An Unforgettable Night indeed.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowk0r5lFHy
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMsN1ltRkK
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq6Th85QRf
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhvZP4zZnj
"I really don't understand," Hana complained, "why would anyone suggest using country park land for housing?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTEHcHPrbj
"There's no other choice. Hong Kong has always had the problem of 'limited land, dense population'," I said.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG4B6e15q4
"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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY477l1Po4
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZX1vjqUom
"To hell with no population cap!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPNZw6WF1C
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCpgBfPw42
"One day, I hope I can go abroad and work for a large-scale information technology company," Hana said.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDP03HjVGNw
"Then you have to work hard," I said, "But have you thought about how long you will work here?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2CqFOwugq
"Probably one or two years," Hana said, "After accumulating enough experience, I will go out and explore again."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy88ui8UvE
"Haha, then you won't have me, your 'supervisor and boyfriend,' around to take care of you. Are you willing?" I joked.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPj1ktZQxT
"Forget about it," she retorted, "Have you forgotten about my outstanding competency? And, my adaptability is legendary!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF9Qg8bj53
"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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo3rpcG4Gw
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7fQr70LC4
"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?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXaEYDlCAS
"Of course not," I said, "But I hope you have your potential fulfilled."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyCEwCrNtv
Hana laughed satisfactorily.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHiN13VOi3
Then, she unexpectedly turned the conversation to me.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3Tf3ZeOYw
"What about you?" she asked, "I think, Brother Janny, with your ability, you can easily find more challenging jobs, right?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfGjLSCOzn
"No, I'm not as young as you," I said, "I have too many burdens and the risks are too great."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpHB3XimIs
"Up to you," Hana said, "I just think it's a pity."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM2kOEssVE
I chuckled bitterly.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPeAJKdcy1
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;226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n3iykhM2q
I wanted to turn back, but realized there was no way back;226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbIZSOveu8
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!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvlzm2cDjw
"Wow, no way!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVHcGh22Sp
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk94iBpv12J
It was "Parents' Day."
