Chapter Sixty-Seven: This New Year's Holiday

Zhang Yuxin was the class monitor in Lin Nan’s junior high class. Since childhood, she had always been the exemplary child in other people’s eyes, and the obedient daughter her parents cherished. She became “sensible” early on, fully aware that her mother had quit her job to become a housewife for the sake of her studies. Thus, from elementary school on, Zhang Yuxin’s academic performance had consistently ranked among the top of her class.

She had always believed her life would be a relentless pursuit of learning—studying until she grew up, studying until she got into university, and only then, perhaps, would she finally begin to do what she truly wanted. Yet, one day in ninth grade, Lin Nan—previously an unremarkable presence in their class—suddenly appeared before them in a wholly new light.

In Zhang Yuxin’s mind, as well as in the memory of every classmate, Lin Nan had always been that boy with little presence. His grades were average, save for mathematics, which he excelled at. He spoke little and lacked a lively temperament. But inexplicably, Lin Nan’s grades began to soar. Though his English remained poor, by the time of the entrance exam, he ranked either first or second in every other subject.

Zhang Yuxin couldn’t help recalling that parent-teacher conference she had secretly listened in on from outside the door. What struck her most was Lin Nan’s father’s speech. She hadn’t fully understood it at the time, but she could tell that Lin Nan’s father’s way of educating him was completely different from her mother’s.

Being “sensible,” she made sure, after returning home, not to let her mother worry—she kept herself busy with reading and homework. During the summer, her mother arranged for many tutors, and Zhang Yuxin dutifully followed every plan.

Yet what Zhang Yuxin hadn’t anticipated was that, when she met Lin Nan again at Qingshui No.1 High School, he had already joined the basketball team upon admission, and later his performance in the national high school league surpassed even the senior students. Though Zhang Yuxin didn’t play basketball herself, from the admiration shown by the boys in her class, she could tell just how skilled Lin Nan was. She also knew for certain that in ninth grade, Lin Nan hadn’t played basketball at all.

Zhang Yuxin wondered: could this truly be the power of passion?

It wasn’t until today, as she listened to the principal’s speech in the classroom, that she realized how outstanding Lin Nan had become. Just as the principal said, what was the purpose of her own studies? Watching her mother prepare her favorite dishes in the kitchen, Zhang Yuxin decided not to dwell on the question for now.

She knew her mother was a strong woman, yet she was willing to give up her career for her sake. With that, Zhang Yuxin resolved to get into a good university for her mother first. Whether the college entrance exam was for the sake of a higher degree or a better job, Zhang Yuxin didn’t know, nor did she wish to think deeply about it. For now, she only wanted to get through these “most important” three years of high school, study hard, earn admission to a good university, and not let her mother’s hard work be in vain.

After casting one final glance at her mother bustling in the kitchen, Zhang Yuxin decided to review and consolidate the knowledge her teachers had recently taught. As for Principal Zheng’s speech at school, she didn’t plan to mention it to her mother.

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Similar scenes were unfolding in the homes of students throughout Qingshui No.1 High School. Some parents perhaps grasped the deeper meaning behind Principal Zheng’s words and were willing to let their children make appropriate changes, but such parents were few.

Most parents understood, but merely listened—believing that getting into a good university was paramount. Inspirational words were beautiful, but adults knew well the harshness of society. Without a degree or family background, one’s progress would be severely hindered. Unless you possessed an exceptional skill—so exceptional that it alone could make you stand out, such as running 100 meters in under ten seconds, clearing a billiards table with a single shot, or being the most dazzling dancer on stage.

But clearly, most parents still chose to have their children study, for education offered stability. Other pursuits remained hobbies, rarely considered as a future profession to be cultivated.

However, those fathers of wealthy second-generation children who didn’t take their studies seriously thought differently. Perhaps because these privileged few spent every day idly at school, eventually even they grew bored. Today, for once, they went home and discussed the principal’s speech with their fathers.

In the end, father and son sat down in earnest for a heartfelt conversation. Previously, the fathers believed that earning money was sufficient; their sons could simply attend the best schools for as long as they wished, and if they lost interest, they could inherit the family business. Now, the principal’s words had inspired them. He was right: you might choose not to study, but in the future, you must possess at least one skill worth presenting—whether it be social aptitude or eloquence, you must have something that makes others look at you with respect.

Immediately, these fathers decided to take their children out during New Year’s, letting them explore various professions in society, so the children could see what they truly wanted to do when they grew up. That way, they could start laying the foundation now, with no shortage of funds. Even if the child wished to become a businessman, they could provide startup capital and let him experiment during the winter or summer break; losses would be merely the price of experience.

Only then could they discover their own shortcomings, begin to learn the art of business, or finally apply themselves to academic study, acquiring relevant commercial knowledge.

Unbeknownst to Zheng Zemin, his speech that day—so different from the past—brought tremendous benefit to the students of No.1 High School. Decades later, many students about Lin Nan’s age had achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. Simply because, at that still youthful age, when their minds were agile, they had already begun building a solid foundation for their future careers. So that upon graduating from university, or even stepping into society beforehand, they could stride directly toward their long-established goals.

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Lin Nan was somewhat different from them, for he had begun working hard for basketball since last year. However, his dream had undergone significant change.

Thus, when Lin Lang asked his son what he wanted to do during the New Year’s holiday birthday, Lin Nan unexpectedly replied that he wished to visit children in impoverished areas.

The answer surprised Lin Lang, so he asked what had prompted such an idea. Lin Nan proceeded to recount a story he had read in a book. After hearing it, Lin Lang was silent for a long time; indeed, the Englishman in the story was a person worthy of respect. Afterwards, Lin Lang smiled; such a change in Lin Nan was not unwelcome. The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility.

Having lived life anew, Lin Lang hoped to change the education of China. And now, his son, at such a young age, was contemplating charity and helping others—it was a delightful thing.

After pondering for a while, Lin Lang told Lin Nan to pack his belongings. He planned to drive up into the mountains for a two-day stay, cautioning him that there would be no air conditioning and the beds were hard wooden planks—telling him to be sure of his decision.

Lin Nan agreed without hesitation and darted off to his room to gather his clothes.

Ye Xinlan, who was washing dishes, noticed the commotion in the living room and immediately paused to ask, “What are you two up to?”

Lin Lang approached her gently and replied, “Nan Nan wants to go into the mountains for a life experience. I’ll take him for a couple of days.”

“In the mountains? Which mountains?” Ye Xinlan was puzzled.

“The nearby impoverished area; he wants to see how those children live,” Lin Lang explained.

Ye Xinlan was naturally kind-hearted. Though she didn’t understand why her son suddenly had this wish, it was a good thing—and today was his birthday, so she naturally wanted to fulfill it.

So Ye Xinlan said, “Then I’ll pack clothes too. Let’s go as a family.”

Lin Lang smiled, “Did you forget? Your relatives are visiting these two days—you should stay home and rest. I’ll take him myself.”

Ye Xinlan blushed and reluctantly agreed, “All right then, I’ll just sleep for two days at home, but you must take good care of Nan Nan!”

“Don’t worry, he’s grown up now. Besides, he’s lived at school for almost half a year and he’s been fine. You should take care of yourself,” Lin Lang reassured her.

After packing, father and son bid farewell to Ye Xinlan and set out.

Actually, when a woman is going through her cycle, she needs a man’s care. Yet each woman’s condition varies, and Lin Lang knew Ye Xinlan would be fine. But since the roads to the mountains would be rough and possibly take hours to traverse, it was better for her to stay home and rest.

Upon reaching the ground floor, Lin Lang and Lin Nan placed their luggage in the garage’s Santana, then drove to the car rental center in QS County, where they rented a four-wheel drive.

Next, the pair went to Walmart, buying food and drinks to bring to the children they had never met.

At first, Lin Nan didn’t care about the price—remote control cars, planes, Ferrero chocolates—he piled them all into the basket.

Seeing this, Lin Lang patiently explained, “How long do you think those children could play with a remote control car or plane? What if they break? What happens when the batteries run out? And how long does the chocolate last? What if they want more?”

Lin Nan, quick-witted, immediately understood his father’s meaning. Reluctantly, he put back all the toys and treats he himself would have loved to play with and eat.

After reflecting, Lin Nan selected some puzzles, Rubik’s cubes, and model kits—these could be played with for a long time and were educational. He then carefully picked out two large boxes of storybooks from the shelves, finally satisfied as he pushed their haul toward the exit.

To his surprise, while his father was paying at the cashier, Lin Nan, standing nearby, again saw the fan from yesterday—the Walmart manager.

The manager was wandering on the first floor, and suddenly noticed Lin Nan’s familiar face. He saw Lin Nan watching him as well, and as he walked over, he thought to himself,

Could Lin Nan be coming back after yesterday’s free order, hoping to test his luck again? But then he shook his head inwardly—no, Lin Nan wasn’t the type to take advantage, otherwise he wouldn’t be so graceful on the court.

Besides, what were they buying? Puzzles? Rubik’s cubes? Two boxes of books?

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