Paper clips to politics

It has taken time for Chen to recover.

"Actually it's all about trust - so hard to build, so easy to lose," she adds. "You know, verbal expressions cannot be taken as evidence. Now I am used to communicating with my boss and colleagues by e-mail. I also save every e-mail, even very short ones, from them, as well as my own to them, to protect myself from another intrigue."

Chen is two months pregnant - an unintended pregnancy - but she hasn't told the office. She is very worried that she will be shifted to a lower position when the boss finds out.

"I am also applying for new positions at other companies," she says. "Many female employees of my company can't find any good position here after maternity leave. I must make full preparation for the future."

Liu Wei, a 37-year-old IT worker, reminds new college graduates to beware of the dark side of their office, no matter how excellent, even radiant, it looks at first.

"The essence of the office culture is indeed a 'mask' culture," Liu says. "Office workers usually wear deceptive masks to conceal their real ambition. However, power struggles are unavoidable at the workplace. Certainly you can't always open your heart to colleagues, who may turn out to be your biggest competitors."

Though Liu Xuewei, a senior magazine editor, doesn't agree that wearing masks in human relationships is the correct way, she advises interns and newcomers to stay low-key, diligent and modest.

"It is unnecessary to do something just to please others," she says. "Just be yourself. Those who are both capable and have a pleasant personality will be popular."

According to Professor Yu Hai, a sociologist from Fudan University, the ambiance at the office is largely determined by the company culture.

"Office politics exist in every workplace in the world, and newcomers are required to have great patience to adapt," Professor Yu says. "In the future, SOHO (Small Office Home Office) may be a good alternative for those who don't want to compromise."