Volume One: Emerging from Obscurity 7. Year-End Turbulence

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, six months had passed. Shortly after New Year's Day in 1995, my probationary period ended, and I was officially confirmed as a permanent employee. The personnel department assigned me a rank equivalent to an assistant supervisor, putting me on the same level as Zhang Chi and half a grade below Lin Xiaolong. This made them both quite uncomfortable, though I personally found it ridiculous. If they were so dissatisfied, they should have gone to university themselves; it was baffling that they wanted to compare themselves to me despite never having attended college. I later learned that Diao Youhua had also been assigned the rank of assistant supervisor. Since the factory’s policy mandated that all university graduates be given that rank upon confirmation—regardless of ability or performance—I stopped feeling so worked up about it.

My monthly salary increased by a few dozen yuan, bringing my total monthly income, including subsidies, to nearly 200 yuan. While not a high amount, it provided some relief to my financial struggles. Although I had been frugal, I had very little left at the end of each month. Back in college, I had always thought about how my mother had supported me through university alone after my father passed away during my senior year of high school, and I was determined to repay her once I started working. Yet, reality was harsh; I hadn't been able to return home once in six months because the travel expenses alone were more than I could afford. Fortunately, I heard that a year-end bonus would be issued, and I planned to go home for the Spring Festival to properly honor my mother then.

When the long-awaited day to collect the bonus finally arrived, receiving it from Hu Yue felt like being doused in icy water. I felt chilled to the bone; it was only 120 yuan. I was filled with resentment but had no way to vent it. Upon reflection, I realized I lacked the leverage to demand more. I hadn't made any real contributions yet, and it wouldn't be right for an honest person to demand rewards without having earned them. I didn't know what the others in the office received, but judging by their expressions, it couldn't have been low. They had been working much longer and their contributions were certainly greater, so it was only fair.

That evening in the dormitory, I asked Diao Youhua about his bonus. He was evasive, vaguely stating that it wasn't high. I took the opportunity to ask others who had joined the factory at the same time; some received similar amounts, while others got slightly more. However, I heard a rumor that Diao Youhua’s bonus was 300 yuan. My anger flared—what right did he have to receive so much more than me?

The more I thought about it, the angrier I became. Since the bonus pool was allocated to each department, then subdivided into offices, and finally distributed to individuals, I wanted to confront Section Chief Zheng. But after careful consideration, I realized it would be futile, so I had to swallow my pride. I began to understand that the distribution of benefits is always based on strength and power. When you lack influence and authority, you are at the mercy of others. You cannot expect fairness; you can only hope to encounter a leader who maintains basic justice, or else you must find a way to become a leader yourself and enforce fairness.

Unexpectedly, the very next morning, Section Chief Zheng approached me and asked, "Xiao Wang, have you received your year-end bonus?"

"I have," I replied softly.

"You only became a permanent employee in January, so according to the rules, you aren't entitled to a bonus. However, considering your diligence and hard work, I managed to reallocate some funds from other colleagues to provide you with one. It isn't much, but it’s a gesture from the office. I truly value your work."

I felt incredibly stifled but couldn't lash out. I desperately wanted to ask why Diao Youhua received 300 yuan, but I held my tongue. I forced a smile—which I suspect looked worse than crying—and said, "Thank you, Section Chief."

For some reason, rumors about my dissatisfaction with the bonus began to spread. It was said that factory leadership heard about it and were displeased that a new employee who hadn't contributed anything was already demanding better treatment, even framing it as a matter of character and attitude. I was left with grievances I couldn't voice.

While these rumors swirled, the factory’s annual New Year sports events kicked off. The highlight was the basketball tournament, a tradition started by Factory Director Gao after he took office. As he was an avid basketball fan, the factory organized an exhibition match between the leadership and the factory team every year. This year was no different.

Having been a key player on my college basketball team, I was quickly scouted and joined the factory team. Ironically, Diao Youhua, who hadn't played before, became obsessed with learning after hearing about Director Gao’s hobby. He constantly pestered me to practice with him. Although he was only about 1.7 meters tall, he was agile, and after six months of hard work, he had become a decent player.

Since this was my first time participating, the team captain briefed me the day before: do not play too aggressively. The match was primarily for entertainment; the leaders had worked hard all year and needed to relax. However, we couldn't let them win too obviously, as that would ruin the fun and cause them to lose face.

On the day of the match, the weather was exceptionally clear. By the time we arrived at the court at 9:30 AM for the 10:00 AM game, it was already crowded. To my surprise, Diao Youhua was there too.

Zhang Zhengliang, the head of the Party and Mass Work Department, served as the referee. He explained the special rules for the exhibition match: given the leaders' age and stamina, they were allowed six players on the court at once, there was no five-foul limit, and the game would consist of six five-minute quarters.

Just before 10:00 AM, the leaders arrived, including all five factory directors and four department heads, such as Ruan Changqing and Deng Zitu. Seeing Director Gao in a jersey for the first time, he looked even more imposing; it was remarkable how well he kept in shape at his age.

The match began, and the score see-sawed. The leadership team primarily relied on Director Gao to shoot, and his technique was actually quite good; his accuracy was high. Every time he scored, the sidelines erupted in cheers. Diao Youhua led a group of young employees in chanting, "Go, Director Gao! Go, Director Gao!" Diao would start the chant, and the others would follow with great enthusiasm.

I initially followed the captain's instructions to take it easy, but I soon got into the flow and forgot. After sinking three consecutive shots, we took a two-point lead. The captain subtly nudged me with his elbow, and I snapped back to reality, easing off. Shortly after, Director Gao hit two shots in a row, putting the leadership team back in the lead.

By the fifth quarter, the leadership team was up by five points. I was playing well and once again forgot I was playing against the bosses. Just then, Deng Zitu made a quick pass to Director Gao. As the director broke through and prepared to jump for a shot, I instinctively moved to block him. I must have used too much force; there was a loud "thud," and Director Gao fell to the floor.

I was stunned. Deng Zitu and Ruan Changqing rushed over to help him, but Director Gao waved them off, saying, "I'm fine," and got up on his own. Diao Youhua had started to run over, but seeing the director refuse help, he retreated halfway.

I stood there, head bowed in shame. Director Gao walked over, patted my shoulder, and said, "Not bad, Xiao Wang, you've got spirit."

I finally managed to say, "Director Gao, I’m so sorry!"

He waved his hand and replied, "It's basketball; a little collision is normal. It’s only fun when you play with real intensity. Don't worry about it."

I was deeply moved by his magnanimity, and my anxiety finally eased. However, I didn't dare play aggressively again, becoming quite timid. The leadership team eventually won by nine points.

After the match, thanks to Director Gao’s broad-minded attitude, I stopped thinking about the incident. Yet, a few days later, I heard people gossiping about it. They said that in all these years, they had never seen anyone dare to collide with Director Gao. Some claimed I must have powerful connections, while others called me a naive kid who would eventually suffer for it. The worst rumors suggested I was intentionally venting my dissatisfaction over the year-end bonus. I felt indignant; if Director Gao himself didn't care, why were they making such a fuss? But I couldn't explain myself to everyone, and there was no way to silence them.