Young people go out of way to 'grab luck'

Soul-searching adventure

For Li Yuting, at first, she didn't quite understand why people were eager to "catch good luck".

"Now that I'm unemployed, I've started to resonate with those who post their job-hunting experiences online, and if there are already people wishing for good fortune in the comments, I'll definitely jump on the bandwagon," Li said.

Three months ago, Li decided to leave her job at a large internet company in Shanghai.

"The first few days were chaotic," she recollected. "I experienced a profound sense of emptiness and purposelessness, without a clear direction or goals in my life."

Overwhelmed by the feeling of demotivation and powerlessness, Li thought about going on a soul-searching solo trip to the Xizang autonomous region.

She had her itinerary all set and budget planned out, but when she checked her bank balance she got a firm reality check, forcing her to abandon her travel dreams.

One day, wandering aimlessly on Shanghai's streets, Li stumbled upon a temple.

"I am low on energy. The long time waiting for any results to come out in the job-hunting process could make me anxious and fretful, and the temple's chimes and chants just have the magic power to relieve all the pressure and anxiety," Li said.

After coming out of the temple, she felt like she had regained some energy. And so she came up with another travel plan, this time more grounded: returning to her hometown of Hefei in Anhui province, and reuniting with old friends to see where their good luck is coming from.

The adventure unfolded swiftly. First stop — a lively three-room apartment shared by a university pal turned PhD holder, and her partner. The place buzzed with visitors, home-cooked meals and post-dinner strolls, akin to a heartwarming sitcom.

Next, she bunked with a friend fresh from a breakup, finding solace in music, flower arrangements and DIY projects. "She lives alone but is never lonely," Li noted.

Her final stop led her to an ancient town, where a friend's family ran a grocery store doubling as a social hub. Life in this quaint town was a blend of simplicity and joy.

Returning from the trip, Li realized that luck might stem from balancing work and life. "Life's essence isn't always found in far-flung adventures but in the daily hustle and intrinsic energies," the 27-year-old said.

Li shared her experiences living in the three different apartments online to inspire others in similar situations. The post quickly became popular, garnering over 10,000 likes within hours.

In the closing moments of the video, Li wrote: "If, like me, you are facing inevitable changes, I hope you will take the time to find a suitable way of living. Change isn't a curse but a chance for growth. Here's to good luck."