An Unforgettable Night indeed.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIxvL8rRDz
After returning home, I was too excited to fall asleep. Finally, I decided to call Hana and talk with her until dawn. It felt like the feeling of first love, difficult to part with.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUPq5UcghC
However, we didn't have much time together during the entire Christmas holiday. Due to our late-night conversation, we both slept until noon on Christmas Day. After waking up, we had lunch with our respective families, and in the evening, we attended different gatherings with old classmates. Throughout the day, we only communicated through text messages, expressing how we missed each other through words. Fortunately, on Boxing Day, Hana and I were able to get together for the whole day.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb26qeWs2o
In the morning, we went on a hike along the Wilson Trail to breathe in some fresh air. We started from Beacon Hill and passed through Shui Chuen O Village. After a stretch of mountain road, we entered the fifth section of the Wilson Trail.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2cyVT6U2Q
"I really don't understand," Hana complained, "why would anyone suggest using country park land for housing?"185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAbOtkOMih
"There's no other choice. Hong Kong has always had the problem of 'limited land, dense population'," I said.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZz1YHoZ4m
"That's not true!" she exclaimed, "The problem in Hong Kong has never been 'limited land'! In fact, the land in Hong Kong is already quite abundant. The problem is that there are 'too many people'!"
What she said was entirely reasonable.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qEILLuxFR
Just like those arguments about "no population cap for Hong Kong," with a little bit of serious thinking, one would realize the illogical nature of it. Taking Penny as an example, seeing the hardships and struggles from the time his wife became pregnant until their son entered kindergarten, I was struck by the absurdity of this society. Insufficient beds for pregnant women, insufficient resources allocated by the Immigration Department every day, insufficient baby formula, insufficient vaccines for children, and even insufficient kindergarten places.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcQ4T5vM4S
"To hell with no population cap!"185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0pci3r2n0
This phrase had become Penny daily catchphrase.
I had gradually become numb to the various problems Hong Kong faced. Because over the past few years, we had experienced and sacrificed a lot throughout the social movements, but in the end, we could only keep repeating futile actions like fools. However, compared to me, who had been worn down to the point of losing almost all motivation by various environments and realities, Hana was still very passionate about society and work.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKJDneyhdY
"One day, I hope I can go abroad and work for a large-scale information technology company," Hana said.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvsLxR3zie
"Then you have to work hard," I said, "But have you thought about how long you will work here?"185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7hPScTX8z
"Probably one or two years," Hana said, "After accumulating enough experience, I will go out and explore again."185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe9cBpyi2m
"Haha, then you won't have me, your 'supervisor and boyfriend,' around to take care of you. Are you willing?" I joked.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2Y4xqbCb0
"Forget about it," she retorted, "Have you forgotten about my outstanding competency? And, my adaptability is legendary!"185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTyZQPfwkJ
"That's true," I said, "In such a work environment, it's not possible to retain young people like you who have ideals and outstanding performance."185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVLbvfSP0y
That was a sincere compliment. Even though she hadn't passed the probation period yet, rather unusually the department manager had mentioned to me, before the Christmas holiday, that he planned to give Hana a significant salary adjustment after her probation period, hoping to retain this outstanding young employee.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4N9QdLOeF
"As for whether I can bear to let go of you, my 'supervisor and boyfriend'..." Hana playfully asked, "What about you? Will you be able to let go of me?"185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY3i6f9uK2
"Of course not," I said, "But I hope you have your potential fulfilled."185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsAZZbOEH8
Hana laughed satisfactorily.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV7sRi0ZZf
Then, she unexpectedly turned the conversation to me.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikU4YpU5c5
"What about you?" she asked, "I think, Brother Janny, with your ability, you can easily find more challenging jobs, right?"185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZbnDPWkHW
"No, I'm not as young as you," I said, "I have too many burdens and the risks are too great."185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXyFgovnNR
"Up to you," Hana said, "I just think it's a pity."185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTU7FjQJxe
I chuckled bitterly.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wX456B8iK
I thought to myself, how could a young girl like her understand what a "mid-life career crisis" is?
I wanted to look forward but found there were no obvious choices;185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoTCS9Udpg
I wanted to turn back, but realized there was no way back;185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf0TRSQwfW
I wanted to take a break, but there were too many venomous snakes and fierce beasts lurking around me.
Fortunately, I had Hana by my side.
"Brother Janny," she suddenly sounded timid, "up ahead, up ahead..."
I looked ahead and saw a group of monkeys blocking the path, staring at us.
"When we were watching the play, you liked monkeys, didn't you?" I playfully pushed her, "Go! You go ahead and I will take a picture with them!"185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpgMPWLG3W
"Wow, no way!"185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FZBxTR4r1
I thought she was fearless, but she actually got scared and hid behind me.
"Hahaha!" I couldn't help but laugh, "Watch as the Monkey King commands these monkeys to retreat."
With that, I held her hand and raised my hiking pole, slowly walking past the group of monkeys.
And so, hand in hand, we continued walking until we reached the end of the trail at Hongmei Valley.
Then, it was my turn to feel nervous.
Because this afternoon, we had planned to have tea with Hana's mother.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs4TSIes8R
It was "Parents' Day."
