冬至节的晚上，上海的外滩一片热闹非凡。

On the night of the Dongzhi Festival, Shanghai's The Bund was bustling with activity.

五光十色的灯光如同星星般点缀着历史悠久的滨水长廊，虽然天气清冷，但空气中弥漫着年糕和汤圆的香气，也有此起彼伏的欢声笑语。

The colorful lights decorated the historic waterfront promenade like stars.

莲，一个思虑深邃的年轻人，站在岸边眺望黄浦江。

Although the weather was chilly, the air was filled with the aroma of rice cakes and tangyuan, as well as bursts of laughter.

他的心情却不像这节日的气氛那般晴朗。

Lian, a deep-thinking young man, stood by the riverbank gazing at the Huangpu River.

陈和梅是他的好朋友，他们今天特意为冬至节聚在这里。

His mood wasn't as bright as the festive atmosphere.

陈总是笑声朗朗。

Chen and Mei are his good friends, and they had gathered here specifically for the Dongzhi Festival.

他总能发现生活中的好东西。

Chen always had a hearty laugh and could always find the good things in life.

梅则是他们三人中最细心的，她让大家都凝聚在一起。

Mei was the most attentive among the three, keeping everyone together.

三人并肩坐在外滩的长椅上，观看江对岸绚丽的灯光秀。

The three sat side by side on a bench at The Bund, watching the spectacular light show on the opposite bank.

莲心情复杂。

Lian's feelings were complex.

年末临近，他感到不安，对自己的选择起了疑惑。

As the year-end approached, he felt uneasy and began to doubt his choices.

他曾经认为自己走在正确的道路上，但不确定感却不断侵扰他的内心。

He once thought he was on the right path, but uncertainty kept invading his heart.

陈看出莲有心事，他拍拍莲的肩膀，“怎么了，兄弟？

Chen noticed Lian was troubled and patted his shoulder, "What's up, brother?

不必自己一个人扛着，说出来我们一起参详参详。

You don't have to carry it alone; talk to us, and we'll figure it out together."

”莲犹豫了一下，终于开口：“我不太确定今年做的决定是不是正确的。

Lian hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "I'm not sure if the decisions I made this year were right.

有时候我真的很迷茫，担心未来。

Sometimes, I feel really lost and worried about the future."

”梅轻轻握住莲的手，“每个人都有这种时候。

Mei gently held Lian's hand, "Everyone has those times.

我也怕过，我相信陈也一样。

I've been scared too, and I believe Chen has as well."

”陈点点头，“没错，我也走过很多弯路。

Chen nodded, "That's right, I've also taken many detours.

但每个选择都是成长的一部分，没有人一开始就能知道对的道路在哪里。

But every choice is part of growth; no one knows the right path from the start."

”他们开始分享各自的故事，有迷茫的时光，有快乐的回忆，也有成功的经验。

They began sharing their stories—times of confusion, joyful memories, and successful experiences.

听着他们的讲述，莲感到自己内心的阴霾逐渐散开，取而代之的是一种温暖和信心。

As Lian listened to their stories, he felt the shadows in his heart gradually dissipate, replaced by warmth and confidence.

当晚，三人在一个小餐馆里围坐一桌，享用着热气腾腾的饺子和汤圆。

That evening, the trio sat around a table in a small restaurant, enjoying steaming hot dumplings and tangyuan.

盘子里，热乎乎的食物如同彼此间的情谊，温暖着他们的心。

The hot food in the dishes, like their friendship, warmed their hearts.

灯光依旧璀璨，照亮了他们的笑脸。

The lights continued to shine brightly, illuminating their smiles.

莲终于意识到，朋友的支持和理解是多么重要。

Lian finally realized how important the support and understanding of friends are.

通过表达自己的脆弱，他发现自己并不孤单。

By expressing his vulnerability, he found he was not alone.

朋友的鼓励给了他新的勇气。

His friends' encouragement gave him new courage.

夜深了，三人告别，约定下次再聚。

Late at night, the three said goodbye, agreeing to meet again next time.

外滩的灯火渐渐熄灭，但莲心中的火焰却愈加明亮。

The lights of The Bund gradually dimmed, but the flame in Lian's heart burned ever brighter.

他知道自己的未来或许仍有许多不确定，但有朋友相伴，他不再畏惧。

He knew his future might still hold uncertainties, but with friends by his side, he was no longer afraid.

在这冬至节的夜晚，莲学会了一个重要的道理：人生的旅程，无需独自一人。

On this Dongzhi Festival night, Lian learned an important lesson: the journey of life doesn't have to be traveled alone.

带着朋友的支持，他确信未来会更加明朗。

With the support of friends, he's sure the future will be brighter.