Chapter 8: Hello, Jinling

Chen Yuchen's university was a third-tier institution, with the semester starting on September 15th. He planned to set off for Jinling on the 14th.

The day before departure, his mother was busy packing the house with various local specialties, stuffing every corner of the living room with salted duck, spicy sausages, and homemade pickles. She even insisted on sending along two large bags of pickled pancakes from their hometown. Chen Yuchen, looking at the overwhelming amount of luggage, felt a bit helpless, but he understood his mother's good intentions and chose not to argue.

Early the next morning, while his mother wasn't paying attention, Chen Yuchen quietly removed all the unnecessary items and packed only a few simple clothes and a pair of shoes. He slipped out of the house quietly to avoid another round of nagging.

As expected, his mother soon noticed his "escape." She called him, her voice full of concern. "How could you go alone without letting me go with you?"

Chen Yuchen laughed and reassured her, "Mom, there's really no need. I'm just going to study, and I'll be back in October. There's no point in all this back-and-forth."

His mother sighed on the other end of the line, still reluctant but resigned. "Take care of yourself out there. Pay attention to your health."

"Don't worry about me, Mom. If you're bored, why not find a friend, play cards, or something? Stop worrying about these little things," Chen Yuchen joked.

"Oh, stop it!" His mother scolded, but her tone had a hint of laughter.

At the bus station, Chen Yuchen said his final goodbye to his mother before boarding the bus to Jinling. As the bus slowly pulled out of the station, he looked out the window at the fading silhouette of their small northern town. In 2010, it appeared a bit rundown, especially on the outskirts, where the blue-topped shacks, scattered fields, and low-rise buildings made for a bleak scene.

The bus headed south, and the scenery gradually changed. The northern farmlands gave way to the Jiangnan-style architecture of the south, with white walls and black tiles lining quaint little towns. Chen Yuchen leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, enjoying the quiet moment. A few hours later, when he awoke, Jinling was already on the horizon.

As the bus pulled into Jinling's bus station, the city's bustling vibrancy greeted Chen Yuchen. This ancient capital, once home to six dynasties, now boasted towering skyscrapers and a bustling, modern atmosphere. The streets were filled with a maze of cars and pedestrians, like arteries pumping life into the city. Chen Yuchen took a deep breath, inwardly marveling: Jinling, I'm back.

The station was packed with students dragging suitcases, and the stylish girls were especially eye-catching. They wore short shorts that revealed their long legs or strappy dresses that exposed their bare shoulders, with youthful makeup that still had a touch of innocence. Watching these lively scenes, Chen Yuchen couldn't help but appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of the big city.

"Hey, handsome!"

A sweet voice interrupted his thoughts. Chen Yuchen turned to see a girl in denim shorts, her legs long and straight, standing in front of him with a bright smile.

"Need something?" Chen Yuchen asked, cautious.

The girl clasped her hands together, batting her eyes as she said, "Well, I just got here for school and didn't bring any change. Could you lend me two yuan for the bus? Please?"

Chen Yuchen looked at her coldly and replied without hesitation, "I don't have money." With that, he turned and walked away, not interested in getting entangled.

The girl's face fell in embarrassment, but she quickly recovered and shifted her focus to another unsuspecting boy nearby, continuing her "mission."

Chen Yuchen had no interest in watching the scene unfold. In 2010, bus stations often swarmed with girls like her, using innocent excuses to ask for money, easily making a small fortune each day. For him, it had nothing to do with him, and he had no reason to care.

He had more important matters to attend to. Before arriving in Jinling, Chen Yuchen had already booked a room at a five-star hotel in the city center. He also arranged for the hotel's car service. A quick phone call, and within ten minutes, an old black Passat pulled into the station's underground parking lot.

"Where to?" the driver asked, his face showing a hint of curiosity.

Chen Yuchen opened the car door and answered simply, "Downtown, Longhua Grand Hotel."

The driver started the car, making small talk as they drove. "Young man, staying at a five-star hotel at your age—what brings you to Jinling?"

"Just here for school," Chen Yuchen replied casually.

The driver was taken aback, then chuckled, "Studying and staying in a five-star hotel? You've got some talent, kid!"

Chen Yuchen shrugged, not bothering to explain further. Along the way, they chatted about everything from Jinling's rich history to its modern development. Before he knew it, they had arrived at the hotel.

After checking in, Chen Yuchen stepped into his spacious and bright room. The design was exquisite, the lighting perfect, and the bed soft and inviting. After a long, hot shower, Chen Yuchen laid back on the bed, savoring the peace and quiet.

When he opened his eyes again, it was already five in the afternoon. He walked to the window and gazed out at the bustling Jinling skyline, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Hello, Jinling, I'm here.