Summary of the Core Content
Zhong Meimei (formerly known as Zhong Yusheng) became famous at the age of 13 for imitating his teacher. Despite being offered a million-dollar contract, he chose to prioritize education and was admitted to Boston University with the money he earned on his own. His story is touching because, in an era where popularity and short-sightedness prevail, he and his mother invested in education as a long-term strategy. They stood against the "performative sincerity" commonly seen among internet celebrities, proving that ordinary people can rewrite their destinies through wise choices.
I. Rejecting the Million-Dollar Offer: Why Could He Resist Short-Term Benefits?
After becoming famous in 2020 at the age of 13, Zhong Meimei received dozens of calls from businesses, including an offer for a one-million-dollar contract. Many kids at that time dreamed of becoming internet celebrities, thinking that money could replace education, but Zhong and his mother decided to pause their careers.
His mother’s reasoning was practical: “This family doesn’t need Zhong Yusheng to support us; studying is what matters most.” Zhong himself realized that while the advertisement might bring immediate benefits, focusing on studies would lead to greater potential in the long run. Their approach of taking a longer-term view was particularly insightful in the often impetuous world of internet celebrities.
II. From 290 Points to Harbin No. 3 High School: Education Always Comes First
Even after gaining fame, Zhong didn’t indulge in the attention; he continued to prioritize his studies. During the middle school entrance exams, he put his account on hold for three months and studied until 12 PM every day, practicing with numerous mock tests. His first attempt yielded only 290 points (he had just transferred to Harbin), but he improved significantly, scoring 336 in the second and 380 in the third test, eventually earning 414.5 points overall—the highest score in Chinese class—and getting into one of the best high schools in Heilongjiang, Harbin No. 3 International Department.
Although he appeared in movies and made videos, when asked about his priorities, he answered clearly: “Student comes first.” His admission to Boston University also reflected his respect for education; he didn’t see himself as a top student but wanted to use the university to grow.
III. Why Isn’t Zhong Meimei Mocked for Studying Abroad?
Many internet celebrities who study abroad are criticized, such as Sister B from the ABCD family, who often portrays the hardships of being a parent through emotional videos (what Kundera called “the second tear”—not genuine emotion but a way to make others feel good about themselves). Zhong Meimei, however, is different:
- He never boasted about the difficulties of studying abroad; his admission was announced unexpectedly.
- His videos showed a realistic view of human behavior through imitation and satire (for example, he depicted how someone tried to trick a poor woman into recording gratitude videos for a small gift only to be kicked out).
- When questioned about using connections, he remained logical and humble, stating that the money for his studies came from his own earnings.
His sincerity and humility made people believe he was living his life authentically, not putting on a show.
IV. The Long-Term Investment in Education: Confronting the Short-Sightedness of Our Time
Economics teaches us about “time discount”—people prefer immediate benefits over future returns. In uncertain times, this tendency to be short-sighted is even more pronounced. Zhong Meimei acted against it:
- He saved his money for his studies (all of which he earned himself) rather than spending it.
- Unlike Zhang Jiayi, a basketball girl who was funded to study in the U.S. through videos but dropped out due to confusion, Zhong’s focus on education made him more stable.
As the book “You Should Fly to Your Mountain” says, education is about self-transformation—not for show but for becoming a better version of oneself.
V. The Journey of a Hero: How Ordinary People Can Define Themselves
In mythology, a hero isn’t born a hero; they emerge from ordinary lives, overcoming challenges and transforming. Zhong Meimei’s story illustrates this:
- Coming from an abusive family with limited resources, he focused on education.
- He resisted contracts, worked hard for his exams, and funded his own studies abroad—each step was a rebellion against fate.
- He believes that “it’s never the trends or the media that define me; it’s me.”
Even if he doesn’t become an internet celebrity in the future, his education and wise choices will enable him to achieve great things.
Zhong Meimei’s story shows us that by staying true to our values and pursuing long-term goals, even ordinary people can become their own heroes, despite the temptations of popularity and short-term gains.