The breakfast at Longmen Hilton Hotel is a feast for the eyes, with a long buffet table filled with various delicacies. Freshly cut watermelon, dragon fruit, and pineapple are beautifully arranged on ice platters. The bread section features crispy croissants, multigrain rolls sprinkled with oats, pineapple buns wrapped in milk cream, and freshly baked garlic baguettes. The hot food area is steaming, with century egg and lean meat congee bubbling gently on the stove, while the chef at the rice noodle station skillfully blanches the rice noodles, with green onions, crispy fried garlic, and fragrant minced meat laid out on the ingredient table. The sound of the coffee machine hissing fills the air, and the aroma of freshly ground coffee wafts throughout the restaurant. After getting their meals, Xiaomeng and her husband find that all the indoor seats are taken, so they carry their plates to the garden outside the restaurant.

The garden is lush with green grass, dotted with a few white umbrellas. In the distance, under the blue sky and white clouds, the swimming pool glimmers with sunlight, and a few early risers are swimming in it. Xiaomeng and her husband choose a spot near the flower bed to sit down, with their table right next to a cluster of blooming jasmine, its fragrance wafting through the air. Her husband scoops a spoonful of century egg congee and exclaims, "The congee here is so smooth and creamy." Just as Xiaomeng is about to respond, she notices a lady in her fifties standing up and walking towards them.

The lady is dressed in a simple cotton and linen long dress, her hair neatly tied back, and although she looks a bit weary, her gaze is gentle. "Excuse me," she smiles apologetically, "could you please keep an eye on my food? I need to go to the restroom." Xiaomeng quickly nods, "No problem, go ahead." On the lady's table, there is a bowl of plain congee, a plate of greens, and a small portion of fruit, looking very light. Xiaomeng notices a jade bracelet on her finger, which looks quite nice, but her wrist appears too slender.

In just three to five minutes, the lady returns. After thanking them, she is about to sit down when she suddenly spots the room card next to Xiaomeng: "You both came from Guangzhou, right?"

And so, the two began to chat. It turns out the lady's surname is Chen, and she is from the Yuexiu District of Guangzhou. Before retiring, she was a Chinese language teacher in a middle school. She has been staying alone in Longmen for five days, mainly because her health is not very good, and the doctor suggested she change her environment for recovery.

"My daughter is abroad, and my husband passed away early," Teacher Chen stirs her bowl of congee gently, "I get so bored at home alone, so I came out for a walk."

Xiaomeng carefully observes Teacher Chen and notices that although her makeup is neat, there is an undeniable weariness in her eyes. During their conversation, Xiaomeng learns that Teacher Chen has a mild heart condition and has been suffering from long-term insomnia, which leaves her feeling perpetually low in energy.

"Actually, there are many places in Guangdong that are great for recovery," Xiaomeng says enthusiastically, "I went to a hot spring resort in Conghua with my husband before; the air there is good, and you can soak in the hot springs. There's also a homestay in Nankun Mountain that is very quiet, and the owner cooks farm-style meals with vegetables grown by himself."

Teacher Chen listens intently, forgetting to drink her congee: "Really? I only know this place."

"And there's more," Xiaomeng becomes more animated, "there's a wellness resort in Zhuhai that offers traditional Chinese medicine consultations and medicinal diet therapy. A colleague of mine stayed there for a week and said she felt much more energetic."

Her husband listens with a smile, occasionally adding a few comments. Sunlight filters through the umbrella onto the table, and people come and go in the garden, but their table is buzzing with conversation. Teacher Chen takes out her phone and carefully notes down the places Xiaomeng mentions, asking detailed questions about transportation and accommodation.

"Actually, I’m retired too, and my finances are okay," Teacher Chen sighs, "but I just feel so low in energy all the time. The doctors say it’s my mood affecting me. My daughter always tells me I don’t know how to relax, but I really don’t know how to relax alone."

Xiaomeng nods in understanding: "So you need to get out and walk. Different environments and different people can really change your mood. My mom used to be like that, always bored at home, but after she traveled a few times with her friends, she became much happier."

Teacher Chen thoughtfully scoops a spoonful of congee and suddenly asks, "You and your husband have such a good relationship, it must be nice to go out and have fun together."

Xiaomeng and her husband exchange smiles. Indeed, after so many years of marriage, they still maintain the habit of traveling together regularly. It’s not always to far or luxurious places; sometimes it’s just a night or two nearby, changing the environment and sharing their thoughts.

"Actually, having a good mood is really important," Xiaomeng says sincerely, "I have an aunt who wasn’t in good health before, but after she made some friends and started going out for tea and hiking every day, she’s now full of energy."

A glimmer of longing flashes in Teacher Chen's eyes: "I want to find some activities like that too, but I’m a bit shy alone."

"You don’t have to be shy," Xiaomeng encourages, "there are many retirees traveling in groups now. I’ll keep an eye out for you and let you know if I find any good groups."

After nearly an hour of breakfast, Teacher Chen insists on adding Xiaomeng on WeChat. "Thank you so much today," she says sincerely, "not only for introducing me to so many good places but also for sharing your insights with me. I really think I need to change my lifestyle."

Xiaomeng notices that the weariness on Teacher Chen's face seems to have faded a bit, and her eyes are much brighter, which makes her feel a sense of comfort.

As they leave the restaurant, her husband softly says to Xiaomeng, "You really put in a lot of effort talking to her."

Xiaomeng links her arm with her husband's: "Seeing Teacher Chen reminds me of my mom. As people age, they really need more care and encouragement. Besides, a good mood is really beneficial for health; there’s scientific evidence for that."

The next morning, Xiaomeng encounters Teacher Chen again in the restaurant. To her surprise, Teacher Chen looks noticeably better today; she not only orders an extra plate of fried noodles but also shares her experience of going to the hotel spa last night with Xiaomeng.

"I think I’ve figured it out," Teacher Chen says with a smile, "since my pension is enough, and my daughter always tells me to spend money on myself, I’ve decided to follow your advice and come out for a few days every month to take care of my body and mood."

Xiaomeng is genuinely happy for her. On the day they leave, Teacher Chen specially comes to see them off and gives Xiaomeng a small box of local hawthorn cakes: "Thank you, and when I return to Guangzhou, I’ll treat you to tea."

On the way back, Xiaomeng looks at the scenery rushing by outside the window and suddenly says to her husband, "People really need change and surprises, no matter how old they are. Just like Teacher Chen, changing the environment and meeting more people can naturally brighten one’s mood."

Her husband nods: "Yes, that’s why I always go out with you. No matter what, the most important thing is to be happy."

Xiaomeng smiles, recalling Teacher Chen's last words: "She said she’s already planning to go to Conghua for hot springs next month and even asked if I want to go with her."

"So what did you say?" her husband asks curiously.

"I said sure, since I love soaking in hot springs." Xiaomeng winks, "But of course, I’ll go with you."

The car drives steadily on the highway, and Xiaomeng reflects on Teacher Chen's transformation, feeling a surge of emotions. It turns out that sometimes, health is not just about taking medicine and seeing doctors, but also about the relaxation and joy of the spirit. A good mood is worth more than countless medicines; a chance encounter may bring unexpected changes.

Looking at the distant rolling green mountains, Xiaomeng suddenly feels that this trip to Longmen has brought her not only rest and relaxation but also a rare insight and friendship.