Du Xiu

As graduation loomed, Chu Duxiu flooded the job market with resumes—only to get ruthlessly schooled by reality. Aside from spinning wild metaphors about “being the one outstanding flower,” she had little else to show. Until one day, stand-up comedy swung its doors wide open for her. One spotlight. One mic. Everything changed—her future now glittered. On the night of her championship victory, Chu Duxiu headed home with her trophy cradled in her arms. “Honestly,” she mused humbly, “being good at stand-up isn’t that impressive. It won’t make you rich overnight, and you definitely can’t use it to marry some tall, rich, handsome prince.” The driver—previously silent—paused. He shot her a sidelong glance and deadpanned, “I see. Just won a championship, and already I’m not handsome enough for you.” “…?”