Red Rose, White Rose — Desire and Regret

The Odyssey Years

A reflection on the Odyssey years of life.

Þetta reddast

Thoughts on uncertainty, changing perspectives, and starting anew in a new year.

Summertime Sadness — The Unfinished Summers of Our Lives

Perhaps every summer we live is both a beginning and a farewell — a season we never truly finish living.

Pretend to be an adult

First steps into adulthood — wearing a suit, starting a first full-time job, and learning to balance professionalism with the innocence of the inner child.

Red Rose, White Rose — Desire and Regret

In this episode of Passing Through Life, we dive into Zhang Ailing’s haunting novella Red Rose, White Rose — a sharp exploration of desire, idealization, and emotional cowardice. Through the life of Tong Zhenbao, we reflect on the women we turn into symbols, the choices we make out of fear, and the regret that lingers when love is lost. Join me as we unravel this quiet yet devastating story, and ask ourselves: what happens when we only love with half our hearts?