Brian Clark is 20 years old and about to start his junior year at university. Back when he was in middle school in the city, he lived at William Clark's house, and they have a very close relationship. Now, being stared at by William Clark's piercing gaze, he felt uneasy and couldn't help but say, "Bro, if you have something to say, just say it. Don't keep staring at me."

"Xiaobo, you're studying computer science, right?"

"Yeah."

"How's your skill level?"

"Depends on what you want done. I can handle most things."

"That's good enough..."

William Clark nodded and said, "For the sake of our many years of friendship, you have to do me a favor."

"Don't make it sound so scary. Of course I'll help. What do you need?"

"Haven't figured it out yet."

"Huh?"

"I haven't figured it out yet, but I'll definitely need you. Just giving you a heads-up."

Brian Clark was speechless and said, "Bro, why do you seem a bit mysterious since you came back this time? And your way of talking is getting weirder?"

"Because I haven't fully loaded yet. It'll be fine after a while."

William Clark spread his hands, also feeling helpless.

……

Two rabbits: one braised in soy sauce, one stir-fried with chili peppers.

A big rural stove burning firewood, an uncle's cooking skills honed in the army, the summer sun setting late, lingering warmth, the whole house filled with fragrance, everyone sweating buckets.

By evening, the food was finally served.

There was also a cold platter, a plate of stir-fried greens, and a big bowl of enoki mushrooms mixed with cucumber—yes, a big bowl. The table was set in the inner room, with the north and south windows open, and a cross breeze finally brought some coolness.

No taboos here—the men were all shirtless.

"Come on, let's have a drink first!"

"Cheers!"

William Clark was also shirtless, drinking ice-cold beer bought from the village store. The chill slid down his throat straight to his stomach, then exploded in his belly, the icy coolness rushing upward, his pores relaxing, even the sweat on his face lessened.

Youth really is awesome!

How many years had it been since he drank like this?

His stomach couldn't handle it, his teeth weren't good, he soaked goji berries every day, and even when he went for a foot massage, he just chatted with the girls—no more wild times.

Edward Clark was always the life of the party and started to take charge: "Xiaobo, don't worry, I already talked to your dad and mom. Your mom's main concern is your dad being out there alone all year, never coming home, with no one to watch over him. She's afraid something might happen, afraid he'll go astray—mainly afraid he'll go astray.

I said, that's easy! If he doesn't have money in his pocket, he can't get into trouble. Anyway, food and lodging are covered, so just send the money straight home and that's that!"

"That works, but I can't send it all. I have to keep some for emergencies, just in case."

The uncle grumbled.

"That's for you guys to work out yourselves!"

"He's got his buddies with him, so he's definitely living better than you think. Believe it or not, even if you don't give him a cent, he'll still have his smokes and drinks every month."

Linda Carter said.

"Exactly, your sister-in-law has the most experience..."

Edward Clark agreed wholeheartedly, then added, "That's also thanks to my years of cooperation."

"Hahaha!"

The room instantly filled with laughter.

William Clark laughed along, looking at the here and now—big courtyard, delicious food, family by his side. If you set reality aside, this would be the pinnacle of life.

But the crappy thing is, you can't set reality aside.

All kinds of unexpected things happen in a lifetime. You still have to strive, still have to move forward, all so that when the unexpected comes, you have the confidence and security to handle it, and only then can you pursue that original happiness.

As they ate, Edward Clark got more and more excited and asked, "Hey, Xiaobo, you're a junior this year, right?"

"Yeah, starting junior year."

"Is it easy to find a job in your major?"

"It's okay, it's pretty popular."

"More than just popular! You guys don't know, computer science students can take on gigs while still in school..."

William Clark's words startled Brian Clark, but then he changed the subject: "Usually in senior year, there are some small projects, and that's when you can start making money."

"Oh, that's great! See, kids have to study—only by studying can they have a future!" Linda Carter said with satisfaction.

"......"

Brian Clark was still stuck in the earlier shock, and then saw William Clark wink at him, making him even more uneasy: This bro isn't just acting mysterious, how come he seems a bit prophetic too?!

At this moment, the uncle also asked, "Xiaoyuan, you're a senior now, right? Didn't you say you have to intern?"

"Yeah, starting this semester, at a newspaper."

"As a reporter?"

The uncle and aunt's eyes lit up. These days, being a reporter is a job people admire, and working at a newspaper or TV station is even more prestigious.

"Not necessarily. An internship is just an internship—it's not the same as a real job."

William Clark explained simply, "I'm going to the 'Beijing Youth Daily,' which is a major paper. Each issue has a circulation of 600,000, last year they made 500 million in ad revenue, and they have official positions—it's a public institution.

So just think, a big organization in Beijing with official positions—even if I'm on a contract, it's not easy to stay on."

"......"

The topic suddenly got a bit serious, and the parents didn't know how to respond.

William Clark smiled and continued, "But the main point of the internship is to gain experience—it's a necessary step in senior year. My major has a lot of career options: reporter, editor, planner, operations. If none of those work out, I can take the civil service exam, and if that doesn't work, I can start my own business."

"Right, right, it's easy to find a job these days, no need to worry!"

"Xiaoyuan has always been smart!"

"Come on, let's have another drink!"

Chapter Three: Thoughts