He still tries to find time to enjoy hobbies such as reading, writing, traveling, and some "dangerous sports" like horse-riding and single-board skiing.

"I yearn for the idyllic life of intellectuals in days gone by -- writing, reading, traveling and drinking with friends."

Even as his Chinese dream takes shape before his eyes, he still dreams of going one day to the USA. When he retires, he hopes to study philosophy or literature at an American university, exploring different cultures.

What special talents did Yu have? When he was a student, he was good at sketching Chinese and world maps with clearly marked provinces and countries. He dreamed that one day he would visit all those places. He also boasts a remarkable sense of direction, which often makes him the guide when he visits new places with his friends.

The students and teachers enjoy making fun of Yu, who has become a kind of guru in the New Oriental schools. Stories, genuine or false, circulate among classes to help students stay awake.

When asked what Yu's favorite hobby is, students answer "telegraph poles -- just like dogs!" Yu has happy memories of the early days of the school when he would post advertisements on telegraph poles.

Another joke concerns Yu's supposed weakness in accounting. When his school earned 100 yuan on its first day of operation, Yu gave teacher A 40 yuan and teacher B 40 yuan and said "the rest is mine. The rule will not be changed."

The teachers thought Yu was very gullible. However, when the school went on to earn 1,000 yuan a day, Yu still gave teachers A and B 40 yuan each and said "the rest is mine and the rule will not be changed."

Galloping on the back of a racing horse in the Beijing suburbs is one of Yu's favorite methods for relieving tension.

But while he is fond of horses, Yu tells China Features that he feels temperamentally closer to the slow-paced and good-tempered camel.

"A camel can walk a long way in difficult conditions. Running a career is similar to a trek through desert. Career success means walking from one oasis to another. It calls for camel-like perseverance and a good sense of direction."

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