The September breeze carried the lingering warmth of summer's end as it swept past the gates of Yanning University. Lin Yijian stood before the magnificent entrance with a faded canvas bag on his back, excitement and anxiety written all over his face. He came from an unremarkable little county town in the south, where his parents ran a small restaurant called Lin Family Eatery on the old main street, working from dawn until late at night just to make ends meet. To get into this renowned national university, Lin Yijian had spent countless nights studying by lamplight. Now, the flagstones beneath his feet seemed to lead into an entirely new world.
The registration process was more complicated than he had imagined. Clutching his registration form, Lin Yijian wove through the crowds, sweat gradually soaking the back of his shirt. Just as he was checking the classroom information in front of the teaching building, a clear voice sounded behind him. "Excuse me, do you know how to get to the School of Economics and Management registration desk?"
Lin Yijian turned and found himself looking into a pair of bright, clear eyes. The girl wore a pale blue dress, her long hair falling over her shoulders. Her skin was fair, and she had an elegant air that set her apart from the students hurrying around them. He paused, then pointed toward the flower bed in the distance. "It's over there. Follow this path, and you'll see a red banner."
The girl smiled and nodded. "Thanks." Then she pulled her elegant suitcase toward the place he had indicated.
