Dorm Life Drama: A Semester of Clashes and Compassion
This article explores the dynamics within a university dorm room, highlighting the tensions arising from differing financial backgrounds and perspectives, and ultimately showcasing the potential for understanding and collaboration.
Wojak's Thriftiness and the Missing Laundry Detergent
The story begins with Wojak, a student from a less privileged background, whose frugal habits become a point of contention. His dormmates notice his collection of single-use items from hotels, which he acquired to save money.
Adding to the tension, a bottle of laundry detergent disappears from the communal laundry room. Wojak admits to taking it, reasoning that it was not being used and that shared resources are available for everyone. This action sparks conflict, as others point out that the detergent is for everyone's use and his actions deprive others.
The Thermostat War: Air Conditioning and Financial Strain
Another source of conflict revolves around the dorm's air conditioning. While some roommates prefer to keep it running due to the heat, Wojak, concerned about electricity costs, frequently turns it off. This leads to discomfort and frustration, especially during hot nights.
One roommate, referred to as "Fatty," offers to pay for the electricity to alleviate the financial burden. However, Wojak interprets this as condescending and refuses the offer, asserting his independence and the value of his own hard-earned money.
Fatty's Generosity and the Shared Dorm Experience
Fatty eventually tells his father about the situation and receives 6,000 yuan to cover the dorm's electricity bill for two years. He shares the news with his roommates, emphasizing that it's a gift for the whole dorm and that no one needs to reimburse him. He promptly deposits the money into the dorm's electricity account.
To further improve dorm life, Fatty brings a small refrigerator from home for everyone to use. This act of generosity, however, is met with criticism from Wojak, who sees it as wasteful spending and a potential drain on resources. Wojak implies Fatty has no concept of how difficult it is to earn money.
Bridges Built Through Sharing and Understanding
Despite the initial clashes, a sense of camaraderie begins to emerge. Fatty shares imported cherries with his roommates, including Wojak, and offers to share all the new tech he recieves as a social media influencer for free. The other two roommates, Doomer and Zhang Zuo appreciate the sentiment.
Fatty explains that because he's been receiving so many products for reviews, they may as well share the wealth.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit and a Team Project
As the semester progresses, an entrepreneurship competition is announced. Fatty proposes that the roommates form a team, leveraging his social media presence to promote online sales.
Wojak dismisses the idea, considering it a waste of time and money. However, Doomer and Zhang Zuo are enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn and gain experience.
Wojak's Contradictory Actions
Ironically, Wojak, who previously criticized Fatty for his perceived extravagance, becomes a student assistant, an opportunity he learned about through the group chat he claimed to never read.
Wojak's increasing digital product collection further perplexes the other roommates, who begin to think that Wojak's frugality may be an act. He explains that he's earning money through his part-time jobs and tutoring, emphasizing his self-reliance.