The last event of this semester is the MOU signing ceremony and the thanksgiving and exchange banquet. We were so tensed on our way to the venue. It was echoed with the bumpy and winding road all the way that made this journey seem unpredictable. We just worried that perhaps just a minor fault will foul up the nicely planned event.

As we arrived at the venue, I was first appointed to hang up the banner. This banner is no stranger to me, as we have to hang it up under the screen every time we visit. But today, it seems particularly meaningful, just like a milestone, and an announcement to all of our existence. We are still partners. This is the symbol of our joint effort, a common goal of ideal. As long as this banner is still hoisted, it means the scheme is still in progress.

“When you aim your camera at me, give me two seconds so that I could contract my belly muscle first” A teacher talked to me with laughter. Today’s event has attracted plenty of local partners. Each of them has a smiling face, and greeted the faculties and students from NCU amicably and started to chat with us. I went back and forth in the crowd while waiting for the starting of the ceremony, and captured every moment of talks and interactions between people. The smiles on their faces have deeply conquered me. Some get together in small groups and chatted to one another. Some just sat on the chair and wait. And some just went back and forth in the crowd. I preferred observing every participant silently and captured each expression on the face, in great laughter, or as a good listener to the others with my camera. This was quite a memorable moment that I could not help shooting with my camera for the record.

The event unfolded in a boisterous atmosphere with an opening address by the official. It was followed by the MOU singing ceremony. The faculties of NCU still did not spell out the grandiose vision in the opening address. Instead, they made a pragmatic commitment with firm belief. At the same time, we won the sincere and friendly applause of the collaboration partners in the mountain. The signing began immediately after the opening address. This was a very sacred moment indeed. Representatives from all sides were asked to sign on a big board representing the commitment to collaboration. I went back and forth between the two sides of the board to capture the facial expression of everyone from different angles, and the moment they held the pen to sign.

Meal time followed the conclusion of the formal ceremony. We chatted freely while enjoying the good food. We also asked the partners to share their insights or whatever they wanted to say. I remember a song sung by the Headmaster of Luo Foo Senior High School, the “Rock Solid Pledge” (山盟). The word “Central” (中央) was specifically sorted out from the lyric. I was deeply moved by this song as I listened. I think this is the result of the effort of so many people so that the partners in the mountain could know, accept, and even like this task force of NCU. I could see that the little sister program assistant just could not help crying in this very moment of sharing. I thought the effort we made simply could not be quantified. In addition to time and money, there are also our persistence, enthusiasm, and passion, which are so touchy.

I have captured quite a number of smiling faces in this event, and also overheard many tender and gentle little talks. The coldness of technology was absent. Truthful and sensible dialogue between people indeed filled up the atmosphere. At the end of the event, I stood at the reception area. I used my camera to note down the departing shadows of the participants. I deeply believe that all walked out from the restaurant in smile. It seems like everybody has brought the warm and pleasant memories back to daily life.