opened the door and saw a woman holding a baby. Next to her was an older boy of about six or seven years old. The boy reminded Ulus of his own son.

You can sit in the front. Make sure you put the seatbelt on. Nowadays, you can get fined for not having it on, the driver warned.

Ulus didn’t say anything. He sat next to the driver and closed the door softly so as not to wake the baby. When the driver turned the car on, the radio began playing.

Beautiful golden sand dunes are your boundary

The pristine waters of Lake Bayan are your mirror

A fresh breeze blows so clearly

Mount Margaz, you are majestic

Your vast steppe makes wild horses faint

I grew with the wind so freely

On the back of my companion horse whom I so loved

Oh, twin mountain of Margaz, you glow brightly

No one said anything until the end of the first verse. The driver sang along softly at first then grew bolder and louder.

Please turn down the music. The baby is sleeping, the woman said abruptly from the back seat. The driver turned the music down submissively, and he lowered his voice even though he still sang along. Ulus smiled to himself.

Can you stop by a bank? I don’t have any Mongolian cash with me. Anywhere I can exchange money will do. I also want to get some flowers. It’s been almost three years since I’ve seen my mother.

Sure. We can stop by the State Department Store. By the way, where are you coming from?

I am coming from Europe. I was studying in Germany.

You took the train all the way from Germany? The man sounded surprised.

Well, you can say that. I had to meet a friend first. There was something I had to do in Beijing as well.

Gotcha. I thought you were a singer or some kind of artist. It is a rare sight to see someone walking out of the Zamiin-Uud train wearing a bright red suit with a white shirt. Why didn’t your family come meet you?

I didn’t tell them I was coming. They don’t know I’m here.

I hope you don’t give your mother a heart attack! said the driver. The words had barely left his mouth when the woman snapped at him.

Why do you have to say something so unfortunate? It’s not like he is returning back from the dead. What kind of mother would have a heart attack after seeing her son return from overseas?

She turned to Ulus and said, Forgive him. Just like is old car spewing out exhaust, sometimes my husband says things without giving it any thought. Ulus couldn’t contain his laughter this time.

Suddenly, he realized the car’s muffler was making a sound like it was cracked or the filter was damaged. Ulus knew a bit about car mechanics. He used to fix his own cars. Before he left Mongolia, as with most Mongolian men, he loved trading and racing cars. He also enjoyed accessorizing them. After he left, he never again got the chance to fiddle with cars.

-:-

Alright, son. I will wait for you here. It’s hard to find parking in Ulaanbaatar and it’s expensive, said the driver.

Okay, thanks said Ulus. As he was getting out of the car, the little boy sitting in the back excitedly said, If you’re going to the store, get me something nice!

Stop demanding things from strangers! his mother chided.

As Ulus entered the department store, strong smells of the perfumes and colognes lining the glass display cases greeted him. The store looked just like the stores in Europe. He spotted a flower stand in the left back corner and started towards it, but then he paused, remembering he didn’t have Mongolian currency. He turned to the lady behind the counter.

Excuse me, where can I find a place to exchange money?

"The information assistant can help you with that. Also, there is a bank on the sixth floor, or if you make purchase from us with foreign currency, we will give you your change in Mongolian tugrugs.

Ulus exchanged his money and made his way back to the flower stand. He bought a bouquet of lilies and headed out the door. He was excited to get home and picked up his pace. Suddenly, he remembered he didn’t get anything for the little boy. He looked around for something he could buy at the last second. He didn’t want to lose time going back upstairs. Fortunately, he spotted two men just outside the entrance selling kites, toy swords, and other trinkets.

This is for you. I didn’t know what you would like, so I bought this kite, but this toy beetle with lights and sounds is for your baby sibling. Is this your little brother or little sister? asked Ulus.

This is my little brother, replied the boy.

Be courteous and say thank you when someone gives you something, demanded the mother.

The driver asked, Are you ready to go home? before starting the engine.

-:-

Ulus didn’t talk much. In his mind, he pictured his mother sitting on her sofa in front of the TV doing her cross-stitching. His soul had left his body in the car and was already at the door of her home. He imagined himself walking through the door, seeing the look on his mother’s face as she saw him for the first time. The driver looked in the rear-view mirror.

How’s the baby? the driver asked.

I think he is feeling better now. He was fussy at the train station and fell asleep. I am still nursing him.

Ulus joined the conversation, Is he sick?

Not quite. He had a vaccine this morning. I wanted to bring them back home immediately, but I didn’t want to miss the train. My work starts from the train station every morning. I have to make every trip count, otherwise the cost of fuel will not leave me any profit. The daycare teacher singled my baby out of the all the other kids like he is the odd one out. They refused to accept him if he doesn’t get the vaccine…

Did he miss his routine shots?

No, he’s got all the vaccines just like everyone else. This is a special one that is mandatory for kids who live in the ger districts where they use outhouses, particularly our neighborhood. They said it is considered a high-risk area for a measles outbreak.

Is yours the only child who lives in the ger district?

No, all of the kids in his day care do.

So why was your son singled out for this vaccine?

"I don’t know. Apparently, we live in a place where there is a high chance of a measles outbreak. They said it was not permissible to live in this area and we broke multiple health regulations. Who knows? We’ve been living there over twenty years, ever since we moved to the city. The majority the population in Mongolia is living in the ger districts with outhouses. They always give us a hard time," she said before going silent.

-:-

Mongolian Ministry of Health

Deputy Minister Serjid’s office

"Sir, you have guests. Where do you want me to set up the meeting?

I will see them here. Let them in. Odontuya, don’t let anyone else in, and I will not be receiving any calls until the meeting is finished. Show my guests in and serve them tea and refreshments, and then you may go and have your lunch break.

Yes, Sir replied the secretary as she left the room and closed the door.

He could hear her telling someone, Lead the guests into the Deputy Minister’s office.

Serjid cleared the papers off his desk. He put his shoes on because he had taken them off for the sake of comfort. He fixed his tie. He sat comfortably in his chair and put his glasses on to look formal. He also got his snuff bottle bag out of his desk drawer and prepared a yellow envelope. He could hear the secretary’s voice talking to someone.

The minister is in his office. You may go in now. He’s expecting you. Doctor Gantulga walked through the door.

Greetings, Minister. I hope you are enjoying this autumn season, he said. The minister stood up and stretched out his hand.

Hello. Yes, it’s been a beautiful season. Have a seat doctor.

Doctor Gantulga and his companion sat down at the meeting table and Serjid took the papers and the snuff bottle bag from his desk and walked over and sat across from them. He took the snuff bottle out of the bag and loosened the red coral cap slightly and sniffed.

In the traditional manner, he said, Are you having a blessed season? Is everything peaceful? and handed the snuff bottle to the doctor.

Gantulga took the bottle and replied, All is well. He took a sniff of the bottle as a formality.

So, is the seat you were so keen on soft? he said as he handed the snuff bottle back. Serjid sensed the atmosphere turning a bit hostile and smirked.

I had a break from work and traveled to the countryside with my family. I signed an order concerning your request and sent it to a few chosen district health offices before I left…

Our work is two months behind schedule. If I had postponed your funds for two months prior to the election, we would have had someone more amenable sitting in that comfortable seat. You understand that, right?

I understand. Most of my assistants are also absent, visiting regional Naadam celebrations. Meanwhile, I have received many inquiries, and questions from the city health authorities. I am sorry. I gave the orders as soon as I got back yesterday to move the process forward. The Minister of Health is not back from his vacation yet. The vaccinations started today. We have all the information of those chosen with their names and addresses, et cetera. We did exactly as you requested.

It looks like you need better assistants. I brought someone with me. Allow me to introduce him. He will work with you. I’m sure he will be a big help to you since you have no medical background. Gantulga pointed to the man standing next to him.

This is Erbold. He has a very clear Khalkha accent. If not for his name, you wouldn’t be able to tell he’s Kazakh. He speaks both Russian and English fluently and graduated from the national medical school at the top of his class. He’s the top professional in his field. You’ll find more details on your own from his profile, no doubt.

As Gantulga finished talking, the man took a file out of his briefcase and handed it to the Deputy Minister and said, It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with you, and sat down. He not only looked very confident and professional, but he showed no signs of intimidation being in the minister’s office.

Give him the same salary as the others. Regardless, his salary will be paid by me. No need to treat him any better than the others. We don’t want to rouse suspicions. Let him start in a month. Do all the paperwork and procedures to hire him legally. He already passed his civil-service exam with high marks. His knowledge concerning laws and legal documents in the health and medical field is excellent. He’ll be of value to you too. It won’t be difficult to prove that he was the best candidate for you. He will not let you down. Make sure you act like you never met him before, then gradually make him your right-hand man.

When Dr. Gantulga finished talking, Serjid showed no objection. He nodded in agreement as he slid an envelope to him.

This is a list of the people.

Understood. I will look through it and get back to you. We will go now. Oh, before I forget, the people from Shanghai contacted me. You must send someone to pick up the money. Don’t send your wife, though. Even if she doesn’t get into trouble, she’ll likely spend half the money. You know how women are, he said mockingly.

I don’t recommend you go to China either. Stay in Mongolia for several months. Who knows? Sometimes even the walls have ears.

Gantulga tapped Erbold’s shoulder and said, Let’s go.

Right at this moment, the minister realized he was gaining a permanent shadow.

-:-

Ulus held the bouquet of flower in one hand as he knocked on the door.

The Hello, who is it? he heard was indeed his mother’s voice.

I’m from the district. Is this Davaasuren’s residence? he said, changing his voice.

Coming. Just a minute, came the response.

Ulus heard the click of the lock, and the door opened.

Wait, am I dreaming? Is it you? You’re back? gasped his mother as she reached out her arms, drawing him close and kissing him all over his face. The tiny apartment filled with joy as if the sun just had risen. Ulus hugged his mother back and kissed her cheeks.

"How was your trip, my son? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?

"I had a good trip. I finished school and graduated. Where is Ariuntur?

He is at school right now. He’s been dreaming about you lately and calling out your name in his dreams.

When does he get home? Mom, do you want to go together to pick him up?

That’s a good idea, but Urnaa called earlier today and said that she would pick him up and take him home. I told her it would be fine. We probably should call her and let her know we will get him instead.

May I use your phone? I can call Urnaa and tell her I am here and I will be picking Ariuntur up.

His school is not going to finish for a while. Come, sit and have some tea! Are you hungry? Come, let’s go to the kitchen.

Ulus unpacked his suitcase and put all the goodies he had brought for his mother and other relatives on the table as he told her about his trip and about his school graduation, among other things.

Mom, I am going to a take shower. Can you put my clothes in the closet for me? My books and other things will be coming in few days by cargo.

-:-

Didn’t you mention there was a girl staying with you over there? Did she stay or did she come with you? asked Ulus’ mother.

Yes, we came back together. Her family picked her up in Darkhan. I haven’t gotten the chance to meet her family quite yet. Soon, I will bring her to meet you, said Ulus.

I wonder what her family will think of you being many years older than her and having a kid.

I don’t think that will be a problem. Besides, no one can resist a son-in-law like me, he laughed just as they arrived at the school.

A group of kids was playing in the school yard. Several parents had already gathered to pick up their children. Ulus remembered it was three years ago when he left for Germany, only a few days after his son entered first grade.

Let’s go find him in his classroom, said his mother.

"I should probably see his teacher too. I didn’t bring a gift for her. Do you think it will be okay?

It shouldn’t be a problem. They are collecting funds for a class activity. Just contribute a little bit extra to it. Do you have cash? My pension is not in my account yet since it’s not quite the end of the month.

Don’t worry, I have some. He hugged his mother’s shoulder and kissed her on the cheek. They walked through the school gate.

Mother and the son walked down the noisy hall crowded with children and reached a door at the end marked 3B. They knocked and, through a crack in the door, asked if they could come in. The teacher was checking papers at her desk. She looked up and greeted them with a smile and bid them to enter.

Hello, I am Ariuntur’s father.

"Nice to meet you. I haven’t seen you for quite some time. I only saw his grandmother bringing him to school.

I was studying abroad and just got back today.

I understand. Welcome back. Classes are not yet finished. The students are doing a phys-ed activity at the sports field behind the school. They’ll be done in ten minutes. Ariuka is a very hard-working and diligent kid. He represented our class at the sports and art fair for elementary schools. He recited a poem and sang. He received one gold medal and one silver medal.

I know. I heard from my mother on the way here.

I called his mother today to explain something important because I thought it might confuse your mother. We have four children from our class who live in the twelfth microdistrict of the Bayanzurkh neighborhood. One of them is your son. We received an order from the district health authorities yesterday. Please read this. She handed him a paper that had been copied from an original document.

Ulus skipped the letterhead, the addressee, and heading, as his eyes were drawn immediately to the body of the letter, and be began reading quickly:

Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Health

2017.09.08. Order Number 12

To prevent possible future outbreak of measles and other viral infections, the District Health Authorities will hold preventative check-ups in the 9th and 12th microdistricts. All children ages 9 months to 18 years must be re-vaccinate with an updated measles and rubella vaccine. The deadline is September 25, 2017."

Aren’t his vaccines up to date? Ulus turned to his mother. The teacher interrupted.

All previous vaccines are no longer accepted. The school authorities ordered us not to accept children who didn’t receive this new vaccine. The same disease spread last year and it became an epidemic. Didn’t you hear about it?

I don’t think so. I was abroad.

So typical! I bet you divorced when your kid was very young, she snapped at him. But that’s none of my business. You leave your children with your parents who are too old to watch them and disappear to foreign countries for years on end. For three years this old woman and I have taken care of this boy like he was our own.

I’m sorry, but as a young person my career demanded that I go and study.

Don’t give me that. You think I’m old? I bet we are the same age. This is my first class since graduating university. I’ve taken on this responsibility for better or worse. Parents just dump their kids at school. Do they even care about their child’s wellbeing? What am I supposed to advise to a bunch of elderly grandparents? Then, she leaned back and looked at Ulus’ mother.

Mrs. Suren, you can take a seat at your grandson’s desk and wait. Ulus was feeling a bit nervous now.

How much should we contribute to the class funds again? he asked.

The teacher explained, When the school year started the parents’ committee decided to collect five thousand tugrugs from every child every month. The school principal was promoted to the Ministry of Education. It is illegal to request money from parents but there are no regulations against the parents doing it voluntarily. So, the parents’ committee decided to organize a farewell event for the old principal as well as a welcome event for the new one. They will include performances and gifts for both men. Parents are free to contribute to that event voluntarily. Any amount is acceptable.

I understand. Since I am a bit late on that, I can pay now. Also, a little extra for your classroom renovations. He paid her from the bills he had just exchanged earlier that day.

I appreciate it. I will report the gift at the teacher and parents quarterly conference meeting. She put the money in her desk drawer.

Don’t forget to get your son vaccinated by the due date. We displayed an exhibition of the children’s art on that wall over there. It’s called Summer Break. Phys-ed must be finished by now. They’ll probably be here any minute. In the meantime, you can check out the exhibit.

Of course. Thank you, said Ulus and he started searching for his son’s name from among the colorful paintings. Ganbayar, Bolorchuluun, Chimed, Sainzaya, Ankhbayar, Munkhbayar…as he was going through the paintings, his mother pointed to the one on the second row from the bottom.

There, my boy, down there.

Ariuntur Ulusbold. Oh, dear. He is so talented. He must have taken after me. I was very good in art and geometry… Before he could finish, the classroom door swung open.

I was first!

No, I was, you were second… The loud shouts of the running children nearly out of breath drowned out Ulus’ voice. The classroom became flooded by the chatter of the children even before they began to enter. Then, he heard a girl tattling, Teacher, Ariuka said ‘Shut up’ to me.

Stop lying. You pushed me to the back and called me short, argued another.

Hush! Stop screaming. Ariuka, look at the back of the room and see who is here, said the teacher to a boy with spiked hair.

Dad! Daddy is here… Dad! screamed the boy as he ran to his father.

Come to Daddy, my son.

The cloud of heaviness over their hearts was lifted, and happiness radiated through their souls like rays of the sun. Watching this scene, the boy’s grandmother eyes teared up with joy. Poor thing. After all this time, he’s finally seeing his dad, she whispered to herself.

Even the once-harsh teacher, upon seeing the happiness of her student who had often spoken of his father, tried to hide her moist eyes as she softly wiped a tear away with the tip of her index finger.

-:-

-:-

CHAPTER TWO

A NEW BEGINNING

I don’t know what to say, sweetheart. I am not sure your father will like this. Not telling us anything even after living together for two years was not a good idea.

Mom, he is a wonderful person. You will like him when you meet him. I told my siblings. They know all about it. I asked them not to tell you because I wanted to tell you myself. I am sorry…

He’s probably back with his wife and child after living with you for two years secretly. What were you thinking? I thought you were taking your schooling seriously and making your studies a priority, but in fact you were living with a man and starting a family…

I am telling you now, Mom. Ulus really wanted to tell you but I didn’t agree. I thought it would be better if you met him in person. You wouldn’t have allowed me to date him if you knew he was older than me and used to be married and has a child.

So, what do you want to do now?

We should go to the city without Dad. You can see him and also meet his mother. Then, you can talk to Dad.

Did your boyfriend come up with this scheme?

Of course not, Mom. We did discuss this, but you must meet him and see. He is a very good man.

I don’t know. I have nothing to say. Let’s talk about it later. Your dad is going to be here any minute. Let’s get dinner started.

Mom, I also decided to stay in the city and find a job. I want to start my journey to success. That’s why I studied all these years.

Are you saying that you are moving in with him right away?

Mom, we already have lived together for two whole years. We know each other very well now. Back in Germany, we were together through good and bad times. We worked together to pay our rent. We helped each other with school and took care of each other when we got sick. We know everything about each other. I know about his ex-wife and his son. We will live separately first. Once I have a job, it will be happily ever after." Agia’s eyes sparkled as she told her mother about her dreams.

You are so sweet, but it’s not that that simple, Agia’s mother said as she kissed her daughter’s forehead.

Okay, let’s talk more about tomorrow on our way. I will think of something to tell your father for now. Agia excitedly hugged her mother’s neck.

Thank you, Mom, she said and grabbed her phone and ran out of the room.

-:-

It was pleasant to walk in the fresh air after the gentle rain. He had arrived right on time for the job interview appointment. Unfortunately, the director of the company who was supposed to meet him wasn’t there. So, he had no choice but to wait. He finished reading the company brochure the receptionist had brought him and thought to himself, Apparently, nothing has changed in Mongolia! HR said I should see the CEO at nine o’clock, but he’s an hour late. He might not even come until the afternoon.

Ulus looked at his watch. It showed 10.01 a.m. That’s strange. Every time I look at my watch it’s 10:01, or 17:17 or 12:21, he whispered to himself.

He brought out the notebook he carried everywhere and started writing:

The short hand tells me time runs slow

But the long hand proves it wrong.

A second is too fast even for a breath

Milliseconds impossible to reclaim even with gold

It never stops, until it stops for you

Waiting is the most difficult

When those for whom you wait never arrive

It is hard, I know

No matter how it is invested

It shall never be wasted for the worthless.

When he finished writing, he turned the page of the notebook and was surprised to see a note.

Hey, Silly! Greetings on this day! I know you are shocked to see this. I wanted to surprise you when you reached this page. I didn’t go to school today because I spent all day going through your poems and correcting all your mistakes. I don’t know when you will see this note, but I just want to say I love you. Xoxoxo. 2016.03.05

Ulus gently stroked the note on the page and whispered, I love you, too.

He saw the receptionist walking by, so he put his notebook back in his bag and asked, Is he here yet?

I’m sorry, he came in a while ago with someone. I prepared tea for them and forgot to tell you. Please follow me, she said, and started leading him towards the hall.

Please hang your coat on the rack.

A big glass wall separated the CEO’s room from the receptionist’s area. It was easy to see inside the room. The CEO looked to be approximately forty years old. He and someone were looking at something on the computer screen and talking. Even though it was not audible, Ulus could deduce from the man’s gestures he was telling the receptionist to keep him waiting. She walked out of the office.

Excuse me. Please take a seat. Mr. Tsog will be ready for you in ten minutes. He is a bit busy right now. Would you like some coffee or tea?

No, thank you.

We produce this health water called ‘Erdenet Us.’ Do you want some?

Ulus replied, Sure, thank you. She opened the mini-fridge and took a 250ml bottle of water and passed it to him.

Then, she said, I will pick up your file from HR, and walked out.

When she exited, the waiting area became so quiet, Ulus could hear the conversation between the two men next door.

-:-

Dr. Gantulga wants to remove his name. He said it’s sufficient to have the names of the supplier and the buyer.

I can’t make that decision on my own. I need to talk to the factory director and the president about this. It will have to be discussed by the board.

No, you don’t understand! It is only one thousand more vaccines. We are not requesting you create them from scratch. We will supply the vaccines; you just bottle them and pack them for us. It is not for government tender or sale on the open market…

Why don’t you package such a small order in Shanghai?

I don’t know the reason. I am pretty sure they have a good one.

The factory supervisor is furious. He is questioning why we are changing the name of the vaccines that were donated from international donors. Besides, it is not worth the labor and the equipment.

Who cares what those low-ranking people think if the president gave the go-ahead. I will have Dr. Gantulga talk to your president.

I think that’s a good idea. I can’t do anything from my end for now.

We finished the two hundred packs we previously received from you. I will handle this issue before tomorrow and let you know.

Okay. As soon as the president contacts me, I will give the order to the factory.

I start my job at the Ministry next Saturday, so all the paperwork will be handled from that end.

Great. By the way, I heard you are becoming the advisor to the Deputy Minister.

Yes. I am doing whatever is necessary. Okay, I gotta go now. See you soon.

Ulus heard the conversation but didn’t put too much interest in it. He had the bottle in his hand and was reading the label. The guest of the CEO pushed the big glass door as he walked out. Ulus happened to notice the logo decal on the door which read, PUSH your success; if not, PULL it. The choice is yours.

"They have a pretty creative marketing team," he thought.

Come in, young man. Come in," said the CEO, gesturing with his hand.

-:-

Hi, I am sorry for making you wait so long. It’s Ulusbold, right?

Hi, nice to meet you. Yes, it is.

"I heard about you. I’m impressed. Did you send your application anywhere else?

Yes. I sent it to a few companies. This is my second interview. There is another pharmaceutical company. I won’t mention the name for ethical reasons. I didn’t tell them I was called back to you company either.

That’s good. I don’t doubt your skills and education but, how much do you know about the drug?

I don’t know much about how medicines are manufactured. I did my master’s on pharmaceutical marketing. I found it interesting, so I decided to work in the industry and learn more about it. I learned that drugs are different compared to other products and services because they are regulated by special laws. The advertisement and marketing methods are different, as well. It’s not the same as marketing bread or candy.

"You are absolutely correct. Have you compared the European health market with the Mongolian one?

Not yet. To tell you the truth, I haven’t had time. I’ve only been home about twenty days. I started looking for a job last week.

The salary you requested is reasonable. We could even pay more. In addition to the salary, you will receive a quarterly bonus, and we will give you extra for your degree. Also, the company set up an incentive system for every project successfully implemented. It will all depend on your effort. Our marketing team is not the best, but they are very hard working. They are all pharmaceutical professionals and doctors. You will understand when you meet them. This is a very unique and complicated field. Not all marketers or managers can handle it. I have high hopes for you because you have experience in the field and your master’s thesis was very well done. We’ve had four or five people leading the marketing team before you, but they all quit.

I understand. If I am accepted, I will give it my best effort. I still haven’t heard anything from the other companies. I’m ready to start so long as we agree on the conditions.

Do you have transportation? The company gives an allowance for transportation and communications, as well as some health care benefits for department heads and their families.

I haven’t bought a car yet. As I said earlier, I’ve only just arrived in the country.

How about you start today? I’m satisfied with our talk. It’s up to you. We also have two cars for workers who need transportation. A former CEO and our director of finance used to use them. If you prefer, you could use one until you get your own car.

Well, we can decide after I start the job.

I tell you what, you can tell the other places that you’ve accepted a position here. I will write up a resolution right now and send it to HR. What do you think?

Thank you. I didn’t expect it would be this fast.

Well, time won’t wait for us. So, it’s a ‘yes’? To tell you the truth, I don’t want you to work for my competitors. You could cause me some real damage. The director smiled and stretched his hand toward Ulus.

It’s a pleasure. I will do my best, Ulus said, as he shook the outstretched hand.

-:-

The People’s Republic of China, Shanghai

Xing An District, 5:16 a.m.

It was early dawn. The laboratory halls were silent, and all the doors and windows were closed. The building was empty except for the security guards who sat at their posts. On the northwest side of the building, however, things looked different in the chemical and biological hazardous waste processing unit.

The halls of this section were lined with signs that read, Authorized Personnel Only and Hazardous. The warnings were everywhere. Double glass doors leading into the area were separated by a sanitizing station. The layout gave one the feeling of entering a space ship.

The further-most foyer of the facility

Alarm lights on the ceiling spaced five meters apart blinked in an uninterrupted rhythm. It looked like the flashing lights of ambulances from the 80s. The halls were very well organized for a department that handled waste. Different colored barrels were stacked up in the corners. Those entering the hall were met with the unsettling sight of piled-up animal carcasses. There was every type of animal, big and small. Amphibians as well as mammals, including common lab rats and monkeys. One could only imagine the atrocities the victims faced.

Five individuals wearing protective masks and gear stood in single file behind the stacks of barrels strapped tightly to wooden pallets.

Opposite them were four people, hands tied behind their backs and gagged. Three were kneeling on the ground and the other was lying lifeless on the floor. They were not dressed in protective suits. Two of the three kneeling appeared to be minors. A man with a mask threatened the middle-aged man.

Mr. Wang, where did you think you could hide? There is no place on earth you could go where we couldn’t reach you. I don’t doubt your expert knowledge. You do realize if we placed your children in one of those barrels behind you, nothing would be left in half an hour. Not even a hair.

The terrified man breathed heavily.

I am a scholar and a doctor, having taken an oath. My children don’t know anything. Please let them go.

The masked man laughed coldly.

Sure, no problem. I will send one of them with their mother and the other one with you. Would that please you? He gestured to the two men standing next to him and said, Send this one with her mom. He took a step toward the bound old man.

A doctor needs patients, am I right?

The two men did as they were told. One of them grabbed the little girl by the throat and jabbed a syringe into her neck. After a few seconds of struggling, she fell to the floor. Her sister, witnessing the unimaginable cruel act, screamed in terror behind her gag. No matter how hard she screamed, she was nothing she could do. Dr. Wang watched helplessly as his wife and daughter’s lives hung in the balance. All strength had drained from him and his hope had disappeared.

Your creation is wonderful! It truly is a terrific thing to conduct experiments on living beings after paralyzing them. They have the ability to sense everything yet they cannot move a muscle, the man with the mask said wickedly.

What do you want from me? I already promised you I will keep quiet. I will never leak information. I will stop my research. I will even give up my career.

Think about this! Your wife and daughter are still alive. They can even hear our conversation. They understand and feel everything. I want to be like this inoculation. I want you to be like them…to know what’s happening but not be able to do anything about it.

Then, his voice changed. I know you’re smart. So, where is the formula? I don’t believe you didn’t make copies. I know you have them. If you don’t tell me, your wife and daughter will be the first lucky ones to feel the pool of acid dissolve their flesh alive until it melts their brain.

I don’t have it. I beg you. For the sake of everything I did for you, please let us go, please!

I am tired of asking. Your wife and daughter will never forgive you for the pain you caused them. Maybe, we could dissolve their bodies completely but keep the brains alive and filled with hatred towards you. I heard you keep the brain of your beloved monkey alive. Remember, we have one more little brain on which we can experiment!

He nodded to the two men signaling them to pick up the other girl. The old doctor could take it no longer.

Wait. Alright. Let us live! I will give it to you if you promise to leave us alone. I will not make complaints. I will not open my mouth about this. I promise.

The masked man raised his hand and the henchmen paused.

Dr. Wang. Was it really necessary to make your family suffer? Why couldn’t you say so before? We don’t know how badly you and your family members’ respiratory system has been damaged. You help us. We will treat you and let you go. So, hurry up now. You know how long a person can survive in this room without protection suits.

It’s in my body. It is carved on the radius bone of my left hand.

"Impressive, Wang.