"If I next visit Wuxi, I may be an honored guest."

The following day, Tan shared another post: a certificate of appreciation sent to him by the Wuxi media team.

"If I next visit Wuxi," he wrote, "I may be an honored guest."

In the comments, some congratulated him. Others discussed their own impressions of China.

Chan Siewhoong remarked that "The pen can be more powerful than the sword". Daniel Yong described China as a people-centered society, while Mikel Junior called the country "truly amazing, a nation full of growth and inspiration". Another netizen expressed hopes of joining Tan in Wuxi next spring to see the cherry blossoms together.

The Wuxi editors themselves also joined the conversation.

"Welcome anytime, our friend," they replied. "We'd be delighted to show you more of Wuxi next time. And a cup of tea at our office would be wonderful!"

And perhaps that was the most touching part of all.

What began as a simple travel diary became a small but genuine human connection — one built not through grand speeches or official ceremonies, but through courtesy, curiosity, and a few blooming cherry blossoms beside a lake.