In The Pond

Essay by PaperNerd ContributorCollege, Undergraduate August 2001

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The story starts out at Dismount Fort, where the main character, Bin Shao talking with his wife, Meilan about why they deserved a apartment in the Worker's Park. You see, Bin works at the Harvest Fertilizer Plant and every year a couple of workers would be chosen to live at the Worker's Park. Day and night Bin was excited about whether he would be chosen. Meilan suggested that they try to bribe Secretary Liu and Director Ma in hope that they would give them a home, but Bin was too stubborn and decided not to spend any money them. Even though Bin was not a scholar, his handwriting was one's. Five years ago people had been amazed and remarked, "A beauty loves a scholar indeed." Although Meilan was not beautiful and Bin was not a true scholar, compared with him she was a better match, having several suitors. The day had finally come; the final list was posted on the notice board in front of the plant's entrance.

Bin went there but didn't find his name among the lucky ones. He was furious and so were many others. In all the workshops angry voices were rising while those who were chosen turned silent at once. His mind was full, how was he going to tell Meilan the bad news? After work, he was cycling home on his bicycle absently. The moment he passed the railroad crossing near the northern end of the plant, he saw the Party secretary, Liu Shu. Bin caught up with him and got off his bicycle. He asked, "May I have a word with you, Secretary Liu?" Liu nodded and Bin asked, "Why didn't I get housing this time. Liu answered, "You are not alone, over a hundred comrades are still in line. Don't you...