Advance reservations are needed for Duoyun Academy. Li Younan arrived at the foot of Binhai Center Building punctually, at the appointed time.
He had been to Duoyun Academy before, naturally accompanied by his ex-girlfriend Yang Ting.
At this moment, Li Younan tilted his head back, gazing at this building that seemed to pierce the sky, and couldn't help but recall the time he came here with Yang Ting.
Back then, he had just graduated from university and it was his first visit here.
As he was lost in thought, a young couple beside him appeared to be college students. The girl teased, "We're in Binhai City and you haven't been here yet? That's so provincial."
The boy retorted dissatisfiedly, "Being here makes one sophisticated? I think it's just okay."
Li Younan found it amusing, remembering Yang Ting had said something similar in the past. As a native of Binhai City, Yang Ting proudly said, "I'm bringing you today to broaden your horizons. Don't say you've never been to Duoyun Academy, that's too embarrassing."
Li Younan didn't believe that visiting a place could elevate a person's status. He hadn't taken Yang Ting's words to heart. Later, upon entering Duoyun Academy, it was essentially a tall bookstore where you could buy an expensive drink and gaze at the city's big buildings from the window.
If that counts as sophistication, then having a free drink on a plane flying over Binhai City is elegance at its peak, thousands of times higher than Duoyun Academy.
Satisfied with his idea, Li Younan casually strolled into the building.
With a changed purpose and mindset, returning here, Li Younan realized it wasn't as bad. The advance reservation limited the crowd, providing visitors with a better and safer experience.
Taking the dedicated elevator directly to the floor where Duoyun Academy is located, Li Younan quickly received a system prompt: "You've entered the check-in location, please stay for 6 hours to complete the check-in."
Six hours again?
Though, compared to spending six hours in a park late at night, being inside the academy was obviously more pleasant.
At least, here, ordering a cup of coffee and reading a book in a corner for six hours wouldn't be peculiar.
To view the city's scenery, one must purchase a beverage, essentially a disguised ticket.
Li Younan picked out a book.
He's purely a science student, but those who understand literature know that many poetic contemporary works actually come from science guys.
Li Younan felt he couldn't disgrace the science guys, so he chose a Murakami Haruki novel... even though he had rarely read such books before.
Then, he queued up for the drink.
The line was long but orderly. Yet, few were as unhurried as him; after all, Li Younan had to stay for 6 hours, everything could be leisurely.
He ordered a cup of iced Americano and found a corner by the window to sit down.
Actually, sitting down to see the full view of Binhai City was impossible; one had to stand up.
New visitors crowded by the window taking photos and checking in, or holding their kids, gazing out.
Li Younan seemed a bit out of place; he sat without peeking out the window, engrossed in his book, slowly savoring it.
The mindset truly changed.
In the past, Li Younan would read mostly for a specific purpose, tackling professional literature. He not only had a precise KPI to meet but also time constraints, timed and measured.
But today was different. No one was forcing or rushing him; he could purely enjoy reading.
This was a novel experience; though he was initially distracted, thinking the book wasn't very compelling, even boring in parts, he still immersed himself in the leisurely atmosphere.
Then, an identical iced Americano was placed on the table opposite him. A girl asked, "Is this spot taken?"
Li Younan looked up; the girl was tall and bright, her earlobes adorned with sparkling diamond-stud earrings. Li Younan shook his head, "No one."
The girl sat down, took out a book, but after a brief glance, dissatisfied, closed it. She stood looking around, then leaned by the window, gazing downward, finally setting her eyes on Li Younan who hadn't acknowledged her.
She suddenly asked, "Are you a local of Binhai City?"
Li Younan looked up, smiling wryly, "No, why?"
The pretty girl shook her head, "You have that kind of vibe."
Li Younan became interested, putting down his book and asking curiously, "What kind of vibe? Do Binhai City's people have a distinctive vibe?"
The girl's brows furrowed slightly, looking cute, seemingly at a loss for words to describe.
She gestured vaguely with her hands, saying, "It's that relaxed feeling." Her eyes swept over other tourists, "Don't you feel your vibe's different from theirs?"
Li Younan chuckled, amused because not long ago, Yang Ting mentioned he seemed like a rural bumpkin for spending so much time here.
Li Younan bowed his head and resumed his book. "Does each place give people a distinct vibe? Really?"
The girl didn't respond immediately.
Soon, Li Younan smelled a fragrant aroma, surprised, looking up to find the girl had already sat, face close, her round eyes staring.
She earnestly said, "Of course, each place's people have their unique vibe."
Li Younan slightly coughed, subtly leaning back, nodding, "Oh."
The girl noticed Li Younan's skeptical expression and snorted, "I've traveled a lot. Each place's people have their distinctive character."
Seeing the spark of interest in Li Younan's eyes, the girl felt slightly satisfied.
Li Younan set his book down again, "You've traveled a lot; do you like traveling?"
The girl thought carefully, saying seriously, "I prefer the word 'journey'. But compared to scenery, I'm more into experiencing each place's vibe, you know? How the locals live, dialects, unique foods—they all form a…vibe."
Li Younan smiled, "I also like traveling."
The girl showed interest, asking, "Where have you been then?"
Li Younan candidly replied, "I haven't been anywhere yet."
The girl blinked, teasing with a smile, "The thinker traveler, huh."
Li Younan knew she perceived him as the type who claims "The world is vast; I want to see it", yet never leaves. But he didn't bother explaining, shifting the conversation.
Amidst the surrounding noise, new visitors flocked by the window, another batch taking photos.
Li Younan and the girl alternated between chatting and reading, while the sun's gentle rays brushed their table.
Travelers from far away hurried to check in, while those who came here for a check-in… savored travel moments sitting idly.
Li Younan had to stay for 6 hours, but the girl clearly didn't plan to stay as long. She stood up, curiously asking, "Are you going to keep reading?"
Li Younan nodded.
The girl said, "Then enjoy reading." She chuckled softly, showing a sweet dimple, "Goodbye, thinker traveler."
Li Younan laughed silently, waving at the girl, "Goodbye, cultural traveler."
The girl's figure vanished from sight as part of the departing crowd.
Neither asked for names or exchanged contacts, both tacitly acknowledging the encounter as part of the journey.
Li Younan was touched, perhaps, the travel process outweighs the result.