Early on September 17, 2024, the long-planned journey set off. Chi Yanxia had not replied to WeChat messages these days, and Lin Yuhui thought she might be busy with festivals at home.
公路旅行
2024年9月17日早,筹划已久的奔赴启程了,虽然这几天迟艳霞没有回复微信消息,林语晖想,她可能是在家里过节不方便.
To cut costs and ensure safety, Lin Yuhui chose to avoid expressways. His car was ten years old. Considering the vehicle type and aging tires, he took national highways and drove at a low speed. The whole journey was 1,400 kilometers, which would take about three days.
基于费用和安全原因,林语晖选择了避免高速,他的车龄已经十年了,考虑到车型特点与轮胎老化因素,他选择了国道,以较低的车速行驶,全程一千四百公里,差不多三天到达.
Carrying suitcases and various daily supplies, Lin Yuhui drove across the urban area towards the city fringe against the rising sun in the early morning. It was just like moving house on a small scale.
清晨载着行李箱和各种生活物资,迎着朝阳,林语晖穿过市区,已经到了城市边缘,这相当于一次小型的搬家.
There was a rough road before accessing National Highway 302. He drove a 2014 Changan Suzuki Alto. Though it was an economical A00-class mini car for urban use, its neat chassis, high suspension and short wheelbase brought it much better passing performance than ordinary sedans.
驶上302国道之前有一段烂路,他驾驶的是长安铃木的14年款新奥拓,虽然是一款市区经济A00级微型车,但是她整洁的底盘,较高的悬挂,加上短轴距,通过性能好于普通轿车很多.
He took this very road when buying the car ten years ago. Lin Yuhui tended to evade uncertain risks. This route was familiar not only to his memory but also to his body. He would always relieve himself in the weeds by the side of this rough road before continuing his trip.
十年前买车就是走的这条路,林语晖倾向于规避不确定因素,当然熟悉的不只是记忆的,还是生理的,就是在这段烂路,在路边的野草丛中放个水再上路.
After passing several winding roads flanked by willow trees on both sides, he arrived at a newly-built road constructed to expressway standards. The road was free of charge and not fully open to traffic yet. For safety reasons, Lin Yuhui kept his speed at eighty to ninety kilometers per hour. He believed around eighty kilometers per hour was the most economical cruising speed for this mini car.
经过几段曲折两侧杨柳守护的路段之后,就是新修的高速级别的新建设路段了,并且是免费的,还没完全开通.但是考虑到安全原因林语晖只开到了八九十公里的时速,他觉得八十左右是这款车最经济的巡航时速,毕竟是一款微型轿车.
He bought the car to avoid catching cold on public transport, for his poor heart could not stand cold viruses. Initially, he wanted a two-door Chery A3. It looked beautiful in both red and blue. More importantly, it had excellent crash safety data and a curb weight of over 1.4 tons. As a Class A family car, it was made with solid materials. As an engineer, Lin Yuhui would never ignore such data.
买车的动机是避免坐公交被传染感冒,心脏不好害怕感冒病毒.本来最初他想买奇瑞A3两厢款,红色,蓝色都很漂亮.更重要的是安全碰撞数据优秀,而且整备质量1.4吨多,作为一款A级家用车,用料够足.林语晖是工程师,他当然不会忽视数据.
Yet he did not have enough money. He mentioned buying a car to his parents, thinking the whole family could use it, but his parents said nothing. He had to buy a car only for his own use and finally chose the Changan Suzuki Alto after comparison. Later, his parents complained constantly that his car was too small, inferior to those owned by the children of relatives and friends.
但是他手头的钱不够,跟父母提了一嘴,毕竟是买车全家人都能用,但是父母啥也没说.那就只好买一款自己用的车了,比较之下选择了长安铃木新奥拓.然后父母又嫌弃他买的车小,比不上亲友孩子的车,百般嫌弃.
After going through all kinds of hardships for half his life, Lin Yuhui finally got a stable job. All the experiences and trials he endured helped him understand the world and the people living in it.
如今林语晖经过半生坎坷,终于有了稳定的工作,所经历的种种历练都是为了让他认清这个世界,认清这世上的人.
He rolled down the car window a little. The bright autumn wind blew into the sweltering car. Meanwhile, the wind noise and tire noise enabled the driver to know the running condition of the vehicle. The car featured a long suspension travel and comfortable ride, and it also performed well in stability at high speed. Steady airflow generated downforce, and the well-matched suspension kept the car from floating. Its slightly high center of gravity would not cause problems as long as he did not make sharp steering movements.
摇下一点车窗,车外的丽日秋风也吹进了有些燥热的车里,同时传入的风噪声和轮胎噪声也有利于驾驶者掌握车辆行驶情况.虽然有着较长的悬挂行程和舒适性,但是这台车的高速稳定性很不错,气流稳定地形成一定下压力,悬架匹配也很好,没有发飘的感觉,只要不进行剧烈方向操作,她稍高的重心就不是什么问题.
When crossing the boundary from Jilin to Changchun, the roadside scenery changed from rolling farmlands and mountain villages to plains and reservoirs. A few white clouds floated in the clear blue sky, making the vast land look boundless. The scenery stirred Lin Yuhui's heart, which had long been confined to a narrow life, and filled his mind with thoughts.
从吉林到长春地界,沿途的风景从略有起伏的农田山村,变成了平原水库.晴朗的蓝天里寥寥几朵白云,让这广阔天地更显广袤无限,催促着林语晖那颗长年蜗居的心也变得思绪飞扬.
However, accidents always happen in real life. Due to road construction, Amap guided him onto a county road, which turned out to be a winding mountain road with countless turns.
然而现实世界总会有些变故才显得不那么虚假,因为道路施工,高德导航把一段线路导引到了县道,而且还是山区回环盘山道.
Lin Yuhui always drove defensively. He took his heels as the pivot, keeping his feet over the clutch, brake and accelerator. He adjusted the angle and strength with his calf muscles to respond quickly to emergencies. But this driving style exhausted him on the sharply winding mountain road. His calves cramped severely after he drove out of the mountain area.
因为林语晖平时的防御驾驶习惯,左右脚都会以脚跟为轴,会保持在离合器和刹车油门上,会仔细用小腿肌肉调节角度和力度,并且应对突发事件反应迅速.然而在这样的密集转向的山道里这种驾驶方式却耗尽了他的体力,当驶出这段山路之后,他的小腿已经抽筋了.
Should he move forward or turn back? He had prepared all necessary supplies, but he never expected that his sedentary daily life left him unfit for such a long trip. He had to park the car on a small open space by the road to rest.
是进是退?他想到了所有需要的物资,却没想到自己长年居家的体能不适应这样的旅程.只好找到路边一块小空地,停车休息.
The green hillside blocked the scorching autumn sun in the afternoon. The air was cool and even a bit chilly. It seemed to have rained here recently, leaving the mountain damp. Lin Yuhui got out of the car and walked around to relieve the cramps in his calves.
路边青翠的小山挡住了秋日午后的烈日,清爽之余甚至有些阴冷,似乎这一带下过雨,山上有些潮湿.林语晖试着下车散了散步,缓解小腿肌肉的痉挛.
Only his calves relaxed. His eyes and mind still stayed alert. The hillside was rather steep, yet covered with thick vegetation. The surface was weathered soil, with no risk of landslides.
然而放松的只有小腿,眼睛和脑子并没有.这小山有些陡峭,不过植被覆盖还不错,只是表层风化土壤,没有山体滑坡风险.
Along the narrow path leading uphill stood a small shrine with offerings placed inside. Lin Yuhui felt curious. Was it dedicated to ancestors or mountain gods? Or did someone come here to pray for blessings?
沿着上山的小路,路边有一个小神龛,似乎还供奉着一些物品.林语晖也有些好奇,这是供奉先人还是山神呢?或者有什么人在奉神请愿?
Walking did little to ease the cramps. Lin Yuhui stretched his muscles, then laid down the front seats in the car and lay back to relax his legs.
散步片刻小腿休息效果不好,林语晖干脆拉伸一下肌肉回车里放倒前座,躺着放松腿部了.
Shortly afterwards, an elderly man riding a three-wheeled cargo motorcycle stopped beside his car. He leaned against the window and asked.
没消停一会儿,只见右后方一位开三轮运输摩托的大爷停在了自己旁边,过来扒着车窗问,
"Are there any?"
"...有吗?"
"Any what?" Lin Yuhui failed to hear clearly.
"什么有没有?",林语晖没听清楚,
"Are there mushrooms on the mountain?"
"山上有蘑菇吗?"
"Haha, I have no idea. I am not here to pick mushrooms. I am just passing by and taking a rest here." Lin Yuhui explained with a smile.
"哈哈,我不知道,我不是采蘑菇的,就是路过,在这休息一下."林语晖笑着解释,
The old man nodded and left. Lin Yuhui laughed to himself. How could he look like a boy who came to pick mushrooms?
只见大爷点了点头,走了.林语晖心中暗自好笑,我怎么会看着像采蘑菇的小男孩呢?
After resting for a while, he had to set off again due to the travel schedule. Being unable to control his own fate on the road was a common experience for Lin Yuhui, who had wandered around for half his life. Just like life itself, the journey would present brand-new beautiful views after bringing difficulties.
休息了一段时间,迫于行程压力,再次起步.人在旅途的身不由己对于人生过半,历经漂泊的林语晖来说已经是家常便饭了.但是与人生道路一样,旅程也会在它为难你之后再展现一个不同的风景给你.
Driving at a lower speed, he traveled along winding country roads hidden behind corn and sorghum. Local villagers living a life different from urban residents went to visit relatives and friends in the afternoon sun. They wore simple clothes but wore bright smiles in the autumn sunshine.
更低的车速,他驶过了两侧玉米高粱掩映的乡间曲折道路,那里有人过着与城市里不同生活的人们,在午后串亲戚朋友.秋日的阳光里的他们衣着朴素,但是笑容灿烂.
At a slower speed, the lush cosmos flowers beside the road no longer flashed past. Their petals were pure white and gorgeous purple, swaying gently as if whispering the fading autumn days.
更低的车速,路边丽日下繁茂的波斯菊也不再是闪过的掠影,花瓣白的剔透,嫣紫妖娆,轻摇着身影在倾诉着秋日里渐渐逝去的时光.
The slow speed also let Lin Yuhui appreciate the wonderful autumn scenery in the fields. The green willow leaves shimmered in golden sunlight, forming a charming melody of autumn. The flowing light was captivating, as if revealing the primitive beauty visible to human eyes. He could hardly bear to leave and even planned to come here again next year to enjoy the autumn scenery.
更低的车速,也让林语晖的眼底识别出了垂柳绿叶明与阳光金晶亮的田野秋恋变奏曲,那闪耀间的光之韵律,仿佛开启了人类视觉的底层代码,让人留恋,不想离开.他甚至想要明年再次开车来拜访这里的秋天.
After continuous driving from Changchun to Shenyang, he checked his progress and found he was not far behind schedule. It was already past one o'clock in the afternoon. He concentrated on driving and felt no hunger, yet he dared not risk traffic accidents caused by low blood sugar. He parked behind a big tree on the country road to eat and replenish energy, avoiding being hit by out-of-control vehicles. His food was simple: pre-prepared mixed congee and bananas. They saved time and would not cause stomach trouble from unclean food outside.
从长春到沈阳地界,经过连续的驾驶,看看进度与计划相比不算很滞后,现在时间已经是下午一点多了.虽然驾驶时注意力集中并没有觉得饿,但是林语晖可不想因为低血糖造成交通事故,他还是停在乡村道边给自己补充能量,停车地点选择了路边空地的大树后,他可不想被失控车辆撞到.食物很简单,提前准备的八宝粥和香蕉,既节省时间,又不会因为吃了外面不干净的食物闹肚子.
Somehow, everything in the countryside held a special attraction for Lin Yuhui. Next to his parking spot stood a courtyard with brick bungalows, which brought back his childhood memories. He once lived in such bungalows at his grandfather's home and classmates' homes before the old houses were demolished and rebuilt into apartment buildings.
不知为何,乡村的一切似乎都对林语晖有着千丝万缕的吸引.停车旁边正是一个砖瓦平房的庭院,不禁又勾起了他童年的回忆,那时候姥爷家,同学家还住了一阵子平房,后来才拆迁到楼房.
To keep these sweet memories, he got out of the car and took photos from different angles with his mobile phone. The bungalows seemed to be unoccupied.
为了那份童年回忆,他又下车拿手机从不同角度拍了几张照片,似乎已经没有人居住了.
He drove for another two hours until dusk fell. Lin Yuhui knew it was time to find accommodation nearby. He searched on Amap and navigated to the nearest inn on the outskirts of Xinmin City. It was completely dark when he arrived. Thanks to his careful planning, he reached the small town on time.
又经过两小时左右赶路,当天色已经渐暗,林语晖知道该找附近住宿的地方了,通过高德地图搜过,定位了最近的旅店导航,位于新民市周边,当他驾车到达,天已经全黑了,还好他的规划使得他及时到达了小城镇.
The small inn around Xinmin was simple and run by a local family. Lin Yuhui noticed that all the family members kept sneezing, and the owner's daughter had a fever. He talked as little as possible and kept a safe distance to avoid being infected.
新民周边这个小旅店有些简陋,好像是家庭经营的,林语晖发现这一家人都在不时地打喷嚏,店主女儿在发烧.他只好尽量少与他们交谈,保持距离,以防被传染.
After settling down, he walked along the street to look for dinner. The small town was quiet at night. Only the restaurants were lively with chatting diners. The scene was much the same in Liaoning and Jilin.
安顿好住处,便来到街上寻找晚饭的着落.小城镇的晚间人气有些不足,他沿街走了走,只有饭店里同桌聚餐的男女吵吵闹闹比较热闹,这一点辽宁和吉林差不多.
He bought boiled dumplings and returned to his room. While eating, he sent his location to Chi Yanxia via WeChat, telling her that he was on his way to meet her. Still, she did not reply. She must have been occupied at home. After dinner, he set up his mosquito net, for he could not fall asleep with mosquitoes around. To save energy, he did not take a bath. He simply washed his face and feet, brushed his teeth, and then went to bed.
买了水饺回到住处边吃边吃边给迟艳霞发微信定位,告诉她自己已经奔赴向她了.但是她依然没有回复,也许是在家不方便吧.吃完就架设自己携带的蚊帐,没有它林语晖有蚊子就睡不着.为了节省体力,他也没洗澡,简单洗脸洗脚刷牙,然后就睡了.
(Translated by Doubao)