After breakfast, Deng Jiazhe, who had promised to spend the day at home with me, took a call. He announced there was an emergency at the office that required his attention, promising he’d be back in a little while before rushing out the door. For some reason, the mention of ‘the office’ gave me pause, sinking me into thought. His "little while" stretched on, and Deng Jiazhe didn't return until I h