Should Neo-Divinity Be Supernatural?

Chapter 2: The Cities of Tomorrow (Continued)

Li Hao let out a sigh and glanced out the window. The falling snow, like torn feathers, drifted under the amber glow of the streetlights. Through the glass, he could see the snow on both sides of the street piled two to three inches high. The ground had been compacted into a smooth, glossy surface, and the few pedestrians on the road moved cautiously, wary of slipping on the icy pavement.

"I'd better head back early," Li Hao thought, his mind heavy with unease. He closed his laptop, gathered his belongings, and donned his thick Canada Goose parka. Pulling on his gloves, he slung his Coach backpack over one shoulder and briskly left the library.

Outside, the frigid wind cut across his face like a knife, making him instinctively hunch his shoulders. He tightened the buttons on his hood and buried his chin deeper into the parka's collar. Few people were on the streets, and those who were had their faces tucked into scarves, hands stuffed in their pockets, hurrying along with their heads down.

The shops along the street were starting to display Christmas decorations. Some windows sparkled with colorful lights, while others were cheerfully adorned with plastic snowflakes and Santa Claus figures. Yet, the bitter cold and piercing wind seemed to sap some of the warmth from the festive atmosphere.

Li Hao arrived at the streetcar stop and waited in the wind for a few minutes before spotting the distant red streetcar slowly approaching. Inside, the lights were warm and soft, and the foggy windows hinted at the contrast between the cold outside and the cozy interior. When the doors opened, a burst of cold air mixed with the murmur of conversations from within. He tapped his transit card, stepped aboard, and found a seat by the window. Placing his backpack on his lap, he quietly gazed at the snowy scene outside.

The streetcar moved steadily through the city. The streetlights, swirling snowflakes, and warm lights from shop windows passed by in a tranquil rhythm, weaving together a tapestry of winter night serenity and festive cheer. Through the window, Li Hao's eyes wandered to the residential houses in the distance. Their front yards were adorned with colorful Christmas lights, creating a vibrant display against the snowy backdrop.

In one yard stood a towering, glowing reindeer sculpture, its proud posture suggesting it might pull an invisible sleigh into the sky at any moment. Nearby, a jolly Santa Claus figure held a giant gift bag, as if ready to deliver holiday surprises down a chimney. These decorations were likely the large, extravagant Christmas ornaments sold at Costco for hundreds of Canadian dollars. The twinkling lights and warm golden hues painted an enchanting holiday scene.

Li Hao thought about the people who lived in those houses. They had probably spent a great deal of time and effort putting up those intricate decorations. He silently reflected that, more than mere holiday adornments, these displays seemed like an expression of their lifestyle—a festive greeting written in light and shadow.

The faint sound of scattered conversations filled the streetcar, mostly about mundane topics like Christmas plans and Black Friday shopping. Li Hao wasn't in the mood to listen. His thoughts had already drifted to what he should eat for dinner and how to plan the rest of his study schedule.

When he reached his destination, Li Hao stepped off the streetcar and into the wind and snow, heading into a dollar store nearby. The store was small, its aisles narrow but tidy. He grabbed a small shopping cart and slowly navigated between the shelves.

Dish sponges, dish soap, paper towels—these daily necessities were sufficient for his needs, though their quality was far from exceptional. At best, they were "good enough." He also picked up a few simple office supplies like sticky notes and markers, as well as some bright-colored Christmas decorations: a plastic wreath, a small string of lights, a few festive ornaments, and a cheap miniature Christmas tree—comfortingly inexpensive.