Chen Feng's thoughts lingered on the system notification and the job flyer Wang Xiaolong had given him. Could this be his chance to escape the poverty cycle?
After a restless night's sleep, Chen Feng made up his mind. He would apply for the job and see where it led.
The job posting was for a logistics company, seeking low-level talents for manual labor. Chen Feng's Body Hardening talent might come in handy, but he doubted it.
With a deep breath, Chen Feng set out for the company's office, located in a seedy part of town. The crumbling buildings and rundown shops seemed to mirror his own hopes and dreams.
Upon arrival, Chen Feng joined a line of applicants, all sporting various low-level talents. Some had Strength or Endurance talents, while others had Agility or Vitality.
As Chen Feng waited, he noticed a commotion near the entrance. A group of high-level talents, flaunting their rare abilities, sauntered in. They were greeted with deference by the company's representatives.
"Welcome, esteemed talents," one representative said, bowing. "We have a special program for individuals like yourselves."
Chen Feng watched, dismayed, as the high-level talents disappeared into a separate room. He realized that even in this company, talent hierarchy reigned supreme.
Finally, Chen Feng's turn arrived. He entered a cramped office, where a middle-aged man with a tired expression reviewed his application.
"Body Hardening, huh?" the man said, unimpressed. "Not bad, but not great either. We'll give you a trial run. Pass, and you're hired."
Chen Feng nodded, determination burning within him.
The trial consisted of lifting crates and moving heavy objects around the warehouse. Chen Feng's Body Hardening talent proved useful, but he struggled to keep up with the other applicants.
Just as Chen Feng thought he'd failed, the system notification flashed in his mind:
_SYSTEM NOTIFICATION_
_ATTRIBUTE POINTS ALLOCATION_
_Strength +5_
_Endurance +3_
Chen Feng's eyes widened as his body responded to the attribute point boost. His strength and endurance increased, allowing him to lift heavier crates with ease.
The company representatives took notice, and Chen Feng passed the trial.
As he left the office, Chen Feng felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this job would lead him to better things.
But as he walked home, the city's stark contrasts hit him hard. High-level talents enjoyed luxury and adoration, while low-level talents like himself struggled to survive.
Chen Feng's determination solidified. He would rise above his circumstances, no matter what.
Upon returning home, Chen Feng found Wang Xiaolong waiting for him.
"How'd the interview go?" Wang Xiaolong asked.
"I got the job," Chen Feng said, a smile spreading across his face.
Wang Xiaolong grinned. "That's awesome! We'll celebrate tonight."
As they walked to the local market for dinner, Chen Feng's mind wandered to the system notification. What other secrets lay hidden within?
And what did the future hold for him?
---
-_-)