Zhu Lei is a Chinese astronomer who gazes at the stars in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2014, he moved to Chile to work at the Chinese Academy of Sciences South America Center for Astronomy (CASSACA). He says in the context of human life, the birth of a star is a long process that can take millions of years, "but on the cosmic scale, it is only an instant."

Fernando Vergara, whose Chinese name is Li Muxin, is a Chilean scientist studying liquid crystal materials in China. Driven by curiosity about the country and his field, he is currently pursuing a PhD in physics at the University of Science and Technology of China. "Eight years ago, there was very little information about China in my country," he said, adding that to truly understand today's China, one must visit in person.

In lands far from their birthplaces, the two scientists put down their roots and gained a sense of belonging. Though carrying Chinese blood in her veins, Zhu's child is being raised at the foot of the Andes Mountains, basking in the sunlight of the Southern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, Vergara says, "Chile and China are both important parts of my homeland." He hopes to be a bridge connecting not just knowledge, but understanding between the two countries.

Scientific careers can be arduous, but never lonely. In their journey chasing the light of truth, Zhu and Vergara are companions who have yet to meet.