Wishing All Readers a Happy Double Festival

Today the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day fall together, a joyous occasion; I wish all readers a happy holiday. From the outbreak of the pandemic until today, we can finally breathe easy and celebrate properly. Thinking back to the national panic at Spring Festival, it is truly lamentable.

Of course, some families rejoice while others grieve. In this unusual year, many families have fallen into hardship, and some have lost forever loved ones they cherished. I pray these families emerge from their difficulties soon, mourn with composure, and regain happiness.

Under Beijing's epidemic rules, students and teachers should not leave the city unless necessary, and parents are advised not to leave either. My son is a student and my wife a teacher, so we cannot go anywhere; we are spending the holiday in Beijing.

But we are quite used to and enjoy the slow life in Beijing. Over the holiday we will cycle in the suburbs for a day or two, not going anywhere for a resort.

Autumn and winter are the high season for respiratory illness, and a new wave of COVID-19 is possible. I hope readers traveling elsewhere stay safe and take all possible personal protective measures. Patients with chronic disease in particular should protect themselves well.

As long as we have health, there will be a bright future. Difficulties are temporary; we will overcome them in the end. Having grown up used to hardship, I myself have experienced bitterness turning to sweetness, so I am full of optimistic hope for the future. I also hope everyone takes time in the festive atmosphere to repair their mood, and sets out again after the holiday.