Part 6/10:

This financial debacle profoundly impacted Shanghai's middle class, which had previously taken pride in luxurious living—owning multiple properties, investing in private education, and enjoying leisure pursuits. In stark contrast, the current landscape is marked by distress, where countless middle-class investors saw their fortunes evaporate overnight as companies slashed salaries and downsized operations.

A notable shift in societal values has occurred too. Parents, once dedicated to grooming their children as high achievers, now focus more on fostering contentment and mental stability rather than pushing for traditional markers of success. Young graduates from elite institutions, once envisioned as future leaders, now grapple with harsh job markets that leave them disillusioned.