The cold wind from the open window swirled around Lei as he walked across the oaken floor. The soft creak of the boards accompanied his steps, and the blue holographic image hovering before him flickered faintly in the chill. A shiver ran through him, scattering his thoughts for a moment.
Lei reached for the cold metal handle of the weathered wood window and closed it; the wind outside was cut off abruptly as the barrier sealed. The chill receded more slowly, and he let himself relax, the tension in his shoulders easing as he exhaled.
Alright, Lei dont think much. This is your chance to make your regret disappear.
Wait, which year is this. Are my parents alive… Lei walked to the calendar that hung beside the door, in front of the bed. He placed his fingers on the hardened paper surface, looking at it fixedly as if trying to commit it to memory.
Lei's face frowned, and a heavy sigh escaped him as he looked over the room.
" 2018/12/11 "
I guess they are really dead and i cant ever and ever again meet them.
But hey, be motivated, Lei. Your parents wanted you to live like i want to live. Now, let's live… Lei muttered, trying to comfort himself.
Lei's stomach growled as he walked down the hallway, passing the farmers' yellow hats and the glass-paneled door. The sight made a smile spread across his face.
Oh dude, I'm rich now. I'am gonna eat like crazy… he laughed to himself.
He stepped out of his main door and found himself looking up at a gigantic stone building. Cars hooted and motors purred while people walked down both sides of the road. Some strange lamps were perched atop small metal supports lining the street. Amidst it all, Lei just smiled, a feeling of calmness embracing him from all directions.
Lei took steps to his left, noticing another road stretched ahead. As he walked straight, there came a museum on his right, its name eluding his memory; to his left sat a restaurant that looked expensive enough to catch his interest. Drawn toward it, he felt a sudden pang of nostalgia with every step.
A massive five-star hotel with a resplendent restaurant loomed opposite. Lei walked across the zebra crossing among the dense traffic and entered the enormous building. When he got into the building, he made his way towards the spiral parking lot, observing European flags fluttering on the top of the building and some chubby men talking.
Lei entered through the front door and paused momentarily, noticing a couple standing nearby but choosing to ignore them. He took in the precisely placed circle of trees with a fountain in the center, rimmed with a concrete path, before entering the building.
Damn, this is huge but it could be better… Lei couldn't help but lampoon.
Lei entered the hall, relieved by the precisely regulated temperature, which contrasted with the biting gusts that had buffeted the path before. His gaze drifted to a statue that looked like that of an ancient Greek, which was highlighted by the lamps that hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow on the murmuring crowd. He noticed the pretty girl at the reception table.
The lady's voice carried clearly across the hall as she addressed Lei. "Sir, do you need any help?"
Lei inclined his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Yes, my lady, is there a restaurant? That is my prime aim," he inquired with respect and politeness. His inherent charisma, developed from the day of his birth with an air of mystique surrounding it, automatically added to his presence.
To be continued…