SQ832. After a five-hour flight from Singapore to Shanghai, I arrive in my second hometown once again. I spent 19 years in this city, starting with my first year at university and continuing until the strict COVID lockdowns. It was here that I met my wife, and by the time I left, we had two beautiful daughters. I have a deep affection for this city, although I find it challenging to connect with the country and its society.

In my opinion, Shanghai has the most elegant atmosphere among all Chinese cities, largely due to its colonial history. In no other Chinese city can you find so many people who genuinely cherish freedom, in terms of both material enjoyment and spiritual enlightenment. However, I do not often see this in other places, even in my first hometown.

Anyway, the first meal I had after landing was, of course, Reganmian, or “hot dry noodles.” That dish represents the taste of my first hometown and brings back fond memories of my childhood.