Born in October 1989 in Yiwu, a county within Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China (PRC), my early years were defined by constant change. In the early 1990s, my parents sought new opportunities in Changshu, Jiangsu Province, fuelled by entrepreneurial ambitions. This transition thrust me into the life of a migrant child.

Initially, I attended a local private kindergarten. However, by 1995, faced with the complexities migrants encountered accessing quality education, my family returned to Yiwu. Here, I embarked on my educational journey at an urban primary school in downtown Yiwu. Yet, understanding the importance of academic alignment, I later transferred to a rural primary school in the countryside.

From September 1996 onwards, my school routine was distinct. Weekdays saw me boarding with teachers, eagerly awaiting weekends and holidays to return home—a testament to my parents' dedication to their business pursuits. Academically, I performed averagely even at this rural school. My interests diverged from the norm; while many subjects engaged me, music held a special allure. Regrettably, circumstances steered me away from pursuing it. Conversely, calligraphy, despite my initial disinterest, demanded rigorous practice. However, my efforts only yielded handwriting that often appeared untidy.

Upon completing primary education in 2001, my parents envisioned a brighter academic path for me. They arranged my admission to a premier junior high school downtown. My grades at the time necessitated an additional investment—a substantial tuition fee—to secure this opportunity.

(To be continuted)