Street stalls run by small vendors were a common sight.
Here and there, you could see discouraged office workers and college students who had yet to graduate.
Some were shooting the breeze, while others vented their frustrations.
The laid-back pace of Chengdu only belonged to the landlords.
For the working class, the rat race was everywhere.
"Walk with me on the streets of Chengdu, oh..."
Lai Manling froze for a second, at first thinking someone's phone was ringing.
But listening more closely, she realized it was Qi Sheng humming the tune.
"Wow, Boss, you're an amazing singer!"
Lai Manling wasn't just flattering him.
It really felt like she was listening to a high-fidelity original soundtrack.
"I'm alright."
Qi Sheng smiled and made small talk.
"Are you living with a roommate now?"
"Yeah, the complex is pretty nice. I'm in the secondary bedroom. Rent is 2,500 a month, and we split the utilities and internet."
"My roommate is a nice girl, too."
