The crowd began whispering excitedly among themselves, a soft din that became a palpable buzz.

“Affordable suits for yourself and your loved ones to prolong your lives.” Jin flourished his arm at the two models wearing the basic suits. “Isn’t that something worth investing in?”

The people around me all broke into raucous applause again, though I noted that few of the tired-looking meis on the periphery clapped as enthusiastically, if at all. The guards stood with their arms folded behind them, as apart from the meis as possible, like anything differentiated them other than their crisp clean Jin Corp uniforms. And the fact that Jin ensured that his guards were fed well so they were strong enough to protect him. That they received good medical attention. As you would keep your guard dogs.

“This is a new venture that was prompted by my daughter, Daiyu,” Jin went on, and the cambots all panned to her.

Her face was clearly visible beneath her glass helmet. Her hair was pulled back and she wore more makeup than I had ever seen on her. She looked more grown-up as a result, beautiful yet severe. Daiyu nodded and graced the cameras with a small smile that barely showed her teeth—a shadow of what I had seen when she had gotten off the rock wall after her first climb.

“She felt it was unfair that so many Taiwanese are left to the harsh elements of our country, especially here in Taipei. Why couldn’t we make a suit that would be more affordable—one that more people could buy? she asked me.” Jin wrapped an arm around his daughter, but Daiyu stood stiff as ever, her face an impassive mask for the cameras. “It was due to her conviction that I began working on a patent for a less expensive and customized version of our suits. And I’m happy to say that we have partnered with Prosperity Bank of Taipei to finance these suits, so they can be made affordable for everyone.”

Again, everyone cheered around me. “The suits will be available in early spring, but you can place your order now online or at any Jin Corp boutique,” Jin said. “Jin Corp will also be giving away suits in promotion of our newest product. Raffles can be purchased for just one yuan at all 7-Elevens. One hundred suits will be given away to our lucky winners!”

I snorted. Jin’s every generous gesture was a calculated move to increase business and profits.