What Should I Do If I Time-Traveled Forty Years Later and My Lover Has Become an Old Man? - MLFYL: 15

Following an entire day of exploring the grounds of Hainan University, Yu Yao’s true identity remained undisclosed.

To date, only a select few—neighbors from their neighborhood and a handful of longstanding friends with close ties to Jiang Zhonglin—were privy to her true identity. These individuals, known for their discretion and integrity, did not indulge in gossip, ensuring that the details of her and Jiang Zhonglin’s relationship remained confined to a small circle.

As a result, their lives continued unperturbed, shielded from unnecessary intrusion.

On this distinguished day, Jiang Zhonglin was honored with an invitation from the Shanghai Literature Research and Creation Association, commonly known as the Shanghai Literature Association.

Founded many decades ago, this esteemed organization is renowned for its exclusivity and rigorous standards, making membership a distinguished achievement. Its ranks are predominantly composed of venerable retired professors from prestigious universities, reflecting the association’s substantial prestige and resourcefulness.

As a member of this distinguished circle, Jiang Zhonglin shares deep connections within the community, familiar with many of its esteemed members, further underscoring his esteemed standing in the literary and academic circles of Shanghai.

The Shanghai Literature Association hosts an annual complimentary trip, extending invitations to all its members, who are also welcome to bring their families along.

When Jiang Zhonglin received this year’s invitation, he hesitated briefly before consulting Yu Yao.

Surprised, she inquired, “The Literature Association is organizing a trip?”

He responded kindly, “Yes, I didn’t attend last year. This year, several friends reached out to me personally, expressing their hope that I would join. I simply couldn’t decline. Amid our busy lives, we seldom find opportunities to gather, and this is one of those rare occasions. What do you think? Would you like to come with me?”

She chuckled, “I’m just an unemployed person who spends her days gaming—what makes you think I’m not free?”

She then glanced at the electronic invitation and examined the details of the destination. An ecological healthcare farm stood at the foot of a mountain near Hai City.

“I’ll definitely go out and play. Have you been there before? Are they all this kind of healthcare farm?” she asked indifferently.

“No,” Jiang Zhonglin shook his head. “No, not everyone can attend these trips every year. I’ve only been a few times over the years, not many. In the early years, we went a little further, even overseas. But a few years ago, we went to Dunhuang, and some older friends on the team couldn’t bear it. They got sick on the way, and it almost took their lives. After that, the association’s trips only became short.”

Despite their spirited refusal to surrender, the elderly individuals diligently traveled across the renowned mountains and rivers of their homeland each year in search of breathtaking scenery. Yet, they conscientiously avoided destinations that were deemed too perilous or too distant.

Some members of the association harbored dissatisfaction with these limitations, but out of respect and fear of offending the organization, they refrained from voicing their concerns. In their helplessness, they resorted to reaching out directly to their family members.

Once this was arranged, consensus was easily achieved, and their excursions now took them to farms, fishing villages, orchards, and leisure villas—places where they could unwind and enjoy a moment of respite.

As Yu Yao packed her belongings, a thoughtful expression crossed her face.

Turning to Jiang Zhonglin, she inquired, “Are there any participants this time who are aware of our situation?”

He replied softly, “Two friends know.“

As he spoke, he carefully retrieved the clothing she had hastily packed into her suitcase, folded it meticulously, and placed it neatly back inside.

Yu Yao simply tossed him the underwear she had chosen and turned around to look for a coat.

Since he said the temperature on the mountain farm was relatively low and had actually dropped in the past few days, she had to bring some thick clothing.

“Will you tell them I’m your wife?”

Jiang Zhonglin: “…I’m mostly afraid that it will bother you. Knowing this now, not many people will bother you on my side, but you’re still young, and everyone will be curious about your experiences. So you can choose how to say it yourself and focus on your own senses.”

She turned around and looked at him, “Why do you want me to decide everything myself?”

Jiang Zhonglin calmly shared some old-age wisdom with her, “Only you can choose your own life. No one else has the right, even if I am your partner.”

She remained silent, unable to find the words.

Since her arrival, he had spoken to her at length, offering guidance and advice on various matters, yet he had never presumed to make decisions on her behalf.

This gesture, while respectful, also conveyed a certain politeness that bordered on distant.

Though Jiang Zhonglin might harbor genuine feelings for her, the subtle barrier of formality always left her with an inexplicable sense of irritation. Perhaps it was the fleeting nature of their year-long marriage that had allowed him to indulge her, much like a puppy that wags its tail and licks with joy at every encounter. Yet, when she returned after a long absence, that same puppy seemed transformed—aging into an old dog.

She knew he had thought of her all those years, but his once-vibrant enthusiasm had waned. While he still looked up at her with affection when she stroked his head, and his eyes still held warmth, the loss of intimacy left her feeling discontented, as if something precious had quietly slipped away.

Old Jiang gazed at his young wife with a look of gentle confusion.

Without warning, Yu Yao assumed a resolute expression, set aside her half-packed luggage, and stepped out into the outdoors with an umbrella in hand.

“What’s wrong?”

She answered, her tone unwavering, “I’ll go buy a chicken and prepare some nourishing chicken soup for you tonight.”

Jiang Zhonglin watched in surprise, puzzled by her sudden determination.

That day, the association embarked on their journey amidst clear, sunny skies. It was September, and autumn had already begun to settle in.

As they gathered and boarded the bus toward the countryside, they left behind the city’s bustling streets and entered a verdant landscape. The air grew noticeably fresher and more invigorating, transforming the atmosphere into one of openness and serenity—an experience that refreshed both mind and spirit.

Yu Yao gently opened the window, allowing the refreshing breeze to caress her face.

She found herself momentarily lulled by the gentle bumps of the vehicle and the subdued hum of conversation between Jiang Zhonglin and the individuals seated nearby.

The two men sitting close to him, engaging him in quiet dialogue, were roughly his age and shared a longstanding camaraderie with him. Significantly, they were the only ones who knew her true identity.

Upon boarding the bus, she had greeted them graciously, introduced by Jiang Zhonglin, mindful of the delicate balance her presence entailed.

Not everyone could readily accept her—a woman who had traversed forty years of history and change.

One of the elder men regarded her with a subtle restraint, caught between recognition and uncertainty, while the other could not help but gaze at her with genuine curiosity.

To avoid making them uncomfortable, she chose to remain silent and uninterested in their conversation, surrendering herself to sleep for the duration of the journey.

Once she had fallen into a peaceful slumber, Jiang Zhonglin gently retrieved a blanket from beside his seat and carefully covered her. He modestly closed the window just enough to leave a slight opening, and lowered his voice as he conversed with his friends.

The two elderly companions observed his tender actions—initially sharing a teasing laugh at his expense, then falling into a contemplative silence.

Truly, words fail to capture the complexity of this moment. It is certainly a blessing that she has returned, yet the presence of this former lover—seemingly frozen in time—remains a poignant source of pain and sorrow for their old friend. Ultimately, the weight of regret seems insurmountable.

Nonetheless, as outsiders, their perspective is limited; they are not in a position to judge. Only those directly involved know the full truth of the story.

The journey was peaceful. Jiang Zhonglin and his two friends only exchanged occasional whispered words. The other passengers only came to say hello as they boarded the bus.

Several people looked curiously at Yu Yao, who was sitting next to Jiang Zhonglin, but no one asked him any questions.

When they finally arrived at their destination, she woke up without being called. She yawned, rolled up the blanket she had been wrapping around herself, and handed it to Jiang Zhonglin.

When everyone got off the bus, a young student who had been with his teacher in another car spotted Jiang Zhonglin and enthusiastically came over to help him carry his luggage, “Mr. Jiang, you’re coming alone again this year, aren’t you? I’ll help you carry your luggage.”

This enthusiastic student was named Chen Guoyan. Three years ago, he had also joined the association trip with his teacher. He took good care of his teacher and the other seniors who participated on their own. Jiang Zhonglin was very impressed by this cheerful and enthusiastic young man.

When he saw him running towards him, he smiled and waved his hand, “No, just take care of your teacher. I don’t need any help here.”

Chen Guoyan said with a smile, “Mr. Jiang, no need to be so polite!”

Meanwhile, Yu Yao had dragged her bag. Jiang Zhonglin took one of them and was about to take the bag she was holding in her hand.

She easily threw the bag over her body, “No need to take it.”

Chen Guoyan gazed at her with a hint of surprise, and after a moment, inquired softly, “Ah, Mr. Jiang, have you brought any students along this time?”

Jiang Zhonglin remained silent for a moment before gesturing towards a portly elderly man in another vehicle, “Your teacher is calling you—go over there promptly.”

Reluctantly, Chen Guoyan offered a gracious smile, then hurriedly made his way back, glancing back briefly as he departed.

Meanwhile, Yu Yao and Jiang Zhonglin each lifted a suitcase and proceeded toward their accommodations at the farm.

The modern suitcases, equipped with advanced storage and folding features, may appear compact yet hold a surprising amount of belongings, making them effortless to drag along with ease and grace.

They had planned a three-day retreat at the farm, where they were graciously accommodated in a charming wooden cottage. While the exterior showcased a simple, rustic design crafted from interwoven logs, the interior revealed a warm and inviting atmosphere, thoughtfully decorated with elegant wooden furnishings.

The spacious room featured two comfortable beds in the bedroom, a semi-partitioned cozy living area, a well-appointed bathroom, and a separate washroom.

The balcony offered breathtaking vistas—rolling dense forests, the orchard, and a sprawling lotus field just beyond.

Yu Yao and Jiang Zhonglin shared this tranquil space, each resting in their own bed.

Upon entering their room, she gently set down her luggage, explored the interior and balcony, and finally settled onto the bed, feeling a sense of peace and anticipation for the days ahead.

Jiang Zhonglin settled onto the other bed, his expression tinged with gentle concern as he inquired, “Is something wrong? You’ve been sleeping quite a while in the car. Are you still feeling tired? Perhaps you caught a cold or have a headache?”

She was indeed feeling a bit unwell. Despite having slept for a considerable time, she still felt a lingering fatigue and drowsiness, likely due to the long hours she had spent seated in the vehicle.

She sat up slowly, rubbing her face with a soft gesture.

“It’s nothing,” she reassured him softly. “I’ve always been healthy. How could I develop a headache from just a little breeze?”

She gestured towards the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, her eyes brightening, “The air here is so refreshing. Look outside—there are lotus fields. We can see them clearly from here.”

The sprawling lotus fields stretched into the distance, cultivated on the farm. Though it was said that the fields covered dozens of acres, the flowers were nearly gone for this season, leaving behind some lotus pods.

Jiang Zhonglin, noticing her interest, nodded with a smile, “After we rest, we’ll go over there and take a closer look.”

He then retrieved a thermos from their luggage, offering her a cup of warm water infused with honey, a gentle gesture to soothe her discomfort.

Soon thereafter, a gentle knock echoed at the door.

A young man from the association entered, announcing that it was time for everyone to gather in the hall for lunch. It was a little past noon, and after a morning spent confined within the car, hunger had begun to stir.

Yu Yao and Jiang Zhonglin rose and made their way toward the hall.

As they stepped inside, their attention was drawn to a boisterous, hearty laugh emanating from an elderly gentleman. The robust, round-faced senior was engaged in conversation with a nearby companion.

The moment he spotted Jiang Zhonglin, he waved warmly, his voice booming with mirth that resonated throughout the space, “Old Jiang, you’re here! Come and have a seat. You’re such a busy man, I haven’t seen you in ages. It’s wonderful to see you out and about. Oh, and you don’t know yet, but Cao Qingling is also coming this year. She has something to attend to and will arrive later in another car. She’s on her way, so I imagine you must be quite pleased.”

With that, the old man winked at him with a hint of mischief, a gesture that made Yu Yao narrow her eyes slightly in curiosity.

Jiang Zhonglin furrowed his brow and softly reproved the rotund elder, “Please refrain from speaking such nonsense.”

Turning his gaze toward Yu Yao, he adjusted his glasses with a hint of hesitation in his voice, “It’s… no.”

She offered a smile, though it lacked warmth, and responded gently, “It’s nothing. I haven’t even inquired, and you’re already claiming you don’t have it.”

With that, she gracefully entered the hall, selecting a seat to settle into.