Colorful years

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua smiled gratefully and said softly, "Thank you, Congcong."

What could have caused such a change today? There has always seemed to be an invisible barrier between the male and female students in the class, and they rarely interact with each other on a daily basis.

Even those who were assigned to sit together would draw a clear "boundary" between their seats, maintaining a subtle distance from each other, not intruding on each other's space, with clear boundaries.

However, on this very day, the situation changed dramatically! The usually shy female classmates became unusually enthusiastic and proactive. They all came forward, vying to chat with Congcong.

This sudden change made Congcong wonder: Could it be that he had become so handsome and charming just because he had changed into a brand new outfit today?

This phenomenon intensifies during breaks between classes.

Congcong instantly became the focus of attention for the whole class. Everyone gathered around him, surrounding him tightly and asking him all sorts of questions about the details of his new clothes and schoolbag.

Faced with a flood of questions from his classmates, Congcong remained calm and composed, patiently answering each one with a smile. His heart was filled with an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and pride.

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out: "Congcong, you're really in the limelight today!"

It turned out to be Liu Ergou, the class rascal.

Liu Ergou comes from a well-off family and always loves to show off his new clothes and toys. Seeing Congcong so smug today, he couldn't help but feel a little unbalanced.

Congcong glanced at Liu Ergou and said disdainfully, "What's so special about it? It's just a reward from Mom."

Upon hearing this, Liu Ergou snorted coldly: "What's so great about it? It's just a new set of clothes and a schoolbag. I have plenty of clothes and schoolbags at home, all of them better than yours!"

Congcong was somewhat displeased upon hearing this, but he did not want to argue with Liu Ergou, so he turned away and ignored him.

Actually, there's nothing to be alarmed about in this situation. As the old saying goes, "Clothes make the man, and a saddle makes the horse."

Congcong is now a teenager, but he has had very few new clothes that truly belong to him. Most of the time, he wears old clothes that his older brother Zhang Ming has discarded.

This can be said to be the fifth time since Congcong started school that he has had the opportunity to wear new clothes.

Moreover, unlike the clothes he wore before, which were made of coarse homespun cloth woven by farmers themselves, this time, the clothes he wore were carefully sewn from machine-woven fabric that had just been put on the market.

In the local rural area, people call this fabric "Kaji cloth," as it is of excellent quality and beautiful appearance. When Congcong put on this outfit, he instantly became exceptionally eye-catching.

As soon as the school bell rang, Congcong eagerly picked up his brand-new schoolbag, took light steps, and embarked on his journey home.

Along the way, his handsome new clothes and confident expression attracted the curious glances of many passersby.

He felt an unprecedented sense of confidence and satisfaction. He knew that the new clothes and schoolbag were not just a material reward, but also a symbol of his mother's love and expectations for him.

When Congcong got home, he told his mother everything that had happened at school that day. After listening, his mother smiled with satisfaction: "Congcong, you've grown up. I'm so happy."

Congcong nestled in his mother's arms, feeling her warmth and love. He thought to himself, "I must study hard and live up to my mother's expectations. One day in the future, I will give my mother a better life."

As night fell, Congcong tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. His mind kept replaying the day at school: the envious looks from his classmates, his mother's smile, and his dreams for the future…

He felt as if he were standing at a new starting point, with the road ahead full of infinite possibilities and hope.

The next morning, Congcong got up early. He put on his new clothes, carried his new schoolbag, and set off for school again.

Along the way, he still felt the cool breeze on his cheeks and admired the blooming flowers and lush trees on both sides of the road. But this time, his mood was more determined and confident.

At school, Congcong still received attention and envy from his classmates. But he was no longer as proud and boastful as before. He learned to be low-key and humble, and cherished even more every bit of love and expectation his mother gave him.

In class, Congcong listened attentively to the teacher and took careful notes. He paid particular attention to learning methods, striving to remember every key point. He knew that only through his own efforts could he realize his dream.

After school, Congcong walked out of the school gate with his classmates. When he got home and saw his mother, he rushed over and threw himself into her arms. He felt his mother's warmth and love, and his heart was filled with gratitude and happiness.

"Mom, thank you for buying me new clothes and a new schoolbag," Congcong said softly.

Mom stroked Congcong's head and said, "Silly child, it's nothing for Mom to do for you. As long as you study hard, Mom will be happy."

Congcong nodded, secretly vowing in his heart: "I must study hard and live up to my mother's expectations. One day in the future, I will make my mother live a better life."