Chapter 41 Chapter 41

“Social science is actually the study of human existence and the operation of human society. You can understand it as,

We are trying to understand what it means to be human, why people make the choices they do, how societies are organized, and whether the world's problems can be solved.

"For example, sociology studies why different groups in the same city have such different lifestyles; political science studies how democratic systems evolve.

and why it matters; international relations focuses on the structural causes behind international conflicts. "If you are interested in people, society, politics, and culture, you often can't help but ask 'why'.

Or if you enjoy reading the news and observing people, then social sciences might be for you.”

"Studying social sciences doesn't mean you can only become a civil servant or journalist in the future. In fact, whether it's corporate planning, policy analysis, market research, non-profit organizations, or even the creative industry, social science thinking and logic are very much needed."

"Social science emphasizes 'questioning' and 'critical thinking.' You don't need to have answers from the outset, but you should get used to constant reflection and discussion. We hope you can develop the ability to see beyond appearances and uncover underlying logic." ...

The meeting was already halfway through, and the final speaker was Professor Zheng from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Yonsei University. Lia was taking notes, her expression focused. Each subject was introduced in detail or briefly.

Particular emphasis was placed on engineering and social sciences. Each professor who spoke brought a passion for their subject, and this enthusiasm truly resonated with the students, sparking their curiosity and imagination about their future fields of study.

Lia was the same. Before this, she had only vaguely felt a preference for the humanities, but couldn't articulate a specific reason. In fact, because she was also quite good at science, this tendency seemed less than solid.

But when the professor talked about social structure, historical causality, and even philosophical questions about human nature, she couldn't help but want to know more and didn't want to miss any information.

This feeling wasn't like the sense of accomplishment that comes from getting a problem right. It felt more like a connection—a wondrous experience of connecting with the larger world. She lowered her head and wrote in the corner of her notebook: "Social Science."

The second half of the meeting was devoted to questions from the audience. The lights came on, and the host's hand wandered through the crowd. When Lia's name was called, she was slightly stunned—so many hands had been raised, yet the host noticed her first.

"Wow, are all the students at Jingtai High School so pretty? They can become celebrities right away." The host joked, trying to liven up the atmosphere. Immediately, there was a burst of laughter from the audience: "They are celebrities—"

"Oh, no wonder, he looks a little familiar." The host smiled and continued, "Then I'll do some job consulting in return!" The students burst into laughter.

"Sorry, classmate, please don't mind my little joke." The host ended with a smile, "Please introduce yourself and then tell me your question."

"That's okay." Lia smiled politely and waited until the conversation died down before speaking. "I'm Jin Liya from Class 2-3 of Senior High School. I'd like to ask Professor Zheng—"

She held the microphone, her voice steady and clear. "If I'm interested in both theoretical aspects, like philosophical questions about human existence and nature, and more specific social operations and structural mechanisms, like politics, economics, and communications, how do I determine which social science disciplines I'm best suited for? Are there any suggestions to help me clarify the distinctions between these interests, or make a clearer choice?"

She nodded slightly, signaling the end of her questioning, her eyes falling on the professor on the right side of the stage. Xia Qing, sitting nearby, took a deep breath. They were all studying the same subjects, so why couldn't she ask such a question?

She was about to exchange glances with Yu Chenghao, seeking some empathy from ordinary students, but she found that he was looking intently at Lia. His expression looked normal, but the eyes under the brim of his hat were surprisingly bright.

Like a calm pool of deep water, undercurrents surged. Xia Qing felt as if she had suddenly uncovered a secret. Her heartbeat quickened a few beats, and she quietly averted her gaze. This time, she truly understood.

On the stage, Professor Zheng nodded, took the microphone, and spoke calmly:

"That's a very good question, and I believe that not only you, but many of you will also have similar confusions. Because at our age, our ways of being interested in the world are often mixed." He looked around the audience and continued:

Philosophy asks fundamental questions, such as 'Who am I?', 'What is the world?', and 'Why do people act as they do?' Social sciences—politics, economics, sociology, and psychology—attempt to understand the concrete manifestations of these questions in real life, such as 'How do people interact in society?', 'How does power operate?', and 'How do institutions influence choices?'

"One is looking up at the stars, the other is keeping one's feet on the ground, but the two are actually never in opposition." He paused, then added with a smile:

“My personal advice is to not rush to label your interests. You can start with a topic that you really care about and see how different disciplines approach it.”

"For example, on the topic of 'personal consciousness,' you could try reading philosophical essays on the 'self,' sociological research on 'identity,' and then look at how psychology explains the formation of 'self-awareness.' Through these cross-fertilizations, you'll gradually discover which way of thinking you prefer."

"Choices aren't just one-time decisions, but gradual approaches. Allowing yourself to be uncertain can actually help you go further." He smiled at her. "I wonder if Riya-san is satisfied with this answer?"

Lia nodded. "Thank you very much for your answer. It's very inspiring." It's not just about choosing a major—it's more like a kind of accumulated life wisdom.

For the first time in her life where she was always in a hurry to make countless plans and choices, someone told her: allowing uncertainty is a kind of ability.

She seemed to take in the questions from others, but also seemed to drift past them. By the time the discussion ended, Professor Zheng's words were still on her mind.

"I really didn't expect this conference to yield anything useful," Xia Qing said happily as she skipped ahead. "It wouldn't directly improve my grades anyway, but I didn't expect the teachers here to be so talented. I feel like my mind has suddenly become clearer!"

"So have you decided on your future academic direction?" Lia asked with a smile. "Although it's not very clear yet, at least I know now that I'm not interested in engineering or social sciences." "Huh???——"

Lia almost laughed out loud. What an unexpected answer. "I've never liked science or engineering," Xia Qing said confidently. "As for people—" She paused, as if unsure how to put it.

"Anyway, I'm not very interested in those abstract theories. I'm more concerned about the specific interactions between me and others." She spread her hands and concluded in a relaxed tone.

Being able to give others energy through interaction, and also draw strength from them—that's enough. Lia laughed. This was very consistent with Xia Qing's personality. She had a strange affinity, always able to quickly close the distance with others.

For example, the "Xiao Yu" who was walking beside them. Although Lia had taken him to study together at the beginning, after only two or three times, Xia Qing had become familiar with him.

Yu Chenghao was a man of few words, but he didn't object to being called "Xiao Yu," perhaps accepting it. He quietly walked beside them, listening to their conversation. The half of his face that was exposed drew a lot of attention from the students around him.

"So after eliminating them like this, there aren't many left," Lia concluded with a smile. "Yeah, I'll go back and study the professional catalog. It shouldn't be a big problem!" Xia Qing shook her head excitedly. The three of them quickly reached the school gate.

Xia Qing was going in a different direction, so after saying goodbye to the two of them, she went to the bus stop alone. Lia's apartment wasn't far from the school, only a twenty-minute walk away. If she wasn't in a hurry, she usually chose to walk home.

"Walking back?" She looked up at Yu Chenghao and asked softly. Their residences were not far from each other, so they could go back together. "Yes." He nodded.

The night grew colder, and the dim street lights on both sides of the road cast long shadows behind the two of them.

At the street corner stall, an auntie was busy packing up her fish cakes and fried rice cakes. Her business was actually better as early winter was approaching, and several students were standing nearby, waiting to order.

"So, do you have any ideas?" After a moment's silence, Lia started talking. "No." Yu Chenghao thought for a moment and replied calmly. Lia was stunned for a moment.

She had thought that although he was silent, he probably had his own opinions, but she didn't expect him to give such a straightforward "no." "I went to college to find a job," he explained, "I already have a job." Lia nodded.

Indeed, the money he currently earns is probably more than most people with ordinary jobs will earn in their entire lifetime. "But besides the utilitarian perspective, going to college may have other meanings." Her tone was calm, as if she was slowly confirming a certain idea.

"For example, some knowledge may never be useful in your lifetime, but in the process of learning, you will gradually understand who you are and what kind of person you want to be." She paused and smiled again: "Of course, I haven't thought it through clearly yet."

Yu Chenghao turned his head to look at her without saying anything. After a while, he softly responded, "Yeah." Lia suddenly felt that what she had just said might have sounded a bit preachy.

"That's not what I meant..." she quickly added. "I just wanted to say that some things, not necessarily related to work, are worth thinking about." The man next to her chuckled. "It's okay," he said gently. "I know."

"It's just... I started filming when I was very young, so I haven't thought about it this way for a long time." Children from poor families are concerned about their livelihood from an early age.

Compared to philosophical questions like "existence," "survival" is a more pressing concern. As time passes, one forgets what one truly desires. He spoke calmly, yet it made her feel a little sad.

He almost never talked about his childhood, so she always took it for granted that he grew up in a happy family like herself.

She always saw his "actor" side, but ignored that behind it, there might be a growth experience that had never been mentioned.

"It's not a big deal." He seemed to notice the change in her expression and quickly added, "It's not a big deal. Everyone took good care of me when I was filming." He waved his hands as he spoke, as if he wanted to quickly skip the topic.

Lia looked at him, finding the scene a bit amusing. Within a few minutes, it was as if their roles had suddenly reversed. She had been the one to say the wrong thing at the beginning, but now it was he who was panicking.

She couldn't help but laugh out loud. Yu Chenghao was stunned for a moment, not quite understanding what she was laughing at, and just looked at her quietly. Her expression was usually very cold, but at this moment her smile was a little childish, with a small wrinkle on the tip of her nose and a curved corner of her eye.

Lia smiled for a moment, then slowly stopped. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him still looking at her, a hint of a smile in his eyes. Suddenly, she remembered Xia Qing's earlier speculation. Her heartbeat quickened.

The wind rustled the leaves along the street, making a subtle sound. The ginkgo leaves, golden by day, were now shrouded in a faint halo under the streetlights, creating a hazy beauty. The two men, each lost in thought, fell silent for a moment.

"Ah! I'm here!" Lia suddenly looked up as they approached the dormitory building. "Goodbye! Go home and be safe!" Without waiting for a response, she trotted into the hallway, practically running away.

Yu Chenghao was left standing about 20 or 30 meters from the building, watching her back. She ran in a hurry, as if hiding something. He lowered his head and smiled, as if thinking about something.

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