The Sea Breeze Kisses the Podium

Set against the backdrop of reforms to the teacher appointment system, the novel follows Wu Xiuwen through career setbacks, from failing to secure a position to finding work again. It focuses on the teaching challenges he faces in his new environment at Haitian Elementary School, including language barriers and pressure to improve student performance, as well as his relationships with others and the feelings that gradually grow between him and Huang Shixian, beginning with mutual support as colleagues. The character relationships are clearly laid out. At the heart of the story are Wu Xiuwen's career development and his romance with Huang Shixian, with interactions among colleagues and hints of family background as supporting elements.