Society

Bright lights tempt children from studies

By Peng Yining (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-31 08:41

When road to riches reaches dead end

Editor's note: Ma Jinming, 17, ran away from his family in Dongxiang county, Gansu province, to chase his dream of working in Beijing. He returned home just 52 days later.

I first saw the world beyond my village when my father bought a 21-inch color television set. I was 10 years old and I remember watching in awe as I got my first glimpse of the bustling streets and the magnificent shopping malls in the cities, particularly Beijing.

By 16, home and school started to appear more and more unattractive in comparison, so I told my parents I wanted to go. They refused, of course, so I began secretly saving my pocket money and hatched a plan to run away.

On April 8, I sneaked out of school at lunch and got on a bus to Lanzhou (capital of Gansu). I had 100 yuan ($14) in my pocket.

I saw a job advertisement as soon as I arrived. I called and the employer said he could get me work in a restaurant in Beijing. I would get 1,200 yuan a month, as well as a train ticket and free meals and accommodation.

I jumped in the air when he said Beijing. I never thought I would get there so quickly. I signed a three-month contract and got on the train that day. There were 13 other boys with me and we were all too excited to sleep. I told them I would visit the Great Wall and Tian'anmen Square.

It was not long before my enthusiasm disappeared, though.

The work was from 6 am until 9 pm, serving people and learning how to cook. It was very hard and I was often scolded for not being strong enough to hold an iron pan or pile of dishes.

I had days off but I was always too tired to go anywhere and I never had any money to spend. I just used to stay in my dorm, which I shared with seven roommates.

After more than two weeks I called home. My mother answered and we both cried. I was exhausted and desperate. I begged my family to forgive me and let me return to school. I bought a train ticket for Lanzhou with my first wage packet.

I'm in school again now. The principal was happy to welcome me back, and I also help my family to farm our corn crops.

My father was so angry about the worry I caused my mother that he didn't talk to me on the phone each time I called back. But I think it was worth it. I finally got to see a big city.

Ma Jinming was talking to Peng Yining.