I first heard the story of these three men at a youth education center, where an elderly speaker was addressing a group of troubled youths. These young people, who were often on the fringes of the law, found inspiration in the tales of these men. Many of them reconsidered their paths after hearing these stories.
The first man
His name was Zhang Chaonan, a rural teacher who was honest and simple — a typical man of the mountains. He had done so much that the people of that area would remember him forever. To ensure his 20-some students could continue their education, he sold all his belongings and lived in the school, tirelessly supporting the only elementary school in several villages.
As a teacher in an impoverished and remote mountain area, his salary was pitifully small and often delayed for years. He never even got married.
Every year, during the season of mountain floods, he personally escorted students from various villages. In dangerous areas, he would carry the students across the river on his back. His deeds were reported in the newspapers, but nothing changed for him or his school besides a bit of fleeting fame.
Then came the devastating mudslide. Zhang Chaonan faced death countless times to save 21 students, yet he couldn’t save one child’s life from being swallowed by the mud. He blamed himself, feeling unworthy of the title of teacher because he couldn’t protect even one innocent life. After that disaster, he gave up teaching and became just another ordinary mountain man.
The second man
This man’s name was Ling Li, meaning “fierce and towering strength” in Chinese. True to his name, he was a figure of terror in his circles — a bodyguard whose skills were unmatched. Even 10 professionally trained men were no match for him. Ling was cold and ruthless and never hesitated to do what was necessary.
Ling Li and his employer faced dozens of opponents in one underground business dispute. Despite the dire situation, he brought his employer back safely, leaving a trail of defeated assailants. This incident became a legendary tale in the world of bodyguards.
People like Ling Li live a life destined to be filled with legends and myths. In those years, no one could figure out how much money he made as a bodyguard.
But even the greatest myths have an end. He finally fell from grace, betrayed while protecting a major drug dealer, and was captured by the police. His legendary tale ended behind cold iron bars.
The third man
This man was a highly respected entrepreneur named Feng Ping. He started his business venture at nearly 50 years old, and in just a few years, he transformed a small shop into a large corporation, astonishing many industry insiders and journalists. Only a genius could rise so quickly.
In his sixties, Feng Ping’s career was at its peak. However, he remained humble, showing none of the arrogance or dominance of a wealthy tycoon. Surprisingly, he was single, leaving people to wonder whether he had lost his loved ones or never married. It was said that a photo of a little girl always sat on his desk, sparking much speculation.
What was even more astonishing was that Feng Ping sold all his shares in the company overnight and donated all his immense wealth. This act was unprecedented in the country.
Then, he disappeared from the public eye. Even the most persistent journalists couldn’t find a trace of him, as if he had never existed or shined so brightly.
The follow-up
After Zhang Chaonan left teaching, he continued to worry about the children in the mountains and their education. Eventually, he decided to move to the city to work, hoping to earn more money to improve the educational conditions in his hometown.
However, once he got to the city, he discovered how hard it was to make money. The honest man was slowly seduced by the lure of money and started to stray from the right path, working desperately to make quick cash. Thus, he became Ling Li, the bodyguard. As Ling Li, his earnings grew, and each time he thought about quitting, he convinced himself to take on just one more job. Eventually, he found himself behind bars.
After serving his 10-year sentence, he was released. Having been a bodyguard to many wealthy and powerful people, and having experienced countless business events, he started his own business. A few years later, the entrepreneur Feng Ping emerged.
This time, he retired in time. The money he earned over the years was used to build numerous Hope Schools, though only he knew the exact number. Today, he lives in a remote mountain area, working as a slow, steady bell ringer at a brand-new Hope School. On his desk, there is still the photo of that little girl — the student who perished in the mudslide.
By staying true to his original purpose and repenting in time, it was never too late to make things right. Perhaps, more often than not, life follows a winding path. Returning to the beginning at the end may be the true fulfillment of life.
Translated by Katy Liu
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