What Should I Do If I Time-Traveled Forty Years Later and My Lover Has Become an Old Man? - MLFYL: 12

Yu Yao’s sudden curiosity prompted her to ask, “Is our old home still there?”

Although Jiang Zhonglin was momentarily puzzled by her unexpected question, he responded promptly with a gentle smile, “The old residential area no longer exists. Most of the buildings were demolished over a decade ago. Now, it’s replaced by a lush green park and the elegant Phoenix Square.”

He then asked softly, “Would you like to go and see it?” With her nod, they swiftly set out on their journey.

Their current residence was conveniently close, just a twenty-minute drive away. As Yu Yao caught sight of the verdant greenery from a distance, her anticipation grew.

Upon entering, she was greeted by meticulously maintained ornamental plants, their shapes perfectly trimmed and arranged with an artistry that exuded order and grace—mirroring the refined elegance now characteristic of Hai City itself.

On a tranquil weekday morning, the area was remarkably quiet, with few people present.

Yu Yao cast her gaze around and observed that, aside from mothers gently pushing strollers, elderly individuals pausing to rest, and young men and women leisurely strolling, the most numerous were students yet to begin their school day.

Jiang Zhonglin appeared to be quite familiar with this locale; he guided her along a narrow, pebble-lined pathway. This path was even more secluded, almost exclusive to the two of them.

As she surveyed her surroundings, she noticed the numerous phoenix trees planted throughout the area. Sadly, their blossoms had already withered for the season.

She recalled two flame trees from her childhood neighborhood—trees renowned for their stunning, fiery red flowers that burst forth in a dazzling display under the sun. Regrettably, she had only the memory of their vibrant beauty from one fleeting year.

Jiang Zhonglin noticed her gaze and gently explained, “Because numerous flame trees are cultivated here, the adjacent square is called Phoenix Square. Each year, it draws many visitors eager to capture its beauty. From afar, it appears as a sea of crimson that seems to reach the heavens. Although the blossoms have withered this season, you’ll have the chance to see them bloom again next year.”

As they strolled together, they arrived at a quaint pavilion nestled within the lush greenery of the park, surrounded by elegant clusters of ornamental bamboo.

He gestured toward it, “It’s right here—this is where our building once stood.”

He seated himself in the pavilion and invited Yu Yao to join him. Approaching the seat, she noticed a small monument beside the pavilion bearing the name of its benefactor: Mr. Jiang.

Mr. Jiang? Might it be that the very person standing before her is the same individual in question?

She made no question; she merely took a seat beside him.

The small pavilion before them was modest and unassuming, nestled within a landscape that was equally ordinary. There was little to behold—no striking beauty to captivate the eye—so only the occasional weary passerby seeking a moment of respite lingered here. Yet, she could envision the quiet scenes that must have unfolded within these walls over the years: Jiang Zhonglin, solitary and contemplative, within this humble shelter.

The people had vanished, the home had long since disappeared, leaving behind only this aged site—its original splendor faded into memory.

Judging by his confident stride and familiarity with the surroundings, it was clear that Jiang Zhonglin visited this place often.

They sat together for a while, as a few individuals passed along the path before them, their glances fleeting and indifferent, continuing on their way. Only one sanitation worker, distinguished by a badge identifying him as a staff member of Green Land Park, paused momentarily to exchange a greeting with Jiang Zhonglin.

“Mr. Jiang, it’s hard to believe it has been nearly two months since our last encounter,” remarked the gentleman, whose demeanor exuded warmth and familiarity, despite his mature years.

Behind him, a floating transporter gently hovered, bearing a trash receptacle.

Jiang Zhonglin responded with a gracious smile, “I’ve been preoccupied with some matters, which is why I haven’t been here recently.”

“I understand,” the man nodded, then turned his gaze toward Yu Yao with gentle curiosity. “This is the first time I’ve seen Mr. Jiang accompanied by someone.”

Yu Yao, intrigued, inquired, ”Does our esteemed Mr. Jiang visit here often? How long have you been working at this place, uncle?”

The man chuckled softly, “I’ve been here for several years. I see Mr. Jiang come by quite regularly. He’s usually alone, and sometimes he even helps me tidy up the area around this little pavilion. It’s a pity—many people neglect to use the trash cans, instead discarding their rubbish on the ground…” He lamented softly, sharing his observations.

She cast a glance toward Jiang Zhonglin, who responded with a wry smile and a gentle shake of his head, prompting her to inquire softly, “Does he come here in winter as well?”

The kind-hearted uncle, without any pretense, replied earnestly, “Indeed, he comes regardless of heavy snow in winter.”

After the enthusiastic uncle departed with the trash, she folded her arms and looked at Jiang Zhonglin thoughtfully, “It’s so cold; why are you braving the wind in this chilly pavilion?”

He coughed softly and explained, “The snow here creates a beautiful scene, reflecting the bamboo forest in a magical way.”

Yu Yao shook her head, unwilling to linger on his words, and gently grasped his hand, pulling him down the steps, “There’s nothing special to see here. Let’s go somewhere else.”

As she tugged him along, Jiang Zhonglin tried to free his hand, but she looked at him with gentle insistence, “Alright, I won’t hold on if you prefer not to.”

Releasing the old man—who carried a burdensome sense of duty—she then wrapped her arms around his waist.

Professor Jiang: “…” Why do you forget the lesson so easily?

He walked stiffly forward, as if he had been kidnapped.

The sight of such a young woman openly hugging an old man’s waist caught the attention of passersby. The striking thing was that the posture of the two people was exactly like a couple embracing.

Professor Jiang looked at the two young couples approaching with a strange look and couldn’t help but look down at Yu Yao.

She didn’t seem to notice any of this at all.

Jiang Zhonglin sighed in his heart and discussed with her, “Let’s go first and let’s go properly. Okay?” His tone was gentle, but Yu Yao’s was firm.

“There will be a news item tomorrow.”

He was stunned. Why did she suddenly change the subject?

“What kind of news item?”

She said seriously, “A news item like ‘Young woman forcibly kisses man in his 60s in Green Park.’”

Jiang Zhonglin hesitated, unwilling to speak, fearing that his wife might truly carry out her intentions.

It was unmistakably still the young Jiang, with the same helplessness in the face of intimacy, as if the forty years of life had somehow been wasted.

In the past, whenever they were in public, he was too shy to engage in affectionate gestures. He would blush whenever he held Yu Yao’s hand on the street, far more bashful than she was. At that time, Yu Yao attributed his reticence to age, but now she realized that age was not the issue—it was truly a matter of personality.

Lost in thought, she was startled to notice Jiang Zhonglin gently withdrawing her hand from his waist and clasping her hand instead. She remained silent, her gaze fixed ahead, yet her fingers grasped his firmly.

That hand—no longer youthful or smooth—held her with a strength that echoed the young man of years past, the one who, despite his embarrassment, had held her tightly many years ago.

The two of them strolled around the lush garden for a while, and then Jiang Zhonglin went to the bathroom.

She waited for him under a nearby shaded bench and opened her personal computer to play a mini game. The game had been recommended to her by the two college students she’d met when she’d previously bought the game.

She was very impressed and played it until Level 230. On this level, the little guy couldn’t climb the cliff no matter how hard she tried, and he fell over and over again. She tried several times to no avail.

When she started the game again, Yu Yao heard a voice in her ear, “When you’re over there, pick up that round stone first. It’s a bird’s egg. Carry it with you. When you’re halfway there and still have nowhere to put your foot, a bird will fly over to find the bird’s egg on you. You can ride the bird.”

She didn’t raise her head.

She cleared this obstacle first before raising her head, “Thanks.”

He was a young man who took great care in his attire and presentation. Handsome and with a radiant smile illuminating his face, he leaned slightly forward to observe Yu Yao as she played the game, resting one hand casually on the back of the seat.

“You’re welcome. Not many girls enjoy playing this kind of game. Have you already conquered over 200 levels?” He winked, “Actually, I’ve surpassed that by quite a few. The challenges only grow more difficult as you progress. Success often depends on discovering little tricks along the way. I’d be happy to share some tips with you.”

Yu Yao pursed her lips, a subtle smile forming, “There’s no need; I prefer to figure it out on my own.”

After all, isn’t the true joy of such games found in the journey of uncovering solutions? If everything were handed to you, what would be left to enjoy? She mused inwardly.

The young man felt slightly disappointed, but didn’t give up, and tried to continue speaking, “It’s okay, I have time now anyway, I can teach you and you’ll be able to play faster.”

Yu Yao heard the tone of voice and understood that it was an attempt at attraction.

To be honest, she was quite good-looking, and she had been approached many times when she was walking alone on the side of the road. She was very familiar with this kind of situation.

She stood up, “Sorry, I have to go look for my boyfriend. He’s been gone for a long time, probably fell down the toilet.”

She put one hand in her trouser pocket, played a game with the other, and walked out without looking back.

Who knew that when she turned the corner, she saw the old man who had been in the bathroom for a long time and didn’t come back, and who knew if he had fallen in the bathroom, standing at the intersection, looking at a big tree, wondering what he was thinking. He stood there with a straight back, but his white hair made his back look lonely and vicissitudes.

She walked to his side, turned her head and saw that through the sparse flowers, plants and trees, she could actually see the bench where she had just sat. She was stunned for a moment, and then she understood what was going on.

She cursed in her heart, “This old man saw the young man flirting with his wife, and he didn’t even rush over?”

He saw her approaching and smiled at her, but said nothing.

“It’s getting late, we should go back for dinner.”

They returned home and ate dinner as usual. Yu Yao saw him acting as if nothing had happened, so she suspected that he hadn’t seen the scene before.

She only went downstairs in the evening to drink water because she was thirsty, and overheard Jiang Zhonglin talking to someone on the phone.

He sighed, “If she really wants a divorce, then so be it. I respect her decision. She is still young and has many options in the future. There’s no need to force her into a relationship with someone who isn’t right for her and drown her in trouble for the rest of her life…”

Despite her youth and the multitude of choices before her, she felt the weight of uncertainty threatening to overshadow her future. Furious, she recalled the two separate rooms they now occupied, noting the old man’s discomfort whenever they drew close.

Was he simply waiting for her to initiate a divorce? The thought ignited a fiery anger within her.

Striding forward, she forcefully kicked the table, causing a resounding crash.

“Jiang Zhonglin! What did you just say?” She demanded, her voice trembling with emotion.

He turned to face her, surprise evident on his face, yet devoid of any shame for being caught.

“What are you talking about?” He asked calmly.

Yu Yao’s eyes blazed with frustration.

“What exactly did you just say?” She pressed, voice sharp.

Jiang Zhonglin hesitated briefly before explaining, “It’s about an old friend of mine. His daughter is considering divorce, and he asked me to talk to her husband and share my opinion.”

The realization dawned on her—she had jumped to the wrong conclusion, misinterpreting his words.

An awkward silence settled between them, leaving her momentarily speechless.

The living room settled into an unusually profound silence following the earlier commotion.

With an air of effortless composure, Yu Yao casually straightened the overturned table before gracefully making her way toward the kitchen, “I simply went to fetch a glass of water. Please, continue.”

Upon observing her swiftly ascend the stairs, Jiang Zhonglin resumed his conversation, listening intently to his old friend’s anxious voice on the other end of the line, who repeatedly inquired, “Old Jiang, what just happened?”

Although he had yet to respond, his gaze fell upon the unsteady, toppled table—an unintended casualty of Yu Yao’s earlier outburst—and a quiet smile gradually crept across his face.

His laughter, gentle yet genuine, bubbled up despite his efforts to restrain it, as he adjusted his glasses to stifle the sound. He dared not laugh aloud, mindful that Yu Yao might overhear and descend in a fit of fury to topple the table once more.

With a warm chuckle, Jiang Zhonglin finally replied, “It’s nothing; my wife is simply having a moment of pique.”

The humor in his voice conveyed both affection and amusement, highlighting the tender complexity of their relationship.