“Fellow friends and citizens of Taiwan,” Jin said. “Today is a momentous day.” He raised both his arms up in a V, palms facing the sky for emphasis, before bringing them slowly down again to his sides. “Since the establishment of Jin Corp, our suits have reached a global market, becoming one of the most prized possessions worldwide for those who can afford it. Jin Corp officially put Taiwan on the map as a leader in innovation and technology, being seen as manufacturing the best and finely engineered products. My company has created jobs for thousands of Taiwanese and made the world take notice. No longer is the ‘Made in Taiwan’ label said with derision.” Jin emphasized his last words with a fist thrust in the air, and the large crowd packed in Liberty Square hollered and clapped.

I looked more carefully at the masses around me—all the yous in suits were cheering, which was to be expected. But so were many of the meis standing near me. Other than the pale man in his twenties with the hacking cough, all the other meis beside me were dressed warmly and appeared healthy. The majority wore masks over their faces. It was true that Jin Corp created jobs for us, but at the same time, their contracts were notorious for underpaying, because they received so many bids. Jin Corp was making itself rich from the sweat and blood of the people. It didn’t have many fans among the meis, so the enthusiasm I saw here seemed false.

“I promised you momentous news, and I won’t hold off any longer.” Jin beckoned with his hand, like someone who was used to being obeyed. Like royalty. Two figures emerged from the depths of the memorial hall to join Jin and Daiyu on the plaza, one man and one woman; both were suited. “Jin Corp has developed a much less expensive suit for the average citizen. These suits are basic and do not have the in helmet capabilities of our custom suits, but they do still give you regulated air, protecting you from the harsh pollutants you breathe every day.”

The two figures turned a full circle to show off the suits. And as if to emphasize Jin’s point, the plaza began to echo with the sounds of people with wracking coughs. I cast my gaze toward the outer edges of the square. No yous in suits stood there, and all the meis looked more worn, with clothes that were threadbare, their hard lives lived etched as deep grooves in their faces. I saw Arun standing near one of the pine trees that lined the square. All my friends would be here today—but I was attending alone as Jason, with only a few you teens as new acquaintances I knew there.

“These more affordable suits start at two hundred thousand yuan,” Jin said, “a starting price that is cheaper than most automobiles on the market.”