When I received this Black Gold Private Bank Card,

the bank manager handed it to me with both hands,
saying it’s a Diamond level exclusive card,
fewer than ten thousand people nationwide hold it,
annual fee of 6,800,
with a dedicated financial advisor,
unlimited access to airport VIP lounges.
I solemnly placed it into
my newly bought Italian vegetable-tanned leather cardholder,
and today I took it out for the first time to use.
I bought a five-dollar meat bun at the convenience store.
After swiping the card, the balance showed 327.5 yuan.
My financial advisor called me three times last week,
asking if I had large deposits recently.
I said yes,
a steady 6,000 yuan deposited on the 15th of each month.
He was silent for five seconds,
then said it might be a system misjudgment,
your card level is a bit inflated.
I asked if I should downgrade it,
he said no need,
downgrading would incur a fee,
better to just leave it as is.
Now I understand,
the real function of this card
is to make me feel like I’m acquiring a publicly listed company
when I buy a bun.
The face is there,
but the substance is still crouching outside the convenience store.