Chen Wei heard this and fell silent.
Quietly taking a bite of his meat bun, he then let out an "oh" before saying anything.
Chen Wei's aunt's family was in a good situation. His uncle, Zhang Xiangzhong, held a minor position in a local state-owned factory. Though his rank wasn't high and he lacked real authority, in that era, being a state employee still carried some weight. Consequently, there was a bit of disdain from his uncle's family towards Chen Wei's father, a poor farmer working the land.
Chen Wei's cousin, named Zhang Chenyang, was two years older than him. Influenced by his father, Zhang Chenyang also looked down on Chen Wei's family. As a result, the two often got into fights during their childhood.
During their school years, Zhang Chenyang's grades were mediocre, while Chen Wei excelled academically. This made Zhang Xiangzhong feel a bit sour. He would often say that good grades were useless and that one needed connections to succeed.
Later, Zhang Chenyang attended a mediocre vocational college, while Chen Wei got into a prestigious university. This kept Zhang Xiangzhong quiet for a couple of years.
However, when Chen Wei graduated from university and struggled to find a job, eventually turning to trading in U.S. stocks, Zhang Chenyang, who had graduated from vocational college a few years earlier, got a job at a securities firm and did quite well over the past couple of years, thanks to his eloquence and savvy maneuvers.
As a result, Zhang Xiangzhong, who had been quiet for a few years, became more aggressive, mocking Chen Wei at home, saying that attending a prestigious university was useless if he couldn't even find a job.
Although Chen Wei's parents were angry, they were simple-hearted and didn't say anything. However, Chen Wei could sense his father's distress and helplessness from his tone during their phone calls.
At this moment, with that tone again, Chen Wei didn't need to ask to know that it was definitely his cousin who was back home, boasting and probably ridiculing him.
"Xiao Wei, your cousin is doing well in Ninghai. He said he's become a manager and earns tens of thousands of yuan a month! Yesterday evening, at your aunt's house, your cousin hinted that if your job doesn't work out, you could come to Ninghai and work with him. Xiao Wei, what do you think?" Chen Jianping said in a tactful tone.
Like father, like son. Chen Jianping knew his son had a strong sense of pride and didn't like to ask for help, especially from his aunt's family.
However, his son had been in that job for a year, and there hadn't been much progress. How could that not be a concern?
Chen Jianping, a farmer who was struggling, had no real ability or connections. Among his relatives, the most capable ones were none other than his sister's family, who had always looked down on him!
If it weren't for his son, he wouldn't want to ask for help from his sister's family!
Chen Wei's mood became even more depressed. He could imagine the humiliation his father endured to ask for help from his aunt's family!
He immediately said in a low voice, "Dad, don't worry about me. My job is fine now, really. I'll be making money soon, big money!"
"But, Xiao Wei..."
Chen Jianping didn't quite believe his son's words and wanted to continue persuading him.
"No buts, Dad! Please believe me just this once!" Chen Wei interrupted his father's words without hesitation.
"Well, okay, just take care of yourself. Have you eaten?" Chen Jianping sighed and said.
"I'm eating now," Chen Wei replied.
"What are you eating?" Chen Jianping asked again.
"I'm having a bowl of wonton soup, two tea eggs, and a meat bun," Chen Wei replied.
"Okay, eat well. Don't worry about money. If you don't have enough, tell Dad," Chen Jianping said.
"Okay." Chen Wei's eyes reddened, choking up a bit, unable to say anything.
"Let's leave it at that. I'm hanging up."
Listening to the dial tone, Chen Wei's thoughts lingered for a long time.
He secretly vowed to himself that he would make money, big money!
Not for anything else, but to stand up for his parents!
Never be looked down upon again!
...
In the evening, Chen Wei arrived at the company early as usual and began reading the pre-market news.
Not long after, Zhou Yi also arrived.
After he arrived, he quietly turned on his computer.
Chen Wei was a little surprised to see Zhou Yi. It was only a little past 8:40, and Zhou Yi usually didn't arrive until around 9:10 or 9:20. Today, he was early.
It was probably because he lost money yesterday and was stimulated, so today he wanted to work harder.
After Zhou Yi turned on his computer, he also began reading the pre-market news like Chen Wei.
Chen Wei paused for a moment, then shook his head and smiled, saying nothing.
Zhou Yi noticed Chen Wei looking at him, feeling a bit uncomfortable with his expression. He wanted to say something to cover it up but didn't know what to say.
Fortunately, Chen Wei didn't ridicule him. He continued reading the pre-market news, and Zhou Yi felt slightly relieved.
As they both focused on reading the pre-market news, other colleagues began arriving.
However, those colleagues who usually surrounded Zhou Yi, praising and flattering him, didn't come over today.
In fact, a few who did come over even greeted Chen Wei, something rare.
It seemed that because Zhou Yi lost over eight thousand yesterday while Chen Wei earned over ten thousand, the attitudes of those people had subtly changed.
Zhou Yi's face looked unsightly, while Chen Wei sneered inwardly.
He couldn't be bothered with these opportunistic flatterers.
Approaching the opening, Zhao Yang came over again.
He came straight to Chen Wei's side, his face grim, and said stiffly, "Your trading limit has been increased to a hundred lots. Be careful, don't think just because you made some money yesterday, you don't know your place. Let me tell you, if you lose money, I'll immediately lower your limit again!"
Chen Wei didn't respond, his expression unchanged. He inwardly chuckled, thinking Zhao Yang was just a bootlicker.
However, Zhao Yang increasing his limit was actually a good thing.
After saying that, Zhao Yang left. As he passed by Zhou Yi, he said, "Don't be discouraged, do well today."
Zhou Yi just nodded, not saying anything.
At half past nine, the stock market officially opened.
The office was filled with the urgent sound of keyboard typing once again.