For a while after that, Long Aotian would often visit the vegetable market, whether he had something to do or not.
When the market was bustling, he would chat with the elderly folks coming to buy pork.
But when it was quiet, he seemed to lose all his energy, standing up every now and then to glance around the market.
It was unclear what he was looking for.
"Son, why don't you go home and rest for a bit?" the old man suggested, seeing Long Aotian's listless demeanor.
Long Aotian yawned. "I'm fine, I'm not tired."
"Go on, if you don't want to go home, go out and have fun. I can handle things here by myself."
The old man insisted, urging Long Aotian to leave.
Was it really about being tired?
In the past, he had been leaving early and returning late, but each time he came back with a smile on his face, full of energy the next day.
But now, even though he claimed to be tired and wanting to rest at home, the more he rested, the more listless he became.
It was obvious that something was on his mind...
"Alright then," Long Aotian didn't argue further.
After tidying up a bit, he walked out of the vegetable market.
Watching Long Aotian's retreating figure, the old man chuckled, wiping his hands on his apron before lighting a cigarette and taking a drag.
Long Aotian wandered out of the market, unsure of what to do.
When he had something to do, time flew by, and he never felt bored.
But when he was idle, his thoughts would inevitably drift into overthinking.
At this age, he should be carefree and spirited.
Most people his age would head to an internet café, hang out with friends, or go karaoke—there were countless ways to pass the time.
But Long Aotian's mental age had long surpassed this stage.
Perhaps only those a bit older could understand this feeling—it seemed like there was nothing left worth doing for fun.
Thinking about it, ever since Long Aotian had transmigrated to this world, everything that happened around him seemed to involve Hu Yuying, or at least, she was always present in some way.
Before he knew it, he had arrived at the riverside of Shuiwan.
This place was the only spot in this unfamiliar world where Long Aotian could find relief and relaxation.
In his previous life, he had grown up in an orphanage, always alone.
While he might have said he was used to loneliness, Long Aotian understood the silent confusion that came with it.
When he first arrived in this strange world, Long Aotian had particularly enjoyed the quiet.
Because the brief moments of silence helped him adapt more quickly.
Here, apart from the sound of flowing water, the rustling of the wind, and the scent of grass and soil, there were no other distractions.
Another breeze, carrying a hint of dampness, brushed past him. Feeling it, Long Aotian suddenly felt a strong desire.
A desire to confide.
"People really shouldn't have too much free time. It's all because I'm idle!"
"It's not because you're idle. You just haven't found your own way to relieve stress."
Long Aotian was startled and turned to see who had spoken. "Did you plant a tracker on me or something?"
Li Qingxue was a bit annoyed but also a little defensive. "Stop accusing me! Can't I enjoy this place too? I have good taste, you know!"
As she spoke, she walked over to Long Aotian.
Today, Li Qingxue was wearing a simple yet elegant white dress, exuding youthful beauty. Her skin was as fair as snow, and she truly was a stunning girl.
She set down the small basket she was carrying.
From it, she pulled out a modest-sized blanket and spread it on the ground before sitting down.
Once seated, she looked up at Long Aotian with a proud, slightly smug smile.
Then, from the basket, she took out drinks, fruit, and two small cakes. "Hmph, didn't expect this, did you? I came here to enjoy a lovely afternoon. Strictly speaking, you're the one benefiting from my company."
The youthful energy radiating from her seemed to effortlessly lighten the mood around them.
After laughing for a moment, she added, "You're so old-fashioned."
"Old-fashioned? I'm still young."
"But you're different from most people. Especially just now, you seemed so melancholic, sighing and brooding. It feels like the world through your eyes is so complicated, like you're carrying so many worries. You don't seem carefree at all."
"That's why you're old-fashioned."
This wasn't just a casual remark from Li Qingxue. In that moment when she saw Long Aotian, she had genuinely felt this way.
In Li Qingxue's eyes, at least among the classmates she knew, everyone seemed happy.
Some were excited about starting university soon.
Others were thrilled about stepping into society and beginning their careers.
In Li Qingxue's view, she saw the vitality and dreams bursting from them.
But in Long Aotian, she saw a complexity that didn't belong to someone his age, and none of the fiery passion of youth.
It was as if, in that moment, she could understand a little of what Long Aotian had meant when he said he understood Hu Yuying.
At least for that brief moment, she felt she could glimpse a bit of Long Aotian's inner world.
"So, what should I do?" Long Aotian smiled but still asked.
"Be happy," Li Qingxue replied, blinking playfully.
Remembering how Long Aotian had often comforted her, Li Qingxue decided it was her turn to offer some advice. "You're always so good at comforting others, but when it comes to yourself, you struggle."
"Alright, I'll try to be happier."
"See, that's what I mean by old-fashioned. Even happiness has to be 'tried.'" As she spoke, Li Qingxue looked around and began picking up small stones, placing them in her basket.
"Come on, follow me," she said, tugging at Long Aotian's sleeve.
To humor her, Long Aotian stood up and let her lead him down toward the water's edge.
"Hey, be careful. There's no railing down here."
Below the riverbank was the bay. A heavy rain a few days ago had caused the water level to rise significantly.
To be honest, Long Aotian couldn't swim, and like most non-swimmers, he instinctively felt cautious near water.
But Li Qingxue seemed completely fearless, lifting the hem of her dress to avoid getting it dirty while making it easier to walk.
She had seen on TV how male leads would comfort female leads by taking them to the seaside, encouraging them to shout into the ocean or throw stones.
Shouting was to vent their frustrations, and throwing stones was to cast away their unhappiness.
At least, that's how Li Qingxue interpreted it.
"I'm a girl, and I'm not scared. What are you afraid of?"
"Can you swim?"
Li Qingxue paused, thought for a moment, and then said, "No."
"But we're not going into the water, so even if I can't swim, there's nothing to fear."
Long Aotian's lips twitched. You can't swim, yet you act so bold...
Youth truly knows no fear.
In comparison, he really did seem a bit old-fashioned...