"Zhao Qiang, let's go to the internet café and play CF this morning. Our team's one man short," a roommate called out, slinging his backpack over his shoulder.
Zhao Qiang shook his head helplessly. "I can't. If I don't show up at my part-time job today, my boss will fire me. You guys go ahead and have fun."
His roommate sighed. "Man, I admire you. In three years of college, I've never seen you take a Sunday off. Don't push yourself too hard."
Zhao Qiang simply smiled and left the dormitory. Of course, he wished for an easy lifeâsleeping in on weekends, drinking with friends at noon, and hanging out in the evenings. But he wasn't that fortunate.
Born in a small town with struggling parents who worked year-round despite their illnesses, he had no privilege of a carefree life. The little they earned barely covered their medical expenses, let alone his tuition.
To avoid starvation and scrape together enough for his studies, he had started working the moment he entered college. Three years later, he was used to it.
As he walked past the university gates, he glanced back at the towering inscription: Donghai University. The entrance looked grand, but the university itself was second-rate at best. Within the city of Donghai, it barely held any prestige, and in the country, it wouldn't even rank. Every year, nearly two-thirds of its graduates struggled to find jobsâa stark contrast to the prestigious University of Science and Technology in the same city.
It was said that half the students in their senior year at the University of Science and Technology had already secured high-paying jobs at major companies, stepping into white-collar careers with comprehensive benefits. The difference was staggering.
Zhao Qiang regretted choosing this university just to save a few thousand yuan in tuition. If he had gone for the University of Science and Technology, he might have survived on scholarships. But here, with loose teaching standards and an unpopular majorâGeological and Mineral Engineeringâhis ambitions had long faded. Balancing part-time jobs had taken a toll on his academics, and now, his studies were barely hanging by a thread.
At the Computer Store
After taking several bus transfers, Zhao Qiang arrived at Rujia Computer Company, a small business specializing in computer sales and repairs. The store was about 80 square meters, newly renovated, and displayed a dozen desktop and laptop models. Despite its modest scale, it looked professional.
The owner, Wang Yidong, was a shrewd man who had built his business from a street stall to a full-fledged IT store in just five or six years. Now, his monthly earnings exceeded ten thousand yuan.
As Zhao Qiang stepped inside, he scanned his fingerprint on the attendance machine. The store's accountant and salesperson, Ma Xiaohua, was already sweeping. Seeing this, Zhao Qiang grabbed a mop. "Sister Ma, let me do it."
Ma Xiaohua, 29 years old and already a mother, still carried the charm of a young woman. Sometimes, Zhao Qiang teased her for fun.
She chuckled, "Zhao Qiang, is it worth it? Working every day for 600 yuan a month, including weekends and nights?"
Zhao Qiang, still in his probation period, hadn't earned a single cent yet. As he mopped, he replied, "It's not about worth, Sister Ma. It's about survival."
She smiled knowingly but didn't argue further. Unlike Zhao Qiang, she and the store's technician, Zhang Chunjiang, had a base salary of 2,200 yuan plus commissions. On good months, they earned around 4,000 yuan, a decent income for Donghai City.
Once the floor was mopped, Zhao Qiang wiped down the sample computers. Just as he finished, the boss arrived.
Wang Yidong glanced around the store with satisfaction. Noticing Zhao Qiang sweating from cleaning, he nodded approvingly. "Not bad. Hardworking. Stick with Engineer Zhang, learn the trade, and once you graduate, I'll hire you full-time."
Zhao Qiang smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Boss Wang. But credit also goes to Sister Maâshe started the cleaning."
Ma Xiaohua smirked. "Come on, Zhao Qiang, don't be so humble. I'll ask Boss Wang to give you a bonus later."
At the mention of money, Wang Yidong's expression stiffened. He cleared his throat. "Enough chit-chat. Get ready. A customer's coming to pick up a repaired computer. Where's Zhang Chunjiang? He's late again."
Zhang Chunjiang, 27, was a computer science graduate from another second-rate university. Though skilled in maintenance and networking, he often complained about working in such a small store. His lateness and early departures were routine, but Wang Yidong tolerated him for his technical skills.
Ma Xiaohua scoffed. "He's probably still in bed. Just wait and see."
Right on cue, the customer arrivedâa middle-aged woman carrying a basket. She had dropped off her computer for repairs the previous day.
Since the real technician wasn't present, Wang Yidong had to improvise. Without hesitation, he turned to Zhao Qiang. "Engineer Zhao, go fetch the Lenovo machine from the repair room."
Zhao Qiang blinked in surprise. Engineer? He wasn't stupidâhe knew his boss was putting on a show. That Lenovo laptop hadn't been touched since its arrival yesterday!
Ma Xiaohua, understanding the act, smoothly handed the woman a cup of hot tea. "Sister, please sit. Our engineer Zhao will bring out your machine shortly. At Rujia, we treat our customers like family!"
The woman smiled. "Thank you. My computer suddenly stopped turning on, but the fan still runs. What's wrong with it?"
Ma Xiaohua nodded sagely. "It's likely the power supply or motherboard. Engineer Zhao will explain it to you."
Inside the repair room, Wang Yidong glanced at the untouched Lenovo and sighed. "Let's see. It's probably a minor issue."
Zhao Qiang hesitated. "Boss Wang, I barely know how to install a system, let alone fix a computer."
Wang Yidong clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Repairing computers is easy. Open the case, take a look, and swap out broken parts."
Zhao Qiang unscrewed the case, and immediately, a thick cloud of dust puffed into his face. Coughing, he muttered, Is this even a computer or a relic? Dust coated every board, and cobwebs clung to the corners.
Wang Yidong handed him a vacuum. "Clean it up."
Minutes later, the dust was gone. Wang Yidong tossed Zhao Qiang an eraser. "Remove the RAM and graphics card, wipe the connectors, and put them back."
Zhao Qiang followed the instructions. Once done, Wang Yidong pressed the power button. The fan whirred, and after a few beeps, the display lit up.
Wang Yidong grinned. "Fixed. I'll charge her 200 yuan."
Zhao Qiang was dumbfounded. That's it? He had only dusted the components and wiped the connectors.
Stepping outside, Wang Yidong confidently addressed the woman. "Sister, your power supply was faulty and damaged your memory. I replaced it and optimized your system. Just 200 yuan."
The woman, relieved, handed over the money. "Thank you, Boss Wang! I thought I'd need to buy a new computer."
As she left, Zhao Qiang sneered inwardly. Swindler. Good thing I don't have a computer for you to fix.
Satisfied, Wang Yidong tossed a ten-yuan note to Zhao Qiang. "You did well. Buy yourself lunch."
Zhao Qiang took it without hesitation. Might as well take something from this scam.
Not long after, Zhang Chunjiang finally arrived, looking half-asleep.
"Xiao Zhao, get me a cup of tea," he yawned.
Zhao Qiang sighed, heading to the water dispenser. His journey in the world of computer repairs was just beginning, and if he wanted to truly learn, he had a long way to go.
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