A Time in Quchi

Hsiao-Pao begins summer with swagger and restlessness, feeling neglected by busy parents and bored by a dull school routine. A nagging younger sister and looming summer homework hover as he clings to city rhythms and screens. The restless start hints at deeper changes to come once he leaves Taipei for the countryside.

Hsiao-Pao and his sister are sent to spend the summer with their grandfather in the countryside of Quchi, Xindian. The shift from urban bustle to rural calm forces him to adjust to a slower pace and different routines. His tablet is set aside as real-life rhythms take over.

He enrolls in a local elementary school that numbers just 27 students, a world apart from his city experience. He grapples with unfamiliar customs, teachers, and the challenge of fitting in. The school becomes a doorway to a new community and pace of life.

Hsiao-Pao encounters Da-Xiong, a girl from a vibrant but poor family whose warmth challenges his city-centered worldview. Their early exchanges reveal a contrast between his urban swagger and the countryside's plain-spoken kindness. He feels drawn toward Da-Xiong and her world.

He befriends Ming-Chuan, an orphan who quietly harbors a crush on Da-Xiong. Ming-Chuan introduces him to life beyond screens, sharing stories and small acts of generosity. This friendship opens Hsiao-Pao’s eyes to different forms of belonging.

Through Ming-Chuan and other new friends, Hsiao-Pao discovers the joy of shared labor and play. He begins to care for people around him and notices the warmth of the countryside. The digital bubble starts to crack as he participates in real-life activities.

Hsiao-Pao’s daily interactions with his grandfather become a focal point, teaching him about family, patience, and resilience. He learns that growth comes from listening, observing, and contributing to others. The countryside becomes a canvas for maturity.

The days lengthen and Hsiao-Pao shifts from a screen-bound kid to someone who savors real-world experiences. He learns to appreciate simple joys—shared meals, outdoor games, and conversations without notifications. This shift helps him become more grounded and present.

A typhoon bears down on the countryside, disrupting the idyll and testing the new sense of self he’s forming. The storm brings uncertainties and forces him to rely on the people around him. It marks a turning point that reshapes what he values.

In the aftermath, the stories of homework and deadlines collide with real-world challenges. He realizes growing up carries a heavier price than any assignment, demanding responsibility and perseverance. He learns that contributing to others matters as much as personal success.

Hsiao-Pao begins to shoulder responsibilities and care more for family and friends. He helps his sister, supports his grandfather, and contributes to the community's well-being. The bonds he formed become anchors for his evolving sense of self.

As summer ends, he emerges with a more grounded view of adulthood—that hope and meaning come from people and places around him. The countryside has forged a quiet courage to connect and grow beyond his own expectations. He returns to the city carrying empathy, resilience, and a strengthened sense of family.