【推荐2】Born in Shenzhen, Luo Yi’s idea on life was shaped by the time she spent in the countryside.

The 28-year-old girl’s studies and work have seen her life in major cities around the world, such as London, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing. But her interest remains in the countryside. This interest was developed by her father who loves outdoor activities. By the age of 4, she was travelling with her father and taking 10-kilometer bicycle rides in the countryside.

In 2011, Luo went to the US to study history and environment. During vacations, she returned to China and studied the projects in the countryside. When she worked as an intern in Wenchuan Sichuan province in 2012, she noticed that some local traditions and culture were disappearing even though some historical buildings were rebuilt. Also, the younger generations seemed to have no interest in their own culture. In 2015, Luo graduated from the University of Chicago. She set up Laotu in 2016. It helps develop the countryside and youth education.

Laotu also educates young people in cities about rural lives and culture. Its course in the Mountain Program takes them to rural areas. There they can learn the villagers’ work and life. The program is designed to improve their understanding of the relationship between people and nature.

“Rural areas are part of our culture,” Luo said. “We, as the new generation, should play a role in bringing rural China a better future.”

【推荐1】It’s a Sunday morning. Mary doesn’t need to go to school. She says to her mum, “I need some clothes. Can we go to Nice Girls’ Clothes Shop?”

“Well, what do you need, Mary?” Mum asks her. “My skirt is small, so I want to buy a skirt. And I need a pair of sports (运动) shoes, too,” Mary says. “I see. Let’s go now.”

In the shop, Mary sees a blue skirt. It’s nice. So she asks the clerk (店员), “How much is it?”

The clerk says, “It’s 200 yuan.” “OK. Let me think about it. Thanks.”

Mary asks her mum, “How about the blue skirt, Mum?”

“It is nice, but blue isn’t nice on you,” says her mother.

“Oh, I see.”

“What about this green one, Mary?” asks her mother.

“It’s nice!” Mary says.

They take it at a good price (价格). Only 110 yuan! They buy a pair of green sports shoes, too. It’s 310 yuan.

【推荐2】Mom’s Recipe (食谱) for Life

I have a lot of Mom’s recipes in a blue box where all my special ones were put. But the recipe I treasure (珍爱) most is not in the box. Instead, mom lived this recipe all of her life.

My mother grew up in a small town in southwest Iowa. My grandfather told me that my mom regarded(把……当做) everyone as her friend in that community. She had this attitude (态度) all her life.

As a teen, I was embarrassed (尴尬) every time when my mother talked to strangers (陌生人) and gave a smile to everyone in the store or on the bus. Almost all of them responded (回应) with a bright smile of their own. Some spoke, others nodded their heads at this elderly woman who brought a little light into their day.

One day, Mom took the senior (老年人) bus to the shop. It was her first time to take the senior bus. When she came back, I asked her how it went.

“Ha!” She said, “I got on that bus and guess what I saw: Thirteen old people and no one spoke on the bus.”

“Oh, did you talk with them?”I asked.

“Of course.” she said. “When I got on the bus I gave them a big smile and I said, ‘Isn’t it a wonderful day?’ I greeted them happily and before long the whole group was smiling and talking to one other. The bus became more than just transportation (交通工具)”.That is really amazing.

When I was free, I went shopping with Mom, I watched as she smiled and talked with strangers. Once Mom smiled at them and started a conversation, they could talk to her friendly. My mother didn’t embarrass me any longer. I found myself admiring her.

She’s been gone for ten years but I’ve carried on her recipe for life. It was me who had done the smiling first and all those people responded. My mother taught me by example. She’d given me a recipe for life.