Everything seemed no different from 500 years ago, yet there was a profound sense of alienation.
Because of the details.
The brands in those stores were all unrecognizable to them.
Including the new era's mobile phones.
Not only were they sophisticated and sleek, they could also emit a projection screen.
The service facilities in the airport also had a high-end technological feel.
Everything was so novel.
"In these five hundred years, the actual changes in technology haven't been significant, as we often focus on our own evolution, acquiring more resources and productivity through the power of the mystical side. But even so, it will be quite hard for you to adapt quickly. Yes, it's like Captain America waking up to find that World War II has been over for seventy years."
Qingmu said indifferently.
The Cocoon Breakers took the fast track because they currently had no identity verification and were undocumented within the Federation System; they also had no luggage to claim, so they quickly arrived at the immigration hall.
"Look, there are Cocoon Breakers."
"It's said they are from the Land of the Departed."
"They broke their cocoons so late, they must have come back from the Land of the Departed. To be able to return alive from that place, maybe they're geniuses! My mom said that the best marriage partners are Cocoon Breakers with good talents. After all, Cocoon Breakers usually have no family, so I won't have to marry into my in-laws'."
The terminal was crowded with many people there to pick up passengers, clogging up the paths, some holding banners indicating they were there to welcome Cocoon Breakers, shouting some unfamiliar names.
Lu Bu'er felt many eyes on him.
It made him a bit uncomfortable.
"Are they here to welcome us?"
He Sai looked confused.
"To welcome? Yes, but not exactly."
Qingmu said with a smile that was not quite a smile, "Whenever Cocoon Breakers are brought to the gathering spots, those who still harbor hope will flock there. But they do it not out of enthusiasm, but to see if, among the new Cocoon Breakers... there are any members of their family."
Officer An and Boss Zhang also looked up, glancing around.
"To reunite... with family?"
He Sai's gaze dimmed, as he clearly knew that his parents wouldn't be waiting for his emergence from the cocoon; they were probably long dead.
"Brother Lu, we can't go back, can we?"
He said softly.
Just as Lu Bu'er was about to comfort him, he heard his next words.
"For the rest of my life, please take good care of me."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you have more experience with being an orphan, you could guide me... "
"He Sai."
"What's up, Brother Lu?"
"Why do you think you weren't killed by those Specter Fiends?"
"..."
Officer An looked around bewilderedly, then suddenly heard quickened breathing behind him.
Boss Zhang suddenly pushed past him, standing on tiptoes peering into the crowd.
Because there in the airport hall, a group of soldiers armed to the teeth was escorting a group of children, seemingly instructing them as they looked around.
Boss Zhang was so agitated because he saw a familiar figure in the crowd, a strong sixth sense urged him desperately to push his way forward, and at that moment, the silent crowd began to stir, many bowing their heads and stepping aside, making way.
The figure was a girl of about ten, with naive and tender features, wearing a light pink cotton outfit, looking like a little kitten. Suddenly, as if sensing something, she turned her head against the surging crowd and saw her father.
Her eyes filled with joy.
The little girl dashed over, like a sprite weaving through the fields.
In that moment, it was clear to Lu Bu'er and the others that Boss Zhang's heart was breaking.
"That's my daughter, my daughter!"
Boss Zhang rushed over, grabbed her in his arms, eyes brimming with tears.
In less than ten seconds, everyone was shaken by the calling that was all too ordinary yet crossed five hundred years of time, turning seas into mulberry fields, father and daughter recognizing each other.
The orphans' faces were expressionless, but their hearts grew sorer.