In 2017, when that photo of a Black man being carried on someone’s shoulders went viral, the entire internet went wild.

Everyone’s first reaction was: “How did Ma Su end up like this?”

Who would have thought that back then, Ma Su was a true powerhouse—having won all three major awards: the Feitian, Golden Eagle, and Huabiao Awards. When she was dating Kong Linghui, everyone in the industry envied this pairing of an actress and an athlete.

Back then, requests for her to star in films and serve as a brand ambassador were lined up from the beginning of the year to the end. Anyone with eyes could see she had what it takes to be a top star.

In one night, it was shattered into nothing but dust.

Just for sticking up for a friend, I was exposed as a liar trying to cover things up. On top of that, when that controversial photo surfaced, the goodwill I’d built up over more than a decade with the general public was shattered overnight, leaving nothing but dust.

All the leading-lady roles I’d been holding onto were pulled by the production companies. All I’m being offered now are minor, leftover roles.

He used to be the lead actor in the show, but later ended up playing a minor supporting role—one so small that the audience couldn’t even remember his name.

How did she get through it?

No one knows how she managed to get through those years.

He didn’t announce his retirement from the industry, nor did he play the victim to the media to elicit sympathy. Instead, he kept his head down, working as an extra on various film sets and honing his acting skills in front of the mirror whenever he had free time.

Even for minor characters with just a few lines, every glance and every gesture is meticulously crafted.

Someone asked her, “Don’t you feel wronged?”

She didn’t answer; she just kept acting.

The phrase “public figure” has never been a badge of honor

The phrase “public figure” has never been a halo; it’s a tight shackle around one’s neck.

It’s easiest to get carried away when everything is going smoothly, and once you do, you forget what you should say and do.

Making mistakes isn’t really scary; what’s scary is falling down and never wanting to get back up.

If you fall, don’t just lie there—keep moving forward, little by little, and you’ll eventually make it back up.

Of all those people around us who once stood at the summit, how many of them—after falling—are still able to steadily climb back up, one step at a time?

Ma Su has been climbing for seven years, and she’s still climbing.

The same principle applies to our daily lives: if you fall, don’t just lie there—keep moving forward, little by little, and you’ll eventually make your way up.

In your opinion, what’s the hardest step to take after making a mistake?

Let’s chat in the comments section.