Chapter 12

I’ve known since I was a child that people are born different from one another.

But only two things have ever convinced me that fairness still exists in this world-

Inferiority, and death.

No matter who you are, you’re always trapped in a sense of inferiority that comes from desires that can never be fully satisfied;

No matter who you are, you must face the presence of death.

Li Shiyu had clearly learned her lesson, muttering as she analyzed:

“The current environment is tough. Running a business isn’t as simple as he makes it sound! Even real estate companies are collapsing, and the internet sector is laying people off. Who does his dad think he is, some kind of deity who can guarantee smooth sailing for life?”

I was quite pleased with her progress and continued to analyze:

“And think about it-his dad, as a hardworking entrepreneur, would he want his children to be like Meng Wanzhou or Zong Fuli, people who can handle real challenges? Or would he prefer someone like him, who spends a fortune studying abroad for a watered-down degree, then mouths off online and stirs up resentment against his own family’s business as a ‘young master’?”

Li Shiyu said indignantly, “Even a slab of char siu would be better than him!”

“Exactly.” I clapped my hands. “His life is definitely not as perfect as he brags.”

“Human desire is endless-wealth, power, status, plus health, longevity, and so on.

“No matter how much he gets, there will always be something else he longs for.

“For example, he might wish for immortality, to defy time, to see his bloodline continue, to board a Noah’s Ark and sail into the next century, even to places beyond the reach of time itself.”

Suddenly, things grew quiet around me. My “family” gathered close, looking at me with a certain depth.

I paused, but insisted on finishing:

“Desire is endless, but it can never be fully satisfied. That’s how inferiority is born.

“So those who boast that life is ‘easy as pie’ are just being insincere, stirring up envy.

“They exploit the subtleties of human nature to attract attention…

“Just like I once did.”

I gave a bitter smile.

To make money, I’d hidden my true self for far, far too long.

I’d stifled my urge to express myself, catered to twisted values, packaged myself, shamelessly bragged, and made a fortune.

Zhang Yizhi’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. After a long moment, he spoke hoarsely:

“What you just said… reminds me of how you were back in college.”

-I used to point out problems and speak passionately about justice in college, full of righteous zeal.

Because I’d suffered injustice myself, I fought back with knowledge as my weapon.

But now, what am I doing?

With a self-deprecating smile, I slowly lowered my head.

Mi Ting asked in a husky voice:

“So, Yongan-jie, do you ever feel inferior?

“What are your desires?”