Why should I make an effort? Over the years, various answers to the question have popped up. One year, I thought I should study hard and get good grades to impress the boy in my heart. Another year, I determined I should be diligent to outshine my rival, a girl who acted as if the entire world were revolving around her. Last weekend, a new answer to the question presented itself.

Upon my arrival at home last Saturday, Mother said that we had a lot on for the evening. She had made the plans. First, we ate out at a fancy restaurant, where most of the dishes were my favourites, and I could not have loved the meal more. Then, we went shopping at the mall, where Mother got me a new pair of shoes. It was a famous brand I had been yearning for for ages.

Back at home, I mentally calculated how much Mother had shelled out for the evening out. To my amazement, it exceeded 700 yuan. The average white-collar employee in small-town China has to work roughly seven days to earn the equivalent amount. But Mother showered all of that on me in a mere two hours.

Far from being privileged, my family struggles to make ends meet. Like most people on the street, Father and Mother have to work 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, to put food on the table. Overtime for them is not unusual. To bring in 700 yuan, they would have to work a few days at regular jobs. They never complain about the long hours they have to put in, day in and day out. And they never fail to provide my brother and me with the very best, be it clothing or schooling.

Looking back on the weekend, I am more than inspired. It has given me a fresh motivation for making an effort, not only for my future but for my beloved parents as well. One day when I am independent, I will buy whatever my parents want, the way I was treated.