[Slokais]

Today, Joseph Zhang announced his bid for the Presidency to the world. But first, a key meeting with Peter Jia had to happen. He was a former ally of Zhang’s until leaving for the Conservative Party in 2019. He had worked to lead a breakaway of Ren Catholics or Shiija Renmin (people of the cross) from the Center Party. Regardless of faith, Ren were being attacked in Kaijan and elsewhere, as Anti-Minjian sentiment was making a return. From a number’s perspective, the Ren people could reach around 20% of the electorate, Ren Catholics accounted for 7% of that 20%, and had large populations in Wojiang Bay, South San Fernando, and elsewhere, which would help win parliamentary seats in those provinces.

The doors opened on the private elevator and Peter Jia stepped out with a personal bodyman by his side.
“Relie huanying” Joseph said
“Xie xie, Joseph” Peter said extending his arm out for a handshake.
“It’s a wonderful building, I remember visiting the Zhao’s place several months back on a lower floor.”
“The Pinjiang Zhao’s or Pindai Zhao’s?”
“You don’t know who lives in your building?”
“I do” Joseph said, leading Peter out to a sitting room, built for maximum airflow and good energy.
Peter turned to his bodyman, “Mr Zhang has an excellent security system.”
“Indeed, I do, help yourself to some teh” Joseph added as the tattooed bodyman left the room.

“How did you know about the security system? There are no consoles in this part of the flat?”
“I do my research.”
“Well, I was going to tell you about the work I do with Centering Slokais, but you might as well already know?”
“Yes, I already hired a data analyst to run some numbers and conduct some polls.”
“Of course, you would. You were always a data guy.”
“Yes,” Peter said, reaching his hand into the central pool of water between the couches.
“And? What came back?”
“Well, you know victory is impossible in a Presidential scenario, unless you have a policy that appeals beyond the Ren base.”
“Of course, I don’t need to drop 1 million SM to know that.”
“Yes, well, you wouldn’t know that voting registration is higher for Ren voter’s then the general population across a majority of provinces. This is going to be a low turnout election. Especially with Chavez’s prospects uncertain, Khan retired, and Weasley is doing a terrible job.”
“Right. Well that point’s to me cutting you a deal.”
A breeze blew in from some distant window, causing ripples on the water, as water lilies moved up and down.
“I don’t believe in whatever spiritualistic, energy setup you have in this room. But this water provides an excellent piece of symbolism.”
“The water will always return to normal despite the ripples,” Joseph said
“No, water is always there, even if this pond was covered in water lilies, they could be moved by the wind. We must become the wind that will shake the lilies. I believe we can cut a major stake in any future government unless, of course, it’s the New Right’s government.
“Indeed”
“I will send through resources, contacts, dai yu, clans. I just need one thing from you.”
“And that is?, Mr Jia”
“Watch your words,” Peter said as he stood up

“Have I angered you?” Joseph said as the bodyman regrouped with his boss, a cup of high-quality Pinjiang brew in his hand.
“Not at all.”
“So are we doing this?”
“Yes, we are. Don’t disrespect Paul Chen,” Peter said as the elevator door closed.