My days living in urban villages

Because I had no money and didn't earnestly study or improve my work skills to negotiate a raise with my boss, I kept living in urban villages to save money.

The first time I lived in an urban village, it was a group rental house—men and women mixed together, a one-bedroom apartment housing nearly 20 people, near the Shenzhen talent market. Women stayed in the bedroom, men in the living room. Metal bunk beds filled every space. Once, the police came and took everyone to the station, saying we were unregistered residents. But at least everyone was fairly honest—aside from things getting stolen, no serious crimes happened.

The second time I lived in an urban village was near Sanhe in Longhua, the famous place where "Sanhe Gods" came from. It was pretty cheap, around 300+ RMB a month—one room plus a toilet.

The third time was different. I lived in Shangxia Sha, Luohu, for 1,200 RMB—a two-bedroom apartment shared with someone.

The fourth and last time I lived in an urban village was a rooftop partition room at 600 RMB a month. The summer was unbearably hot. To save money, I didn't turn on the air conditioner, and the landlord was worried I might die from the heat up there.

Later, I suddenly had money and never lived in an urban village again.

I miss the urban village. My youth is buried there.