In order to secure his power, party leader Xi Jinping promises his people prosperity. The idea: We’ll make you rich, that’s why you stay out of politics. But is the deal still standing? China and the collective burnout.
from
Lea Sahay, Beijing / Hangzhou
What a fucking day Peng Chen curses as the numbers update on his cell phone screen: 95 cents, 89 cents, 86 cents. He takes a drag on his cigarette. 86 cents? Peng looks at the route that he would have to cover in less than 40 minutes. If he were to run over the red lights and the order in the restaurant was already prepared at the entrance, then maybe. But 86 cents? For that he would need one or two deliveries that he can take with him on the way. If he comes too late, he has to pay a fine. Per minute: around 1.39 euros. A bad customer review: double the penalty. Far more than he would even deserve. Peng shakes his head.