An Unforgettable Night indeed.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqReNBm6WoT
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNCftkTCUD
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop5BYI5sGw
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmKsx61lvj
"I really don't understand," Hana complained, "why would anyone suggest using country park land for housing?"287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayg5siby5O
"There's no other choice. Hong Kong has always had the problem of 'limited land, dense population'," I said.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3104u5hrEF
"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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnzjoR0qy6
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoafqt3HVyc
"To hell with no population cap!"287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvfLbo0kRh
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq6Qk3zGiI
"One day, I hope I can go abroad and work for a large-scale information technology company," Hana said.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeyeQP8sZa
"Then you have to work hard," I said, "But have you thought about how long you will work here?"287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhSqN52gQS
"Probably one or two years," Hana said, "After accumulating enough experience, I will go out and explore again."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJTytrqd9Z
"Haha, then you won't have me, your 'supervisor and boyfriend,' around to take care of you. Are you willing?" I joked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrStb9X2jnM
"Forget about it," she retorted, "Have you forgotten about my outstanding competency? And, my adaptability is legendary!"287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFe8DMXDp9
"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."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1EYRfA3vg
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY8wIw4pJd
"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?"287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMiSyyamCP
"Of course not," I said, "But I hope you have your potential fulfilled."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ247rJtsfTI
Hana laughed satisfactorily.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LqhyiEkRQ
Then, she unexpectedly turned the conversation to me.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGrDlLtOIG
"What about you?" she asked, "I think, Brother Janny, with your ability, you can easily find more challenging jobs, right?"287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBgymHCxUJ
"No, I'm not as young as you," I said, "I have too many burdens and the risks are too great."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuD6dNOvgK
"Up to you," Hana said, "I just think it's a pity."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZHWxGCR3M
I chuckled bitterly.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNWC2mXP5q
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;287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEMseJeHIq
I wanted to turn back, but realized there was no way back;287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBasjFi3kA
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!"287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcHb9kNwi8
"Wow, no way!"287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZazyghmXlH
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.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l3kWBtJEG
It was "Parents' Day."
然後按「加至主畫面」