On the day of their college graduation, whether they were classmates or roommates, everyone suddenly realized how short their ti together had been, and now they were about to go their separate ways.
Soone suggested that they write down each other’s phone numbers and ho addresses. They all took out their notebooks and made a note of it, with the thought that if it was ant to be, they would et again. Or perhaps, in a few years, they could organize a reunion.
Everyone hailed from all over the country, but as transportation beca more convenient, distance wouldn’t be much of an issue. Besides, more and more people were getting phones installed, making a quick call a matter of minutes. Those who were close didn’t mind the distance.
Yang PeiMin felt that the bond ford in college was truly special and moving. She planned that once her children were a bit older, she would travel around, perhaps on business trips; and if she happened to be in a city where a classmate lived, she would drop by for a visit.
After graduation, many had been assigned jobs—quite a few stayed local, while a minority returned to their hotowns to develop their careers.
They also wrote down their workplace addresses, most of which were located in the city, so that was convenient too.
Two years later, Yang PeiMin’s costics company was opening a branch and factory in S city. She took two days to visit the site. Once she finished her work, she rembered her roommate Zhu Qing worked there. With Zhu Qing’s office address in hand, she found her. Zhu Qing, normally reserved and quiet, showed a burst of surprise and delight at her sudden appearance.
They went for a al and caught up on each other’s recent lives. Zhu Qing was now a deputy editor at a newspaper, which seed quite impressive—at least from the confidence that shone on her face. That was enough, and they also talked about other classmates.
Many from their Chinese Literature departnt had been assigned to schools as teachers, others to various office jobs in factories.
Yang PeiMin was aware of this; Guo Caixia had stayed in the city and beca a high school teacher.
They kept in touch quite regularly; her daughter had even moved to live with her and started attending elentary school.
Zhu Qing, after talking to Yang PeiMin about skincare, found they had a lot in common. Even though they were now in different cities, they frequently exchanged letters, especially since Yang PeiMin had made the special effort to visit, which touched Zhu Qing deeply. She ntioned she was invited by her school for an anniversary celebration in October and would try to gather a few classmates and roommates for a reunion.
Yang PeiMin nodded in agreent.
When the reunion finally ca around, they had quite a turnout.
To ensure the atmosphere was lively, they chose Yang PeiMin’s birthday for the event, holding it at Yang Peiying’s restaurant where they arranged for a couple of tables. Everyone ca for lunch, which didn’t take too much ti since they all had busy work schedules.
When they gathered, the usual pleasantries and inquiries about recent lives were exchanged—a standard affair for such events.
When it ca to Yang PeiMin, they all laughed, saying they could already picture her life—successful career, happy family.
Yang PeiMin, amused by their teasing, simply sat and listened to their stories.
Almost everyone working locally ca, and for those who couldn’t make it, soone else knew their update and shared it.
For instance, Feng Erxi had returned to her city to beco a teacher at a middle school, which suited her easygoing, approachable nature. She had chosen the job because it was close to ho, and despite the lower salary, being able to have her child with her was what mattered most for family togetherness.
Ge Sanni reportedly took a clerical job at a departnt store in the area. She didn’t attend because she heard it was Yang PeiMin’s birthday and made up an excuse. It seed she was doing alright, having moved her husband and child over too. Nonetheless, her husband hadn’t found suitable work, leading to occasional dostic disputes. The in-laws, too, ca under the pretense of helping with the child, adding to the lively, noisy household.
Tan Yan also stayed in the area and joined them today. She worked at the post office for two years—no promotions or salary raises yet, but she had changed a lot. Her speech had improved, considering others’ feelings and face, making conversations among the group flow easily.
After graduating from university and entering the workforce, they had broadened their horizons and experienced much. Everyone had changed to so extent, becoming steadier and more diplomatic.
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