Chapter Seven, truly a wooden man
When a man lends money to a woman without any expectation of return, people often subtly wonder if he is hoping to gain something from her. However, I have neither beauty, youth, nor a good temper, so why would he? I truly do not know if he is genuinely foolish or if I am too mercenary. Does he not fear that I might deceive him for money?
The company's environment, the demeanor of Light Beauty, and the straightforwardness of Jin Jie are indeed rare to encounter during these days of tirelessly searching for a job within the five-day, eight-hour work schedule
Having learned from past experiences, particularly from the incident involving Tong Yunfei, I have developed an unconscious aversion towards married men. Upon viewing the photos sent by Yu Weiwei, I find them somewhat untrustworthy, prompting me to advise her to remain vigilant.
He is already five years old. I pondered that children under three are too young, and many matters require the mother's personal attention, while those over five can be sent to kindergarten, which does not require too much effort from the mother, so I said he is five.
You are my first friend in China
I did not expect that she would ask me before the formal interview.
In response to this issue, I consulted Baidu. Baidu informed me that women over the age of 30 should state "married with children" when applying for jobs, as no company is willing to grant several months of maternity leave after hiring you. Furthermore, a woman of this age who is still unmarried either has emotional intelligence issues or intelligence issues.
Finally, I have decided to return to my original profession and seek a publishing company. I am quite experienced in this field and have ample resources. However, I have always been unaware that my hometown, which is reputed to be a place rich in talent and a prolific producer of writers in Jiangnan, has a cultural industry that is surprisingly underdeveloped, while the industrial sector is quite advanced
This sentence struck a chord with me. I have a vague feeling that Zhu Yesheng has taken a liking to a young girl and has found no excitement in me. Love inevitably becomes gradually bland, yet we are unwilling to accept that blandness. Every time I think of Zhu Yesheng, I am filled with a surge of impulsive energy. Without needing to be urged by others, I registered an account on a dating website, first uploading my photo and filling in my information.
Do not be sad, do not be sad, I can help you. How much is enough
Nevertheless, I still measured a gentleman's heart with the mind of a petty person, thinking that women's tolerance is limited. If I were to say that I am unmarried and childless, she might perceive me, given my age, as someone who is about to have a child, and perhaps would not hire me. During the time she was tidying up, I was struggling with whether or not to tell this lie
I replied: "I have recovered from my cold. I have been moving these days and will need to start looking for a job again, so I will be very busy and won't have time to go online." Just after I sent it, his QQ notification lit up.
Yuwei sent me a photo of a middle-aged man standing on a bridge, leaning against the railing, looking quite spirited, but there is something a bit odd about it
I found him on a matchmaking website, how is it? Today I went on a blind date, and it felt good. He is the financial director of a real estate company and has a promising future
He truly regarded me as a friend, which moved me to the point of wanting to embrace him and weep bitterly
Following the address provided by the other party, I arrived near Chong'an Temple in Wuxi, having turned twice on the busiest street. Wuxi has many urban parks that are open to the public for free, and many people cut through them as a shortcut. I hurried past, unable to take in the sights, but even a glance made me feel refreshed and at ease. Finally, I turned to the end of the scenery, arriving at a secluded and tranquil building. This place stands in stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere just a wall away, representing a paradise in my heart. I hurried past, unable to take in the sights, but even a glance made me feel refreshed and at ease. Finally, I turned to the end of the scenery, arriving at a secluded and tranquil building. This place stands in stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere just a wall away, representing a paradise in my heart.
I had already set my online status to invisible for him, so he has always been unaware that I am occasionally online. In light of his concern for me, I have changed the settings
The first thing to do when I get home is to widely share information on Weibo, inviting friends and family to travel, and simultaneously update my status on campus and QQ.
Why are you so kind to me
I was joking with you, I still have a little savings, no need to worry
Seeing his concern, I could no longer vent my anger on him: "Alas, I can't find a job; one by one, they all look down on me for being older and unmarried, these snobs!"
"Then wouldn't that take my husband's life? A cat has nine lives, but he only has two—me and our son," I said with a smile
Although it has its imperfections, it is still a city I love, with a pace that is neither too fast nor too slow, making it suitable for living. In contrast, Beijing is too hurried, where every moment counts, and breakfast is always consumed on the go.
In order to secure this job that aligns with my aspirations, I, being experienced, still consulted a great deal of information to understand the knowledge related to textbook editing, planning, and publishing, as well as the employment requirements in Wuxi
Unmarried and without children
The rent in Wuxi is much cheaper compared to Beijing; a well-decorated one-bedroom apartment costs just over 1,000. All the appliances and furniture are brand new. I paid the agency service fee, and it was settled quickly. Then I took a taxi to move in my luggage and tidied up a bit. Looking at the brand new apartment seemed to herald a new beginning, and I felt very happy
I apologize, but there is still a slight discrepancy with my psychological price point. I hope there will be an opportunity to collaborate in the future
Are you married? Do you have children?
I called Weiwei and asked her to come over quickly, but she mysteriously asked me to go online, saying she wanted to show me something
The other party said that Wuxi cannot be compared to Beijing, and the salary offered to me is the same as my basic salary from a few years ago. Moreover, I would have to start as an assistant to the editor-in-chief, and it was emphasized that my salary would be higher than that of other employees. If my abilities are indeed commendable, I could be promoted to the position of editor-in-chief. The working hours are six days a week, ten hours a day. This is a significant difference from my previous job's treatment, and the work intensity is also high. Although the base salary at that time was not very much, I received commissions from several books each month, which brought my after-tax income to the level of a junior white-collar worker. This is a significant difference from my previous job's treatment, and the work intensity is also high. Although the base salary at that time was not very much, I received commissions from several books each month, which brought my after-tax income to the level of a junior white-collar worker.
Lacking any sense of humor, with such a simple mind, unable to think outside the box. I am incredulously "ah".
Daniel sends me a message every ten minutes, urging me to rest earlier, just like my mom. I respond politely like he does by saying "thank you," but I deliberately stay online to watch him get anxious.
Welcome. Sister Jin stood up to shake my hand, and I quickly stood up as well
That was my interest during high school. Now I enjoy horror movies, the scarier the better. I also like to gather many people to watch with me, and then listen to others scream in fright, which excites me greatly. This good mood makes me particularly want to tease him
Filled with joy, I decided to take a stroll around the Chong'an Temple pedestrian street to reward myself with a new outfit. Buying clothes is one of my greatest hobbies. I have never been interested in accessories worn on my head, fingers, wrists, ankles, or around my neck; my passion for clothing has remained unwavering. Spending a day browsing on Taobao and collecting hundreds of outfits is enough to satisfy my vanity
He said nervously: "No, it is not acceptable. The neighbors will gossip, and it will have a negative impact. If you have nowhere to stay, I can give you the house, and I will move out."
So I wanted to tease him: "I have run out of ammunition and supplies, and have been sleeping on the streets for several days, waiting to starve to death. If you have time, come over and help me collect the corpses." Then I sent a sad crying emoji of a rabbit.
Recently, there has been much discussion on Weibo about the lack of a sense of security among white-collar workers in Beijing earning a monthly salary of 7,000 yuan. This is not the only case; even those earning over 10,000 yuan also feel insecure. A salary of 1,000 yuan does not necessarily feel less secure than one of 10,000 yuan, yet we prefer to choose the latter. Therefore, the sense of security is not related to monthly salary; it is merely an excuse.
How can a matchmaking website grow without spending money to find some eligible bachelors
He once again made me see him in a new light. In this materialistic society, I, who originally pursued a simple life, have become increasingly worldly, while he still retains the purity and beauty that I have already lost. So righteous, so passionate, so upright, he has earned my admiration as a man who is two years younger than me yet more mature and pure.
Compared to the concern of someone I am not very familiar with, Zhu Yesheng gradually made me lose hope. However, a lie I carelessly told was remembered by Daniel. I went from being indifferent to him to developing a slight fondness.
Although I have not authored many educational reference books, the processes of editing, planning, and operational models in publishing are essentially the same. These can be considered as experience, and one can grasp them in just a few days. If the company recognizes my potential, I will certainly do my utmost. I have always been passionate about this industry, unlike many who view it merely as a means of livelihood. For those who live by it, it serves as a medium for material gain; for those who pursue it as a career, it represents a quest. I may lack other abilities, but my capacity to write several books should not be underestimated.
He explained again: "It's okay, don't be sad, I can help you. How much do you need?"
The young lady who received me was named Light Beauty, and she had a particularly sweet demeanor. Upon seeing me, she said, "You must be Sister Jingwen, right? The editor-in-chief is waiting for you!" It was the first time I had been addressed as 'sister' during an interview, and I immediately developed a favorable impression of this publishing company. Light Beauty led me to the editor-in-chief's office. Once inside, I saw a middle-aged woman, slightly plump, with short and neat hair, a kind face, who politely said to me, "Please, have a seat. I apologize, but I need to finish my current work first." She then asked Light Beauty to pour me some tea. While she tidied up some documents, she engaged in conversation with me, concerned that I might feel restless sitting there.
Once again, I was moved. His words were like a heavy promise, and I secretly vowed to treat this little brother better. I expressed my feelings: "If only you were here, even if one day I were homeless, I could still hang out at your place for a few days"
At this time, people in Beijing were still wearing thick woolen coats, while Jiangnan had already entered spring, with the streets and alleys adorned in vibrant colors that were truly pleasing to the eye. For the interview, I specifically wore ten-centimeter high heels and even went to the hair salon for a trim. It was only when I stood in front of the mirror and saw myself radiating competence, maturity, and vitality that I felt satisfied and ready to set off. In fact, clothing has a significant relationship with interviews; it should not be too flashy, as that would be unfavorable if I encountered a female leader; yet it should not be too unkempt, as no one wants a slovenly person. The first impression must be striking, but not overly conspicuous, so that day I chose a black trench coat, paired with a red belt at the waist, which brightened up my overall appearance.
The last female candidate was interviewed for half an hour after I arrived, while I was out in less than five minutes. Upon careful reflection, it should not be an issue of work experience or capability; it must have been the final question. I have long heard that there is professional discrimination against women, especially those in the age group where they are expected to be married but are not yet married.
I enjoy watching movies, especially art films. In order to help me learn about Chinese culture, my mother always forced me to watch art films when I was young. I like Wong Kar-wai's movies, as they have a strong Chinese flavor. He began to talk to me about interests.
I quickly logged onto QQ, and before I could see any gossip from Yu Weiwei, I noticed a message from Daniel.
Eight thousand after tax
Sister Jin is a straightforward person. I also stated directly that I like the atmosphere and environment of our company, so I decided to stay
I had almost forgotten that Daniel was still online. Just as I was about to log off, he sent me a message: "It's already quite late, staying up late is not good for you, get some rest early"
The market situation in Wuxi cannot be compared to that of Beijing. We are also a small publishing company, and our profits do not match those of large publishers. Your request is indeed quite high. After tax, the salary is 6,000, with commission on book sales, five social insurances and one housing fund, and a work schedule of five days a week, eight hours a day. If this is acceptable, you can start work next Monday. Sister Jin is a straightforward person
It is indeed troublesome, but I still politely told him "right away"
Who? My heart skipped a beat. Could it be the person that was introduced to me? Does Yu Weiwei also have a penchant for playing matchmaker?
Do you have any requirements regarding salary
He actually said: "OK! No problem!" His response was so straightforward that it didn't seem like a joke, leading me to doubt whether there are truly people who regard money as dirt
So it turns out this girl is keeping it all for herself, when did she develop such a taste? Such a strong preference! The Chief Financial Officer is on a dating website? Is he out of his mind? I replied to Lao Yu: "Don't tell me he's a scammer, the Chief Financial Officer on a dating website? Doesn't he have a swarm of admirers around him? I don't believe it."
Since Zhu Yesheng severed all ties through email, I have stopped using this unfortunate email account. Today, I logged in again and saw an email from Daniel sent a few days ago, asking if I had recovered from my cold and reminding me to drink more water. Such concern was only present when Zhu Yesheng was still in the country; it gradually diminished, and by the end, he was no longer aware of my cold. To allow him to focus on his research, I never informed him that I was ill. Such concern was only present when Zhu Yesheng was still in the country; it gradually diminished, and by the end, he was no longer aware of my cold. To allow him to focus on his research, I never informed him that I was ill
Let me introduce myself first
Then, she finally completed the work at hand and began to discuss the interview with me
My name is Dou Jingwen. I graduated from a key university in Beijing in 2004 and joined a national publishing house in the same year, where I was promoted from book editor to head of the editorial department, accumulating many years of management experience. Although I have been engaged in book planning for many years, I am quite familiar with media orientation and media operations, possessing abundant media resources and maintaining good cooperative relationships with multiple media outlets. I am confident that I am fully capable of fulfilling the role of planning manager. I have briefly introduced my experiences over the years. Although I have been engaged in book planning for many years, I am quite familiar with media orientation and media operations, possessing abundant media resources and maintaining good cooperative relationships with multiple media outlets. I am confident that I am fully capable of fulfilling the role of planning manager. I have briefly introduced my experiences over the years.
When I came out of Yonghong Publishing Company, Light Beauty still said to me, "Goodbye, Sister Jingwen." I turned back to glance at the company and felt that the owner of this company is truly a person who knows how to enjoy life and has taste. Choosing the office location at the end of the urban garden gives a sense of a secluded path leading to a paradise on earth. My petit bourgeois sentiment inadvertently surfaced again
I will definitely help you with any difficulties
The reason for the current refusal is that I see the other party is very sincere, and I do not want to waste their time. For those interviewers who speak only halfway and require me to read their expressions, I will definitely respond with, "Let me think about it." Therefore, it is better to treat people with sincerity.
I thought carefully and decided to scare him with a large number, so I boldly borrowed twenty thousand yuan from a man I wasn't very familiar with for the first time. I pretended to think for a moment and said: "About three thousand US dollars!"
The term "as meticulous as dust" has always struck me as unsuitable for describing men, yet Daniel repeatedly makes me feel that his thoughts are sharp and delicate, like dust.
In the early morning, I enter the ancient temple, as the first sunlight illuminates the tall trees. The winding path leads to a secluded place, where the Zen room is deep with flowers and trees. The mountain light delights the birds, while the pond's shadow reflects the emptiness of the human heart. All sounds are silent here, leaving only the sound of bells and chimes. This is a poem titled "On the Zen Courtyard Behind the Poshanshan Temple" by the Tang Dynasty poet Chang Jian, included in the "Complete Poems of the Tang Dynasty." Most people are only familiar with the last two lines of the first half of the poem. The poem is about Poshanshan Temple, which is also known as Xingfu Temple, located at the northern foot of Yushan in Changshu, Jiangsu Province, not far from Wuxi. I believe that substituting Poshanshan Temple with Chong'an Temple would also be appropriate. This winding path leading to a secluded place somewhat resembles the meaning of the back garden of Chong'an Temple.
A colleague in our company has just gone through a divorce, and her child is already five years old. She is currently busy and preoccupied on her own, which is quite challenging. Raising a child is difficult; I have been through that myself and understand. By the way, you haven't divorced, have you? She asked this in a conversational manner while also testing me.
Please wait for our notification. He set down the resume
As soon as I logged in, Daniel sent a greeting with a QQ emoji. It seems he has done quite a bit of research and has even learned how to use emojis. Feeling in a good mood, I chatted with him for a bit. I could sense that he was excited because of my good mood
What difficulties?
Having seen you just once, your intelligence has already diminished to this extent, is it really necessary
It turns out he has been lurking in the shadows all along. However, I do not understand why he insists on following me and frequently contacting me, given that we are not well acquainted. Perhaps it is because he has no friends in the country; that is the only explanation I can come up with.
Having gained this experience, when I encounter the same question in the next interview, I will falsely claim "married, no children"; however, I was still told to go home and wait for notification
As soon as Wei Wei came online, I left this wooden man aside. Without my nagging mother around, I no longer have to worry about how late I chat at night
Aren't you a bit older now? Do you have children?
I saw him hesitate for quite a while before finally sending a message saying, "I thought you liked art films." So he actually wants to get closer to me!
Yu Weiwei said: "You should quickly find a partner too. If you don't hurry, in the blink of an eye, you'll be approaching forty, and by then, you will truly be past your prime. Don't blame me for not reminding you; a woman at forty standing next to a twenty-year-old girl has no advantages at all. By that time, you might as well wait to grow old in your room!"
You do not have a job and have just arrived in a new place. Are you experiencing financial difficulties? If so, please let me know, and I can help you
Having purchased the clothes, although I felt a slight pang of regret, I returned home with great joy
Walking through the city garden, one arrives at the bustling Chong'an Temple, filled with a constant flow of people. I have already experienced the unique characteristics of Wuxi early on, which cannot be compared to other cities. Here, all the brand specialty stores are located within buildings, leading to the presence of places like 800 Partner, Poly Plaza, Sanyang Baisheng, Baolong Plaza, and New City Plaza. However, there is no pedestrian street like that in Suzhou; even the small vendors selling clothes are situated in the underground mall. The underground mall is also a tourist attraction, featuring not only a modern array of clothing and accessories but also picturesque flowing water scenery. There is still no pedestrian street like that in Suzhou; even the small vendors selling clothes are situated in the underground mall. The underground mall is also a tourist attraction, featuring not only a modern array of clothing and accessories but also picturesque flowing water scenery.
Yuwei does not listen to me, but instead advises me to find a good person to marry as soon as possible, otherwise I will regret it for a lifetime. I had originally made ample preparations for marriage, and now, even without getting married, I consider my situation to be improved.
The interviewer expressed approval after listening, and then took out my resume to review it
During my third interview, the first question they asked was about my marital and reproductive status. This time I answered, "Divorced, no children," and once again I went home to wait for the results. This time I finally couldn't hold back and asked, "Is getting married and having children really that important?"
"My surname is Jin, you can call me Sister Jin, everyone does that." After she introduced herself, she continued, "I have looked at your resume. You have worked in a publishing company for many years, so I believe your abilities should be fine. However, you know that we specialize in educational supplementary materials, and you lack experience in this area. We will start you on a one-month probation period with a salary of 4,000. If you are capable of handling the position of director by then, we can discuss your salary further."
Fortunately, I am in a good mood today; otherwise, I would have surely said, "I have always been healthy, so keep it for yourself." Thus, I sent him the address, and he replied with a simple, "Thank you"
Hope is something that can be deceiving; being deceived for too long inevitably leads to hormonal imbalances, acne on the face, and an increase in temper. Just as I was troubled by work and tirelessly searching for jobs and sending out resumes online, Daniel sent me a message. Instantly, I poured all my impatience onto him, typing out a string of "annoyed" characters. He was taken aback and cautiously replied, asking me what was wrong, apologizing and expressing concern.
After the probation period, it will be eight thousand. I am also straightforward.
How will you give it to me? I asked tentatively
He seems to still be in disbelief: "Really? Don't be shy, if you encounter any difficulties, be sure to let me know"
A few days later, I found nothing. My psychological price point gradually decreased, and in the end, I only hoped to find a job that could cover my living expenses while also allowing me to travel and have a relaxed work schedule.
On the twenty-second day of my arrival in Wuxi, I received an interview notification from another company. The company is a publishing house specializing in educational supplementary books, and they scheduled an interview for me the following day
I greatly admire someone like you. Do you have any further requirements regarding the salary
I haven't seen you lately. Have you recovered from your cold? I sent you an email, but you didn't reply. I have been very worried since I haven't seen you these past few days. Please reply to me and let me know, okay?
What spirit is this? Upon hearing this phrase, everything else became insignificant. I immediately felt that this Chinese American, who grew up in the United States, possesses a pure and kind-hearted nature, retaining the great spirit of the Chinese nation that emphasizes the principle of 'men and women should not engage in close contact.' This is different from the foreign devils cultivated by the imperialist American country, which I view as the epitome of all evil.
I am ready to let go of the past and have emerged from the pain. Life is short
After resting for three to five days, I indulged in some shopping at various malls, visited Taihu Lake, and took a stroll around the ancient Grand Canal. The numbers on my bank card dwindled, and I had already paid a considerable amount in rent. In order to get back on track as soon as possible, I began my job search. I first submitted several resumes online, and the next day, a few companies called to inform me about interviews.
Please provide me with the address and phone number, and I will transfer it to you online. You will receive a text message notification at that time
To give me something and then say thank you, which country's etiquette is this? How polite! This reminds me of Japanese movies, where when Japanese people meet, one person stands up, bows, and greets, and the other person hurriedly nods and bows in return. After much effort, they finally sit down, and after just a few words, one person stands up and bows again, prompting the other to quickly stand and bow in the same manner. Such a cumbersome etiquette! As stated in the "Records of the Grand Historian: Treatise on Economic Affairs": "When the granaries are full, one knows etiquette." After much effort, they finally sit down, and after just a few words, one person stands up and bows again, prompting the other to quickly stand and bow in the same manner. Such a cumbersome etiquette! As stated in the "Records of the Grand Historian: Treatise on Economic Affairs": "When the granaries are full, one knows etiquette."
The first company is a media operation firm, and I applied for the position of planning manager. Upon arriving at the company, the receptionist led me to the conference room and asked me to wait, mentioning that Manager Wang from Human Resources was interviewing someone before me. After waiting for quite a while, the lady in front finally came out, and I happened to meet her. I saw that this lady was radiant, with a captivating face, yet devoid of any worldly charm; the pride on her face made her seem like a celestial being. I thought to myself, with such a beautiful opponent, my chances did not look good.
Home is still the best, the air is much fresher, and one can see small ponds wherever they go. In Beijing, apart from artificial fountains, it is hard to find small puddles. Looking at the pleasant scenery can greatly improve one's mood. I dressed very professionally and headed to the interview location
Before hanging up, the other party politely said: "Miss Dou, it is not as high as you think in Wuxi. I hope you find a good job soon"
He is not very good at chatting, quite the dullard. I originally wanted to try to talk to him, but his conversation is truly monotonous. No matter what you say to him, he always replies with "OK"; if you say something else, he follows up with "I see". If you occasionally complain about how dull he is, he quickly apologizes with "I'm sorry". If you half-heartedly compliment him on his politeness, he innocently asks, "Really?" Regardless of whether your compliment is sincere or not, as long as he receives an affirmative response from you, he sincerely says "Thank you".
Could you please provide me with your home address? I will send you the photos of Yulong Snow Mountain, as well as a set of books on healthy eating
One time, I saw a certain evening newspaper recruiting a chief editor at a newsstand on the street corner. After submitting my resume, I received a phone call and had a brief conversation. The other party indicated that my proposed salary was somewhat high and that my experience did not fully align with their requirements. If I accepted the conditions they offered, I could go for an interview
In the garden of Chong'an Temple, there are elderly people playing the erhu, accompanied by a few others singing folk songs. ... There are also such elderly individuals in Beijing, in Houhai Park, playing diabolo, playing erhu, singing Peking opera, and practicing Tai Chi ... Just by listening to the music, one can tell the ruggedness of Beijing; the Peking opera is filled with the carefree demeanor of a northern patriarch. The elderly in Wuxi sing Xiju, formerly known as "wenxi," which features the characteristics of folk music from the Jiangnan water towns, soft and lyrical, clear and melodious. I paused to listen for a while, even though I did not fully understand the lyrics. The Peking opera, with its distinctive northern flair, contrasts with the Xiju of Wuxi, which is gentle and elegant, embodying the beauty of Jiangnan. Listening to the elderly woman's still clear voice and gazing at her weathered face, I thought to myself that she must have been a beauty in her youth. The knife of time has cruelly transformed a beauty into an old woman with a face full of wrinkles. The thought that I too would one day become like this suddenly filled me with dread, no longer able to recite in a refined manner, "Aging is just aging; let the world see a kind face, a grandmother without wrinkles is terrifying." Now I understand why celebrities desperately strive to maintain their appearance— for them, aging is akin to death, and the feeling of being a living corpse must be quite unbearable.