At the age of thirty-five, I had already been promoted to associate professor and was invited to give a lecture at our sister college.

The auditorium that day was filled with people, and the lecture title was displayed on the central screen: "Thistles in the Mountains."

Yes, I am a tenacious thistle.

From the mountains to the capital, my body is covered in thorns.

Lush thistles grow in spring and never wither in winter.

During the lecture, I didn't deliberately elaborate on the hardships I had experienced.

All beings suffer, so why consider suffering as a precious life experience?

If there were a choice, no one would willingly endure hardships.

I confidently discussed my topic and related educational experiences. When it ended, there was a sustained applause throughout the venue.

The lecture was a great success, and my reputation soared, which would greatly help my future promotion and research.

While resting backstage, a slightly teasing voice came from behind, saying, "You did a great job. When did you become so eloquent?"

I turned around and saw a woman with long hair and sophisticated attire walking towards me.

She had a blue badge hanging around her neck, and her professional title, like mine, was associate professor.

"I'm Pan Fusheng, Professor Liu. It's a pleasure to meet you here," she said.

Looking at those familiar brows and eyes, tears welled up in my eyes in an instant.

"Hello, Professor Pan. My name is Liu Panhao, nice to meet you," I replied.

Here, there were no burden baskets, no sickles, and no Pan Fumei and Liu Dani who had to go and cut piggrass before dawn.

We smiled at each other as if we were long-lost friends who had finally reconciled with suffering after many years.

"Would you like to have a meal together sometime and tell me your story?" she asked.

"Sure, I'd be delighted," I responded.