After reading the article, Zhang Chenyin fell silent. Now he understood why this article was said to be written by conservatives. The conservatives were trying to make humanity reflect and think from another perspective.
For the vast majority of people, they always believe that they are born with a purpose, always wanting to do something, change something, achieve something, as if the world gave them life and at the same time endowed them with some great mission.
But is that really the case? There are too many people who want to be heroes in this world, but how many of them truly become heroes? And as the article suggested, is becoming a hero always a good thing?
As Zhang Chenyin thought about this, he suddenly shuddered—no! It shouldn't be like this! He shouldn't be influenced by such thoughts!
He quickly walked out of his room and asked Xie Han, who was cooking in the kitchen, "Mom, what do you think about that article?"
"What article?" Xie Han reflexively asked. After seeing the newspaper in Zhang Chenyin's hand, she smiled and said, "It's just an interesting little story. Why are you so tense?"
"Do you also think technological innovation is wrong?" Zhang Chenyin asked directly.
Seeing Zhang Chenyin's serious expression, Xie Han put down the vegetables in her hands and replied equally seriously, "I don't think technological innovation is wrong, but I also won't participate in it. On one hand, it's because my interests and abilities don't lie there. On the other hand, I believe everyone has their own path, and so does the world. Its existence is reasonable. The path humanity has taken to reach this point is both accidental and inevitable."
Zhang Chenyin understood that Xie Han was not being evasive; she was giving a thoughtful response. This was Xie Han's consistent life philosophy. She was easy-going but not aimless. She always had her own set of principles deep down. She would do things she liked, was interested in, and within her abilities. She wouldn't criticize things she didn't like, wasn't interested in, or didn't understand. Her attitude towards everything was one of respect and tolerance.
All these years, Zhang Chenyin had never seen Xie Han argue with others over differing opinions unless it involved him.
"I seem to be a bit affected, even though it feels absurd," Zhang Chenyin admitted.
"It just means you weren't firm enough in what you originally believed," Xie Han replied.
Zhang Chenyin nodded, agreeing with Xie Han, though he instinctively felt it shouldn't be this way.
After a while, Zhang Chenyin spoke again, "What I'm doing now is right. The underground space is too limited. We need new territories. The surface environment is too harsh and dangerous… Developing the digital world is also part of human territory, a realm created by humanity."
"You don't need to recite the official statements to me," Xie Han resumed cooking. "If you believe it's right, then it is. But in reality, until it's proven, no one knows if it's right or wrong. All you can do is try to guide it in the right direction."
Sure enough, wisdom comes with age. Zhang Chenyin's conversation with Xie Han once again ended with him being persuaded. Yes, all we can do is guide our choices in the right direction.
Facing the sudden holiday, Zhang Chenyin naturally wanted to plan well. He didn't want to waste this precious time sleeping. However, since he couldn't enter the digital world again, he couldn't take Xie Han to A City to complete their interrupted trip. Besides, the digital world wasn't safe at the moment, and he didn't want Xie Han to take risks.
After pondering in his room for a long time, Zhang Chenyin still couldn't think of a good place to go. In the digital world, he could travel anywhere without considering time or energy costs, but it was different in the underground city, where every trip required time and physical effort.
"Are there any fun places nearby?" At dinner, Zhang Chenyin couldn't help but ask Xie Han for suggestions, adding, "Somewhere I can't play in the digital world."
Xie Han thought for a moment and answered, "The surface experience hall?"
At first, Zhang Chenyin didn't understand, but after searching, he realized what Xie Han meant. It wasn't a simulated space but a real surface area, albeit a small one.
"Visiting the surface? That's a good idea," Zhang Chenyin nodded.
When he was in elementary school, he had a chance to participate in such an activity, but due to his father's death, Zhang Chenyin felt the surface was a scary place. He secretly asked the teacher to excuse him from participating. Teachers typically wouldn't force students in such situations, so they allowed Zhang Chenyin to stay in the classroom while other kids experienced the surface.
Of course, Xie Han later found out about this, as the teacher fulfilled the duty of notification. Xie Han then talked to Zhang Chenyin, explaining that it wasn't the surface that took his father's life. However, Zhang Chenyin didn't understand the meaning of those words at that time.
Now that he had grown up, Zhang Chenyin knew he had to overcome his inner fears.
Seeing Zhang Chenyin agree, Xie Han's lips curved into a gentle smile.
Although he appeared calm on the surface, Zhang Chenyin was somewhat nervous about going to the surface. He initially wanted to prepare by researching what he needed, but it turned out the place was well-equipped, and all he needed was a brave heart.
To be honest, when he saw the phrase "a brave heart," Zhang Chenyin felt like cursing, but he held back. After all, upon reflection, the advice wasn't wrong. Older people had a better perception of the surface, as it was once their home. For the younger generation, though, the surface was both unfamiliar and a bit terrifying.
Because of the cold, because of the Winter Desolation Virus...
Even on the morning of departure, Zhang Chenyin wondered if he would encounter any flora or fauna infected with the Winter Desolation Virus. Plants were unlikely since infected plants had been cleared around the experience hall, but animals... that was purely up to chance.
Whether encountering one was good luck or bad, Zhang Chenyin couldn't say.
He was curious about the infected creatures as long as they wouldn't take his life or leave him traumatized.
The surface experience hall wasn't close to Zhang Chenyin's home, so he had to take the rail transit. The train was fast, but there weren't many passengers, likely due to the high ticket prices. In the current world, anything that required real energy consumption was expensive.
Sitting on the train, Zhang Chenyin waited in boredom. There were too few passengers, and it wasn't cost-effective to depart yet, so he had to wait for more people unless someone was willing to buy out the remaining seats.
Of course, such generous people were rare.
"Hey, we meet again!"
A familiar voice sounded in his ear. Turning around, Zhang Chenyin saw a pair of bright eyes, but everything below the eyes was covered by a mask.
However, Zhang Chenyin knew her identity—Liu Xixi.
"Where are you going?" Zhang Chenyin asked.
"Ride to the terminal and then back again," Liu Xixi replied with a smile, her eyes curving into crescents.
Unlike her glamorous stage appearance, Liu Xixi dressed very simply in real life. She wore a thick down jacket over a white turtleneck sweater, paired with a wool hat with little ears, jeans, and short boots, looking youthful and energetic.
Of course, Liu Xixi always wore a mask when going out because of the scar on her face.
"Do you do this often?" Zhang Chenyin asked, curious.
It wasn't that he was worried about Liu Xixi's celebrity status. He knew all her performances were in the digital world, and she kept her real identity strictly confidential, so most people didn't know what she looked like in reality, let alone recognize her. Zhang Chenyin was just curious if Liu Xixi did this on a whim or as a regular hobby.
"Once a week at least," Liu Xixi replied. "Sometimes when I'm bored or feeling anxious… I take this ride. I like the underground city's scenery."
"I thought you'd prefer the digital world, where you can sing freely and have many fans," Zhang Chenyin said, then added, "I mean, it might feel more fulfilling there?"
"Yeah, I realized my value there," Liu Xixi shrugged. "But people still have to face reality. Reality keeps you grounded, preventing you from losing yourself. I achieved my value in the virtual world, and reality helps me recognize myself."
"You've worked hard," Zhang Chenyin comforted, knowing Liu Xixi was always hard on herself and had high standards.
"Aren't you the same?" Liu Xixi quickly retorted. "You graduated early to start working, then created R City. If not for a reason, who would put so much pressure on themselves?"
This put Zhang Chenyin on alert. Was he that easy to read?
Seeing Zhang Chenyin's nervous look, Liu Xixi quickly explained, "Don't worry, I haven't investigated you. It's just that I've had similar experiences, so I can empathize. Of course, what we're pursuing is different."
Zhang Chenyin nodded. Seeing more people getting on the train and the driver preparing to depart, he asked Liu Xixi, "Have you been to the surface experience hall? How was it?"
Liu Xixi nodded, "I heard about it while in the shelter, but we weren't allowed to go back then. Tickets are expensive for extracurricular activities. After I earned money, I went once. It was fun."
"Fun?" Zhang Chenyin was puzzled. "Isn't the surface very cold? You might encounter creatures infected with the Winter Desolation Virus. They can attack you. Though there are protective shields, it's still scary, right?"
"It is very cold, so you need special gear. But seeing the sky feels great! As long as you adapt to the light as instructed," Liu Xixi explained. "As for the infected creatures, I haven't encountered any. They're quite rare."
"You sound like you want to meet one…" Zhang Chenyin joked.
"I do," Liu Xixi nodded earnestly. "They survive in an environment humans can't. Isn't that incredible? And with the protective shield, they won't harm you."
Seeing Liu Xixi's fearless attitude, Zhang Chenyin decided to brace himself, "I hope to see one too, to know what we're up against."
"You're going to the surface experience hall?" Liu Xixi's eyes lit up. "Can I join you? I was planning to go again anyway."
Zhang Chenyin doubted there were such coincidences, but seeing Liu Xixi's enthusiastic eyes, he couldn't bear to refuse.
Seeing Zhang Chenyin nod, Liu Xixi smiled, her eyes forming lovely crescents again.
"Are you this friendly with everyone?" Zhang Chenyin asked, curious. After all, the Liu Xixi on stage was quite different.
"Only with you," Liu Xixi replied frankly. "You were the first to compliment my singing and suggest I pursue it. In a way, you set me on my path, making you a guiding figure in my life."
Hearing this, Zhang Chenyin felt overwhelmed. If not for knowing both his and Liu Xixi's circumstances, he might think she had ulterior motives.
"Also, I have no friends besides you," Liu Xixi added. "The people from the shelter remind me of those tough times, so I distanced myself. As for colleagues and partners, it's unwise to get too close to them. Because of my scar, I kept my social circle small. So in the end…"
Zhang Chenyin understood. Liu Xixi wasn't a chatterbox. She had been alone for too long and now found someone she could relax and talk to, so she let it all out.
"Don't worry, I'll treat you to the surface experience hall!" Zhang Chenyin said with a smile.