Colorful years

Hearing her family's praise, Shi Daya felt a surge of pride. She picked up her chopsticks, placed a piece of pork offal in Congcong's bowl, and then gave another piece to her grandfather. After that, she took a piece for herself and savored it carefully.

The meat was tender and juicy, with a smooth and delicious texture; every bite was a delight for her. Paired with fresh vegetables and steaming rice, it was simply divine!

The family sat around the dining table, eating and chatting in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Congcong excitedly recounted the arduous journey of transporting pine resin. His words were filled with pride for his family and anticipation for the future.

His family members listened to his story and nodded in approval.

They knew that this meal of pig offal was hard-earned, earned through Congcong's sweat and effort.

They also understand that eradicating poverty requires everyone's joint efforts.

Shi Daya listened and nodded, her eyes revealing her love and pride for Congcong. She said softly, "Congcong, you've really grown up. You can share so much of the burden at home. Mom is so proud of you."

Grandpa was also deeply moved: "Yes, Congcong, although our family is poor, we are blessed to have a child like you. You must continue to work hard, and you will definitely be successful in the future."

Listening to his family's words, Congcong felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew that everything he had done was worthwhile. He secretly resolved to work even harder to give his family a better life.

The family chatted and laughed as they ate the pork offal, chopsticks in hand. The taste wasn't just the food itself, but also the taste of home and the taste of family affection.

They shared their joys and sorrows, supporting and encouraging each other. At this small dining table, they found a sense of belonging and happiness.

Dinner ended amidst laughter and cheerful conversation.

Looking at this warm and cozy home, Congcong felt a deep sense of gratitude and contentment.

Although life wasn't wealthy, his greatest happiness was that his family could live together peacefully and healthily.

He knew that no matter how difficult and bumpy the road ahead might be, as long as his family was together, nothing could stop them from moving forward.

This side job of transporting pine resin oil lasted for a full four months! It started in the hot month of August and continued until November when the autumn colors were deepening.

It was during summer vacation, and Zhang Cong, who was only thirteen years old, followed his father closely every day with great enthusiasm, actively engaging in the hard work of carrying pine resin.

Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierce through the thin mist and illuminate the dense pine forests of Zhangjiajie Forest Farm, Congcong and his father embark on the rugged mountain road to the forest farm.

They walked side by side on the mountain path, sweat trickling down their faces and dripping onto the damp ground.

Along the way, the father and son chatted about everyday things, sharing their thoughts and dreams. Congcong was always full of curiosity, asking his father about everything related to the forest farm, and his father always answered patiently, telling him the ancient legends about pine trees and pine resin.

After arriving at the forest farm, the father and son received pine resin oil from the forest farm's specialty products department. They then carried the pine resin oil, which was in a specially made wooden barrel, on their shoulders and embarked on their transport journey.

Each time, the father usually carries 100 pounds and the son carries 50 pounds; this is a tacit understanding that the father and son have developed.

We walked step by step along the winding mountain road toward the Baiheping Supply and Marketing Cooperative. The hardships and dangers along the way have been vividly described in previous chapters, and will not be repeated here.

At the supply and marketing cooperative, they handed over the pine resin oil to the staff for weighing and received their hard-earned wages.

Every time Congcong received the worn-out banknotes, his heart was filled with excitement and joy. He knew that this money not only represented their hard work, but also their yearning and pursuit of a better life.

However, as time went by, the school bell rang. Congcong had to return to school to continue his studies. For the next three months, due to the constraints of his studies, Congcong was unable to accompany his father to pick up pine resin every day as he had during the summer vacation.

Even so, he never forgot his sense of responsibility and commitment.

Every Sunday, while other children their age are enjoying their precious day off, playing and having fun, Congcong always makes a different choice – to forgo his playtime.

She resolutely accompanied her father on the journey to the forest farm to undertake the arduous yet important task of transporting pine resin.

After a whole week of intense and busy study life, Congcong was already feeling physically and mentally exhausted.

However, whenever he looked up at his father and met his gaze, which was full of earnest expectations and unwavering trust, a powerful force would instantly surge into his heart, as if all his weariness would vanish.

Don't underestimate this seemingly frail and immature young man! Although he is only thirteen years old and not yet an adult, his small body contains enormous energy and boundless perseverance.

It was precisely because of his wholehearted dedication and tireless efforts that he successfully created an extra 30% income for the small family that was originally struggling financially and facing difficulties everywhere! This undoubtedly brought new vitality and hope to the whole family.

As night slowly falls and all is quiet, only the moonlight shines like water onto the window.

At this time, Congcong would sit quietly at his slightly worn desk, engrossed in reading thick, lengthy works by the dim light of a kerosene lamp. He would immerse himself in the world of words, absorbing knowledge and feeling the light of wisdom.