Takeout, 985, and a Time Capsule

Li Ming parked his electric scooter at the entrance of the "Jinxiu Garden" residential complex. He expertly retrieved two portions of braised chicken and rice from his insulated delivery bag and glanced at the address on the order: Building 12, Unit 3, Room 502.

It was an old complex, with no elevator. Li Ming took a deep breath and started climbing the stairs. He wore a blue windbreaker with the "Ele.me" logo, his helmet concealing his somewhat weary face. Sweat soaked through his shirt, sticking uncomfortably to his skin.

Li Ming, a computer science graduate from a 985 university, was now a proud takeout delivery driver.

Reaching the fifth floor, Li Ming knocked on the door of 502. An elderly professor with graying hair, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a refined demeanor, opened the door.

"Professor, your takeout," Li Ming said politely, handing over the food.

The professor took the delivery, smiling. "Thank you, young man. Young people these days are really hardworking."

Li Ming was taken aback, forcing a smile as he turned to go downstairs. The professor's words stung a little, reminding him of a recent news headline: "Professor says it's normal for 985 graduates to deliver takeout."

Back at the complex entrance, Li Ming saw several workers digging up the road to lay new pipes. The excavator roared, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Suddenly, the excavator's bucket struck something hard with a clang. The workers stopped the machine and gathered around.

Li Ming, curious, joined the crowd.

A worker dug out a rusty iron box from the soil, a small padlock still attached.

"What's this? Treasure?" one worker joked.

"Let's open it and find out," another said eagerly.

They wrestled with the lock and pried open the box. Inside, there were no gold or jewels, just some yellowed papers and a CD.

"Damn, thought it was something good," the workers grumbled, preparing to discard the box.

"Wait!" Li Ming suddenly shouted. He recognized the box. It was the time capsule he and his classmates had buried ten years ago!

Li Ming took the box and carefully removed its contents. He unfolded a piece of paper; it was a letter he had written to his future self ten years prior.

The letter began: "Hello, me in ten years! Right now, I'm on the campus of a 985 university, dreaming of a bright future. I imagine myself in ten years, having become a successful programmer, working at a big company like BAT, earning a high salary, and living a respectable life..."

Li Ming's hands trembled slightly as he continued reading.

"...Perhaps I'll face some setbacks, like not finding my ideal job, or encountering unfair treatment in the workplace. But I believe I can overcome any difficulties and achieve my dreams..."

The letter concluded: "...No matter what, please don't forget your original aspirations, and don't give up on your love for life. Keep going!"

Li Ming finished reading, looked up at the construction site, and then back at the takeout order in his hand. He suddenly laughed, a laugh that was both bitter and relieved.

Just then, the professor came down from upstairs. Seeing Li Ming, he asked, "Young man, why haven't you left?"

Li Ming handed the letter to the professor. "Professor, take a look at this."

The professor accepted the letter and read it carefully. After finishing, he adjusted his glasses, looked at Li Ming, and said meaningfully, "See? Isn't this perfectly normal?"

Li Ming nodded, put on his helmet, mounted his scooter, and disappeared into the bustling streets.