Colorful years

When Congcong and his classmates learned that they would be taking their graduation photos in the county town, they were overjoyed, their happiness was indescribable.

This long-awaited news quickly spread throughout the class, and everyone excitedly ran around telling each other, like firecrackers that had been lit.

Following Teacher Hu's instructions to "dress neatly and smartly, and bring your own food and drinking water," everyone began to make careful preparations.

Some students rummaged through their closets to find their prettiest clothes; others carefully selected suitable shoes, striving to make their overall image stand out; still others carefully considered what delicious and easy-to-carry snacks and plenty of drinking water to bring.

Days passed by, and finally the day of departure arrived! In the early morning, as the warm autumn sun shone on the earth, the students eagerly shouldered their backpacks filled with dry food and drinking water and excitedly rushed to the school playground to assemble.

The campus was filled with laughter and joy, like a sea of ​​happiness.

Teacher Hu and Teacher Chen were already waiting there, standing at the front of the line of students awaiting instructions. Teacher Hu, who had initially been smiling, quickly became serious: "Students, today Teacher Chen and I will be leading you to the county town to take graduation photos. There will be both individual photos and group photos. We believe these photos will become the most precious and beautiful memories of our elementary school life, and the best way to commemorate this time."

Therefore, all students must follow instructions and maintain good order. After hearing Teacher Hu's words, the students became even more excited, their eyes sparkling with anticipation for the trip.

After pausing for a moment, Old Hu slowly swept his sharp gaze across each student in the room before continuing, "Children, the county we're going to this time is more than eighty miles away from here, along a rugged mountain road. Because our place is so remote, there's still no road, so we'll have to rely on our own two feet to walk to the county town."

This journey will be quite long and arduous, but don't be afraid. Treat it as a valuable experience for yourself. Remember, from now on, you must follow my instructions in all actions. You are not allowed to leave the group or run around or cause trouble.

Also, we're all part of a group, so we must help and encourage each other to move forward together. Those of you from wealthier families, if you brought enough food, why not be generous and share the extra with your classmates who are from less fortunate backgrounds? This way, everyone can complete the trip more easily and enjoyably.

Teacher Hu paused again at this point, gazing at the group of energetic children with a smile and a look of anticipation.

After a short while, he raised his voice and asked, "So, students, can you meet the requirements I just mentioned?"

"Teacher, we can definitely do it!" The students shouted in unison, their voices clear and loud, as if they were about to pierce the sky.

Immediately following, with Teacher Hu's powerful command "Let's go!", the students lined up one after another behind their teacher, full of energy, and embarked on the long journey to the county town.

Sunlight shone on them, illuminating their faces, which were full of vigor and firm belief.

Congcong's heavy schoolbag contained more than just ordinary items! Inside the bulging bag was a military green water bottle, filled with tea carefully brewed from premium old tea seeds. And besides that, ten fragrant corn cakes lay quietly in the bag.

Don't underestimate these corn cakes! They're not your average corn cakes. Each one is a carefully crafted masterpiece, containing one-fifth glutinous rice! That's why these corn cakes are soft, chewy, and sweet—just the smell is enough to make your mouth water.

Actually, the clever and quick-witted Congcong had already made a plan: on the way, he planned to treat himself first and enjoy two corn cakes; then he would give two to each of the kind and gentle Teacher Hu and Teacher Chen so that they could also taste this delicious treat; and finally, he would generously distribute the remaining four to the students who were struggling financially, so that everyone could feel this warmth and care.