infrastructural improvements in the hometown, such as new petrochemical industrial zones, real estate development, and the opening of a high-speed rail station, have led to better roads and other facilities, including a new sports park. However, these developments have not translated into a significant increase in job opportunities, resulting in young people continuing to leave the town, with population only swelling during holidays.

The author observes the noticeable aging of distant relatives during family gatherings, and notes that their father appears significantly thinner and older. The author's mother, while appearing relatively well, also shows signs of aging.

The author's cousin, now in high school, describes a more demanding academic schedule than in the author's time, with early morning reading sessions starting around 6 AM and only a one-hour break between school dismissal and evening study for meals and showering.

The author's mother expressed feeling unaccustomed to the house feeling emptier after the author's departure, a sentiment the author finds difficult to address given their established independence and limited prospects in their hometown. The author also feels their mother, nearing retirement, may have too much free time.

The author is repeatedly and indirectly urged by family and relatives to find a girlfriend. The author's response, citing a lack of financial resources, often silences further discussion, acknowledging the financial challenges associated with dating and marriage in the current climate.

老家是十八线小城镇，这几年得益于石化工业区的新建、房地产的开发和高铁站的开通，不管是公路还是一些其他设施都修建得比原来要好，甚至还新建了体育公园。虽然基建普遍在完善，但是工作岗位增加得不多，年轻人依旧在往外逃离，也就节假日人多点；和亲戚聚餐的时候能看到很多很久才见一面的长辈亲戚肉眼可见的老了很多，我妈倒还好，我爸老的也挺明显，变的很瘦小；和刚上高中的表弟聊天才知道现在的高中也比我们以前那会还要累，早上六点多就要到教室晨读，下午放学到晚自习也只有一个小时能去吃饭和洗澡；我妈在我昨天返程后语音聊天时说不习惯家里又少人，我也不知道怎么说，我都出来工作两三年了之前都能习惯怎么又突然不习惯。再者不习惯又能怎么办，回老家也没什么好的工作岗位也只剩考公，我还不是很想考公，考公也不好考。还是觉得我妈太闲了，再过两年还是三年她就要退休我都不知道她怎么打发时间。这次回去又是被家里以及亲戚直接或间接地催找女朋友，我直接说没钱找，大部分听到这之后就不好说什么了，毕竟现在不管是找女朋友或者是结婚没钱都很难进行下去。