Chapter 3 - Selling The Program
The Minister spoke patiently.
"It's a mandatory program. The immediate family of High Ranking Officials
have to attend. It's given at a fabulous resort equipped with every luxury. It's
supposed to help you handle the stresses and pressures unique to families of
High Ranking Party Members."
His wife looked at him sourly.
"Well, living with you is stressful enough!"
She looked thoughtful.
"Given in a resort, eh?"
She eyed him suspiciously.
"This isn't another rah rah, hooray for The Party, piece of crapola, is it?"
The Minister was inwardly horrified (the wall have ears on occasion, even at
his level). Outwardly, he was reassuring.
"No! No! It's just a few hours a day of classes and sharing experiences with
the other women in the morning. Then you can enjoy the facilities for the rest
of the day. There's a beach, all sorts of sports facilities, a beauty spa, free
make-overs, concerts and plays in the evening."
He produced the brochure that Dr. Chan had supplied him with.
"See! This doesn't look so bad! It's more a perq for being related to me."
His daughter rolled her eyes at this, while his wife snorted derisively.
They both looked at the extremely attractive brouchure, however.
"Free make-overs!"
"A beauty spa!"
His wife narrowed her eyes to slits and glared at him fiercely.
"OK, but if this turns out to be one of those stupid, lame, Party propaganda
efforts, I'll make you wish you were never born! You think you have it tough
now? If I'm not totally satisfied with this, you'll be eating shit for the rest
of your miserable life! Clear?"
The Minister swallowed hard and nodded.
"It's perfectly clear, my dear. Don't worry, you will never complain about
having taken this trip!"
