Coming to the StarCraft to Be a Kindergarten Teacher: Perfect Transformation

After some small talk, my frayed nerves gradually relaxed, and the turbulent emotions within me gradually calmed. Finally, I took a deep breath and mustered the courage to speak the words I'd been hiding deep in my heart: "Admiral Ed, I never thought I'd meet you again! Looking back, my unique status and the circumstances prevented us from having a proper conversation the last time we met. This time, I finally have this rare opportunity. Here's a card. Please accept it. It contains the entire medical expenses you generously paid for my treatment at the Interstellar Hospital."

I respectfully handed the card to Admiral Ed. He smiled, slowly extended his hand, and took the card. He gently said, "Son, you don't have to worry so much about this. Back then, when you were unconscious and without any family to care for you, as an interstellar commander, it was my unshirkable responsibility and obligation to help my fellow soldiers in need. So, you really don't have to return the money."

However, I resolutely pushed the card forward again, my gaze firm and sincere as I responded, "Admiral Ed, this is a matter of principle! Although in the past, due to my limited ability, I had to temporarily put this favor aside, but now the situation is different. I have more than enough money to cover my daily expenses, so naturally, I can no longer ignore the debt I once owed."

Seeing my persistence, Admiral Ed couldn't help but shake his head helplessly. Finally, he obediently pocketed the card and said to me earnestly, "Well, since you insist on doing this, I won't refuse. But child, if you encounter any difficult problems in life or work in the future, as long as it is within my ability, don't hesitate to ask me for help at any time."

I smiled and nodded to express my gratitude. Then we continued to stroll on the streets of Snow Star, enjoying this rare leisure time.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was almost seven p.m. I glanced at my watch, feeling a little hesitant, worried about disturbing Admiral Ed by visiting him at this hour. But after much deliberation, I decided to stand up and bid him farewell. Before leaving, I warmly invited him to accompany me to my hotel, as I had prepared a special gift from my hometown for him—a delicious mooncake. Admiral Ed gladly accepted, and we walked side by side, embarking on the journey to the hotel.

Along the way, we enjoyed a lively conversation, naturally focusing on the mysterious and beautiful planet Snow. Admiral Ed detailed the planet's unique culture and time-honored traditions, from ancient sacrificial rituals to grand celebrations. Every detail unfolded like a vibrant, colorful painting, captivating and enchanting me.

Before we knew it, we were at the hotel entrance. I hurried into the room, retrieved the mooncakes I'd carefully prepared, and carefully handed them to Admiral Ed. He smiled, gently accepting the thoughtful gift and taking a bite. Instantly, a look of satisfaction and joy crossed his face, his lips curling up into a brilliant smile.

"This is a specialty of my hometown. I sincerely hope you like it!" I said happily as I watched Admiral Ed eating with relish.

"Hmm...it tastes really good! But what is it called?" Admiral Ed asked curiously. Seeing that he didn't seem in a hurry to leave and still had some time to spare, I enthusiastically began to tell him about the Mid-Autumn Festival and the long history and profound cultural connotations behind mooncakes.

This is a mooncake, eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This poetic and heartwarming festival has many captivating nicknames, including Moon Festival, Moonlight Birthday, Moon Festival, Moon Worship Festival, Moon Lady Festival, and Reunion Festival. It's not only widely celebrated throughout China, but also a traditional festival celebrated in many countries across the Chinese cultural sphere. The festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month each year.

The origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced back to ancient people's reverence and worship of the mysterious celestial phenomena. It evolved from the ancient ritual of worshipping the moon on the evening of the Autumn Festival. Originally, the "Moon Worship Festival" was set on the Autumnal Equinox, one of the 24 solar terms in the Ganzhi calendar. However, over time, it was eventually adjusted to the 15th day of the eighth month of the Xia calendar (commonly known as the lunar calendar). Interestingly, some regions still celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on the 16th day of the eighth month of the Xia calendar.

Consider the historical evolution of the festival. As early as the pre-Qin period, the prototype of the Mid-Autumn Festival quietly emerged. At that time, ancient emperors adhered to the solemn rituals of worshiping the sun in spring and the moon in autumn. By the Han Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival had become widely celebrated and deeply rooted in people's hearts, gradually spreading from the imperial court to the common people, forming a series of rich and unique traditional activities. These activities have weathered the vicissitudes of time, passed down from generation to generation, and continuously developed and flourished, ultimately giving rise to the Mid-Autumn Festival we know today.

During the Tang Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival was officially recognized as a national holiday. In Chang'an and its surrounding areas, the custom of moon-viewing was extremely popular. On Mid-Autumn night, people would gather in courtyards, enjoying delicious mooncakes and fruits while admiring the bright moon. Myths like Chang'e's flight to the moon also began to be associated with the festival, adding a rich romantic touch to the occasion.

Time passed quickly, and by the Song Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival was officially designated as the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Over time, the festival gradually lost its mystique, incorporating more secular elements and becoming increasingly grand. During this time, people's desire for family reunions intensified, and the importance they placed on it became palpable. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, no matter where they lived, people would do whatever it took to return home to spend this wonderful time with their loved ones.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, we arrived at the Ming and Qing dynasties. By this time, the Mid-Autumn Festival had matured considerably, its status rivaling that of New Year's Day, becoming one of my country's most important traditional festivals. Whenever the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived, the streets and alleys were adorned with lanterns and colorful lights, creating a festive and harmonious atmosphere.

When discussing the Mid-Autumn Festival, one cannot fail to recall the beautiful and moving legend of Chang'e's flight to the moon. Legend has it that in ancient times, Houyi saved humanity by shooting down nine suns. For this, the Queen Mother of the West gifted Houyi with an elixir of immortality. Deeply in love with his wife, Chang'e, Houyi could not bear to consume the elixir alone, so he gave it to Chang'e for safekeeping. However, Houyi's apprentice, Feng Meng, harbored ulterior motives and, while Houyi was away, forced Chang'e to hand over the elixir. With no other options left, Chang'e swallowed the pill. Instantly, she soared as light as a swallow, eventually reaching the Moon. From then on, Houyi's longing for Chang'e grew ever deeper. Every year on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, he would place Chang'e's favorite foods in his courtyard, silently praying for her swift return and a reunion with him. In this way, this custom has been passed down from generation to generation and continues to this day.

Wu Gang Cuts Down the Osmanthus Tree: Legend has it that on the distant moon lies a mysterious and desolate palace—Guanghan Palace. Before this palace stands a massive, ancient osmanthus tree. Its lush branches and leaves, its canopy covering a vast expanse of land like a giant umbrella, hold a secret story. However, this tree holds a hidden story.

Legend has it that Wu Gang once committed a grave offense, for which he was banished to the Moon Palace. As punishment for his sin, he was condemned to chop down the cassia tree daily. Day after day, year after year, Wu Gang wielded his axe, desperately slashing at the tree. Each blow produced a dull thud, sending sawdust flying. But surprisingly, every time he made a cut, the area would quickly heal, as if it had never been damaged. No matter how hard Wu Gang tried, the tree remained impenetrable, never completely felling.

The Mid-Autumn Festival carries profound cultural significance. One of these is its symbolism of reunion. On every Mid-Autumn night, the moon hangs high in the sky, its silvery glow bathing the earth. As people gaze up at the bright, full moon, they are overwhelmed with longing for their distant loved ones and their homeland. The roundness of the moon symbolizes family reunion, a beautiful symbol that embodies people's earnest desire to gather with their families and enjoy the joy of family. For this reason, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also affectionately known as the "Family Reunion Festival."

The Mid-Autumn Festival also symbolizes harvest and happiness. It falls during the golden autumn season, the middle of fall. By this time, crops in the fields are ripening, and orchards are laden with fruit, creating a scene of prosperity. People celebrate the arrival of a bountiful harvest with joy, expressing their happiness with laughter and laughter. They also pray for good weather and a life filled with happiness and well-being.