Work.
A way for humans to exchange mental or physical labor for a meager income to sustain themselves.
The time, freedom, and happiness it consumed were beyond counting, yet some people genuinely liked it.
"Brother Ding, get up!"
Despite staying up making a racket until well past midnight, Bai Congming was still the first to open his eyes.
"Get up! Go to work!"
Since he would no longer be working at the Flower Nursery, Bai Congming had made a rare request for a suit when they went shopping two days earlier.
Though money was tight, Ding Ding hadn't hesitated, maxing out his credit card to buy him a crisp suit.
Bai Congming had a small frame and used to look downright thin. Now that Ding Ding had put a little meat on his bones, seeing him in a well-fitting tailored suit gave Ding Ding the feeling that his own child had grown up.
"Little Bai looks good!"
Bai Congming admired himself in the mirror for a good while, then sidled back over to Ding Ding.
"Brother Ding looks good too!"
Ding Ding tied his tie and pinned a gardenia to his lapel. "You look the best."
"A little flower!" Bai Congming lowered his head and fiddled with the brooch. "Pretty!"
"Fourth Older Sister gave it to you. Just wear it for fun."
They arrived at the office ten minutes late, but Ding Ding was the boss, so no one dared say anything.
There was a morning meeting that day. All four employees were in the conference room when Ding Ding led Bai Congming inside and, putting on no airs, chose two adjacent seats.
"This is our new employee. Let's give him a welcome."
As he spoke, he led the applause.
Bai Congming didn't even need to speak; his face alone