Childhood Days in the Countryside

It was another simple yet beautiful day in Xhuan Jin Province. The sweet and fragrant smell of flowers spread through the neighborhood; the scent wafted around leaving only bliss as it improved one's mood. The trees swayed as if dancing to the tune of an endless rhythm while the sun shined brightly making everything on its wake glittered with life.

The townsfolks here lived a simple life; farming and raising animals were their source of income. Everyone seemed to be having the time of their life. As she looked at them - admiring their hardwork and perseverance, she knew how content they were in their lives. There was a time when she wondered how they could be satisfied with their lives but seeing them happy and at ease even with little of what they have, warmed her heart.

That was what she loved about the place she had known since birth. It made one feel complete and gave someone the idea that life was indeed simple and simple things gave more happiness and joy.

At the age of five, Xu Jia Li acted differently and maturely among other children her age. Though, she acted like a lady, she still showed her childish side because she loved to run around and play on the hill. It was her safe haven. It was where she found solace especially when she was painting in the big and small stones scattered around the hill. She woke up everyday and ran directly to the hill with her painting materials carried on her back.

She was indeed a genius in painting, at a young age, she already knew what she would like to be. Growing up in the countryside of Xhuan Jin with only her mother by her side, she never had the chance to know her father. There were times when she asked her mother about him, but her answer had always been her silence. Her curiosity soon died out and she never asked again.

"Jia Li, don't forget to come home before lunch. Stop skipping lunch, it isn't good for your health. A fast growing girl like you must eat properly." Jia Li's mother reminded her upon seeing her run through the door.

She stopped on her track and smiled sweetly at her , "Yes, mom! I will!" and she continued to go outside feeling free and light.

Though, Xu Jia Li loved the simplicity of living in the countryside, a part of her heart longed for the glamour of the entertainment industry. She knew that she was bound for great things. It seemed like her whole being was destined for it.

And because Xu Jia Li was home schooled, only her mother was teaching her. According to her mother, the school in the nearby village was of no help to her because she was really smart and going to the city to study would only make her bored. She never once had the opportunity to leave Xhuan Jin Province.

Going to the hill was also her escape to do other things that she loves-and those were singing and dancing- which her mother didn't want her to do.

Xu Huifen, Jia Li's mother was a very beautiful woman. She was also smart which was to Xu Jia Li's advantage because she learned a lot from her. She was very kind and loving towards her but she never wanted her to pursue her dreams and ambitions of becoming a superstar. She despised the limelight, as well as the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. She often told her to focus her attention and time in painting than singing and dancing.

But even if her mother refused to support her, Xu Jia Li continued enhancing her talents. She would often sing as she stared at the vast landscape of calming greenery in front of her. Her wonderful voice echoed along the sounds of the wind and even the chirping of the birds added beauty to her song. Her beautiful eyes as clear as the sky showed no trace of fear but only perseverance and dedication, as if clearly saying that she would be successful no matter what - the day would come that she would be the most famous artist in China.

Xu Jia Li also danced well. She would gracefully lift her arms and sway her hips as if imitating the wind as it kissed her cute little face. She devoted herself in the art of singing,  dancing and painting. It felt like these things naturally ran through her blood. She couldn't stop the urge of doing them even if Xu Huifen was against it.

"~~Look at me, you may think you see,

Who I really am but you'll never know me

Every day it's as if I play a part

Now I see if I wear a mask

I can fool the world but I cannot fool my heart...

Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me?

When will my reflection show who I am inside?~~"

With eyes shining like stars, Xu Jia Li sang her favorite song from the movie "Mulan". This was the song she heard when she was watching television and immediately her heart melt from its lyrics. Her gaze looked far away, as if dreaming the day when she would be well-knowned.

Full of conviction, she shouted, "I promise that I will not stop until I become China's most popular star!"

After a while, she started painting another stone in the hill, this time, it was quite big. She looked up in the sky as if getting the needed energy to come up with another masterpiece. At last, she picked up her brush and started yet another addition to her treasures.

When she needed to reach the upper part of the rock, she collected small rocks which she made as a stair. Happy with her work, she continued with her painting. Engrossed with the task, she didn't notice when a young boy started to watch her paint. The young boy stood behind her back and was very fascinated with her work.

Xu Jia Li was painting a sun surrounded by many brilliant stars. The sun had a flower about to bloom in the middle. The whole thing looked like it was painted by a professional.

When she was about to finish with her work, the young boy started to clap his hands which startled Xu Jia Li. She was about to fall when a strong grip held her up. She immediately stiffened and fear engulfed her whole being.