Fly, Free Bird

Old Wang was a typical "corporate slave," spinning like a top in his cubicle every day. His biggest dream was to go on an impromptu trip, even if it was just to the neighboring county, it would be better than facing the computer screen every day.

One day, as usual, Old Wang was scrolling through his phone when a pop-up appeared: "Fliggy discount airfare, global flights from 100 yuan!" He rubbed his eyes, thinking he had seen it wrong.

"Global flights from 100 yuan?" The small flame in Old Wang's heart instantly turned into a raging fire. Isn't this a pie falling from the sky? He hurriedly clicked on it and found that it was real! Various international routes, with ridiculously low prices. Old Wang's heart was pounding, feeling that his life was about to undergo an epic turning point.

He quickly booked a ticket to Antarctica, and the price was only 99 yuan! Old Wang felt like he was the chosen one. He even began to imagine himself standing on a glacier, facing the biting cold wind, and feeling the taste of freedom.

He excitedly told his colleagues about the news, but everyone's reaction was lukewarm, and some even looked at him with disdain: "Old Wang, you don't really think you can fly to Antarctica, do you? It's definitely a gimmick."

Old Wang ignored their sneers. He thought they were just jealous of him. For this trip, he took his annual leave in advance, packed his luggage, and even bought a special windbreaker.

On the day of departure, Old Wang arrived at the airport early. He found the airport packed with people, everyone excitedly talking about their "discount tickets." They asked each other about their destinations, as if they were participating in a large-scale treasure hunt.

However, when everyone began to check in, they found that something was wrong. The airport staff, with forced smiles, told everyone that the discount tickets could indeed be used to fly, but they had to participate in an activity called the "Global Freedom Experience Program."

"What program?" everyone asked, confused.

The staff explained that this program was initiated by a technology company, with the purpose of testing human adaptability in extreme environments. Participants would be randomly assigned to different corners of the globe to complete various challenge tasks, with no fixed duration.

"Is it okay not to go?" someone asked.

The staff's smile did not change: "The tickets are already valid, and cannot be refunded. Moreover, participation in the program is 'voluntary'. If you don't participate, you can only wait at the airport."

Old Wang immediately felt a chill run down his spine. The so-called freedom of "global flights from 100 yuan" was actually a carefully planned "freedom" trap.

He was randomly assigned to a small village in Africa, where there was no internet, no electricity, only heat and mosquitoes. The so-called challenge task was to help the villagers with farm work every day, and listen to them speaking a language he didn't understand. Old Wang began to regret his impulsiveness. He felt like he wasn't traveling, but being imprisoned.

Old Wang looked forward to going home every day. He missed the air conditioning in the cubicle, missed the computer screen, and missed the "996" life. He finally realized that the so-called freedom was not an impromptu trip, but the right to choose one's own lifestyle.

Months later, Old Wang finally returned to the city. He became taciturn and still spun in his cubicle every day. He found that there were several new faces in the office. They had also participated in the "Global Freedom Experience Program." Everyone looked like a soulless puppet.

Old Wang opened his phone again and saw the Fliggy ad still running: "Global flights from 100 yuan, freedom is within reach!" He silently closed his phone, a deep sense of helplessness rising in his heart.

He suddenly remembered an old proverb: Fly, free bird, but don't forget, there is still land beneath your feet.