Wang Lei, a young man with a wild dream, was always daydreaming about a life – changing windfall. One day, he heard a rumor that his old neighborhood was going to be redeveloped. His heart leaped at the thought of becoming a demolition – beneficiary, just like the saying “I want to be a拆二代”. He started to imagine all the things he could do with the compensation money, from traveling the world to buying his dream car.
While waiting for the news about the demolition, Wang Lei, who was born in the year of the生肖猴, received an invitation from a friend in the Netherlands. It was the time of the荷兰春节, a celebration that combined the rich Dutch culture with the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year. Wang Lei decided to take this opportunity to have a break from his daily life and flew to the Netherlands. When he arrived, he was greeted by a colorful and lively atmosphere. There were parades with dragon dances, and people were wearing traditional Chinese and Dutch costumes.
During the festival, Wang Lei met a group of expatriate Chinese. They invited him to join them in their祭祖ceremony, a solemn and meaningful event. As he participated in the ritual, lighting incense and bowing to the ancestral tablets, he felt a deep connection to his roots. It made him realize that no matter how much he dreamed of getting rich overnight, his family traditions and cultural heritage were also important. However, as he watched some of the wealthy Dutch locals enjoying their luxurious lifestyles, he couldn’t help but feel a bit酸了, still longing for that sudden fortune.
After returning from the Netherlands, Wang Lei found that the situation of the demolition in his neighborhood had become more complicated. There were disputes between the developers and the residents, and the compensation plan seemed to be in limbo. Disappointed but not defeated, he decided to use this time to learn new skills. He started to take online courses and improve himself, thinking that no matter what happened with the demolition, he should be ready for the future.
Wang Lei’s journey continued as he balanced his hope of becoming a demolition – beneficiary with the reality of his life. He still dreamed of that big change, but he also learned to appreciate the present and the cultural traditions that defined him. As he waited for the final decision on the demolition, he was determined to face whatever came his way, whether it was the fortune he desired or the need to build a future through his own efforts.
