My life saw many changes in 2019.

Life#

Northeast China#

On New Year’s Day, the very first day of 2019, I went to Northeast China with colleagues. Looking back, it feels quite surreal.

That morning, a colleague asked if I wanted to go to Northeast China for the New Year’s holiday, and I agreed without a second thought, not even asking about the itinerary or schedule. In retrospect, I was probably feeling very stressed at work and needed to relax, so when I heard about going out, I just said yes. Where we went or how we played didn’t matter.

Now, looking back, I don’t really remember all the places we visited.

A few things stand out in my memory:

• My colleagues, a Didi driver, and I convinced another colleague not to go to Ice and Snow World.
• With a fearless attitude towards falling, I learned to ski. Learning to ski reminded me of my first time ice skating, which I also learned with the same spirit. Even though I fell terribly, I still admire my courage.
• Playing ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Werewolf’ with my tour group companions was incredibly fun.
• Taking a group photo with all the girls in the tour group.
• Most importantly, I met my current girlfriend.

So, this trip to Northeast China was quite fruitful, and it was also the first time I actively went out with colleagues.

Her#

During our days in Northeast China, we spent a lot of time on the bus. In front of me sat two girls from Shanghai. I was surprised when one of them introduced herself by saying she was looking for a partner.

In Snow Town, one of the girls wore sunglasses and a white down jacket, looking quite cool, which caught my eye. During dinner, everyone was playing ‘Black Magic,’ and the girl with sunglasses from Shanghai, sitting next to me, said she thought she knew what ‘Black Magic’ was but couldn’t remember. So, I messaged her on WeChat, saying I was afraid of revealing the secret of ‘Black Magic’ at the table (definitely not just to get her WeChat). We had some minor interactions over the next few days, mostly through the other girl from Shanghai, haha, it was quite interesting. At the end of the Northeast trip, I invited the two girls to a ‘farewell breakfast.’ I actually invited girls to a farewell breakfast – quite novel! After eating, I pulled out a Russian nesting doll from my bag – yes, a Russian nesting doll – I don’t even know what I was thinking, and gave it to the girl with sunglasses as a parting gift. During this, someone actually commented that the air was thick with the ‘smell of love,’ hmph.

The Northeast trip ended quickly, but the story with the girl in sunglasses was just beginning. After returning, we chatted every day after work. Yes, we barely chatted on WeChat in Northeast China; it all started after we got back. Initially, we talked about our favorite music, and the conversations grew, eventually leading me to Shanghai, just like meeting an online friend. Of course, the ‘proactive ds’ also came to Shanghai with me. Besides the girl in sunglasses, the other girl was also there. The girl was very thoughtful, traveling all the way from Kunshan. First, we had Haidilao hotpot, then went archery, and then sang karaoke – the first day was packed. The second day was more relaxed; we took a walk, visited a park, and just chatted. All in all, it was a very pleasant meeting.

Later, we met up a few more times, and I took her to all the major attractions in Hangzhou, and then the girl in sunglasses became my girlfriend. Sometimes I find it amazing myself – I went on a trip, met a girl I liked, and successfully got out of being single. Truly amazing.

Midway, I also learned that the other two friends had some interactions too. Turns out the ‘proactive ds’ had other intentions, haha.

Life then transformed from being alone to being with someone. There was someone to care for, and someone who cared for me. Cooking together, lounging on the sofa, watching movies, playing games – we found our little slice of happiness.

Japan#

Mid-year, I went to Japan again for a team-building trip with my team.

Except for the first day at Universal Studios, the rest was free travel. Thanks to my extensive ability to communicate through gestures, I could even talk to locals and had a great time.

Novel Coronavirus#

Before the Lunar New Year, a novel coronavirus suddenly broke out. This SARS-like infectious disease rapidly spread throughout Wuhan. As a result, everyone experienced a completely different Spring Festival: no visiting relatives, no social calls, no gatherings. Everyone stayed home, minimizing contact with others to avoid contracting the illness. Villages and counties also implemented strict entry and exit controls. We had never experienced anything like it.

As of today, over 80,000 people nationwide have been infected, and more than 3,000 have died. This tragedy was caused by both natural disaster and human error; all sorts of ‘monsters and demons’ emerged during the epidemic. From officials initially concealing information, to CCTV News labeling those who reported the epidemic situation as ‘rumormongers’ and widely broadcasting that ‘spreading rumors is shameful’ – including Dr. Li Wenliang, known as the whistleblower – to experts claiming it was ‘preventable and controllable’ before Academician Zhong Nanshan revealed the full extent of the outbreak, then the complete lockdown of Wuhan, the rapid construction of Huoshenshan and Leishenshan hospitals with the slogan ‘Amazing China!’, and later, various reports promoting the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine during treatment – it truly showed the coldness of human nature.

Fortunately, amidst the epidemic, there were many ordinary yet great individuals: delivery riders, grassroots workers, and doctors and nurses who held their posts, making us feel that humanity is still worth it. I can’t say much more, but I thank everyone fighting on the front lines of the epidemic and hope such a tragedy never happens again.

Minor Events#

On February 29th, I received a forum notification: Four years ago, on February 29th, I hoped my career would develop well and that I wouldn’t have to constantly struggle with housing anymore. Looking at it today, both have largely come true:

1. I’ve joined two well-known internet companies, and my career development has been good.
2. Regarding housing, I’m