Life is a verb

It’s impossible to capture everyone’s summer in a single sentence. So—what was yours like?

Good evening. Today’s piece has been sitting on my laptop for two weeks — I’ve just been too busy to put it out. Luckily, it’s not something that loses relevance quickly, because it’s about summer.

Readers of my newsletter will know I often feature work from the WeChat blog of the Portrait (人物) magazine. Recently, they ran a call for submissions and received over 1,600 personal stories from Chinese people across the country and around the world — with those abroad mostly being Chinese travelers. More than 100 of them mentioned “summer period,” so the editors created a special summer-themed issue. The format is simple: each entry lists the contributor’s name (often a screen name), their location at the time of writing, and their age.

From the details provided, you can tell that the youngest contributor was about 15, the oldest around 46, with most falling in the 20–40 range. The content itself was remarkably varied: a young delivery worker caught in China’s food-delivery price wars, a Chinese tourist in Japan, someone savoring the rare summer joy of biting into a perfectly crisp peach, a fresh graduate waiting for a job offer, someone reflecting on the “shape of life,” another searching for housing in a new city, one reeling from a partner’s infidelity, and someone whose day was simply marked by buying an ice cream … only to drop it on the ground.

These days, more and more people prefer bite-sized information or short videos. I’ve often wondered whether the newsletter format would be affected by this trend—I don’t think it will. That said, today’s edition could almost be seen as a text-and-image version of TikTok: each entry, as I mentioned, is short and quick to read, and scrolling through them feels a bit like swiping on TikTok. I’m not sure if the editor of Portrait had that in mind when designing this issue, but it wouldn’t surprise me. (I didn’t count precisely, but the editor included at least around 80 entries in a single article.)

You might also spot my own entry among them—one I wrote in the same style as the others and added in this newsletter. Shouldn’t be too hard to find; think of it as a little game. Because of surgery on my left foot, I’ve spent most of this summer in bed. I want to thank the friends who visited or sent kind messages during this summer.

It’s impossible to capture everyone’s summer in a single sentence. So—what was yours like? Feel free to share it in the same format.

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Part 1 Those still blessed with summer vacations

Xuxu @ Fuzhou, Fujian, 22：

Just graduated and taking a gap at home. At my aunt’s place, looking at the distant mountains through a fish tank and a window — life is a verb.

Bamboobro @ Anshun, Guizhou, 22:

Had my last dinner at home on July 1st. It was pouring outside, but I still put on a raincoat and went out to buy all the ingredients I wanted. First time buying meat and veggies on my own without mom's help. Graduating from college didn't magically turn me into a "read adult", but maybe a bit of innocence is just part of who we are. I bought the groceries home anyway, didn’t I?

Mashimaro @ Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 22:

Grandpa hadn't been feeling too well after his surgery in June, so he came to us in Hangzhou for a check-up. Since my parents both need to work, I was in charge of grandpa's lunch during his stay. He loves to mix soup with rice, so I had to come up with different soups every day for him, and somehow, it also helped me keep my own meals on track.

This was the first time since I grew up that I got to spend such a long time with Grandpa, and together we shared some special moments. Since I've just graduated from college, I showed Grandpa my graduation photos. My graduate admission letter also arrived during his stay, and Grandpa was the first other than me to see it.

Before Grandpa went back home, I took him to a famous restaurant in town. He'd always been so frugal for his entire life that he even refused to go to a restaurant at the very beginning, but I still managed to persuade him into this happy meal.

When Grandpa left, I felt a little empty inside. Who knew a summer with someone around could feel so warm? It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever…

Little Sheep @ under Mount Fuji, 22:

spent my graduation trip cycling around Lake Kawaguchi at the foot of Mount Fuji with someone special. We kept riding on and on, all the way into the endless greeness, like we never wanted to stop. Suddenly, I wasn’t so sure about growing up anymore. I wish I could just seize my youth in this summer forever.

winnie @ Ordos, Inner Mongolia, 25:

Lying in the desert, staring up at the sky, I found myself wasn't even able to count the stars in the tiny sliver of sky above me. Being on the dunes, I couldn’t care less about the world, but just want to hold onto this moment. I guess this is the simple happiness of a kid who’s stolen two months of summer after quitting a job.

Xiao Hao @ Guangzhou, Guangdong, 22:

On his last day of work before summer vacation, Dad and his workmates gathered to have a meal together. Turns out, even adults celebrate the arrival of summer vacation in their own way.

Part 2 Summer before twenties

Xiao Sun @ Shanghai, 15:

Speaking of July, the moment that my high school entrance exam results popped out on the computer screen is definitely the first thing that comes to my mind. I was lucky enough to be accepted into my dream school, and I could only remember my heartbeat while looking back at that moment.

The notebook in the photo holds every little detail of my final year of middle school. Looking back now, every moment, with all its mixed emotions of bitterness, joy and excitement, was totally worth it!

411 @ Zhengzhou, Henan, 17:

5000 rope jumps in one go for the first time, nice!

McDonald worshipper @ Beijing, 17:

July is probably the freest month of summer for students who have finished the college entrance exam. Too bad I’m still 300 days away from it as a new senior. Balls left on top of the class locker were still telling the story of our carefree youth, but putting balls up there was actually not allowed, so this scene in the photo lasted only one short afternoon.

A new senior @ Dongguan, Guangdong, 17:

Just spent an anxious and fleeting July. When it comes to the most unforgettable moment, it’s probably the hour I spent trying to figure out a physics force analysis question for the college entrance exam.

In the not-so-big classroom, all I could hear was pens and paper scratching, and the endless buzzing in my head. Staring at my paper covered by red pen marks with my blurry eyes, I really couldn't tell whether I've understood the question nor not. It's said that people worry about different things at different stages of life. I keep wondering, what’s the adult's world really like?

Satisfied @ Anyang, Henan, 17:

I really love those super crispy peaches, but they’re only available in summer, so every year I would wait eagerly wait for the peach season to come. But his year, I searched for an entire month and still couldn’t find the kind I wanted.

Then, a few days ago, Grandma bought a few random peaches home. I took one bite, and it was exactly the kind I’ve been craving! My mood instantly brightened, and it felt like the peaches were glowing in front of me. It was honestly the happiest and luckiest moment of my summer. I wish all of you a lucky summer as I was at the moment I found that perfect peach.

A basketful of good luck @ Xi'an, Shaanxi, 18:

On a muggy afternoon right after tutoring, my student stopped me at the door, "This bread is really good, please take it.” Honestly, teaching her English took me way more effort than I spent in English myself, and I could be quite frustrating when she couldn't remember things I had already explained many times. But at that moment, it came to me that kids could be pretty cute sometimes. After all, bad grades don’t make a bad person, right?

What's up @ Henan, 18:

The coziest glance of summer captured by my hometown well.

Flying on sauce @ Hefei, Anhui, 19:

Failed again and again in baking. The first time, I forgot to buy a hand mixer, so I had to whip the egg whites by hand. It was so exhausting, like carrying 30 kilos of corn from the field to the town, only to not sell any and carry it all the way back home. The second time, I mistook salt for sugar, and the cake turned out to be so ridiculously salty that I felt like jumpping into the air and throw a boxing combo.

Part 3 My Tough Twenties

Lemon Puncher @ Inner Mongolia, 20:

The biggest winner in the food delivery war—hand-punched 80 cups of lemon juice in one day. Pain-free workout.

Liuxing @ Xiamen, Fujian, 20:

Had to sell the little house my family lived in for ten years to pay off debts. But at least things are more or less settled now, and we’re still together. That’s enough for me.

Middle-aged people can be fragile too, and I hope Dad can find the strength to pick himself up again. Watching old cartoons I used to love, I found myself keep pausing and staring at the subtitles, feeling like I can't laugh anymore. Being carefree is a privilege only for the young.

Gromit @ Fuzhou, Fujian, 24:

It was already 9 PM when I walked out of the studio, and I picked a random ice cream from a random shop, not to enjoy its coolness or sweetness, but just expecting it to fill my stomach.

This July, I really took a summer off for myself, but the sense of freedom, inspiration, opportunities, and breakthroughs I had hoped for never came. I’m still buried in a pile of resumes, wishing to be chosen by someone, proving over and over again how a perfect match I am to a job that barely covers my own living expenses. Sometimes, I feel like being in my twenties is really tough, and I don’t have any way back.

Coconut paste @ Beijing, 24:

Finished school this July and officially started my career, stepping into a new chapter of life. As soon as I arrived I had to work overtime for two consevutive weeks to complete a big task. I was so busy that my days felt dizzy.

Then, on my first day off with no overtime, I took this photo on my way home, and I suddenly found myself filled with mixed emotions. Maybe a shadow like this will be the "shape" of my life for a long time to come, and it’s also the "shape" of most people’s lives in this world.

Xiao Xin @ Sichuan, 24:

Weeding with mama at hometown countryside and it was exhausting! I used to believe I could go back home to farm if one day I get tired of work, but this weeding really showed me how hard being a farmer really is!

Part 4 Earning money feels good

Zuo Zuo @ Beijing, 23:

Back in Beijing for another internship four years later. The last time I was here, I was only 19. It was February, and the pandemic hit. I was all alone in a strange city, breathing cautiously. It was my first time leaving home, I knew nothing, and I didn’t know anyone. I spent a cold winter in a small room with no windows, thinking about life in Beijing was so hard.

This time, I’m confidently talking to real estate agents, I’ve met two great roommates, and I’ve rented a cozy little place with great natural light. After unpacking, I stepped out onto the balcony, and the music in my headphones was just right for a clear summer night. Outside, the cars were rushing by, and I thought, "Growing up feels so good." Turns out, I can face the unknown with ease now.

Du Dong @ Beijing, 25:

Getting tired of my life in the boring day-after-day routine. One evening, I suddenly really wanted a speaker. I’d wanted to get a little Marshall speaker for my room for a long time, but always got caught up in comparisons and indecision.

That night, I didn’t want to wait anymore. I opened a delivery app and found exactly what I wanted, so I ordered it without hesitation. Forty minutes later, it arrived right at my desk. The moment the music filled the room and surrounded me, I couldn’t help but break in tears, as if I had regained some control over my emotions. No matter what, being an adult who can take care of their own expenses and find ways to heal themselves is something worth celebrating.

Pinecone @ Suzhou, Jiangsu, 29:

Went house-hunting with a real estate agent! Property prices have been gradually dropping over the years, and the apartment I like now only cost half of what it did when I first came to this city.

My family can’t provide me financial support in buying a house, but after working for six years, I can finally afford the down payment and monthly payments on my own. A year ago, I wouldn’t have even dared to dream of this. Now, I feel more motivation for my life. I can finally give my little cat a place to call home.

Lao Si @ Suzhou, Jiangsu, 33:

Never drove a car since I got my driver’s license ten years ago. But this year I had to practice driving again after moving to another city for a new job. It feels so good to be financially independent—I can afford to pay for a driving coach, and their attitude is way better than the one I had ten years ago. And I’m improving little by little.

One day, after finishing my driving practice, I suddenly felt really hungry but just couldn’t bring myself to order takeout or eat instant food. So, I quickly ordered some ingredients and cooked for the first time in this city. I made a pot of pork rip soup with pearl barley and winter melon. I can do a lot of things. I can take care of myself.

Part 5 Mother and Daughter, Sharing Destiny

Zhao Zhao @ Huanggang, Hubei, 20:

Went home for a week in early July and became my mom’s driver, picking her up from work every day. She had been at home recuperating, and this was her first time back at work after three years. When I saw her walking toward me, smiling happily as I picked her up, I suddenly remembered that before she got sick, she was always so confident like that. I hope my mom can stay bright and cheerful like this forever.

Moon keeps me in bed @ Nantong, Jiangsu, 22:

Had a meal with my mom and aunt, three women together. I’m about to graduate and feeling anxious about my future job; my mom has started her own business on her own; and my aunt is doing e-hailing to pay off her car loan. I wish them both a shining middle age, and I hope that I can achieve my own dreams too!

Xiao Wan @ Pingyao, Shanxi, 22:

Went to watch the movie Girl on Edge with my mom. It had been a long time since we watched a movie together because I’m usually away from home for school. I’ve previously bought her films about women like Her Story, Like A Rolling Stone, National Theatre Live: Prima Facie, and There’s Still Tomorrow. Although not many people in our small town watch these kinds of films, and mom might not fully understand their meaning, I still really want her to watch more of them and live her life more for herself.

Xiao Wang @ Chengdu, Sichuan,23:

In July, the stand-up comedian Fang Shaoli shared her 30 years of family sorrow in her show. Also in July, my mom, who had never traveled far alone before, came to Chengdu from our small town to find a job.

She didn’t know how to take the bus or subway, and she couldn’t figure out the complex roads of the city. I said I’d teach her, but she hesitated, saying she couldn’t learn. Over the weekend, I took her through the subway, showed her how to use apps to find routes, and how to take the bus and subway. Though my 53-year-old mom learned slowly, she eventually got the hang of it.

I also took her to visit a temple, and she prayed earnestly, hoping to find a good job. Before coming to Chengdu, she asked me in a video if she would embarrass me by coming here to work. I thought to myself: Of course not. I would be proud of her for being brave enough to step out.

Part 6 Dear Child

Sleepy fish @ Changsha, Hunan, 22:

My little niece gave a V-sign to the camera. The very last second she was trying to steal my ice-cream.

Tanna @ Chengdu, Sichuan, 28:

Another year in kindergarten for my little one, as he turned four and a half years old. My husband and I always juggled work and taking care of him together.

He’s really caring, knowing that we’re busy and don’t have time to take care of him. Since he was two, he’s been sleeping on his own, gets up by himself, puts on his clothes, and even helps me turn on the lights. If I don’t need to get up early, he’ll say, “Mom, I’m going to kindergarten now, sleep well, I love you.” Sometimes, when I’m sick, he’ll quietly close the door for me and bring me water.

There are moments when I feel really sad because he’s only four and a half, but he’s always so thoughtful, remembering all the little things in the house better than I do. In your last year in kindergarten, mom wish you can be a little happier and not worry so much, my dear.

Curly Me @ California, 42:

My number-loving little one was given the nickname "number guy" by his teacher in his first week of kindergarten.

Scene 1: What does two 0 make? Aren’t they 00? No, it’s 8 lying down, 8 needs a rest.

Scene 2: He bumped into something and cried, then pointed to his face and asked, “What number is this?” Mommy was totally confused. “Is there a number here?” “It’s 99,” he answered himself while sniffing, “When daddy cries, it’s 77.” Daddy didn't buy it, said, “77 for small eyes like mine and 99 for big ones like yours huh?"

Part 7 A Corner of the World

Bittermelon bee @ Lijiang, Yunnan, 18:

While walking by Lugu Lake, I suddenly heard someone joyfully shouted: "Wow, it’s so beautiful!" I looked up and was surprised to see a halo around the sun—my first time ever witnessing a sun halo with my own eyes.

Violet @ Beijing, 19:

Just received a precious gift in July. When I first arrived in Beijing, I met a German guy at the airport while charging my phone. He didn’t have a Chinese-standard charger, so I gave him mine, and received a Starbucks muffin, and a piece of fried chicken and McFlurry from McDonald, and the chance to speak in English with a foreigner for the first time in my life. We chatted for 40 minutes, and I’m really grateful to him for giving me a glimpse of a corner of the world.

North Star @ Kyoto, 21:

Went on a trip to Japan in July, and visited a bar in Kyoto that my favorite author, Tomihiko Morimi, often goes to. I didn't say anything since I don't speak Japanese, but after ordering a "fake Denki Bran," the bartender silently handed me the Denki Bran and pointed to Morimi's autograph in the bar’s guestbook.

I really appreciated the unspoken understanding. I chatted with a Japanese guy sitting next to me using a translation app, and when I was about to leave, I spoke with two young Chinese women sitting nearby. It turned out they were also Morimi fans, and I felt a deep connection and happiness in meeting people who share the same interests. It felt very much like a moment from The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (though I’m a boy!).

Little tree @ Greece, 21:

As a theater lover, I finally had the chance to watch Oedipus Rex at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. Surrounded by mountains, with the nebulae clearly visible in the sky and birds flying by, the wind blowing through as Oedipus delivered his monologue—it was a moment when the call of Dionysus felt clearer than ever.

Fay @ Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 25:

On the last day in Kota Kinabalu, the sunset outside the café was incredibly beautiful. The entire beach seemed to be bathed in golden light. I asked two Muslim girls to take a picture of me and Lin. Later, when I took their photo, I watched them holding hands—wrapped in headscarves, with only their faces showing, the rest of their bodies carefully covered. We were so different, yet all I saw were two young, slightly shy girls with their pure, clear eyes. I said, "Don’t be shy, imagine you are going to fly!" And as I pressed the shutter, those words became my wish for them: I truly hope they will fly higher and further.

Sister Wang @ in the air, 30:

Just had my first time on an international long-haul flight, and I was excited, nervous, and full of anticipation. I met a kind lady who told me that the sunset wouldn’t happen until 11 PM. I opened the sunshade and captured the sun and clouds at 10 PM. It was beautiful, and it reminded me that life is all about experiencing new things.

Don't angry be crazy @ Hongkong, 30:

Hiked my favorite mountain with a friend who kept shouting "Heat can't stop us" in the hottest month of the year. During the hike I took this photo, which I still love to this day. As I write this now, a song comes to mind: "I want to be the wind, don’t worry about me, just let me find my own way."

Red @ Methven, New Zealand, 34:

Coming down from the snow mountains on my birthday. There was thick fog, and the visibility on the mountain road was less than 5 meters. I could feel the anxiety and tension from the other passengers, but when I saw how relaxed the driver was, I took a photo to capture the moment and then closed my eyes to sleep. I trusted the driver and trusted fate.

tango @ Altay-Hemu highway, Xinjiang, 35:

In the mountains around the outskirts of Altai, you often come across massive rocks. Sometimes only a small part is exposed, other times it's a complete boulder. The locals say they might be signs left by ancient glacial motions. It feels like touching something eternal, and it’s truly awe-inspiring.

Xiao @ Naples, Italy, 35:

Had dinner at a restaurant, and suddenly the music started playing. The servers began dancing—climbing tables, scaling walls, you name it. The customers got the signal too and started swaying with the beat. As an East Asian, my first thought was: Football victory? National Day? Anniversary? I asked my friend: "What happened?" and she said, "They’re just enjoying life." Watching me awkwardly stand there, wanting to join but too shy, one of the servers picked me up from the second floor, carried me to the first, and placed me on a table. Surrounded by a bunch of teenagers, I couldn’t help but let my body lead before my brain caught up.

Er Mao @ Madeira, Protugal, 37:

Spent a holiday on an island famous for its sea of clouds, and of course, had to catch the sunset over the clouds. It was a bit late by the time I got there, and the viewing platform was packed with tourists from all over the world, with unfamiliar languages flying everywhere. But in that moment, just as the sun set, everyone went quiet. Isn’t it strange how the world works? People can hate each other for anything, even go to war, but when the sun sets, we all hold our breath together.

Part 8 Eat well, live well

Qingli @ Xuancheng, Anhui, 20:

Coming up with summer limited recipies with mom during the summer vacation. Pineapple beef, lychee jasmine drinks, sugar-pickled cucumber......

DD @ Beijing, 22:

Spent another summer in campus. The cafeteria closed a few windows, so my friend and I ended up visiting the same noodle stand almost every day for a month. The guy running it got to know us and always asked, “Same as usual?” After a long and exhausting July, he finally got his short 10-day break. On the last day, he gave each of us a free meatball, and we promised to see each other in 10 days.

QQ @ Wuhan, 23:

Just graduated from school and started my job in July! Here's my company lunch!!! I found it way happier to work than to go to school, no more worries about grades, no more bring papers, and no more exams! Colleagues are awesome, the boss is super chill and tolerant, got two-days weekends, and I can even catch the sunset after work! It's hard for others to believe that I still have enough energy to dance for an hour and a half after a whole day of work! Everything falls into where I want perfectly!

Banxia @ Zhongshan, Guangdong, 27:

Cooked perfect sauced beef in July.

I can eat face-big bun @ Taiyuan, Shanxi, 32:

Enjoying lunch combo for 2 bucks downstairs: a bowl of veggies, a giant steamed bun as big as my face, and some green bean soup. So filling, so good, and such a deal, that I feel like plowing two acres of land after finishing it! Honestly, it's such a blessing to have a satisfying meal during work hours.

Tie Tie @ Guangzhou, Guangdong, 33:

Received some summer pine mushrooms from my hometown that my friend made and brought over. All the ingredients are from back home—one bite and I instantly caught nostalgia. So grateful to live nearby and have friends like this!

Jin Xin @ Nanjing, Jiangsu, 43：

July brings me back to those long holidays when I was a kid. Parents used to head out to the fields before dawn, leaving breakfast duties to the kids on vacation. To make breakfast quickly, I'd steam a big batch of buns the night before, then wake up early to cook some porridge, heat the buns, and prepare pickled garlic chives or garlic sprouts. Now I'm revisiting the memories of steaming buns again.

Part 9 Summer Suggestions

I Hate Cigarettes @ Yunnan, 20:

On my coach's car to the driving test. Three guys in the car were all smoking. The smell was still unbearable even though I wore a mask. I struggled the whole way, feeling sick and upset. When we finally arrived, I couldn't hold it in anymore and tearfully told the couch I didn't like the smoke. To my surprise, he immediately threw his cigarette away and told the others to stop smoking too. I felt a lot better, but even so, the smell still lingered, making me feel nauseous. For those who hate smoking like me, just speak up! Let’s stand against secondhand smoke!

Shelly Senbei Rice Cracker @ Shenzhen, Guangdong, 30:

Picked a pomelo from the tree outside the office building for its refreshing scent. It was such an ordinary, yet happy day. Not long after, I turned 30, and then my mom was diagnosed with health issues. She had two surgeries and just got discharged last week to rest at home. The summer heat was intense, and I was biking back and forth between the hospital and work. But every time I remembered that pomelo's fragrance, I felt like that’s what life is—a mix of the sweet and bitter.

On a serious note, for girls that are post-menopausal and experience any bleeding, please, please, see a doctor. Also, don’t skip the HPV check.

Part 10 Summer of Goodbye

Duo Duo @ Honghu, Hubei, 27:

July, when cicadas sing the loudiest in my hometown, my two-year-old puppy ran into a car and left me forever. Holding its warm but lifeless body, feeling no heartbeat anymore, was a heartbreak I had never experienced before. Later, Deepseek told me that "when animals suffer sudden injuries, their bodies immediately activate protective mechanisms and release a large amount of soothing endorphins. It's like how we pull our hand away before we even realize we’re burned—their pain perception is delayed much more than ours." I guess it was meant to comfort me. Next life, it will be my turn to be your puppy. (The photo is the last smile of my puppy.)

Liu1. @ Chengdu, Sichuan, 30:

At the beginning of July, my grandmother, who had always been by my side, passed away. For the past two weeks, I’ve been looking at her photos and videos every day, still in disbelief, unwilling to accept it.

The photo was taken the week before she passed, when I went back home to visit her. Her cancer had recurred and spread to her abdomen, leaving her last days spent in bed, supported only by medicine. As we grow up, we end up having loved ones on both sides of the world. I hope that, on the other side, my grandma can be free from pain and win every poker game.

Wan @ Suzhou, Jiangsu, 38:

Took charge of the family ancestor worship ritual after Dad passed away last year. Being alone in the old house, busying myself with everything, and spent four hours completing the entire ceremony. Got burned by the melted candle, and the elders said it was my family up in the sky responding to me., and their words made me break down and cry.

This year, Mom has been fragile, and I've had to be one with stabler emotion. But then I suddenly realized — I am also a daughter who has lost her father.

Eggplant Ma @ Baicheng, Jilin, 38:

Just finished cleaning out the old house's storage, and realized that the space, once so full, hardly had anything worth keeping. It's a shame that it took my father's sudden passing for me to finally have time to come back and sort through everything. After everything was packed away, I took a photo to say goodbye to this place. From now on, this village will no longer have a place for me to call home......

Murphy @ Qingdao, Shandong, 42:

Lying on the beach, feeling lazy and peaceful. But just a few days later, I was told that my father was critically ill. Now, I'm at the airport, waiting for an 8-hour flight back to him, terrified that he might leave before I can get there. At this moment, I can't stop wondering—wondering whether these years away from home were worth it, wondering if I've let my parents down. Maybe there will be no answers anymore...

Plums @ Zhengzhou, Henan, 46:

Even the most shiny white-collar city guy still has to go back home to water the corn for parents under 38°C...

Part 11 Love is Bitter, Love is Sweet

Purple @ Jinan, Shandong, 21:

Waiting outside the office of my crush, where we found two little kittens together. Sent her a message asking if she could sponsor some cat food, but honestly, it’s more about wanting to see her. Kittys, do you think I’m sneaky?

Galaxy of stars @ Tianjin, 31:

How ironic — on the hottest of days, life brought the coldest of temperatures. The night before our engagement party, our 12-year-long relationship unexpectedly ended. From both of our perspectives, neither was wrong, but even the strongest love can’t withstand the weight of parental wishes. And just like that, everything stopped. I felt powerless, and in that moment, I realized how precious the present truly is. No need to look back, no need to worry about the future. A new day lays down a new path, and people always know how to carry on.

Big Dreamie @ a tiny lovely town, 40:

Caught my husband cheating last week. We've come all the way from two college graduates without a dime to our name to a happy family together in big city. Maybe it was because of my depression and the stress of taking care of our kids that distracted me from his feelings. Although he was still trying to be a good husband and a good father, he'd cheated on me for nearly two years. I’ve barely eaten or slept over the week, relying on sleeping pills to get 3-4 hours a night, and have lost around 6 lbs. I can't take it anymore. July please just go......

Fusi @ Daxing, Beijing, 42:

Met Mr. Yang for the first time on July 1st at a KFC in a gentle evening. Ever since that day, it's been nothing but happiness—feeling like I'm falling in love again. Who knows what the future holds, but I'm enjoying the moment. Right now, I don't feel that same sweetness, but every time we meet, I still get so happy. Not thinking about forever, just focusing on cherishing what we have.

Part 12 July's Healing Moments

With the Wild @ Wuhu, Anhui, 23:

One bollard for every granny to sit on, lovely summer moment.

Tangerine @ Chengdu, Sichuan, 23:

Just left home and moved into an old apartment. No job yet, and not sure about how to get by next month. But the flowers outside my window bloom beautifully.

Chestnut @ Guangzhou, Guangdong, 23:

Tired of Guangzhou's heavy rain following every scorching day in July. One day, as I was walking down the street, I saw little clusters of mushrooms quietly poking through the pavement. Turns out, rain isn’t always that bad.

Happy crybaby @ Xinzhou, Shanxi, 23:

July, one year before graduation. Confused about the present, and anxious about the future. I want to be a boss adult—sharp, skilled, eloquent, slaying one project after another. But they all seem so hard. Just when I’m feeling lost, I looked up and saw a lovely face waiting for me to come home. In my grandma’s eyes, taking train back home from Beijing alone already makes me an awsome kid.

Xiao Lv @ Shenzhen, Guangdong, 26:

Caught the most beautiful sunset after dinner with colleagues. We raced to the top floor of the office like kids to capture the moment. Sunsets just have the magic—they make you forget all the bad things like office stress, the fact that parents love my brother more, and everything else that’s been bothering me.

Xiao Ni @ Shanghai, 26：

Had the first client visit for the new job, and I zoned out during the meeting because I was still getting the hang of the business. In the dim, cramped conference room, I stared out the window and caught a glimpse of a rainbow right after the rain. It lasted only two minutes, but I was the only one who saw it.

happiness @ Guangzhou, Guangdong, 27:

Ran into the annoying leafleteer again who had harassed me before. It's already the third time, but this time he grabbed my arm and tried to stop me from leaving. Disgusting.

I told this to a colleague that I'm having a crush on , and he spent the whole night making me feel better. The next day, before I left work for home, he sent me a full screen of messages, telling me that if I ever ran into this guy again, don't be afraid, and just call the police or go to the nearest police station. He even attached a screenshot of the route map and the police's complaint hotline. When I saw the time on that screenshot— 11 AM, on his day off—I almost started crying. He went all the way out just to send me this info? Even though I still wonder what exactly we are, at that moment, I felt the warmth of being cared for.

Best Persimmon Cake @ Toronto, 32:

On a midsummer day by the lake, I said to my best friend's little daughter, who just turned five, "Let's take a picture together!" I held her hand, and she, with perfect timing, tiptoed and tilted her head back, looking just like a little swan. In that moment, a small piece of happiness was written into every summer to come.

Nnn @ Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 35:

Bought a can of congee on a whim, and found that the plastic spoon that comes with the can now folds in three parts, way handier than the two-fold ones from my childhood. Here’s to all the tiny, beautiful changes in life!

JJ @Beijing, 35 Writing the introduction to one of my favorite pieces this year — Becoming Ma Jingfen — on Substack — from a hospital bed on the eve of foot surgery. I’ve always had mixed feelings about summer. I grew up in a southern city where summer meant stifling humidity, weeks of rain, even the onset of the plum-rain season. Clothes would go musty, water would pool on the floors. And as someone who feels the seasons quite strongly, the heavy, damp air of summer often leaves me restless and uneasy. I’ve come to prefer the dry, crisp climate of the north — for me, it’s a much healthier balance.

Good Health for Mommy @ Zhengzhou, Henan, 38:

Suddenly remembered the beer in the fridge had been there for days while walking out of the gym. Called hubby to ask if he wanted some fried chicken to go with it, but no answer—probably putting the kid to bed. So I decided to head home anyway... and guess what? The kid was already asleep and the fried chicken was waiting for me. He said he thought the beer should be dealt with too! Hahaha, truly my excellent partner of 12 years!

Yuyo @ Beijing, 40:

Got struck by a sudden idea in the suffocatingly hot kitchen, and made a classical beauty with willow-leaf eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and a cherry-like mouth to keep me company. And just like that, I felt so much better!

Part 12 July's Special

Dandan @ Taiyuan, Shanxi, 20:

Not happy in July, but at least the gourds in my garden are growing plump and round.

Lyn @ Hongkong, 21:

Hong Kong in July was humid and stifling. The boy I once loved secretly suddenly messaged me, saying he was coming to Hong Kong for his PhD and wanted to meet. I stared at the screen for a few seconds, feeling my heart skip a beat—those familiar flip came rushing back. We arranged to meet at the foot of Victoria Peak.

As we walked, we talked about the past, caught up on life, and shared our future plans—like two old friends reunited after a long time. The conversation flowed easily, no awkwardness, no forced enthusiasm. But as we neared the summit, the sky darkened quickly, and a heavy downpour began. I pulled out my umbrella from my bag, but he stood in the rain, soaking his clothes.

"You go ahead, don't wait for me," I said. He hesitated for a moment, then rushed into the rain. I walked slowly, holding the umbrella. The rain hammered on the fabric, my shoes got totally wet, and every step felt like stepping into a little puddle.

It was a ten-minute walk, and the rain drowned out all sound, but my mind was strangely peaceful. And then it hit me—this is what it feels like not to like someone anymore. No worries about whether he’s getting wet, no frustration about why he didn’t wait for me, not even a thought about what he’s thinking at that moment. All the carefulness, all the anxious uncertainty we once had, vanished into the July rain.

Don't wait till it's gone @ Jiangxi, 23:

It's been a long time since all four pairs of shoes appeared at the door. My parents have been fighting and giving each other the cold shoulder so often lately that my dad hasn’t spent a night at home for a while, instead spending his nights on chair in his little shop. I’ve already given up any hope for their relationship, but seeing those four pairs of shoes at the door still makes me nostalgic for those quiet, happier days.

A Pan @ Fujian, 28:

Just celebrated the 4th anniversary of my career—time really flies! I've been thinking about an old colleague, my mentor, who introduced me to this design industry. After the pandemic, he left the company and moved, but we ended up jumping to the same place together again. I wasn't quite used to the new environment, so I cried for two days. Then, one rainy evening on our way back home, he casually said, "Hey, look, ten bucks on the ground! You take five, I’ll take five." It was so obvious he was pretending, how could anyone find dry cash on the ground in a rainy day?

Even though I’m not in design anymore, I still remember that rainy night when we worked until midnight. Just five minutes ago, I was cleaning out my drawer and found that five bucks.

Yan @ Suzhou, Jiangsu, 30:

Just celebrated my mom's birthday on 26th July. But but my grandma, her mom, has been in the ICU for over a month now. Grandma's condition has been fluctuating and still not looking good. My mom, totally worn out, had already forgotten her own birthday. When I brought a cake home, she just asked me to put it in the fridge.

My mom, as a typical Leo, is usually so lively, but my grandma’s accident has been like a muffler in our home. Our rare conversations these days are mostly about grandma's health. And every time we talk about it, I feel like my mom is trying to protect me from this monster of "death", but still, it’s there.

My grandma spent her life being frugal, but left everything she had to her grandkids. Mom tells me that when I was little, grandma would help carrying water for others in the field for five yuan a day, yet she would spend all ten yuan in her pocket to buy me things. One day I casually mentioned I liked spicy food, and from then on, every time we visited grandma, she’d make snow-cabbage with green chili, even though the smoke would make her cough. Even after I'm well over thirty, that dish is always on the table every time I visit her.

That day, at dinner, mom only had a few bites before she had to head back for grandma. As she was putting on her shoes, I reminded her about the cake in the fridge. She said it could wait till tomorrow, but then hesitated, took off her shoes, walked to the kitchen, grabbed the cake and said, "My birthday is today. If I don’t eat it now, it won’t mean anything." After she left, I stood on the balcony watching the clouds. The sky in Suzhou, affected by the typhoon, was stunning—colorful, ever-changing clouds moving so fast. It reminded me of the song "Yuzhen" that says: "The wind’s picking up, it’s time to go back, you see, you see, all the past is right here." And it turns out my grandma’s name is Yuzhen.

cookie @ Ningbo, Zhejiang, 32:

Nothing more painful than an escaped ice cream.

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