In Pursuit of a Better Life

Some of the evil in human nature comes from ignorance. Freedom can illuminate ignorance and improve the darker side of human nature. A girl with a free mind, an independent character, and a kind, upright heart, who comes from the bottom of society, unexpectedly encounters a rebellious rich second-generation boy. Through reading, the boy learns about the philosophy of freedom, grows closer to the girl, and is awakened by the ideas of freedom. The girl encourages him and hopes he will become an upright, independent person who understands the importance of defending individual freedom. The boy is inspired by the girl’s sincerity and the hopes she places in him... Three years later, Tao Qing is in college and searching for a partner with an independent spirit. Chen Yan, who entered the working world early, tends to bow to power. Chen Yan whispers in Tao Qing’s ear, “I want to be your equal in character, thought, and spirit.” Hearing this, Tao Qing humbly praises Chen Yan’s way of thinking. Everything Chen Yan says to Tao Qing reflects his true feelings, as well as the goal he has always pursued and yearned for. However, before long, Tao Qing realizes that Chen Yan’s actions and way of thinking are still just as they were when they first met three years ago. He is still driven by competitiveness, and the goal he pursues and yearns for is really to rise above everyone else. This leaves her deeply disappointed and hurt. But Chen Yan has never forgotten the promise he made in Tao Qing’s ear: that he would be her equal. To fulfill this wish, Chen Yan often reflects on himself and criticizes his own shortcomings. As he strives to surpass himself, his character steadily improves, and he yearns more and more for freedom. Through freedom of thought and an independent character, he finally achieves the goal he has always pursued and yearned for: equality.