Below is Ouyang's farewell words to everyone on April Fool's day:

"I am also sorry to say that the party of last Saturday also serves as my farewell to my dear classmates in Southern California. It has been a fun and happy 12 years (isn't really 12 years?) living close to you, we had many good memories at your homes, beaches, parks, all the way from La Jolla to Joshua Tree!

To make the decision to go back to China has been difficult and heartbreaking, nor supported by Xiao Liu, son and daughter. However, invited by former friends from the PKU Student Union, we need to go back, work together, to support our PKU Alumni who was newly elected as the First Vice Premier of the State Council. My job assignment has not been decided yet, although there is high possibility that I will do my old job - to manage the Department/Ministry of Arts and Culture (the Wen2 Hua4 Bu4). One likely benefits to our 2008 Reunion is that I will be able to reserve the needed seats for a show at the GuoJiaDaJuYuan --The National Centre for the Performing Arts (¹ú¼Ò´ó¾çÔº), formerly known as the National Grand Theatre, on Oct. 19, for everyone. So please let me know how many are coming from your family.

I will depart LA within a week. Glad I had the opportunity to see all of you before I leave. The good thing is that Song Lei just re-united with us so she can be in my place to entertaining everyone".

Best Wishes to everyone and I will sure to see you in October!

Ouyang

April 1st, 2008