Su Ling's Time Travel

As night fell, the mountain air grew colder, but Zhang Guozhu's heart was warmed by their conversation. His father's words were like a lamp, illuminating the path ahead. Although the mountain road was long and uncertain, each step seemed to make him more clearly aware of the responsibility and mission on his shoulders.

"Dad, we need to get some rest early tonight. We still have to deliver mail tomorrow," Zhang Guozhu whispered to his father as they walked.

Zhang Fugui smiled slightly. Although his steps were a little slow, his eyes were still full of composure and calmness. "Are you afraid of getting tired?" he said, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing. "Remember, walking is like life. Don't rush. Take it slow, and you'll be more stable."

Zhang Guozhu smiled upon hearing this, "You knew I'd be anxious." He glanced at his father, his heart filled with gratitude. Each time he set off, his father would offer him some relaxing wisdom, and these words were like a good medicine, gradually teaching him to maintain inner peace in a chaotic world.

As they walked, the two discussed village affairs. Zhang Guozhu noticed that although his father was old, his eyes were still full of energy and enthusiasm when he talked about the villagers, as if he were still the postman full of ideals and drive in his youth.

“Dad, on the way here today, I saw a child fall down on the mountain road,” Zhang Guozhu suddenly said. “He looked like he was in a lot of pain and didn’t get help in time. I was thinking that if there had been a cell tower or more assistance, maybe he wouldn’t have gotten hurt.”

Zhang Fugui listened and nodded. "Yes, the conditions in the mountain village are indeed poor, and the roads are difficult to travel. You're right, with more help, those difficulties might be reduced." He paused, looking into the distance, his gaze deep. "But you must also know that those who travel this road are not just postmen, but messengers of hope and help. No matter how bad the weather or how treacherous the road, as long as they can do something for the villagers, it's worthwhile."

Zhang Guozhu took a deep breath. He knew that his father's words were not merely a hope for the future, but a summary of his life experiences over the past few decades. His father had long understood that the hardships and challenges of this path were no longer simply work, but a burden that carried the emotions and lives of the entire village.

"No matter what, Dad, I will definitely keep going." Zhang Guozhu's voice was deep and powerful, as if he were making a promise, or as if he were encouraging himself.

His father looked at him and smiled slightly. "I knew you would, Guozhu. You're ready," he said, his tone gentle yet firm. "I've walked this path my whole life, seen too many sights, and weathered too many storms. Now, I entrust this responsibility to you. Go further on the road ahead."

Zhang Guozhu lowered his head, his gaze falling on his backpack. That backpack was more than just a postman's tool; it was a vessel carrying responsibility and emotion. He slowly raised his head, looking at the distant mountains dyed red by the sunset, and an unnamed strength rose within him. He knew that he was no longer the young man who had merely followed in his father's footsteps, but someone who had to shoulder his own responsibility for this road, for this village.

Gradually, the lights in the mountain village began to come on. Each light in the night was like a faint star, adorning this tranquil world. Zhang Guozhu and Zhang Fugui entered a villager's house. Inside, the aroma of hot food still filled the air. The homeowner, Aunt Li, had already prepared dinner, and her eyes filled with smiles upon seeing the father and son.

"You've arrived! Come in and have something to eat. You must be tired from your journey tonight." Aunt Li's words were full of warmth, as if she were a long-lost relative.

Zhang Fugui smiled and nodded, "It was a bit cold on the road today, but the food you made smelled so good, it really warmed me up."

Zhang Guozhu smiled and followed his father inside, taking off his coat and sitting down at the table. The dishes on the table were simple, but behind each dish lay a heartfelt sentiment. Every meal in the village was so warm, seemingly able to heal all weariness and loneliness.

"Dad, a child fell down on the way today, and it really broke my heart," Zhang Guozhu suddenly said in a low voice, a hint of unease in his eyes.

Zhang Fugui put down his chopsticks, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes. "Are you talking about Xiaojun?" he asked, his tone calm but full of concern.

Zhang Guozhu nodded. "It was him. He fell on the mountain road and was badly injured. Luckily, I helped him in time. Aunt Li, do you know Xiao Jun?"

Upon hearing this, Aunt Li's expression immediately turned serious. "Xiao Jun is a child from our village. His parents went to work in the city, and he lives alone. I heard a few days ago that he fell on the mountain road. Fortunately, he wasn't seriously injured this time, otherwise..." She paused, a hint of helplessness and heartache in her eyes, "...it's really heartbreaking."

Listening to Aunt Li's words, Zhang Guozhu felt a surge of inexplicable emotion. He knew that there were many children like Xiaojun, whose living conditions were not good, yet they still grew up tenaciously on this land. A strange sense of responsibility rose in Zhang Guozhu's heart, as if he himself had become a part of this land, shouldering the mission of bringing warmth and hope to everyone.

After dinner, it was getting late, and Zhang Guozhu and Zhang Fugui got up to say goodbye. "Aunt Li, thank you for your hospitality," Zhang Guozhu said gently, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Not at all, not at all. You've worked hard, please be careful on your journey." Aunt Li's words were filled with deep affection for her hometown.

As they walked out of Aunt Li's house, the father and son stood in the night. Zhang Guozhu suddenly said softly, "Dad, you're right. This road is more than just a place to deliver letters; it carries so much responsibility. Every letter is a hope. I will definitely not let it down."

Zhang Fugui nodded, his eyes filled with approval. "Let's go, Guozhu. No matter how difficult the future may be, this path is destined to be yours."