September 1 of that year was the happiest day of my life. I could finally leave the countryside and go to school in the county seat. I had spent three years preparing for this day, so when I went to register at school, the sky was especially blue. As I watched the scenery race backward outside the window, I knew I had said goodbye to my hometown and traveled a hundred li to begin a new life as a student. I was filled with anticipation and excitement, and I felt so happy.
