A high school graduate in China who sat the country’s university entrance exam in June was kicked out of his home by his parents who thought his score was not high enough to get him into a prestigious school.
Teenager Xiaokai, who lives in Huaihua in central Hunan province, called the local Hunan TV for help after he found he could not go back home because his parents had changed the door passcode.
They also decided to cut off his financial aid.
The boy’s parents were angry because he achieved a score of 575 out of 750 in the university entrance exam, known as “gaokao” in China.
The mark left them worried that their son could not be admitted to a so-called 985 school.
The “985” designation refers to a group of the 39 most esteemed universities in China. The name comes from the date May 1998, when China’s central government vowed to build some world-class institutions.
Xiaokai’s parents said the boy, a top student since his childhood, had neglected his studies recently by playing too much on his mobile phone.
Two years ago, they bought a mobile phone for Xiaokai after he asked for one.
“I still remember that time. He wrote a letter promising that he would focus on his studies,” the boy’s father, surnamed Luo, was quoted as saying.
“But he soon indulged in playing with his mobile phone, spending longer and longer on it. He even played truant to spend time with the gadget.”
Xiaokai’s current score is close to the 985 school admission line for last year. His admission result will be released in mid-July.
“My parents told me if I cannot get into a 985 school, they will not fund me to study at a university,” the boy told Hunan TV.
After being locked out of his home, Xiaokai called his mother, asking why he could not open the door.
She told him she was on a business trip and did not know the new password.
“Do not ask us for help. When you were at high school, you did not do what you should do, study hard. You did not obey our rules. There is no place in the world without rules, right?” she said.
“I do not see you regretting your behaviour. So let’s live our lives separately. We will do our jobs and you do your own things,” the mother concluded.
His father gave Xiaokai two options: come back home and obey his parents or go out to find a job.
“I admire the parents of other kids, but my parents are stubborn. They use extreme ways to force me to follow their orders,” said Xiaokai.
His story triggered a stir on mainland social media.
“I understand his parents. The boy has been a top student for many years, but gave up his studies before the gaokao. How disappointed his parents are!” one internet user said.
But another person said: “His score still enables him to attend a not-bad university, although not one of the top ones. His parents are too strict with him and place too high expectations on him.” - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
