In the interview, Dai Haifei said his house had been the target of eviction, but because he had no place to move to, eventually they let the matter rest. He had thought about having a real home to get married in, but for now, he enjoys life in an “eggshell”.
Beijing News.- How is life after moving into your house?
Dai Haifei.- No rent, I don’t need to consider to save money when eating everyday, I also bought an annual pass to a swimming pool. I go swimming after work everyday, then take shower or sauna after. In the weekends, I go walk around in the Beijing city, and hang out with friends.
Beijing News.- Your cabin is placed here, will people try to move it away?
Dai Haifei.- (Laughs) I was already told to move. The house is placed on the lawn of a courtyard, it is not even the company’s property. Some time ago, property owner came to tell me to move, but I have no place to move to. They could not do anything to me. Now they just let me be.
Beijing News.- Have you thought about, one day you go down stairs and your house is moved away, all your possessions are gone?
Dai Haifei.- The egg house is a place to sleep, my clothes are under the bed, nothing expensive. (pointed at himself) I only have these, the most expensive thing is the notebook, I leave it at work. (smile)
Beijing News.- Your house charges electricity at work, and water is also from your company. Actually your company really supports a lot. Are they considered perks for being close to work?
Dai Haifei.- The house doesn’t charge its battery from work, the solar panel charges the battery. My company is very tolerant as for my water and electricity usage, perhaps its part of the benefit. (laughs)
Beijing News.- Beijing is so cold in the winter, in this small room you probably are freezing. Before you come here have you thought about such hard life?
Dai Haifei.- I did not think so much, in fact, I do not feel very "tough". The winter in Hunan is worse than Beijing, it's kind of wet cold. So I think it's no so bad here, I only sleep here, my blank is thick. I actually woke up last night because it was too hot. My parents also know my life. I called them and told them where I am. They also feel happy that I can save some rent money.
Beijing News.- but they also wish you to get married and have children, live in a (real) house right?
Dai Haifei.- Yes, they also said I should have a house, find a girlfriend, get married. But they do not know how difficult it is in Beijing. I used to rent, one of those huge rooms divided into many small rooms with wooden boards, only couple square meters cost 8-9 hundred a month. Before I graduated this year when I went home for my graduation design project I had to terminate the lease. They also deducted my deposit for various reasons. It was really helpless. So now I feel free, I don’t think so much any more.
