The infamous 'Li Hua' reappears for gaokao

As the annual national college entrance exam, or gaokao, concluded on Saturday, "Li Hua", the name of a student who made frequent appearances in the English exam essay, had netizens joking about why they were always asking people to write a letter for them.

In this year's essay, a foreign teacher asks students to practice speaking English in pairs, but "Li" does not think it is a good idea, so exam takers were required to write a letter to the teachers on behalf of Li, presenting their opinions and suggestions.

Netizens are calling Li a gaokao fixture, as they are the main character in the essay writing section of English exams from primary to secondary school.

The essay question usually ends with the phrase: "If you were Li, please…"

Based on the different essay questions, it seems that Li likes to write letters and diaries, make pen pals and offer suggestions. They are extroverted, like to participate in school clubs and holiday celebrations and offer advice to other groups and organizations.

Different hashtags about students writing letters on behalf of Li have trended on social media platforms, with many saying that Li needs to stop asking for favors and write the letters themselves.

In the comment sections, many exam takers have recalled the things they have done on behalf of Li, such as writing an apology letter or a thank-you note, introducing foreign friends to Chinese food and buying books for them, and offering suggestions.

Others questioned why Li has so many foreign friends when they are not very good at English and also why, in the age of the internet, Li still likes to write letters so much.

"How come Li has appeared in English tests for more than 20 years, and their English proficiency has not improved, and is still always asking us to write letters?" one netizen wrote. "How could Li graduate from high school when they always ask for favors?" commented another.

Meanwhile, some students have also expressed their gratitude to Li for accompanying them throughout high school. Others have called Li a memory of their youth, and a reminder of their school days.

College students also reminded high school graduates that they will encounter another Li, "Li Ming", when they prepare for the postgraduate entrance exam.