Chapter 1 Prologue (Pure advertisement, can be skipped)

  January 20, 1977: Jimmy Carter sworn in as President of the United States.

  Black palace feast. Celebrities gather and big shots arrive.

  After the grand banquet, the President met with Professor M of H University, a renowned sinologist and R national, at the International Relations Research Institute of M Country, accompanied by a special assistant. The host and guest had a cordial and friendly conversation in a harmonious atmosphere.

  “……”

  “……”

  Mr. Mei (smiling): "I don't know what adjustments will be made in the new round of policies towards China by Your Excellency the President?"

  President (scratching head): "Uh, I haven't had a chance to think about this. When I was growing peanuts on my farm in Nevada..."

  "Mr. President—" the special assistant interrupted, "you haven't been growing peanuts as your image consultant described to the media—over the past few years you've been devoting yourself to botanical research; I think your workplace should be in the laboratory or study of your farm."

  President (thoughtfully): "Oh, is that so? Then... may I not answer?"

  Mr. Mei (seriously): "This is probably something you must consider. I hope the President will pay close attention to the political, economic and military situation of China because it is our country's only existing strongest opponent in this world."

  President (dementia): "Oh? Let me think about diplomatic relations. When I was studying and researching in my study, I often felt tired and would squat down to pat the mud on my hands and say to the cows next to me..."

  "Mr. Mei (in surprise): 'The President's study? Did I hear that wrong? There are cows in your study?'"

  President (irritated): "Mr. Mei, what exactly do you want me to say? Can't you just prepare a report for me to sign and approve? Don't think I'm just good at gardening... uh, this is something I know the Huaxia country does, if you can't handle it, get out of here quickly and stop causing trouble..."

  Mr. Mei ( speechless ): "......"

  "Mr. President―――" The special assistant interrupted the president's words "Excuse me, I think I should remind you that Mr. Mei's consortium provided 800,000 m gold for your campaign funds. For this Black Palace banquet, they also booked several dozen seats at 5,000 m gold each. I think you should fully consider his opinions."

  President (turning anger into joy): "Oh, is that so? Sorry, Mr. Mei, I didn't know you were willing to spend money. You should have said so earlier."

  Mr. Mei (lightly and casually): "Mr. President, please don't mention money, it's so common and uninteresting. However, regarding the matter of signing and circling that you just mentioned, I think I have a duty to inform you that this kind of political atmosphere in Huaxia has already become history."

  President (in shock): "No way? I was still considering focusing on administrative affairs in the future and doing nothing to govern..."

  Mr. Mei (with a complex expression): "Signing and circling, whether it's good or bad, is hard to say. However, I think I have to mention someone who, under his advocacy, abolished this ambiguous and superficial political gesture. Observers believe that the politics of this great nation are starting to move towards cleanliness, efficiency, and positivity. The person I mentioned will likely be hard to avoid in our future attention to the politics of Huaxia. Hmm, or it can be said that he is a phenomenon who has captivated the people of the most populous country on this planet with politics, and changed them because of him."

  President (yearning): "Is there still such a person? I've heard that the politics of Huaxia is the most complicated game on earth. He's actually able to do all these things... You mean to say this person is the highest leader of Huaxia?"

  Mr. Mei (shaking his head): "No, no, no, Mr. President, you've got it wrong. He's just a small local official, a city council member. Of course, according to the intelligence we just received, at the closing ceremony of the Huaxia National Party's nth National Congress yesterday, he was elected as the new Central Committee member with high votes, replacing his predecessor, and was also appointed as the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee in the province where he works. In other words, his current position is roughly equivalent to that of a Governor in your home state of Nevada."

  President (in a confused state): "Please don't throw so many political terms at me all at once, it's making my head spin. And my advisors have told me not to pay attention to those small-time people. They tell me I'm the most powerful person in the world and that pursuing too many details is a waste of resources and will distract me from the things that are worth my attention. There are so many important things and people in this world that deserve my focus. For example, you know those short people from R country who are still waiting outside to meet with me? They've also expressed interest in attending our White House dinner party, but I think they're mistaken about one thing - I have no good feelings towards R country. During the election campaign, they tried to get involved and offer some kind of political donation or something, but I rejected them. I don't like black money politics... mainly because I just don't like that race, it's really disgusting. Hmm, sometimes I think if we could just have a war, maybe we could wipe out that island nation..."

  "Mr. President!" The special assistant burst in, out of breath "I think you've had too much to drink!"

  Mr. Mei (looking around nervously and awkwardly): "It's related to rice, it's related to rice, this is a private gathering, if outsiders hear about it, of course we can just talk about it, you absolutely cannot actually do it."

  President (tapping his forehead): "Huh? Maybe I had a bit too much to drink... Let's get back on topic, shall we? Mr. Mei seems to be reminding me to pay attention to some governor or something? And isn't he just new to the job? What's so special about him that I need to know about him? I can barely keep track of all 50 governors in my own country... Good grief, it's too many!"

  Mr. Mei (firmly): "You may not need to understand every single subordinate of yours, but it is obvious that this official surnamed Shen from the Huaxia State is someone you must study - perhaps through him, we can see the historical trend and political direction of that great nation, which will also determine our country's future diplomatic strategy, military situation, and may even further influence the overall pattern of the future world."

  "Alright, alright Mr. Mei. Just say what you want to say directly. Although I'm a bit sleepy, I'll try my best to listen - if you must tell me about some insignificant person on the other side of the earth."

  Mr. Mei (shaking his head): "You're wrong, that Mr. Shen is absolutely not a small figure. In fact, he is currently the youngest, most high-profile, most promising and most affable politician with the best political integrity in the country."

  President (scoffing): "His surname is Shen? Is he the one you want to introduce me to? Still so young? Are they those 'princelings' from the Great Xia Empire that we often mention? I've heard of this term before, but I'm not very interested."

  Mr. Mei (lost in thought): "Isn't it amazing that Mr. Shen, who comes from the most humble and has the most character, is also the most controversial and has the most Jianghu color among the current Chinese politicians? This new star in politics is not from a wealthy family like you, and he obviously dislikes this kind of thing very much. Mr. Shen has a famous saying: 'The sons of aristocratic families are no better than dogs.' It's widely spread. He doesn't have those traditional factional relationships or independent so-called political circles in China. He even sneers at them and views them as nothing. Moreover, Mr. Shen has publicly stated multiple times that this is a kind of political hazard, not only does he resent it, but also has plans to eliminate this kind of phenomenon."

  President (surprised): "Grassroots? Jianghu? Relationship network? I don't fully understand the meaning of these terms, but apparently Mr. Mei is telling me that this person is quite common, has no background, and is very radical. However, as far as I know, in Huaxia State, this can't be considered a clever political move at all - he will disappear soon, we don't need to worry about him."

  "Nonono, Mr. President, you are wrong. Obviously, you still have some understanding of the politics of Huaxia State. Indeed, a political entity that attempts to challenge traditional forces and the overall political atmosphere will inevitably suffer a tragic end. There are many examples in the history of Huaxia State. But I assure you that Mr. Shen will not fall because of this. He is an exceptional phenomenon. In fact, the highest level of politics in that country looks very favorably upon him. He has the broadest mass base and his relationship with most high-ranking officials, including those in the military, is extremely good. Through a large amount of information and intelligence analysis, we can make this judgment: Mr. Shen's next political position will be the brain of Huaxia State's ruling party's disciplinary system, and it is highly likely that he will enter the power core from this position... Ah, I think you understand what I mean... In fact, he is only 33 years old now."

  President (incredulous): "What? Mr. Mei, are you telling me a myth?"

  Mr. Mei (smiling): "You're finally interested? I'll give you a detailed analysis of this legendary figure. The legend is exactly that - a legend. Mr. Shen's rise to power has always been a mystery. It seems like he started with theory, but our research shows it's not just that simple. What's even more amazing is that he doesn't care about his position or power at all. He seems to think they're dispensable. Wealth and honor are like floating clouds - that's what he thinks, I suppose you might not understand this phrase. His legend even includes a very private side - Mr. Shen's love story is also extremely romantic, beautiful, and enchanting, making people's hearts sing with emotion."

  President (perplexed): "I don't quite understand this Shen's characteristics you're talking about, but it sounds very complicated, doesn't it?"

  Mr. Mei (thoughtfully): "He is quite pure, or rather, should I say, he is like a crystal clear water, this is also the evaluation of him from high-level political figures in China - as pure as water."

  "Water? What does it mean?"

  "Most mellow and softest, lowest-key and most effortless. At the same time also the broadest, strongest, deepest and longest-lasting ——"

  President (scoffing): "Is what you're saying still water? I know that water can easily be contaminated and become smelly. As a botanist, I understand this stuff."

  Mr. Mei (angrily): "Excuse me, I think you're wrong! Mr. Shen has a famous saying about water: 'Truly pure water never rots.' The water you know may just be from the experience of watering flowers..."

  "Mr. Mei!" The special assistant cut off Professor Meizeweiss's words sternly "Watch your language! You're speaking to the President, sir!"

  President (angrily): "Mr. Mei, you must be drunk to say such a thing! Is Shen a god? I remember someone reminding me before that I shouldn't speak exaggeratedly and should use rational language as much as possible. Your speech is not like that at all. You seem to have mentioned many 'the most this' and 'the most that'. Is this possible?"

  "Mr. President, I apologize for my outburst. I have great admiration for Mr. Shen and please forgive me for my limited vocabulary, I don't know how to describe this most extraordinary young official. In fact, both my wife and daughter are his fans, he is the greatest romantic, the most sentimental man... uh... I seem to have used that damn word again, sorry, I'm getting a bit mixed up."

  President (smiling): "Mr. Mei, you've piqued my interest and I'd also like to know more about this character you're talking about. Your description is quite exaggerated and interesting. This person seems very contradictory... Ah, assistant, didn't you teach me that word yesterday from the Huaxia country?"

  Mr. Mei (smiling): "Yes, the paradox is indeed most paradoxical. You see, it's another 'most'. I'm honored that you want to understand Mr. Shen, which represents my research direction for the past two years without mistake. Apparently, you also know his importance. Thank you for encouraging me."

  President (Alzheimer's): "Uh... it seems like you told me all these things."

  Mr. Mei (shrugging his shoulders): "Oh? Is that so? Of course, it's hard to fully understand this person and get into his mind. It will make people's thoughts chaotic."

  President (pauses): "That indeed has me a bit confused too. Uh... where do we start to understand this Shen? I feel like there's a sense of urgency."

  Mr. Mei (taking out a book): "This is a memoir of Mr. Shen, recently published by the Huaxia State, which is very helpful and valuable for our research work. It allowed me to see some situations that were previously unclear."

  "The President (impatiently taking the book): 'Let me see... uh - I don't recognize it, no translation? How do you people work?'"

  Mr. Mei (embarrassed): "To be honest, this is actually the work of Mr. Shen himself, who has mastered the subtleties of Chinese characters. You know that our translation staff are not quite up to handling such profound Sinology. Of course, I can barely understand it myself and can help you analyze it..."

  "The President (disappointed, throws the book back): 'Mr. Mei, let's just forget it. Maybe you're introducing me to a perfect person, an ideal person in your mind, but I'm not interested in those hypocritical moral articles...'"

  Mr. Mei (mysteriously): "Mr. President, I'm telling you the most astonishing thing is... this book tells me that Mr. Shen used to be a morally shameless scoundrel and a rogue in the eyes of the law. He had numerous mistresses... or rather, many girlfriends in the animal sense for sexual purposes..."

  President (eyes shining, hastily flipping through the book): "Is this for real? Unbelievable! Are there any detailed descriptions? Hmm...can't understand it at all. Or perhaps Mr. Mei can translate this part for me to take a look first?"

  "Sorry, Mr. President, it's regrettable. The book mentions this episode of his in great detail. But there's no way to translate it, not a single way, because Mr. Shen didn't use any dirty words when describing the actions, nor did he describe any specific details about organs or anything else. We all know what he's talking about, but it can only be understood implicitly, not explicitly. If you want to know exactly what he said, you might need to study Chinese characters first, of course, that still doesn't guarantee you'll fully understand it because at the same time, you also need to comprehend a large number of political, military and literary terms from China..."

  President (angrily): "What are you trying to fool me with? If you're trying to whet my appetite, I'll beat you up!"

  Special Assistant Mr. H, a professor at Harvard University and a scholar of the National Institute for International Relations, hugged the violently raging President tightly. The famous sinologist, Professor Meizeweiss, covered his head and scurried away, dropping the book in his hand onto the carpet, revealing a row of Chinese characters on the cover:

  ……………

  "Love in the Red Dust: My Unconventional Memoir of Officialdom".