Ten years ago, I rode a bicycle, whistling happily on my way home; ten years later, I drove a private car, answering non-stop phone calls on my way to social engagements.
Ten years ago, I longed to stay in a five-star hotel; ten years later, I stayed in a five-star hotel but wanted to go home.
Ten years ago, I yearned for one flight; ten years later, the thing I feared most was flying.
Ten years ago, after playing soccer, I walked by the window of a coffee shop, hoping the boy sitting across from the girl would be me; ten years later, I saw kids who had just finished playing soccer walking by the coffee shop and wished I could be one of them.
Ten years ago, eating Sichuan cuisine didn't seem flavorful; ten years later, nothing else tastes as good as Sichuan cuisine.
Ten years ago, I relied on my strong back and was the main player on the volleyball team; ten years later, I suffered from a herniated disc.
Ten years ago, we were forced by our parents and teachers to sit at our desks and listen attentively; ten years later, I want to listen again, but there's no desk to be found.
Ten years ago, I despised the drunkards in front of restaurants and vowed never to drink; ten years later, I am that drunkard in front of the restaurant.
Ten years ago, I looked forward to the day when I would have my own private car and wouldn't have to walk; ten years later, I wish to walk instead of driving my private car.
Ten years ago, touching a girl made me blush; ten years later, I became the subject of sexual harassment accusations.
Ten years ago, I didn’t know what a “miss” was; ten years later, a miss became my only confidant.
Ten years ago, I hoped to appear mature; ten years later, I went to beauty treatments, hoping to remain youthful forever.
Ten years ago, I thought about eating meat every meal; ten years later, I think about eating vegetables every meal.
Love:
Ten years ago, you were my seatmate; ten years later, you became someone else's wife.
Ten years ago, I sang "The Seatmate"; ten years later, I think about my seatmate.
Ten years ago, the only problem we faced was exams; ten years later, we face all problems except exams.
Ten years ago, I remembered your charming smile under your building; ten years later, I see your strict face scolding your child under your building.
Ten years ago, I longed to get married immediately; ten years later, I long to fall in love again.
Ten years ago, we talked about love shyly; ten years later, we talk about love with awkwardness.
Ten years ago, I longed for love but didn’t know what it was; ten years later, I knew what love was but no longer possessed it.
Ten years ago, I liked beautiful girls; ten years later, I have an unattractive wife.
Ten years ago, I experienced my first love; ten years later, I experienced my first divorce.
School:
Ten years ago, seeing the homeroom teacher’s big glasses filled me with fear and hatred; ten years later, dreaming of the homeroom teacher's kind smile fills me with warmth and sorrow.
Ten years ago, while praising the classmate who made the foreign language teacher cry, we said, "This teacher is not good enough"; ten years later, while consoling the female colleague upset by students, we say, "Students these days are terrible."
Ten years ago, I mocked Old Nine for being too fat while still looking somewhat slim myself; ten years later, I am left with only "Song Yu's sentiment" and am ridiculed for 'excelling beyond the master'.
Ten years ago, I climbed over a ten-foot-high wall during a cold winter night to play joystick games with great interest; ten years later, I lie on the bed at home drinking hot coffee while playing online games, feeling bored.
Ten years ago, I could score thirty points in one breath on the basketball court; ten years later, the guy I’m defending can score thirty points!
Ten years ago, I expressed my military aspirations to my classmates about attending military school; ten years later, I reminisce about the sweet and sour experiences of the barracks with my comrades after changing careers.
Ten years ago, there were endless review materials to complete; ten years later, there are countless interpersonal relationships to manage.
Ten years ago, the only burden was exams; ten years later, there are too many burdens besides exams.
Ten years ago, I always flipped through the college entrance exam catalog, thinking about how to enter a prestigious school; ten years later, I always look at job postings, thinking about how to find a part-time job.
Ten years ago, I paid close attention to the romantic gossip in the class; ten years later, I indifferently accepted the invitation to attend a classmate's wedding, regardless of who the bride was.
Ten years ago, I assured my family, "Only fools fall in love"; ten years later, the deeply hurt me shouted at friends, "What is this thing called love?"
Ten years ago, seeing a thug bullying others, I could roar with righteous indignation without fearing broken heads and bloodshed; ten years later, I couldn’t spare two coins in my pocket for a beggar on the street!
Ten years ago, the girls in the class each floated in white dresses, speaking softly; ten years later, the housewives in the class each exuded elegance, laughing loudly.
Ten years ago, Old Six from the countryside said he would bring his parents to live in the provincial city in the future; ten years later, overseas-residing Old Six said his biggest regret was not being able to take care of his parents in the countryside.
Ten years ago, we always planned for ten years later; ten years later, we always reminisce about ten years ago.
Ten years ago, I "forced myself to express sorrow to write new poems,"; ten years later, I "forcefully write new poems to express sorrow"!
Parents:
Ten years ago, we were our parents' children; ten years later, we are the parents of our children.
Ten years ago, I didn’t know the warmth of home; ten years later, I realized the warmth of home.
Ten years ago, I longed to leave home and go far away; ten years later, I longed to return home from afar.
Ten years ago, I yelled at my parents; ten years later, I hope my parents will scold me once more.
Work:
Ten years ago, we searched everywhere to make a phone call; ten years later, we have mobile phones but still wander around.
Ten years ago, my monthly salary goal was 1000; ten years later, my monthly salary is 6000 yuan, yet I still cannot be happy.
Ten years ago, the thing I feared most was criticism; ten years later, the hardest thing to get is criticism.
Ten years ago, 200 yuan could last me a month; ten years later, I need 2000 yuan just for one meal.
Ten years ago, we wore identical school uniforms, showing simplicity and radiant vitality; ten years later, we wear branded clothing, revealing elegance but a hint of melancholy.
Ten years ago, we could go to class with messy appearances and sweat-streaked faces; ten years later, we must dress shabbily, wearing smiles to work.
Belief:
Ten years ago, I thought I was a big tree; ten years later, I realized I was merely a blade of grass.
Ten years ago, the only thing I could waste was time; ten years later, except for time, everything else I can waste.
Ten years ago, we could say youth is without regrets; ten years later, we can only say youth has passed.
Ten years ago, we could play with life; ten years later, we are caught in the game of life.