Lam Chi-u and his wife. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Though far from home, Macao native Lam Chi-u, 26, has found a happy life with his wife in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, and he's determined to move his career forward.

In 2013, after graduating from high school in Macao, Lam was admitted to the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, based on his excellent performance in the screening process.

"At first my family didn't support my decision to continue studying in Beijing," he said. "They worried about the long distance from them and the differences between the Chinese mainland and Macao."

But he explained the advantages of universities on the mainland in securing future success. And he promised to take care of himself. Eventually, they relented.

"In my childhood, I often visited Zhuhai, Guangdong province, with my mother for shopping," he said, adding that the markets were untidy and made a poor impression at that time. But things were different in Beijing and elsewhere.

"I was surprised by the rapid development of cities on the mainland," he said. "The streets, subways, buildings and living conditions of the people had a different feeling."

Living with three roommates from different parts of the mainland, Lam started his university life.

His first major difficulty in his first year was that all the teachers spoke in Mandarin, which made it hard to follow the lectures.

"I thank my roommates," he said. "They often helped me review lectures after class. Gradually, I learned to keep up."

To adjust his thinking and actively blend into the new environment, Lam participated in various campus activities－the student union, basketball and track－which helped him meet new friends.

Lam Chi-u and his wife. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Through basketball, Lam met a woman, also a freshman, Zhou Yang, who would become part of his life. Over a two-year span, their love grew.

"When we came to the last year of undergraduate study, we encouraged each other to study hard," Lam said. Both were admitted to master's degree programs at their alma mater in 2017.

Before graduation in 2019, they faced the typical pressure of finding jobs.

"My family members and friends advised me to return to Macao," he said. "However, I didn't want to leave my girlfriend and decided to go back with her to her hometown, Yinchuan."

Lam currently works as a product manager in the investment banking department of China Everbright Bank in the city, mainly helping clients issue bonds or finance mergers and acquisitions.

"I have many opportunities and can quickly improve my professional skills by studying the core business of commercial banks," he said. "The bank also provides a good platform for future development."

In October 2019, Lam bought his own apartment in Yinchuan, And he married Zhou Yang. "Ningxia people are warm and hospitable," he said. "I can really feel the warmth, kindness, enthusiasm and sincerity of my wife and her parents."

In Yinchuan, Lam has also experienced warmth from the governments of Yinchuan and the region.

"Local governments often organize themed activities for the youth from Hong Kong and Macao and send gifts during major festivals," he said. "With the rapid development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, I believe there will be more development space for young adults from Hong Kong and Macao, providing them with more development opportunities on the mainland."