If I Want to Go, I’ll Go

In the early morning, the vibrating alarm jolted Jiang Zheng awake. He grabbed his phone and swiftly silenced the alarm. Glancing at his still-slumbering roommate, Jiang Zheng climbed out of bed as quietly as possible.

For a young man, washing up didn’t take long—ten minutes or so was enough. After getting himself ready, Jiang Zheng gently opened the door and closed it softly behind him. Today was the weekend. No classes at the university meant that most people were still asleep, but Jiang Zheng was up early.

Today was his work-study day. His boss had specifically told him to arrive early, and Jiang Zheng dared not be late. University life offered plenty of free time, and aside from his studies, Jiang Zheng spent his weekends working part-time. He didn’t earn much, but over time, his savings could help lighten his family’s burden.

Jiang Zheng came from an ordinary family—not poor, but far from wealthy. His parents provided his living expenses in full, never withholding a cent. Still, Jiang Zheng felt he had grown up; he couldn’t keep asking his family for everything. Since he had the time and ability, he chose to earn a little money himself, whether to cover living costs or indulge his hobbies.

His work-study job was in the city, so Jiang Zheng took the bus. The journey from his university to his workplace took more than half an hour—not exactly far. Soon he arrived, got off the bus, and headed toward a distant shopping mall.

His job was to don a mascot costume, hand out flyers, and interact with people. Today, he wore a bear suit, which loo