"Flowers of the South" tells the story of an era and a generation.
From 1990 to 2009, it was the most magnificent two decades of China's reform and opening up. Countless young people like Chen Shanhe flock to Shenzhen from small towns, rural areas, and from all directions, sweating and chasing their dreams in this hot land. Some of them succeeded, some failed, some had ups and downs, and some lost their lives.
Chen Shanhe's story is the epitome of them. His success is due to the opportunities of the times and personal struggles. His failure was due to the trick of fate and the weakness of human nature. His feelings include sweetness, bitterness, regret, and warmth.
Most of the characters in the novel have prototypes. Lao Liu, Lao K, Su Min, Cai'e, Gillian... They are all footnotes of that era. Their stories are the epitome of that era.
I wrote this story to remember that era and those people. They may be ordinary, but their stories deserve to be remembered.
I hope everyone working hard in a foreign land can find their own direction and have their own happiness.
I hope everyone who reads this story can see their own reflection in Chen Shanhe.
