After listening to today's story, Xiaoquan Aonai took the train back to her apartment.
The crowd was bustling, fashionable advertisements were everywhere, and the air always seemed tinged with industrial pollution.
This place was nothing like the countryside.
"Next stop, Shinano Town, Shinano Town."
Xiaoquan Aonai hopped off the train, swung her backpack to her back, and slung the strap over her right shoulder.
She shoved her hands in her pockets and bounded towards the ticket gate as if walking on springs.
She was in an exceptionally good mood.
So good, it felt like she could extend to the railway tracks that reached all across the country.
She could go anywhere she wanted.
"Hmm hmm hmm, hmm——, hmm hmm."
Humming a catchy tune she made up herself, she moved with a dance-like grace, dodging a high school girl who nearly slipped while horsing around.
