Humanities Student × Science Student
Alternating perspectives
A short story about the everyday lives of ordinary people. They’re neither top students nor struggling students, just regular high schoolers. But their lives have laughter and tears, and all the bittersweet ups and downs that make life what it is.
Yan Yan, a science student, comes from a struggling family. His mother is the family’s backbone, and to ease her burden, he eventually decides to attend school while taking care of his younger brother.
Xu Yeqing, a humanities student, comes from an ordinary family. Past emotional trauma has left him lacking in confidence, but ordinary people can have great, shining dreams too. No matter what, he wants to get into police academy and become a police officer who protects the people.
Under pressure from his family, he goes to the track to run it off.
Under pressure from his grades, he goes to the track to run it off.
That’s how the two boys meet.
“Yan Yan, have you ever worried you won’t get into the university you want?”
“I have, but I think I can do it.” Yan Yan looked at Xu Yeqing. The graduation corsage on his chest was so beautiful. How lucky he was to meet him at a time like this.
“I’ve imagined so many times what it’ll be like when we get into college: leaving this little town and going to see the sea at Dongyin Bay in Yingang. I’ve imagined you in your uniform, standing beneath the red flag at sunrise, looking so impressive. I’ve imagined Mom and my brother moving into a new home with a kitchen, bedrooms, and a living room. And you could come over during summer and winter break… If there’s hope, there’s a reason to keep going. After you’ve cried, you still have to keep running forward, don’t you?”
Xu Yeqing listened, stunned. So he knew all along.
How should I wish him well?
“Then keep going with me. Happy graduation.”
