Chapter Two: Rebirth Awakens and the Recruitment Fair Decision
The morning sunlight spilled through the faded curtains in soft, golden fragments, casting playful beams upon Zhang Liang's slightly worn university dormitory bed. He awoke slowly, his head still clouded as if recovering from a hangover, yet when his gaze fell upon the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings of the dorm, his eyes widened in disbelief and awe. In an instant, he shot upright, his hands instinctively gripping the blanket as if to prevent this delicate moment from slipping away like a fragile dream.
"Did... I really just get reborn?" Zhang Liang murmured softly, his voice trembling with emotion, his eyes unwittingly brimming with tears. His heart surged with a flood of complex emotions as the dismal, regret-filled years of his former career flashed before his eyes, clashing violently with the shock and joy of his unexpected return to the eve of his graduation. Gratitude for fate's mercy, the thrill of newfound life, and the urgent desire to reshape his future coursed through him like an uncontrollable river.
Suddenly, his phone on the bedside table rang sharply, the shrill sound cutting through the stillness of the dorm like a war drum, urging him into action. Zhang Liang jolted upright, snatching the phone. Before he could speak, his roommate Zhao Feng's frantic voice blared from the other end: "Old Zhang! Why are you still dawdling? Today's the recruitment fair for Hongyu Group—this is the chance we've been dreaming of! Don't mess this up; everyone's waiting for you downstairs!"
Zhang Liang took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm his racing heart. His voice, though slightly hoarse, held a resolute steadiness. "Don't worry, I'm on my way!" After hanging up, he swiftly sprang from the bed. His gaze swept across the room, landing on the motivational posters on the wall. The faded ink seemed to come to life, radiating a renewed vigor that filled him with strength and encouragement.
After a quick wash-up, Zhang Liang stood before his wardrobe, fingers brushing over his clothes. The careless way he had once dressed, not caring for interviews, came to mind, and the youthful naivety and arrogance of those days now seemed filled with regret and longing. But this time, reborn and more determined, he would not repeat his past mistakes. As he hesitated, a soft, ethereal voice resonated within his mind, like the gentle breeze rustling through bamboo, crisp and warm— it was the voice of the system, now taking on the form of a Daoist spirit.
"Host, do not worry. With the 'Basic Workplace Insight' skill I have bestowed upon you, along with the essential interpretations of the Dao De Jing, and careful preparation of your attire and responses, you will certainly stand out at this recruitment fair."
Hearing the voice, Zhang Liang felt a surge of clarity, as though a beacon had been lit in the dark. Instantly energized, he followed the system's advice, relying on his past memories and carefully selecting a simple, yet composed dark suit. He meticulously adjusted the collar and cuffs, each movement deliberate and decisive. As he looked at his reflection in the mirror, watching himself transform into someone more poised and dignified, a faint smile curved his lips, radiating confidence. That smile reached his eyes, dispelling the lingering uncertainty and doubt.
Downstairs, his roommates were already waiting. As soon as Zhao Feng spotted Zhang Liang, he whistled playfully, teasing, "Yo, Old Zhang, looking sharp today! Seems like you're ready to make it big!" Other roommates gathered around, joking with him, their voices full of both anxiety and anticipation for the event. Zhang Liang smiled and replied, "Of course, we've worked hard for so many years just for this moment. We have to seize it." Yet in his heart, he was already scheming. This time, with the help of the system and his own wisdom, he was determined to carve out a place for himself at Hongyu Group, turning his past regrets into stepping stones toward his success.
Amid laughter and playful banter, the group made their way to the Hongyu Group recruitment fair. The scene was a sea of people, bustling and packed with applicants, each one nervous, clutching their resumes tightly, some muttering their self-introductions, others anxiously adjusting their clothes. The air was thick with tension and the competitive scent of opportunity. The Hongyu Group building loomed large, its glass facade reflecting the harsh, commanding light of the sun, like an implacable giant surveying every candidate who dared to approach.
Upon entering the recruitment hall, Zhang Liang took the form handed to him by the staff, filled out his basic information, and then, following the crowd, made his way to the interview area for the marketing department. As he waited, he observed many of the other candidates, their faces etched with anxiety—some wiping sweat from their brows, others staring into space, muttering to themselves. Clearly, the intense atmosphere was suffocating them. But Zhang Liang remained calm, closing his eyes to center himself, taking deep breaths. In his mind, he quickly reviewed his accumulated experiences from his past life, the essential wisdom of the Dao De Jing provided by the system, and his insights into the current market trends. He immersed himself in a state of serene strength, as though the noise and turmoil around him had no bearing on him. In that moment, he felt like a predator lying in wait, ready to spring into action when the time was right.
At last, it was his turn. He stood up, straightened his clothes, and walked into the interview room with a steady, confident stride. Inside, several interviewers sat, their expressions stern and their eyes sharp, scanning him up and down. The head interviewer, sitting at the center, spoke first, his voice deep and authoritative: "Please briefly introduce yourself and share your thoughts on the current market trends, especially in relation to the field our Hongyu Group operates in."
Zhang Liang gave a slight bow, his face lighting up with a warm, confident smile. He spoke calmly, his tone reassuring, "Good day, esteemed interviewers. My name is Zhang Liang, and I am a soon-to-be graduate. During my time at university, I not only focused on mastering my academic knowledge, but also actively participated in various practical projects, which have honed my ability to solve real-world problems." As he spoke, he skillfully incorporated details and results from projects he had overseen in his past life. Though he refrained from embellishment, his words clearly demonstrated his abilities and experience.
When discussing the market trends, his eyes gleamed with intensity as he spoke passionately: "From my perspective, the market is currently undergoing rapid transformation, as stated in the Dao De Jing: 'Reversal is the movement of the Dao.' Traditional consumption patterns are being continuously disrupted, and new demands are emerging like mushrooms after a rain. In the industry Hongyu Group operates in, consumers are no longer satisfied with just basic functionality; they now seek personalized, eco-friendly, and intelligent experiences." He gestured with his hands as he spoke, vividly illustrating his points, and cited numerous real-world examples, from the latest innovations in internet products to the upgrades within traditional manufacturing. His insights were clear and accessible, breaking down complex market dynamics with ease. The interviewers, initially stern, began to show interest, nodding in approval as they exchanged glances filled with recognition.
Just then, one of the interviewers suddenly raised a challenge, his tone tinged with skepticism: "While your insights are refreshing, they seem quite idealistic. In practice, there are many limitations such as costs and technology. How do you plan to make this a reality?" Zhang Liang, prepared for this, remained calm and composed. His smile never wavered as he responded, neither arrogant nor submissive: "This is exactly where our intelligence and adaptability come into play. As the Dao De Jing teaches us, 'Softness overcomes hardness.' We cannot always approach obstacles head-on with force; instead, we must find the gaps and advance with flexibility. For example, when implementing intelligent experiences, we could start by focusing on the features that users most need and desire, using existing technology to optimize them. By controlling costs and refining the solution through repeated iterations, we can build a strong user reputation, gradually expanding and creating economies of scale." His response, which skillfully applied the wisdom of the Dao De Jing, demonstrated a pragmatic approach, earning approving glances and nods from the interviewers.
As the interview ended, Zhang Liang stepped out of the room, and his roommates gathered around him, eagerly asking about the outcome. He let out a deep breath and smiled with satisfaction, patting his roommates on the shoulder: "It went well. I gave it my best shot, and now it's all in fate's hands." But deep inside, he knew that, based on his performance today, he had taken the crucial first step toward success. He looked out the window at the sunlit street, silently telling himself: Hongyu Group, here I come. This time, I will carve my own path, forging brilliance with the 'Dao' as my guide, cutting through all obstacles.
Summary: In this chapter, Zhang Liang, upon his rebirth, experiences both shock and joy, quickly adjusting with the aid of the Daoist system. He seizes the critical opportunity of the Hongyu Group recruitment fair, preparing meticulously and integrating his past experiences with the system's wisdom. With calm resolve, he impresses the interviewers, demonstrating his knowledge and insight into market trends while applying the timeless principles of the Dao De Jing. By the end of the interview, Zhang Liang has successfully made a strong impression, marking the first step in his journey of rebirth and reversal. The principles of Dao De Jing—"Reversal is the movement of the Dao" and "Softness overcomes hardness"—guide his understanding of the market and help him navigate the interview challenges. In the next chapter, Zhang Liang will face the next round of interviews, where the competition will intensify. Let's see how he continues to apply his wisdom to break through and secure the coveted job offer at Hongyu Group. Stay tuned for Chapter Three.