Medal

Li Ming has been staring blankly at the golden medal lately. The medal isn't big, but it feels heavy. On the front, it reads "Selfless Dedication, Exemplary Model," and on the back, it says "Government-Sponsored Study Abroad." This medal was awarded to him by the school after he carried his injured classmate out of the teaching building during that earthquake.

Originally, Li Ming was just an unknown junior employee in the company, taking the subway every day, clocking in, and doing repetitive reports. Since receiving the award, his life seems to have undergone a dramatic change. At the company, his colleagues look at him with awe, his superiors have started to show him concern, and his name is actually on the year-end promotion list.

It all feels like a dream. Li Ming looks at his reflection on the medal, but he always feels that something is off. He remembers that day, when the teaching building shook violently, mixed with screams and cries. He just instinctively carried his classmate, who had injured his leg, and ran to the open playground. He didn't feel like he was doing anything great; he just felt it was what he should do.

What truly makes him uneasy is that after receiving the award, he feels like he's been put in a "model" box. Every day at work, he's pulled aside to share his "selfless dedication" experience with new employees. At company events, he's always the center of attention. Even what clothes he wears and what he eats for lunch have become fodder for gossip among his colleagues.

"Li Ming, you're amazing! You even dared to carry a classmate during the earthquake, so you must be doing great at work!" the boss said, patting his shoulder with a smile.

"Li Ming, look at him, learn from him!" the old employees said, educating the newcomers.

Li Ming feels suffocated. He starts to miss his former self, the unknown one, who could freely slack off in the pantry and read novels in the restroom without being noticed by anyone. Now, everything he says and does is interpreted with a "noble" meaning. He even feels like he can no longer make any mistakes; otherwise, he would let down this heavy medal.

One day, Li Ming overheard the company executives arguing in the meeting room. "Let's start this 'talent reserve plan' with that Li Ming. The publicity effect would be excellent."

"Him? A reckless man who only knows how to run, what real ability does he have?"

"That's exactly the contrast we need. With a bit of packaging, he'll be a great inspirational role model."

Li Ming leaned against the wall and felt a wave of nausea. He finally understood that carrying his classmate out of the teaching building didn't earn him genuine recognition, but rather a facade for the company, a gilded "promotion medal."

He tightly gripped the medal in his hand, his knuckles turning white. He suddenly felt that the medal seemed to be getting heavier and heavier, making it hard for him to breathe.

He looked out the window; the sun was still shining brightly, but he felt a chill he had never felt before. Perhaps, he should consider finding a new path, one that truly allows him to "run."