gifted youth class

 　　Gifted children, gifted youth programs—it's truly tragic that the people they nurture are often unable to care for themselves and lead unhappy lives. Parents who hoped their children would bring them status and wealth have lost all hope. Of these geniuses, only those skilled in writing, poetry, prose, novels, painting, playing instruments, and singing survive. In reality, we are all ordinary people. I've witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties throughout history, so what? Being outstanding, so what? It's better to grow up carefree. That's why my parents and I call ourselves "Worry-Free." We writers of online novels earn a living through sleepless nights, so what? Art brings me joy; work is only a small part of life. Occasionally playing the piano or flute is perhaps more important than anything else. We live for a few decades and then die—that's wonderful, even though we'll start over. I may not like it, but what can I do? As a human being, I have my own life, my own thoughts, and my own ways of doing things. The life I envision is being with everything I love: nature, books, family, food, and ancient towns. I'll cook for myself, write, and eventually manage my finances and household affairs. Then I'll marry the person I love, have a little baby, and raise her.

　　Eileen Chang dreamed of becoming a writing prodigy at 19, wrote "Incense Ashes" at 21, and later went abroad to study. That's how our generation grew up—not knowing who our parents were, only who our teachers were, so it's inevitable that we might idolize them. Although Eileen Chang herself would never have thought that way, I know my parents and my teachers. My parents gave me life, raised me, and are the wisest to worry about me. There are always many academic frauds. Humanity has progressed to a matriarchal society, to an era where everyone jointly raises one or more children. Falling in love, writing letters, sharing ideals, working and living with like-minded people, utilizing each other's talents—isn't that wonderful?
　　Even I don't know my own potential, I don't know what I've actually learned from my travels and studies. Perhaps it's the courage to face life independently, the spirit of continuous improvement—I believe in these two words. I dislike pessimistic views, saying that living is difficult, as if one is crippled. The little joys of each day can ward off the day's fatigue, allowing me to forget the past and worry about the future, because it's already 2017. Everything is going as I predicted.
　　Let's live happily, firstly because I'm never alone; many people are with me; secondly because we can live easily and joyfully; and thirdly because I can now solve any problems. I love my family.
　　A memento from Zhang Yuxin, daughter of Eileen Chang.