Brief news summary

Villagers, many sharing the surname Liang, set up stalls near his childhood home to sell souvenirs and drinks, including the special zhuangyuan sugar cane juice, named after the ancient title for top imperial exam scorers. Like Liang, many past scholars rose from humble beginnings to fame through intellectual excellence. Born in 1985 to a primary school teacher, Liang witnessed China’s transformation from a planned economy with a GDP per capita of just US$300, limited financial services, and no stock market. Mililing remains a traditional rural community where everyone knows each other. In a 2024 interview with Chinese media outlet 36Kr, Liang emphasized that China can no longer be a follower, reflecting his belief in the country’s potential to lead through innovation and intellectual strength. This narrative highlights the journey from modest origins to national prominence, embodying China’s broader economic and social evolution over recent decades.