Modern Youth/现代青年

<p>‌This novel traces the tumultuous life of Zhou Jichun. Born into poverty with a widowed farmer father his academic potential is recognized by Principal Liu convincing his father Zhou Shiliang to support his education. Sacrificing their land Zhou Shiliang opens a tofu shop in the provincial city to fund Jichun's schooling where they meet Hongshi and Jufen-the latter betrothed to Jichun. When the school closes Jichun follows Principal Feng to Beijing. Untethered from his father's guidance he falls under the influence of socialite Kong Lingyi her friend Yuan Peizhu and dancer Lu Qingmei abandoning his studies for decadence. His descent ultimately leads to the deaths of both his devoted father and Jufen.</p><p>本书描写了青年周计春一生的起伏。少年时的周计春家境贫寒，母亲早亡，父亲一人以种地为生，无力支撑计春的学业。因计春聪明刻苦，学校刘校长帮助他并劝说他父亲支持他的学业。父亲周世良得知自己儿子天资聪颖，且做学问可成人生大事，也决定倾尽全力支持。在周计春到省城上中学时，周世良变卖了田地，在省城开一间豆腐店，照顾儿子读书，此时还结识了洪氏和菊芬，菊芬成为周家准儿媳妇。然而随着中学的停办，计春也随校长冯子云转去北京读书。但在读书期间，没有父亲的照拂，计春结识了原豆腐店租主女儿孔令仪及其朋友袁佩珠，之后又认识了舞女陆情美，逐渐荒废学业，沉迷于玩乐虚荣。最后父亲周世良、原定媳妇菊芬都因其而死。</p><p></p>