Chapter Seven, The Fragile Heart of the Poor.

It took me almost one hour to take the bus from the north of the city to the south, and by this time, it was already during the evening rush hour

A subtle sense of loss and slight guilt spread imperceptibly in Shao Qingyu's heart, but she quickly shook off these two emotions and revealed an extremely charming smile, saying: "Please continue to teach me how to play billiards."

Is there anything more lamentable than being a poor person? Let me tell you, there is: it is being a poor person with a fragile heart

So, perhaps it's due to work needs? Although I really can't figure out what kind of job requires employees to report their bust size.

The rain grew heavier, and I took out my phone, found a number, and pressed it.

I mustered up all my courage and said to him with a thick skin, "I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a request..."

Actually...'' He pondered for a moment, ''In fact, the company is not short of people. Whether it's the client department, creative department, media, or human resources, they are all in a saturated state...

The end of that song on the bus radio is still echoing in my mind: I really want to go home now.

Once an idea takes root in my mind, it becomes deeply ingrained. Despite Shao Qingyu's repeated use of foul language on the phone in an attempt to dispel my suspicions and prove her innocence, her efforts are in vain.

Is it vanity? I feel like only by emphasizing its authenticity can I justify the money I spent.

An awkward job seeker and an arrogant boss, no one could have foreseen the many stories that would unfold between these two people.

His hairstyle is the simplest buzz cut. Only those with a sufficiently beautiful head shape and strong self-confidence would choose this hairstyle that completely exposes their appearance.

So, I calmly and confidently replied, "Time, energy, patience, and all the relevant knowledge I can offer. These are the only things I can contribute to my work. As for the rest, as you mentioned, I am unable and unwilling to force myself to do them."

Sir, may I ask if you know the meaning of "self-respect"?

Before I even had a chance to speak, he reprimanded me: "You pig-headed fool, coming in through the back door and making such a fuss, do you want everyone to know you have connections?"

At that moment, I was facing away from her while tidying the table. Upon hearing those words, I stood still for a full minute, holding the cloth in my hand without moving.

Do not say that this is an interview; even in a nightclub or a bar, if a man directly asks a woman about her bust size, it is... it is simply too uncouth. Oh dear, it makes me so angry that I am stuttering.

During our teenage years, the most frequently published content in the popular campus magazines consisted of motivational quotes and inspirational stories

It seemed there was some signal interference; I could only hear a series of crackling electrical sounds, followed by her extremely reluctant tone: "I am at the Luodai Billiards Club on Yiren Road, you should take a taxi over."

In order to leave a good impression on the interviewer, I paid special attention to the details of my outfit—specifically, I wore the pair of Tory Burch ballet flats that I usually wear very rarely

This title, "These Small Hands," suddenly came to mind for some reason. In fact, I have not read this book; I simply like this name

After finishing a meal at my home, she was going to find Jiang Yi to watch a movie. Before leaving, she squatted in front of my makeshift shoe rack, looked at it again and again, and then said: "There isn't a single pair that can be worn"

He gestured for me to sit down: "Did Shao Qingyu not tell you who you should look for?"

The room was almost silent for a minute, not an exaggeration; I counted in my mind second by second, and it was not until I reached fifty-four that he finally spoke.

Her eyes were hidden behind the large sunglasses from Gucci, and I could not discern whether her gaze was numb or sorrowful. After passing two intersections, she finally answered my question: "It's completely over"

She instead consoled herself with self-deprecating humor, saying: "It's okay, I survived my mother's passing, so there's no reason for me to die just because of a breakup"

My goodness

I did not speak again

This feeling is quite uncomfortable, no one is bullying me, but I feel a sense of shame; no one is forcing me, yet I feel very wronged

With a feeling of unease, I welcomed the sound of "ding" from the elevator. As the elevator doors opened, I saw the four prominent characters before me: Qi Tang Chuang Yi

A few seconds later, a text message appeared on Shao Qingyu's phone. She silently read the message, typed out "Zhao Jue, I am sorry," and then deleted it

... ...

I nodded: "OK."

It seems that I have secured this job, so it is now my turn to put my boss in a difficult position

Thus, the heartless Shao Qingyu truly abandoned me by the roadside and left in a cloud of dust. Before she departed, she tossed out a remark: "Treat me to a meal after you receive your salary"

A bus approached, and only a few people got off from the back door, while a large crowd had already gathered at the front door, eager to board the bus

I naively thought that this might be the most challenging question of the entire interview, but it turned out that I was indeed too naive

The other party let out an "oh" but did not grasp the meaning of the little complaint that followed.

I believe that every child who has suffered oppression and trauma during their childhood has naively believed that those pains are merely the nutrients of life, and that after youth, they will bloom into fragrant and robust flowers

Our shoe sizes are the same, so her point is not that my shoes are not suitable for her in size, but rather in terms of quality

I thought to myself, Shao Qingyu, you scoundrel. I accompanied you to catch the adulterer, but you refused to accompany me to the interview. However, in order to save face in front of her, I still hypocritically said, "Hehe, it's not necessary."

It's nothing more than performing poorly during the interview, which disappointed Qingyu's kindness and missed out on a good job opportunity.

I really don't want to engage in her chatter: "Where are you? I'm coming to find you right now"

Was it from that sensitive adolescent period, when I joyfully returned to my grandmother's house with my cousin after setting off fireworks outside, that I accidentally overheard someone inside say, "I believe Zhao Jue will never amount to anything in this life"?

I can say that I have taken the artistic route, after all, I have loved before, and it is not in vain for so many years.

I nodded

He was quite surprised: "You didn't ask her either?"

At that time, I was living in the resettlement community. One day, Shao Qingyu came to visit me. When she was climbing the stairs, the heel of her high heels broke. As soon as she entered the door, she started complaining, "These rural stairs almost killed me."

Just in a sudden moment, I changed my mind. I didn't want to go up and find Shao Qingyu, nor did I feel like thinking about what she had been mysteriously busy with recently.

Tell me, what are you willing to sacrifice for your work? Where is your bottom line? For instance, would you be willing to have dinner, drink, or even sleep with a client for a project?

He shook his head helplessly: "Alas, birds of a feather flock together"

She reminds me of my mother

I want to go back and see my mom.

He maintained a slightly tilted posture, tilted his head, and gestured with his eyes for me to continue.

I smiled faintly. At this moment, the broadcast announced that we had arrived at Yiren Road.

Shao Qingyu was very satisfied with me at first sight: "Look, you would look so much better with just a little touch-up. You should also dress up nicely in your daily life."

Standing at the foot of the building where the Drop Pocket Billiards Club is located, I looked up. The sunlight reflected off the glass of the building into my eyes. For some reason, I felt that this building was incredibly tall

A middle-aged woman’s phone rang, and after answering, she spoke loudly as if no one was around: "You didn’t say anything when I first asked you, and now I’m already on the way home. You’re telling me you want to eat this and that... You’re not my son; you’re my ancestor..."

I shook my head

Finally, the version she sent me was "Alright then, another day I will treat you to something delicious"

From where I am sitting, there is no space left in the carriage, yet everyone finds a way to squeeze out a little more room, and then a little more. Each person's face is a mixture of impatience, anxiety, and disdain, and every face is a testament to their grievances against the world

Although he is not wrong, I still think I should defend myself: "I didn't know who to look for when I came in"

The afternoon was bright and sunny, but suddenly in the evening, a light drizzle began to fall. I had not brought an umbrella, so I simply sat in front of the bus stop advertisement waiting for the rain to stop

He asked this question that crushed my self-esteem like a tank, and he stared at me without moving.

Once difficult words are spoken, continuing to speak seems to become less challenging: "If possible... could I possibly request an advance on three months' salary?"

It seems that ever since Shao Qingyu mentioned this interview to me, an indescribable sense of tension has been coursing through my veins. I have tried my best to engage in various activities to distract myself, but deep down, I know that I still harbor fear

The beautiful woman appeared to be confused, as she picked up the telephone receiver and said to me: "An interview? It seems there is no interview today. Please hold on, I will call the HR department to check..."

I am a bit taken aback: "Ah—this is how it is... I am here for an interview..."

Finally, my gaze fell upon the pair of hands that offered me the cup of water. In an instant, I was struck by the sight before me; the fingers were long, the skin was fair, and not to mention, the most important detail was that there was not a speck of dirt in the crevices of the nails

Ye Zhao Jue, forgive my boldness, may I ask you if you are facing any difficulties

After passing another intersection, Shao Qingyu suddenly said: "Everything has its destined fate, my connection with Jiang Yi has come to an end"

Was it back in college when I wanted to buy a computer, knowing that my family couldn't afford it, so I humbly went to ask my uncle to lend me money, only to receive his response, "Uncle's money is all in his wife's hands"?

To be honest, it is just a job; there is no need to compromise one's integrity.

The gaze was complex in meaning, akin to a wolf waiting for the right moment to strike, fixated intently on a small creature that sensed danger yet did not know which direction to flee.

When I came to my senses, he had already walked several meters away, and I could barely make out his face, leaving only a silhouette behind.

Shao Qingyu nudged me and said, "What are you doing? You don't expect me to accompany you up there, do you?"

I am very familiar with that feeling; every day three months ago, I was one of them

I remained still in the car

After I laid everything bare, the scene where the handsome boss in a romantic drama swiftly writes checks for the impoverished female employee did not unfold

A hurricane sweeps through my mind, shattering reason with overwhelming force

That was a Shao Qingyu I had never seen before; her posture, the tone of her voice, and even the aura she exuded were all completely different from the person standing before me.

Although my tone is very calm, I am not at peace within myself

After speaking, I suddenly felt a sense of relief.

While he was pouring water for me, I took the opportunity to observe him quietly

Indeed, these hands, though small, are the most steadfast support in my life

During that period, her catchphrase was "country"; people who littered were referred to as "country people"; cars that changed lanes recklessly were called "country cars"; air conditioners with poor cooling effects were labeled as "country air conditioners"; and shopping malls without Chanel were naturally considered as "country department stores"

Although we were the best of friends, I can never forget the disdain that Shao Qingyu unconsciously revealed at that moment, nor can I forget the injury to my self-esteem that I suffered at that instant

This time, I did not passively accept things as I did in response to the previous question

"What is your bust size?" Before I could recover from the shock, this man, who was already a disgrace, became even more brazen and audacious

These shoes were purchased together by us in the past

I got up to take my leave, and only then did I realize that I had not known his surname or given name from beginning to end

In fact, every girl who is not too foolish secretly has two faces, one for the same sex and one for the opposite sex

The station's billboard lit up, casting a pale white light that made people's faces look ghostly white

In fact, I know she did not mean it that way; the speaker had no intention, while I, the listener, was overly sensitive.

I want to come up with a sentence or two to comfort her

I suddenly have a strong desire to go home, not to the apartment where I live with Jian Chenye, but to my own home

It has gone too far, it is somewhat excessive, I am aware of it myself

The receptionist, dressed in a black suit, has a pure appearance and a sweet smile: "May I assist you with anything?"

I am sitting in the last row by the window. On the bus, besides the driver and me, there are only two middle-aged ladies who look to be about the same age as my mother. The bus is playing an old song by Stefanie Sun: "Is it true that behind the adult world, there are always imperfections..."

Thus, those fools who treat both same-sex and opposite-sex individuals equally can only watch as beautiful women navigate effortlessly among numerous suitors, while they weep in the dead of night, asking the heavens, why is there no one who loves me

This was the situation when we first met; my appearance was quite clumsy, while his demeanor was rather arrogant

A person walked out of the restroom, shaking the water off their hands while asking Shao Qingyu, "Why hasn't she arrived yet?"

Sitting on the bus, I sent a text message to Jian Chenye saying that I had passed the interview and would meet Shao Qingyu briefly before heading home

The new company is located in the most bustling area of City S. I am not yet mentally prepared, and the car has stopped right in front of the Jinxiu Building. Shao Qingyu took off her sunglasses and said to me decisively: "Building B, 23rd floor, you will see it as soon as you go up."

Shao Qingyu put away his phone and smiled at the other party: "Zhao Jue suddenly said he couldn't come again..."

Later, I saved up money, courage, and determination for nearly half a year, and together with Shao Qingyu, I went to buy this pair of shoes. Of course, our demeanor at the time of payment was completely different; she was as lighthearted as if she were buying a pack of gum, while I felt as heavy as if I were purchasing a grave for myself

I had just wanted to ask when he stood up and extended his hand towards me, saying, "Allow me to formally introduce myself, I am Qi Tang"

Since when have I lived like a warrior, while life resembles a battlefield strewn with wreckage? I have just survived here, yet I must rush there to charge into battle again

I had no idea that a heavy bomb was behind me

After a pause, she continued, "She always does this, often changing her mind about good things at the last minute. I have long since gotten used to it"

What am I afraid of

I replied to her with annoyance: "Will you die if you don't flaunt your wealth?"

If I had a gun, I would shoot it right now

Self-pity easily leads to discouragement; I do not have the qualification to be weak

Soft light streamed in through the car window, and I opened my palm to let it quietly rest in my hand

To my surprise, the unknown gentleman looked at me deeply, neither affirming nor denying, but instead picked up my personal file and began to flip through it. While looking, he said: "Qingyu has informed me of your general situation. You studied journalism and communication in university, took courses in advertising, and your previous job before coming here was as a customer service representative for an automotive supplies company, correct?"

I truly do not understand what she has been so mysteriously and busily up to lately, I silently pondered in the elevator, has she really paved the way for me, will it really be as simple as she said, just a matter of going through the motions?

I have always deeply felt that sooner or later, a "country bumpkin" will come to put an end to her arrogance

Later on, counterfeit versions of this shoe flooded the streets, and one could purchase a pair of replicas indistinguishable from the genuine article for just a couple of hundred yuan on Taobao. However, every time I wore them out and walked down the street, I would roar in my heart: My shoes are authentic! They are authentic!

"You are the one who is unwell. You don't tell me anything about the situation, you don't inform me who you went to see, and you don't mention that your friend is the company owner. What on earth are you being so secretive about lately?" In a flash, I exclaimed, "I know! You are using drugs!"

Is he talking to me? I looked at the beautiful receptionist with hesitation and uncertainty, and she gave me a wink, which translated to plain language means, hurry up and catch up, you fool

I think I might be able to go home soon

My face turned red all of a sudden, oh no, he noticed. I stammered, "Um, it looks quite nice."

Those things you thought would never become distant ultimately did; those things you believed you could hold tightly in your hands turned out to be nothing but fleeting moments

However, when I spoke these words, I suddenly felt that Ye Zhao Jue should actually be like this

My boss straightened his posture and politely yet impeccably declined my request: "I’m sorry, the company has no precedent for this. You are not a professional talent recruited from another company, and to be frank, I still do not know your personal character and work capabilities, so I truly cannot accommodate your request"

I can take a bold approach and say, it's just a man; you will definitely find someone a hundred times better than Jiang Yi

As soon as I left the company, I called Shao Qingyu, but she surprisingly hung up on me

After hanging up the phone, I walked to the bus stop one hundred meters away and carefully studied the sign. It is only seven stops away, why would I take a taxi

Before I could say anything, a man walked out from the tea room. He held a cup in one hand and gestured with the other for the beautiful woman to put down her phone, his voice rather deep: "Follow me"

He rolled his eyes at me and said, "Don't be so petty, just answer the question when asked."

On the way to the new company, I asked Shao Qingyu, "How are things between you and Jiang Yi?"

... ...

In comparison to the various difficulties I faced earlier, the subsequent stages were so simple and joyful that I felt compelled to sing a song of gratitude, to the extent that I did not even ponder why he would ask me those peculiar questions

From when

On the day of the interview, I applied light makeup and wore a black blazer that I purchased on sale at Zara, paired with black pencil pants, embodying a simple and professional style

I stood by the roadside and sent a text message to Qingyu, saying that I had something urgent come up and would not be able to see you today, but we can meet another day.

He nodded thoughtfully, as if to say, "Hmm, I suppose it is nothing more than this"

"Do you think my hands look nice?" he asked leisurely

You say he is a big man, yet why does he speak so slowly and hesitantly? I am truly about to lose my temper, do you understand

But in the end, I said nothing, for I knew that no matter how carefully crafted the words were, they would only serve as a mere scratching of the surface for Shao Qingyu, providing no comfort whatsoever

A stiff smile hung on my face like a poorly made mask, but I suppose it shouldn't be too unappealing: "It's alright, I was too reckless. When I brought it up, I was actually prepared for rejection, so just consider that I never mentioned it."

I gritted my teeth and thought, answering this won't kill me: "34B"

He smiled meaningfully and said, "Let's do it this way for now. Please provide me with a copy of your ID for the records. You will start work next week, OK?"

The work content ... In fact, there is no specific content. He asks me to appear when he needs me, and I do whatever he asks me to do. However, I made it clear in advance that I do not sell my body for my art.

Who would have thought! Who would have thought that this seemingly respectable and dignified beast would calmly say to me: "You haven't seen other parts of my body."

However, I personally lack an assistant

The minimalist decor style features a white desk with a 27-inch iMac on it, a black floor lamp, and a bookshelf embedded in the wall displaying several books and a few European-style ornaments. On the windowsill, there are two or three small green potted plants, and when the wind blows in, a faint mixed fragrance wafts through the room

After hesitating for a while, I decided to speak the truth: "Three months ago, I moved to a new place. My landlord is not the type of person who is easy to talk to, and I promised her that I would absolutely not fall behind on rent during my tenancy. Shortly after moving, I had a minor car accident and was bedridden for two months. Due to various chaotic reasons, I lost my job. I believe Qingyu has mentioned my situation to you to some extent. Now, a quarter is about to pass, and I do not want to lose the trust of my landlord... Shortly after moving, I had a minor car accident and was bedridden for two months. Due to various chaotic reasons, I lost my job. I believe Qingyu has mentioned my situation to you to some extent. Now, a quarter is about to pass, and I do not want to lose the trust of my landlord..."

However, he really is quite good-looking... I thought enviously, but compared to Jian Chenye at the peak of his beauty, you are nothing special.

From his appearance, it does not seem that he has any ulterior motives towards me; one can tell from his looks that he is not lacking a girlfriend with ample bosom, a slim waist, and long legs

Mom, I am coming home today

As she spoke, her gaze fell upon my feet: "Wow! Your pair looks as good as new, while mine has long been unwearable."

This is an instinct of female animals, allowing them to precisely grasp the nuances and effortlessly switch between two faces at will

I typed out the sentence "I didn't mean to hide it from you" again, and then deleted it

At around 4 PM, before the time for work and school to end, the usually crowded train carriage surprisingly displayed such an open scene.

It is so high that it seems I could never reach the top even if I exerted all my strength

I walked to the car door with my backpack, and suddenly I turned back to look at the lady who was on the phone

In three days, I will return to them, back to the life path that I once knew so well

Is it from the midnight of my childhood, when I heard my parents arguing in the bedroom, my mother shouting loudly, "If you have the ability, then bring back more money!" and I could only curl up in my blanket, gritting my teeth and crying secretly?

The probation period is three months, with a base salary of 2,000. A contract will be signed after the probation period.

I suddenly want to laugh at myself, what is there to reminisce about

I can also take the route of motivational quotes, speaking in the tone of a life coach, saying that you have merely lost someone who was unfaithful to you, while he has lost the most precious relationship of his life

It is not yet dark, what is she doing that is so secretive? I couldn't care less about that, I continued to dial, pressing the button again and again. On the fourth attempt, she finally answered: "Ye Zhao Jue, are you crazy!"

I followed this gentleman, whose name I did not even know at the time, into an office, and judging by the specifications, he must at least be at a managerial level

He raised his head to look at me, his face showing a look of disdain: "Don't get the wrong idea, I don't mean what you think I mean."

Is Shao Qingyu a bit mentally unstable? Why does he disclose all my details so clearly to others, yet doesn't even tell me what their last names are?

I suddenly realized that it has truly been a very long time since I last sat down to rest properly for a moment

The man before us appears to be no more than five years older than us, and his income should be quite decent, as I recognized that the shirt he is wearing is from D & G and the belt is from Dior. Alright, let us not get lost in the game of brand recognition and instead observe other details.

I hate my own humility, I hate the appearance of my shamelessness in seeking, and I hate this feeling of helpless frustration even more—furthermore, this is something I brought upon myself

However, by the time we grow from children into adults, the term "youth" has already become a thing of the past. It is only then that we realize those stories were merely stories. True destiny is a turbulent river, and within it, a person is but a small pebble drifting along with the current