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墨書 Inktalez
Everyone surrounded me, asking questions left and right, and I was more than happy to share my insights.
"The national policies are good now, and the power industry has a bright future. I'm currently vying for the Deputy Section Level position; it shouldn't be a problem," I said with a serious tone.
"That's great! Deputy Section Level!" My relatives looked at me with admiration in their eyes.
And what about Zhi Qiang? He was still working at the construction site, covered in dirt every time we gathered, sitting in the corner where few paid him any attention.
"Zhi Qiang, how much can you earn in a month now?" I asked him on purpose one time.
"Not much, just over two thousand," he replied shyly.
"Only over two thousand?" I feigned surprise. "My basic salary is three thousand five hundred, and with various allowances, I can take home over five thousand a month."
"Zhi Yuan really has talent!" Aunt San immediately chimed in. "This is the benefit of education! Zhi Qiang, look at you—if you had studied hard back then, you wouldn't have to work so hard now."
Zhi Qiang lowered his head and said nothing.
I felt a sense of pride inside. This was the difference between educated people and manual laborers. I had knowledge, a diploma, and a respectable job—things that Zhi Qiang would never attain.
At that time, I truly believed I was inherently superior to others. I thought that education was everything, that studying could change one's fate, and that a respectable job was the mark of success.
"Zhi Yuan, you must keep working hard and strive for early promotion and wealth!" My father-in-law often encouraged me like this.
"That's for sure!" I replied confidently. "Knowledge is power!"
Li Xuemei was also proud to be married to me: "Honey, you're amazing! In our family, you're the most successful!"
During that time, our little life was stable and happy. Although we didn't have much money, we were considered middle class in our small county.
We bought a house and a car; everything in life was progressing as expected. The golden age of glory was destined to be just the prologue of my life.
In the autumn of 2018, the Electric Power Bureau held a meeting for all employees. The director stood on stage, his expression serious.
"Colleagues, according to directives from higher authorities, our bureau will undergo restructuring. Some positions will be eliminated, and those affected will need to be reassigned."
My heart sank. My name was glaringly listed on the restructuring notice.
"Zhi Yuan, don't worry. With your education and skills, you'll have no trouble finding a new job," the director privately reassured me, but I could hear the helplessness in his voice.
Being laid off at forty was something I had never imagined.
When I returned home, I steeled myself to tell Li Xuemei.
"What? You’ve been laid off?"
Li Xuemei's voice rose by an octave. "Aren't you supposed to have a secure job?"
"What are we going to do about the mortgage? What about our daughter's tuition?"
"Don't panic. I'll find a new job right away. With my qualifications, I’m sure I can find something better," I forced myself to sound calm.
But reality quickly dealt me a harsh blow.
I sent out over twenty resumes, but responses were few and far between.
Finally, a few companies invited me for interviews, but as soon as they learned I was forty, they immediately shook their heads.
"Mr. Lin, your qualifications are impressive, but our company is looking for a younger workforce; it might not be a good fit..."
"We prefer to hire employees under thirty-five..."
"Your age group is indeed quite awkward..."
Repeated rejections made me start doubting myself. That diploma from a prestigious university seemed to have turned into worthless paper in the job market.
Just when I was hitting dead ends everywhere, news from my cousin Zhi Qiang shocked the entire family.
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