At the age of three my grand aunt proclaimed her independence by categorically refusing to have her feet bound, resolutely tearing off the bandages as fast as they were applied.

I read because I have to. It drives everything else from my mind. It lets me escape to find other world.

But you can vanquish the demons only when you yourself are convinced of your own worth.

You may be right in believing that if you study hard, one day you might become fluent in English. But you will still look Chinese, and when people meet you, they’ll see a Chinese girl no matter how well you speak English. You’ll always be expected to know Chinese, and if you don’t, I’m afraid they will not respect you as much.

Don't trust anyone. Be a cold fish. I hurt no one. And no one can hurt me.

Keep in mind that whenever you are in a crisis, you are in the midst of danger as well as opportunity.

You have your whole life ahead of you. Be smart. Study hard and be independent. I'm afraid the chances of your getting a dowry are slim. You must rely on yourself. No matter what else people may steal from you, they will never be able to take away your knowledge. The world is changing. You must make your own life outside this home.