"Will peace come here?" Wen Ruan murmured to herself.
Of course, no one would tell her the answer.
......
"Perhaps..." No one can be sure, but Wen Ruan sincerely hopes so.
The journey back took a long time; Wen Ruan felt it didn't take as long as the journey there. Along the way, she took out her notebook and carefully reviewed the time she had spent in Salvador.
She wrote the following: "This world is constantly changing, and upholding peace and justice is full of challenges. Everyone has many stories behind them, but only a portion of them gradually emerge under the narrative of the times."
"Exploring new worlds, seeing new paths, discovering new paths, forming new convictions, and constantly testing the waters amidst hesitation."
"The world is constantly changing, and so am I."
"But at this moment, I have something I am very firm and certain of: no matter what challenges I will face or what changes I will experience, I will always remember my ideals and remain steadfast in pursuing them."
"To contribute more to world peace."
As she finished writing her notes, Wen Ruan carefully read through the entire document and drew a pattern and letters identical to those on her clothes at the very bottom.
Andy noticed that Wen Ruan hadn't spoken since boarding the plane, and had been writing furiously with her head down in Chinese characters that he couldn't understand. Curious, he asked, "Dear Wen, what are you writing?"
Wen Ruan finally snapped out of her reverie and, hearing Andy's question, replied somewhat shyly, "I didn't write anything. I was just writing about my own ideal, which might sound absurd, but I really want to work towards it in the future."
She didn't say much. Wen Ruan felt that her dream seemed to shrink to the level of an individual, appearing extremely grand. And when her personal abilities did not match it, it might be easy to make people laugh if she said it out loud.
This was her own secret, and it was also the direction she would strive for afterward. Wen Ruan was very determined about this.
“Oh my god, that sounds amazing. I believe you will achieve it through your efforts, because in my eyes you seem almost invincible, tenacious, and persevering,” Andy exclaimed.
Although the two had known each other for some time, they hadn't spent as much time together as they had since coming to El Salvador for social practice.
Andy was deeply moved by Wen Ruan's beautiful, kind, and resilient qualities. During this time, he mentioned to Wen Ruan more than once that if she hadn't been married, or if they had met earlier, he would have taken the initiative to pursue her.
Every time Wen Ruan heard this, she could only laugh awkwardly, and then say, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "It's a pity you don't have a handsome face like my husband." Then the two of them burst out laughing.
This made Andy very curious about Song Yan, and she wanted to see his photos more than once, but unfortunately, Wen Ruan shook her head and refused each time.
Time flies, everything comes together, and another year has passed with the ebb and flow of the tide. In the blink of an eye, Wen Ruan has been studying in England for more than a year and a half.
Today marks the completion and defense of her graduation thesis. The topic of her thesis is related to refugees, including some content on refugee asylum. After Wen Ruan finished her detailed presentation of her thesis, the audience applauded.
In particular, Professor Oliver was the first to stand up and lead everyone in applause, expressing his appreciation for the novel ideas Wen Ruan mentioned in her graduation thesis.
Over the past year, Oliver has greatly admired this Chinese girl. Just like the Chinese students he had expected, Wen Ruan even exceeded his expectations in some aspects, for which Oliver was very satisfied.
After her thesis defense, Wen Ruan bought a bouquet of flowers to give to Professor Oliver to thank him for his wholehearted guidance over the past year and a half.
Oliver was both surprised and saddened because he had several doctoral places available, and he could give one of them directly to the student he considered the best.
Oliver believed that this spot belonged to Wen Ruan, as he had high hopes for her and wanted her to continue her doctoral studies.
But after much deliberation, Wen Ruan still refused.
Wen Ruan knew clearly that this opportunity was extremely precious, but at the same time she also clearly understood the responsibility on her shoulders. Her family and loved ones were still in China, and she had to go back.
Moreover, her previous social practice trip to the country of Salvador made Wen Ruan realize that while studying is important, it is even more important to engage in practical experience. Besides, now is the time when the motherland needs talent the most, and no matter what, she must go back.
Therefore, she firmly rejected Professor Oliver's suggestion, much to Oliver's regret.
"Wen, I believe that wherever you are, with your character and abilities, you will shine!" Oliver said with emotion as he saw Wen Ruan off.
During her year-long study abroad, Wen Ruan had undergone many changes, becoming more confident and composed. Looking earnestly into Oliver's eyes, she smiled and firmly replied, "I think you're right, and I firmly believe it myself."
Then he waved goodbye to Oliver with a flourish, promising to meet again sometime in the future.
This period was the time when Wen Ruan's worldview, outlook on life, and values were most impacted, and Professor Oliver played a very important, or rather, an indispensable, role in it.
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