After more than ten hours of travel, the train finally arrived at Jingshi Station. As soon as I got off the train, I smelled a faint smell of coal smoke in the air, the unique scent left by the steam train.
The platform beneath my feet was uneven and full of age. People filed out of the carriages, carrying large and small bags, some wrapped in simple cotton quilts, others with worn wooden suitcases. Among the crowd dressed in monotonous colors like blue, gray, and black, a young woman in a floral dress occasionally stood out.
Passengers around them chatted amongst themselves, their accents mingling, some excitedly sharing their travel experiences, others anxiously asking for directions to the exit. On the platform, the train conductor blew his whistle, directing the subsequent operations.
The exit was bustling with people, and staff carefully checked tickets. Stepping out of the station, a lively yet somewhat rustic world unfolded before me. A row of pedicabs lined the roadside, their drivers enthusiastically calling out to attract passengers; a torrent of bicycles weaved through the streets, their bells ringing crisply. Various slogans and posters were displayed on the street-side bulletin boards, and in the nearby shops, simple daily necessities were laid out, with people going in and out of the storefronts. Beijing's skyline was still relatively flat, with a few iconic buildings standing silently in the distance, telling the story of this city.
Lin Jin carried her luggage out of Beijing. She planned to find a hotel near Tsinghua University and then look for an apartment later. There was still plenty of time before registration, so she could take her time. After searching for a while, Lin Jin finally boarded a bus bound for Tsinghua University. The bus wasn't crowded, and Lin Jin found a seat on the side. She stared blankly at her future home.
The streets were brimming with the vibrant energy of daily life. The streets were narrow, and a torrent of bicycles surged like a tide, with the "28" style bicycles being the main force, their bells ringing out incessantly.
In the state-run stores by the roadside, sales clerks greeted customers warmly, and the shelves were filled with all kinds of daily necessities, with floral fabrics, thermos flasks, and enamel mugs neatly arranged.
The food stalls emitted enticing aromas, and crowds thronged around the stalls selling roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes. People dressed in blue, gray, and military green hurried by, while occasionally a few brightly dressed young people weaved through the crowd on Phoenix brand bicycles, looking every bit the trendsetter. A bus slowly drove by, its body exuding a sense of nostalgia, and outside the windows flashed the gray walls and blue tiles of Beijing's hutongs. At the entrance of the hutongs, old men chatted and fanned themselves, displaying a unique sense of leisure and contentment.
The bus slowly pulled up in front of a slightly old residential area. The buildings here were mainly courtyard houses, bearing the marks of time. Lin Jin looked out the window at the unfamiliar surroundings, silently thinking that Tsinghua University was still two stops away.
The bus doors opened, and Lin Jin stepped off, entering the old residential area. Although it looked quite dated, the facilities were complete, and the atmosphere was full of life. She strolled along the streets, enjoying the tranquility and rustic charm.
While searching for accommodation, Lin Jin found a small hotel. Although it wasn't large, it looked clean and tidy from the outside. She went into the hotel, exchanged a brief conversation with the receptionist, and checked in.
After entering the room, Lin Jin rested for a while before taking a shower to relax her tired body. After showering, she changed into loose pajamas, lay down on the bed, and soon fell asleep.
When Lin Jin opened her eyes again, she found that sunlight had already streamed into the room through the gaps in the curtains, and it was already afternoon.
Her stomach rumbled, and she touched it, feeling a bit hungry. So, she decided to treat herself to a nice meal at a nearby state-run restaurant.
Entering the restaurant, she ordered several of her favorite dishes and began to eat heartily. The meal was truly delicious, the flavors were excellent, and she felt very satisfied. When the bill came, she discovered that the meal had cost a full 3 yuan. Although a bit pricey, she felt it was still well worth it.
After a satisfying meal, she walked out of the state-run restaurant, intending to stroll around the neighborhood and see if there were any suitable apartments to rent. Just as she stepped out of the restaurant, someone suddenly rushed towards her like a gust of wind, nearly knocking her to the ground.
"Oh my!" Lin Jin was startled and couldn't help but curse, "Are you in such a hurry to be reincarnated?"
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