Another disappointing day, another failed interview. Despite having good projects and a year of experience in his portfolio, it was still hard to find a job.
"Can't be helped," he thought. The market had been in the dumps lately, but HR departments were still conducting interviews—even though they likely weren't planning to hire, as most companies were laying people off.
But hope was a nasty thing. They were hoping to ride the wave of the market's return, and he was hoping to get a job—just enough to get by until then.
Sigh
When did it all turn out like this? He still remembered, just five years ago, being full of hope, dreaming of greatness. Now, all he had was pessimism and disappointment to fill his days and nights.
He didn't want much—just to live a simple, happy life. A decent job. Marry a decent girl. But even that seemed like too much to hope for.
It all started going downhill when his parents died in an accident. After that, his father's older brother took him in. But then, he too passed away—just before the college entrance exams.
He couldn't get a good score and had to settle for a mediocre college for Computer Science. Seeing his once-bright future suddenly dim, his girlfriend left him, which sent him into deeper depression. Now, he had no one to talk to.
As for making new friends—he didn't have the time. He was either working to make ends meet or studying. From there, life became a long chain of compromises and failures.
It was currently 9:00 PM. He hadn't eaten yet, but after that interview, he felt mentally drained and had no appetite. So, he went to bed early.
After tossing and turning for half an hour, he decided to read some web novels to clear his mind and help him fall asleep.
After some searching, he found one that caught his interest.
"Gender role reversal, huh? Not a lot of novels on that topic going around," he thought.
"Okay, this will do just fine."
With that, he started reading. The plot revolved around going back to the last year of high school, just before the entrance exams. As expected, reading helped clear his anxiety and lull him to sleep.
"Xiao Nian"
"Xiao Nian"
"Xiao Nian"
Someone was calling his name—but who? He lived alone in his tiny apartment.
He opened his eyes lazily, but what he saw jolted him wide awake.
Sister Zhao Qian's father's face was incredibly close, tears streaming like a waterfall.
He freaked out and sat up, looking around in confusion.
He saw villagers gathered, with his uncle's photo displayed in the background, incense burning to pay respects.
"What is happening?" he muttered. His uncle's funeral had been years ago. As he tried to process it, memories flooded his mind like a tsunami.
With memories came pain. He clutched his head, and as if his body was trying to protect him, his vision started to darken.
The last thing he saw was Sister Qian's father's tearful face.
"Why are you crying so much? I know men cry too, but come on... this is a bit much," he thought, before passing out.
"Lian, quickly call the ambulance," said the older man—Sister Qian's father.
"Already did," replied Lian Qian, putting down her phone.
"I told Xiao Qian to come. Xiao Nian has no one to talk to now. If she were here, he might not have passed out," Mr. Qian said bitterly.
"Calm down. You know Xiao Qian couldn't get leave from the office. In this economy, it's better not to push things like that. It's already a miracle she got the job," Ms. Qian defended her daughter.
"I just worry about Nian, that's all. Now that his uncle is gone, how will he live?" Mr. Qian asked, voice low.
After a deep breath, Ms. Qian replied, "After Nian wakes up, we'll ask him to move in with us. Now that Qian's living in the city, her room is empty anyway."