"I don't speak Chinese," I said.
"But I HEARD you speak Chinese...in there...in the library. ON YOUR PHONE!" he indicated the "phone gesture" with his pinky and index finger.
"That couldn't have been Chinese. And even if it was, I didn't bring my phone with me tonight. Perhaps you've mistaken me for someone else?"
"So you're not going to help me?"
"I would if I could...but I can't...can't help you translate your Chinese books on tape. I'm sorry."
He paused for a brief moment...before his entire world fell apart.
"Who will help me now?" he wailed. "Where can I find CHINESE people who can understand THIS!?" He took an earphone in each hand and offered it to the sky.
"Umm, China?"
I knew I was in trouble before I had even uttered the word. He shot me a look that sent cold shivers down my spine -- I instinctively put up my fists. I was in for a fight.