Chapter 136: Department of Astronomy

Jinling University, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in China, has always been a dream sanctuary for countless students. Along with Yanhuang University, Imperial Capital University, and Shuimu University, it is known as one of the four top-tier universities in the country.

Within the vast and verdant campus of Jinling University, where trees provide shade and the air is filled with the scent of flowers, students soak in the beauty of their college years. Tang Boyuan, a senior at Jinling University, is on the verge of graduating and stepping out into society. As students from one of China’s elite schools, they usually have no trouble finding employment; many large corporations and enterprises eagerly await them, while others choose to pursue civil service or continue their academic studies.

For Tang Boyuan, however, these days are incredibly difficult. When he was young, his love for the stars in the night sky led him to achieve high scores in the college entrance exam, and in a moment of youthful impulsiveness—ignoring the objections of his parents—he chose the Astronomy major at Jinling University.

Once he started, he realized he had fallen into a trap. While the major sounded impressive and fulfilled his childhood dream of studying the sun, moon, and stars, he was constantly discouraged by seniors who complained about the lack of job prospects. It turned out that Astronomy graduates face significant employment hurdles, especially those from humble backgrounds like Tang Boyuan.

Very few schools in China offer this major, and it is generally reserved for top-tier universities. Logically, one would think that fewer students would mean less competition and easier job placement, but the reality is quite the opposite. Nationwide, there are only a few hundred Astronomy graduates each year. Most either continue their studies in different fields or, if they have the right connections, secure positions in government or state-run agencies. Very few actually go on to work in astronomy-related research, and those who do typically need connections to get into the country’s major observatories.

Even then, those positions are often dead-end jobs with little future and low pay. For someone from an ordinary family like Tang Boyuan, this is a harsh reality. Despite the prestige of his university, companies have no use for an astronomy graduate to watch the stars. As for government or banking positions, they are off-limits without connections. The only viable path is to pursue a master's degree in a different, more practical field; otherwise, graduation is essentially synonymous with unemployment.

"Sigh, rejected again. Still, the major doesn't match the requirements."

Looking at the latest email in his inbox, Tang Boyuan could not help but sigh. He wanted to start working to ease his family’s burden, but as recruiters from major companies flocked to campus, his peers secured their futures one by one, while he was repeatedly turned away for his "mismatched" major.

"Rejected again?" his roommate, Dong Zhifei, asked upon hearing the sigh. Like Tang, Dong was in the same boat, receiving the same disheartening replies.

"Yeah. It looks like I should follow your lead and prepare for the postgraduate entrance exam. If I switch to a different major, I might at least be able to find a job to support myself later."

Tang nodded. There were four of them in the dorm; two from wealthier families had already secured their paths—one was going abroad, and the other had a government position lined up. That left only Tang and Dong. Dong had already decided to pursue a master's degree, choosing the currently popular field of Finance.

"It’s frustrating. We worked so hard to get into a top university, and if we can't even find a job upon graduation, I wouldn't know how to face my parents. It’s embarrassing."

As students of a prestigious university, both Dong and Tang possessed a certain pride, yet their current circumstances led them to despair. Dong had even kept the truth from his family, pretending he was simply choosing to continue his studies.

"Exactly. So many world-renowned companies come to our campus, but as soon as they hear 'Astronomy,' they reject us without hesitation," Tang grumbled. If he had known it would turn out this way, he would have chosen a more popular major. With a degree from Jinling University, finding a satisfying job would have been easy.

"Enough about that. I’m heading to the library to study. I need to focus on the entrance exam; it would be truly pathetic if I ended up with nothing." Dong gathered his finance textbooks and left.

Tang looked at the books on his desk—all related to astronomy. He had studied every one of them with diligence and was consistently the top student in his department. "Sigh! Perhaps I can only treat you as a hobby in the future."

He turned back to his computer, scanning the campus recruitment portal to submit more resumes, hoping to find a company that values talent over a specific degree.

*Buzz, buzz.*

Suddenly, his phone rang. It was his class advisor, Mr. Zhang.

"Hello? Mr. Zhang?"

"Tang Boyuan, notify the class immediately! Tell everyone to gather in our usual classroom. Fuyun Group is specifically looking to hire our Astronomy graduates!"

Mr. Zhang’s voice was filled with excitement. As the advisor, he was well aware of the dire employment situation for his students. "Fuyun Group? Understood! I’ll notify everyone right away!"

Fuyun Group was a household name, and their "Virtual Machine" was the hottest product on the market. Tang had always wanted one, but his tight budget and the long waiting list had kept him using an old-fashioned phone.

"Everyone, Fuyun Group is coming to our class for recruitment! They specifically requested Astronomy students! Get to our regular classroom immediately. Virtual Machines are the standard gear for Fuyun employees. Pass it on!" Tang hurriedly sent the message to the class group chat and rushed out the door.

"No way, Fuyun Group is recruiting from our class? Since when does the Astronomy department get this kind of treatment? I’ve heard their benefits are incredible, and most importantly, the Virtual Machine! Brothers, move fast!"

"Wait for me! Save me a seat!"

"Fuyun Group? Damn, nobody take my Virtual Machine! Tang, save me a spot!"

The group chat erupted. Targeted recruitment like this wasn't unheard of at Jinling University for top majors, but Astronomy students had never enjoyed such privilege. Companies usually shook their heads the moment they heard their major. This was a first.

Even students who had already accepted other offers were rushing over. Fuyun Group was a world-renowned tech giant, and the Virtual Machine was the device every young person dreamed of owning.

"Zhifei, get to our classroom! Fuyun Group is holding a special recruitment session for us. Forget the entrance exam, come now!" Tang urged as he sprinted toward the building. Ten minutes later, he arrived at the large lecture hall. It was already filling up with students.

Mr. Zhang was chatting with the recruiters from Fuyun Group. Tang couldn't help but notice that every one of the recruiters wore a Virtual Machine on their wrist.

"Mr. Zhang," Tang greeted, eager to learn more.

"Boyuan, you're just in time. Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Kong Yunhe, the administrative director at Fuyun Group’s Space Exploration Technology Company. They are looking to hire quite a few people this time, and these roles will be directly involved in space exploration. Show them what you've got and seize this opportunity!"

Mr. Zhang smiled encouragingly. He knew Tang was diligent and hard-working, but in the current job market, an Astronomy degree was a severe liability. This was a lifeline.