Xiamen University boasts too many scenic spots, but the one that left the deepest impression on Li Haochen was the Furong Tunnel.
Stretching for a kilometer, stepping inside brought an instant cool breeze, incredibly refreshing. The blue sky and white clouds overhead, illuminated by long-burning lamps, transported one to another dimension. The side walls were covered with calligraphy, paintings, and graffiti created by the students here.
In countless forms, concise, quirky and humorous, solemn and dignified, they were all distinct and eye-catching, decorating the entire tunnel into a unique art corridor, truly a modern Dunhuang Grottoes.
As Li Haochen emerged from the tunnel, it felt like returning to reality in an instant. Unknowingly, the sky was already filled with rosy clouds; it was dusk. The setting sun cast its glow upon the tall Acacia trees lining both sides, lending them a special charm.
He walked over to the Furong Restaurant beside the tunnel. He had originally intended to visit the Qinyue Cafeteria to experience their famous steamed buns and fried dough sticks, but unfortunately, it was not open to the public.
Furong Restaurant was the only one in Xiamen University open to outsiders. The environment was alright; what more could one expect from a university canteen? Cleanliness and brightness were enough. As for the food, it was subjective, as the saying goes, everyone has their own taste, and each to their own. Anyway, Li Haochen felt it paled in comparison to Bin Da. Perhaps the Qinyue cafeteria was different.
There's a saying online: "There's a university canteen called 'Xiamen University Canteen', one should have studied harder back then."
When you saw the prices, you'd truly feel you should have studied harder. It was genuinely not expensive; twelve to thirteen yuan could fill you up completely.
As lamps began to light up, Xiamen University at night possessed yet another unique charm. After a brief appreciation, Li Haochen walked out.
Gazing once more at the magnificent and grand school gate, he couldn't help but sigh, truly worthy of being called the most beautiful campus in the country.
He returned to the hotel at eight o'clock. After a hot shower, Li Haochen sat by the window, paying no mind to the beautiful night view outside. At this moment, he was enthusiastically selecting the beautiful scenery he had captured during his visit to Xiamen University today.
Within ten minutes, Li Haochen had finally finished editing the nine photos for his Moments post. He checked the title, 'If I could travel here, I would have no regrets!', and with great satisfaction, pressed send.
Soon, countless comments poured in:
"Wow, third brother, you're not being fair, not saying a word when you went to Xiamen."
"Envious!"
"Is this a honeymoon trip?"
"..."
Li Haochen considered replying to each comment, but there were too many. Replying might lead to further exchanges, and he'd be busy typing all night.
Not long after, Murong Yanran's video call came through. The moment he answered, she began to scold him for not taking her to such a beautiful place.
"It's because you didn't come! Are you blaming me?"
Of course, Li Haochen only grumbled these words in his heart. He wouldn't dare say them out loud. If he did, he was certain he wouldn't be able to get out of bed for three days.
After hanging up the video, Li Haochen called Xie Baolian for a video call. He hadn't seen her for over ten days and missed her dearly. Although they had video calls from time to time, something was missing. Every time they video called, he felt she was ephemeral, like a dream, not real at all.
Li Haochen had originally planned to stay in Yuan City for a few days, but his great-grandfather's passing put a halt to those plans.
"Son, you've lost some weight."
"Mom, no way. I'm the same as always, neither gaining nor losing."
"Is everything okay at home?"
"Everything's fine, just missing your constant nagging, haha! By the way, Mom, can you look at houses when you have time? Once I'm back, I'll buy a place there. In a while, after I get my license, I'll buy a car, and we can go stay there for a couple of days."
"Really? Alright, I'll go look at houses tomorrow."
Xie Baolian was naturally overjoyed to hear this. She had long wanted to buy a house here, but considering Ling Hanfeng had just been transferred, she didn't want to attract any gossip or rumors.
After ending the call, Li Haochen closed the doors and windows, locked them, and lay down to sleep. He was indeed tired. He had wandered around Xiamen University all afternoon, and his legs ached. He was shocked when he checked his fitness data; he had walked over 80,000 steps today, which was incredibly exaggerated.
Waking up the next day, Li Haochen went down to the ground floor cafeteria for a free breakfast and then headed to the nearby Xiamen University Hospital station to take the No. 29 bus to Zengcuo'an. The fare was only one yuan, a rarity for buses nowadays.
The internet said it was a good place to sightsee, so it wouldn't hurt to check it out.
However…
"Huangcuo Beach has arrived..." the bus announcement startled Li Haochen, who was engrossed in watching videos. Had he gone too far?
He looked at the bus stop sign; it was indeed the case. Li Haochen got off with a wry smile. Just as he was about to cross the road to catch a bus back, he was drawn by the beach outside. He walked down, and seeing that the scenery was quite nice, Li Haochen decided to stay and explore for a bit.
However, the sea breeze here was too strong, making his hair fly around. If he were wearing a skirt… well, he could imagine the scene.
He strolled along the beach, seeing a few sparse tourists playing sandcastle games with their children. The scene was quite heartwarming and interesting.
"Fishing?"
He reached a rocky beach where several middle-aged men, fully equipped, were casting lures. Judging by their movements, they seemed to be experienced.
"Hahaha, sea bass, weighing about three or four pounds."
Li Haochen walked over with great interest. An excited shout drew envious glances from those present.
A man had just landed a sea bass about forty to fifty centimeters long and was excitedly showing it off.
"Congratulations, congratulations! Your catch today must be good, brother."
Li Haochen, being gregarious, walked up. The man, seeing the unfamiliar face of Li Haochen, was not inclined to chat. However, politeness dictated he respond, as Li Haochen was offering congratulations. "It's alright, I've got about three."
Seeing that the other party was unwilling to engage further, Li Haochen walked away. He knew that anglers disliked people standing nearby, much like gamblers who believe a bystander affects their luck.
The sight of the anglers sparked Li Haochen's desire to fish. He walked along, observing, and after about seven or eight minutes, he finally found a secluded spot to his liking.
He slipped into his space, brought out a lure, a fish basket, and a few catties of mussels. However, this wasn't a good fishing spot, but there was no further path ahead. After a moment's thought, he decided to turn back.
Only one of the anglers remained, not the same one from before. Li Haochen walked up and chose a spot far from the other.
Li Haochen's arrival merely earned him a brief glance, nothing more. His mind was entirely focused on the sea before him, filled with anticipation.