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This post was last edited by 654262293 on 2019-3-3 21:48. One day, while getting my hair cut, the barber suddenly said, \"Your hair is a bit thin; it’s especially thin at the top of your head.\" Hearing this, I was shocked; I raised a mirror to look at myself, and frost and snow were visible. What was once lush and green now appeared withered – where was the youthful vigor? It only causes worry. The historian Liu then composed a song: \"The aspirations of youth still remain in my heart, yet suddenly, changes and upheavals sweep in.\" Last night, my black hair was seen in the mirror; this morning, I see only slight grayness at my temples. Time is like the hair on one’s head; its strands gradually fall out and split apart. My dear wife is always worried about her aging appearance; she asks me the same question over and over again every day. Is the complexion good and the waist slim? Worried about spots and dark circles under the eyes. I glanced at my phone without intent to reply, only saying that youth still lingers today. It doesn’t matter if the waist is thick; I love having more fat. Don’t you see that middle-aged woman, who has lost so much weight that she’s barely recognizable? Slimming down brings a skeleton frame; the beautiful woman grows gaunt with wide belts. Wrinkles need fat to fill them; everyone loves Lee Young-ae. I once lamented how short joyful nights were; now, I can’t sleep as I wait endlessly. I used to drink all night long, but now just three drinks are too much for my stomach. In my free time, I love sitting on the toilet, smoking and lost in thoughtful reflections. On the road, a young man called out to me as brother; the young man laughed at me, calling me an odd old man. In the morning I ask a new friend for their name, yet by evening I’ve forgotten it and am shocked. Room K can only hum old songs; the farewell kiss to Xiao Fang causes the sea to overflow. Jiaxin, the man with yellow hair – where are those gods of beauty now? The aspirations of youth still ring in my ears; these days, relying on one’s parents is the most practical approach. I can’t bear to see my children go through hardships; I regret not being born into a wealthy family. Back then, there were many ways to pursue a girl; now, I just stare at my wife in silence. I happened to meet an old friend who asked how I was, and was shocked to hear that the divorce took place so quickly. If classmates have become middle-aged or wealthy, it would be impolite to meet again. Suddenly they say the stock market is doing well this year, so they fill their portfolios with all their life’s savings. Composure on ordinary days turns to mist; longing for a rich, handsome man in just one night. The Battle of Songhu turned into a defense struggle; the clash between bulls and bears destroyed me. Such muscular build is a treasure to be cherished; to reach the high towers, one must join the long queue. In the stillness of the night, I reflect on my faults; it’s all greed that disturbs my mind. Though fate is uncertain, restraining oneself and adhering to propriety is the norm. Maintaining good health is the best approach: eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables. Indulgence in sex can harm the prostate; anger must be avoided to protect the liver and gallbladder. Above are the elders, below are children; at home, I am happy. Do not flatter your superiors; one’s character should not be sold carelessly. Stay away from that evil monk; I’ll take on fate on my own. Do not laugh at a young man in distress; I too was unhappy in my early years. There’s no need to be patient with villains; it’s not surprising when kind people are exploited. There is no boundless expanse for regression; only by moving forward can good fortune come. Fame and status are not things outside one’s self; having them in moderation ensures a proper account. Never give up under any circumstances; letting go does not necessarily mean accepting things as they are. At forty, a man is in the prime of his life; who else but me should unleash his talents?