挂靠

Li Ming sat in front of his computer, staring at the flickering words "Social Security Payment Successful" on the screen, and let out a long sigh of relief. He picked up his coffee, took a sip, and the bitter taste made him frown, just like his life at the moment.

He is an "employee" of a company that "doesn't exist." This company only exists in the depths of the internet, providing a false identity for people like him, a shell company where social security can be affiliated.

Li Ming is not without a job. In fact, he is a talented freelance writer with a substantial income. But in this city, without social security, it's like being a ghost without an identity, unable to move an inch. His child's schooling, buying a house, and even seeing a doctor are all tightly bound to that thin social security card.

"What is this?" Li Ming laughed at himself. He remembered a few months ago, in order to secure a spot for his son who was about to enter elementary school, he had to humble himself and beg those who "had connections." Finally, someone pointed out a "bright path": social security affiliation.

"Just pay a little money every month, and you can become a person 'with a unit'," the person winked mysteriously, "Don't worry, it's absolutely safe."

Li Ming hesitated, but he had no choice. He didn't want his son to lose at the starting line, and he didn't want to continue to be an "invisible person" in this city.

So, he became an "employee" of a company called "Future Technology." The company's main business is "providing future technology solutions," which sounds impressive, but in reality, Li Ming has never met any colleagues from this company, and he doesn't even know who the boss is.

He just transfers money to a designated account on time every month, and then the name "Future Technology" will appear on his social security records.

"Future Technology..." Li Ming muttered to himself, "Where is my future, exactly?"

He opened his email, and a new message came into view. The sender was "Future Technology Human Resources Department," and the subject was: "Notice on Adjusting the Social Security Payment Base."

Li Ming's heart sank. He opened the email, and the content was simple: due to "company business adjustments," the social security payment base will be increased by 50% from next month.

"These bloodsuckers!" Li Ming couldn't help but curse. He knew that this was just a trick by those behind the scenes to increase prices in disguise. They preyed on the weaknesses of people like him, unscrupulously squeezing their blood and sweat.

He wanted to resist, to report them, but he knew that once he did, he would lose this false identity, the last shred of hope to gain a foothold in this city.

He silently closed the email, opened the banking app, and entered the new payment amount. The words "Payment Successful" flickered on the screen again, but this time, Li Ming felt no relief.

He walked to the window and looked at the bustling crowd below. Everyone was in a hurry, as if they were chasing something.

Suddenly, his phone rang, and it was an unfamiliar number.

"Hello, is this Mr. Li Ming?" A sweet female voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Yes, it is." Li Ming was a little puzzled.

"Hello, this is the Human Resources Department of 'Future Technology'. Congratulations, due to your 'outstanding performance' in the past year, the company has decided to offer you a free 'Journey to the Future'."

"Journey to the Future?" Li Ming was stunned.

"Yes, we will take you on a tour of the company headquarters and have a face-to-face meeting with our CEO to discuss future development directions."

Li Ming's mind went blank. He never thought that this "non-existent" company would actually invite him to "visit."

"Um... May I ask, where is the company headquarters?" Li Ming asked cautiously.

"Our headquarters is in your heart," the female voice was still sweet, "As long as you believe in the future, the future is by your side."

The phone hung up, and Li Ming stood there dumbfounded, holding the hot phone in his hand. He suddenly felt that this world was even more absurd than he had imagined.