I was Xiao Ran, an ordinary man. My defining trait was that I loved to talk. One hobby forced upon me had been battling wits with thin air. I had been forcibly trained in psychology, studied public speaking, dabbled in acting, been taught communication techniques, and put through motivational guidance training. I knew how to assess value and avoid risks. I understood the importance of emphasizing meaning and the usefulness of switching concepts. I also knew that after walking a thousand miles, the worst that could happen was merely needing a new pair of leather shoes. I had raised all those skills to MAX level, though that came later.
Back then, I had just graduated and started working, focused solely on making money. Yet I was talked into paying out a sum instead. To get that money back, I worked hard. Before long, I recovered it and earned even more, but I had always looked down on my own work.
When taking money, I could spin grand promises. When giving money, it became a dead end. But I was steady and never took large sums. I could talk people around, but I was unwilling to deceive them, so trouble had never come looking for me. I was steady as hell—no risks, but no opportunities either.
I lived in Shahe, but my heart was in the sky. I had thought I would keep muddling along like that, waiting until I had enough seniority to rise step by step. Yet before long, I was inexplicably transferred and became an instructor. No, a guest instructor, because I was good with words and had an infectious smile. I was kicked out of my original organization and joined a new company.
The people I talked around became "our own people" or newly joined "our own