The “Truth“ about “Jiayou“ (Keep Going/Add Oil)

Li Ming sat at his workstation, staring at the blinking cursor on the screen, his eyelids heavy as lead. He had been working continuously for 28 hours and 55 minutes, just 5 minutes short of the record on the "honor roll."

"Jiayou, Li Ming! You can do it!" Department Manager Wang Qiang stood behind him, his tone generous and passionate, as if cheering on the final sprint of a marathon.

Li Ming smiled bitterly. He remembered what Manager Wang had said at the department meeting yesterday: "We must promote the 'wolf culture,' have a spirit of dedication, and be brave enough to challenge the limits! The company will not mistreat anyone who works hard!"

"Wolf culture," Li Ming repeated silently in his heart. He felt less like a wolf and more like a blindfolded donkey, constantly circling a millstone, while Manager Wang held a whip, lashing it from time to time, shouting: "Faster! Faster!"

"4 minutes left!" Manager Wang checked his watch, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Li Ming felt his brain had turned into a paste. His fingers mechanically tapped the keyboard, the code on the screen resembling a swarm of dancing ants. He could no longer see what they were.

"3 minutes!"

Li Ming tried to open his eyes wide, attempting to stay awake. He thought of his girlfriend, the beautiful future they had once envisioned, and the programming career he once loved...

"2 minutes!"

Li Ming's body began to tremble slightly, he felt like he was about to collapse. He thought of the creative code he had written during those sleepless nights, and the days when he had forgotten to eat and sleep for a project...

"1 minute!"

Li Ming took a deep breath. He knew he couldn't fall, he had to hold on until the last moment. He had to prove that he was a "qualified" employee, a "valuable" person...

"Time's up! Li Ming, you're amazing!" Manager Wang excitedly patted Li Ming on the shoulder. "You broke the company record! You are the pride of our department! I'm going to nominate you for the 'Best Striver' award!"

Li Ming, enduring the dizziness, forced a smile that was uglier than crying. He felt that his body no longer belonged to him. Like a puppet, he was helped by Manager Wang onto the podium.

The flash went off, and Li Ming saw the dense crowd below, their faces filled with expressions of "excitement" and "admiration."

"Comrade Li Ming worked continuously for 29 hours. This selfless spirit of dedication is worthy of our study!" Manager Wang's voice echoed through the venue. "We must learn from Comrade Li Ming and contribute our strength to the development of the company!"

Thunderous applause erupted. Li Ming felt like a hero, a hero worshipped by everyone.

"Li Ming, what are your thoughts?" Manager Wang held the microphone to Li Ming's mouth.

Li Ming opened his mouth, but couldn't make any sound. He felt like his throat was stuffed with cotton, and his chest was so tight he couldn't breathe.

"Speak, Li Ming! Share your 'success experience' with everyone!" Manager Wang urged.

Li Ming finally spoke, his voice hoarse and weak: "I... I want... to sleep..."

Before he could finish, Li Ming's vision went black, and he fainted on the podium.

The next day, the company's intranet published an announcement:

"Comrade Li Ming suffered an acute cerebral hemorrhage due to excessive fatigue and is currently being rescued in the hospital. The company will cover all medical expenses and provide a certain amount of financial compensation to Comrade Li Ming's family. We hope that all employees will learn from this, pay attention to combining work and rest, and take care of their health."

Below the announcement was a photo of Li Ming fainting on the podium. In the corner of the photo, a line of small words was particularly striking: "Jiayou, the next 'Striver'!"