Bao Zhong has just been sacked. There are many like him; hoards of people are being sacked, especially by large companies. But Bao Zhong is in a very cheerful mood: like everyone else, he will start up for himself. Shanghai is dominated by new opportunities. Everyone is busy with projects, plans, networks, investors, loans. Everyone wants to earn money, with new companies, gambling, in lotteries. But being your own boss is no fun after so many years on a salary. There are hassles about debts and balances, crooked contractors, hard-to-get loans. But above all there is an almost indestructible faith in the new world. At the same time disappointment is only just around the corner. Many people still live in poverty or lack medical care.