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In September 2022, Nanyi, a Wa minority graduate student from a prestigious Chinese university, unexpectedly found herself in the spotlight after sharing news of her pregnancy and temporary leave from school. A graduate student and top student, she was dating Xiao Ronghua, a vocational school-trained barber. After discovering her pregnancy, Nanyi decided to have the baby and applied for a leave of absence, sparking an intense public debate that reverberated across Chinese social media. Some people felt she was setting a negative example, while others saw her story as an inspirational tale of love and perseverance.
After enrolling in a top Beijing university for graduate studies in 2022, Nanyi’s first online viral moment was heartwarming. She shared a video of her family visiting Beijing, paid for with her earnings from a student job, titled "Wa Minority Girl’s First Paycheck Brings Family to Beijing." Thousands praised her kindness, with comments like, “Such purity in every smile,” and “This is the real meaning of studying hard.” However, a few days later, another post triggered a wave of online judgment that would dramatically shift public opinion.
The trigger was a short video update she posted, mentioning her pregnancy and leave from school. Soon, the hashtag “Female Graduate Student Takes Leave Due to Pregnancy” exploded across social media, amassing over 600 million views. Comments poured in:
“You had the chance to escape the mountains, and now you’re tied down by a child.”
“You’ve forgotten all the struggles you overcame to get here.”
“You’ve thrown away your best years for the worst kind of love.”
Many assumed her story was tragic, a bright student burdened by a difficult choice. In response, Nanyi defended her decision: “Taking leave doesn’t mean I’m giving up on my studies. I’m still studying and hope to return to school with even more motivation next year.”
Nanyi grew up in Manghui Village, a remote, mountainous region in Cangyuan County, Yunnan. Her childhood memories are filled with rainy days, dense forests, and rugged mountains. Life was challenging; the local economy lagged, and the village only began its poverty alleviation journey in 2019. Her family faced financial hardship, especially after her father passed away in a mining accident when she was in sixth grade.
Despite her circumstances, Nanyi’s father instilled in her a strong work ethic, always reminding her to study hard. After his death, her mother, now widowed, took on various jobs to support the family. With her mother's encouragement, Nanyi worked hard through high school, excelling academically, and eventually becoming the first person in her village to attend a university.
Many online critics questioned her choice to date Xiao Ronghua, a barber with limited formal education. But for Nanyi, her connection with Xiao was based on shared values and a deep emotional bond. Xiao, who had supported himself since a young age, had a history of resilience that resonated with her. They met at a friend’s gathering in May 2022, and Xiao was captivated by her determination and kindness. He began visiting her family, bringing fruit and helping out with chores to show his commitment.
When she discovered her pregnancy, Nanyi considered the implications carefully. Xiao accompanied her to the hospital, and when she heard the heartbeat of her unborn child, she decided she couldn’t go through with an abortion. Although this decision was met with criticism, Nanyi saw it as an affirmation of her values, an important step toward creating the family she always wanted.
The backlash wasn’t limited to anonymous comments online. Media outlets contacted her elementary school teachers and family members to learn more about her life, painting her as a symbol of misplaced priorities. However, those closest to her, including her family and Xiao, were supportive. Her elementary math teacher commented, “In our minority region, many of her peers have already married and had children.”
After taking leave, Nanyi continued her studies from home, planning to return to university. Although her future path differed from what some might expect, she was resolute. “Everyone has the right to make their own decisions about their education and family,” she said. “Why is it wrong for someone from the mountains to want to go back someday?”
Over time, the criticism faded. As people saw her happiness in social media updates, the tone of the online discourse softened. In one of her videos, she shared moments of her life with Xiao and her child, prompting comments like, “Sometimes, happiness is more important than social expectations,” and “Her resilience is inspiring.”
Nanyi’s story highlights the rigid expectations placed on young people in China’s rapidly modernizing society. For many, success is defined by leaving rural life behind and establishing oneself in a major city. But Nanyi’s journey suggests a different perspective. She questions why success must mean abandoning one’s roots, asking, “Is it only successful if you settle down in a big city?”
Source: WeChat Official account of 正午故事
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