NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: The Dream of the Far East
It was the beginning of the millennium, and a teenager named Oliver, whose heart burned with unwavering passion and motivation, began to delve into the vast and enigmatic world ofChinese culture. Since his earliest childhood, he had been captivated by documentaries and series that told stories about this ancient country. His fascination was such that he decided to learn the language, dreaming of the day when his feet would touch the soil of the nation, he so admired. During his adolescence,
He dedicated to saving every penny he could, either of the money he received from his parents or the income of his work in part -time in a local supermarket, where he packed products with the hope that, when he turned 18, to make his dream of Visit thecountry of the Great Wall.
Destiny, as if responding to his call, presented him with an opportunity in the years to come. For the first time, his country's embassy announced a scholarship program to study Chinese in the country of his dreams. Oliver, with a heart overflowing with hope, immersed himself in the application process, meticulously gathering each required document and undergoing both theoretical and physical tests. Two months of tireless effortculminated in the moment when a letter arrived in his hands, proclaiming: "You have been selected to study in China." The instructions for proceeding with the visa and immigration procedures were detailed below.
Oliver, selected among more than five hundred candidates, was overwhelmed by torrent of disbelief and gratitude. With dedication, he explored cities and universities, applying with the acceptance letter from the embassy. Finally, his dream began to take shape when he received acceptance from Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, an incredible university ranked among the top five in all of China and renowned for its excellence in language teaching.
The plane furrowed the night sky, carrying Oliver towards his destiny in the distant China. Sitting next to the window, I watched the city's lights by vanished slowly as they ascended. Beside him, a Chinese elderly couple exchanged words in Mandarin, oblivious to their presence.
"Are you nervous for your trip?" Asked the old man, heading to Oliver in a broken English.
"A little," Oliver replied with a nervous smile. It is my first time in China.
"It's a wonderful country, full of history and culture," said the old woman, with a warmth in her voice that reassured Oliver. "
"Yes, that's what excites me the most." I have always had a fascination with Chinese culture," Oliver confessed.
"Then you will love it!" Exclaimed the old woman, while her husband nodded. What brings you to China?
"I'm going to study Mandarin at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai," Oliver replied proudly.
-How wonderful! Exclaimed the old woman, excited. What is your name?
"I'm Oliver," he replied, extending his hand towards them.
"I'm Mei and this is my husband, Chen." How long will you be in China?
"For the least 6 months, maybe, depending on how I go with the language," Oliver explained.
The conversation continued during the flight, with Mei and Chen sharing stories about his life in China and offering advice to Oliver about what to see and do in Shanghai. Oliver felt grateful for his kindness and for the way they made him feel athome, despite being thousands of kilometers away.
Upon arriving in China, Mei and Chen helped Oliver navigate the airport and find a taxi that took him to his hotel. Before saying goodbye, Mei gave him a small bag with traditional Chinese fruits and sweets as a welcome gift.
"Good luck in your adventure, Oliver." We hope you enjoy your stay here - said Mei, hugging Oliver before leaving.
While watching how they moved away, Oliver felt a warm feeling of gratitude. He knew that, although his trip was just beginning, he had already found something special in China: the kindness and generosity of its inhabitants.
Oliver with a basic knowledge of the language was able to arrive at the hotel, chosen after meticulous internet searches. That night, on the eve of a tour of the city, he was at the threshold of a new life, ready to immerse himself in the depth of a country that would not only teach him a new language but would offer him a new way of seeing the world.
Oliver's journey was not just a physical transit from one continent to another; It was a transformation promoted by the determination and dream of a young man who, against all expectation, was about to embrace the vast and rich tapestry of Chinese culture. In the streets of Shanghai, between language lessons and cultural encounters, the true education of Oliver would begin, one that would transcend books and classrooms to record in the soul. And that holds a future full of love and problems that will overcome with form time.