“I want to write a love story. One about now, a love story between adults. Yes, this time, I want to write a story that takes place in Beijing. It's not my home, but I love it dearly.”—Di An

Editor's Note

Jingheng Street is a road close to Beijing CBD and the name of the main character, a man called Guan Jingheng. With her parents’ love, Lingjing Lane, the name of a typical Beijing hutong, has been bestowed onto Zhu Lingjing.

Over time, Jingheng Street remains Jingheng Street, even as top executives come and go; only it remains there. Lingjing Lane also remains a typical hutong among Beijing’s myriad of hutong. Only Guan Jingheng and Zhu Lingjing change in appearance.

With fresh, clean brushstrokes, Di An paints a portrait of today’s white-collar life: talent, desire, fame, love... You may not be familiar with Beijing, but the story unfolding here will surely resonate with you. Both complex and pure, the busy and wandering lives of white-collar workers in a 21st-century capital await your discovery at Jingheng Street.

Synopsis

A huge butterfly is splayed out on the notebook computer before Zhu Lingjing. Below it is a provocative statement: “A flap of your tiny wings raises tsunamis in the Pacific.” Such is the catchphrase of an investment opportunity her company is investigating, Fanfold. The founder is a singer named Guan Jingheng who found success through a music competition. “I want to make being a fan a true job.” So says Guan Jingheng, “Every girl waving glow sticks will have power over the careers and the very fates of the idols around her.”

A video plays of Guan Jingheng singing on stage seven years ago.

Zhu Jingling stares at that handsome, sensitive teenage face still harboring some anxiety. But sparks shine in his eyes—he deeply yearns to be selected. Although she doesn't know it, those sparks can light a prairie fire and cast a spotlight on him, transforming him into a peerless figure. Unbeknownst to her, the butterfly before her has already begun to flap its wings.