The banquet is hosted by a nonprofit organisation that supports young bird-watchers. The hotel lobby is decorated with paintings donated by famous artists. As he walks with the crowds towards the banquet hall, Dan sees the receptionist checking the journalists' ID cards. Her eyes flick between the persons and the pictures as she is explains the new policy. Two days ago, a man faked a press pass and got into the Great Hall of the People while the People's Consultative Congress was in session. He was protesting against a provincial Party leader's corruption. From now on, every reporter has to have his ID card as well as his business card in order to attend press conferences and banquets.
Dan walks away from the entrance. The name on his ID doesn't match his business card. He can make the excuse of having left his ID card home, and chances are the girl will let him in. But what if she doesn't? What if her real reason for requesting ID card is to track down people like him? Maybe others have already noticed some strange journalists who have never published anything but who show up at every conference and eat every banquet?