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the federal government’s property. How does that work?”
    Mei picked at her salad with her fork. “You are correct. It is BLM land. But I’m a good friend of Congressman Eugene Waters from California, who has major influence at the Department of the Interior, who control all of the BLM land in the US. I funneled millions of dollars to his re-election campaign.” She winked at Jason in a knowing way. “Congressman Waters made sure Inter-Power was given a sweetheart lease that doesn’t kick in until Copper Mountain is complete. We couldn’t have written a better deal for ourselves.” Mei burst out laughing. “Except we did write it for ourselves!” She stopped laughing and became serious. “Of course, everything we did was legal.”
    Jason laughed with her. She has every base covered. No wonder she’s so confident she can bury the American company, RayTech. Their own congressman is selling them out to the Chinese. I wonder what her idea of legal really is.
    The main course showed up, and Jason stared at the chunks of meat and scrawny legs covered in the light-colored sauce. “It smells good,” he said without looking up from the dish. “What’s the saying? When in Rome?” He took a bite and smiled, savoring the flavors. “Mei, this is delicious.”
    “I knew you would like it. You American men are so predictable. Throw some meat in a wine sauce or a marinara sauce and you think you’ve found nirvana.”
    “You’re probably right,” he said, laughing. The conversation stalled for a moment while both of them sampled the various dishes around the table. Satisfied for the moment, Jason wiped his mouth with his napkin. “What about the Antelope Valley project? Is that on BLM land also? How will you get that lease?”
    Mei leaned back in her chair, her head held high. “Yes, it’s also BLM land, and I have a conference call with Congressman Waters next week regarding that very subject.”
    “Is there any chance someone else could get the lease?” Jason asked.
    Mei’s eyes narrowed. “Let’s just say I provide many services for the congressman besides money. He likes Cuban cigars, French champagne, and Asian women. I’ve arranged many trips for him to the Far East, where he fulfills his fantasies. So no, no one else is going to get that lease other than who I direct, which will be Inter-Power.” She raised her wine glass and looked at him over the rim. “But this information is for your ears only. I know I’ve told you this before, but if you’re going to be taking a larger role in running Soltech, I need to know I have your complete confidence.”
    Jason smiled. “Of course, Mei. I completely understand.” This congressman seems like a real slime ball, Jason thought. But if history repeats itself, I bet it’s a matter of time before he gets caught. He paused and picked at his food for a moment, considering whether to ask about his concerns with safety at the plant. He didn’t like the idea of making money off the backs of people’s misery.
    He cleared his throat. “Mei, when I was at the solar plant today, I couldn’t help but notice that it seems a little dangerous for some of the workers. Is it possible to make the production goals you’ve set but at the same time keep the workers safe? It would be horrible publicity if someone were to die in the process of making our panels when a little bit of prevention could make it safer.”
    Mei laughed. “You Americans are amazing, always worrying about worker safety. Workers die at the factory once in a while. It’s a fact of life and it’s part of the cost of doing business!” She paused and put her napkin to her lips. “Look, Jason, the Chinese people are not like the American people. We are very different than you.” She stopped and took a deep breath. “Have you ever heard of the Long March in regard to Chinese history?”
    Jason shook his head.
    “Well let me educate you for a minute. In October of 1934, three hundred thousand