The "Hot Search" Security Guard
"Beep—" The card swipe was crisp, and Xiao Li stepped through the west gate of Peking University. Her slightly immature figure, clad in a deep blue security uniform, was incongruous with the surrounding lush green pines and cypresses. Who would have thought that she, who once harbored the dream of becoming a graduate student at Peking University, would now become a security guard guarding its west gate?
She didn't feel wronged; she even felt a little smug. After all, in this ivory tower of Peking University, being able to swipe a card and enter as a "security guard" could be considered a different kind of "landing." Over the past few months, Xiao Li had already mastered this "skill." When on duty, she always stood tall, with a determined gaze, as if she were also a part of this prestigious university. Her security uniform was also more crisp than others, and she had secretly embroidered a small winter jasmine flower on her collar.
Since the news of "a girl who failed the postgraduate entrance exam chose to work as a security guard at Peking University" went viral, Xiao Li became the "internet celebrity" of Peking University's west gate. Every day, people came to admire her, wanting to see what the "strongest comeback" security guard looked like. Her photos and short videos spread like wildfire online, and netizens gave her various nicknames: "Inspirational Sister," "Light of Peking University," "Security Goddess," and so on.
Every day after work, Xiao Li would habitually browse Weibo, to see what new shapes netizens had photoshopped her into. Some had photoshopped her into a heroine wielding a long spear, others had her in academic regalia as a research giant, and still others had her as the guardian of the Peking University emblem.
What made Xiao Li laugh and cry the most was that some people had actually formed a fan club for her, with the slogan "Protect Sister Li, defend Peking University!" Some even sent her gifts, including a deluxe edition of "The History of Peking University," T-shirts with her cartoon portrait printed on them, and... a box of the latest "security guard-specific sunscreen."
That day, Xiao Li was on duty as usual. A middle-aged man rushed up to her, holding his phone excitedly, and said, "I'm your fan! Can I take a picture with you?" Xiao Li was stunned for a moment, but still smiled professionally and posed in a "defend Peking University" stance.
Just as she thought it was another ordinary fan encounter, the middle-aged man suddenly knelt down, crying and shouting, "Sister Li, please help me! My son failed the college entrance exam and is now a NEET at home! I brought him to the gate of Peking University, so he can see you every day and learn from your inspiring spirit!"
Xiao Li was completely dumbfounded, and more and more people gathered to watch, some whispering, others taking out their phones to record. "What is this?" Xiao Li felt a sense of absurdity rising within her. "I'm just a security guard, when did I become a life coach?"
At this moment, the school leaders' voice came from the broadcast, "All security guards, please take note, the notice regarding the job adjustment for 'Internet celebrity security guard' Xiao Li is as follows: To cooperate with the school's publicity work, Comrade Li is specially transferred to the school history museum as an explainer, responsible for telling the spirit and inspirational stories of Peking University to people from all walks of life."
Holding the walkie-talkie, Xiao Li felt a mix of emotions. She suddenly remembered that last night, a netizen had left her a message: "Sister Li, you are the joke of our times, and also the truth of our times."
She looked up at the west gate of Peking University, the sunlight shining on the gateposts, shimmering with golden light. She suddenly realized that she had truly become a joke.