Zhou You drove the entire way. Big Head had a driver's license, but he'd barely driven before. He liked the car, but there were too many people and vehicles on the road—he didn't dare take the wheel.
Big Head bounced from the passenger seat to the back, looking around everywhere. After all, a car worth around 500,000 yuan was definitely considered a good one.
"You, bro, this car needs to be broken in. I want to practice driving with it," Big Head said excitedly.
"No problem. I bought an off-road vehicle because it's tough and durable. Minor bumps and scratches don't bother me, and I can't be bothered to fix them. As long as there's no major issue, it's fine."
In the past, Zhou You would repair even a tiny dent or scratch on his new car. But after a few years, he just couldn't be bothered anymore. It was like new clothes—you care at first, but eventually, you stop.
In 2010, the roads in Luzhou weren't smooth yet, full of potholes. Other cars would carefully navigate around them, but Zhou You just drove straight through.
This drew glances from nearby drivers, their expressions a mix of envy, jealousy, or resignation.
The Wrangler was that kind of car—obvious strengths, obvious weaknesses. It all depended on what you chose.
When they reached the neighborhood, Zhou You asked Big Head how it felt.
"Uncomfortable to sit in, honestly, but damn satisfying."
There was a parking spot on the street, but it was in direct sunlight. The curb had some shade, but most cars couldn't get up there.
Without a word, Zhou You drove right over the small curb and parked on top.
The moment he crossed that curb, he felt the car was worth it.
Zhou You asked Big Head how work was going.
"Eh, same old. Still in training, haven't officially started yet. Once I do, I'll probably have to travel around Anhui province first."
"What does your company do? Something with home appliances, right?"
"Yeah, home appliances, like Gree. Hefei's old brand, Meiling, but who knows how it'll turn out."
"And you? Really set on being a teacher at school?" Big Head asked back.
"Yeah, being a teacher is for the peace and quiet. Especially in our major, there's basically no research projects. It's all fixed salary. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been pushed to buy sports lottery tickets. If I relied on that salary alone, how could I afford a car or a house?" Zhou You said helplessly.
Being a university teacher sounded nice, but the reality was tough. Especially for young teachers, known as "green peppers." You had to produce results, but couldn't. You wanted to make money, but couldn't. You tried to apply for projects, but couldn't get them.
The pressure was immense. Relying solely on a fixed salary as a teacher was low pay. Getting promoted to professor or associate professor? Who knew when that would happen.
At least science and engineering teachers had it a bit better—they could get results from lab projects or collaborate with companies on school-enterprise partnerships. Applying for national funding projects could ease some financial strain.
Liberal arts teachers? It was really too hard.
"You, bro, you're set for a good life. Small money, easy days. Ah, money and time—I envy you."
"You know my personality. I like quiet. I hate all that messy stuff. Once I have time, I'll focus on my own things, travel around, look, and learn."
"The other day, my parents said your personality suits being a teacher. Mine doesn't."
Zhou You and Big Head were good friends, roommates. Big Head was a local, so Zhou You often went to his place for meals.
"Hey, once I'm settled, I'll visit your parents again," Zhou You said. He hadn't seen Big Head's folks in a long time. After graduation, his visits grew rarer, until he almost stopped going in the last few years.
When life went downhill, even socializing dwindled.
After a few busy days, it was already the end of July. Zhou You planned to go home and visit.
Returning home in glory without showing it was like wearing fine clothes at night. In his past life, he hadn't achieved that. This life, he wasn't exactly wealthy, but he still needed to go back.
The more you experience, the more you know—sometimes you need to be flashy, sometimes low-key.
When you come into sudden wealth, you must keep a low profile, or trouble might arise.
If others know you're making money fast and easy, they'll ask to borrow. Lend or not?
Don't lend, and you lose friends and family. Lend, and the money's gone with no thanks.
A favor becomes a grudge; if you don't take advantage, you're a fool.
This time, Zhou You planned to keep a low profile when going home. He couldn't show off, and he didn't have much to show off anyway.
He bought two outfits for his parents and brought two cases of good liquor. His parents lived in the countryside with few social obligations. They only drank occasionally—a small pleasure after a hard day's work.
He used to not understand why people liked drinking. What was so good about it?
It wasn't until society had beaten him down that he started to enjoy a little drink. Not too much—just a bottle of beer or a shot of baijiu, enough to get tipsy and feel good.
Back then, he thought: People who don't like drinking are truly happy—they haven't been beaten down yet.
From Luzhou to his hometown, the GPS showed a three-hour drive. Perfect chance to test the Wrangler on a long trip.
He sped along, keeping it around 100 km/h. On the highway, even the best car was a gamble.
He had to admit, the Wrangler wasn't comfortable for long drives.
As tough as it looked outside, it was just as hard inside.
He was still riding the novelty, relying on his young body, so it felt okay.
As soon as he entered the village, he caught the villagers' attention. The Wrangler's rugged look fit their taste—sturdy and durable meant a good car.
"You, what car is this? Looks awesome. How much?" Uncle Number Two at the village entrance couldn't help asking. He was truly his second uncle—Zhou You's dad was the third of three brothers. In their local custom, the eldest uncle was called "Big Uncle," and the second was "Second Uncle."
"Second Uncle, it's not worth much. Looks big, but it's hollow. Is Dad home?"
"He is. You didn't say you were coming back."
"No, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Didn't tell them."
"Alright, head home then. Come over for a drink tonight if you're free," Second Uncle waved.
"Sure, come to my place tonight. I've got two bottles of good stuff," Zhou You said.
Zhou You's father and his two brothers got along well, helping each other out. Village relationships were simple in some ways, complicated in others. Families with more men had an advantage. In rural gossip, facing three burly guys from another family made you back down. The village chief was almost always from a big family.
Zhou You was an only child. Second Uncle had two boys, and Big Uncle had one boy and one girl. Zhou You was the only one who went to college; the rest dropped out early to work.
So even though Zhou You's family was average, they weren't too affected. While education wasn't as valuable as before, it hadn't yet reached the point of graduating straight into unemployment.
Beep beep.
"Mom, Dad, I'm back."
I've made it this far—I'll give myself some credit.
I'd be even happier if I could get a recommendation ticket.