Colorful years

It was another sunny day, and Mr. Hu's much-anticipated Chinese class was about to begin.

That was during the first semester of fifth grade.

Sunlight streamed through the windows into the classroom, and the spring breeze seemed to carry tenderness, gently caressing everyone's face.

At this moment, Teacher Hu walked into the classroom with a beaming smile and steadily stepped onto the podium.

As the class monitor, Congcong was the first to stand up from his seat, his eyes filled with piety and reverence, and his voice giving the command was firm and powerful:

"Stand up, good morning teacher! Salute!" The whole class stood up in unison, paying their highest respects to Teacher Hu.

Teacher Hu waved gently, a warm smile on his face: "Hello, students! Please sit down." His voice was gentle and kind, like the warm sunshine of spring, warming the hearts of every student.

"Before class begins, I have some exciting news to share with you all." Teacher Hu's voice was tinged with excitement as he pulled a newly published copy of the *Unity Daily* from his lesson plan and showed it to the students. "Zhang Cong's story, 'The Story of a Pork Chop,' has been published in the supplement of the *Unity Daily*!"

Then, Mr. Hu began to read the text aloud with deep emotion. His voice was melodious and sincere, as if he were transporting the students into a world full of love and warmth.

The protagonist of this story is my grandfather, the kindest and most selfless grandfather in the world. His love for me is reflected in every little thing, making me feel endless warmth and care.

It was springtime when I was three years old, an auspicious day in 1965. On the way home from the wedding procession, my grandfather specially brought me a precious pork chop.

When I saw the pork chop in my grandfather's hand, I was overwhelmed with joy, and tears welled up in my eyes.

This was a delicacy that Grandpa should have enjoyed himself, but he couldn't bear to eat it and saved it for me when I was young.

Imagine this scene: the wedding banquet is about to end, and Grandpa looks around to make sure no one is watching. He then quietly takes out the pork chop he's been saving from his bowl. He carefully wraps it in a handkerchief, his movements gentle and practiced, as if performing a sacred ritual.

Everyone around was enjoying the food and the merriment, and no one noticed Grandpa's little gesture. But Grandpa's heart was filled with love and expectations for me. He knew that there were many children in the family, life was hard, and they rarely ate meat throughout the year, only tasting its deliciousness during the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Spring Festival.

In those days, who didn't long for a hearty meal of meat? And I was a child who especially loved eating meat, but I had absolutely no interest in fatty meat.

So Grandpa always took the initiative and put the ribs in his own bowl so that I could enjoy them.

From then on, whenever Grandpa attended a wedding or funeral, he would bring back a pork chop for me.

Grandpa's heart is filled with happiness and satisfaction every time he sees me eating with relish.

That day, Grandpa secretly wrapped up the pork chops he couldn't bear to eat. After the banquet, he bid farewell to the host and guests and began his journey home.

He carried the precious pork chop in his arms, his steps light and energetic. All the way, he imagined his grandson's surprised expression and joyful laughter when he saw the pork chop, his heart filled with anticipation and happiness.

When I got home, Grandpa couldn't wait to take out the wrapped pork chop and walk up to me.

I was playing in the yard when I saw the pork ribs in Grandpa's hand, and my eyes lit up immediately. I excitedly ran over, hugged Grandpa's leg, and said in a spoiled tone, "Grandpa, you brought me meat again!"

Grandpa smiled and nodded, handing me the pork chop. I took the pork chop and eagerly took a bite, a satisfied and happy smile spreading across my face.

As I ate, I said, "Grandpa, you're so kind! When I grow up, I'll buy you lots of delicious food!"

Grandpa stroked my head and said, "Good child, Grandpa doesn't expect anything in return. Your health and happiness are Grandpa's greatest wish."

After I finished my pork chop, I held my grandpa's hand and we played together in the yard. We played hide-and-seek, swung on the swings, told stories... and laughter filled the whole yard.