After graduating from university, Shi Kexin shouldered his backpack and embarked on a new journey. His steps were no longer confined to the borders of Gansu but spread across the nation and beyond. On his travels, he witnessed the full spectrum of human life, from the hustle and bustle of metropolises to the tranquility of remote villages, from the laughter and joy of people to the helplessness and bitterness in their eyes. These experiences gradually honed his resilient character and ignited a deep desire within him for the beautiful aspects of the world to persist eternally, while the dark injustices vanish forever.
Tempering of the Resilient Spirit
Shi Kexin's travel notes captured countless touching moments. In the deep mountains of Yunnan, he farmed alongside ethnic minorities, experiencing a lifestyle in harmony with nature; on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, he circumambulated mountains with Tibetans, feeling the power of faith and the insignificance of life. Each experience deepened his reverence for life, and each record deepened his understanding of culture.
His writings began to circulate among travelers and literature enthusiasts, inspiring people to explore the unknown and experience different lives. His articles were more than just descriptions of landscapes; they were explorations of human nature and reflections on culture. His words, like him, were filled with passion and sincerity, brimming with a love for life and curiosity about the world.
The Stirring of the Soul and Reflection
During his travels, Shi Kexin also faced many challenges and difficulties. On a journey through a no man's land, he nearly lost his life due to lack of water; while climbing a snow-capped mountain, he witnessed a teammate fall due to altitude sickness. These experiences made him cherish life all the more and acutely aware of humanity's vulnerability before nature.
He began to ponder how to make the world a better place, how to eradicate injustice and suffering. He hoped that through his writing, he could document the light and darkness of the world, showing more people and inspiring the inner strength to change what is unjust.
Inspired by "To The Wonder"
Then one day, the hit TV series "To The Wonder" caused a sensation nationwide. With its heartfelt stories and stunning vistas of Xinjiang, it kindled a yearning in countless hearts for that distant land. Shi Kexin was no exception; his heart was set ablaze with a longing for the frontiers of Xinjiang. Although he had set foot in the Taklamakan Desert of Xinjiang, he had yet to explore places like Altay.
He decided to venture to Xinjiang to discover those unvisited frontiers. He planned to stay for a while in Yining City, Yili, a place known as the "Jiangnan beyond the pass," which he had longed to visit. There, he wished to immerse himself in the local customs and chronicle the forgotten stories of the people.
An Unexpected Encounter
In Yining City, Shi Kexin unexpectedly met Li Ya, a fellow writer. Li Ya's words were warm and profound, her stories always touching hearts. They met in a café she frequented, a place with simple decor and brimming with artistic atmosphere. Shi Kexin was drawn to Li Ya's talent, and Li Ya was intrigued by Shi Kexin's travel tales.
Their conversation began with literature and quickly expanded to life, dreams, and future aspirations. They found they shared a passion for literature and a curiosity about the world. This chance encounter quickly turned them into friends, adding a new dimension to Shi Kexin's journey.
Days in Yining
In Yining, Shi Kexin and Li Ya explored every corner of the city together. They attended cultural festivals in Yining and discussed literature and life under the night sky. Shi Kexin's humor and wisdom often sparked new inspiration in Li Ya's writing, while Li Ya's sensitivity and depth enriched Shi Kexin's travel stories.
Walking the streets of Yining, they soaked in the city's history and culture. Every nook and cranny of Yining was filled with stories, every face carried history. They ventured into an old bookstore filled with books in various languages, from Uyghur to Kazakh, from Chinese to Russian. They spent an afternoon there, selecting books they liked and sharing their reading experiences.
The Stirring of the Soul
During his days in Yining, Shi Kexin's soul was deeply moved. He saw how the people maintained their culture and traditions amidst historical changes, how they sought their place under modern pressures. He saw the children, in harsh environments, still yearning for knowledge and hope for the future.
He began to think about how to record these stories with his pen, how to show more people these forgotten corners. He wanted to use his writing to make the world more just, to erase the darkness of injustice forever.
A New Journey
In Yining, Shi Kexin formulated a new plan. He decided to continue his travels and his writing until he had visited every corner of the world. He wanted to document the world's light and darkness with his pen, to show more people and inspire the inner strength to change what is unjust.