Hello Argentina

Oliver Barnes:

I sit in a narrow seat, leaning over the airplane window, my gaze fixed on the endless sky. My mind is consumed with thoughts of the upcoming archaeological conference in Argentina and what the future holds for me. Every vibration of the engines and squeak of the wheels on the runway makes my heart beat faster with excitement.

Around me, I see a diverse array of passengers. Sitting next to me is a stern but observant businessman dressed in a French suit. It appears he is engrossed in reading an economic newspaper, but his eyes occasionally gaze intently out the window, as if seeking inspiration from the skies.

At the other end of the row, there is a young woman with red hair and tattoos on her arms. Her eyes sparkle with curiosity, and in her hands, she twirls a small clay figurine. She often turns her head, as if trying to capture every moment of the journey in her memory.

Behind me, there is a family with two children. They laugh and chatter, exuding joy for the impending adventure. I can't help but smile, watching their liveliness and boundless energy.

On the horizon, a beautiful landscape unfolds. The sun breaks through the clouds, casting soft hues across the sky. In the distance, towering mountains covered in eternal snow come into view. The weather is pleasant, the air fresh and pure. I feel my soul soaring along with the plane, filled with anticipation and excitement for the adventures that await.

As I sit in my seat, I decide to reach for my phone and kill some time by reading novels while the plane makes its way to the destination airport. We are heading to Buenos Aires, Argentina, a city known for its vibrant culture and rich history.

I scroll through my e-book collection and choose a Chinese cultivation novel. It's a popular genre filled with fantastical elements, martial arts, and spiritual enlightenment. Little do people know that it was my love for these novels that led me to pursue a career in archaeology, seeking to uncover something mystical from the past.

About ten years ago, I had a revelation after immersing myself in the world of cultivation novels. The intricate power systems, the pursuit of enlightenment, and the discovery of ancient artifacts fascinated me. I realized that I wanted to be a part of that world, to uncover the secrets of history and maybe even stumble upon something extraordinary

As I continue reading the cultivation novel, I can't help but notice the familiar tropes and clichés that permeate the story. Once again, the protagonist finds himself reincarnated into a seemingly useless young man, bullied by his peers and burdened with a sickly sister and a hardworking mother struggling to make ends meet. Despite the typical and less-than-ideal beginning, I persevere, hoping for something unique to unfold.

However, as the story progresses, I find myself pleasantly surprised. The author manages to infuse the narrative with unexpected twists and turns, steering away from the predictable and monotonous plotlines. The cultivation journey becomes a catalyst for personal growth, not only for the protagonist but also for the relationships he forges along the way.

As I continue to reflect on the cultivation novel I've been reading, a thought crosses my mind. One of the aspects that tends to irk me in these novels is the prevalence of protagonists who exhibit the typical traits of a Japanese high school student and blah blah blah. It reminds me of that quote from the movie "And she's ready to undress herself, but it's a family movie". However, in this particular novel, things seem different. At least the main character behaves reasonably. But I can't help but cringe some times at the behavior of both the protagonist and the antagonists—it's as if I'm reminded of the Joker saying, "Why so serious?"...

As the seatbelt sign lights up and the announcement instructs us to fasten our seatbelts in preparation for landing, a sense of relief washes over me. Finally, the restless children who had been running around the cabin will settle down, and we will soon arrive at our destination.

I glance around the airplane cabin, observing the other passengers as they obediently buckle up. The businessman next to me adjusts his tie, preparing himself for the imminent touchdown. The young woman with the clay figurine carefully stows it away, her eyes filled with anticipation for what awaits her in Buenos Aires. The family behind me gathers their belongings, ensuring everything is in order for their arrival.

As the plane begins its descent, I peer out of the window, catching glimpses of the sprawling city below. The anticipation builds within me, fueling my excitement for the archaeological conference and the mysteries that lie ahead.