Marvel: The other side of the double-passing door is Devouring the Stars

Chapter 483 Planning for the Future!

She submitted dozens of resumes, but only a handful received a reply. A few companies finally agreed to interview her, but as soon as they heard she was a recent graduate with no work experience, they rejected her outright.

Some companies, while claiming to be hiring, are actually just going through the motions and have already decided on their candidates. She's just there to make up the numbers.

What upset her even more was that in several interviews, the interviewers explicitly stated that technical positions were not suitable for women and suggested that she do administrative or customer service work.

“I’m clearly very skilled; I even won a programming competition award in school,” Luo Shuang said, her voice tinged with resentment, “but they just think girls can’t do technical work.”

After searching for three months and spending all her savings, Luo Shuang had no choice but to find work to make ends meet. She eventually got a job as a waitress in a restaurant.

“I was thinking of doing this for now, and then slowly looking for a more suitable job after I’ve saved up some money,” Luo Shuang said. “But once I started, I couldn’t stop.”

Working in a restaurant is tough. You start at nine in the morning and don't get off until ten at night, standing for over ten hours straight. The pay is low, only five thousand yuan a month, and after rent and living expenses, there's not much left.

To make matters worse, the restaurant owner is very demanding. Whenever a customer complains, regardless of whether it's the waiter's fault, their wages are docked. A while ago, a customer deliberately made things difficult, claiming there was hair in his food, even though he had put it there himself. But the owner didn't believe Luo Shuang's explanation and docked half a month's wages.

“I really want to quit my job,” Luo Shuang said, crying, “but I can’t. I rented an apartment in Donghai City and signed a one-year contract. If I quit now, I won’t be able to pay the rent and I’ll have to sleep on the streets.”

"Besides, with work being so tiring, I simply don't have time to interview for other jobs. When I finally get a day off, all I want to do is sleep; I have no energy left to send out resumes or prepare for interviews..."

“I feel like I’m trapped in a vicious cycle,” Luo Shuang said desperately, “I can’t seem to get out.”

As Luo Wen listened to his cousin's complaints, a surge of anger welled up inside him—not towards Luo Shuang, but towards this unfair society.

A capable and educated college graduate should have a bright future, but because he has no background or connections, he can only struggle at the bottom of society.

There are too many examples like this. Countless young people come to big cities with dreams, only to be battered and bruised by reality.

“Luo Shuang, listen to me,” Luo Wen said firmly, “From now on, you don’t need to worry anymore. I’ll help you.”

“Brother…” Luo Shuang’s voice was filled with hope.

“Resign now,” Rowan said. “Don’t worry about rent and living expenses; I’ll transfer the money to you. Then take a few days to rest and recharge.”

“As for work,” Rowan continued, “I have a way to help you find a suitable job. A job that truly utilizes your professional skills, one that won’t make you work as a waiter again.”

"Really?" Luo Shuang could hardly believe it.

“Of course it’s true,” Rowan said. “You’re my sister, why would I lie to you?”

"But... Brother Luo Wen, what kind of job can you help me find?" Luo Shuang asked anxiously. "Will it put you in a difficult position?"

“It won’t be difficult,” Rowan laughed. “I’ve got some influence now. By the way, I’m planning to go to Donghai City in a couple of days, so I’ll take the opportunity to see you. We can talk face-to-face and properly plan your future.”

"Really?!" Luo Shuang's voice became excited. "Brother, you really want to come see me?"

“Of course,” Rowan said. “It’s been so long since we last saw each other. As your older brother, I should go and see you.”

"That's great!" Luo Shuang laughed happily. "Then I'll wait for you!"

“Okay, it’s settled then,” Rowan said. “You focus on your work first, we’ll talk more when I get there. Remember, don’t let yourself be wronged. If anyone bullies you, tell me, and I’ll stand up for you.”

“Understood, brother,” Luo Shuang’s voice was filled with gratitude, “Thank you.”

After hanging up the phone, Luo Wen breathed a sigh of relief.

"How is it?" Mrs. Luo asked with concern.

“The situation is indeed not good,” Luo Wen said truthfully, “but I will handle it. I plan to go to Donghai City in a couple of days to talk to Luo Shuang in person.”

"That's wonderful," Mrs. Luo breathed a sigh of relief. "Your second uncle will be very grateful to you if he finds out."

“We’re all family, no need for thanks,” Luo Wen waved his hand. “Luo Shuang is my sister, helping her is the right thing to do.”

"However," Mr. Luo asked with some concern, "can you really help Luo Shuang find a good job?"

“Yes,” Rowan said confidently.

Although he didn't go into details, he already had a plan in mind.

Virtual Universe Company has branches in various base cities on Earth, and Donghai City is no exception. Given his status as a member of Virtual Universe Company, recommending a capable person to join the company shouldn't be difficult.

Moreover, he could have Luo Shuang interview at the company first. If Luo Shuang truly had the skills and abilities, she could get into the company based on her own merits. If the interviewer was biased, it wouldn't be too late for him to step in.

This way, Luo Shuang is helped without feeling like she's being taken advantage of, and her self-esteem is protected.

"Oh, right, Xiaowen," Luo's mother suddenly remembered something, "if you go to Donghai City, remember to bring Luo Shuang something. She's all alone in another city, she must be lacking this and that."

“I know,” Rowan smiled. “I’ll prepare.”

"And another thing," Luo's mother nagged, "when you see Luo Shuang, take a good look at her situation. If she's suffering too much, persuade her to go back to Jiangnan City."

"Mom, didn't you say there are many opportunities in Donghai City?" Luo Wen said with a smile.

“What’s the use of having many opportunities if you’re not doing well?” Mrs. Luo said earnestly. “Besides, although Jiangnan City can’t compare to Donghai City, it’s still a big city with many opportunities. And at least at home, there are family members to take care of you, so it won’t be so hard.”

“I understand, Mom,” Luo Wen nodded. “I’ll have a good talk with Luo Shuang then.”

After dinner, Luo Wen helped his mother clear the dishes. His mother told him not to do it, but Luo Wen insisted.

“Mom, I’m all grown up now, I can’t just not do any housework,” Luo Wen said with a smile. “You and Dad have worked hard for most of your lives, now it’s time for you to enjoy your retirement.”

"You're so good at talking," Mrs. Luo said reproachfully, but her face was full of smiles.

After cleaning up the kitchen, Rowan returned to his room.

The room was exactly as he left it; his high school textbooks were on the desk, and photos of him as a child were on the wall. Everything felt so familiar and warm.

Luo Wen lay on the bed, took out his phone, and began searching for information about Donghai City. Donghai City was a first-tier city on Earth, with a developed economy, advanced technology, and a population of over 30 million. Virtual Universe Company had a large branch in Donghai City, with businesses covering multiple fields such as martial arts training, equipment research and development, and virtual reality technology.

“It certainly seems to be a good place,” Rowan muttered to himself. “No wonder Luo Shuang doesn’t want to come back.”

He continued his search and found the contact information for the East China Sea branch of Virtual Universe Company. After thinking for a moment, Luo Wen sent a message to Manager Li—Manager Li was the security manager of Virtual Universe Company whom he had met at the orbital transfer station, and they had exchanged contact information before.

"Manager Li, this is Luo Wen. I have a question for you. What's the procedure for recommending someone to the company?"

Soon, Manager Li replied: "Luo Wen? You need to recommend someone? That's easy. Send me the candidate's resume and relevant materials, and I'll forward them to HR. If the candidate is suitable, HR will arrange an interview. Given your position, your recommendation will be given priority consideration, but whether they are ultimately hired depends on their actual abilities."

“Understood, thank you, Manager Li,” Luo Wen replied.

"You're welcome. By the way, who did you recommend?" Manager Li asked.

"My cousin studied computer science in college. She has a good technical foundation and is a very good person," Luo Wen introduced simply. "It's just that she wasn't very lucky after graduation and couldn't find a suitable job."

“I see,” Manager Li said. “Then have her prepare and send me her resume. The company is currently recruiting technical staff, and if she is truly capable, it shouldn't be difficult for her to get in.”

"That's great, thank you, Manager Li!"

“Don’t mention it, it’s nothing,” Manager Li said. “Besides, the company encourages employees to recommend outstanding talent. If the person you recommend performs well, you’ll also receive a reward.”

After finishing his conversation with Manager Li, Luo Wen was in a great mood.

With this, Luo Shuang's job problem can basically be solved. As long as she has real skills, passing the interview shouldn't be a problem. Even if she doesn't pass the first interview, he can let her prepare more and try a second and third time.

The thought that his cousin could finally escape the torment of that harsh boss and find a job that was truly suitable for her filled Luo Wen with genuine joy.

"I'll go to Donghai City in a couple of days," Luo Wen decided to himself. "I'll take a good look at Luo Shuang and do some sightseeing in Donghai City. I've heard their martial arts equipment market is quite unique; maybe I can find some good stuff."

He took out his phone and began to plan his trip to Donghai City.

Besides helping Luo Shuang find a job, he could also take the opportunity to visit the Extreme Martial Arts Academy branch in Donghai City and learn about the situation there. As a martial artist, traveling and observing more is beneficial for one's own growth.

"Oh right, I also need to prepare a gift for Luo Shuang," Luo Wen thought. "She's working so hard all alone in another city; as her brother, I should bring her something nice."

He thought for a moment and decided to prepare some nutrient solution and snacks made from the fruit of life for Luo Shuang. Although Luo Shuang was not a martial artist, these things would still be beneficial to ordinary people, as they could enhance physical fitness and improve immunity.

Moreover, he could also give Luo Shuang some small self-defense equipment—such as a portable energy shield generator, which could protect her safety in critical moments.

“Okay, let’s do it that way,” Rowan nodded in satisfaction.

Three days later, on the morning of the same day, Luo Wen arrived in Donghai City by high-speed maglev train.

The train departed from Jiangnan City and arrived at its destination in less than two hours. As the train slowed down to pull into the station, Luo Wen saw the bustling metropolis through the window.

Donghai City is indeed much larger and more prosperous than Jiangnan City. Skyscrapers rise one after another, reaching into the clouds, with the tallest, the "Donghai Summit" building, reportedly over a thousand meters high. Countless aircraft shuttle back and forth in the air, while the streets on the ground are wide, clean, and bustling with traffic.

"No wonder it's a first-tier city," Luo Wen remarked.

Stepping out of the station, Luo Wen took out his phone and sent a message to Luo Shuang: "I've arrived in Donghai City. Where are you now?"

Luo Shuang quickly replied, "Brother! You really came! I'm at the restaurant now, and I have half an hour left before I get off work. Why don't you find a place to rest first? I'll come find you after I get off work!"

"Which restaurant are you at? I'll come straight there to find you," Rowan replied.

"Ah? This..." Luo Shuang seemed hesitant. "Brother, our restaurant isn't very nice. How about I come find you after get off work?"

"Stop talking nonsense, send me the address," Rowan said directly. "I'm coming over now."

Luo Shuang couldn't refuse him, so she sent him the address.

Luo Wen hailed a taxi and gave the driver his address. The driver, a middle-aged man, glanced at Luo Wen after hearing the address: "Going to Yunding District? That's rather remote, it's the old town."

“Yeah, go find a friend,” Rowan said.

The car drove out of the bustling city center and headed towards the city's edge. Along the way, Rowan noticed the surrounding environment gradually changing—the skyscrapers were decreasing, replaced by older buildings. The streets were narrowing, and the people didn't look as glamorous.

"We've arrived at Jinzun Restaurant," the driver said, stopping the car.

Rowan paid the bill, got out of the car, and looked around the restaurant in front of him.

This is an old three-story building with peeling paint on the exterior. The signboard reads "Jinzun Restaurant," but one stroke of the character "Jin" is missing, giving it a somewhat dilapidated appearance. Through the glass windows, you can see that the interior is simply furnished, with only the most basic tables and chairs.

“This is it,” Rowan said, pushing open the door and walking in.

The restaurant wasn't crowded; only a few tables were sparsely occupied. The air was thick with the smells of cooking oil and various dishes, which was rather unpleasant.

"Welcome!" A waitress in a uniform walked over, but when she saw who it was, she froze. "Luo...Luo Wen?"

Looking at the girl in front of him, Luo Wen felt a pang of heartache.

This is his cousin, Luo Shuang.

The lively and adorable little girl in his memory has now grown into a graceful young woman. But her current appearance makes Rowan feel sad.

Luo Shuang was wearing a faded work uniform, her hair tied in a simple ponytail. Her face was pale, and she had faint dark circles under her eyes—clearly a sign of long-term lack of rest. She had lost a lot of weight and looked more haggard than her peers.

"Luo Shuang," Luo Wen walked over and carefully examined his cousin.

"Brother, what are you doing here...?" Luo Shuang was a little flustered, subconsciously straightening her work clothes. "I haven't even finished get off work yet, why are you here already?"

“I came to see where you work,” Rowan said, then frowned. “You’re only twenty-two, how come you’re so thin?”

(End of this chapter)