I, myself; one-self; by one-self; even I; even one
devastating; gut-wrenching; shocking; startling; sensational; astounding
all; everything; entirety; absolutely (not); (not) at all; (none) whatsoever
since then; from that time; ever since
to separate; to part; to divide; to keep apart
to be disappointed; to be dejected; to be downhearted; to feel exhausted; to feel drained
since when; from when; how long
total darkness; pitch dark; bleak future; poor prospects
to speak distinctly; to speak clearly; to put it bluntly; to get to the point; to be frank
key; lock; key (to a problem); clue
to cherish; to treasure; to prize; to take good care of; to look after
returning home; visiting one's parents; new bride's first visit to parents
stimulus; impetus; incentive; encouragement; motivation; provocation
to give (esp. to someone of lower status); to bestow; to provide; to afford; to assign; to cause
keenly; deeply; calmly; quietly; fixedly (e.g. gazing, staring)
document; official papers
to go smoothly; to turn out well; to do the trick; to have peaceful relations
winter vacation; winter holidays
hometown; rural township (of China)
move with haste (when you have no doubts)
to deal with (a person); to treat; to deal with (a problem); to handle; to operate (e.g. a machine); to handle; to deal in
indicates concession or compromise; indicates permission
to mourn; to lament; to be sorry; to regret; to repent
back-facing; backwards; backward-looking; retrogressive; reactionary
front-facing; forward-looking; positive; constructive
bamboo shoot; inexperienced doctor; quack
clique; group; (political) faction; wing; school; sect
to become confused (disconcerted, disorganized, disorganised); to be flustered; to panic; to hurry; to rush; to hasten
terminus; last stop (e.g. train)
to get; to earn; to understand; to comprehend; to receive something undesirable (e.g. a punishment); to get (ill)
sweet (e.g. young girls, flowers blooming); touchingly lovely; cute; pitiful; pitiable