Han Yaping of Central China's Henan Province went viral in June after scoring 699 out of 750 in the national college entrance examination (also known as the gaokao). Coming from a disadvantaged rural background, Han's exceptional score eventually landed her a spot at her first choice, Tsinghua University.
However, a remark she made during an interview took some shine off her success. When asked for any advice for fellow students on avoiding mobile phone addiction, Han said, "If you are unwilling to endure the hardships of studying, you will eventually have to endure the struggles of life."
Han has indeed faced hardships. Her mother has been bedridden for years with spinal arthritis, while her father supports the family through farming and odd jobs. Han did not own a mobile phone and could not afford to pay for exam prep courses.
But many viewed her comment as preachy. One comment on Sina Weibo read, "Congratulations on your good grades, but who are you to lecture me?" The comment received more than 500,000 likes and quickly fueled heated debate.
In the past, stories about high achievers like Han overcoming difficulties served as inspiring examples. But similar narratives and remarks are increasingly being perceived as condescending.
Media commentators said the reaction reflects changing perceptions of social fairness, which have weakened the long-held belief that hard work inevitably leads to success. When ordinary people realize they may struggle to replicate such rags-to-riches stories, their empathy may be replaced by frustration, cynicism and fatigue.
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