Due to an oversupply of teachers in Hong Kong, the Education Department allowed teachers to retire early. Xi Xi’s application for early retirement was granted. Since then, she has concentrated on reading and writing.

MW: How much did your time as a primary school teacher influence you?

Xi Xi: I’ve no idea to what extent teaching has shaped things, but I’ve always got on well with my students, and they have greatly benefited me. No one student is the same, each has distinctive and valuable ideas and opinions, and they should be listened to respectfully.