Prologue (Part Two), Gourd Ancient Temple, the joy of becoming carefree.

Although Yu Fei's car broke down on the road and he did not appear to be a wealthy boss, Cheng Tianle, visiting Suzhou for the first time, was warmly assisted with his luggage as soon as he got off the bus. A beautiful woman linked arms with him, strolling through the scenic Qian Nian Shan Tang Street, sweetly calling him "handsome". Upon crossing the Qing Shan Bridge and arriving in front of Pu Fu Zen Temple, Cheng Tianle couldn't help but feel a bit elated.

He didn't think much about it and simply asked, "Do you provide food and accommodation?"

Yu Fei is a senior executive at a multinational corporation in Suzhou, which is about to establish a new business department primarily responsible for foreign trade cooperation with Europe. He wishes to invite Cheng Tianle to Suzhou to serve as the business director of this department, offering a very high salary, excellent benefits, and remarkable development prospects. Yu Fei thought of Cheng Tianle because the company needs a young talent like him, who has studied in Europe and is full of energy and vitality. Additionally, they share a friendship from their time studying together in Europe, making this position a perfect fit for him. Yu Fei thought of Cheng Tianle because the company needs a young talent like him, who has studied in Europe and is full of energy and vitality. Additionally, they share a friendship from their time studying together in Europe, making this position a perfect fit for him

Before coming to Suzhou, Cheng Tianle had never considered whether he had encountered a pyramid scheme. Although he had occasionally seen reports about pyramid scheme groups online and in newspapers, he had not paid much attention, as it seemed like mere entertainment stories, far removed from his own life. When Yu Fei called him, Cheng Tianle did not suspect that he was being deceived; after all, what could someone like him, Cheng Tianle, possibly have that was worth deceiving?

Thus, the three of them arrived at Shangtang Street. Cheng Tianle felt embarrassed to let Yu Fei carry his bag, but Liu Shujun linked her arm with his and said, "Just let Yu carry the bag; I will accompany you, this handsome guy, for a good stroll."

Cheng Tianle arrived at Suzhou Railway Station and sent a text message to Yu Fei. After more than ten minutes, Yu Fei finally arrived. Yu Fei was not alone; he was accompanied by a woman who appeared to be in her twenties. Although her attire was somewhat plain, her figure and appearance were quite good. As soon as Yu Fei saw Cheng Tianle, he stepped forward to introduce her, saying: "This is our company's executive assistant, Miss Liu, who has just returned from studying in the United States." While speaking, he took Cheng Tianle's travel bag and slung it over his shoulder.

Yu Fei further stated: "This afternoon, there will be a business study at the company. There won't be many people attending. Manager Cheng is visiting Suzhou for the first time. How about we find a place to stroll around with the library and have a meal at the same time"

According to the arrangements made by the intermediary agency, Cheng Tianle's study abroad plan is to first attend a language school for one year, then complete a preparatory course for one year in accordance with the admission requirements of local German universities, and subsequently take entrance exams to continue further studies at a university. Upon completing his education, he would be considered to have enhanced his qualifications. If he can secure employment locally in Europe, it would not only alleviate the burden on his family but also contribute to the nation.

Nowadays, newspapers frequently feature large sections and extensive articles introducing studying abroad. There is a wide variety of study abroad agencies, which often rent venues in upscale hotels to hold seminars on studying abroad. Through the introduction of an acquaintance, his parents contacted an agency and, with determination, sent their precious son to study in Germany. At that time, his father held a leadership position in a small state-owned real estate development company, and the family's financial situation was relatively good

At the beginning of this century, many universities expanded their enrollment and changed their names. For example, China Textile University was renamed Donghua University, and the so-called Huaxia College is a secondary college that it merged with. Even with his good grades, Cheng Tianle could only enroll in a vocational program here. The tuition is not cheap, but obtaining a diploma is not difficult; the challenge lies in finding employment after graduation

On one hand, it is because the gathering place of the gang is not too far from here; on the other hand, and more importantly, Qili Mountain Tang Street is not only a place where the cultural heritage and picturesque scenery of Suzhou have been accumulated since ancient times, but also a place where one can stroll without spending any money

His cousin is indeed named Li Xiaolong, sharing the same name as that international kung fu superstar; both of their names are quite interesting

Yu Fei laughed on the phone, saying: "Of course! We have dormitories and a staff cafeteria, and the benefits are excellent. As long as you work for a few years and achieve results, the bonuses can reach several million!"

What Yu Fei and Liu Shujun are currently doing is colloquially referred to as "bringing in new friends" in the language of pyramid schemes. When visiting Suzhou, the most well-known attractions for outsiders are undoubtedly the gardens. So why do they bring Cheng Tianle to this Shantang Street? In reality, every time this group "brings in new friends," there is an eight or nine out of ten chance that they will take people to stroll through the scenic spots of Shantang.

Half a year has passed in such days, and it is time to pay the rent for the second half of the year. Cheng Tianle is feeling a bit troubled. Does he really have to call his parents to ask for money? This is not an easy topic to bring up. He has already told his family over the phone that he is doing quite well in Shanghai, has found a place to live, and has secured a job, with no worries about food and drink.

Just at the moment of difficulty, fortune turned in his favor. A friend, with whom he had not been in contact for a long time, suddenly called him. The tone was full of confidence, the attitude was enthusiastic, and there was genuine concern for him, which deeply moved Cheng Tianle. This person is named Yu Fei, who had studied abroad in Germany with Cheng Tianle for two years. As far as Cheng Tianle knows, Yu Fei comes from a modest background, and studying abroad was not an easy burden for him.

Among the group of high school graduates who went to Germany with Cheng Tianle, there are some who successfully passed the language requirements, completed their preparatory courses, and entered university. However, the proportion of such students is very low; it is quite good if there are five or six out of a hundred. Most of the others are essentially spending their family's money to travel in Europe.

This made Cheng Tianle feel a bit embarrassed. He wiped the sweat from his palms on his clothes and, smiling, extended his hand to shake, saying: "Hello, my name is Cheng Tianle, please take care of me"

Liu Shujun enthusiastically agreed, saying: "Sure, it is my honor to go shopping with a handsome guy like Manager Cheng! Let's visit Shantang Street; tourists from other places only know about Suzhou's gardens, but they are unaware that the waterways and alleys are the essence of Suzhou's scenery"

Unfortunately, although the envisioned scenario is appealing, the reality is entirely different. Cheng Tianle spent two years at a language school in a place called Augsburg, Germany, and did not even enter a university preparatory program. By the third year, the local authorities discovered some issues with the language school, which was unexpectedly shut down. Cheng Tianle then packed his bags and returned to his home country. Along with him were many other children who had similar experiences, including his cousin Li Xiaolong.

Reflecting on the experience of studying abroad in Europe for over two years, it feels as though domestic agencies and foreign interests have orchestrated a scheme, leaving Cheng Tianle to spend a significant amount of money for little return. On the other hand, one must also blame Cheng Tianle himself for his lack of ambition. He had mediocre grades in high school in China, and after arriving abroad, free from the supervision of his parents and teachers, could one really expect him to miraculously transform himself, study diligently, and strive for improvement? His parents certainly hoped so, but such hopes seem rather naive.

However, Cheng Yule is not completely muddled or bookish; at least during the college entrance examination, he did not write his name incorrectly. Although his exam scores were very poor, the name on the test paper matched that on his ID card and admission ticket. Moreover, he is usually called Cheng Tianle, which is not a pen name, alias, or merely a nickname, but rather a habit formed over time. A not exaggerated example is that a friend who shared a rental with him for two years had no idea that his real name was not Cheng Tianle.

Cheng Tianle has been able to draw since childhood, studying painting at the local youth palace from elementary school through middle school. While his painting skills are not the main focus, compared to children of the same age, this can be considered his notable "specialty." Through a recommendation from an acquaintance, Cheng Tianle came to Shanghai and studied for three years in the Fine Arts and Design program at the Huaxia College of Donghua University, ultimately obtaining his associate degree.

Cheng Tianle continued to chuckle and said, "I don't mind, whatever works."

Upon returning from Europe, his parents had also retired, and the family's financial situation was far from what it used to be. The future of their son became a significant concern. At this time, a friend of his cousin's husband happened to run a tutoring class for the college entrance examination, so he was sent to attend the class for a year to prepare for the exam. Aware that his academic performance could not be relied upon, he chose to pursue a major in the arts.

Thus, Cheng Tianle stayed in Shanghai, sharing an apartment with university classmates who graduated together. He took a job at Pizza Hut, working in the kitchen slicing pizzas. During his free time, he occasionally helped others with design work and took on odd jobs through introductions from classmates to earn some extra pocket money, which allowed him to make ends meet

After three days of phone calls, Cheng Tianle roughly understood that Yu Fei is currently engaged in a large-scale and promising venture. On the fourth day, Yu Fei finally revealed his purpose.

Cheng Tianle participated in the college entrance examination in Dalian, Liaoning, scoring just over 300 points, which is quite dismal. However, one should not underestimate his "educational experience". Before taking the college entrance examination, Cheng Tianle had attended a tutoring program for a year; prior to that, he had over two years of study abroad experience in Europe. In this sense, he can be considered a returned talent.

Just as Cheng Tianle was about to say it was unnecessary, the young lady smiled and extended her hand, saying: "Manager Cheng, hello, my name is Liu Shujun, it is a pleasure to meet you! From now on, we will be colleagues." She blinked her bright, sparkling eyes, seemingly gazing at him with affectionate intent

Unfortunately, during his days in Paris, he coincided with yet another strike by the local sanitation department. Whenever someone asked Cheng Tianle about his impressions of this legendary city of art and flowers, his most profound response was: "The streets are filled with garbage, and there are too many cigarette butts!"

The young lady named Liu Shujun explained, "Mr. Yu's car broke down on the way, and it seems it won't be repaired today."

Cheng Tianle's academic performance is very poor; the answers he writes on his exam papers are as erroneous as his name suggests, with mistakes having become second nature to him. After graduating from junior high school, his parents sought connections and paid sponsorship fees to get him into a relatively decent high school. As he approached graduation from high school, his parents were also aware that they could not expect much from their precious son in the college entrance examination.

His student life abroad cannot be said to have been entirely without gains; at the very least, he lived in a very "frugal" manner and traveled to many places in Europe. His parents provided him with a monthly allowance of approximately 600 euros, which he used to pay for rent and meals, as well as to socialize with other children from China and travel together, including a visit to Paris

The teacher mistakenly called two out of the three characters wrong; "于" was read as "天," and the music character "乐" was pronounced as the joyful "乐." This name was quite amusing, and all the classmates laughed, including the homeroom teacher herself. Children often have nicknames at school, so "成天乐" inevitably became the nickname for classmate 成于乐, and hardly anyone called him by his given name anymore

Receiving a bonus of several million is something Cheng Tianle could hardly imagine. As for the position of business supervisor, he did not dare to aspire to it. However, at this moment, someone introduced him to a job that included meals and accommodation. Cheng Tianle immediately packed his bags and went to report for duty. The journey from Shanghai to Suzhou is very convenient; the high-speed train takes only twenty-five minutes.

After graduating, Cheng Tianle adhered to the principle of aligning with his major and applied to several advertising companies. He submitted his portfolio and received interview opportunities, creating several creative designs using design software, but he did not secure a formal job.

Cheng Tianle is not his formal name; his name on his ID card is Cheng Yule. However, this formal name has rarely been used in daily life, except for applying for various documents, and he has even forgotten it himself. Whenever others ask him what m.hetushu.com is called, he always responds with a smile, saying: "My name is Cheng Tianle"

Having not found a job in his field, he thought to himself with a smile: "I have been to so many places and studied for so many years; there must be a way for me to make a living." He felt that after spending so many years studying and costing his family so much money, he could not shamelessly return home to continue relying on his parents.

Others' nicknames are merely nicknames, but the nickname of Cheng Yule has become his name. Coupled with his silly grin that he wears all day long, he truly embodies his name. The situation of teachers miscalling names has occurred more than once from elementary school to university. There were even a few instances where Cheng Yule himself, in a moment of confusion, wrote his name as "Cheng Tianle" on an exam paper, and surprisingly, the teacher did not notice.

Before starting school, children generally use their nicknames at home or in kindergarten. His nickname is Lele, pronounced with the character for joy. It is different from the pronunciation of his formal name. On the first day of first grade, when the homeroom teacher called the roll, perhaps due to a momentary lapse or carelessness, she called out "Cheng Tian Le!"

At this moment, Yu Fei, carrying a backpack, picked up the phone and shouted to someone, "Why hasn't the car arrived yet? ... What? ... It can't be fixed today?"

The name of Cheng Tianle has quite a story behind it. His full name, "Cheng Yu Le," was given shortly after his birth by a highly esteemed and knowledgeable "master" who was well-versed in metaphysics, according to his father. It is derived from a saying of the sage: "Flourish in poetry, establish in propriety, and achieve in music." Later, Cheng Tianle came across this phrase in the "Analects" and discovered that Confucius indeed said it, suggesting that his father's words were not entirely unfounded.

Yu Fei often skipped classes at the language school in Germany, and later cohabited with another girl from China, only breaking up before returning to the country. After returning home, Cheng Tianle had left him contact information, but there had been no news for several years. Suddenly, he received a call from Yu Fei, who seemed very busy; each conversation lasted only three to five minutes, yet he showed great concern for Cheng Tianle's recent situation. After returning home, Cheng Tianle had left him contact information, but there had been no news for several years. Suddenly, he received a call from Yu Fei, who seemed very busy; each conversation lasted only three to five minutes, yet he showed great concern for Cheng Tianle's recent situation

While attending a language school in Germany, he was always cheerful and seemed to be lost in thought during classes. He shared an apartment with classmates from China, and the landlord was also Chinese. Most of his friends were Chinese as well. After more than two years of studying abroad, he had not mastered the German language, and upon returning to his home country, he had almost forgotten it.