Selling oil across Libya

Chapter 17 Ambition

Wang Hai came to work in Libya after graduating from university in 2000, and has been there for ten years.

Wang Hai knew that all industries in China were in turmoil.

Wang Hai had no firsthand experience of how much it had gotten to.

Back in 2000, it was quite easy for college graduates in China to find jobs.

Although we haven't entered hell mode yet, we're already seeing signs of it.

The autumn recruitment season is in full swing, with job fairs being held one after another across the country, creating a very lively atmosphere.

Zhang Yuan spent the whole day at a job fair jointly organized by the school and the municipal government, submitting more than ten resumes. By the time he returned to his rented room, it was already 10 p.m.

That's why it's so late.

It's because the commute from the job fair to Zhang Yuan's residence takes two hours.

This is under the condition that there is no traffic jam.

A two-hour commute means that Zhang Yuan will spend four hours a day commuting.

Being unable to find a job is certainly terrible.

Even after finding a job, things don't seem to improve much.

"I'm back."

Chen Xi, whose belly was slightly protruding, saw Zhang Yuan's forced smile but didn't ask any further questions: "Go wash your hands quickly, the food will be ready soon."

Zhang Yuan studied petroleum engineering.

Chen Xi is Zhang Yuan's girlfriend, and she studies oil and gas storage and transportation.

Zhang Yuan's family is of modest means; both his parents are teachers.

Chen Xi's family runs a business and has some assets. She is currently studying at home in preparation for the civil service exam.

Although it was just a simple one-bedroom apartment, Chen Xi decorated it to be very cozy.

A bed, a wardrobe, a shoe rack, and three tables.

Two pillows were stacked on the quilt, and the desk and another table that served as a kitchen counter were very clean, with books, stationery, and bottles and jars arranged neatly.

When not in use, the small square dining table can be folded up and placed next to the simple cloth wardrobe.

The floor was covered with foam mats featuring a geometric pattern.

The color of the curtains complements the lighting perfectly.

The entire photo wall above the desk was made by Chen Xi herself.

Apart from photos of the two of them together, almost all the solo photos are of Zhang Yuan.

Chen Xi is an excellent cook, and Zhang Yuan's friends all agree that even if Zhang Yuan can't find a job, the couple could easily open a restaurant.

Zhang Yuan no longer tasted the twice-cooked pork that his friends used to rave about.

When Chen Xi first met Zhang Yuan, they couldn't even tell the difference between sugar and salt.

"Haven't you heard anything from your uncle yet?"

Chen Xi refused to give up.

Zhang Yuan came to the Petroleum Institute because of a promise made by his uncle.

Uncle Zhang Yuan works at an oil field and promised to arrange a job for Zhang Yuan after he graduates.

Four months ago, just before Zhang Yuan was about to graduate, his uncle was placed under investigation, and his job was naturally ruined.

Zhang Yuan shook his head and didn't say anything.

"If that doesn't work, call Cheng Fei and ask if they need anyone."

As Chen Xi was speaking, his phone screen lit up with a text message.

Chen Xi glanced at it, but didn't unlock the screen. He placed the phone face down back on the table.

"Cheng Fei will only need three months of fuel before he can be transferred to headquarters to work in an office."

I'm going to refuel. Unless Cheng Fei climbs up, I'm afraid I'll have to refuel for a lifetime.

Zhang Yuan was still unwilling to give up and refused to bow to reality.

Cheng Fei is Zhang Yuan's good friend, and they are father and son.

"Then just endure it. Isn't that how it is these days?"

Chen Xi's eyes were filled with heartache.

Zhang Yuan excelled academically and morally during his time at school, receiving scholarships every year. He was also multi-talented, frequently performing at school arts and cultural events and serving as a member of the school's debate and football teams.

The pampered children of the ivory tower become marginalized people with no place to use their talents in society.

Reality is just that cruel.

"Chen Xi, has Zhang Yuan returned yet?"

Liu Yun's loud voice could be heard throughout the entire building.

"I'm back."

Chen Xi responded, and Zhang Yuan got up to open the door, welcoming Liu Yun and his girlfriend Zhao Man in.

Liu Yun and Zhao Man were roommates of Zhang Yuan and Chen Xi, respectively, when they were in the Petroleum Institute.

Now I live next door.

Liu Yun was carrying two cases of beer and a bottle of juice.

Zhao Man carried a pound of pork head meat and a portion of peanuts.

How was your day?

Liu Yun was no longer frowning; instead, he was beaming with joy.

Zhao Man frowned, looking preoccupied.

How are you?

Zhang Yuan didn't answer but instead asked a question.

"My buddy's going to make money off foreigners!"

Liu Yun burst into laughter.

"foreigner?"

Zhang Yuan was surprised.

"Zhang Yuan, you should try to persuade Lao Liu; he's going to Libya!"

As Zhao Man spoke, her eyes reddened.

What's going on in Libya?

"I can go to Somalia if you pay me!"

Liu Yun's favorite movie is "Black Hawk Down".

"You'd better be more careful. At least Somalia isn't at war. Libya is even worse off than Somalia!"

Chen Xi disagreed.

"My situation is different from yours. You two can't find jobs, but at least you can go home and live off your parents."

Besides Manman, who else would let me gnaw on?

Liu Yun gave a wry smile.

"Even if you go to Libya, you won't be able to get anything there."

Zhao Man wept.

"Manman, since we've taken their money, we can't go against our conscience."

Liu Yunjian, a recent college graduate, has not yet been corrupted by society.

"Did you get the money?"

Zhang Yuan doesn't believe capitalists have a conscience.

"Give me 1000 as soon as you sign the contract;"

Passport and airfare are all covered by them;

Upon arrival, a settlement allowance equivalent to three months' salary will be provided.

The basic monthly salary is 10,000 yuan, tax-free, a real 10,000 yuan after taxes.

As long as you perform well, you will receive a year-end bonus of no less than half a year's salary.

Manman, I've never been on an airplane in my life;

I've never received more than 5000 yuan.

Liu Yun's eyes also reddened. He held Zhao Man's hand and promised that as soon as the settlement allowance arrived, he would transfer 20,000 yuan to Zhao Man first, and then buy her the latest model of fruit phone that she had always wanted but couldn't afford.

"I don't want the phone, I just want you."

Zhao Man burst into tears.

"They said that as long as you've been employed for more than six months, you'll get at least a three-bedroom apartment."

I'll bring you over then, and you'll earn 10,000 a month. Then you won't have to work anymore; you can just stay home and watch TV shows every day.

They can have as many children as they want over there;

Let's have a bunch!

Get two more dogs and two more cats;

"There's also a month of paid leave every year, so wouldn't it be good to come back once a year?"

Liu Yun became more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, full of hope for the future.

"Are you stupid? We both work, it's just 20,000 yuan, isn't it?"

Zhao Man wanted to eat the pancake, but was worried about being poisoned.

"That sounds nice, but what if it's a scam?"

"Manman, what do I have that's worth lying about?"

"Aren't you afraid they'll take you apart and sell the parts?"

"Manman, what's the situation in Libya right now?"

If they wanted to dismantle a person and sell the parts, would they really go to such lengths, bringing passports and plane tickets all the way here?

If a man only wants women, he might be harboring malicious intentions.

"If I, a grown man, were really sold into a brothel, it's hard to say who would get the better deal!"

Liu Yunfu sought fortune amidst peril.

"screw you!"

Zhao Man burst into laughter through her tears and gave Liu Yun a light punch.

"Liu Yun, you've been talking for so long, but what kind of company is it?"

Even Zhang Yuan himself was tempted.

Numidian Oil Company.

"Numedia?"

"Yes! It's Nubidia, the one who just took down the French National Gendarmerie. He now controls not only Tripoli, but also all the oil fields in western Libya."

"I see!"

Zhang Yuan's ambition grew wildly, like bamboo shoots in spring.