First Heavy Rain: The Leak Check Nobody Schedules

A practical checklist for First Heavy Rain — thorough enough to use after work.

Skip the manifesto energy. Do the steps. Stop tinkering for a month.

Do this in order

1. Write your real constraint in one sentence (budget, time, kids, noise, legal status).
2. Shortlist two options near your actual life, not the city-center fantasy.
3. Test one on a normal weekday.
4. Save Chinese names, pins, and promises where half-asleep-you can find them.
5. Keep a backup that isn't wishful thinking.
6. Revisit after thirty ordinary days.

Watch for

Urgency theater, vague 'no problem' promises, and advice that assumes unlimited energy.

On a regular Chengdu afternoon, fancy plans fall apart. Design for that version of you.

If you only remember one line: near + repeatable beats famous + exhausting.

Then stop refreshing group chats for a week and live the decision.