I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2215 - 1413: Summer of Juzo (Part 2)

"Thanks, I actually don't recall anymore, but you certainly played that piece with great skill."

The young man didn't linger on it, placing his ukulele back upon his knees. "Are you a senior student here?"

"Not at all."

Jiang Chen offered a faint smile. "I'm merely here to visit a friend."

Though Boss Jiang possessed a youthful appearance—or rather, he was genuinely young in years—his aura was distinct. It prevented him from simply fading into the sea of students surrounding him.

He wasn't like those actors who, even in their middle age, attempt to portray teenagers without causing any sense of jarring inconsistency for the viewers.

"What is your year?"

"I’m a senior."

The boy gave his ukulele a gentle strum.

Small wonder he appeared so carefree.

"So, have you managed to secure a promising position yet?" Jiang Chen inquired casually with a grin.

"I still haven't looked for a job."

No employment fixed yet?

Jiang Chen felt a spark of surprise; students from Kyoto University were widely considered the nation's elite. Was it possible that even they were feeling the pinch of shifting employment trends?

That didn't seem right.

Seemingly catching Jiang Chen's surprise, the youth chuckled and responded, "I just haven't started looking yet."

Jiang Chen nodded, grasping the situation.

"Does your family possess a business? Or are you focused on research or preparation for the civil service exams?"

"Actually, no."

The youth tapped the body of his ukulele. "I have intentions of becoming a wandering artist."

Without a hint of judgment or surprise, Jiang Chen offered a knowing, warm smile. "Planning to see the world with your music?"

"Precisely."

The boy nodded with enthusiasm, stroking his instrument fondly. "That has always been my dream."

Jiang Chen smiled and nodded, looking out over the Kyoto University campus—a location treated as hallowed ground by all of China. "That sounds like a beautiful life."

"Many people dismiss it as mere daydreaming and a total lack of ambition," the youth admitted with a sigh. "My family and parents included."

Apart from his standard principles of integrity, Boss Jiang always held a level of respect for Kyoto University students, particularly because he himself had never managed to attend such an institution.

"Frankly, true happiness is found in living life strictly on your own terms. However, your parents' perspective is entirely understandable. Raising a high-achieving student at Kyoto University is a point of pride for any family. Naturally, they desire for you to achieve greater success and secure a more stable future."

The boy gazed at him, appearing visibly moved.

"Right, that is probably how they view it. They feel that I shouldn't squander my education and that I owe it to society to contribute. But..."

He scratched his head, perhaps spurred by the candid nature of meeting a stranger, and laughed lightly. "...But I truly lack those grand ambitions."

Jiang Chen’s smile broadened.

"And what exactly defines 'grand ambition'? Running an expansive corporate empire, hoarding massive wealth, or securing a high-level government post?"

The boy laughed as well, having not expected to encounter someone with such shared perspectives during an ordinary afternoon.

"Do you believe that I can truly pursue the life I desire?"

Jiang Chen refrained from giving a direct answer. "Would you like to know what my own dream was at your age?"

"What was it?" the boy asked, his interest piqued.

He realized his companion was only a few years his senior, and thanks to Boss Jiang’s grounded and approachable demeanor, he felt no sense of social distance.

"To travel to Russia and snap photos with bears, sip whiskey inside a isolated cabin while the snow drifts down outside, and go on a road trip with close friends and loved ones along the 318 highway..."

The youth’s eyes brightened as he nodded eagerly. "That is exactly the type of life I dream of too!"

It was as he suspected.

The lad truly resembled a younger version of himself.

"As for lacking ambition, I was even less driven than you at that age. I felt that life is merely a few fleeting decades; you never know when the end will arrive, so one must chase what they truly love. You don't need a massive mansion, your clothes don't need to be expensive labels, and this Earth is simply a vast playground. Money is just a medium for games—some possess more and some less, which dictates which rides you can enjoy, but it never impacts the length of time you actually get to play."

The boy’s expression shifted, his gaze filled with fresh awe and a newfound sense of respect for his peer from Kyoto University.

What a profound take on the human experience!

He knew he hadn't yet reached a state of such clarity.

"Are you not concerned about how society might perceive that?"

It was a standard question, but one entirely irrelevant when directed at Boss Jiang.

Having navigated countless judgmental stares, Jiang Chen just let out a soft laugh.

"My parents are no longer with us."

The boy looked startled before quickly saying, "I am truly sorry."

This young man, while dreaming of a life of freedom, still carried the heavy expectations of his parents, which naturally caused his internal hesitation.

"Ultimately, the core desire of any parent is their child’s joy. They might not even recognize that themselves, coming to terms with it eventually. If you sincerely believe in the path you've chosen, I’m certain your parents will come to understand and support you. Of course, that assumes you possess the means to sustain your ideal lifestyle independently. If not, it is better to work, save up your funds, and then pursue your dreams once you are prepared."

"I can definitely sustain myself!" the boy affirmed.

Jiang Chen nodded with a smile.

A moment later, the boy quieted his voice, clutching the ukulele close.

"But is that selfish? My roommates and fellow students haven't wasted the efforts put into their upbringing; some have joined research facilities, others are working for cutting-edge companies, and they will surely make massive contributions to society."

Indeed.

Kyoto University remained, after all, a pinnacle of learning.

He had never pondered such heavy matters in his youth.

"If everyone at Kyoto University acted like you, intending to become wandering artists, this nation would certainly be in trouble," Jiang Chen observed with a humorous, sharp honesty.

"But that outcome is an impossibility. A life of music and travel is your quest, not someone else's. Some people find their purpose in gaining fame, etching their names into history, honoring their lineage, or serving their flag... The path you choose not to take is the path others actively chase."

The boy grew quiet, lost in contemplation.

"Besides, aren't those people working tirelessly so that wandering artists have the freedom to pursue their interests without being burdened?"

His voice was calm and easy.

Yet, it struck the youth deeply.

The roles one rejects are always filled by others.

And some individuals labor specifically to grant others the privilege to chase their own horizons.

The boy sat in silence for a few long seconds.

"Bro, have you managed to achieve your dreams?"

Initially, even knowing the man was older, he hadn't used the term "bro."

Jiang Chen’s smile beamed, free of any weariness or aging tension.

"Life is constantly shifting. The important thing is that you continue to strive toward what you value.*

"Bro, wait right there."

The boy stole another glance at the volume of *Diary of a Madman* in Jiang Chen's possession. He had an idea; fearing the stranger would simply depart, he handed his ukulele to Jiang Chen for safekeeping and sprinted downhill toward his dorms.

Twenty minutes passed before the boy, panting, scrambled back up the slope.

"Bro, thank you for those words. I am determined to lead the life I want!"

He gestured with his hand and offered a book he had retrieved.

"Utopia"

"Is this for me?"

The boy nodded.

The crisp chime of the lecture bell echoed across the sprawling campus.

Jiang Chen rose, dusting off his clothes, returning the ukulele and accepting the gifted book in one motion.

"That 'Summer of Juzo' you played will sound even more perfect in a place like Polar Town."

The boy grinned, appearing completely unburdened.

"Bro, watch out for me on social media—I might just become an influencer yet."

Jiang Chen held the book and waved the copy of *Utopia*.

"Shall I ask for an autograph now, just in case?"

"Haha, I already signed it for you."

Surprised, Jiang Chen opened the worn copy of *Utopia* and spotted a signature on the inside leaf.

"Thanks, brother!"

The youth waved his farewells, perspiring but lighthearted, carrying his instrument as he headed off onto the path.

Jiang Chen remained on the slope, a calm, contented smile on his face.