SHANGHAI (SCMP): A man in eastern China who rented a flat and discovered an old desk he used at school 33 years ago has trended on mainland social media.
The man, surnamed Shen, rented the flat near Huaiyin High School in Huaian, Jiangsu province in early July, the Jiangnan Metropolis News reported.
His family is set to move there so that it will be convenient for his son to attend school.
When Shen and his wife were cleaning the house, they found a small and shabby school desk, one side of which carried the Chinese characters “Qing” and “Zhong” and the serial number 246.
That mark led Shen to believe that the desk was the one he used at Qingjiang Middle School in 1992.
“Qing Zhong” is the abbreviation for Qingjiang Middle School.
“I remember the number 246 very clearly because the desk used by a good friend of mine was marked with the number 135,” Shen was quoted as saying.
“I was so thrilled to see this desk. At that moment, many happy hours during my middle school life instantly appeared in my mind. What a coincidence!” he said.
According to Shen’s landlord, Qingjiang Middle School was renovated years ago and its old desks were put up for sale.
The landlord bought this desk because most of his tenants are families with children who need to study.
“My alma mater used to be a top institution. It is a pity that it has declined and is not as glorious as before,” said Shen, adding: “I hope my old school can become better and better.”
He said he hoped the landlord could give him the desk as a souvenir when the lease period ends.
The story struck a chord with millions of people in China, attracting 15 million views on one major platform alone.
“It is full of memories. No wonder the man feels so excited,” said one internet user.
“I also used this type of school desk. My school is also on the downturn. Many of my teachers have died. This made me feel emotional!” said another person.
While another online observer joked: “Life is so magical. If the desk could speak it might be saying, ‘Kid, you have grown up and you have your own kid’.” - South China Morning Post
