Chapter 17 - 2.5 The Concretization of a Dream

At that moment, Chen Yu could almost see the scene of his glorious return home: driving a brand-new car back to the village, his parents' faces filled with uncontrollable pride, the villagers casting envious and jealous glances, and Yang Yuling—the girl he had always had a secret crush on but never dared to confess to because of his inferiority. He would also muster the courage to pursue her openly and honorably.Chen Yu remembered that day, Yang Yuling wearing a white dress, holding the admission letter for a bachelor's degree. At that moment, Chen Yu felt the distance between them had grown even wider. It wasn't a physical distance, but a distance in life trajectories."Chen Yu, I'm going to the provincial capital to study," Yang Yuling had told him that day. "You have to work hard too, I believe you can find a good job.""Yeah, I will," Chen Yu had replied with a smile, but his heart was filled with mixed feelings.Now, the high-paying job described by Zhang Qinsheng gave Chen Yu hope, a blueprint he had never dared to imagine. Perhaps this was the chance fate had given him to shorten the gap between him and Yang Yuling. Perhaps, when he returned in glory, he could confidently stand before her and tell her his feelings.He imagined himself standing confidently in front of Yang Yuling, no longer feeling inferior because of his poor family background, no longer feeling like a second-class citizen because of his lower education. Then, he could honorably confess his feelings to her, and like his peers born in big cities, have a bright future. He was unwilling to miss her like this, unwilling to let his love and his family's hopes for happiness be dashed because of poverty."I can't let her look down on me," Chen Yu repeatedly emphasized to himself. "I have to prove myself, I have to let her know that a boy from the countryside can also be successful, can also create a happy life for the girl he loves!"The power of this psychological suggestion was enormous. It completely overwhelmed Chen Yu's rationality, making him forget to think about the authenticity of this opportunity, forget to question why such a good thing would fall from the sky and land right on him.Chen Yu's heart was completely ignited."However," Zhang Qinsheng changed the subject, creating a sense of urgency, "this job opportunity is highly sought after, and my friend is also considering other candidates. If you're interested, you'd better decide as soon as possible.""Of course I'm interested!" Chen Yu said hastily, afraid the opportunity would slip away. "But... do I need to prepare anything?""It's simple, just apply for a passport and pack your luggage. My friend will handle all the other procedures for you," Zhang Qinsheng took out a business card and handed it to Chen Yu. "This is my contact information, go back and think about it, and give me an answer tomorrow."Chen Yu took the business card. It was printed with: Zhang Qinsheng, International Trade Consultant, and a pager number and a landline number. The card was beautifully made, with thick paper, looking very professional, which made Chen Yu trust Zhang Qinsheng's identity even more."Brother Zhang, I have one last question," Chen Yu hesitated for a moment, then asked the question deep in his heart, "Why... why did such a good opportunity come to me? I'm just an ordinary junior college student."Zhang Qinsheng smiled, he had already prepared the answer to this question: "Xiao Chen, you're too modest. My friend doesn't care about academic qualifications, but about character and a diligent spirit. Through today's contact, I feel that you are an honest and reliable person, which is exactly what they need. Many university students now have high aims but low abilities, and are unwilling to start from the bottom. It's the kids from the countryside like you who are more reliable and can endure hardship. I can tell at a glance that you are good material."Hearing this, the last trace of doubt in Chen Yu's heart vanished. Zhang Qinsheng's words made him feel recognized and valued. For a young man who had repeatedly hit a wall and whose self-esteem had been severely damaged, this feeling was undoubtedly a huge comfort."Do I need to pay any fees?" Chen Yu asked the most crucial question, because he really couldn't afford any money."Not at all!" Zhang Qinsheng waved his hand generously. "Airfare, visa, accommodation, all of these are covered by the company. You just need to bring a few changes of clothes. We only do background checks and don't charge any intermediary fees. The company said that real talent doesn't need to pay a single penny!"This sentence completely shattered Chen Yu's psychological defense. Free trip abroad, high-paying job, food and lodging included—this was simply a pie falling from the sky.The two chatted for a while longer. Zhang Qinsheng looked at his watch and said, "Oh, I have a meeting to attend, so I'll leave first. Go back and think about it carefully, this is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.""Okay, Brother Zhang, I will definitely consider it seriously," Chen Yu quickly stood up to see him off.After Zhang Qinsheng left, Chen Yu sat alone in the coffee shop, his mind in a turmoil for a long time. He repeatedly looked at the business card, his mind filled with the beautiful prospects Zhang Qinsheng had painted for him.A monthly salary of three thousand US dollars, food and lodging included, and he could save over a hundred thousand yuan a year. For him right now, this job was simply a lifesaver.